Abstract: An oxygen sensor for detecting gas concentration based on either an electric current value or a resistance value measured when a voltage is applied to a sensor element includes gaps formed between electrodes arranged in an element main body and ridges where surfaces of an element touch each other. These gaps will be escaping parts for expansion and contraction of electrode material that accompany thermal expansion and contraction of a sensor main body, and concentration of thermal stress at edge parts of the element main body may thus be eliminated, thereby alleviating thermal stress on the oxygen sensor. This allows provision of a gas sensor that controls generation of cracks in the element and that is stably usable over a long period of time.

Abstract: A sulfurization detection resistor makes it possible to detect a degree of sulfurization accurately and easily, and a manufacturing method for such sulfurization detection resistor. A sulfurization detection resistor includes an insulated substrate having a rectangular parallelepiped shape, a first front electrode and a second front electrode formed at both ends on a main surface of the insulated substrate, multiple sulfurization detecting conductors connected in parallel to the first front electrode, multiple resistive elements connected between the sulfurization detecting conductors and the second front electrode, and a protective film formed to partially cover the sulfurization detecting conductors and entirely cover the resistive elements.

Abstract: A sensor element (10) having a laminate structure, and extending in an axial direction AX, the sensor element including a first and second ceramic layers (118B, 115) disposed apart from each other in a laminating direction; a third ceramic layer (118) intervening between the first and second ceramic layers in the laminating direction and having a hollow space (10G) formed therein; and an internal space which is the hollow space surrounded by the first ceramic layer, the second ceramic layer, and the third ceramic layer, wherein, at a periphery (10f) of the internal space, a fourth ceramic layer (181) containing as a main component a ceramic material different from that contained as a main component in the first and third ceramic layers intervenes between the first ceramic layer and the third ceramic layer which are exposed to the internal space. Also disclosed is a method for manufacturing the gas sensor element.

Abstract: A ceramic member unit includes at least insertion members and a ceramic member having insertion sections into which the insertion members are inserted respectively. Each of the insertion sections has at least an insertion opening which opens on a deeper side of an introduction opening in the surface of the ceramic member while communicating with the introduction opening and into which the insertion member can be inserted. The insertion section further has taper hole portions becoming narrower toward the insertion opening in a communication region between the introduction opening and the insertion opening. The taper hole portions are connected to the insertion opening while increasing in a taper angle toward the insertion opening.

Abstract: The dipole-resonator resistive absorber is a metamaterial absorber operating in the microwave regime. A single unit of the dipole-resonator resistive absorber includes a first rectangular conductive ring having a pair of first resistors mounted thereon and in electrical communication therewith, and a plurality of parallel linear arrays of second rectangular conductive rings, where each of the second rectangular conductive rings has a pair of second resistors mounted thereon and in electrical communication therewith. The first rectangular conductive ring is mounted above the plurality of parallel linear arrays of the second rectangular conductive rings, and this structure is backed by an electrically conductive layer. The single unit dipole-resonator resistive absorber may be expanded into an arrayed structure, forming a polarization-independent dipole-resonator resistive absorber.

Abstract: A bismuth oxide material with a hierarchical structure in gas detection used for detecting the content of low-concentration ammonia in an environment. The bismuth oxide material with the hierarchical structure integrally presents a microsphere shape. The diameter of the microsphere is 1-3 ?m. The bismuth oxide material is formed by self-assembling lamellar structure units with the thickness of 10-80 nm. The bismuth oxide material is made into a gas sensor with high sensitivity and selectivity to ammonia gas at room temperature, which is suitable for detecting trace harmful gas in the environment. The gas sensor made of bismuth oxide does not need to be heated when in use, so that the heating step of the conventional gas sensor is omitted, and the gas sensor can be directly placed in a normal-temperature environment for operation. The method is simple, easy to operate, high in efficiency and wide in application prospect.

