Abstract: An extended resistance temperature sensor formed of a plurality of lengths of pre-insulated resistance temperature detector (RTD) wire. The RTD wire is either unheated, self heated or is heated by means of strands of heater wire integrated with or placed closely adjacent to the RTD wire. The RTD wire itself, or together with the heater wire, is bonded together in one embodiment. Alternatively the RTD wire, or with the heater wire, may be encased in insulated shrink tubing, thin wall metal tubing or both. Connectors are provided to supply electrical current for heating purposes or to connect the RTD wire to detection circuitry, or both. Protective sheaths are provided over the connectors.

Abstract: A plurality of positive-temperature-coefficient (PTC) semiconductors are longitudinally positioned in an elongated, finned, thermally and electrically conductive hollow casing having a socket at each end. A first plug connector of a power source seals one of the sockets and is electrically connected to the lower conducting surface of each PTC semiconductor through an electrically conductive plate electrically insulated from the casing by an electrically insulative plate. A second plug connector of the source electrically seals the other socket and is electrically the connected to the upper conducting surface of each PTC semiconductor through an upper portion of the electrically conductive casing, thereby providing an electric heater with the PTC semiconductors and plates fully clad by the casing for enhanced safety, increased efficiency, and more stable construction.

Abstract: A heating set having a plurality of positive temperature coefficient thermistor heating elements (PTCR pieces) sandwiched between two heat radiating devices made of metal with each of the PTCR pieces provided with sprayed-on electrodes having their exposed surfaces making close contact with long metal battens on the outer surfaces of the heat radiating devices through conducting thin metal pieces having predetermined surface areas. The PCTR pieces and the heat radiating devices making electrical contact through the thin metal pieces are bonded together by an electrically nonconductive adhesive spread on the border of the battens around the thin metal plate and on opposite parallel edges on the border of the sprayed-on electrodes of the PTCR pieces.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing diamond thermistors is described. A pair of diamond contact regions having a low resistance are formed on a temperature sensing diamond substrate. The formation of the diamond contact regions is carried out by depositing a diamond film using a carbon compound gas and a dopant gas and etching the diamond film to leave the contact regions by an etchant comprising fluorine or oxygen.

Abstract: A polymer thick film ink which exhibits PTC behavior comprising an organic polymer which is crystalline, an active solvent suitable for dissolving the polymer, and carbon black which has a pH of less than 4.0. The ink is particularly useful in producing electrical devices such as heaters and circuit protection devices.

Abstract: A PTC temperature sensor, in particular for use in the exhaust gas system of internal combustion engines, has a sensing element including a PTC resistor connected to conductor webs disposed in a housing. The PTC resistor and the conductor webs are composed of a homogeneous material to form a PTC resistor track. The temperature sensing element is formed from a laminated composite of ceramic films in which the PTC resistor track is hermetically encapsulated with respect to the gas being measured and the ambient air.

Abstract: Provided are a temperature measuring probe separable from a main body which includes a signal processor, and an electronic clinical thermometer equipped with this probe. The temperature measuring probe includes a temperature measuring circuit supported by a flat, flexible, strip-shaped base member, in which the temperature measuring circuit is sealed by a coating member, such as a film, and/or a filler, one end thereof being treated to form a connector. This structure allows the overall probe to be formed into a film-, sheet- or plate-like configuration. Preferably, a core member is provided between the base member and coating member, with the flexibility and rigidity of the overall probe being decided by selecting the thickness, material and cross-sectional configuration of the core.

Abstract: A detecting element for a thermal flow meter, which includes a support having a bearing surface, an electrically resistive body formed on the bearing surface of the support, an electrical conductor which is fixedly secured to the support by means of an adhesive, and an adhesive layer made of the adhesive. The conductor is electrically connected to the electrically resistive body through the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer consists essentially of a glass component and a metal component, such that the glass component has a larger volume than the metal component, and such that the glass and metal components are unevenly distributed in the adhesive layer.

Abstract: An RTD (resistance temperature sensor or detector) sensing device which is a long, thin, unitary device adapted to be distributed across an extended field for the continuous, uninterrupted sensing or interrogation of such field, avoiding the inaccuracy, unreliability, and excessive expense of conventional "point" RTD and thermocouple sensors currently employed for this purpose. According to the invention, a very long, thin, ductile protective metal outer sheath houses a coextensive body of insulation material, which in turn supports and electrically insulates one or more coextensive RTD filaments and in most forms of the invention one or more heater filaments. Distributed RTDs of the invention may, along their lengths, have continuous linear function sensitivity, continuous variable function sensitivity, or step function sensitivity.

Abstract: Circuit protection systems which comprise a PTC resistor and a second resistor, e.g. a thick film resistor, which is thermally and electrically connected to the PTC resistor have a break current I.sub.B and a hold current I.sub.H such that the ratio I.sub.B /I.sub.H is at most 20. Suitable PTC resistors are conductive polymer devices which comprise a PTC element which has been radiation crosslinked under conditions such that the average dose rate is at most 3.0 Mrad/minute or during which no part of the PTC element which is in contact with the electrodes reaches a temperature greater than (T.sub.m -60).degree.C., where T.sub.m is the melting point of the polymeric component of the conductive polymer.

Abstract: A thermistor chip has an elongated ceramic thermistor body with an outside surface and opposite ends. A dielectric envelope excapsulates the outer surface of the body, and conductive terminal caps are formed on the end of the body. The material of the thermistor is Mn.sub.2 O.sub.3, NiO, Co.sub.3 O.sub.4, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, CuO, or Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electronic device comprising a plate-shaped electronic element having electrode films. The electronic element is elastically supported by spring members in an electrically insulating case so as to be respectively in contact with the electrode films. Each spring member includes supporting plates opposing to the electrode films and spring pieces for being respectively in contact with the electrode films at contact points thereof. Each spring piece is formed integrally with the supporting plate so as to be extended with a curvature toward the electrode film from one end of the supporting plate in the longitudinal direction thereof to the contact point, to be folded by a predetermined angle at the contact point, and to be further extended toward the supporting plate from the contact point without contact with the supporting plate.

Abstract: An electric soldering iron has a barrel connected to a handle a one end and provided with an electric heating element for heating a tip at its other end. A detachable temperature sensor unit is located within the barrel and includes a tubular housing having a temperature sensor projecting from one end and positioned within a hollow bore in the tip to monitor the temperature thereof and electrical contacts on its other end readily detachably connected to electrical contacts of a heating control unit located within the handle. Either the temperature sensor or the housing is spring biased to urge the temperature sensor into close proximity with the tip.

Abstract: A temperature measuring probe includes a temperature measuring circuit having a temperature sensing body supported by a flat, flexible strip-shaped base member, in which the temperature measuring circuit is sealed by a coating member, such as a film, and/or a filler, one end thereof being treated to form a connector. This structure allows the overall probe to be formed into a film-, sheet-, or plate-like configuration. Preferably, a core member is provided to the base member and coating member, with the flexibility and rigidity of the overall probe being decided by selecting the thickness, material and cross-sectional configuration of the core. The core includes at least one cavity. The thickness of the core member at a portion of the at least one cavity being approximately the same as that of the temperature sensing body. The core member has a smoothly diminishing thickness from the at least one cavity toward the rearward end of the probe.

Abstract: A high-speed, high temperature electrical heater construction, including an elongate air-tunnel, and a plurality of PTC resistance members insulatedly mounted in the walls of the air tunnel, and extending transversely thereof. The PTC resistance members have oppositely disposed terminal portions for connection to an electrical supply, for energization of the members.

Abstract: The NTC temperature sensor includes a NTC temperature sensing element having an NTC resistor and made of a laminated composite of ceramic films, which is so designed that the ambient air or oxygen supplied by electrolytic pumping has free access, via a channel in the laminated composite, to the NTC resistor. The NTC resistor is hermetically sealed from a gas being measured. Solid electrolyte films which conduct O.sup.-2 ions, and films based on Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 can be used to make the laminated composite. The NTC resistor characteristic curve is independent of the composition of the gas being measured. The laminated composite can be formed of at least three solid electrolyte ceramic films including a base film provided with punched-out interconnection holes and conductor tracks printed by thick film technology, an intermediate film having a punched-out channel and a channel enlargement around the ends of the conductor tracks forming the electrodes of the NTC resistor, and a covering film.

Abstract: A PTC-resistor which is a temperature dependent electrical thermistor of semiconductor ferro-electric ceramic which is provided with power leads and serves as a sensor element is directly fused into glass. The power leads are welded to metal coatings formed on the PTC-resistor which are stable at the temperature occurring when the PTC-resistor is fused. The metal coatings are made of aluminum which are formed by aluminum silk screened metallizations which have a thickness of 50 .mu.m or more.

Abstract: A positive temperature coefficient thermistor device includes an insulating casing housing a pair of positive temperature coefficient thermistors. Each of the inner surfaces of a pair of opposed walls consisting of the side walls and the top and bottom walls of the case is provided with a recess formed of at least one pair of tapered surfaces sloping from the walls provided with a pair of electrodes towards a common electrode located in the center. The thermistors are arranged so that the rim thereof has at least a one-point contact with the tapered surfaces of the recesses.

Abstract: Conductive polymer PTC compositions have improved properties, especially at voltages of 200 volts or more, if they are very highly cross-linked by means of irradiation, for example to a dosage of at least 50 Mrads, preferably at least 80 Mrads, e.g. 120 to 600 Mrads. The cross-linked compositions are particularly useful in circuit protection devices and layered heaters.

Abstract: A self temperature control type glow plug includes first and second resistor elements and a sheath. The sheath diameter of a first portion of the sheath in which the first resistor element is embedded is set to be smaller than the sheath diameter of a second portion of the sheath in which the second resistor element is embedded, wherein the ratio of the latter diameter of the former diameter ranges from 1.3:1 to 2:1. A tapered portion of the sheath joining the first and second sheath portions encloses a gap larger than at least the sheath diameter of the portion in which the first resistor element is embedded between the first and second resistor elements. The first and second resistor elements are connected to each other within the gap through a connecting means having a substantially zero resistance.

Abstract: A PTC heater for securely positioning resistors is disclosed. The PTC heater has two insulating plates having a plurality of square or rectangular through holes, a conductive position plate having a plurality of square or rectangular through holes facing toward those in the insulating plates and a resistor cavity defined by four angular-shaped fixing chips fixed on each of the four inside faces for positioning a PTC resistor therein, and a conductive elastic plate having a plurality of square or rectangular through holes facing toward those in the insulating plates. The elastic plate has an elastic projection on each of the four inside faces of a through hole for pressing a lateral surface of a PTC resistor positioned in a through hole of the position plate after the elastic plate and the position plate have been sandwiched between the two insulating plates.

Abstract: A detecting element including a substrate, an electrically conductive portion formed on a surface of the substrate, lead wires for connecting the electrically conductive portion with an external circuit, and a protective layer for covering the electrically conductive portion. The protective layer is made of at least an inorganic glass and a material having a heat conductivity greater than that of the inorganic glass.

Abstract: An electrical device in which a first connection element is in electrical contact with a resistive element. The first connection element defines a cavity into which, when the cavity is empty, a second connection element can be inserted. The second connection element, which may be connected to a source of electrical power, is partially within the cavity, makes physical and electrical contact with the first connection element, and protrudes from the cavity. Such devices can be made in a continuous process by a method of the invention. They are particularly suitable for insertion into a circuit board.

Abstract: A method for producing a self-regulating heating cable is provided. A first conductive constituent is cryogenically cooled to a temperature at least as low as its glass transition temperature, and ground into first conductive pellets. A second conductive constituent is cryogenically cooled to a temperature at least as low as its glass transition temperature and ground into second conductive pellets. The first and second conductive pellets are combined to obtain a mixture which is extruded over a pair of conductive wires to form a cable.

Abstract: An RTD (resistance temperature sensor or detector) sensing device which is a long, thin, unitary device adapted to be distributed across an extended field for the continuous, uninterrupted sensing or interrogation of such field, avoiding the inaccuracy, unreliability, and excessive expense of conventional "point" RTD and thermocouple sensors currently employed for this purpose. According to the invention, a very long, thin, ductile protective metal outer sheath houses a coextensive body of insulation material, which in turn supports and electrically insulates one or more coextensive RTD filaments and in most forms of the invention one or more heater filaments. Distributed RTDs of the invention may, along their lengths, have continuous linear function sensitivity, continuous variable function sensitivity, or step function sensitivity.

Abstract: A heating apparatus for heating a fluid medium confined in a hermetically sealed housing chamber including a terminal assembly having a body member sealed in the housing chamber wall with pins extending in sealed relation therethrough to provide electrically conductive inner and outer pin segments respectively connected to heat transfer members and an electric power source, the heat transfer members including a heating element and a support for the heating element which is independent of a novel electrical connection between the inner pin segment and heating element to insure stable electrical connection and a minimum of vibration.

Abstract: Conductive polymer compositions based on polyvinylidene fluoride have improved properties when the polyvinylidene fluoride has a very regular structure which can be characterized by a low head-to-head content in the repeating units. The improved properties include electrical stability when contacted by organic fluids and/or when maintained at elevated temperatures in air. Such compositions which exhibit PTC behavior are particularly useful in the form of self-limiting heaters which are immersed in organic fluds, especially flexible strip heaters for heating diesel fuel before it passes through a fuel filter.

Abstract: A sheathed-element glow plug has a front resistance heating filament connected in series with a rear resistance regulating filament having a higher positive temperature coefficient (PTC) than the front filament. The rear filament is made of cobalt/iron alloy consisting of 44-80% by weight cobalt, 20-35% by weight iron, up to 1% miscellaneous components and nickel, if present, in an amount of 0 to less than 15% by weight. The alloy has a resistance ratio (20.degree.-1000.degree. C.) which is no more than approximately 7.5 in the range from about 100.degree. C. to between about 400.degree. C. to about 600.degree. C., and which ratio rises sharply to values from 7.5 to greater thin 12 in the range from 400.degree. C. to 600.degree. C. to about 900.degree. C.

Abstract: Provided are a temperature measuring probe separable from a main body which includes a signal processor, and an electronic clinical thermometer equipped with this probe. The temperature measuring probe includes a temperature measuring circuit supported by a flat, flexible, strip-shaped base member, in which the temperature measuring circuit is sealed by a coating member, such as a film, and/or a filler, one end thereof being treated to form a connector. This structure allows the overall probe to be formed into a film-, sheet- or plate-like configuration. Preferably, a core member is provided between the base member and coating member, with the flexiblity and rigidity of the overall probe being decided by selecting the thickness, material and cross-sectional configuration of the core. The temperature measuring circuit preferably is composed of the minimum number of required circuit elements, and individual probes are provided with interchangeability by trimming, selection of characteristics or other treatment.

Abstract: An electrical device in which a conductive terminal is physically and electrically attached to a laminar resistive element by means of a laminar conductive element. The three layers are positioned in such a way that the periphery of the conductive element does not extend beyond the first periphery and at least a part of the periphery of the conductive terminal lies within the first periphery. In a preferred embodiment the conductive element is solder and the periphery of the conductive terminal is shaped in such a way that no excess solder bridges from one laminar surface of the resistive element to the other. Devices of the invention are useful as circuit protection devices.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus of the measurement which is consisted of a sensing element, a retaining element which retains the sensing element and which is made of a thermally conductive and electrically insulative material, a holding element which holds the retaining element, and a contact mechanism which elastically contact the retaining element with the top of the surface of the measured body. The sensing element is composed of a thin film thermister formed on the electrically insulating layer on a substrate. A film having the thermally conductive and electrically insulative material may be inserted between the measured body and the contact area of the retaining element. The retaining element is composed of the polyimide film and a flexible copper lead foil formed on the film and connected to the electrodes of the sensing element.

Abstract: Circuit protection devices which comprise a PTC conductive polymer element and a second electrical component which is thermally coupled to the PTC element and which, when a fault causes the current in the circuit to become excessive, generates heat which is transferred to the PTC element, thus reducing the time taken to "trip" PTC element. The second component is for example a voltage-dependent resistor which is connected in series with the PTC element under the fault conditions and is thus protected from damage. Alternatively, the second component is a thick film resistor which is connected in series with the PTC element.

