Michael A Gonzalez

US Patent:

6773577, Aug 10, 2004

Filed:

Sep 19, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/955791

Inventors:

Stephen H. Broy - Riverside CA
Michael A. Gonzalez - Pomona CA
Mann Nguyen - Walnut CA

Assignee:

Teledyne Technologies Incorporated - Los Angeles CA

International Classification:

G01N 27403

US Classification:

205775, 204401, 204431

Abstract:

A method is provided for detecting imminent failure of an electrochemical cell, such as an electrochemical oxygen sensor, including detecting the presence of a gas pocket in/over the electrolyte within the cell either optically, by differences in the path of a light beam through the cell, due to the different refractive indices of air or nitrogen gas and electrolyte solutions or electrically, by loss of electrolyte between a pair of electrodes. An electrochemical cell assembly also is provided having a gas pocket detection assembly. Lastly, a method for retrofitting an electrochemical cell with a gas pocket detection assembly also is provided, along with a kit for retrofitting a cell with a gas pocket detection assembly.

US Patent:

20030029721, Feb 13, 2003

Filed:

Aug 7, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/924009

Inventors:

Stephen Broy - Riverside CA, US
Michael Gonzalez - Pomona CA, US

International Classification:

G01N027/26

US Classification:

204/400000, 204/431000

Abstract:

An electrochemical gas sensor. One embodiment of the sensor may include a sensor body having a cavity, an electrolyte solution in the cavity, an auxiliary electrode in contact with the electrolyte solution, a sensing electrode in contact with the electrolyte solution, and a first baffle mounted within the cavity. The baffle comprises a plate with at least one aperture and serves to form a partial barrier for delaying the mixing process when liquid is added to the electrolyte solution. The sensor may also include a second such baffle. Also a method for mixing a liquid with electrolyte solution of an electrochemical sensor. The method includes forming a first barrier within the cavity and controlling the flow of the liquid introduced through the first barrier. The method may include forming a second such barrier and controlling the flow of the liquid through the first and second barriers.