Probe Type Patents (Class 338/28)
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Patent number: 6653926Abstract: A Platinum temperature sensor comprises a ceramic substrate and a platinum thin-film resistor applied to said ceramic substrate, a ceramic cover layer and a connecting layer generated from a ceramic green layer by pressure and temperature treatment. The ceramic cover layer is connected with the ceramic substrate in such a way via the connecting layer that the platinum thin-film resistor is sealingly encapsulated with regard to the environment.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2001Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Assignee: Sensotherm Temperatursensorik GmbHInventor: Heinrich Zitzmann
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Patent number: 6647809Abstract: A high temperature anemometer includes a pair of substrates. One of the substrates has a plurality of electrodes on a facing surface, while the other of the substrates has a sensor cavity on a facing surface. A sensor is received in the sensor cavity, wherein the sensor has a plurality of bondpads, and wherein the bond pads contact the plurality of electrodes when the facing surfaces are mated with one another. The anemometer further includes a plurality of plug-in pins, wherein the substrate with the cavity has a plurality of trenches with each one receiving a plurality of plug-in pins. The plurality of plug-in pins contact the plurality of electrodes when the substrates are mated with one another. The sensor cavity is at an end of one of the substrates such that the sensor partially extends from the substrate. The sensor and the substrates are preferably made of silicon carbide.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2002Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Robert S. Okojie, Gustave C. Fralick, George J. Saad
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Patent number: 6639505Abstract: A temperature sensor which features improved response characteristics and in which a thermistor element is contained in a metal enclosure in a state where a pair of electrode wires for taking out signals are connected in an exposed manner at two opposing end surfaces thereof. The temperature sensor comprises a metal enclosure 2, a thermistor element 3 contained in the metal enclosure, and a pair of electrode wires 4 connected to the two opposing end surfaces of the thermistor element in a form being exposed over the thermistor element in the metal enclosure to take out thermistor signals, wherein a distance H between the thermistor element and the metal enclosure is not smaller than 0 but is not larger than 0.3 mm.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2002Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Shigeru Murata, Atsushi Kurano
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Patent number: 6636142Abstract: A sensor element, especially a temperature sensor (5) is proposed, having a sensitive area (11), whose electrical resistance changes under the influence of a temperature to which the sensitive area (11) is exposed. In this case, sensitive area (11) has a glass ceramic fusion (15) of a starting material containing at least one component which is furnished at least substantially with a surface metallization. The proposed temperature sensor (5) is especially suitable for use at temperatures in excess of 1000° C., at which it shows resistance characteristics like that of a platinum resistor.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Heinz Geier, Gert Lindemann, Friederike Lindner, Thomas Brinz, Ulrich Eisele
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Patent number: 6617956Abstract: A platinum temperature sensor comprises a ceramic substrate (4) and a platinum thin-film resistor (2) applied to a main surface of said ceramic substrate. A protective intermediate layer (14, 16) comprises a ceramic layer (14) which, at least in the area of the platinum thin-film resistor (2), is evaporated on the main surface of the ceramic substrate (4) over the full area thereof, and a sintered ceramic paste layer (16) which is applied to the evaporated ceramic layer (14). A protective glaze (18) applied to the protective intermediate layer (14, 16).Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2001Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Assignee: Sensotherm Temperatursensorik GmbHInventor: Heinrich Zitzmann
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Publication number: 20030146819Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2003Publication date: August 7, 2003Inventor: Susumu Shibayama
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Patent number: 6592253Abstract: A temperature probe (10) including a cylindrical thermally conductive housing (10) and a temperature sensor (18) employing a resistive temperature element (22) mounted therein. The temperature sensor (18) is mounted at one end of the housing (12) by a thermally conductive potting material (50). Signal wires (36) electrically couple to the resistive element (22) extend through an elongated insulated member (30) and out of an end of the housing (12) opposite the sensor (18). Changes in the temperature of the housing are quickly transferred to the resistive temperature element (22) through the conductive potting material (50). In one embodiment, the probe (10) is combined with a pressure transducer (60) to provide a pressure and temperature sensing device.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2001Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: Northrop Grumman CorporationInventors: Johannes F. Nyffenegger, Charles A. Battaglia, Stephen G. Hadsall
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Patent number: 6590403Abstract: A material regression sensor and a method of measuring the regression of a material in which the regression sensor includes spaced electrically conductive legs, and electrically conductive sensor element position between the legs and measurement leads electrically connected with the first and second legs.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Orbital Technologies CorporationInventors: Daniel J. Gramer, Thomas J. Taagen
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Publication number: 20030067960Abstract: A temperature probe (10) including a cylindrical thermally conductive housing (10) and a temperature sensor (18) employing a resistive temperature element (22) mounted therein. The temperature sensor (18) is mounted at one end of the housing (12) by a thermally conductive potting material (50). Signal wires (36) electrically couple to the resistive element (22) extend through an elongated insulated member (30) and out of an end of the housing (12) opposite the sensor (18). Changes in the temperature of the housing are quickly transferred to the resistive temperature element (22) through the conductive potting material (50). In one embodiment, the probe (10) is combined with a pressure transducer (60) to provide a pressure and temperature sensing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2001Publication date: April 10, 2003Inventors: Johannes F. Nyffenegger, Charles A. Battaglia, Stephen G. Hadsall
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Patent number: 6518872Abstract: A resistant based thermal probe including a nanometer sized four-leg filament integrated with a piezoresistive AFM type cantilever is created by depositing the filament structure onto the cantilever by a chemical vapor deposition technique where the cantilever is exposed to the flux of precursor gas. An incident electron beam causes a fragmentation of the gas molecules leaving a deposit behind which leads to a conductive deposit shaped as a multi-leg filament structure for thermal measurements of a sample. A deposited four leg filament structure has a mechanical rigidity, high spatial resolution, low thermal conductivity and thermal capacitance, fast response time, and in combination with a four point resistant measurement and lock-in technique, eliminates resistivity for increasing both the temperature sensitivity and the signal-to-noise ratio of the thermal probe.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2001Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: University of MarylandInventors: Klaus Edinger, Ivaylo Rangelow
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Publication number: 20030006875Abstract: Proposed is a passive, high-temperature-resistant resistor element for measuring temperature, the resistor element having an essentially interior insulating layer (9; 10) and two exterior conducting layers (8) of a ceramic composite structure; the conducting layers being connected to one another at the tip (11) of the resistor element; and the ceramic composite structure including trisilicon tetranitride, a metal silicide, and yttrium oxide or trisilicon tetranitride, a metal silicide, and a matrix phase of SixOyCzNw, where x signifies 1-2, y signifies 0-2, and w signifies 0-2. Further proposed is a combination element (3) of this resistor element and a sheathed type glow plug, for example.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2002Publication date: January 9, 2003Inventors: Albrecht Geissinger, Gert Lindemann, Jens Stefan Schneider, Wolfgang Dressler, Friederike Lindner, Ulrich Eisele, Frank Stanglmeier, Volker Rothacker, Christoph Kern, Thomas Moser
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Patent number: 6501366Abstract: The present invention provides a thermistor-type temperature sensor equipped with a thermistor element having a thermistor section and electrode wires for acquiring thermistor signals that prevent breakage of electrode wires caused by high-frequency vibrations. Thermistor element (10) is equipped with thermistor section (11) and electrode wires (12) and (13) made of a dispersion-strengthened material having for its main component platinum or platinum alloy, and is insulated and held in cylindrical metal case (40) having opening (42) on one end by means of insulating powder (50). A bottomed, cylindrical metal protective tube (60) houses metal case (40) so that its bottom (61) covers opening (42). Heat-resistant adhesive (70) is juxtaposed in a gap between metal case (40) and protective tube (60) so as to seal opening (42) to-prevent insulting powder (50) from spilling into this gap from opening (42).Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1999Date of Patent: December 31, 2002Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Sotoo Takahashi, Matsuo Fukaya
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Patent number: 6466123Abstract: A temperature sensor has a sensing element (13) consisting of a thermistor (11) and leads (12) and a sheath pin (15) containing core wires (14), to accurately detect temperature. A method of manufacturing such a temperature sensor includes the steps of connecting the leads to the core wires, arranging an insulator (130) around the sensing element, filling the insulator with an inorganic adhesive (135) to fix the sensing element in the insulator, arranging a metal cover (16) around the insulator, and joining an end of the metal cover to an end of the sheath pin.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 1998Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Kaoru Kuzuoka, Kozo Takamura
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Patent number: 6462640Abstract: A sensor for temperature measurements has a temperature-dependent measuring element, which is arranged in one end of a quartz glass tube facing the measurement, wherein a connection line of the measuring element is guided to the outside through the other end of the quartz glass tube. The quartz glass tube is itself surrounded by a protective tube made of stainless steel, which is closed off at its end facing the measurement by a rotationally symmetric formed body, preferably a sphere made of stainless steel. A spacer made of electrically insulating material, preferably mica, is provided between the formed body or sphere and the measuring element.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2001Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Assignee: Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V.Inventor: Matthias Muziol
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Publication number: 20020135455Abstract: A temperature sensor which features improved response characteristics and in which a thermistor element is contained in a metal enclosure in a state where a pair of electrode wires for taking out signals are connected in an exposed manner at two opposing end surfaces thereof. The temperature sensor comprises a metal enclosure 2, a thermistor element 3 contained in the metal enclosure, and a pair of electrode wires 4 connected to the two opposing end surfaces of the thermistor element in a form being exposed over the thermistor element in the metal enclosure to take out thermistor signals, wherein a distance H between the thermistor element and the metal enclosure is not smaller than 0 but is not larger than 0.3 mm.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2002Publication date: September 26, 2002Inventors: Shigeru Murata, Atsushi Kurano
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Publication number: 20020125984Abstract: A sensor, especially a temperature sensor, has a measuring resistor (7) including a substrate with an electrically insulating surface and a resistor layer situated thereon, which is enclosed by a housing (6) having current lead-ins to a plug system (1) for connection leads or contact pins (10) in a region of the housing facing away from the measurement. The measuring resistor (7) is arranged in the region of an end (14) of the housing facing the measurement, and between the measuring resistor (7) and the contact pins (10) at least one spacing element (9) of electrically insulating material is provided with lateral recesses for guiding the electrical connection leads (12) which extend from the measuring resistor (7). The temperature sensor can be simply adapted by variable configuration of the plug system and spacing element to various types of customer-specific requirements.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2002Publication date: September 12, 2002Applicant: Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V.Inventors: Matthias Muziol, Michael Hoschkara, Gerhard Damaschke
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Patent number: 6437681Abstract: The present invention discloses a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor includes an aluminum oxide substrate and a thin-film resistor having a specific temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) disposed over the substrate. The temperature sensor further includes an aluminum oxide stress-relief layer covering the thin film resistor. The temperature sensor further includes a passivation layer covering the aluminum oxide stress-relief layer. The aluminum oxide stress-relief layer further has at least one resistor-trimming trench formed by removing a portion of the aluminum oxide stress-relief layer and thin-film resistor therefrom and the resistor-trimming trench is filled with a material of the passivation layer. In a preferred embodiment, the temperature sensor further includes a set of dummy pads for resistance-trimming measurement disconnected from the thin film resistor disposed on the substrate near the thin film resistor covered by the passivation layer.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2000Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: Cyntec CompanyInventors: Chung Hsiung Wang, Al Salman, Yue-Lang Chen
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Patent number: 6437680Abstract: For manufacturing of sensors, especially temperature sensors, respectively two connection bridges spaced in the grid of a continuous carrier strip with contact pads for later electrical and mechanical connection with respectively one sensor element in the continuous carrier strip are at least partially injection molded around with plastic, such that on the connection bridges at least two plastic bodies arise arranged at a distance to each other. Between plastic bodies of respectively adjacent connection bridges, spacer elements made of plastic are formed in the same injection operation, while contact pads and ends of the connection bridges remain free of plastic. In connection with the injection operation, the edges of the carrier strip are separated from the connection bridges by punching.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2000Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: Heraeus Electro-Nite International, N.V.Inventors: Karlheinz Wienand, Gerhard Damaschke
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Patent number: 6437679Abstract: A temperature sensor, of the type including a body (2) holding flat pin connection terminals (3, 3′) connected to a sensitive element (4), which body is compound-filled in a cup (1), characterized in that the sensitive element is embedded in a thermal paste (5) that acts as a stop wall for the compound-filling material forming the body.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2000Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Patrick Roques
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Patent number: 6380840Abstract: An easy to manufacture temperature sensor has a measuring resistor with a substrate having an electrically insulating surface and a resistance layer situated thereon. The measuring resistor is surrounded by a casing of temperature-stable plastic, which serves as a primary housing, which together with the embedded measuring resistor is surrounded by an additional plastic extrusion coating as an outer housing, wherein the leads of the measuring resistor are passed through the primary housing and the plastic extrusion coating to the outside. The measuring resistor is suited for use in durable consumer goods, as for example washing machines, dryers and motor vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 1999Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V.Inventors: Karlheinz Wienand, Frank Schlag, Gerhard Damaschke
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Patent number: 6353381Abstract: An electrical temperature sensor has a platinum-containing resistance layer as a measuring resistor, which is applied on the electrically insulating surface of a ceramic substrate. For protection against contamination or damage, the resistance layer is provided on its side facing away from the ceramic substrate with an intermediate layer as a diffusion barrier layer. In a first embodiment, a platinum layer as an electrode is applied on the intermediate layer spaced from the resistance layer. The electrode protects the measuring resistance against platinum poisons, such as stray silicon ions, which could emerge, for example, from a passivation layer made of glass. In a second embodiment, the electrical temperature sensor is provided with a multiple layer, wherein a covering layer is applied on the intermediate layer as a passivation layer made of glass. Also in this embodiment, an electrode in the form of a platinum layer can be applied spaced from the resistance layer.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 1999Date of Patent: March 5, 2002Assignee: Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V.Inventors: Stefan Dietmann, Margit Sander, Christian Baerts, Karlheinz Wienand
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Publication number: 20010026577Abstract: A sensor for temperature measurements has a temperature-dependent measuring element, which is arranged in one end of a quartz glass tube facing the measurement, wherein a connection line of the measuring element is guided to the outside through the other end of the quartz glass tube. The quartz glass tube is itself surrounded by a protective tube made of stainless steel, which is closed off at its end facing the measurement by a rotationally symmetric formed body, preferably a sphere made of stainless steel. A spacer made of electrically insulating material, preferably mica, is provided between the formed body or sphere and the measuring element.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2001Publication date: October 4, 2001Applicant: Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V.Inventor: Matthias Muziol
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Patent number: 6297723Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 27, 1999Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Rihito Shoji, Takashi Tamai, Katsunori Matsubara, Kiyoshi Saitou
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Patent number: 6264363Abstract: A novel temperature sensor having a radial-type thermistor and a method of fabrication thereof are disclosed. A pair of electrode wires 22 are embedded in a spaced relation from each other substantially in parallel to the axis 21a of a cylindrical thermistor 21, and have an end 22a thereof led out toward an end 21b of the cylinder of the thermistor 21. A pair of core wires (signal lines) 31 arranged in spaced relation from each other substantially in parallel to the cylinder axis 21a are led out from the outer cylinder 33 of a two-core pipe 30 and are connected to an end 22a of each electrode wire 22. The wires 22, 31 are overlapped in such a manner that the diagonal K1 connecting the electrode wires 22 crosses the diagonal K2 connecting the signal lines 31 on the cylinder axis 21a, and coupled to each other by laser welding.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 1999Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Sotoo Takahashi, Junichi Nagai
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Patent number: 6130598Abstract: The invention relates to a temperature detecting apparatus and an automobile using the same, and is intended to improve the heat response characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 1997Date of Patent: October 10, 2000Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Nobuharu Katsuki, Tsuyoshi Tanaka, Katsunori Matsubara, Takashi Tamai, Hiroki Moriwake
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Patent number: 6127915Abstract: A high temperature platinum resistance thermometer and a method of producing such a thermometer. Both a sensor frame and a protective tube are made of mon-crystalline synthetic sapphire, which has a melting point of about 2050.degree. C. and effectively prevents vaporized metal from transmitting through it. The thermometer is thus effectively operated at a high temperature up to about 1500.degree. C. The thermometer is also provided with platinum wires capable of measuring insulating resistance, thus effectively compensating for measuring errors caused by such an insulating resistance.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1999Date of Patent: October 3, 2000Assignee: Korea Research Institute of Standards and ScienceInventors: Kee Sool Gam, Yong Gyoo Kim, Kee Hoon Kang
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Patent number: 6091317Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 6, 1998Date of Patent: July 18, 2000Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventors: William Richard Lyle, Reginald M. Groom
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Patent number: 6081182Abstract: The present invention provides a temperature sensor element having excellent heat resistance, quick heat response, stable resistance, and high reliability with a less variation in resistance against time. The temperature sensor element includes a thermo-sensitive film mainly composed of a heat sensitive material having electrical resistance varies depending on the temperature; a pair of electrode films arranged to measure the electrical resistance in the direction of the thickness of the thermo-sensitive film, a base plate mainly composed of a heat-resistant insulating material for supporting the thermo-sensitive film and the electrode films, an anti-diffusion film interposed between the thermo-sensitive film and the electrode film in the vicinity of the base plate, and a film mainly composed of a heat-resistant insulating material for covering the thermo-sensitive film and the electrode films except the lead-connecting terminals of the electrode films.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 1997Date of Patent: June 27, 2000Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Atsushi Tomozawa, Eiji Fujii, Hideo Torii, Ryoichi Takayama
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Patent number: 6014073Abstract: A temperature sensor element for measuring the temperature of exhaust gas from car engines comprises a metallic support having a shape of a flat board, a first electric-insulating film existing on the support, a first temperature sensitive film existing on the first electric-insulating film and having a pair of electrodes, and a second electric-insulating film existing on the temperature sensitive film. The element is superior in thermal shock resistance. The element needs no heat-resistant cap. The element is superior in heat-response since the element has a small heat capacity.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 1997Date of Patent: January 11, 2000Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hideo Torii, Takeshi Kamada, Atsushi Tomozawa, Eiji Fujii, Ryoichi Takayama, Hiroki Moriwake
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Patent number: 5999081Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 29, 1996Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Assignee: Marchi Associates, Inc.Inventors: John H. Hannigan, Raymond F. Crews
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Patent number: 5975758Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and sensor for easily detecting the thermal history (or the change in state by heat) of a specimen. The sensor is made up of a pair of electrodes 1, 1, a diffusion layer 2 of insulating material disposed between the electrodes, and an electrically conductive metal 3. The electrodes are electrically isolated from each other in the beginning. As the sensor experiences heat history, the electrically conductive metal diffuses into the diffusion layer 2, thereby changing the resistance of the diffusion layer. When in use, the sensor is placed in or near the atmosphere to which the specimen is exposed. In response to the change of the specimen by heat, the electrically conductive metal 3 diffuses into the diffusion layer 2 to such an extent that the electrical resistance across the electrodes extremely decreases after a certain period of time. Thus it is possible to detect the deterioration or life of the specimen by monitoring the change in electrical resistance of the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 1997Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Chuo KenkyushoInventors: Koji Yokota, Yoshimi Kizaki, Yoshiyuki Sakamoto, Tomoyoshi Motohiro