Abstract: An improved mechanical joint structure is provided and adapted for positively retaining a heating element within a bore of a body of a glow plug. The glow plug includes a body, a heating element and a ferrule. The ferrule is sealingly positioned radially between an internal surface of the body bore and a peripheral surface of the heating element. The glow plug further includes a compressing structure for positively compressing an internal surface of the ferrule against the peripheral surface of the heating element in response to the heating element being forced into the body bore by, for example, the gas pressure developed in an operating engine combustion chamber.Unlike conventional brazed or interference joints used in typical glow plugs, the present invention provides a normal force (F.sub.n), for sealing the heating element, and an axially-directed frictional force (F.sub.f), for retaining the heating element, which both increase as the heating element is forced deeper into the body bore.

Abstract: A resistor configuration is illustrated that has controlled electro-thermal fracture characteristics. Control is achieved by the formation of a geometrical or compositional flaw in the resistor configuration that causes fracture to originate at a lower stress magnitude than any other stress magnitude within the configuration. The flaw is located within the geometry of the resistor configuration to prevent undesirable multiple fragmentation.

Abstract: A detection element including a cylindrical base body, an electric resistor formed on an outer peripheral surface of the base body, and lead wires attached to ends of the base body. The lead wires are electrically connected to the electric resistor. An electrically thick film is provided over end faces of the base body, an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface of the base body near each of the opposite ends of the base body, and the lead wires are electrically connected to the resistor at least through the electrically conductive thick film.

Abstract: Circuit protection devices which comprise a PTC conductive polymer element and a second electrical component which is thermally coupled to the PTC element and which, when a fault causes the current in the circuit to become excessive, generates heat which is transferred to the PTC element, thus reducing the time taken to "trip" the PTC element. The second component is for example a voltate-dependent resistor which is connected in series with the PTC element under the fault conditions and is thus protected from damage. Alternatively, the second component is a thick film resistor which is connected in series with the PTC element.

Abstract: An electrothermal sensor is shown having an electrically conductive substrate, an electrically insulating layer disposed on the substrate, a first thermistor disposed on a central region of the electrically insulating layer, a second thermistor disposed adjacent an edge of the electrically insulating layer, an electrical coupling device on the electrically insulating layer for coupling the first and second thermistors externally of the electrically insulating layer and a pair of electrical connecting devices coupled to the substrate and passing through the electrically insulating layer, the first thermistor being disposed between the pair of electrical connecting devices.

Abstract: An improved radiator suitable for use with internal combustion engines in motor vehicles is provided. The invention converts conventional radiators, which ordinarilly provide heat to passenger compartments through exchange of heat built up in the coolant, into electrically operable radiators with electric resistance heating elements, commonly PTC resistors. The PTC resistors have self, temperature-regulating properties which prevent over heating. Additionally, sheet metal strips in heat-transmitting contact with the PTC resistors and spring elements acting on the sheet metal strips provide an efficient heat transfer mechanism whereby heat from the resistors is transferred without the self-regulating resistors constantly shutting off.

Abstract: This invention relates to a self-limiting electrical heating element comprising resistance components having a positive temperature coefficient and a zero temperature coefficient, arranged in a layered structure with two electrodes placed diagonally within or in contact with two ZTC layers separated by a PTC layer.

Abstract: An elongate hollow tubular assembly mounts a temperature sensing element in a reservoir to determine the temperature of a liquid in the reservoir. The tubular assembly includes an inner tubular member constructed of a thin, light-weight, electrically insulating and thermally conducting material, an intermediate tubular member constructed of a thin, heat-sealable, dielectric material, having an end thereof which extends into the reservoir heat-sealed; and an outer tubular member constructed of a moldable, water-impervious, heat-resistant and durable material. A sealing arrangement is provided for sealing an end of the outer tubular member which extends into the reservoir.

Abstract: A temperature compensation type infrared sensor includes a substrate having a central pit and functioning as a heat sink with an insulation film formed on the top face of the substrate and defining a diaphragm located above the pit, a plurality of thermocouples disposed on the insulation film and connected in series with each of said thermocouples having a hot junction on said diaphragm and a cold junction on the heat sink, and a thermopile element including a black body on the central portion of the diaphragm in the insulation film for absorbing infrared rays with the thermopile element being placed on a thermistor chip for compensating temperature.

Abstract: A temperature sensor is formed with a metal substrate at least a portion of which is coated with a layer of porcelain enamel. At least one conductive element is deposited on the coated portion of the substrate in such a manner as to provide a first sensor configuration for sensing temperature as a function of the resistance of the conductive element itself. This conductive element in operative combination with the porcelain enamel layer and the metal substrate provides a second sensor configuration for sensing temperature over a second temperature range as a function of the resistance of the porcelain enamel layer.

Abstract: A thermistor element composed substantially of a vanadium-containing titania having dissolved therein 0.01 to 10 at. %, based on titanium, of vanadium and optionally 10 at. % or less, based on titanium, of at least one element selected from the group containing of cobalt, copper, manganese, iron, nickel, bismuth, strontium, barium, lead and zinc. A gas sensor using the thermistor element as a temperature sensor is described.

Abstract: Conductive polymer compositions comprise carbon black or graphite dispersed in a polymer and further comprise an arc-controlling additive such as alumina hydrate. Such compositions have improved performance when subjected to electrical stress and are, therefore, particularly useful in circuit protection devices.

Abstract: A thermal probe has a premolded single unitary plastic outer shell forming an open end adapted to receive a connector unit and having an inboard end defining a probe portion. The plastic outer shell has deformable walls forming a bore. A pair of terminals and wire leads connected to a thermistor have a plastic mounting member premolded thereon; the plastic mounting member is slideably press fit in the bore to position the thermistor within the bore and to axially locate the thermistor in spaced relationship to the inboard end of the outer shell. Side segments on the terminals extend outwardly of the plastic member and are embedded in the deformable walls of the bore to interlock the thermistor in place within the outer shell.

Abstract: PTC Devices and PTC compositions described herein comprise a blend of at least three carbon blacks as a particulate filler in a fluorinated polymer to achieve a substantial PTC effect and operability over a wide temperature range including temperatures prevailing in a steam environment. Two of the carbon blacks are selected to impart PTC effect to the composition. The third carbon black is selected to adjust the resistive properties of the composition into the range of commercial usage and to impart uniformity of the resistive properties within a given batch as well as from one batch of mix to the next.

Abstract: A temperature sensor. Two thick films resistor elements are mounted to a substrate and then a thermistor coupled to those elements to form a voltage divider. The resistance of the thermistor is determined at a reference temperature and the thick film resistor elements are precisely trimmed using a laser trimming system to produce a precision voltage divider. To sense temperatures the voltage divider is energized and its resistance ratio is sensed utilizing a bridge circuit.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for boiling water dispenser includes clamping members for mounting a sensor such as a thermister in position to sense the presence and absence of steam.

Abstract: A process for producing a PTC device comprising the steps of forming a laminate comprising a PTC composition and at least two electrode plates having the PTC composition sandwiched therebetween, opposing the surface of a lead plate to be electrically connected to each of the electrodes, to the surface of each of the electrode plates of the laminate while contacting at a narrow area, and then passing a current between the electrode and the lead via the narrow contact surface to weld them. By this process, there is obtained a PTC device having, at a portion of the joining interface between each electrode plate and each lead plate, a nugget formed by melting both the plates. This PTC device has a low contact resistance between the PTC composition and the electrode plates.

Abstract: A pair of plates of good heat and electric conductivity have a plurality of openings and a plurality of foraminous areas. The plates are secured to one another with the openings and foraminous areas of the two plates aligned with one another. The plates are connected to terminals of opposite electrical polarity and are insulated from one another. A plurality of perforated PTC thermistor elements are clamped between the plates and in electrical contact therewith. Each element is aligned with openings in the plates. The openings and foraminous areas are so disposed that the openings associated with the elements are surrounded on at least two sides by foraminous areas.