Patent FR997046A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4040929A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Oxygen sensor having thin film electrolyte
Assignee: Universal Oil Products Co
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Filing: 1975-09-15
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Granted: 1977-08-09
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Expires: 1995-09-15
Abstract
Abstract Oxygen sensor incorporating a thin film electrolyte such as yttria stabilized zirconia sputtered onto a substrate produces an electrical signal in response to differences in oxygen partial pressures. The electrical signal changes rapidly enough for useful operation at temperatures which are substantially lower than those required by conventional oxygen sensors having a rigid, self-supporting thimble, tubular, or disc type electrolyte. For example, rapidly responding signals have been generated at temperatures below 200° C whereas state of the art devices such as those used for sensing exhaust gases in automotive vehicles require temperatures higher than about 400° C.
Inventors
- 👤 Carl F. Bauer
- 👤 Lawrence B. Welsh
- 👤 Karl J. Youtsey
- 👤 Frank R. Szofran
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 13:53
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N27/00; G01N27/26; G01N27/403; G01N27/406; G01N27/407; G01N27/4071
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
78 words
A thin film oxygen sensor comprising a substrate; a reference electrode coating on the substrate; an oxide-electrode interface region; a thin film layer of solid electrolyte having a thickness of less than about 1.5 μm; and a porous measuring electrode coating on the electrolyte; said oxide-electrode interface region being positioned between and in intimate contact with said reference electrode coating and said solid electrolyte so as to provide a stable reference oxygen partial pressure at the reference electrode.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
78 words
A thin film oxygen sensor comprising a substrate; a reference electrode coating on the substrate; an oxide-electrode interface region; a thin film layer of solid electrolyte having a thickness of less than about 1.5 μm; and a porous measuring electrode coating on the electrolyte; said oxide-electrode interface region being positioned between and in intimate contact with said reference electrode coating and said solid electrolyte so as to provide a stable reference oxygen partial pressure at the reference electrode.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The oxygen sensor of claim 1 wherein said electrolyte comprises zirconia doped with 6-10% yttria.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The oxygen sensor of claim 1 wherein said electrolyte has a thickness of less than about 0.5 μm.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The oxygen sensor of claim 1 wherein said electrolyte has a thickness of less than about 0.1 μm.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
11 words
The oxygen sensor of claim 1 wherein said substrate is non-metallic.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The oxygen sensor of claim 1 wherein said oxide-electrode interface region comprises a metal oxide.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
The oxygen sensor of claim 1 wherein said oxide-electrode interface region comprises the metal of the reference electrode.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The oxygen sensor of claim 1 wherein said oxide-electrode interface region comprises oxides of a plurality of metals.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
The oxygen sensor of claim 1 wherein said oxide-electrode interface region comprises a plurality of oxides of a single metal.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
77 words
A thin film oxygen sensor comprising a metal substrate which performs as a reference electrode; an oxide-electrode interface region; a thin film layer of solid electrolyte having a thickness of less than about 1.5 μm; and a porous measuring electrode coating on the electrolyte; said oxide-electrode interface region being positioned between and in intimate contact with said reference electrode and said solid electrolyte so as to provide a stable reference oxygen partial pressure at the reference electrode.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
77 words
A thin film oxygen sensor comprising a metal substrate which performs as a reference electrode; an oxide-electrode interface region; a thin film layer of solid electrolyte having a thickness of less than about 1.5 μm; and a porous measuring electrode coating on the electrolyte; said oxide-electrode interface region being positioned between and in intimate contact with said reference electrode and said solid electrolyte so as to provide a stable reference oxygen partial pressure at the reference electrode.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
13 words
The oxygen sensor of claim 10 where said metal substrate is stainless steel.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
The oxygen sensor of claim 10 wherein said electrolyte has a thickness of less than about 0.5 μm.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
18 words
The oxygen sensor of claim 10 wherein said electrolyte has a thickness of less than about 0.1 μm.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-08-08 | 1981-02-07 | 1981-08-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-08-08 | 1985-02-07 | 1985-08-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-08-08 | 1989-02-07 | 1989-08-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |