Abstract: Electro-chemical sensor to determine oxygen concentration in hot internal combustion exhaust gases in the form of a closed, tubular element having a solid ion conductive electrolyte; an electron-conductive coating on the inner surface thereof; a porous or fissured electron conductive layer on the outer surface of said solid electrolyte or on a part of said surface, part of the pores or fissures being macroporous, said layer being of a material which catalyzes the formation from said hot exhaust gases of those compounds that are thermodynamically stable at the exhaust temperature; and a porous protective electrically insulating coating on said porous electron-conductive layer. Preferably, a top coating of a heat-resistant metal is applied, which top coating has additionally properties to act as a getter with respect to poisons affecting the catalyzing material.

Abstract: To supervise operational effectiveness of catalytic reactors included in exhaust emission detoxification systems, an oxygen sensor is located downstream of the reactor to determine oxygen content in the exhaust gases from the internal combustion engine, the oxygen sensor comprising an ion conductive solid electrolyte forming an ion concentration chain and having catalytically inactive contacts, connected to a detection circuit which provides an output signal in dependence on a signal from the sensor, the output signal operating an alarm, or a transducer which interferes with proper engine operation to force the operator to have the reactor repaired. Preferably, two ion conductive chains are used, in a single sensor, or in two sensors, one being exposed to exhaust gases upstream of the catalytic reactor and the other downstream of the catalytic reactor, the output signals being provided to a differentially connected operational amplifier, to balance out extraneous influences.

Abstract: Methods for making an exhaust-gas-sensing element which is an oxygen concentration cell having a solid electrolyte with an electron-conductive surface on the side exposed to the reference air and a catalytic electron-conductive layer containing micro pores which extend through to the solid electrolyte on the other surface which is adapted to be exposed to the exhaust gases. The electron-conductive catalytic layer is covered with a porous protective layer. The method comprising applying the catalytic layer by means of thin layer techniques and then heating to form the micro pores; or by applying a paste comprising ceramic particles, catalytic particles and a thinning oil and sintering.

Abstract: To supervise operational effectiveness of catalytic reactors included in exhaust emission detoxification systems, an oxygen sensor is located downstream of the reactor to determine oxygen content in the exhaust gases from the internal combustion engine, the oxygen sensor comprising an ion conductive solid electrolyte forming an ion concentration chain and having catalytically inactive contacts, connected to a detection circuit which provides an output signal in dependence on a signal from the sensor, the output signal operating an alarm, or a transducer which interferes with proper engine operation to force the operator to have the reactor repaired. Preferably, two ion conductive chains are used, in a single sensor, or in two sensors, one being exposed to exhaust gases upstream of the catalytic reactor and the other downstream of the catalytic reactor, the output signals being provided to a differentially connected operational amplifier, to balance out extraneous influences.

Abstract: The output of an oxygen sensor is fed in parallel to the inputs of amplifiers having amplification in different portions of the sensor output range and having different gain. The amplifier outputs are combined in a summing circuit. The result is to smooth out the characteristic of the measurement and to produce a signal that can drive an indicator to provide a meaningful indication in terms of air number. The temperature of the oxygen sensor must be regulated or compensated for for good results.