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US 7,022,968 B1Granted
Optical sensor that measures the light output by the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine
AssigneeNational Semiconductor Corporation
InventorsPeter J. Hopper, Philipp Lindorfer, Michael Mian, Robert Drury
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An optical sensor provides information about the burn of the fuel mixture in the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine as well as the timing and waveform of the spark that ignites the fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. The optical sensor can be implemented as a stand-alone device, or incorporated into a spark plug.
Claims20
A sensor comprising:
- an insulating jacket having a hole that extends through the insulating jacket;
- an imaging structure located completely in the hole, the imaging structure converting photons into an electrical signal;
- and
- an outer metal shell that fits around and contacts the insulating jacket.
1 more element
A sensor comprising:
- an insulating jacket having a hole that longitudinally extends through a portion of the insulating jacket;
- an imaging structure located in the hole, the imaging structure including:
- an imager that collects photon information;
- a wiring substrate connected to the imager;
- a plurality of wires connected to the wiring substrate that carry photon information and extend out of the hole;
- and
- a rigid structure that contacts the wiring substrate;
- and
- an outer metal shell that fits around and contacts the insulating jacket.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.