US 5,626,785 A · Electrode assembly and method

Abstract

Assembly and method of installing an electrode of a predetermined size and configuration in an electric heater envelope having an electrode opening at a preselected position. The assembly and associated method consist of affixing a hollow compression fitting about or within the electrode opening and providing a sleeve of a refractory deformable dielectric material within the fitting through which the electrode passes into the envelope. Dielectric spacing means are positioned between the electrode and electrically conductive portions of the fitting or envelope to prevent electrical conduction therebetween. Compression fastening means are then provided, securable to the fitting, to impart sufficient compressive force to the assembly to deform the sleeve about the electrode, thereby effectively sealing and securing the electrode within the fitting without the electrode grounding against the fitting or the envelope.

Claims10

Dependent claims

A method for mounting an electrode in an envelope enclosing an electric heater for combustion engine exhaust gas connected to the electrode which comprises the steps of:

(a) providing an electrode opening in a wall of the envelope;
(b) providing a hollow fitting on the envelope wall, the fitting having a through bore which is in registry with the electrode opening;
(c) providing a circumferential stop within or proximate to the bore;
(d) positioning an electrode within the bore;
(e) providing between the electrode and bore at least one sleeve of a relatively deformable, high-temperature-resistant, dielectric material;
(f) providing at least one rigid spacing element formed of a high-temperature-resistant dielectric material between the electrode and adjacent electrically conductive portions of the envelope, fitting, and stop;
(g) securing sleeve compression means to the fitting while applying to the deformable sleeve a compressive force at least sufficient to bring the sleeve into sealing conformity with the electrode and bore, such that the electrode assembly provides an electrically insulated, gas-tight seal effective to prevent exhaust gas leakage from the envelope at high temperatures.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Electrode assembly and method

Life of this patent

Electrode assembly and method

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims10