Probe Type Patents (Class 338/229)
  • Patent number: 11901099
    Abstract: A sensor assembly for a resistance temperature sensor element includes a substrate and a measuring structure disposed on the substrate. The substrate includes a first material and a stabilized second material. The first material is at least one of aluminum oxide, spinel (magnesium aluminate) and yttrium-aluminum-garnet. The stabilized second material is at least one of stabilized zirconium dioxide and stabilized hafnium dioxide. The stabilized second material is stabilized by containing an oxide of an element having a valence different from four. A coefficient of thermal expansion of the substrate deviates by less than 5% from a coefficient of thermal expansion of the measuring structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: TE Connectivity Sensors Germany GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Andreas Roessinger, Horst Sirtl
  • Patent number: 10731506
    Abstract: A wear indicator for detecting blade clearance in a gas turbine engine includes a capacitor connected to a first conductor and a second conductor. The capacitor includes a multiple of layers arranged transverse to a rub direction, each layer separated by an insulator and including a first plate, a second plate, and a dielectric between the first plate and the second plate. A method of detecting blade clearance in a gas turbine engine, includes determining a change in capacitance between the first and second capacitance and determining an amount of material removed from the wear indicator by the blade corresponding to the change in capacitance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Raytheon Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Eli Cole Warren, Ian F. Agoos, Edward F. Dreger, Corey A. Benoit
  • Patent number: 10466113
    Abstract: A temperature sensor comprising an elongated hollow body, such as a carrier pipe, a shaped part arranged at one end of the hollow body, and a coupling element which is thermally coupled to a measuring element. The shaped part is used for thermally insulating the coupling element from the hollow body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: ENDRESS + HAUSER WETZER GMBH + CO. KG
    Inventors: Georg Wolf, Stephan Wiedemann, Alfred Umkehrer
  • Patent number: 9671265
    Abstract: A thermal mass dispersion flow rate sensing transducer and transducer assembly or instrument for improved functional life of the transducer without degradation in sensing accuracy. Several aspects of the transducer components and structure reduce thermal leakage within the transducer so the sensor (RTD) output signal is accurately transmitted to the signal processor, resulting in precise ?T determinations and consequent precise determinations of mass flow rate of the fluid flowing in the conduit. Additionally, the same components and structure also have long life without appreciable degradation, thereby delaying any basis for the need for recalibration of the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: FLUID COMPONENTS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventor: Malcolm M. McQueen
  • Patent number: 9500536
    Abstract: A temperature sensor includes a pair of element electrode wires extending rearward from a temperature-sensing portion. A pair of second electrode wires are welded to the element s electrode wires, and made of a kind of metal having a different thermal expansion coefficient than the element electrode wires. Each second electrode wire includes an overlap section overlapping with an overlap section of the corresponding element electrode wire over an overlap region in a longitudinal direction in which the overlap sections of the each second electrode wire and element electrode wire extend longitudinally. The overlap section of each second electrode wire is welded to the overlap section of the corresponding element electrode wire at weld zones arranged in the longitudinal direction, which include: one at a front-side end of the overlap region; and another at a rear-side end of the overlap region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Suzuki, Masamichi Ito
  • Patent number: 9322718
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a temperature sensor which can increase responsiveness while ensuring reliability and can be downsized without changing its mounting configuration from conventional ones. In a temperature sensor 10, two thermistors 20A and 20B are held in a protective tube 11 via holders 30. Flat portions 30b are formed on the holders 30, and a filler 60 can be spread throughout the protective tube 11 through spaces 40 between an inner circumferential surface of the protective tube 11 and the flat portions 30b as well as spaces 50 between the inner circumferential surface of the protective tube 11 and lateral portions 30c. Also, in the protective tube 11, element bodies 21 of the thermistors 20A and 20B are placed side by side close to the inner circumferential surface of the protective tube 11.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: SHIBAURA ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Atsushi Takahashi, Naohiko Takaku, Wataru Isobe
  • Patent number: 8383996
    Abstract: The invention concerns an electrical cartridge heater (1) with supply cable (7), wherein the cartridge heater (1) comprises a metal jacket (2), in which at least one electrical conductor (3) is arranged in an insulated fashion, which conductor is connected with a metal terminal pin (6) protruding from the jacket (2), wherein the supply cable (7) is exposed at an end region, is enclosed in the exposed region by a housing, wherein the housing encloses a contact bush (10) fixed at the free end of the supply cable (7), into which contact bush the terminal pin (6) can be inserted or is inserted, wherein finally the housing is connected or can be connected immediately detachably with the cartridge heater (1), which while keeping the advantage of the easy exchangeability of the cartridge heater without supply cable, secures a simplified manufacture, a safe assembly and a high tightness against environmental influences such as hydraulic oil, splash or surge water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Hotset Heizpatronen U. Zubehoer GmbH
    Inventors: Hendrik Woelper, André Dunse
  • Patent number: 7780348
    Abstract: The invention describes a temperature sensor for a resistance thermometer comprising an electric measuring resistor (3) the resistance material of which consists either of a ceramic material or of a metallic resistance material in combination with a ceramic or a mineral carrier, a protective tube (2) comprising a closed tip (2b) and a rear end that provides an access to the inner space of the protective tube (2) and that contains the measuring resistor (3) closely adjacent the closed tip (2b) of the protective tube (2), at least one supply line (5) that is brought out through the rear end of the protective tube (2), and an electrically insulating filler (6) based on a ceramic or a mineral material that fills the space between the protective tube (2) on the one side and the measuring resistor (3) and its at least one supply line (4, 5) on the other side. It is provided according to the invention that the packing density of the filler (6) has a gradient in lengthwise direction of the protective tube (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Inventors: Hans Houben, RĂ¼diger Zaiser, Friedrich Mayr, Helmut Buck, Markus Mohl, Robert Hartmann, Heiner Lehmann, Werner Schneider, Arno Marto, Hans-Peter Kasimirski
  • Patent number: 7576306
    Abstract: An electric heating element with radiant tube comprising a radiation pipe (1) and an electric heating element (2, 3) contained in said pipe, wherein the heating element has legs that run to and fro in the pipe, and wherein the heating element is connected at one end of the pipe close to a furnace wall with electric power outlets through which electric current is fed to the element, wherein the element is supported in the pipe by ceramic discs (9) that are provided with through-penetrating holes through which the legs of the elements extend, and wherein two elements (2, 3) are disposed sequentially in said radiation pipe along its long axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Sandvik Intellectual Property AB
    Inventor: Thomas Lewin
  • Patent number: 7128467
    Abstract: A thermistor probe assembly with a thermistor element and a positioning device for positioning the thermistor element at a pre-determined location within the assembly. The positioning device includes a cavity extending through it, at least three self-centering lobes, and a relief groove for adjusting a dimension of the cavity. The thermistor probe assembly also includes a moisture proof molding material which encases the thermistor element and positioning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jimmy Philip, Sunil Balakrishnan Earath, Poovanna Kushalappa Theethira
  • Patent number: 7026909
    Abstract: A platinum resistance thermometer has an outer housing with a bore that receives a temperature sensor assembly including a mandrel having a sensing section with a platinum wire wound thereon and supported in the bore with a non-cohesive powder material that will distribute stresses caused by differential thermal expansion between the housing and the temperature sensor assembly. A second portion of the mandrel is supported in the bore with a rigid epoxy to mechanically support the sensor assembly with the sensing section cantilevered from the rigid epoxy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Rosemount Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Irene Glozman, Richard W. Phillips, James R. Powell
  • Patent number: 7012502
    Abstract: A temperature sensor comprises a thermistor element, a metal tube into which the thermistor element is inserted, two electrode wires joined to the thermistor element, two lead wires, which are covered by covering tubes with uncovered portions remaining and joined to the electrode wires, respectively, at the uncovered portions, and a housing having an inner hollow space into which the electrode wires and the lead wires are accommodated together with a resin. The sensor further comprises an insulating case disposed inside the housing and provided with a partition section for separating the joined portions of the electrode wires and the lead wires, the electrode wires and the lead wires from each other, and the inside of the insulating case is filled up with resin in a state that an opened end of the metal tube, the electrode wire and portions of the covered lead wires and uncovered portions thereof are inserted in the insulating case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Susumu Shibayama
  • Patent number: 6918696
    Abstract: A temperature sensor includes a casing having a first part and a second part, a temperature detector for detecting temperature of fluid and a pair of outside wires connecting to the temperature detector. The casing further includes a mold portion and an insert portion. The mold portion is disposed in the first part of the casing. The insert portion is disposed in the second part of the casing, and includes a pair of holes for inserting the outside wires therein. The temperature detector is disposed in the first part of the casing. Each outside wire extends from the second part of the casing to an outside of the casing through the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiko Hoshisashi, Seizaburou Kawashima
  • Patent number: 6297723
    Abstract: A low cost high-performance temperature sensor that can be manufactured of a thin-film temperature detecting element with high yield. The temperature sensor has a metal cylinder (10); a ceramic substrate (2) placed in the metal cylinder and a temperature detecting element (3) and film electrodes (94) connected with the output of the temperature detecting element (3); an inorganic filer (95) for absorbing stress to hold the ceramic substrate (2) inside the metal cylinder (1); and a cap (6), provided on one end of the metal cylinder (1), for protecting the temperature detecting element (30) on the ceramic substrate (2). One end of the ceramic substrate is fixed to a first end of a terminal (27) which is U-shaped, and the terminal includes an expansion and contraction absorbing portion (20) between a first and second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Rihito Shoji, Takashi Tamai, Katsunori Matsubara, Kiyoshi Saitou
  • Patent number: 6130598
    Abstract: The invention relates to a temperature detecting apparatus and an automobile using the same, and is intended to improve the heat response characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuharu Katsuki, Tsuyoshi Tanaka, Katsunori Matsubara, Takashi Tamai, Hiroki Moriwake
  • Patent number: 6091317
    Abstract: A temperature sensor assembly (10) including a pair of rigid lead frames (12, 14) having retention pockets (24, 26) thereon for retaining a sensor assembly (32). The sensor assembly (32) includes a surface mount device package (34) containing a thermistor (36). The lead frames (12, 14) are molded into a housing (15) after assembly of the sensor assembly (32) to the lead frames (12, 14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: William Richard Lyle, Reginald M. Groom
  • Patent number: 5999081
    Abstract: A temperature measurement system provides improved thermal sensors, including thin film and wire wound RTD's having fast and accurate measurement response times. Thermal sensor housing materials are matched to those of the material being measured, thereby minimizing the use of interface potting materials that would otherwise impose a thermal gradient. A screw-in mounting stabilizes a connection between the housing and the material being measured. Double and triple shielded thermal devices are provided to filter RFI and EMI. Improved surface measurements of high temperatures are obtained by incorporating a thermal mass into thermocouple housing designs. Additionally, a unique stain relief is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Marchi Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Hannigan, Raymond F. Crews
  • Patent number: 5959524
    Abstract: In a temperature sensor with a platinum resistance thermometer accommodated in a tube-shaped housing, the platinum resistance layer belonging thereto should be protected against pollution or contamination of the platinum, since the electrochemical characteristics of platinum can be reduced by substances in the surroundings in the event of too low a partial pressure of oxygen. For this purpose, a mechanically solid and liquid-impermeable, connection is provided in the connection region of the tube-shaped housing, which permits an admission of air-oxygen into the housing from the environment of the connecting cable. The air-oxygen admission is made possible through a liquid-impermeable oxygen-permeable jacket for the connecting cable and/or over an accompanying connecting plug, whereby the admission of air-oxygen takes place along a glass filament filler running parallel to the electrical leads inside the jacket of the connecting cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V.
    Inventors: Karlheinz Wienand, Margit Sander, Stefan Dietmann, Werner Englert, deceased
  • Patent number: 5910189
    Abstract: It is aimed to present a liquid level detector that can be assembled by simply stacking component parts one upon another, without using any soldering work at all. In the liquid level detector, a thermistor (7) is placed on an electrode (2a) of element holder (2) and is pressed by an electrode (3a) of a terminal (3), a coil spring (4) is inserted around the terminal (3) for the electrode (3a) to press the thermistor (7). An insulator (5), with which a terminal member (6) is calked together in advance, is placed to a fitting portion (2c) of the element holder (2), and then the entire assembly is inserted from the opening into a metal case (1), so that the opening is closed with the insulator (5) calked by a fitting portion (1a) of case (1) and the fitting portion (2c) of element holder (2) aligned to an indention (5c) of insulator (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kotaro Suzuki, Kikuo Kainou
  • Patent number: 5864282
    Abstract: A temperature measurement system provides improved thermal sensors, including thin film and wire wound RTD's having fast and accurate measurement response times. Thermal sensor housing materials are matched to those of the material being measured, thereby minimizing the use of interface potting materials that would otherwise impose a thermal gradient. A screw-in mounting stabilizes a connection between the housing and the material being measured. Double and triple shielded thermal devices are provided to filter RFI and EMI. Improved surface measurements of high temperatures are obtained by incorporating a thermal mass into thermocouple housing designs. Additionally, a unique stain relief allowing access to sensor leads and wire leads by a side opening, prior to adding doping compound and a conductive outer sheath, is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Marchi Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Hannigan, Raymond F. Crews
  • Patent number: 5817920
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Courtney Kuisell, David Earl Achey, Richard William Duce
  • Patent number: 5535614
    Abstract: A gas sensor of the thermal conductivity type suitable for the quantitative analysis of the fuel vapor content of a fuel-air mixture. The gas sensor (10) comprises a sensing element (28) and a compensating element (30), each of which includes an electrically-heated hot member (38) incorporated into a Wheatstone bridge circuit powered by a constant current supply circuit (70). The constant current supply circuit (70) is adjusted and regulated such that the hot member (38) of the sensing element (28) is heated with an electric current of such an intensity that corresponds to a point of transition (Y) at which, at the interface of the hot member (38) and the mixture, the predominant mode of heat transfer changes from thermal conduction to natural convection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: NOK Corporation
    Inventors: Eiji Okamoto, Kuniaki Miyake
  • Patent number: 5462359
    Abstract: A temperature probe in which mechanical oscillatory excitation that can lead to fracture of the connecting lines is prevented and the response time of the temperature probe to temperature changes is shortened. According to the invention, a resistance element is disposed in a flow window of the temperature probe which is formed by a protective bracket and which projects into a flow line. At least one of the connecting lines that is connected with the resistance element exhibits at least one bent point, which is held in at least one retaining opening formed in the protective bracket, whereby the connecting lines are stabilized. The temperature probe may be used for measuring the temperature of intake air in an intake pipe of a mixture-compressing, external-ignition internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Asta Reichl, Martin Jenner, Armin Witzig, Anita Rose, Bernd Kuenzl
  • Patent number: 5334350
    Abstract: A resistance probe is proposed for detecting gas compositions, particularly in the exhaust gases of internal combustion engines. This resistance probe has the advantage over prior art resistance probes that, with a short response time, it is considerably more aging resistant. This is accomplished in that the resistance layer configured as a semiconductor layer is introduced or sintered into recesses or slits provided for this purpose in the prefabricated sensor carrier body and above it is applied a porous, electrically non-conductive engobe or a protective layer structure in the form of a grid or raster. These measures enable the measuring gas to gain access to the semiconductor layer, but the semiconductor layer is simultaneously protected against corrosive, erosive and/or cavitative attacks from the exhaust gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Karl-Hermann Friese, Werner Gruenwald, Hans-Martin Wiedenmann, Gerhard Hoetzel
  • Patent number: 5191303
    Abstract: A high speed probe attenuator has an attenuator with a plurality of resistors connected in series between a probe input and an instrument output. A plurality of capacitors are coupled in parallel with pairs of the resistors in an interleaved fashion to spread the frequency correction along the attenuator. The output of the attenuator is coupled by a large diameter coaxial cable to a test instrument. The result is a high speed probe with no dribble-up effect and no overshoot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew A. Porter, Dale A. Ellenwood
  • Patent number: 4724415
    Abstract: A level measuring probe for a liquid contained in a reservoir of the type having a detecting element constituted by a conductor having a high temperature coefficient and intended to be immersed in the liquid; and an electrical connection means intended to permit connection of the said detector element to a connector; a plurality of printed circuits disposed in respective parallel strips are provided on an insulating substrate, the assembly forming a flexible film and each circuit having a detecting zone and an electrical connection zone; the film is assembled to a support of, for example, stainless steel; the assembly is out at the edges of the parallel strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1988
    Assignee: Jaeger
    Inventors: Daniel S. M. Dombrovsky, Jean-Michel F. Lanson, Bernard A. Mouchet
  • Patent number: 4622455
    Abstract: A heating-cartridge assembly has a shell, a first rigid insulating body in the shell having a longitudinally directed end face, a heating conductor imbedded in the body and having a pair of ends, and respective highly conductive and stiff wires imbedded in the body, connected to the ends, and having uninsulated wire ends spaced transversely from each other and projecting longitudinally from the face of the body. A second rigid insulating body independent of the first body and having a respective face is provided with a pair of imbedded and highly conductive tubular sockets having outer ends exposed at the second-body face and inner ends and lying parallel to each other at the same transverse spacing as the projecting uninsulated wire ends. These projecting stiff wires are complementarily and snugly engageable in the tubular sockets with the faces of the two insulating bodies abutting longitudinally. Respective feed conductors are connected to the inner ends of the tubular sockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1986
    Assignee: Hotset Heizpatronen und Zubehor GmbH
    Inventor: Eugen Schwarzkopf
  • Patent number: 4586246
    Abstract: There is provided a method for assembly of temperature probes. An insertion element or sensor such as a resistance temperature detector is mounted in a receiving cavity and surrounded by sufficient packing to electrically insulate the sensor. A stalk is utilized as a conduit for routing and insulating lead wires through the support casing. The stalk is notched at a point to facilitate the connection of wires threaded through the stalk to the sensor wires and to minimize the inadvertent contact of these wires with the metallic surfaces. The notch in the stalk protects the junction from contact with the metallic sides of the guide walls and protects the junction from mechanical stresses. To further protect the junction of the lead and sensor wires, the sensor is placed adjacent and parallel to the stalk prior to insertion. The stalk and the sensor are inserted simultaneously with the stalk coming to rest before the sensor travel stops, thereby minimizing the stresses to the junction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1986
    Assignee: Weed Instruments Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Rayyaneh M. Oskoui
  • Patent number: 4575705
    Abstract: There is provided a temperature probe for measuring the temperature of the probe's surroundings and including a tip casing having an interior casing cavity in fluid communication with the probe's surroundings and at least one interior wall cavity located with respect to the interior casing cavity to facilitate heat transfer between the two cavities. A sensor such as a resistance temperature detector is mounted in the interior wall cavity and surrounded by sufficient packing to electrically insulate the sensor from the tip casing wall. A support casing is mated to one end of the tip casing with at least that portion of the support casing adjacent to the tip casing having an effective thermal conductivity lower than that of the tip casing. A heat dissipation mechanism such as a plurality of fins attached to the support casing may also be provided to limit heat transfer down the length of the support casing from the tip casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1986
    Assignee: Weed Instrument Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Ricky G. Gotcher
  • Patent number: 4531842
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for rating a thermometer probe, wherein the thermometer probe includes a small thermistor sensing element and a pair of conductors connected with the thermistor contacts and being supported upon a substrate. With the thermistor held at a particular temperature, the electrical resistance of the thermometer probe is measured and the difference between the resistance of that probe and a standard resistance is fed to a computer which operates a laser to encode a machine-readable character on the probe representative of the difference between the measured resistance of the probe and the standard resistance. In use, the probe is inserted in a readout and the readout senses the actual resistance of the thermometer probe which is dependent upon the temperature of the thermistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1985
    Inventor: Milton Schonberger
  • Patent number: 4419567
    Abstract: The heating element has an outer connector assembly including a cylindrical threaded portion adapted to be threaded into a boss on the heater water tank and a sheathed continuous electric resistance heating rod which has both ends secured to the connector assembly and which extends generally perpendicular to the heater tank centerline when installed. The heating rod is formed in a serpentine, generally W-shaped pattern with respect to the centerline of the cylindrical threaded portion, which provides the heating rod with an effective length greater than the inside diameter of the water tank, permits the heating rod to be inserted and withdrawn through the bore of the tank boss and permits the heater rod to be rotated, as the connector assembly is being threaded into and out of the tank boss, without striking any obstructions inside the water tank, such as the cold water dip tube, the hot water pipe and the anticorrosion anode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1983
    Assignee: Apcom, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Murphy, George L. Fehrmann
  • Patent number: 4359627
    Abstract: A preheater is disclosed which can be inserted and withdrawn from a well tube defining a curved passage, without having its heating element damaged, by utilizing the flexibility of a spirally coiled structure having increased stability of shape and excellent capacity of restoring its original shape after elastic deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1982
    Assignee: Daido Sangyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuo Takeichi
  • Patent number: 4335369
    Abstract: An oxygen sensor in which a porous thick membrane (20) of transition-metal oxide and electrode metal thick membranes (14, 16) are provided on a ceramic base and these membranes are coated with a ceramic protective layer. The oxygen sensor in which the transition-metal oxide and the electrode metal are constructed in the forms of thick membranes and the protective layer is formed by plasma spray coating is mechanically tough and permits the gas to diffuse rapidly into the porous structure with rapid variation in the electric resistance depending on an oxygen partial pressure in the gas. Accordingly, the oxygen sensor may be conveniently used for detecting an oxygen content in the waste gas from automobiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1982
    Assignee: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Harutaka Taniguchi, Kenichi Hara, Hideo Shiraishi
  • Patent number: 4320378
    Abstract: Into a metal tube (24) provided with vent-holes (32) is inserted an oxygen sensor element (10) which comprises a ceramic round rod coated with a porous thick membrane of transition-metal oxide, divided electrode thick membranes (14) and a protective layer therefor, thereby to obtain an oxygen sensor. One electrode of the oxygen sensor element is connected to the metal tube and the opposite electrode is connected to a connecting lead wire (64, 66) electrically insulated from the tube, so that the oxygen sensor is rich in toughness against the mechanical oscillation and impact. The sensor may suitably be used to detect the oxygen content in the waste gas of automobiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1982
    Assignee: Fuji Electric Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Harutaka Taniguchi, Kenichi Hara, Hideo Shiraishi, Shinji Kiyofuji
  • Patent number: 4315143
    Abstract: An aquarium heater including a housing and a tube depending therefrom. An electric heating element is disposed in the bottom portion of the tube and a thermostatic control chassis is disposed in the upper portion of the tube. The control chassis includes two opposing housing sections matingly engaged in a nesting relationship to form a cylindrical housing unit which snugly fits into the tube and supports a bimetallic thermostatic switch together with associated circuitry and lead wires such that the thermostatic circuit elements are maintained securely positioned within the tube. The housing includes a gasket situated between a lip of the tube and the bottom wall of the housing, and a locking ring which clamps the rim of the tube in place. The tube is thereby held securely to the housing independently of the control chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1982
    Inventors: Allan H. Willinger, Tsuyoshi Itakura
  • Patent number: 4255648
    Abstract: An aquarium heater including a housing and a tube depending therefrom. An electric heating element is disposed in the bottom portion of the tube and a thermostatic control chassis is disposed in the upper portion of the tube. The control chassis includes two opposing housing sections matingly engaged in a nesting relationship to form a cylindrical housing unit which snugly fits into the tube and supports a bimetallic thermostatic switch together with associated circuitry and lead wires such that the thermostatic circuit elements are maintained securely positioned within the tube. The housing includes a gasket situated between a lip of the tube and the bottom wall of the housing, and a locking ring which clamps the rim of the tube in place. The tube is thereby held securely to the housing independently of the control chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1981
    Inventors: Allan H. Willinger, Tsuyoshi Itakura
  • Patent number: 4253009
    Abstract: A mounting for a heating element on a hot water tank wherein an externally threaded spud is welded to the tank around an opening and the heating element is pushed through the opening, the heating element having a mounting plug thereon with a gasket to engage the spud and a nut having a wave spreading flange engages the mounting plug threadably engages the spud holding a sealing element on the mounting plate against the spud to prevent leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1981
    Inventor: Chalmer C. Jordan
  • Patent number: 4236138
    Abstract: A gas component detector has a detector element of a metal oxide held on one end of a ceramic body. The detector element is exposed to the gases to be detected and the electrical resistance value thereof is varied depending on the component of the gases. An electrical signal representing an electrical resistance value of the detector element is delivered through a pair of electrodes connected to the detector element and further through a pair of sub-lead-lines connected to the electrodes. The pairs of electrodes and sub-lead-lines are inserted in a pair of penetrating holes of the ceramic body after the electrodes and sub-lead-lines have been welded to each other. The ceramic body is inserted in a metal tube and the ceramic body and the metal tube are fixed to each other either by a tight surface contact or an adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1980
    Assignee: Nippon Soken, Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Segawa, Minoru Ohta, Eturo Yasuda
  • Patent number: 4223293
    Abstract: An improved exhaust gas oxygen sensor of the type adapted for installation in the exhaust conduit of an internal combustion engine. The improved sensor preferably uses a titania metal oxide ceramic element to sense the partial pressure of oxygen in the exhaust gases to which the sensor is exposed. The sensor has a steel body, a ceramic insulator which is used to support the titania sensing element and its wires which pass through the insulator bodies and as terminal pins inserted into enlarged passages in the insulator for connection to the titania sensing element wires. The terminal pins are of an improved design wherein a cement material in the enlarged passage of the insulator is made to flow into a groove in each of the terminal pins and into another space between the exterior of the terminal pin and the interior of the insulator passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1980
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Jerry L. Springer, Charles M. Wells, William F. Horn
  • Patent number: 4222026
    Abstract: An improved exhaust gas sensor of the type having first and second titania ceramic elements which have electrical resistances varying as a function of both the temperature and the composition of exhaust gases from internal combustion engines to which the elements are exposed. The first and second titania elements are connected in series circuit in the utilization of the sensor and the resistance of the second element over the operating temperature range of the exhaust gas sensor compensates the signal of the first titania element in a manner that produces a desired signal. The desired signal is a result of variation of the second titania element resistance values when exhaust gases cycle between lean-mixture and rich-mixture compositions. The resistance values of the second titania element are intermediate the corresponding resistances of the first titania element over the temperature range.The second titania element is more dense than the first titania element. It has a density in the range from 3.2 g/cm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1980
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Elmer T. Heiney, III, Stanley R. Merchant, Wells L. Green
  • Patent number: 4156128
    Abstract: An electrical heater is combined with a thermostat in a sealed enclosure itself sealed in a glass tube, the enclosure comprising two tubes telescoped together, one being translucent and containing the thermostat and the other being of electrically insulating material, e.g. ceramic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1979
    Assignee: Liquifry Company Limited
    Inventor: John L. Craven
  • Patent number: 4155063
    Abstract: A probe-like temperature sensor assembly has a body carrying thereon a length of electrical resistance wire coiled thereabout and having ends of such coiled resistance wire electrically connected to respective terminal means; the resistance wire changes its electrical resistance in response to the temperature of such wire resulting primarily from the heat communicated thereto from the sensed environment; the portion of the body about which the resistance wire is coiled is provided with a slot-like or relieved portion as to accommodate for difference in the rates of thermal expansion in the materials forming the body and resistance wire as to thereby preclude the mechanical fracturing of the resistance wire by the body which would otherwise occur due to a comparatively excessive rate of thermal expansion in such body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1979
    Assignees: Aloysius J. Kochanski, Charles J. Hire
    Inventor: Paul E. Bowman
  • Patent number: 4152578
    Abstract: The novel electric heating element is particularly useful as a water heating element, although its use is not so limited. The element comprises the usual metal-sheathed heater having electrical termination at one end of the sheath. The customary water heating element has a sheath of hair-pin formation, with the ends of the two legs of the sheath connected to structure which serves as a mounting member and an electrical connector. Such structure in the present application is of molded plastic with a metal insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1979
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: David F. Jacobs
  • Patent number: 4146865
    Abstract: An enameled steel cone is the support for a heat sensitive resistor element. The resistive element is arranged upon the enameled base of the cone and with a layer of enamel. A hollow shaft extends from the apex of the cone. Wires connected to the resistive element are fed through the body of the cone and through the hollow shaft. The assembly may be enameled in place or otherwise secured to a prepared structure such as a enameled steel vessel or member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1979
    Assignee: Pfaudler-Werke A.G.
    Inventors: Heinz Scharbach, Hans R. Trampert
  • Patent number: 4139817
    Abstract: An electrical signal transmission line connector having a switch-selectable termination resistor within the connector body. Use of the connector at the output of a signal acquisition probe allows it to be used with electrical instruments, such as oscilloscopes, having different input impedances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1976
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1979
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Machiel Boer, James E. Dikeman
  • Patent number: 4072847
    Abstract: An electrical heater comprises a sealed glass tube containing a sealed tubular structure formed by, (a) a metal tube containing an electrical heating element insulated from the metal tube, and (b) a plastics tube sealed to one end of the metal tube and containing a thermostat for the heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1976
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1978
    Assignee: Liquifry Company Limited
    Inventor: John L. Craven
  • Patent number: 4058787
    Abstract: A drawer type electrode of a thermistor for sensing high temperatures, wherein a shaft and a sheath are connected to a thermistor, is constructed such that the shaft and the sheath are brought into contact with the positive and negative electrode surfaces of the thermistor through precious metal chips so that electrical connection between the precious metals, the shaft and the sheath will not be impaired in any way even if oxidation penetrates into the interior from the shaft and the sheath surface due to high temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1976
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1977
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Norio Ichikawa, Sadayasu Ueno
  • Patent number: 4042901
    Abstract: The invention is a temperature sensing wire resistance probe including a temperature responsive resistance element assembled in a novel method and having insulation adequate for direct connection in the line voltage circuit of an oven temperature control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1976
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1977
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventor: Jon H. Bechtel
  • Patent number: 4025891
    Abstract: A hot wire anemometer probe that includes a ceramic body supporting two conductive rods therein in parallel spaced apart relation. The body has a narrow edge surface from which the rods protrude. A probe wire welded to the rods and extending along the edge surface and ceramic adhesive for securing the probe wire to the surface so that the probe wire is rigid. A method for fabricating the probe wherein the body is molded and precisely shaped by machining techniques before the probe wires are installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1975
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1977
    Inventors: James C. Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, with respect to an invention of Fletcher, Volker Mikulla
  • Patent number: 4001758
    Abstract: A stoichiometric air/fuel ratio exhaust gas sensor construction particularly useful with variable resistance partial pressure of oxygen responsive sensor material is disclosed. A generally cylindrical mounting body, formed of corrosion resistant material, is arranged for receipt within the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine and is provided with a two-part ceramic insert member for support of a wafer of variable resistance sensor material. The ceramic insert member is comprised of a first portion having a slotted tip for receipt and support of the wafer of partial pressure of oxygen responsive ceramic sensor material. The ceramic insert member is arranged to position the wafer within a perforated shield member at a remote free end of the cylindrical housing body. The wafer includes a pair of extending high temperature resistant electrical conductors which are received within bores provided therefor in the ceramic insert member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1975
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1977
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Esper, Wells L. Green, Stanley R. Merchant, Charles M. Wells