Abstract: A corrosion resistant thermal type mass flow rate sensor, and a fluid supply device employing the sensor are provided thus allowing enhanced corrosion resistance of the thermal type mass flow rate sensor, improve responsiveness, to be achieved particle-free, and to prevent unevenness of product qualities. A thermal type mass flow rate sensor is constituted with a sensor part 1 comprising a corrosion resistant metal substrate 2 formed as a thin plate by applying electrolytic etching on the rear face side of a corrosion resistant metal material W, a thin film F forming a temperature sensor 3 and a heater 4 mounted on the rear face side of the corrosion resistant metal substrate 2, and a sensor base 13 hermetically fitted by welding to the outer periphery of the corrosion resistant metal substrate 2 of the afore-mentioned sensor part 1 fitted into a fixture groove 13a.

Abstract: A metal plate is supported by a base, and is disposed inside a main passage so as to be generally parallel to a direction of flow of a fluid being measured through the main passage, and a circuit board and a flow rate detecting element are disposed so as to be positioned generally in a common plane with a front surface of the metal plate. A circuit housing portion formed integrally on the base is disposed on the front surface of the metal plate so as to surround the circuit board, an electrical connection portion between the circuit board and the flow rate detecting element, and an electrical connection portion between the circuit board and a connector portion. A measuring passage groove forming portion formed integrally on the base is disposed on the front surface of the metal plate, and functions together with the metal plate to constitute a measuring passage. In addition, the circuit housing portion is charged with a sealing gel, and a cover is mounted so as to cover the circuit housing portion.

Abstract: A flow probe for use in a humidification system is positioned in a humidified gases flow such as that which is provided to a patient in a hospital environment. The flow probe is designed to provide both temperature and flow rate sensing of the gases flow by incorporating two sensors into the gases flow. The flow probes are shaved and aligned within the gases flow to enable accurate gas flow readings to be taken whilst reducing the occurrence of condensation on the sensors. The flow probe can also be included in a humidification control systems to provide a patient with a desired humidity level or simplify the amount of user input required to set humidity levels. Furthermore, the flow probe can provide a controller with flow information which may then be used to determine certain conditions that could prove to be dangerous to a patient.

Abstract: An airtight configuration for keeping down the permeation of corrosive gas from silicone adhesive, and for preventing corrosive gas from entering the case. An electronic device mounted on vehicle. The electronic device has at least one of a portion connecting components, and a portion sealing the clearance or hole where exists in the electronic device. The at least one of the connection portion and the seal portion is constituted by using adhesive or sealant which has at least one of a function adsorbing corrosive gas and a function trapping corrosive gas with chemical reaction. A car-mounted electronic device characterized by reduced permeation of corrosive gas into a case and high reliability.

Abstract: A gas flow sensor system, and method for gas flow rate measurement and self-calibration to overcome problems caused by degradation. Gas flow rate is accurately measured by determining the power dissipated at a constant differential temperature of a gas flow sensor, under conditions where its power dissipation is independent of its resistance. The gas flow sensor is adjusted to a predefined differential temperature compared to the temperature of the gas. In addition, variations in heat transfer coefficient (h) of a gas flow sensor are corrected by self-calibration of the gas flow sensor system. Experimentally established correction factors are applied to the gas flow sensor, to compensate for changes in its heat transfer coefficient (h) caused by degradation of the gas flow sensor. This offsets the adverse effects of use and aging of the gas flow sensor, thus reducing errors in gas flow measurement.

Abstract: A sensor device is composed of a sensor element having a sensing portion, and a signal-outputting portion mounted on a substrate. The sensor element is also mounted on the substrate via a resilient material. The sensor element is electrically connected to the signal-outputting portion through a bonding wire. The work consisting of the sensor element, signal-outputting portion and the substrate is held in a molding die, and the work is molded with an insulating material, while keeping the sensing portion exposed outside of the insulating material. A depressed portion of the molding die, in which the sensor element is accommodated in the molding process, has substantially no clearance relative to the sensor element, and the sensor element is led to the depressed portion by resiliency of the material bonding the sensor element to the substrate. Therefore, no burs are formed on the sides of the sensor element in the molding process.

Abstract: The conductor wire surface for constituting a circuit formed by print or junction on a substrate formed from a composite member of ceramics, resin, and an inorganic member and from a resin member is coated with glass, resin, solder, or silver paste, thus the corrosion resistance can be improved, and a highly reliable electronic device for car use can be provided. Further, the probing portion necessary for adjustment of the resistance and characteristics and the mounting portion for mounting parts are formed in a shape having no corners at 90° or less, for example, in a circular shape, in an elliptical shape, or in a shape that the corners of a tetragon are rounded (R) or chamfered (C).

Abstract: An air temperature detector 12 is disposed close to an auxiliary passage sidewall 15, which has an auxiliary passage wall hole 9 formed near the air temperature detector 12. A heat-sensitive resistor 13 is also disposed close to the auxiliary passage sidewall 15, which has an auxiliary passage wall hole 10 formed near the heat-sensitive resistor 13. Further, a resistor heater 14 is disposed close to an auxiliary passage sidewall 16, which has an auxiliary passage wall hole 11 near the resistor heater 14.

Abstract: A thermal anemometer or mass flow meter having temperature and flow velocity sensor elements is provided in which a thin film temperature sensor is provided in the heated sensor of the fluid velocity sensor element of the system. The thin-film sensor is captured at least partially within a spacer or interface member, the spacer being received within a housing. The thermal anemometer is constructed to offer sufficient precision and accuracy in its design to be suitable for sensitive scientific and industrial applications. This goal is achieved while using cost effective parts—as in the thin film temperature sensor(s)—in connection with a construction approach minimizing or eliminating gaps or other system configuration variability.

Abstract: A sensor and carrier device are provided in combination with a pipeline for either placing a sensor element within the flow stream of the pipeline or a device to divert flow outside of the pipeline to measure a parameter of the conditions within the pipeline or of the gas flowing through the pipeline. The configuration of the probe comprising the carrier and sensor is such as to reduce the possibility of structural failure of the probe.

Abstract: A total air temperature sensor probe samples the air stream surrounding an aircraft in flight, and includes a duct carrying a fluid flow a portion of which is diverted to a primary chamber mounting a total air temperature sensor. A secondary chamber has a secondary sensor for sensing a different property of a sampled air stream. The secondary chamber is open to receive air flow from passageways in the total air temperature probe.

Abstract: A mass flow sensor (1) has a sensor element whose measuring signal is representative of a mass flow in a main duct (4), specifically without taking into account the direction of flow of the mass flow which flows past the sensor element. In addition, a further sensor element is provided which is arranged in a recess in a body and which is coupled via a coupling element to the main duct (4), with the coupling element being embodied in such a way that the recess lies in the wind shadow of the main direction of flow of the mass flow in the main duct (4) and brings about a flow in the recess counter to the main direction of flow. A mass current is determined in the main duct (4) as a function of the measuring signal of the sensor element. A correction value is determined as a function of the measuring signal of the further sensor element. The mass flow which is determined is corrected by means of the correction value.

Abstract: A thermal mass flow sensor is disclosed that includes a housing (16) having a first sensor region and a second sensor region, a first thin film temperature sensor (39) formed at the first sensor region and a second thin film temperature sensor (58) formed at the second sensor region. A heating element (40) is arranged to heat the first temperature sensor (39) and a controller (46) is operably connected to the first temperature sensor (39), the second temperature sensor (58) and the heating element (40), and controls a power level to the heating element (40) to maintaining a temperature difference between the first temperature sensor (39) and the second temperature sensor (58). A thin film temperature sensor and a method of using the thermal mass flow sensor are also disclosed.

Abstract: A compact and light flow meter having a rapid response includes a main body having a groove portion opened in the upper portion and also having connecting portions for communicating the groove portion and the exterior at both ends of the groove portion; a detachable cover body sealing the opened upper portion of the groove portion having a rectangular sectional shape in which a measured fluid is flowed; and a circuit substrate coming in close contact with the external face of the cover body. A sensor hole opened to the measuring chamber is arranged in the cover body; and a flow sensor is arranged in the circuit substrate so as to be arranged within the sensor hole and set a detecting face to face the measuring chamber.

Abstract: A waste-material entry prevention member arranged upstream of a flow sensor is a rod- or plate-like member protruding halfway across the cross-section of a flow passage. Hence, vortexes or energy of the vortexes produced in fluid flowing by the waste-material entry prevention member is diffused by a stream of the fluid passing through a space left between the waste-material entry prevention member and the wall surface of the flow passage which the waste-material entry prevention member faces. Thus, production of vortexes is held down. Further, by making the flow sensor generate heat or heating the flow sensor, thermophoresis of the fluid is caused near the surface of the flow sensor. By this, particles contained in the fluid are prevented from accumulating on the flow sensor.

Abstract: A heating resistor type flow measuring device comprising a housing having a support part provided between a frame body and a connector and connected to the mounting part of a fluid passage, a flow rate detection element held on the frame body side of the housing, and an electronic circuit held on the housing and connected electrically to the flow rate detection element and the connector, wherein the electronic circuit is held on the frame body side of the housing and positioned in the fluid passage, a member with the rigidity higher than the material of the main structural member of the housing is formed integrally with the support part, the housing is fixed to the fluid passage through the member with high rigidity. A metal plate is inserted into the support part so as to increase rigidity.

Abstract: A flowmeter for achieving a fluid flow rate value by using calibration curves on the basis of the output of a detection circuit using a bridge circuit (73) containing as constituent resistors respective temperature sensing elements of a flow rate detector containing a heating element (33) and a fluid temperature detector in an indirectly heated type flow rate sensor unit. The bridge circuit (73) varies the circuit characteristic value in plural steps by a multiplexer (731) for selectively connecting the output terminal and any one of the connection terminals between the in-series connected resistors. Plural calibration curves are provided in association with the steps of the circuit characteristic value, and any one of the plural calibration curves is selected in accordance with the step of the circuit characteristic value selected by the multiplexer (731).

Abstract: A heating resistor flow rate measuring instrument, having a heating resistor and a thermally sensitive resistor disposed in a sub-passage of a main passage. The heating resistor is disposed in a portion of the sub-passage which has an upstream-side opening substantially perpendicular to the forward direction of a fluid flow and a downstream-side opening substantially parallel to the reverse flaw direction, and the thermally sensitive resistor is disposed in a second sub-passage portion having an upstream-side opening substantially parallel to the forward flow direction and a downstream-side opening substantially perpendicular to the reverse flow direction. Based on changes in resistor temperatures when the flow direction reverses, a precise flow rate may be determined even when a pulsation occurs in the fluid, as both a plus effect caused by a backward flow is eliminated and a value corresponding to the backward flow may be subtracted to obtain accurate flow information.

Abstract: An engine electronic control unit is inserted through a through hole provided in an intake pipe and mounted in an intake air passage in a direction substantially perpendicularly with respect to a plane of the intake pipe forming the intake air passage. This unit is then secured to the intake pipe using a fixing flange provided at a connector portion. A fixing rail is protruded inside the intake pipe and leading edges of a metal base and a metal cover of the unit are inserted into this rail, thereby securing in position an end opposite to a side of the connector portion of the unit.

Abstract: A device for measuring fluid flowing in a duct is disclosed. The device includes a housing having a first flow passage, a nozzle, a second flow passage, a first electrical element, and a second electrical element. The first flow passage receives a first portion of the fluid flowing in the duct. The nozzle is connected to the housing and in fluid communication with the first flow passage. The second flow passage is defined by at least a first and second surface disposed in the housing, wherein the first surface has a first surface portion inclined relative to a second surface portion. The first electrical element is mounted in the first flow passage proximate to the nozzle. The second electrical element is mounted in the second flow passage. The first and second electrical elements are connected to at least one circuit for detecting a characteristic of the flowing fluid.

Abstract: A system for measuring air flow rate in a duct includes an air flow sensor and an air flow conditioning device for collecting and accelerating a portion of the total air stream to the sensor, which may be means as known in the art. The conditioning device includes two opposed converging walls defining a nozzle, preferably a venturi, the sensor being disposed in the throat of the nozzle. The surfaces of the venturi walls are textured to trip the boundary layer near the wall surface into turbulence to maintain attachment of flowing air to the walls even when the angle of attack of the air is significantly non-axial. The wall texturing may be random or may be an organized pattern. A further embodiment includes a second flow conditioner/sensor in parallel with the first whereby an averaged flow measurement is taken for a more accurate reading.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor device for measuring properties of a medium to be measured when this medium surrounds and flows past the sensor. The sensor has a housing of metal, an opening in the housing transverse to the flow of said medium to be measured which is adapted to house at least one capacitive electrode, and where the electrode(s) of the sensor is/are electrically insulated from said medium to be measured by means of a glass ceramic material that is arranged to be flush with the outer surface of the sensor.

Abstract: There is provided a flow rate measuring device which comprises a means for introducing a backward flow of the main passage into the sub-passage through the outlet of the sub-passage of the flow rate measuring device is provided near the outlet of the sub-passage, in order to keep the flow rate measuring element from being destroyed under the presence of dust and water in an intake manifold and which has high reliability for a long period of use and an excellent pulsation characteristic.

Abstract: A thermal mass flow sensor is disclosed that includes a housing (16) having a first sensor region and a second sensor region, a first thin film temperature sensor (39) formed at the first sensor region and a second thin film temperature sensor (58) formed at the second sensor region. A heating element (40) is arranged to heat the first temperature sensor (39) and a controller (46) is operably connected to the first temperature sensor (39), the second temperature sensor (58) and the heating element (40), and controls a power level to the heating element (40) to maintaining a temperature difference between the first temperature sensor (39) and the second temperature sensor (58). A thin film temperature sensor and a method of using the thermal mass flow sensor are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for isolating a component of a microfluidic analytical system are provided. An isolation manifold including a housing is used to isolate a sensitive component of a microfluidic analytical system from environmental noise and interference, such as mechanical vibrations and the like. The housing of the manifold includes an interior portion and a recess adapted to receive at least a portion the component to be isolated, such as a flow sensor. The housing has openings which allow for fluid communication through the housing to tubing used to connect the component to the analytical system. A potting agent can be used to help secure the component in place within the housing and to help minimize the potential for damage to the component.

Abstract: The invention is intended to improve reliability of a thermal type air flow measuring instrument employing a molded part formed by integral molding together with a metal plate. A slot or opening allowing only a resin to pass through the same is formed in the metal plate in an area or thereabout subjected to higher stresses. A part of connector terminals, which is not required from the intrinsic object, is disposed in the vicinity of a area where the resin has a larger thickness and the temperature difference between the inside and the outside of the resin is locally increased. An injecting direction is set so as to prevent a weld line and a void from being generated in a combined way. In the molded part with the metal plate inserted therein, the occurrence of cracks and an increase of the fatigue crack growth rate can be suppressed and reliability can be improved.

Abstract: The flow detecting elements are provided at the sub-passage for making the part of fluid to be measured (gas) flow. The wall of the sub-passage contains a leak hole (through hole) to drain a liquid having entered and accumulated inside the sub-passage. A protrusion for generating a dynamic pressure on the opening is arranged close to the opening of the leak hole on the external surface of the sub-passage. Alternatively, a protrusion located upstream from the leak hole is formed on the inner wall surface of the sub-passage. The former protrusion generates a dynamic pressure in response to the flow velocity of the gas flowing along the external surface of the sub-passage. The latter protrusion produces a separation flow area for separating the flow from the internal surface of the sub-passage (close to the leak hole), whereby the pressure of the separation floe area is reduced.

Abstract: A structure is disclosed in which a conductive material having corrosiveness equal to or higher than that of the materials constituting electronics circuitry is disposed on halfway of the diffusion path of corrosive gases between an entrance place thereof and the electronics circuitry, whereby the conductive material traps the corrosive gases.

Abstract: A pressure sensing port includes an inner block airtightly attached to an inside of a port attachment opening and having a first through hole extending along the axis of the port attachment opening and an intermediate block airtightly attached adjacently to an axially outer surface of the inner block. The intermediate block has a second hole extending through axially in a position where the second through hole is not superposed on the first through hole and communicating with the first through hole through a gap formed between the inner block and the intermediate block. An outer block is airtightly attached between the inner block and intermediate block and has a third through hole extending axially in a position where the third through hole is not superposed on both the first and the second through hole and communicating with the first and the second through hole.

Abstract: A flow direction detector is provided which includes a flow disruptor positioned in a fluid flow path to effect a detectable differential flow characteristic to such flow path based on fluid flow direction, and a sensor arrangement configured to detect such detectable differential flow characteristic within the flow path.

Abstract: A thermal anemometer or mass flow meter having temperature and flow velocity sensor elements is provided in which a thin film temperature sensor is provided in the heated sensor of the fluid velocity sensor element of the system. The thin-film sensor is captured at least partially within a spacer or interface member, the spacer being received within a housing. The thermal anemometer is constructed to offer sufficient precision and accuracy in its design to be suitable for sensitive scientific and industrial applications. This goal is achieved while using cost effective parts—as in the thin film temperature sensor(s)—in connection with a construction approach minimizing or eliminating gaps or other system configuration variability.

Abstract: An air flow rate measuring device serves to measure a flow rate of air flowing through a main passage inside an intake pipe of an engine. A base has its one end directed axially of the main passage toward an upstream side of air flowing therein, and its other end directed toward a downstream side thereof, with a bent groove being formed in the base. A circuit module includes a support substrate and a detection element installed one surface of the support substrate for detecting the flow rate of air, the module being joined to the base in a face-to-face relation with respect to each other to form an auxiliary passage in cooperation with the groove. The detection element on the one surface of the support substrate is exposed to air in the auxiliary passage, and the other surface of the support substrate is exposed to air in the main passage.

Abstract: An improved fluid flow sensor for measuring changes in temperatures of fluids flowing through apertures of a multiple-layered gasket is embedded between layers of the gasket. A thermal resistor type of sensor based upon hotwire anemometer technology in a preferred embodiment is responsive to changes in fluid temperature and flow velocity. A primary resistance with external current leads and separate auxiliary leads for voltage sensing are employed, wherein changes in resistance are virtually linearly proportional to changes in temperature. A four-point probe measurement method provides a most accurate reading of the temperature data to the extent that resistance associated with lead and contact resistances are minimized. The thermal resistor sensor is constructed of relatively thin layers of dielectric and electrically conducting materials having a low thermal mass, wherein the dielectric layers serve as support and electrical insulation to protect the sensor from environmental deterioration.

Abstract: An air mass flowmeter, suitable for connection to an air-intake manifold of an internal combustion engine, measures an air mass taken in by the engine. The flowmeter has an air passage consisting of a first channel and a second channel joined by a turning area. An air mass sensor is located in the second channel downstream of the turning area, on an inner wall of the second channel. A flow element is located in the turning area, projects from an inner wall of one of the channel sections towards a curved wall of the turning area to define a point of separation of a stream of air from an inner channel wall upstream of the air mass sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device with an air inlet manifold (1) and an air mass sensor arrangement (2) inserted radially therein, the insertion opening (3) of which is arranged perpendicular to the airflow direction (6) in the manifold (1). A wing-shaped shielding body (7) is arranged before the insertion opening (3) such as to cover the insertion opening (3) and guarantee a streamline airflow to the insertion opening (3) and the essentially straight surface thereof, transverse to the flow direction of the air flowing over said surface, is oriented perpendicular to the insertion direction of the air mass sensor arrangement (2).

Abstract: A flow detector comprises at least two housing parts with a semiconductor chip having an integrated flow sensor arranged between the housing parts. An opening is provided in one of the housing parts and at least one metal pin extends through the opening and forms an electrical lead-through. A hardened filler material is used for sealing the lead-through against the walls of the opening. This construction provides a well sealed cavity for the fluid to be measured and can be manufactured easily.

Abstract: An electrical connection portion between a flow rate detecting element and a circuit board is constructed on a portion of a holder positioned inside a holder insertion aperture. The holder is supported as a cantilever in an external structural member by fixing a base end portion of the holder to the external structural member.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring a flow speed of a fluid medium includes a housing with a carrier membrane disposed in the housing and being essentially in a form of a vane having a circumference and at least one edge region. Holding elements are arranged over a portion of the circumference connecting the vane to the housing so that only the at least one edge region of the carrier membrane is subjected to mechanical stress caused by the housing. An electrically conductive track with feed lines is installed on the carrier membrane in a region of a neutral fiber for the carrier membrane which does not experience a mechanical strain when the carrier membrane is bent. The electrically conductive track is adapted for being heated relative to the environment by an electrical current flowing through the electrically conductive track.

Abstract: An air flow sensing apparatus with a plastic housing having at least two leadframes that are embedded in the plastic housing and adapted for the attachment of a sensing element whose major axis is oriented across the leadframes in a first direction such that, during a thermal cycle, the difference in relative movement between the leadframes in the first direction is minimized while the leadframes move substantially synchronously in other two directions; the leadframes being bent in a pattern that is substantially parallel to each other, and arranged in close proximity with each other, with the dimensions spacing apart the leadframes in the pattern being minimized.

Abstract: A flow direction detector is provided which includes a flow disruptor positioned in a fluid flow path to effect a detectable differential flow characteristic to such flow path based on fluid flow direction, and a sensor arrangement configured to detect such detectable differential flow characteristic within the flow path.

Abstract: A post in a fluid passage for passing a fluid flow extends across a part of the fluid flow; a measuring duct in the post extends through the post; and a flow rate detector is located in the measuring duct. The measuring duct has a fluid introduction port with an elongated shape, the measuring duct is constricted and has at least a portion located between the fluid introduction port and the flow rate detector, substantially smoothly narrowing toward a downstream direction of the flow in a longitudinal direction of the elongated shape.

Abstract: A mass flow measurement apparatus including a flow path defined by a tubular side wall, a probe extending through the side wall into the flow path so that a first portion of the probe is located in the flow path and a second portion of the probe, extends out of the side wall, a heater element secured to the probe, and a seal preventing fluid flowing through the flow path from contacting the heater element.

Abstract: A diversion passage is constructed into an inverted U shape in which an upstream diversion passage and a downstream diversion passage each having a passage direction in a direction of projection of a detector flow tube communicate by means of a curved portion. An inflow port is constructed by removing a portion of a wall of the upstream diversion passage on an upstream side in the main direction of flow, and removing a portion of first and second side walls of the upstream diversion passage facing each other in a direction perpendicular to the main direction of flow and the direction of projection of the detector flow tube. In addition, a wall surface on a downstream side of the upstream diversion passage in the main direction of flow at the inflow port is formed into a curved surface shape that is gradually displaced upstream relative to the direction of projection of the detector flow tube to constitute an air lead-in surface.

Abstract: An air mass sensor has a three-part configuration formed of an insertion element, a measuring channel element and a housing element for accommodating an evaluation device. In order to be able to provide flexible insertion elements for a device having a short overall height, the measuring channel element and the housing element are joined to one another along a side of the measuring channel element that is perpendicular to the main direction.

Abstract: Resin members, on the surfaces of which metal films are formed, are used for; an auxiliary air passage provided in a main air passage, in which a sensor element of a physical quantity sensor such as an air flow sensor, an intake-air temperature sensor, etc., is situated; a housing; and so forth; in order to decrease both the thermal conductivity and the emissivity of those components to respective small values, whereby the temperature increase of the sensor due to both the heat conduction and the heat radiation can be suppressed.

Abstract: A device for determining at least one parameter of a flowing medium. The device including an element, for example in the form of a bulge, in the channel in which the measuring element is positioned, which deflects the foreign particles and thus protects the measuring element.

Abstract: An outlet port in the upper end of a fluid flow passageway vertically formed in a flow rate measuring section (8) disposed in a fluid storage recess (23) communicating with a fluid inlet pipe through an opening (21a) communicates with a fluid outlet pipe (22) through an opening (22a). The heat type flow rate sensor (10) disposed in the flow rate measuring section (8) has a fin plate projecting into the fluid flow passageway through a sensor mount hole (8c). The flow rate measuring section (8) is formed with an auxiliary flow passageway for leading the fluid within the fluid storage recess (23) to the inlet port (811) in the lower end of the fluid flow passageway, the auxiliary flow passageway extending in parallel with the fluid flow passageway and having fluid introducing ports (822, 823, 824) and a fluid delivering port (821) leading to the fluid flow passageway.

Abstract: A flow measurement sensor accurately outputs signals even when pulsation flow is generated at high engine speed and also when pulsation flow accompanying reverse flow is generated. The flow measurement sensor has a flow measurement element which has a heater resistance pattern on one side of a plate-shaped member, and a bypass passage in which the flow measurement element is disposed, a first outlet through which fluid flowing along the surface of the flow measurement element flows out, and a second outlet through which fluid flowing along the back side of the flow measurement element flows out. The second outlet is positioned at a different location from the first outlet.

Abstract: A device for detecting a mass of a flowing fluid is disclosed. The device includes a housing having a fluid sampling portion and a circuit cavity portion. The fluid sampling portion is positionable within a fluid carrying duct and includes a flow passage. A nozzle is in fluid communication with the flow passage, wherein the nozzle has a nozzle exit. An electrical element is disposed in the flow passage proximate to the nozzle exit. Further, a circuit module is in communication with the electrical element and disposed in the circuit cavity portion for detecting a change in an electrical property of the electrical element, wherein the detected change in the electrical property is used to determine the mass of the flowing fluid. Finally, a homogenous lead frame having a connector pin portion and an electrical attachment portion for providing an electrical path from the electrical element and circuit module to the connector pin portion is provided.

Abstract: A flow probe for use in a humidification system is disclosed. The flow probe is adapted to be positioned in a humidified gases flow (for example oxygen or anesthetic gases) such as that which is provided to a patient in a hospital environment. The flow probe is designed to provide both temperature and flow rate sensing of the gases flow by incorporating two sensors (preferably thermistors) and the shape and alignment of the probe enables accurate readings by reducing the occurrence of condensation on the sensors.