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Patent number: 5959524Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 11, 1996Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Assignee: Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V.Inventors: Karlheinz Wienand, Margit Sander, Stefan Dietmann, Werner Englert, deceased
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Patent number: 5949324Abstract: A thermal probe assembly has a unitary outer shell or housing forming an open end adapted to receive an electrical connector unit and having an inboard end defining a probe portion; the outer shell or housing has deformable wall portions forming a bore; a pair of terminals with electrical conductor portions connected to a thermistor have a plastics material mounting member premolded thereon; the plastics material mounting member is slidably 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 or housing; portions of the plastics material mounting member interlock with cooperating portions of the bore to operatively lock the thermistor in place within the outer shell or housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1997Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Inventors: John M. Segler, Gary L. Deppe, Richard E. Garrison
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Patent number: 5936513Abstract: The invention relates to the growth of nickel-iron-manganese oxide monocrystals having a cubic spinel geometry. Methods of their growth and sensors constructed with same are also described.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 1997Date of Patent: August 10, 1999Assignee: Thermometrics, Inc.Inventors: Carol Zwick Rosen, Donald G. Wickham
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Patent number: 5889460Abstract: An electrical resistance temperature sensor (11) contained in a stainless steel, tubular jacket (12), which has a very small diameter of approximately 1 mm, a platinum resistance coil (18) running between two joining bolts (14, 19). The resistance coil with a positive temperature characteristic of the resistance is placed in an embedding medium (17), which comprises a mixture of magnesium oxide or aluminium oxide and cerium dioxide.For use as an integrating temperature sensor for a catalytic converter, said adequately flexible temperature sensor can be wound into a roll of smooth and corrugated metal sheets and fixed by soldering in vacuo.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 1997Date of Patent: March 30, 1999Assignee: E.G.O. Elektro-Geratebau GmbHInventors: Volker Bachmann, Lutz Ose
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Patent number: 5864282Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 29, 1996Date of Patent: January 26, 1999Assignee: Marchi Associates, Inc.Inventors: John H. Hannigan, Raymond F. Crews
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Patent number: 5823680Abstract: A temperature sensor includes a ceramic substrate, and a sensing resistor containing platinum is embedded in the ceramic substrate. Electric current can be applied to the sensing resistor through the lead. The voltage of the sensing resistor can be detected through the second lead. Another resistor for dividing voltage is electrically connected to the sensing resistor, the resistor is trimmed by laser irradiation so as to adjust its electrical resistance value such that upon applying electric current having a certain value onto the sensing resistor an output voltage having a predetermined value is generated. Heat generated by the laser irradiation to the resistor does not affect an electrical resistance value of the resistor as much as that of the sensing resistor, thereby improving precision of the temperature sensor. The sensing resistor avoids contact with the atmosphere.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1997Date of Patent: October 20, 1998Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.Inventors: Nobuhide Kato, Nobukazu Ikoma
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Patent number: 5815064Abstract: A temperature and depth probe for accurate temperature measurements in snow ontains a temperature sensing element such as thermistor placed in a protective cap affixed to the end of a hollow carbon fiber tubed. Wires connected to the ouput terminals of the temperature sensing element pass through the hollow tube to the input terminals of a temperature indicating instruments. The depth of insertion of the probe into the snow is read from depth markings on the side of the hollow tube.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 1997Date of Patent: September 29, 1998Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Jonathan Alfred Holmgren, Matthew Sturm
