Patent ID: 6643909
Filing Date: 2003-11-11
Classification: G01B,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of making a proximity probe, the steps including:providing a preform having an interior cavity accessible by an opened rearward end; coupling a coil to the preform proximate a forward most end of the preform for defining a coil and preform assembly; supporting the coil and preform assembly from within the interior cavity of the preform by axially locating a support pin through the rearward end such that the support pin extends within the interior cavity of the preform while having an end emanating from the opened rearward end of the preform; cantilevering the end of the support pin between an upper and a lower mold plate for supporting the coil and preform assembly within a mold cavity defined by the upper and lower mold plates; injecting moldable material into the mold cavity for molding an encapsulation of material over the coil and preform assembly wherein the encapsulated coil and preform assembly defines an encapsulated probe tip; allowing the encapsulated probe tip to cure; removing the encapsulated probe tip from the mold cavity; removing the support pin from the coil and preform assembly, and coupling a cable to the encapsulated probe tip after the injecting step for forming a proximity probe.