Paul C Kikuchi

US Patent:

6365880, Apr 2, 2002

Filed:

Dec 19, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/740776

Inventors:

Paul C. Kikuchi - Fenton MI
Walter T. Symons - Grand Blanc MI

Assignee:

Delphi Technologies, Inc. - Troy MI

International Classification:

H05B 302

US Classification:

219479

Abstract:

A heater for a gas sensor has a first thermistor element and a second thermistor element arranged in an electrically parallel configuration. Each thermistor element may be deposited onto a substrate such that the first thermistor element extends about a perimeter of the substrate and the second thermistor element extends across a portion of the substrate intermediate the perimeter of the substrate. The thermistor elements are preferably fabricated of materials having differing thermal coefficients of resistivity. A method of heating the gas sensor includes disposing the two thermistor elements in an electrically parallel configuration over a surface of the substrate and passing an electric current through the elements.

US Patent:

6435005, Aug 20, 2002

Filed:

Dec 19, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/741597

Inventors:

Paul C. Kikuchi - Fenton MI
Walter T. Symons - Grand Blanc MI

Assignee:

Delphi Technologies, Inc. - Troy MI

International Classification:

G01N 2712

US Classification:

73 2501, 73 2332, 73 3105, 338 34, 422 94, 29595, 29611

Abstract:

A heater pattern for a heater of a gas sensor in which a temperature profile is manipulated utilizes a thermistor element arranged in an electrically serial configuration and disposed on a substrate. The thermistor element is arranged so as to define an edge pattern extending about a perimeter of the substrate and a center pattern serially connected to the edge pattern. The center pattern extends over a portion of the substrate that is intermediate the perimeter of the substrate. In a preferred embodiment, the thermistor element is screen printed onto the substrate to a thickness of about 5 microns to about 50 microns, and preferably to a thickness of about 10 microns to about 40 microns. The edge and center patterns are furthermore preferably formed of materials having differing coefficients of thermal resistivity, e. g. , platinum and platinum/palladium blends. A method of heating the gas sensor includes disposing the thermistor element in an electrically serial configuration about a perimeter of the substrate and over a portion of the substrate intermediate the perimeter of the substrate and pass an electric current through the thermistor element.

US Patent:

6447658, Sep 10, 2002

Filed:

Dec 15, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/739548

Inventors:

Ming-Cheng Wu - Rochester Hills MI
Paul Kikuchi - Fenton MI

Assignee:

Delphi Technologies, Inc. - Troy MI

International Classification:

B05D 302

US Classification:

204424, 204431, 4271263, 4271264, 4273762, 4273855

Abstract:

A method for making a sensor is disclosed, comprising mixing a metal oxide with a polymer to create a composition. The composition is applied to at least a portion of the sensing element comprising two electrodes with an electrolyte disposed therebetween, and calcined to form a protective coating. A gas sensor created in accordance with the above-referenced method is also disclosed.

US Patent:

6468407, Oct 22, 2002

Filed:

Dec 19, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/741763

Inventors:

Eric P. Clyde - Midland MI
Paul Kikuchi - Fenton MI
Richard F. Beckmeyer - Clarkston MI
William J. LaBarge - Bay City MI

Assignee:

Delphi Technologies, Inc. - Troy MI

International Classification:

G01N 2726

US Classification:

204429, 204421, 204423, 204424, 204427, 204428, 204431, 204432

Abstract:

A sensor is disclosed that comprises an electrolyte disposed between and in intimate contact with a sensing electrode and a reference electrode. A protective coating is disposed on the protective layer adjacent to the sensing electrode. The protective coating comprises a mixture of a metal oxide, a zeolite, and an alumina. A method for making the sensor is also disclosed.

US Patent:

6486449, Nov 26, 2002

Filed:

Oct 29, 2001

Appl. No.:

10/020545

Inventors:

Paul C. Kikuchi - Fenton MI
Walter T. Symons - Grand Blanc MI

Assignee:

Delphi Technologies, Inc. - Troy MI

International Classification:

H05B 302

US Classification:

219479

Abstract:

A heater for a gas sensor has a first thermistor element and a second thermistor element arranged in an electrically parallel configuration. Each thermistor element may be deposited onto a substrate such that the first thermistor element extends about a perimeter of the substrate and the second thermistor element extends across a portion of the substrate intermediate the perimeter of the substrate. The thermistor elements are preferably fabricated of materials having differing thermal coefficients of resistivity. A method of heating the gas sensor includes disposing the two thermistor elements in an electrically parallel configuration over a surface of the substrate and passing an electric current through the elements.

US Patent:

6514397, Feb 4, 2003

Filed:

Dec 21, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/747369

Inventors:

William J. LaBarge - Bay City MI
Darrell H. Eldridge - Clarkston MI
Paul Casey Kikuchi - Fenton MI
Richard Eugene Fouts - Grand Blanc MI
Richard Frederick Beckmeyer - Davisburg MI

Assignee:

Delphi Technologies, Inc. - Troy MI

International Classification:

G01N 27407

US Classification:

204424, 204421, 204427

Abstract:

An exhaust gas sensor includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and an electrolyte disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The electrolyte includes a first portion disposed at least in partial physical contact and in ionic communication with a second portion. The first portion has a first portion grain size which is different than a second portion grain size. Further, a method for manufacturing a gas sensor includes forming a multiple portion electrolyte. The electrolyte is formed with a first portion having one grain size, and a second portion at least in partial physical contact and in ionic contact with the first portion, the second portion having a second portion grain size different from the first portion grain size. The electrolyte may be fired before or after application of an electrode in ionic contact with the first portion and a second electrode in ionic contact with said second portion.

US Patent:

6544405, Apr 8, 2003

Filed:

Dec 15, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/739520

Inventors:

Eric P. Clyde - Bay City MI
Paul Kikuchi - Fenton MI
Richard F. Beckmeyer - Davisburg MI
William J. LaBarge - Bay City MI

Assignee:

Delphi Technologies, Inc. - Troy MI

International Classification:

G01N 27407

US Classification:

2057845, 204424, 204429

Abstract:

An exhaust gas sensor element having an electrochemical cell, a protective material in fluid communication with the electrochemical cell, and a reactive inhibitive coating disposed over the protective material. The reactive inhibitive coating prevents the reaction of compounds with acids(e. g. , phosphates) in the exhaust gas, which may form a dense glass layer on the outside of the gas sensor. The reactive inhibitive coating is either an alkaline earth oxide ethoxide, and/or carbonate that is deposited on the gas sensor to a thickness so as to preferably provide an excess of either the alkaline earth material.

US Patent:

6562747, May 13, 2003

Filed:

Dec 19, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/741498

Inventors:

Walter Thomas Symons - Grand Blanc MI
Kaius Kiiren Polikarpus - Grand Blanc MI
Kerry J. Gross - New Lothrop MI
Da Yu Wang - Troy MI
Paul Casey Kikuchi - Fenton MI

Assignee:

Delphi Technologies, Inc. - Troy MI

International Classification:

H01M 810

US Classification:

501103, 501105, 429 33

Abstract:

The electrolyte comprises up to about 80 wt % zirconia, up to about 30 wt % stabilizer, and up to about 40 wt % dopant-zirconia. Alternatively, the electrolyte can comprise zirconia having a phase chemistry, wherein the phase chemistry, at about 25Â C. , is about 15 wt % to about 35 wt % monoclinic, less than about 10 wt % tetragonal, balance cubic, based upon the weight of the zirconia in the electrolyte.