Abstract: An oxygen sensor includes an elongated planar sensing element and a lower insulator sealably mounted within a tubular shield. The sensing element extends through a central opening disposed in the lower insulator into a sensing chamber. An annular glass support bonded at an end of the insulator is in non-bonding contact with the sensing end of the sensing element. A portion of the sensing element adjacent the glass support is coated with a carbon-based ink to prevent bonding of the glass support to the sensing element. In an alternative, a metal foil support may extend between the sensing element and the glass support. The metal support includes a plurality of dimples disposed on opposing walls that extend inwardly to contact and non-bindingly support the sensing element therein.

Abstract: A sensor with a glass seal between a planar sensing element in a tubular housing and the tubular housing, wherein the glass seal is maintained in radial compression over an entire temperature operating range of the sensor. The compressed seal has improved strength and durability, is self-limiting and is operable over a large temperature range and in an environment subject to jarring and vibrations.

Abstract: An oxygen sensor comprising: an elongated planar sensing element; a tubular shield within which at least a portion of the sensing element extends; a seal sealably mounting the sensing element within the tubular shield; a shell for mounting the oxygen sensor to a body through which exhaust flows; and an annular gasket seating at a first surface the tubular shield and at a second surface an annular seat of the shell, wherein there is no direct contact between the tubular shield and the shell. An advantage of improved shock resistance is obtained, preventing damage to the seal, which may be made of glass.

Abstract: A sensor with a glass seal between a planar sensing element in a tubular housing and the tubular housing, wherein the glass seal is maintained in radial compression over an entire temperature operating range of the sensor. The compressed seal has improved strength and durability, is self-limiting and is operable over a large temperature range and in an environment subject to jarring and vibrations.