Abstract:
A sensor apparatus is used for sensing a condition in a combustion chamber. The sensor apparatus includes a sensor housing having a sealed internal chamber. The sensor apparatus further includes a connector attached to an opening of the sensor housing. The connector transfers a signal indicative of the condition into the sensor housing. A fastener is secured to the connector. A sealing member is disposed between the connector and the fastener. The sealing member sealingly engages the connector to prevent fluid passage through the connector and into the internal chamber of the sensor housing. A method of sealing a sensor apparatus is also provided.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates to a flame sensor and, more particularly, to a flame sensor having a sealed housing. 
     2. Discussion of the Prior Art 
     Within an oil or gas fueled turbine, fuel is fed into a combustion chamber within which an ignition flame is present. If the flame becomes extinguished, commonly referred to as a flame-out condition, it is undesirable for fuel to continue to be fed into the hot combustion chamber without appropriate ignition. A flame sensor is generally used for detecting the presence or absence of an ignition flame within a combustion chamber of a gas turbine. Flame sensing electronics are commonly associated with the flame sensor and may be exposed to a wide range of temperatures, such as in the range of 25° Celsius (77° Fahrenheit) to about 150° Celsius (302° Fahrenheit). Due to these temperature fluctuations, a housing that houses the flame sensing electronics will exhibit thermal expansion, causing leakage and allowing for the ingress of moisture. This moisture adversely affects the flame sensing electronics and, thus, reduces the accuracy of the flame sensor. 
     Accordingly, it would be useful to provide a flame sensor having a sealed housing that limits moisture from entering and affecting the flame sensing electronics at elevated temperatures. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some example aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. Moreover, this summary is not intended to identify critical elements of the invention nor delineate the scope of the invention. The sole purpose of the summary is to present some concepts of the invention in simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. 
     In accordance with one aspect, the present invention provides a sensor apparatus for sensing a condition in a combustion chamber. The sensor apparatus includes a sensor housing having a sealed internal chamber. The sensor apparatus further includes a connector attached to an opening of the sensor housing. The connector transfers a signal indicative of the condition into the sensor housing. A fastener is secured to the connector. A sealing member is disposed between the connector and the fastener. The sealing member sealingly engages the connector to prevent fluid passage through the connector and into the internal chamber of the sensor housing. 
     In accordance with another aspect, the present invention provides a sensor apparatus for sensing a condition. The sensor apparatus includes a sensor housing having a sealed internal chamber. A connector is attached to the sensor housing and extends at least partially into the internal chamber of the sensor housing. A fastener is secured to the connector. The fastener includes an internal bore that is sized to receive the connector. A sealing member is positioned within the internal bore of the fastener. The sealing member is compressed by the fastener into a sealing engagement with the connector to prevent fluid passage through the connector and into the internal chamber of the sensor housing. 
     In accordance with another aspect, the present invention provides a method of sealing a sensor apparatus. The method includes the steps of providing a sensor housing having a sealed internal chamber. The method further includes the step of positioning a connector to extend at least partially into the internal chamber of the sensor housing. The method further includes the step of attaching a fastener to the connector such that the connector is received within an internal bore of the fastener. The method further includes the step of compressing a sealing member between the fastener and the connector such that the sealing member forms a seal with the connector and prevents fluid passage through the connector and into the internal chamber of the sensor housing. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention relates upon reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a partially exploded, schematized cross-section view of an example flame sensor apparatus in accordance with at least one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an enlarged, reverse-angle sectional view of an example sensor housing of the flame sensor apparatus of  FIG. 1  including an example connecting assembly in a partially attached state with respect to the sensor housing; 
         FIG. 3  is a view similar to  FIG. 2  but with the connecting assembly fully attached with respect to the sensor housing: 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged and further schematized view of the connecting assembly depicting a range of strains and stresses within the sealing member when the connecting assembly is in the partially attached state; 
         FIG. 5  is a view of the connecting assembly similar to  FIG. 4 , but depicting a range of strains and stresses within the sealing member when the connecting assembly is in the fully attached state at ambient temperature; and 
         FIG. 6  is a view of the connecting assembly similar to  FIG. 4 , but depicting a range of strains and stresses within the sealing member when the connecting assembly is in the fully attached state at an elevated temperature. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Example embodiments that incorporate one or more aspects of the present invention are described and illustrated in the drawings. These illustrated examples are not intended to be a limitation on the present invention. For example, one or more aspects of the present invention can be utilized in other embodiments and even other types of devices. Moreover, certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present invention. Still further, in the drawings, the same reference numerals are employed for designating the same elements. 
