Abstract: A container lid retaining system includes a housing with a bottom wall and a perimeter wall attached to and extending upwardly from the bottom wall. The perimeter wall has an upper edge defining an opening extending into the housing. A cover is removably positioned on the perimeter wall to selectively close the opening. A flexible tether has a first end and a second end. The tether extends through the perimeter wall adjacent to the upper edge to position the first end within the housing. The tether extends through the cover to position the second end under the cover when the cover is positioned on the housing. A panel is attached to the first end to prevent the first end from is pulled through the perimeter wall. A stop is removably coupled to the tether adjacent to the second end to prevent the second end from being pulled through the cover.

Abstract: A device for measuring fluid flowing in a duct is disclosed. The device includes a housing having a first flow passage, a nozzle, a second flow passage, a first electrical element, and a second electrical element. The first flow passage receives a first portion of the fluid flowing in the duct. The nozzle is connected to the housing and in fluid communication with the first flow passage. The second flow passage is defined by at least a first and second surface disposed in the housing, wherein the first surface has a first surface portion inclined relative to a second surface portion. The first electrical element is mounted in the first flow passage proximate to the nozzle. The second electrical element is mounted in the second flow passage. The first and second electrical elements are connected to at least one circuit for detecting a characteristic of the flowing fluid.

Abstract: A mass fluid flow sensor includes an internal bypass passage characterized by a first section that converges along a first axis to define a nozzle, and a radially-expanded generally-cylindrical second section immediately adjacent to and coaxial with the first section so as to define a radial step at the nozzle exit. The passage further includes a semispherical third section adjacent to the second section having the same nominal diameter, a converging fourth section whose nominal axis is disposed at a right angle to the nominal axis of the first and second sections, and a fifth section adjacent to the fourth section that includes a further ninety degree bend. The resulting U-shaped passage features reduced pressure losses and an improved velocity profile, whereby the performance of a sensing element disposed in the passage proximate to the radial step is improved.

Abstract: A device for measuring fluid flowing in a duct is disclosed. The device includes a housing having a first flow passage, a nozzle, a second flow passage, a first electrical element, and a second electrical element. The first flow passage receives a first portion of the fluid flowing in the duct. The nozzle is connected to the housing and in fluid communication with the first flow passage. The second flow passage is defined by at least a first and second surface disposed in the housing, wherein the first surface has a first surface portion inclined relative to a second surface portion. The first electrical element is mounted in the first flow passage proximate to the nozzle. The second electrical element is mounted in the second flow passage. The first and second electrical elements are connected to at least one circuit for detecting a characteristic of the flowing fluid.

Abstract: An air flow sensing apparatus with a plastic housing having at least two leadframes that are embedded in the plastic housing and adapted for the attachment of a sensing element whose major axis is oriented across the leadframes in a first direction such that, during a thermal cycle, the difference in relative movement between the leadframes in the first direction is minimized while the leadframes move substantially synchronously in other two directions; the leadframes being bent in a pattern that is substantially parallel to each other, and arranged in close proximity with each other, with the dimensions spacing apart the leadframes in the pattern being minimized.

Abstract: A mass fluid flow sensor for determining the amount of fluid inducted into an internal combustion engine, for example, is disclosed. The mass fluid flow sensor includes an external intake fluid temperature element which improves the accuracy of the mass fluid reading. An external cold wire element is further provided which improves response time. The mass fluid flow sensor has an improved aerodynamic design which provides a lower system pressure drop. A molded one-piece isolated jet nozzle having a hot element disposed therein is included in a fluid sampling portion. The fluid sampling portion has a tubular sampling channel, wherein the sampling channel has one bend having a constant bend radius. Consequently, an improved lower internal flow passage pressure drop is achieved. Additionally, an improved signal to noise ratio, as well as a larger dynamic range is an advantageous consequence of the present invention.

Abstract: An air flow sensing apparatus with a plastic housing having at least two leadframes that are embedded in the plastic housing and adapted for the attachment of a sensing element whose major axis is oriented across the leadframes in a first direction such that, during a thermal cycle, the difference in relative movement between the leadframes in the first direction is minimized while the leadframes move substantially synchronously in other two directions; the leadframes being bent in a pattern that is substantially parallel to each other, and arranged in close proximity with each other, with the dimensions spacing apart the leadframes in the pattern being minimized.

Abstract: A slosh suppressor prevents damage to electronic components and wire bonds of a circuit module contained in a circuit chamber formed by the housing of a sensor module. The circuit module is positioned within the circuit chamber and has a silicon gel layer positioned thereon for protecting the circuit module from the environment. A housing cover is structured to engage the sensor housing and close the circuit chamber. The housing cover has a projection extending into the circuit chamber and engaging the silicon gel layer to reduce vibration in the silicon gel layer and protect the circuit module.

Abstract: A slosh suppressor prevents damage to electronic components and wire bonds of a circuit module contained in a circuit chamber formed by the housing of a sensor module. The circuit module is positioned within the circuit chamber and has a silicon gel layer positioned thereon for protecting the circuit module from the environment. A housing cover is structured to engage the sensor housing and close the circuit chamber. The housing cover has a projection extending into the circuit chamber and engaging the silicon gel layer to reduce vibration in the silicon gel layer and protect the circuit module.

Abstract: A mass fluid flow sensor includes an internal bypass passage characterized by a first section that converges along a first axis to define a nozzle, and a radially-expanded generally-cylindrical second section immediately adjacent to and coaxial with the first section so as to define a radial step at the nozzle exit. The passage further includes a semispherical third section adjacent to the second section having the same nominal diameter, a converging fourth section whose nominal axis is disposed at a right angle to the nominal axis of the first and second sections, and a fifth section adjacent to the fourth section that includes a further ninety degree bend. The resulting U-shaped passage features reduced pressure losses and an improved velocity profile, whereby the performance of a sensing element disposed in the passage proximate to the radial step is improved.

Abstract: A mass fluid flow sensor for determining the amount of fluid inducted into an internal combustion engine, for example, is disclosed. The mass fluid flow sensor includes an external intake fluid temperature element which improves the accuracy of the mass fluid reading. An external cold wire element is further provided which improves response time. The mass fluid flow sensor has an improved aerodynamic design which provides a lower system pressure drop. Moreover, the sensor is smaller and lighter and has fewer parts, thus providing better manufacturability. A molded one-piece isolated jet nozzle having a hot element disposed therein is included in the fluid sampling portion. Consequently, an improved lower internal flow passage pressure drop is achieved. Additionally, an improved signal to noise ratio, as well as a larger dynamic range is an advantageous consequence of the present invention. The present invention further provides improved electromagnetic interference performance.

Abstract: A mass fluid flow sensor for determining the amount of fluid inducted into an internal combustion engine, for example, is disclosed. The mass fluid flow sensor includes an external intake fluid temperature element which improves the accuracy of the mass fluid reading. An external cold wire element is further provided which improves response time. The mass fluid flow sensor has an improved aerodynamic design which provides a lower system pressure drop. Moreover, the sensor is smaller and lighter and has fewer parts, thus providing better manufacturability. A molded one-piece isolated jet nozzle having a hot element disposed therein is included in the fluid sampling portion. Consequently, an improved lower internal flow passage pressure drop is achieved. Additionally, an improved signal to noise ratio, as well as a larger dynamic range is an advantageous consequence of the present invention. The present invention further provides improved electromagnetic interference performance.

Abstract: A mass fluid flow sensor for determining the amount of fluid inducted into an internal combustion engine, for example, is disclosed. The mass fluid flow sensor includes an external intake fluid temperature element which improves the accuracy of the mass fluid reading. An external cold wire element is further provided which improves response time. The mass fluid flow sensor has an improved aerodynamic design which provides a lower system pressure drop. A molded one-piece isolated jet nozzle having a hot element disposed therein is included in a fluid sampling portion. The fluid sampling portion has a tubular sampling channel, wherein the sampling channel has one bend having a constant bend radius. Consequently, an improved lower internal flow passage pressure drop is achieved. Additionally, an improved signal to noise ratio, as well as a larger dynamic range is an advantageous consequence of the present invention.

