Abstract: There is provided a control apparatus for a gas sensor, which has a sensor element equipped with first and second oxygen pumping cells. The sensor control apparatus is configured to drive the first oxygen pumping cell to adjust the oxygen concentration of gas under measurement, drive the second oxygen pumping cell to produce a flow of electric current according to the amount of oxygen pumped out of the oxygen concentration adjusted gas by the second oxygen pumping cell, perform specific drive control to control the amount of oxygen pumped by the second oxygen pumping cell to a predetermined level after startup of the sensor element and before the application of the drive voltage between the electrodes of the second oxygen pumping cell.

Abstract: An ECU is used in a motorcycle including an engine E, which combusts in a combustion chamber a blended fuel in which gasoline and ethanol are blended, and a fuel injection device for injecting a fuel with a predetermined fuel injection amount such that an air excess ratio in the combustion chamber is a first predetermined value when an ethanol concentration of the blended fuel is zero. The ECU executes O2 feedback control based on an O2 concentration derived from an output of an O2 sensor. Further, the ECU calculates an actual fuel compensation ratio by dividing a fuel injection amount after the O2 feedback control by a predetermined fuel injection amount, and estimates the concentration of the alternative fuel based on this actual fuel compensation ratio and a first predetermined value stored in the ECU.

Abstract: A gas sensor for measuring NOx concentration in measurement gas based on sensor output depending on an amount of the detected oxygen includes an oxygen concentration control part for controlling oxygen concentration in the measurement gas. The oxygen concentration control part allows a control of oxygen concentration in the measurement gas to set at a designated value even after being mounted on an automobile, so that dependency of the sensor output with respect to oxygen concentration can be quantitatively detected. The sensor output for detecting NOx concentration is corrected by estimating an amount of a change accompanying the sensitivity degradation of the sensor output with respect to NOx concentration on the basis of a difference between oxygen output characteristics of the sensor output of an actually-used sensor and oxygen output characteristics of a sensor in the initial state, and correcting the sensor output in accordance with the amount of the change.

Abstract: Provided are an environmental gas sensor and a method of manufacturing the same. The environmental gas sensor includes an insulating substrate, metal electrodes formed on the insulating substrate, and a sensing layer in which different kinds of nanofibers are arranged perpendicular to each other on the metal electrodes. Thus, the environmental gas sensor can simultaneously sense two kinds of gases.

Abstract: A control device for a gas sensor is configured to: receive a mode command to specify one of a plurality of sensor energization modes including at least a gas concentration detection mode, a protection mode and a pre-energization mode; switch a sensor element of the gas sensor into the one of the plurality of sensor energization modes according to the mode command; judge satisfaction of a certain condition where the mode command is to specify the gas concentration detection mode and the sensor element is in any of the plurality of sensor energization modes other than the pre-energization mode at the time of receipt of the mode command; and prohibit the sensor element from switching over to the gas concentration detection mode when the certain condition is satisfied.

Abstract: A sensor control apparatus includes an applied voltage control circuit connected to the positive terminal of a sensor element. The applied voltage control circuit includes a reference power supply and a noninverting amplifier circuit connected to the reference power supply. An AC power supply circuit, a buffer and a current measurement resistance are connected in series to the negative terminal of the sensor element with the current measurement resistance disposed between the AC power supply circuit and the sensor element. One terminal of the current measurement resistance, which is on the side opposite to the sensor element, is held at a reference voltage (center voltage of an AC voltage generated from the AC power supply circuit). Voltage at an intermediate point between the current measurement resistance and the sensor element is inputted via a low-pass filter to the noninverting amplifier circuit of the applied voltage control circuit.

Abstract: There is provided a gas sensor, which includes a sensor element extending axially of the gas sensor and having a gas sensing portion at a front end thereof and an electrode portion at a rear end thereof, a cylindrical metal shell retaining therein the sensor element with the gas sensing portion and the electrode portion protruding from front and rear ends of the metal shell, respectively, and having a flange portion and a rear end portion located on a rear side of the flange portion, a cylindrical protection cover having a front end fitted onto the rear end portion of the metal shell so as to cover the electrode portion and a weld joint through which the entire circumference of the front end of the protection cover is joined through the metal shell. The weld joint extends from an end face of the protection cover to the metal shell.