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Patent number: 5781098Abstract: A temperature sensor includes a temperature sensing section having a thermistor element 11 and connecting ends 121 and 122, an outside connection circuit having detecting resistors 211 to 213 and connecting ends 221 to 225, and a switching element 30 for obtaining a selective connection between the first ends 121 and 122 and the second ends 221 to 225. The switching element 30 is for example constructed by a connector 31 and a shunt wire 32. The second switching element 30 can, as an alternative, be constructed by a pair of connectors, which provide different mutual positions, one of which is selected to obtain a connection. As a second feature, a connector, which is separate from the thermistor element, is provided with adjusting resistors which are in series and in parallel connected to the thermistor element.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 1996Date of Patent: July 14, 1998Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masamichi Shibata
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Patent number: 5764130Abstract: A temperature sensing element packaged in a protected basket by a single insert molding operation. This design does not obstruct the air flow perpendicular to the thermistor thickness, and thus provides enhanced response time.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1995Date of Patent: June 9, 1998Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Peter John Straub, Richard Darrell Kirkwood
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Patent number: 5749656Abstract: The present invention generally includes a thermal sensor assembly for a vehicle application including an insert molded part having a thermistor/wire sub-assembly and terminal that are assembled with a "F" crimp and resistance welded that are insert molded to a pre-mold or connector that has a shut-off plate seal on the terminal's insulation crimp. The invention provides a more robust package that is resistant to vibration, insulates the terminals from shorting and permits further handling of the sub-assembly without damage to the terminals. Further, the thermistor can be very small and a very small wire can be used to connect the terminal to the thermistor element. Because a smaller thermistor can be utilized, a much smaller probe tip can be design into the thermal sensor assembly. The insert molded part can either be a preform for press-fit applications or a male sensor connector for applications requiring a metal housing.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 1997Date of Patent: May 12, 1998Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Michael James Boehm, Peter John Straub, Richard Darrell Kirkwood
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Patent number: 5735606Abstract: A platinum temperature sensor showing excellent sensitivity to heat. The sensor comprises an insulating substrate having a support portion at one end of the substrate. A heat-generating portion is formed by a platinum film circuit at the other end of the substrate. A coating made from a material having a low thermal conductivity is formed on the support portion of the insulating substrate to suppress dissipation of heat from the support portion. A first heat-insulating gap is created between an end portion of the platinum film circuit and the heat-generating portion. A second heat-insulating gap is created between the platinum film circuit and the coating.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 1996Date of Patent: April 7, 1998Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroji Tani, Teppei Kubota
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Patent number: 5726624Abstract: A temperature sensor is made with a rigid substrate disposed within a metallic tube for the purpose of supporting a resistive temperature detector and conductive strips disposed on the substrate. The conductive strips of palladium silver are deposited on the substrate and in electrical communication with gold pads that are used to permit the RTD to be connected to the gold pads by wire bonding techniques. A sleeve is provided at an opposite end of the sensor to support a first end region of the rigid substrate at a preselected position within the tube. The second end region of the substrate extends away from the sleeve and toward an opposite end of the tube, which is crimped to seal it. Conductive wires are avoided within the main portion of the outer metallic tube, thus eliminating the need for fiber glass sleeved wires extending through the tube.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1996Date of Patent: March 10, 1998Assignee: Honeywell Inc.Inventors: Jay H. Caffee, Steve R. Foote, Ronald J. List
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Patent number: 5720556Abstract: A thermistor probe with improved heat transfer between the housing and the thermistor element is provided which includes a housing which is adapted to be disposed in an environment with a temperature to be measured by the probe. Within the housing is a thermally conductive insert which corresponds to a cavity within the housing. The insert has an aperture with a generally rectangular cross section to receive a thermistor disk. The thermistor disk has a positive or negative temperature coefficient of electrical resistance. The generally rectangular aperture is constructed such that the thermistor disk can be inserted into the aperture in a close fitting relationship with the aperture. While the entire outer surface of the thermistor disk may not be in contact with the walls of the aperture in the insert, the heat transfer between the housing and the thermistor disk (through the insert) is greatly improved over thermistor probes of the past.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 1996Date of Patent: February 24, 1998Assignee: Keystone Thermometrics CorporationInventor: Theodore J. Krellner
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Patent number: 5684347Abstract: A mounting clip for securing a motor protector to the stator of an electric motor is described. In one embodiment, the mounting clip includes a protector holding region formed by a base portion, a back portion, arm portions, and a retaining member. The protector is positioned within the protector holding region. The base of the mounting clip seats upon the uppermost, or outermost, lamination of the lamination stack forming the motor stator and includes one or more fingers sized for insertion between adjacent stator winding gaps. The mounting clip is maintained in position by the friction fit between the clip fingers, the stator windings and insulation.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: November 4, 1997Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Sheryl Lynn Vogt, Charles Minh Nguyen
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Patent number: 5656987Abstract: In order to improve uniformity of temperature distribution, despite heat which is generated in a resistance circuit and flows into a support part thereby causing a high output, a resistance circuit is provided with first, second and third regions having different resistance values so that the third region which is in proximity to the support part has the highest resistance value.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 1994Date of Patent: August 12, 1997Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Teppei Kubota, Kazuto Miyagawa, Hiroji Tani, Tohru Kasanami
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Patent number: 5498079Abstract: A temperature transmitter includes a temperature probe, such as an RTD or thermocouple, and a transmitter housing. Electrical circuitry in the transmitter housing is adapted for coupling to the temperature probe and providing an output related to a sensed temperature. The temperature housing has a first side for coupling to the temperature probe and a second side which carried a plurality of electrical connections electrically connected to the circuitry carried in the transmitter housing. An elongated recess on an outer surface of the first side of the transmitter housing channels electrical wiring which connects to the temperature probe in a direction away from the temperature probe and toward the electrical connections carried on the second side of the transmitter housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1994Date of Patent: March 12, 1996Assignee: Rosemount Inc.Inventor: Timothy D. Price
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Patent number: 5497139Abstract: A temperature sensor includes a thermistor in a heat-resistant cap and lead wires electrically connected to the thermistor. The thermistor is comprised of materials defined by the following chemical formula:(Al.sub.1-x-y Cr.sub.x Fe.sub.y).sub.2 O.sub.3wherein 0.05.ltoreq.x+y.ltoreq.0.95, and 0.05.ltoreq.y/(x+y).ltoreq.0.6. The thermistor may also include CaO, rare earth oxide, ThO.sub.2 or ZrO.sub.2. The thermistor has an excellent long term resistance stability, which is important in high temperature applications of the temperature sensor, such as measurement of automobile catalytic converters temperature.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1994Date of Patent: March 5, 1996Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masayuki Takahashi, Hiroki Moriwake, Yoko Sakoda, Takuoki Hata
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Patent number: 5481240Abstract: A low-cost and compact thermistor-type temperature sensor which has a thermo unit and a metal tube solidly fixed by cement. The sensor has an enlarged reserve space between the thermo unit and the metal tube to accommodate an excess amount of the cement therein, so that intrusion of the cement into electrical connection portions of lead wires is prevented. This enlarged space assures good electrical insulation between the electrical connection portions and stable measurement characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 1994Date of Patent: January 2, 1996Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.Inventors: Matuo Fukaya, Junichi Nagai, Kaoru Kuzuoka
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Patent number: 5449234Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for sensing the temperature of surrounding air. The apparatus is thermally isolated from the external environment and more accurately provides an indication of the medium temperature while providing fast response. The apparatus includes a temperature sensing device whose resistance varies with temperature and a conditioning circuit for measuring the resistance and producing an electrical signal which is insensitive to external resistive loading and which has a magnitude responsive to the sensed resistance. The apparatus includes a non-metallic housing which encapsulates the temperature sensitive device and the conditioning circuit. The housing forms a cage portion which surrounds the temperature sensing device and is adapted to protect and to provide air flow to the temperature sensing device.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 1993Date of Patent: September 12, 1995Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Gregory H. Gipp, Ronald R. Gustin