Abstract: A liquid heater apparatus increases the temperature of an A/F sensor up to a target temperature by a target heating time. The liquid heating apparatus such as a gas water heater uses the A/F sensor for detecting an oxygen density in a heating tube. An MPU of a controller count a time from beginning by using a timer and decides whether a moisture on the A/F sensor is evaporated by using the change of a current for a heater portion of the A/F sensor. When the MPU decides the A/F sensor is dried out, the MPU counts the time from the beginning to such time t? as a drying time and setts a heating completing time by reducing the drying time from the predetermined target time. The MPU so controls the heating portion that the temperature of the sensor portion becomes the target temperature by the heating completing time.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a gas sensor, a casing for holding a sensor element and a protective cover are connected to each other so that a distal end portion of the sensor element is covered with the protective cover. A first gas chamber, a sensor element chamber, and a second gas chamber into which gas is introduced from the outside are formed between the protective cover and the casing. In the gas introduction portion including the first gas chamber, the sensor element chamber, and the second gas chamber, there is no joint portion formed by welding.

Abstract: A gas sensor according to the present application includes a detecting device that detects a specific gas concentration of a measurement-object gas based on an electromotive force generated between a reference electrode and a measurement electrode; and a reference gas regulating device that flows an oxygen pumping current between the reference electrode and a measurement-object gas side electrode and pumps oxygen from around the measurement-object gas side electrode to around the reference electrode, wherein when the average value of the oxygen pumping current is P and the limiting current value of a reference gas introduction layer when oxygen is pumped from around the reference electrode to around the measurement-object gas side electrode is Q, the ratio Q/P is from 0.8 to 10.

Abstract: A sensor element (10) including: a measurement chamber (150); a pump cell (110) including a solid electrolyte (111), an inner electrode (113) exposed to the measurement chamber, and an outer electrode (112), the pump cell being configured to adjust an oxygen concentration in the measurement chamber; a diffusion resistance portion (151); and a detection cell (120) configured to measure a concentration of a specific gas in the measurement target gas after the adjustment of the oxygen concentration. The outer electrode is covered by a porous layer (114) and is disposed in a hollow space (10G) surrounded by a gas non-permeable dense layer 115, 118. The hollow space is in communication with an air introduction hole (10h) that is open on a rear side relative to the diffusion resistance portion. The outer electrode is exposed via the porous layer to air introduced through the air introduction hole.

Abstract: A gas sensor includes: a sensor element; a plurality of element pads formed on a rear end portion of the sensor element; and a plurality of contact members holding the rear end portion of the sensor element and electrically connected respectively to the plurality of element pads. The plurality of contact members include contact members that each have an outer end surface protruding out from a corresponding one of end surfaces of the sensor element.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a gas sensor includes a fixed electrode, and a film structure which covers the fixed electrode, forms a cavity inside the film structure, and includes a sensitive layer formed of an amorphous material containing a metal element, and a cap layer provided on the sensitive layer. The film structure is allowed to be deformed when the sensitive layer absorbs a predetermined gas.

Abstract: An air nozzle includes a main body having a compressed air passageway to allow a compressed air to flow therethrough and a compensation air passageway in communication with the compressed air passageway. An external air is sucked into the compressed air passageway through the compensation air passageway and ejected together with the compressed air when the compressed air flows through the compressed air passageway.

Abstract: A gas detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a casing and a plurality of sensor elements. The casing includes a gas introducing port, a first chamber that communicates with the introducing port, a second chamber that communicates with the first chamber, a flow limiter that limits a flow of gas from the first chamber to the second chamber, and a gas exhausting portion that communicates with the second chamber. The plurality of sensor elements are disposed within the second chamber and have different detection sensitivities depending on a gas type.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device includes a substrate and a movable element at least partially suspended above the substrate and having at least one degree of freedom. The MEMS device further includes a protrusion extending from the substrate and configured to contact the movable element when the movable element moves in the at least one degree of freedom, wherein the protrusion comprises a surface having a water contact angle of higher than about 15° measured in air.

Abstract: A gas sensor includes a sensor element including an element body, a first electrode, a second electrode, and a heater; a voltage acquisition section that acquires a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode; a heater power supply; an external common lead that serves as both at least part of an electric circuit used to acquire the voltage by providing electrical continuity between the first electrode and the voltage acquisition section and at least part of an electric circuit used to supply an electric power from the heater power supply to the heater and that is disposed outside the sensor element; and a correction section that derives a value of a voltage drop in the external common lead in accordance with a heater current and that corrects the voltage acquired by the voltage acquisition section in accordance with the derived value of the voltage drop.