Abstract: An actual intake air quantity at the time when the intake air quantity is changed compulsorily with an EGR valve is measured with an airflow meter. An oxygen concentration of exhaust gas after combustion in a diesel engine is estimated based on the measured actual intake air quantity and a fuel injection quantity of the diesel engine. The estimated oxygen concentration is compared with an actual oxygen concentration sensed with an A/F sensor, thereby sensing response of the A/F sensor. Even if a response time for causing a change in the intake air quantity with the EGR valve changes, the change of the response time does not affect the estimate of the oxygen concentration since the oxygen concentration is estimated based on the actual intake air quantity. Therefore, the response of the A/F sensor can be sensed with high accuracy.

Abstract: A gas sensor including a detection element having a detection portion; a metal shell that surrounds the detection element so as to expose the detection portion to a measured atmosphere; an outer tube that is fixed to the metal shell so as to cover a rear end side of the detection element; and a seal member that is contained inside the outer tube, the seal member having a lead wire insertion hole and a through hole that penetrates in the axial direction; a tubular holding member made of a resin having a lower coefficient of thermal expansion than the seal member, the tubular holding member being held inside the through hole, the tubular holding member having a ventilation hole; and a filter that covers the ventilation hole, the filter being joined to the holding member, the filter blocking water from passing therethrough, and the filter having air permeability.

Abstract: A degradation detector of an exhaust gas sensor is disclosed. The detector comprises a first heater resistance estimator (16) for estimating a resistance of a heater that heats the exhaust gas sensor, based on a device resistance of the exhaust gas sensor; a heater resistance calculator (17) for calculating a resistance of the heater, based on a heater current of the heater; and a degradation determiner (18) for determining whether the exhaust gas sensor is degraded, by comparing the estimated resistance of the heater and the calculated resistance of the heater.

Abstract: A sensor control device for controlling a current application state of a gas sensor element when measuring a specific gas component concentration in a gas to be measured using the gas sensor element, which sensor control device includes: at least one cell having a solid electrolyte body and a pair of electrodes; a sensor heating unit as defined herein; an oxygen reference pole generating unit as defined herein; a damage avoidance time elapse determining unit as defined herein; and a reference generation current application permitting unit as defined herein.

Abstract: Exhaust-gas sensors that have a sensor element, which is surrounded by two protective tubes on a side facing the exhaust gas and which is additionally protected by a porous fiber package, are already known. The fiber package is disposed between the two protective tubes and is meant to protect the sensor element from thermal shock by water droplets hitting the sensor element. When the exhaust gas sensor is used as primary catalytic converter or raw emission sensor, the sensor element can get damaged by sulfur compounds contained in the exhaust gas. In the exhaust-gas sensor according to the invention, damage to the sensor element by exhaust-gas components contained in the exhaust gas is reliably prevented. According to the invention, the adsorption means is implemented in such a way that sulfur, phosphorus or silicon compounds are trapped irreversibly.

Abstract: A gas sensing member has a unit structure and a porous protective layer disposed on the unit structure. The unit structure has a solid electrolyte body, a gas measurement electrode disposed on a surface of the body and exposed to a measured gas entering at a gas inlet, a reference gas electrode disposed on another surface of the body and exposed to a reference gas, and a heater disposed close to the body. The heater has a heater substrate and heating elements disposed in the heater substrate. The heating elements heat the body. The heater substrate has side corner areas placed on side corners of the unit structure and being adjacent to the heating elements. The protective layer is disposed on the gas inlet such that the side corner areas are not covered with the protective layer and are directly exposed to the measured gas.

Abstract: A metal compound (50) able to trap a sulfur component in exhaust gas is arranged in a flow path of the exhaust gas, a property of the metal compound (50) changing along with an increase of the amount of sulfur component trapped at the metal compound (50) is measured, and the cumulative value of the amount of SOX actually contained in the exhaust gas is calculated from the measured property. On the other hand, the assumed cumulative value of the amount of SOX, assumed to be contained in the exhaust gas when assuming that fuel or oil of a sulfur concentration assumed in advance is used, is calculated. It is judged if fuel or oil with a high sulfur concentration is being used from the actual cumulative value of the amount of SOX and the assumed cumulative value of the amount of SOX.

Abstract: An ammonia gas sensor including a reference electrode (320) is formed on the back surface of a solid electrolyte member (310), and a detection electrode (335) is formed on the front surface of the solid electrolyte member (310). A detection lead (350) is provided on the front surface of the solid electrolyte member (310) such that the detection lead (350) is connected to the detection electrode (335). An insulating layer (340), (380) is provided between the detection lead (350) and the solid electrolyte member (310), or on the detection lead (350).

Abstract: An air-fuel ratio sensor includes a solid electrolyte layer, a measuring electrode laminated on a first face of the solid electrolyte layer, a reference electrode laminated on a second face of the solid electrolyte layer which is different from the first face thereof, such that the reference electrode and the measuring electrode are opposed to each other with the solid electrolyte layer interposed therebetween, a porous diffusion resistance layer that permits gas to pass therethrough and covers the measuring electrode, and a catalyst layer including a catalyst metal and a base material on which the catalyst metal is supported. The catalyst layer permits gas to pass therethrough and covers the porous diffusion resistance layer. The catalyst metal is a platinum-palladium-rhodium alloy, and contains 2 to 9 mass % of rhodium when the overall amount of the catalyst layer is represented as 100 mass %.

Abstract: The output signal of a pre-catalytic converter lambda probe and the output signal of a controller are used to determine an inherent delay time of the pre-catalytic converter lambda probe, for example due to aging of the probe, by measuring, for example, the separation between maxima in these output signals. The pre-catalytic converter lambda probe is installed in an exhaust gas system of an arrangement wherein an internal combustion engine operated under controlled conditions. The determined delay time can be used to determine the oxygen storage capacity of an oxygen store associated with a catalytic converter in the arrangement by determining with the pre-catalytic converter lambda probe the start of a time interval over which integration takes place, and determining the actual end time of the integration by adding the delay time to an end time determined from an output signal of the post-catalytic converter lambda probe.

Abstract: A fuel property determining apparatus is provided that can reduce power consumption in energization of a fuel property sensor by efficiently determining a fuel property as determined by activating the fuel property sensor. Upon starting an internal combustion engine, it is determined whether or not determination is made of the fuel property in a preceding trip. When the fuel property is determined in the preceding trip, a switch is turned ON to activate the fuel property sensor after waiting for a short period of time after the start of the internal combustion engine. When the fuel property is not determined in the preceding trip, the switch is turned ON to activate the fuel property sensor immediately after the start of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: To provide a gas sensor element having a base body whose durability is unlikely to deteriorate during the use and exhibiting excellent endurance and responsiveness. [Means for Solution] A gas sensor element 2 comprising: a closed-bottomed cylindrical base body 28 made of solid electrolyte which contains zirconia as a principal component; an outer electrode 26 formed on an outer surface of the base body 28; an inner electrode 27 formed on an inner surface of the base body 28; and an adhesive layer 29 formed between the base body 28 and the outer electrode 26 and containing zirconia as a principal component, wherein a proportion of tetragonal in zirconia particles of the base body 28 falls within the range from 45% or more to 60% or less and, wherein a proportion of tetragonal in zirconia particles of the adhesive layer 29 is greater than that of tetragonal in zirconia particles of the base body 28.

Abstract: A gas sensor control device is disclosed as including a sensor cell having a negative terminal, to which a current-voltage converter is connected, and a differential amplifier is connected to the current-voltage converter to provide a current measured result applied to a microcomputer. The current-voltage converter has an opposite-to-sensor terminal to which another differential amplifier is connected. A sensor-side terminal of the current-voltage converter and another differential amplifier is electrically connected to each other via an electric pathway having a sensor-current flow disabling pathway in which a switch circuit is provided. Closing the switch circuit allows a potential difference between both terminals of the current-voltage converter is zeroed. With the switch circuit closed, the microcomputer calculates an element current correcting value, while detecting an electromotive force of the sensor cell based on which a failure is determined.

Abstract: A gas sensor includes zinc oxide nano-structures formed on a substrate, a plurality of metal islands coated on a surface of each zinc oxide nano-structure and separated from one another, a first electrode electrically connected to one end of each zinc oxide nano-structure through the substrate, a second electrode electrically connected to the other end of each zinc oxide nano-structure, and a current variation-measuring unit electrically connected to each of the first electrode and the second electrode so as to measure a variation in the amount of current flowing between the first electrode and the second electrode. In order to form the plurality of metal islands on the zinc oxide nano-structures, a solution of metal components of a metal material is coated on the surface of each zinc oxide nano-structure.

Abstract: An electrochemical gas sensor is disclosed which comprises a gas sensing electrode and a counter electrode disposed within a housing, the housing having an aperture for gas ingress, the gas sensing electrode and counter electrode being separated by a region containing electrolyte, and means for connecting the gas sensing electrode and the counter electrode to a sensing circuit. An electrolyte-absorbing element is disposed inboard of the aperture, between the housing and the gas sensing electrode, in order to absorb electrolyte passing through the gas sensing electrode whilst maintaining a gas path through the electrolyte-absorbing element.

Abstract: A procedure to calculate the Lambda value with a wideband Lambda sensor of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle is thereby characterized, in that from the measured pumping electricity and the sensitivities of the wideband Lambda sensor as well as the gas concentration ratios, in the lean operation an oxygen concentration and in the rich operation an oxygen deficit are determined and from these respectively a conclusion is drawn about the Lambda value using the Pischinger Formula.

Abstract: A system of detection and analysis of gas or fuel oil flames using optical devices, consisting of a sensor that targets the flame's reaction zone through an optical access, a processing and control module, and an actuator, responsible for controlling the damper. The system optimizes combustion equipment operation by controlling the damper, obtaining better performance and reducing polluting emissions.

Abstract: The present invention provides, as one aspect, a signal processor for a gas sensor that is disposed in an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine and senses concentration of a specific component in exhaust gas. The signal processor includes a calculation unit that performs moderation operation at every instant for a sensor output of the gas sensor, an evaluation unit that evaluates a degree of pressure variation impact on the sensor output caused in the exhaust passage, and a change unit that changes a mode of the moderation operation according to a result of the evaluation by the evaluation unit.

Abstract: An air-fuel ratio imbalance among cylinders determining apparatus (a determining apparatus) according to an aspect of the present invention, obtains a parameter X for imbalance determination which becomes larger as a variation of an air-fuel ratio of an exhaust gas passing through a position at which the air-fuel ratio sensor is disposed becomes larger, based on an output value Vabyfs of an air-fuel ratio sensor 67. At the same time, the determining apparatus changes a target air-fuel ratio which is a target value of an air-fuel ratio of a mixture supplied to an engine to “an air-fuel ratio (a target rich air-fuel ratio AFrich or a target lean air-fuel ratio AFlean) other than a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio” from the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio. Accordingly, the determining apparatus can obtain the parameter X for imbalance determination in a state in which a responsivity of the air-fuel ratio sensor 67 is not low.

Abstract: A plateau phase of a test signal of an exhaust gas probe located in a catalytic converter is detected following a jump from a preset rich air/fuel ratio in a combustion chamber of one cylinder to a preset lean air/fuel ratio, the plateau phase being obtained following the jump, and the duration is determined as a storage period. A plateau phase of the test signal, which is obtained following a jump from a preset lean air/fuel ratio to a preset rich air/fuel ratio, is detected following the jump, and the duration of the plateau phase is determined as an evacuation period. An allocation rule for assigning the test signal to a detected air/fuel ratio is adjusted according to the storage period and the evacuation period. To calibrate the exhaust gas probe, the allocation rule is adapted according to a plateau value of the test signal during the plateau phase.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an exhaust gas sensor allows the manufacturer to selectively control the air-voltage range of the manufactured sensor between a first air-voltage range and a second air-voltage range. The sensor includes a signal wire and a ground wire. The method includes using a high nickel alloy for both of the signal wire and the ground wire to manufacture a sensor in the first air-voltage range, and using a high nickel alloy for only one of the signal wire and the ground wire to manufacture a sensor in the second air-voltage range. The air-voltage ranges are those associated with a lean-application normalized air/fuel ratio of ?>1.

Abstract: The control apparatus for the internal combustion engine includes: a unit for detecting the change in the alcohol concentration of a fuel supplied to the internal combustion engine including a plurality of cylinders; a unit for detecting an air-fuel ratio variation between the plurality of cylinders; a unit for making the failure diagnosis when the air-fuel ratio variation between the plurality of cylinders exceeds a predetermined threshold value; and a unit for inhibiting the failure diagnosis executed based on the air-fuel ratio variation between the plurality of cylinders when the change in the alcohol concentration is detected.

Abstract: A plural-cell gas sensor including at least an oxygen pump cell (40) comprising a solid electrolyte ceramic layer; an internal space (210) formed between the cells; and a heater substrate (190) arranged on the side of the oxygen pump cell; the heater substrate heating the oxygen pump cell that pumps oxygen out of the internal space.

Abstract: Provided is a control device for an internal combustion engine that can execute a sulfur purge in a favorable manner under all conditions without complicating the control action or the engine structure. The process comprises detecting a temperature of the NOx catalytic converter, detecting an exhaust air fuel ratio in the catalytic converter, computing a target exhaust air fuel ratio according to a detected temperature of the NOx catalytic converter, and controlling a fuel injection valve so as to make an actual exhaust fuel ratio agree with the target exhaust air fuel ratio. If the temperature of the NOx catalytic converter is not high enough to enable a sulfur purge, a temperature increase control is executed to increase the temperature of the NOx catalytic converter by suitably changing various engine parameters.

Abstract: An electrochemical gas sensor (9) has improved electrochemical measurement properties and housing tightness for an electrolyte at the sites at which the connection lines (11, 21, 31) pass through. The sensor (9) includes a housing (4), containing at least one measuring electrode (1) and a counterelectrode (2) and with electric connection lines (11, 21, 31) from the electrodes (1, 2, 3) to a measuring unit (8) arranged outside the housing (4). The electric connection lines (11, 21, 31) include carbon nanotubes (CNT, Carbon Nanotubes) at least in some sections in the housing (4) in the area of the electrolyte wetting.

Abstract: A sensor assembly is discussed. The sensor assembly may include a housing. The housing may include an inlet port and an outlet port. The sensor assembly may also include a sensing element disposed within the housing and extending along a longitudinal axis from a first end towards a second end. The sensing element may include heating elements. The sensor assembly may also include a sleeve circumferentially disposed about the sensing element. The sleeve may include a first passageway on a first side of the sensing element and a second passageway on an opposite second side of the sensing element. The first passageway and the second passageway may be longitudinal passageways extending along a length of the sensing element. The sleeve may also include an inlet orifice on one side of the sleeve and an outlet orifice on an opposite side of the sleeve. The inlet orifice may fluidly couple the inlet port with the first passageway and the outlet orifice may fluidly couple the outlet port with the second passageway.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining an NH3 concentration in exhaust gases from an engine are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a method includes generating a first signal from an NH3 sensor fluidly communicating with the exhaust gases. The method further includes generating a second signal from an air humidity sensor disposed proximate to an air intake manifold of the engine indicating a humidity level. The method further includes determining an air/fuel ratio associated with the engine. The method further includes determining an NH3 deviation value in a calibration table based on the second signal and the air/fuel ratio, utilizing a controller. The method further includes determining an NH3 concentration value based on the first signal and the NH3 deviation value, utilizing the controller. The NH3 concentration value is indicative of the NH3 concentration in the exhaust gases. The method further includes storing the NH3 concentration value in a memory device, utilizing the controller.

Abstract: A particulate matter sensor which may be used as an onboard particulate matter diagnostic sensor includes an insulating base that has at least a pair of opposing plane surfaces, an electrode nucleus that is formed on one of the pair of opposing plane surfaces of the base, and forms an electrode when a conductive substance adheres to the plane surface, and an electrode that is disposed parallel to the electrode nucleus and is provided on the other of the pair of opposing plane surfaces, or provided on a side surface of the base that is adjacent to the pair of opposing plane surfaces, or provided inside the base.

Abstract: In a sensor diagnosis process, a controller for controlling an NOx gas sensor performs processing of changing the oxygen partial pressure in a second measurement chamber by changing the oxygen partial pressure in a first measurement chamber (S190), processing of detecting a current flowing through a second pump cell before the change of the oxygen partial pressure (S180), and processing of detecting a current flowing through the second pump cell after the change of the oxygen partial pressure (S230). Furthermore, the controller performs processing of judging whether or not the ratio between the current values detected by the respective current detecting unit falls within an allowable range, judging that the second pump cell 113 is in a normal state if the ratio between the current values falls within the allowable range, and judging that the second pump cell 113 is in a deteriorated state if the ratio between the current values is out of the allowable range (S240 and S250).

Abstract: A single cell oxygen sensor apparatus and method are disclosed. An yttrium-based stabilized layer having electrical terminals connected to the yttrium-based stabilized layer can be provided on a substrate, wherein the yttrium-based stabilized layer is excitable by a constant current applied to the electrical terminals. A plurality of electrodes are located on a side of the yttrium-based stabilized layer and a plurality of heater elements located on said substrate opposite said yttrium-based stabilized layer. The heater elements can maintain the yttrium-based stabilized layer at a particular temperature. A cavity is formed and located between the yttrium-based stabilized layer and the heater elements. The partial pressure of oxygen can be measured by comparing the partial pressure of oxygen within the cavity with respect to the partial pressure of oxygen in the atmosphere external to the single cell oxygen sensor apparatus.

Abstract: A heating module for an oxygen sensor comprises an estimated mass module, a cumulative mass module, and a temperature control module. The estimated mass module determines an estimated mass of intake air to remove condensation from an exhaust system after startup of an engine. The cumulative mass module determines a cumulative mass of intake air after the engine startup. The temperature control module adjusts a temperature of an oxygen sensor measuring oxygen in the exhaust system to a first predetermined temperature after the engine startup and adjusts the temperature to a second predetermined temperature when the cumulative air mass is greater than the estimated air mass, wherein the second predetermined temperature is greater than the first predetermined temperature.

Abstract: Using a gas detection voltage Vs output from a terminal CU, a determination is made at to whether, after startup of an air-fuel ratio detection apparatus (1), a full-range air-fuel ratio sensor (10) has reached a semi-activated state in which a determination can be made as to whether the air-fuel ratio is on the rich or lean side based on a change in a gas detection signal Vic. After determining that the sensor has reached the semi-activated state, the signal Vic is compared with a threshold to determine whether the air-fuel ratio is on the rich or lean side. In the apparatus (1), the potential difference between an outer pump electrode of a pump cell (14) and a reference electrode of an oxygen concentration measurement cell (24) is obtained via a first differential amplification circuit (53) as the gas detection signal Vic, the signal Vic being highly responsive to a change in air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas.

Abstract: A sensor control apparatus comprising an air/fuel ratio sensor having a sensor cell with a pair of electrodes, a current source capable of supplying a predetermined current between the electrodes, a current control section that turns on/off the current source, a voltage detecting section that detects voltages generated between the electrodes at respective times when the current source is turned on and off, a differential voltage detecting section that detects a differential voltage between the voltages that are generated at the respective times when the current source is turned on and off, a first voltage comparing section that compares the differential voltage with a first threshold voltage, and a half-activated state determining section that determines that the sensor cell has reached a half-activated state when the differential voltage is lower than the first threshold voltage. A sensor control method is also provided.

Abstract: The gas sensor control apparatus is for controlling a gas sensor including a sensor element having a solid electrolyte layer, and first and second electrodes located on opposite sides of the solid electrolyte layer, the first electrode serving as a gas detecting electrode, the second electrode serving as a reference electrode, the sensor element generating, as a sensor output, a current flowing between the first and second electrodes having a value depending on concentration of a specific gas component contained in a gas under measurement. The gas sensor control apparatus includes a determination function of determining whether or not it is time for the gas sensor to start operation, and a control function of forcibly supplying oxygen from a side of the second electrode to a side of the first electrode on a temporary basis when a determination result of the first function becomes affirmative.

Abstract: The control apparatus for the internal combustion engine includes: a unit for detecting the change in the alcohol concentration of a fuel supplied to the internal combustion engine including a plurality of cylinders; a unit for detecting an air-fuel ratio variation between the plurality of cylinders; a unit for making the failure diagnosis when the air-fuel ratio variation between the plurality of cylinders exceeds a predetermined threshold value; and a unit for inhibiting the failure diagnosis executed based on the air-fuel ratio variation between the plurality of cylinders when the change in the alcohol concentration is detected.

Abstract: A sensor element is provided for determining a physical property of a measuring gas, especially of the concentration of at least one gas component in the measuring gas, which has at least one ceramic layer, a diffusion barrier adjoining the at least one ceramic layer and at least one electrode that is exposed to the measuring gas diffusing through the diffusion barrier. In order to reduce the production variations with respect to the static pressure dependence and the limiting current of the diffusion barrier), the proportions of silicon in the diffusion barrier and in the at least one ceramic layer are approximately equal and differ by not more than 1 wt. %.

Abstract: A method for determining an air ratio in a burner for a fuel cell heater having an ionization sensor in the range of the flame and which is fed with two different gases for combustion, one of said gases being obtained from a gas treatment, wherein a measurement signal of the ionization sensor is converted into an actual value for the air ratio depending on one or more variable of states of the gas treatment.

Abstract: A gas sensor is equipped with a cover assembly made up of an outer cover and an inner cover in which a gas sensor element is disposed. The outer cover has an outer gas inlet and an outer gas outlet formed closer to a top end of the cover assembly than the outer gas inlet. The inner cover has an inner gas inlet formed closer to the top end of the cover assembly than the outer gas inlet. The inner gas inlet is oriented to minimize the entry of drops of water having entered along with a gas to be measured into the inner cover to avoid splashing of the gas sensor element with the water.

Abstract: In a method for determining a correction value ?k for the lambda center position ?m which is specified in the control of the air/fuel ratio which is force-modulated between a first lean lambda value ?1 and a second rich lambda value ?2 and supplied to an internal combustion engine or a catalyst, using the signal from a binary jump sensor downstream from a catalyst volume, and whenever the jump sensor signal U? jumps from “lean” to “rich” or from “rich” to “lean” the air/fuel ratio is switched back and forth between the lean lambda value ?1 and the rich lambda value ?2, it is proposed that the time period between two signal jumps U?, which indicates the residence time T1 in the lean phase or the residence time T2 in the rich phase, is determined, and the correction value ?k is determined from the first lean lambda value ?1, the second rich lambda value ?2, the first residence time T1, and the second residence time T2.

Abstract: An exhaust gas sensor device for detecting a concentration of at least one exhaust gas component in the exhaust gas line of an internal combustion engine is described, having at least one ChemFET for detecting the oxygen content of the exhaust gas. In addition, a corresponding engine control device and an engine control method are described.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a performance of an oxygen sensor is disclosed. One embodiment comprises determining a first air/fuel ratio from a signal from an exhaust oxygen sensor; determining a second air/fuel ratio from a temperature upstream of the particulate filter, a pressure differential across the particulate filter and one or more of an airflow into the engine and a fuel flow into the engine; comparing the first air/fuel ratio and the second air/fuel ratio; and diagnosing an error condition of the oxygen sensor if the first air/fuel ratio does not meet a predetermined condition relative to the second air/fuel ratio.

Abstract: An oxygen sensor generating an accurate output concerning low-concentration exhaust gas positioned downstream of a three-way catalyst. The oxygen sensor includes an exhaust gas side electrode exposed to an exhaust gas; a reference gas side electrode exposed to a reference gas serving as a reference for oxygen concentration; and an electrolyte positioned between the exhaust gas side electrode and the reference gas side electrode. Further, a reduction mechanism positioned toward a front surface of the exhaust gas side electrode ensures the ratio of the amount of exhaust gas introduced to the exhaust gas side electrode to the amount of an exhaust gas flow to the outside of the oxygen sensor is smaller than the ratio of the amount of exhaust gas introduced to an electrode for the air-fuel ratio sensor to the amount of an exhaust gas flow to the outside of the air-fuel ratio sensor.

Abstract: A deterioration diagnosis system for an air fuel sensor mounted to an exhaust pipe of an internal combustion engine. The air fuel sensor determines a mixture ratio of air and fuel fed into the internal combustion engine. In the system, an inclination of an output signal of the air-fuel ratio sensor is calculated; variance of the inclination is calculated; deterioration of the air-fuel ratio sensor is determined based on the variance of the inclination.