       FIG. 1  schematically illustrates an example sensor apparatus  10  for monitoring characteristics of a flame  12 . The flame  12  is located within a combustion chamber  16  of a turbine  14  and emits electromagnetic radiation energy. The turbine  14  can include rotating turbine blades (not shown) powered by fuel combustion within the combustion chamber  16 . The turbine  14  is generically/schematically shown in  FIG. 1  to convey the concept that the turbine  14  can include a number of different structures and/or could be used in varied, different applications. For example, the turbine  14  could be constructed/configured for oil and gas combustion turbines and used in applications such as for aircraft propulsion, marine propulsion, land-based power generation, off shore power generation, or the like. In one particular example, the turbine  14  and sensor apparatus  10  can be used in jet aircraft engines. As such, it is to be appreciated that the turbine  14  in  FIG. 1  is not intended to be limiting on further examples. 
     The combustion chamber  16  is positioned within the turbine  14 . The combustion chamber  16  defines a substantially hollow internal area. It is to be understood that the combustion chamber  16  is generically/schematically represented in  FIG. 1 , and is not intended to be limiting on further examples. For instance, the generic representation of the combustion chamber  16  is intended to convey the concept that the combustion chamber  16  can represent a number of different constructions, some of which may be generally known. Similarly, the combustion chamber  16  described herein and as in association with the turbine  14  discussed above may be incorporated into a number of different applications. 
     A fuel nozzle  18  is provided to deliver fuel (e.g., air, fuel, air/fuel mixture, combustible materials, etc.) into the combustion chamber  16 . The fuel nozzle  18  can cooperate with an opening, orifice, or the like in the combustion chamber  16  such that the fuel nozzle  18  can deliver the fuel from an exterior location into the combustion chamber  16 . As such, the fuel nozzle  18  can deliver the fuel into the combustion chamber, whereupon the fuel can be ignited with the flame  12 . Ignited fuel within the combustion chamber  16  produces a relatively high-pressure gas. 
     An opening  20  is provided in an outer wall of the combustion chamber  16 . The opening  20 , extends completely through the outer wall. As such, an interior of the combustion chamber  16  is optically exposed to a location that is exterior from the combustion chamber  16 . The opening  20  can be positioned in near proximity to the flame  12 , such that the opening  20  defines an optical path through the opening  20  and towards the flame  12 . 
     A sight tube  22  is located in the optical path from the flame  12  and through the opening  20 .  FIG. 1  depicts an exploded view of the sight tube  22  for illustrative purposes to show the structural relationship between the sight tube  22  and the opening  20 . It is to be understood, however, that in operation, the sight tube  22  and combustion chamber  16  are in a fully assembled state with the sight tube  22  attached to the combustion chamber  16 . The sight tube  22  is attached to the combustion chamber  16  in any number of ways, such as by mechanical fasteners, welding, adhesives, or the like. 
     The sensor apparatus  10  further includes a probe assembly  24 . The probe assembly  24  is attached to the sight tube  22 . In the shown example, the probe assembly  24  is depicted in an exploded state (i.e., probe assembly  24  detached from the sight tube  22 ). However, in operation, the probe assembly  24  is in a fully assembled state by being attached to the sight tube  22 . In one example, the probe assembly  24  houses a photodiode or other similar photodetecting device that converts light energy into current or voltage. In such an example, the photodiode will receive electromagnetic radiation from the flame  12  and through the sight tube  22 . The photodiode will then generate a current output signal, such as a photocurrent, based on this electromagnetic radiation energy. 
     The sensor apparatus  10  further includes a cable assembly  26  in attachment with the probe assembly  24 . The cable assembly  26  includes, for example, a wire, a coaxial cable, a triaxial cable, a fiber optic cable, etc. In one particular example, the cable assembly  26  will receive the photocurrent from the probe assembly  24  and transmit the photocurrent. For instance, the cable assembly  26  will transmit the photocurrent from one end of the cable assembly  26  to an opposing second end. It is to be appreciated that the cable assembly  26  may include any number of dimensions, such as by being longer or shorter than as shown. 
     The sensor apparatus  10  further includes a sensor housing  30  attached to the cable assembly  26  opposite the probe assembly  24 . The sensor housing  30  receives the photocurrent from the cable assembly  26 . The sensor housing  30  is positioned outside of the turbine  14  and spaced a distance apart from the combustion chamber  16 . Accordingly, the sensor housing  30  can be positioned in a location that has a lower temperature than within the turbine  14 , such that electronics can be used in the sensor housing  30  without being subjected to relatively high temperatures. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 2 , an enlarged, reverse-angle sectional view along lines  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1  is shown, depicting an example of the sensor housing  30 . The sensor housing  30  includes a housing body  32 . The housing body  32  defines an internal chamber  34  that is substantially hollow. The housing body  32  extends between a first end  36  and an opposing second end  38 . It is to be appreciated that the sensor housing  30  shown in  FIG. 2  includes only one possible construction, as a number of sizes, shapes, and configurations are envisioned. For example, the housing body  32  could have a larger or smaller cross-sectional size (e.g., diameter, etc.) than as shown. Likewise, the housing body  32  could be longer or shorter in length than depicted. 
     The sensor apparatus  10  further includes a connecting assembly  39  for connecting the sensor housing  30  with respect to the cable assembly  26 . The connecting assembly  39  is attached to the cable assembly  26  such that the current output signal is received from the cable assembly  26 . Further, the connecting assembly  39  is sealingly attached to the sensor housing  30  to limit the passage of environmental effects (e.g., moisture/water, air, gas, debris, etc.) into the sensor housing  30 . By sealing the sensor housing  30 , the connecting assembly  39  will limit/prevent environmental effects from adversely affecting the relatively sensitive electronics housed within the sensor housing  30 . 
     The connecting assembly  39  includes a connector  40  that is attached to the first end  36  of the sensor housing  30 . The connector  40  is attached (e.g., electrically connected) to the cable assembly  26 . The connector  40  includes a wire lead  41  (e.g., conductor, cable, etc.) extending axially through a center of the connector  40 . The wire lead  41  is electrically connected to the cable assembly  26  such that the wire lead  41  will receive the current output signal, such as the photocurrent indicative of the electromagnetic radiation energy, from the cable assembly  26 . The wire lead  41  passes through the connector  40  and into the internal chamber  34  of the sensor housing  30 . The wire lead  41  can further be attached (e.g., electrically connected) to a circuit board (as shown) or other electronics within the sensor housing  30 . 
     The connector  40  extends through an opening  42  in the housing body  32  of the sensor housing  30 . In one example, the opening  42  has a cross-sectional size and shape that substantially matches a cross-sectional size and shape of the connector  40 . For example, the opening  42  can have a generally circular cross-sectional shape that matches a circular shape of the connector  40 , though other shapes are envisioned. The opening  42  may be slightly larger in size so as to receive the connector  40  while limiting movement of the connector  40  with respect to the opening  42 . 
     The connector  40  further includes a housing seal  44  for forming a seal with the housing body  32 . The housing seal  44  has a cross-sectional size that is larger than the opening  42 . The housing seal  44  is positioned between a portion of the connector  40  and an outer surface of the housing body  32 . In this example, the housing seal  44  extends circumferentially around the opening  42 . The housing seal  44  is compressed so as to sealingly engage each of the connector  40  and the housing body  32 , so as to limit the ingress/egress of fluids (e.g., air, moisture, gas, etc.) into and out of the internal chamber  34 . 