Abstract: A mass fluid flow sensor for determining the amount of fluid inducted into an internal combustion engine, for example, is disclosed. The mass fluid flow sensor includes an external intake fluid temperature element which improves the accuracy of the mass fluid reading. An external cold wire element is further provided which improves response time. The mass fluid flow sensor has an improved aerodynamic design which provides a lower system pressure drop. Moreover, the sensor is smaller and lighter and has fewer parts, thus providing better manufacturability. A molded one-piece isolated jet nozzle having a hot element disposed therein is included in the fluid sampling portion. The fluid sampling portion has a tubular sampling channel, wherein the sampling channel has one bend having a constant bend radius. Consequently, an improved lower internal flow passage pressure drop is achieved.

Abstract: A mass fluid flow sensor for determining the amount of fluid inducted into an internal combustion engine, for example, is disclosed. The mass fluid flow sensor includes an external intake fluid temperature element which improves the accuracy of the mass fluid reading. An external cold wire element is further provided which improves response time. The mass fluid flow sensor has an improved aerodynamic design which provides a lower system pressure drop. Moreover, the sensor is smaller and lighter and has fewer parts, thus providing better manufacturability. A molded one-piece isolated jet nozzle having a hot element disposed therein is included in the fluid sampling portion. The fluid sampling portion has a tubular sampling channel, wherein the sampling channel has one bend having a constant bend radius. Consequently, an improved lower internal flow passage pressure drop is achieved.

Abstract: A mass fluid flow sensor for determining the amount of fluid inducted into an internal combustion engine, for example, is disclosed. The mass fluid flow sensor includes an external intake fluid temperature element which improves the accuracy of the mass fluid reading. An external cold wire element is further provided which improves response time. The mass fluid flow sensor has an improved aerodynamic design which provides a lower system pressure drop. Moreover, the sensor is smaller and lighter and has fewer parts, thus providing better manufacturability. A molded one-piece isolated jet nozzle having a hot element disposed therein is included in the fluid sampling portion. Consequently, an improved lower internal flow passage pressure drop is achieved. Additionally, an improved signal to noise ratio, as well as a larger dynamic range is an advantageous consequence of the present invention. The present invention further provides improved electromagnetic interference performance.

Abstract: A mass fluid flow sensor for determining the amount of fluid inducted into an internal combustion engine, for example, is disclosed. The mass fluid flow sensor includes an external intake fluid temperature element which improves the accuracy of the mass fluid reading. An external cold wire element is further provided which improves response time. The mass fluid flow sensor has an improved aerodynamic design which provides a lower system pressure drop. Moreover, the sensor is smaller and lighter and has fewer parts, thus providing better manufacturability. A molded one-piece isolated jet nozzle having a hot element disposed therein is included in the fluid sampling portion. Consequently, an improved lower internal flow passage pressure drop is achieved. Additionally, an improved signal to noise ratio, as well as a larger dynamic range is an advantageous consequence of the present invention. The present invention further provides improved electromagnetic interference performance.

Abstract: A mass air flow sensor housing for reducing backflow includes a U-shaped air flow path having an elliptical inlet and an outlet. A mass air flow sensor is positioned in the U-shaped air flow path. A converging ellipse inlet to the U-shaped air flow path reduces turbulent air flow. A deflecting wedge positioned upstream of the outlet creates a low pressure area adjacent the outlet for promoting air flow through the U-shaped bypass.

Abstract: A housing structure for mass air flow sensors includes an auxiliary passage way, internal to the structure, that diverts a portion of the main air flow towards sensing elements. The sensing elements are shielded from the main air flow, so the contaminants separate from the diverted air at the point of diversion and continue downstream in the main air flow. The decontaminated, diverted air passes over the sensing elements and out of the housing structure through two exit openings located in the rear of the structure. The housing structure, by locating the sensing elements within itself, away from the main air flow, and locating exit openings for the diverted air behind a blocking wall, is also able to eliminate the effect of backflow air over the mass air flow sensing elements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating a mass air flow sensor in which the sensing elements of the sensor are subjected to an oscillating mass air flow summed with an offset mass air flow to produce the summed mass air flow. The output waveform of the mass air flow in response to the summed mass air flow is displayed on a display having a desired waveform superimposed thereon. Selected resistors in the sensor's electronic circuit are then trimmed to conform the waveform output by the mass air flow sensor with the superimposed desired waveform.