Patent ID: 6592254
Filing Date: 2003-07-15
Classification: G01K

Abstract:
A temperature sensor for approximating fluid temperature averaged at multiple points, the sensor comprising:a plurality of thermistors, each thermistor having a first lead, a second lead, and a sensing element which changes electrical response between the first and second leads as a function of temperature; circuit wires electrically connecting the thermistors in a spaced relationship in a circuit via attachment to the leads, each circuit wire being formed of metal; sheathing around the circuit wires, such that a single sheathing defines a sheathing lumen containing all circuit wires running between adjacent, electrically connected thermistors; and clips bridging each thermistor, each clip having a first attachment tab for securing to the sheathing on one side of the thermistor, a second attachment tab for securing to the sheathing on the other side of the thermistor, and a bridge portion running between the first attachment tab and the second attachment tab, the bridge portion being sufficiently strong to transfer stress between attached sheathings, wherein first sheathing on one side of the thermistor terminates at an end located prior to an electrical connection between the circuit wire and the first lead of the thermistor on that one side of the thermistor, and wherein second sheathing on the other side of the thermistor begins at a start located after an electrical connection between the second lead of the thermistor and the circuit wire on that other side of the thermistor, the sensor further comprising: insulation defining an insulation lumen extending over each thermistor from the end of the first sheathing on one side to the start of the second sheathing on the other side of each thermistor, the insulation being formed of a dielectric material; wherein the attachment tabs of the clips are bent around the insulation and the sheathing, and wherein the bridge portion extends outside the insulation.