     The connector  40  further includes one or more potting layers  46 . The potting layers  46  each extend longitudinally at least partially along the length of the connector  40 . The potting layers  46  each include a potting material, such as epoxy and/or silicon, though other electrically insulating materials are also envisioned. The potting layers  46  extend circumferentially around the wire lead  41  and are radially spaced apart from each other. The potting layers  46  can form a seal to limit the ingress/egress of fluids (air, moisture, gas, etc.) into and out of the internal chamber  34 . In the shown example, the potting layers  46  have different lengths, with each of the potting layers  46  extending generally to an end surface  49  of the connector  40 . Of course, in other examples, the potting layers  46  could extend a longer or shorter distance than as shown. 
     The connector  40  further includes one or more grounding layers  48 . The grounding layers  48  each extend longitudinally at least partially along the length of the connector  40 . The grounding layers  48  are each electrically grounded and extend circumferentially around the wire lead  41 . In this example, the grounding layers  48  are radially spaced apart from each other and separate adjacent potting layers  46 . The grounding layers  48  limit short circuits and other electrical issues that may adversely affect the transfer of the current output signal, such as the photocurrent, through the wire lead  41 . The grounding layers  48  may also be adhered to the potting layers  46  to form a seal and limit/reduce the passage of fluids through the connector  40 . In the shown example, the grounding layers  48  extend generally to the end surface  49  of the connector  40 . In other examples, the grounding layers  48  could extend a longer or shorter distance than as shown. 
     The connector  40  has a threaded portion  50  or other similar attachment structure located at an outer surface  52  of the connector  40 . In the shown example, the threaded portion  50  is positioned at the outer surface  52  of the connector  40  at a location within the internal chamber  34  of the sensor housing  30 . The threaded portion  50  extends at least partially along the length of the connector  40 , with the threaded portion  50  forming a male threading in this example. 
     The connecting assembly  39  further includes a second connector  60  attached with respect to the connector  40 . In the shown example, the second connector  60  is positioned within the internal chamber  34  of the sensor housing  30 . The second connector  60  is attached to the end of the connector  40 . In the shown example, the second connector  60  extends longitudinally in a direction away from the connector  40 . 
     The second connector  60  may be commonly known as a metal/ceramic/metal (m/c/m) connector. In this example, the second connector  60  includes a wire housing  62 . The wire housing  62  includes a substantially hollow bore through which the wire lead  41  extends. The wire housing  62  forms a seal with the wire lead  41 , such that fluids (e.g., air, gas, moisture, etc.) are limited from passing through the hollow bore of the wire housing  62 . In some examples, the wire housing  62  is crimped, soldered, brazed, welded, sealed, mechanically pinched, etc. to the wire lead  41  to limit the passage of fluids. Further, the wire housing  62  can have a relatively small cross-sectional size such that the wire lead  41  forms a tight fit with the wire housing  62 . The wire housing  62  can be formed of any number of materials, such as metals or the like. 
     The second connector  60  further includes an insulating layer  64 . The insulating layer  64  circumferentially surrounds a portion of the wire housing  62 . The insulating layer  64  extends coaxially with the wire housing  62  and the wire lead  41  at least partially along the length of the wire housing  62 . The insulating layer  64  includes any number of non-conductive materials that limit current flow between an exterior source and the wire lead  41 . The insulating layer  64  includes, for example, a ceramic material or the like. In one example, the insulating layer  64  is bonded to the wire housing  62  so as to limit the passage of fluids between the insulating layer  64  and the wire housing  62 . 
     The second connector  60  further includes a grounding layer  66 . The grounding layer  66  circumferentially surrounds the insulating layer  64 . The grounding layer  66  extends generally coaxially with the wire housing  62  and the insulating layer  64  at least partially along the length of the second connector  60 . The grounding layer  66  includes any number of materials, including a brazed alloy such as nickel, or the like. The grounding layer  66  is bonded to the insulating layer  64  to limit the passage of fluids between the grounding layer  66  and the insulating layer  64 . 
     A first end  68  of the grounding layer  66  is attached to an outlet tube  70  of the connector  40 . The grounding layer  66  can have a cross-sectional size than a cross-sectional size of the outlet tube  70 , such that the grounding layer  66  receives the outlet tube  70  therewithin. In one example, the grounding layer  66  is attached to the outlet tube  70 , such as by brazing, welding, sealing, or the like. 
