Thermal flowmeter with detecting element supported by supports having engaging portions

U.S. Patent Number: 5315871

Abstract: A thermal flowmeter for determining a parameter of a fluid flowing through a passage, including a detecting element, and a pair of electrically conductive supports fixed to a wall defining the passage for supporting the detecting element. The detecting element includes a substrate, an electrically resistive body disposed on the substrate and having an electrical resistance which varies with an ambient temperature, and a pair of electrical conductors provided at opposite ends of the support and electrically connected to the electrically resistive body. The detecting element is positioned in the passage such that the electrical conductors are secured to the electrically conductive supports. The electrically conductive supports have respective engaging portions which engage the electrical conductors, respectively, for positioning the detecting element with respect to the wall of the passage.

Inventors: Yajima; Yasuhito (Nagoya, JP), Ishikawa; Zenji (Anjo, JP), Yamauchi; Syuichi (Nagoya, JP)

Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd. (JP)

Application Number: 08/037,447

Issued: 1994-05-31

Expired: 2006-05-31

Classes: 73/204.25 ; 338/318

Field of search: 73/204.25,204.26,204.27,118.2 338/25,276,318,322

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