The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 27, 1991
Filed:
May. 01, 1989
Maurice E Indig, Fremont, CA (US);
Laura L King, Raleigh, NC (US);
General Electric Company, San Jose, CA (US);
Abstract
The reference electrode probe of the present invention utilizes a metal/metal oxide/ZrO.sub.2 electrode sensor. Metal/metal oxide couples suitable include copper/copper oxide, tin/tin oxide, bismuth/bismuth oxide, and iron/iron oxide. The zirconia tube has a closed end and an open end. The closed end contains the metal/metal oxide powder and is retained therein by mineral insulation packing. A first annular metal sleeve is formed of metal exhibiting a coefficient of thermal expansion compatible with the zirconia tube and has a distal open end in sealing engagement with the open end of said zirconia tube. The first annular metal sleeve also has a proximal open end. An insulated first electrical conductor having a distal end in electrical connection with the metal/metal oxide powder extends through the mineral insulation packing and into the first annular sleeve. The first conductor also has a proximal end that terminates near the proximal end of the first annular sleeve. Advantageously, an annular ceramic tube is nested within said first annular metal sleeve and provides the insulation for the first electrical conductor. A signal transfer assembly is sealingly associated with the proximal end of the first annular sleeve. A second electrical conductor passes through the signal transfer assembly to its electrical connection with the first electrical conductor. The major advantages of the present invention over previous devices are its ability to withstand powerful radiation fields in high temperature, high pressure water; and construction features which avoid any leakage of the radioactive environment, which the sensor contacts, to the ambient.