Abstract: A method for producing a heater with a co-sintered multilayer construction for a system for providing an inhalable aerosol, including providing at least one first substrate layer, arranging at least one first insulating layer at least in areas on the first substrate layer, arranging at least one heating element at least in areas on the first insulating layer, arranging at least one second substrate layer and at least one second insulating layer at least in areas on the heating element. The second insulating layer is arranged at least in areas on the second substrate layer, and the second insulating layer is in contact at least in areas with the heating element and/or with the first insulating layer. The method includes pressing the layers and the heating element, and firing the pressed layers in order to co-sinter the layers of the multilayer construction.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for detecting and distinguishing various types of gas molecules or volatile organic compounds (VOCs), the methods and devices have enhanced sensing ability; namely response magnitude, sensitivity, detection limit and selectivity (i.e., classification capability). In one embodiment, the present invention provides methods and devices for diagnosing a disease in a subject or a health status of a subject through the detection of VOCs indicative of the disease or health status in question from breath of the subject. In one embodiment, the present invention provides methods and devices for detecting the existence of lung cancer or the stage of lung cancer in a subject through the detection of VOCs indicative of the existence of lung cancer from breath of the subject.

Abstract: A gas sensor includes a sensor element, an elastic insulating member, a plurality of lead wires, a plurality of metal terminals, and a ceramic housing. The plurality of lead wires are inserted in the elastic insulating member. The plurality of metal terminals each have a first end electrically connected to the sensor element, and a second end electrically connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of lead wires. The ceramic housing includes a plurality of insertion portions each including a through hole in which a corresponding one of the plurality of metal terminals is inserted, and at least one of the plurality of insertion portions has a different height from other insertion portions.

Abstract: A first gas sensor having a first sensor element includes a first protective cover that protects the first sensor element, and a second gas sensor having a second sensor element includes a second protective cover that protects the second sensor element. The first protective cover is coated with an oxidation catalyst for one target component from among a plurality of target components, and the second protective cover is coated with an inert catalyst for the one target component.

Abstract: The heater 72 of the heater portion includes the linear portions 78 and the bend portions 77. A resistance value per unit length of the bend portions 77 at least at a temperature within a temperature range of no less than 700° C. and no more than 900° C. is lower than a resistance value per unit length of the linear portions 78.

Abstract: The present invention is applied to an exhaust system provided with a three-way catalyst and a NOx catalyst which are provided in an exhaust passage of an engine and to which sulfur components in exhaust adhere and release the attached sulfur components by rich components in exhaust, and NOx sensors provided downstream of the catalysts. The NOx sensor is a limiting current type sensor. It is determined whether a sulfur release state is present in which a sulfur component is released from the three-way catalyst and the NOx catalyst. When it is determined that it is in the state of sulfur release, reaction suppression processing for suppressing the reaction between oxygen and sulfur components in the pump cell electrodes and the monitor cell electrodes of the NOx sensors is performed.

Abstract: A controller of the gas sensor can perform diagnostic processing of diagnosing a situation of control to the gas sensor in a case that the gas sensor in an operation state is determined to satisfy a predetermined diagnostic condition and adjustment processing of adjusting a condition for controlling the gas sensor in accordance with a result of diagnosis. In the diagnostic processing, a main pump voltage and a diagnostic threshold as a value of a voltage not causing decomposition of NOx in the main pump cell are compared. In the adjustment processing, temperature adjustment processing to cause, in a case that the main pump voltage is diagnosed to be equal to the threshold or more, the main pump voltage to be less than the threshold, at least in a way that the heater part increases the element driving temperature in the operation state by a predetermined increase amount is performed.

Abstract: The invented bio-electrical system is a housing-electrode which allows insertion of another electrode for various electrochemical and bio-electrical applications. Together with other invented elements as well as standard components, the system is fully scalable, modular, and allows production and collection of gases under pressure. It can be built in many shapes, such as the embodied tubular shape. The design allows operation on unstable ground, for example on ships. Flow of electrolyte can be regulated and directed in cascaded reactions by opening and closing the compartments of the outer or the inner electrodes using the provided electrode holders. The redox conditions inside the system can be controlled using off-the-shelf power supplies which are controlled using the provided algorithm. Gas collection can be regulated based on the level of liquid inside the system using the provided float switches or conductivity probes even as the system is moving or operated under zero-gravity conditions.

Abstract: A sensor element is used to detect the concentration of a predetermined component in a gas. The sensor element includes a sensor element body including a solid-state-electrolyte layer having oxygen-ion conductivity, an outer pump electrode that is disposed on an upper surface, which is one of the surfaces, of the sensor element body, and a porous protective layer that is provided so as to cover at least the outer pump electrode. A spatial layer is provided between the porous protective layer and the sensor element body. The spatial layer includes a first spatial layer between the porous protective layer and the outer pump electrode. The maximum-height roughness Rz of a region of the inner surface of the porous protective layer, the region facing the outer pump electrode, is 50 ?m or smaller.

Abstract: A gas sensor includes a sensor element, an inner protective cover including a first member and a second member, and an outer protective cover having outer inlets. The inner protective cover has a sensor element chamber inside. The outer protective cover and the inner protective cover form an inlet-side gas flow channel from an outside to the sensor element chamber. The inlet-side gas flow channel has a first flow channel extending in an upward direction from the outer inlets and a second flow channel extending in a downward direction. A ratio W2/W1 between a flow channel width W1 of the first flow channel and a flow channel width W2 of the second flow channel is less than one. A tip end portion of the outer protective cover has a tapered portion that reduces in diameter toward a bottom portion of the tip end portion.

Abstract: A sensor device is equipped with a housing having an element cover retaining a sensor element such that a detection section of the sensor element is positioned at the tip end of the sensor element. The element cover includes an inner cover provided with inner side holes and an inner tip face hole respectively provided therein, and an outer cover provided with outer side holes in a side thereof, with the tip position of the outer side holes located closer to the tip end than is the tip position of the inner cover. Between the outer surface of the inner cover and the inner surface of the outer cover there is a large clearance section at the tip end and a small clearance section at the base end, providing a flow path that is shaped for connecting the large clearance section and the small clearance section without a step.

Abstract: A sensor assembly is described. The sensor assembly includes a sensor body having an outwardly-extending flange, first and second spacers, and an integral two-part housing with first and second housing parts. The two-part housing includes an annular groove in which the outwardly-extending flange and the first and second spacers are received. Facing annular surfaces of the housing and the first and second spacers are in sliding contact with each other. Facing annular surfaces of the first and second spacers and the flange are in sliding contact with each other. The annular surfaces of the housing apply a compressive load to the flange by means of the first and second spacers to maintain a hermetic seal between the facing annular surfaces. The facing annular surfaces accommodate differential thermal expansion between the component parts of the sensor assembly if the sensor assembly is exposed to an environment with an elevated temperature.

Abstract: A particulate matter sensor includes a first sensing electrode and a second sensing electrode spaced away from the first sensing electrode such that an electrode gap is formed between the first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode upon which particulate matter is collected, thereby changing conductance between the first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode. An ionic conductive material is in electrical communication with the first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode.

Abstract: A sensor element includes: three electrode pads provided on the first main surface, and electrically connected to a connection terminal, the three electrode pads including; a pad group including two electrode pads which are arranged in a widthwise direction of the sensor element, and a single pad which is not overlapped with the pad group when viewed in a widthwise direction, the single pad including a main body portion which has a width greater than a clearance between the two electrode pads of the pad group, which is electrically connected to the connection terminal, and a connection portion which is connected to a conductor formed within a through hole extending within the sensor element in a thickness direction, and which is adjacent to a side surface of the main body portion.

Abstract: A resistor-assembly includes a substrate, a heater, a resistor-element, and conductive-leads. The substrate is formed of a ceramic-material. The heater heats the resistor-assembly. The resistor-element is formed of an ion-conducting material that overlies the substrate. The conductive-leads are formed of a catalytic-metal that are in communication with a gas and in electrical contact with the resistor-element. The resistor-element is characterized by a resistance-value influenced by an oxygen-presence in the gas when the resistor-element is heated by the heater such that a resistor-temperature is greater than a temperature-threshold.

Abstract: Nitrous oxide (NOx) sensors and related methods and systems for use with combustion processes. The NOx sensor uses metal oxide semiconductors. The NOx sensor may have two sensing circuits that share a common electrode. The sensing circuits are differentiated by having different porous catalytic filter coatings protecting the metal oxide semiconductors: one sensing circuit has a porous catalytic filter coating that contains a Noxcat material (rhodium, ruthenium, cobalt, palladium, or nickel), while the porous catalytic filter coating of the other sensing circuit is substantially free of Noxcat material. The two sensing circuits are simultaneously exposed to the exhaust gases at a common macro location. The NOx level may be determined based on a difference in resistance between the two sensing circuits and a temperature of the NOx sensor.

Abstract: A gas sensor, and a method for measuring the concentrations of a plurality of target components in a gas to be measured are disclosed. The gas sensor is provided with: a specific component measurement means which measures the concentration of a specific component in a measurement chamber; a preliminary oxygen concentration control means which controls the oxygen concentration in a preliminary adjustment chamber; a drive control means which controls the driving and stopping of the preliminary oxygen concentration control means; and a target component acquisition means which, on the basis of the difference between sensor outputs from the specific component measurement means when the preliminary oxygen concentration control means is being driven and when the preliminary oxygen concentration control means is stopped, and one of the respective sensor outputs, acquires the concentrations of a first target component and a second target component.

Abstract: A gas sensor element including a solid electrolyte body, a sensor electrode, and a reference electrode is provided. The solid electrolyte body has oxygen ion conductivity and includes a measurement gas surface to be exposed to a measurement gas introduced from the exterior and a reference gas surface to be exposed to a reference gas introduced from the exterior. The sensor electrode is provided on the measurement gas surface of the solid electrolyte body. The reference electrode is provided on the reference gas surface of the solid electrolyte body. The sensor electrode includes a porous body containing a solid electrolyte having oxygen ion conductivity and a precious metal, the peak pore size of the sensor electrode being 0.03 ?m to 0.3 ?m.

Abstract: In a method of performing active control between a lean operation state and a rich operation state on a vehicle engine including a three way catalyst in an exhaust path, on a downstream side with respect to the three way catalyst in the exhaust path, a limited current type NOx sensor having NH3 interference and also capable of detecting a change in an oxygen concentration on the downstream side is disposed, and an operation state of the vehicle engine is switched between a lean operation state and a rich operation state at a timing when a detection of a change in an oxygen concentration in an exhaust air flowing out from the three way catalyst or a detection of NOx or NH3 is performed first by the NOx sensor.

Abstract: In a gas sensor element 1 capable of detecting a concentration of a specific gas contained in a measuring target gas, an electrode 12 formed on a solid electrolyte body 11 having an oxygen ion conductivity is made of noble metal and solid electrolyte. The electrode 12 has a noble metal part 121 made of the noble metal, a solid electrolyte part 122 made of the solid electrolyte, and a mixture part 123 made of the noble metal and the solid electrolyte when a cross-sectional surface of the electrode 12 is observed. The mixture part 123 is formed along an interface part 120 between the noble metal part 121 and the solid electrolyte part 122.

Abstract: A gas sensor is equipped with a sensor element which detects a specific gas concentration within a gas that is being measured, a housing having the sensor element disposed in the interior thereof and retained therein, and an element cover disposed at an axial-direction tip end of the housing. The tip of the sensor element is provided with a gas introduction part. The element cover has an inner cover and an outer cover, with a space opened between the inner cover and outer cover. Inner side flow holes provided in the inner cover are disposed closer to an axial-direction base end than is a tapered-diameter step part. The distance between the tip of the sensor element and the inner-side flow holes of the inner cover, with respect to an axial direction, is less than or equal to 1.6 mm.

Abstract: Disclosed is a stacked-type plate-shaped sensor element for detecting the concentration of a specific gas component in a gas under measurement. The sensor element includes: a first ceramic layer; a pair of measurement and reference electrodes stacked on a front end part of the first ceramic layer; a through hole formed through at least the first ceramic layer in a rear end side of the sensor element; a through hole conductor disposed on an inner wall of the through hole; a porous reference lead extending between the reference electrode and the through hole conductor; a gas-impermeable second ceramic layer arranged on the first ceramic layer to cover at least the reference lead; and a ventilation portion provided, in the form of a hollow space or a porous substance, between the first and second ceramic layers at a position facing the through hole and communicating with the reference lead.

Abstract: A particulate matter sensor is provided. The particulate matter sensor includes: an insulating substrate; a first electrode unit, and a plurality of spaced electrodes; a second electrode unit and a heater unit. Wherein each of the spaced electrode includes a sensing unit, wherein the particulate matter is deposited on the sensing unit, and a capacitor unit is configured on the spaced electrode for measuring capacitance. The plurality of spaced electrodes and the rim electrode are electrically connected when particulate matter is deposited, and thereby the capacitance between the first electrode unit and the second electrode unit can be measured.

Abstract: Nitrous oxide (NOx) sensors and related methods and systems for use with combustion processes. The NOx sensor uses metal oxide semiconductors. The NOx sensor may have two sensing circuits that share a common electrode. The sensing circuits are differentiated by having different porous catalytic filter coatings protecting the metal oxide semiconductors: one sensing circuit has a porous catalytic filter coating that contains a Noxcat material (rhodium, ruthenium, cobalt, palladium, or nickel), while the porous catalytic filter coating of the other sensing circuit is substantially free of Noxcat material. The two sensing circuits are simultaneously exposed to the exhaust gases at a common macro location. The NOx level may be determined based on a difference in resistance between the two sensing circuits and a temperature of the NOx sensor.

Abstract: A particulate matter sensor is provided that can include: an insulating substrate; a plurality of sensing electrodes which are disposed on one surface of the insulating substrate and spaced a predetermined interval from each other so as not to be electrically connected to each other; a connection electrode disposed to be coplanar with the plurality of sensing electrodes and connected to a connection terminal formed on the one surface of the insulating substrate to be connected to some or all of the plurality of sensing electrodes through deposited particulate matter; a plurality of terminals formed on the one surface of the insulating substrate and connected one-to-one with the plurality of sensing electrodes and the connection electrode; and a heater unit disposed inside the insulating substrate and configured to provide heat for removing the particulate matter deposited on the sensing electrodes.

Abstract: A heater part of a planar sensor element includes: a Pt heater element; and an insulating layer including 90-99.9 wt % of an insulating material having a different coefficient of thermal expansion from a solid electrolyte forming a base part of the element. The heater part other than a heater electrode is buried in the base part. The heater element has a thickness of 10-50 ?m and is covered with the insulating layer. The insulating layer has a porosity of 4% or less and a thickness of 50-150 ?m. The distances of the insulating layer from an end portion of the element, from a main surface on which the heater electrode is located, and from a side surface of the element are respectively 0.25-0.75 mm, 0.20-0.60 mm, and 0.20-0.60 mm. The total length of the element is 80.0 mm or less.

Abstract: An object of the present disclosure is to provide a solid electrolyte material with excellent fluoride ion conductivity. The present disclosure achieves the object by providing a solid electrolyte material to be used for a fluoride ion battery, the solid electrolyte material comprising: a composition of BixM1?xF2+x, in which 0.4?x?0.9, and M is at least one kind of Sn, Ca, Sr, Ba, and Pb; and a crystal phase that has a Tysonite structure.

Abstract: A particulate matter sensor and an exhaust gas purification system using the same are provided. A particular matter sensor according to some embodiments of the present invention includes a first insulation layer including a first electrode unit exposed on a first side thereof, which includes a plurality of first electrodes not electrically connected to each other, a second insulation layer arranged in parallel to the first insulation layer with a space therebetween, including a second electrode unit on a first side thereof, which includes a plurality of second electrodes electrically connected to each other, a temperature sensing unit formed on a first side of a third insulation layer located on a second side of the second insulation layer, and a heater unit formed on a first side of a fourth insulation layer located on a second side of the third insulation layer, the heater unit configured to heat the first and second electrode units.

Abstract: This control device for an internal combustion engine is equipped with: an air/fuel ratio sensor; and an engine control device that controls the internal combustion engine according to the output of the air/fuel ratio sensor. The air/fuel ratio sensor is configured so that the applied voltage at which the output current reaches zero varies according to the exhaust air/fuel ratio, and the output current increases if the applied voltage is increased at the air/fuel ratio sensor when the exhaust air/fuel ratio is the stoichiometric air/fuel ratio.

Abstract: A gas sensor includes a solid electrolyte body provided with a measured gas side electrode and a reference gas side electrode, a heater in the solid electrolyte body, a housing for holding the solid electrolyte body therein, and a cover for covering the solid electrolyte body. The cover has a large-diameter cover portion positioned on an outer circumferential side of the solid electrolyte body, a small-diameter cover portion positioned adjacent to a tip side of the large-diameter cover portion and formed smaller than the large-diameter cover portion, and a stepped portion connecting the small-diameter cover portion and the large-diameter cover portion. A first through hole is formed at a tip of the small-diameter cover portion. A second through hole is formed at a plurality of positions in a circumferential direction of the stepped portion.

Abstract: A method for determining the hydrocarbon (HC) oxidation performance of an oxidation catalyst device (OC) includes communicating gas to the OC inlet over a time frame, measuring the NOx content of the OC outlet gas using a NOx sensor over the time frame, wherein the temperature of the OC increases over the time frame, and correlating an increased NOx measurement over the time frame to an increased OC HC oxidation performance. The NOx sensor can be operated in a low temperature mode during the time frame. The method can further include determining the temperature of the OC over the time frame and correlating the HC oxidation performance to the OC temperature, and/or correlating a maximum NOx concentration measured during the time frame to the OC temperature measured at the same time. HC slip through the OC can be identified when the measured NOx content of the OC outlet gas decreases.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a capability of an exhaust-gas analyzer probe in an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine operated with lean combustion to measure rich gas. Exhaust gas is diffused in the exhaust-gas analyzer probe from the exhaust passage via a diffusion barrier into a measuring cavity of the exhaust-gas analyzer probe, and with the aid of a pump cell having an inner pump electrode and a second pump electrode, by applying a pump voltage between the electrodes, oxygen is pumped into or out of the measuring cavity according to a flowing pump current. During a lean operation mode of the internal combustion engine, the pumping direction of the pump cell is reversed during a diagnostic phase and oxygen is pumped into the measuring cavity, and the capability of the exhaust-gas analyzer probe to measure rich gas is inferred from the pump current and/or the pump voltage.

Abstract: A gas sensor is provided with: a sensor element having a solid electrolyte body, a measurement electrode and a reference electrode; a housing into which the sensor element is inserted; and an element cover arranged at the tip-end side of the housing. The element cover has an inner cover arranged so as to cover the tip-end portion of the sensor element from outside, and an outer cover arranged so as to cover the inner cover from outside. When L is defined as an axial distance from a base end of an internal space of the inner cover to the base end of the measurement electrode, an axial distance M from the base end of the internal space of the inner cover to the base end of an inner vent hole positioned in the most base-end side among the inner vent holes provided to the inner cover is 0.2L to 0.65L.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an oxide layer having ion transport channels that facilitate the migration of oxygen ions from a first side to a second side of the layer. Specifically, molecular oxygen is decomposed into oxygen ions at the first side, and oxygen ions recombine into molecular oxygen at the second side. The apparatus includes a first chamber having a polarizable medium located on the second side of the oxide layer; a second chamber having an analyte that includes dissolved oxygen is located on the first side. The apparatus further includes a gate electrode that is in contact with, and applies a voltage to, the polarizable medium; in this manner, an electric field is applied to the second side of the oxide layer, which drives oxygen ions across the oxide layer. The apparatus can be used as an oxygen sensor, e.g., for detecting oxygen in a liquid such as blood.