Tomco

Other

Robert F Killion

Michael J Wolfe

Matthew J Donelon

Mary R Reidmeyer

An automotive lambda oxygen sensor is formed by electroless plating of a thin, catalytically active, conductive electrode uniformly on the outer surface of a zirconia thimble. The process includes forming a pristine zirconia solid electrolyte thimble and drilling out a cylindrical cavity in it. A porous outer surface suitable for producing crystallization sites is formed by dipping the unfired thimble in a zirconia slurry containing spray-dried microspheres and firing the coated thimble to densify the thimble and the microspheres and to produce cavities on the surface of the thimble. An inner platinum electrode is formed by conventional conductive ink painting on the axial cavity of the sensor, and the sensor is again fired. The surface is activated by immersion in an acetone chloroplatinic acid bath to form multiple crystallization points, heat treated, then plated in an electroless platinum bath to a desired thickness. After plating, the sensor is heat treated and a conventional spinel glaze coat is flame sprayed over the sensor. The process produces sensors which consistently provide rapid response times and stable operation.

Chemical plating method, electrolytic cell and automotive oxygen sensor using it

In an oxygen sensing unit, an oxygen sensing cell with a closed outer end is encircled by a side wall of a protective shell or shield, and recessed from an open mouth of the shell. The cell and shell are mounted in a plug made up of a closure cap with an externally threaded section and a plug body with an internally threaded section complementary to the externally threaded section of the closure cap, the two parts of the plug cooperating to hold and compress the shell and cell, mediately or immediately, and permit the removal and replacement of the cell.

Oxygen sensing unit

An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve for controlling the amount of exhaust entering the intake manifold of an internal combustion engine. The EGR valve comprises a universal base so that a single base may fit many makes and models of vehicles, a diaphragm valve having two ports facing opposite directions protruding from the top of said valve, making connection of a vacuum hose to the EGR valve easier, and a back pressure transducer wherein the transducer has means to alter the vacuum required to close the valve.

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Florissant, MO, United States of America

Robert F Killion