     The connecting assembly  39  further includes a sealing member  75 . The sealing member  75  is an elastically deformable sealing structure that extends around the outlet tube  70  of the connector  40 . In the shown example, the sealing member  75  has a shape that generally matches the shape of the outlet tube  70  and grounding layer  66  (e.g., circular shape). Of course, the sealing member  75  is not limited to such a shape, and in other examples, could include other cross-sectional shapes (e.g., square/quadrilateral shape, oval shape, etc.). 
     The sealing member  75  has an inner size (e.g., diameter) that substantially matches an outer size (e.g., diameter) of the outlet tube  70  and the grounding layer  66 . In other examples, however, the sealing member  75  could be larger or smaller than as shown, provided that the sealing member  75  still forms a seal in a manner described below. The sealing member  75  is positioned adjacent the end surface  49  of the connector  40 . As such, the sealing member  75  will abut the end surface  49  and the outlet tube  70  of the connector  40  and the grounding layer  66  of the second connector  60 . 
     The connecting assembly  39  includes a fastener  80  for securing the sealing member  75  with respect to the connector  40  and second connector  60 . The fastener  80  is an elongated body that is sized and shaped to attach to the connector  40 . The fastener  80  extends between a first end  82  and an opposing second end  84 . The fastener  80  can be longer or shorter than in the shown example. Similarly, the fastener  80  includes any number of shapes. For instance, while the fastener  80  includes a circularly shaped cross-section forming a cylindrical structure in this example, the fastener  80  could instead have a quadrilaterally shaped cross-sectional (e.g., square, rectangular, etc.), or other shapes. 
     The fastener  80  is substantially hollow and includes an internal bore  86 . The internal bore  86  extends longitudinally from the first end  82  to the second end  84  of the fastener  80 . The internal bore  86  is sized and shaped to receive the connector  40  therein. In particular, the internal bore  86  has a cross-sectional size that is slightly larger in size than the connector  40 , such that the fastener  80  can receive the connector  40  during attachment. Similarly, the internal bore  86  has a cross-sectional shape (e.g., circular shape) that matches the circular shape of the connector  40 . 
     Referring to the first end  82 , the internal bore  86  includes a threaded portion  88 . The threaded portion  88  extends at least partially along the length of the fastener  80  from the first end  82  towards the second end  84 . The threaded portion  88  extends around the internal bore  86  such that the threaded portion  88  forms a female threading. The threaded portion  88  of the fastener  80  is sized and shaped to mate/engage with the threaded portion  50  at the outer surface  52  of the connector  40 . In the shown example, the threaded portion  88  of the fastener  80  is mated with the threaded portion  50  of the connector  40 , such that rotation of the fastener  80  and/or the connector  40  causes the fastener  80  to attach to the connector  40 . 
     Referring now to the second end  84 , the fastener  80  further includes a shoulder  94 . The shoulder  94  projects inwardly towards the internal bore  86  and extends circumferentially around an inner surface of the fastener  80 . As such, the shoulder  94  defines a reduced cross-sectional size (e.g., diameter) of the internal bore  86 . The shoulder  94  defines an opening  96  positioned at the second end  84  which allows for the second connector  60  to pass through the fastener  80 . The shoulder  94  can extend inwardly (e.g., towards the internal bore  86 ) a larger or smaller distance than as shown, and is not limited to the specific example of  FIG. 2 . The shoulder  94  is generally rounded (e.g., curved, smooth, etc.) so as to reduce abrasion against the sealing member  75 . In particular, the shoulder  94  does not form a right angle or a relatively sharp corner to limit the likelihood of puncturing the sealing member  75 . 
     The opening  96  is radially spaced apart from the grounding layer  66  of the second connector  60  and the outlet tube  70  of the connector  40 . As such, the opening  96  has a larger cross-sectional size than a cross-sectional size of the grounding layer  66  and the outlet tube  70 . An expansion opening  97  is formed between the grounding layer  66  at an inner radial location and the shoulder  94  at an outer radial location. In other examples, this expansion opening  97  could be radially larger or smaller and/or longitudinally longer or shorter than as shown. The expansion opening  97  allows for the sealing member  75  to elastically deform upon being compressed and expand into the expansion opening  97 . 
     Referring still to  FIG. 2 , the operation of attaching the fastener  80  with respect to the connector  40  will now be described. Initially, as shown, the fastener  80  may be detached or only partially attached to the connector  40 . The sealing member  75  is disposed between the fastener  80  and the connector  40 . More specifically, the sealing member  75  is disposed between the shoulder  94  of the fastener  80  and the end surface  49  of the connector  40 . 
     The connector  40  and sealing member  75  are each received within the internal bore  86  of the fastener  80  such that threaded portion  90  engages and mates with the threaded portion  50 . The fastener  80  is rotated with respect to the connector  40  such that the fastener  80  is further threaded onto the connector  40 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 3 , the operation of attaching the fastener  80  with respect to the connector  40  is further shown. In this example, rotation of the fastener  80  will cause the fastener  80  to move along a first direction  200 . Movement along the first direction  200  causes the fastener  80  to further thread onto and engage the connector  40 . Eventually, the fastener  80  will be fully attached to the connector  40 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , such that further movement along the first direction  200  is prevented. Full attachment of the fastener  80  to the connector  40  is realized when the first end  82  of the fastener  80  contacts and abuts a wall at the first end  36  of the sensor housing  30 . This engagement between the fastener  80  and the sensor housing  30  limits further axial movement of the fastener  80  with respect to the connector  40 . 
     With the fastener  80  fully attached to the connector  40 , the sealing member  75  is compressed between the fastener  80  and the connector  40 . In particular, the shoulder  94  will contact and compress the sealing member  75 . As shown, the sealing member  75  is compressed into a sealing contact/engagement with the end surface  49  and the outlet tube  70 . Accordingly, the sealing member will sealingly engage at least two separate locations of the connector  40 : the end surface  49  and the outlet tube  70 . This sealing contact will limit and/or prevent the passage of fluids through the connector  40 . 
     In one example, the sensor housing  30  and connector  40  are exposed to a relatively wide range of temperatures, such as from about 25° Celsius (77° Fahrenheit) to about 150° Celsius (302° Fahrenheit). Further, the coefficients of thermal expansion between the potting layers  46  and grounding layers  48  are different. As such, at relatively elevated temperatures (e.g., 150° Celsius), the potting layers  46  and grounding layers  48  will exhibit different degrees of expansion, thus allowing for the possibility of fluids (e.g., air, gas, moisture, etc.) to pass through the interface between the potting layers  46  and grounding layers  48 . However, due to the seal formed at the end surface  49  and the outlet tube  70  with the sealing member  75 , the passage of fluids is limited/prevented. 
     The sealing member  75  will also sealingly contact the shoulder  94  of the fastener  80 . Due to the shoulder  94  being generally rounded, contact between the sealing member  75  and the shoulder  94  will reduce damage to the sealing member  75  as compared to a relatively sharper corner. Additionally, due to the elevated temperatures that the sensor housing  30  will encounter, the sealing member  75  can expand with a reduced likelihood of degradation, rupture, etc. For example, the sealing member  75  is positioned adjacent the expansion opening  97 . When the sealing member  75  is compressed and/or thermally expanded, the sealing member  75  will elastically deform and extend into the expansion opening  97 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 4 , an enlarged and further schematized sectional view of the connecting assembly  39  is shown. It is to be appreciated that the connector  40 , etc. are schematized to permit focus upon the sealing member  75 . It is further to be appreciated that the sectional view of the connecting assembly  39  does not specifically depict all internal parts/structure of the connecting assembly  39  for ease of illustration. Indeed, the wire lead  41 , potting layers  46 , grounding layers  48 , etc. are not shown so as to more clearly focus on the sealing member  75 . However, in operation, the sectional view of the connecting assembly  39  will look similar to the examples shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . As such,  FIG. 4  is provided to show stress and strain within the sealing member  75 . 
     In the depiction shown within  FIG. 4 , the fastener  80  is not fully attached to the connector  40 . Rather, the fastener  80  is only partially attached to the connector  40  in a similar manner as shown in  FIG. 2 . As such, due to only the partial attachment between the fastener  80  and connector  40 , the sealing member  75  is not fully compressed in  FIG. 4 . 
     As shown, the sealing member  75  will engage the connector  40  on one side and the shoulder  94  on an opposite side. In this shown example, the sealing member  75  is compressed approximately 0.86 centimeters (0.034 inches). Further, an elastic strain (in/in) of the sealing member  75  is relatively low, being approximately 0.377 at a maximum. Likewise, a stress (psi) of the sealing member  75  is also relatively low, approximately 173 psi. Further, the sealing member  75  experiences an adequate stress and strain adjacent in contact with the connector  40  so as to form a seal with the connector  40 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 5 , a second sectional view of the connecting assembly  39  is shown including the stress and the strain within the sealing member  75 . In this example, the fastener  80  is fully attached to the connector  40  in a similar manner as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     Additionally, in this example, the temperature experienced by the connecting assembly  39  is approximately room temperature (e.g., 20° C. or 68° F.). 
     As shown, the sealing member  75  is fully engaged with the connector  40  on one side and the shoulder  94  on an opposite side. In this example, the sealing member  75  forms a seal with the connector  40 . An elastic strain of the sealing member  75  still remains relatively low, being approximately 0.585 at maximum. Likewise, a maximum stress of the sealing member  75  is also low, approximately 269 psi. In this particular example, the sealing member  75  has a maximum tensile stress of approximately 2100 psi. As such, the risk of rupture/breakage of the sealing member  75  due to excessive compressive forces is reduced. Additionally, the compression of the sealing member  75  causes the sealing member  75  to expand into the expansion opening  97 , thus further limiting compressive forces on the sealing member  75 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 6 , a third sectional view of the connecting assembly  39  is shown including the stress and the strain within the sealing member  75 . In this example, the fastener  80  is again fully attached to the connector  40  in a similar manner as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 5 . However, in this example, the temperature experienced by the connecting assembly  39  is elevated and is approximately 150° C. or 302° F. This elevated temperature can be in the range of a temperature that the connecting assembly  39  will experience during normal operation. 
     The sealing member  75  again forms a seal with the connector  40  while being positioned between the connector  40  on one side and the shoulder  94  on an opposite side. In this example, the elevated temperature will cause an increased stress and strain within the sealing member  75  as compared to the example shown in  FIG. 5  due, at least in part, to thermal expansion. In particular, the connector  40 , fastener  80 , and sealing member  75  will each undergo at least some degree of thermal expansion. 
     As shown, even with thermal expansion occurring, the sealing member  75  will nonetheless exhibit a strain and stress lower than a maximum strain and stress. For instance, the maximum strain of the sealing member  75  remains relatively low, being approximately 0.610. Likewise, a maximum stress of the sealing member  75  is also low, approximately 280 psi. Again, the sealing member  75  has a maximum tensile stress of approximately 2100 psi. Accordingly, the risk of rupture/breakage of the sealing member  75  due to excessive compressive forces is reduced even at relatively elevated temperatures. Further, even if the temperature was higher than 150° C. or 302° F., further expansion of the sealing member  75  is accommodated for due to the expansion opening  97 . In particular, if the sealing member  75  exhibits further compressive forces, the sealing member  75  will be able to elastically deform and extend into the expansion opening  97 , thus relieving at least some of the strain/stress from the sealing member  75 . 
     At least in view of the above description, the sealing member  75  will effectively seal the sensor housing  30  along a wide temperature range. In particular, the sealing member  75  will contact and form a seal with the connector  40 . Further, by providing the generally rounded shoulder  94 , the risk of rupture/breakage of the sealing member  75  is reduced. The sealing member  75  will also naturally deform/extend into the expansion opening  97  during periods of compression. 
     The invention has been described with reference to the example embodiments described above. Modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of this specification. Example embodiments incorporating one or more aspects of the invention are intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims.