Patent Description:
Forming explosion proof and/or flameproof barriers certified to satisfy Ex d and/or Ex e International Electrotechnical Commission (hereinafter, "IEC") standards (these barriers hereinafter referred to as "standard barriers") presents a number of challenges, especially when using components that have different coefficients of thermal expansion (hereinafter, "CTEs"), materials of different malleability or stiffnesses, and geometric configurations. To comply with standards, the gaps between barriers that allow gasses through as well as length of flame paths may be limited to certain specific parameters that vary with the size and nature of the barrier and the environment to which the barrier is exposed in order to be certified.

Currently, the state of the art in generating standard barriers, especially when using components made of materials like stainless steel, Aluminum, and C22, has the barrier formed by a composite that changes from liquid to a solid state, for instance, an epoxy. The problem with these methods is that the barrier formed is often uneven and inconsistent, resulting in failure of the barrier in explosion scenarios. Further, compliance with standards for Ex d and Ex e qualifications for barriers generated with liquid polymers requires that the barrier comply with specific standards before and after polymer aging. Standard barriers with cylindrical joints made with solid polymers only require that the barrier satisfy standards after aging is conducted, simplifying and expediting manufacture and compliance procedures. Accordingly, there is a need for methods, components, and/or assemblies to form standard barriers using solid polymers.

<CIT>, for example, discloses a flowmeter having an insulating compound as a barrier. <CIT> discloses a sealing material defining a feedthrough device for harsh environmental conditions. <CIT> discloses a grommet engaged as an interference fit in an aperture. <CIT> discloses a seal between a body portion and an inner surface of an aperture. <CIT> discloses an electrical feedthrough for a compressor having wires sealed therein. <CIT> discloses an explosion proof feedthrough for an oil well-head.

Existing methods fail to use interference fit members to create interference fit standard barriers. An interference fit can be, for instance, one or more of a press fit and a friction fit. Existing potential barrier members that could be used to generate a press fit standard barrier are often manufactured (e.g. barrier members) with substantially consistent edges about the members' peripheries that would be coupled by interference fit to the interior of an aperture also having substantially consistent, straight edges. Correspondingly, receiving apertures are also manufactured with relatively consistent, straight edges. The manner in which this interference fit would be accomplished is by pressing the member into the confined volume of the aperture such that the member expands to fill any gaps between the member and the confining aperture. Pressure may be applied from both a top and bottom, or from the top with a flat and complete pressure resistance element in order to force the volume of the member into the aperture. This method causes significant loading on the top pressing plate and/or the opposing element, and this can lead to unnecessary pressure on the element having the aperture, for instance, the element with the aperture being a housing of a vibratory sensor. Also, the member stores potential energy associated with the compression that can eventually lead to failure. In the context of creating flameproof and explosion proof devices, the resulting barrier fails to contain combusted gases effectively, so it cannot qualify as a standard barrier. Part of this can be attributed to material of the barrier member moving asymmetrically due to stored stress. Also, these methods require a significant quantity of energy to facilitate the appropriate application of pressure and result in an unreliable barrier. Barrier members should be such that manufacture should be made simpler and more streamlined, using less energy in production. Accordingly, there is a need for a barrier member and/or receiving aperture with geometry that can improve elements of the method of production and the quality of the resulting standard barrier.

Creating an interference fit standard barrier by interference fitting an exterior edge of a barrier member with an interior edge of an aperture is complicated when using existing elements. If the barrier member is made of materials with relatively high coefficients of friction (e.g. stainless steel or C22) when interacting with common elements of common or similar composition, significant stress can build and can harm a passthrough element that passes through the barrier member. The friction can also cause a failure of the barrier that may negate the explosion or flameproof specification of the interference fit standard barrier and/or the assembly containing the barrier. This can be especially problematic in the context of flow sensors where ambient conditions such as temperature can vary dramatically during operation. Also, the barrier member composed of a stiff material with limited malleability will limit the range of operating conditions in which the barrier can operate. Also, when using polymers for an interference fit standard barrier, the polymers may have sufficient resistance to extreme temperatures and reactive chemicals. Existing components are not specifically configured for this purpose, and they may not be easily adaptable for the purpose of forming an interference fit standard barrier. For instance, existing polymer bushings typically are tiered with discontinuous levels and round shaped interior channels that are poorly adapted to accepting passthrough members such as printed circuit boards (hereinafter, "PCBs"). Accordingly, there is a need for a member composed of a material that can facilitate interference fit standard barriers over a wide range of conditions.

The standard barriers often have elements passing through them, such that the elements passing through may be avoided or accounted for when creating an interference fit between components. These passthrough elements often have some elements appropriate for one side of the standard barrier and other elements appropriate for the other side of the standard barrier. In some contexts, for instance, in the housing of a flowmeter electronics, specialized press blocks are used as flat substrates (on the end receiving the pressure from the press) to receive pressure from a press to make an interference fit seal. While the end of the press block that receives the pressure from the press is flat, the other end often has recesses to accept components of a passthrough element that protrude from the standard barrier after pressing, the recesses provided in order that pressure is not significantly received by the protruding and often relatively fragile passthrough elements. This effectively leaves the protruding elements relatively intact when pressure is applied through the other end of the block to form the interference fit barrier from the compression. The side of the press block with the recesses exerts higher pressure against the bushing that is being pressed by the press block because of the recesses (due to lower contact surface area). Also, the pressure may be applied unevenly in places with the recesses, as the recesses are often asymmetric in a relevant dimension. This asymmetric distribution of pressure causes uneven barriers, potentially leading to failure of the barriers in electronics housings from a flame and/or explosion. Accordingly, there is a need for pre-press assemblies, components, and/or methods for distributing this pressure evenly.

No effective solution for creating an interference fit standard barrier with a passthrough element in an apparatus (e.g. a vibratory sensor transmitter, housing of a vibratory sensor transmitter, a vibratory sensor, or a housing of a vibratory sensor) composed largely of a rigid material like stainless steel has been discovered. Accordingly, there is need for an assembly, components, and/or methods that use rigid or hard materials like stainless steel as a part of an interference fit standard barrier with a passthrough element.

An assembly with an interference fit standard barrier forming an explosion proof and/or flame proof barriers certified to satisfy Ex d and/or Ex e International technical Commission standards comprises an aperture in an element and a barrier member comprising a first face, a second face, a peripheral edge between the first face and the second face, the peripheral edge being at least partially angled by an angle relative to a barrier reference line that is perpendicular to both of at least part of the first face and at least part of the second face, the angle declining from the first face to the second face. The barrier member may further have an interior channel extending through a member depth of the barrier member, the member depth being between the first face and the second face, the interior channel having a longer length than width in a surface of the first face and a surface of the second face, wherein the barrier member is composed of a polymer; and wherein the aperture comprises an interior peripheral edge conformal with the peripheral edge of the barrier member.

According to an aspect, an assembly with an interference fit standard barrier forming an explosion proof and/or flame proof barriers certified to satisfy Ex d and/or Ex e International technical Commission standards comprises an aperture in an element and a barrier member comprising a first face, a second face, a peripheral edge between the first face and the second face, the peripheral edge being at least partially angled by an angle relative to a barrier reference line that is perpendicular to both of at least part of the first face and at least part of the second face, the angle declining from the first face to the second face. The barrier member may further have an interior channel extending through a member depth of the barrier member, the member depth being between the first face and the second face, the interior channel having a longer length than width in a surface of the first face and a surface of the second face, wherein the barrier member is composed of a polymer; and wherein the aperture comprises an interior peripheral edge conformal with the peripheral edge of the barrier member.

Preferably, the barrier member is at least partially composed of a fluorocarbon. Preferably the fluorocarbon is polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

The same reference number represents embodiments of the same element in all drawings.

In order to make a barrier member that can be used in an interference fit standard barrier, the barrier member may be composed of a material that is sufficiently heat and flame resistant to qualify. Further, in embodiments in which the interference fit standard barrier is to have a passthrough element pass through the barrier, the material of the barrier member should be such that the barrier member accommodates and safeguards the integrity of the passthrough element. If the barrier member has a passthrough element positioned in an interior passage of the barrier member, and the barrier member is to be pressed in order to form an interference fit barrier within an aperture, the materials should have a sufficiently low coefficient of friction over a wide range of conditions in order to prevent damage to the passthrough element during the compression. For instance, the coefficient of friction of the interaction between the material of which the barrier member is composed and the material of which the element that has the aperture is composed when interacting may be below a predetermine threshold. In an embodiment, the static, dry and clean coefficient of friction of the interaction between the material of which the barrier member is composed and the material of which the element that has the aperture is composed is less than <NUM> or is in a range between <NUM> and <NUM> (at standard temperature of <NUM> degrees Kelvin and standard pressure <NUM> kilopascals, hereinafter "STP"). Further, the malleability of the barrier member material should be such that the barrier member can be pressed relatively easily. Also, the capacity of the barrier member material to store elastic potential energy should be such that the interference fit standard barrier can be maintained (while complying with the relevant standard) in a variety of conditions. Because polymers have relatively high coefficients of thermal expansion, the barrier members composed of polymeric materials tend to significantly expand and contract with temperature changes. In applications like flowmeter transmitters, the barrier will potentially be exposed to significantly varying conditions that will cause these expansions and contractions. In order to counteract the expansions and contractions that the polymeric barrier member will experience due to conditions in its environment and/or flow material, the barrier member may store sufficient elastic potential energy from the original compression that forms the interference fit standard barrier to correspondingly expand (in response to a contraction), releasing some of the elastic potential energy, or compress (in response to an expansion), storing further elastic potential energy. Further, in the context of flame and explosion proofing, materials used should be sufficiently resistant to combustion and other reactions, so a polymer that is strongly inert is preferred. A number of polymers are sufficiently malleable, are sufficiently inert, have sufficiently low coefficients of friction when interacting with traditional materials (such as those used in electronics compartments and/or vibratory sensors or transmitters), and have sufficient capacity to store elastic potential energy to be used in barrier members to form interference fit standard barriers by interference fit of barrier members. One polymeric material with these properties is polytetrafluoroethylene (hereinafter, "PTFE").

To make this interference fit standard barrier, a specialized set of components, manufacturing assembly, and method may be useful. For instance, in order to reduce the amount of pressure needed to form the interference fit barrier and to make a more even and secure interference fit standard barrier, an exterior edge of a barrier member that is to engage an aperture by interference fit may be tapered to provide resistance to compression without completely preventing the member from deforming through the aperture (as would be the case if a completely sealed opposing plate were used). The aperture may also correspondingly have an interior tapering with a portion that substantially conforms to the exterior edge tapering of the barrier member, with further narrowing to provide an opposing force to the pressure applied to make the interference fit. In this embodiment, the pressure applied may force elastic deformation of the barrier member, such that a portion of the barrier element will fit into a portion of the aperture that would otherwise be too narrow to receive the undeformed barrier member. By allowing the barrier member to deform in this manner relieves some of the stored elastic forces in the barrier member material that could be translated in a direction that would cause failure of the interference fit standard barrier. Also, by not providing a flat opposing member to oppose the force applied to the barrier member on the side of the barrier opposite the side where pressure is applied, less pressure needs to be applied to cause the desired deformation with the desired level of elastic potential energy (to compensate for expansions and contractions of the barrier member material). Some of the pressure is translated into the deformation of the barrier member to further conform to the narrower interior edge of the aperture into which the interference fit is being formed.

The barrier may be manufactured using a number of specialized implements. For instance, a specialized press block may be used to apply the pressure that results in the interference fit standard barrier. The press block may be especially machined to accommodate a passthrough element that would be passed through the barrier member (and, hence, the resulting interference fit standard barrier). When pressing to form the interference fit standard barrier, the coupling between the passthrough element is also interference fit to the passthrough element. If the block simply put pressure on the passthrough element, the pressure applied may damage the passthrough element. Having a press block that accommodates the passthrough element and applies most of the pressed force either directly or indirectly to the barrier member can spare the passthrough element.

Of course, such a press block may have recesses to accommodate the passthrough element. These recesses may cause an uneven distribution of the compressive forces, such that the barrier element will not be compressed evenly, causing an imbalanced barrier that is prone to failure. A distribution plate can be placed between the press block and the barrier member to facilitate a more even application of pressure to the barrier member, assuring a more uniform interference fit standard barrier. This pressure distribution element can also be incorporated as a permanent element of the barrier after the compression is done, such that it further reinforces the barrier. This may add an extra layer of security to assure the barrier remains in place in the event of a pressure spike (for instance, from a significant explosion).

In order to ensure that the elements to be pressed by a press are aligned correctly, guide pins may be positioned such that specialized channels in one or more of the press block and the pressure distribution element receive the guide pins and have a set alignment assuring that all of the elements are in place. If there is a passthrough element, there may be an opposing assembly on the side opposite the side where compression is applied such that the passthrough element is positioned by the opposing assembly and the conformal recesses of the press block. The opposing assembly may be a removable element, such that the opposing assembly is only an element of the invention during the application of pressure that forms the interference fit standard barrier.

<FIG> shows a bisected view of an embodiment of a post-press assembly <NUM> having an interference fit standard barrier <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the post-press assembly <NUM> has already undergone pressing to form the interference fit standard barrier <NUM>, such that the post-press assembly <NUM> may be considered a post-press assembly <NUM>. The post-press assembly <NUM> may include a barrier member <NUM>, an aperture <NUM>, a passthrough element <NUM>, a pressure distribution element <NUM>, and a housing <NUM>. Assemblies before pressing may be called pre-press assemblies <NUM>. <FIG> shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a pre-press assembly <NUM> prepared for pressing. <FIG> shows an exploded view of the embodiment of the pre-press assembly <NUM> presented in <FIG>. <FIG> shows a bisected side view of an embodiment of a pre-press assembly <NUM>. In various embodiments, the pre-press assembly <NUM> may have a barrier member <NUM>, an aperture <NUM>, a passthrough element <NUM>, a pressure distribution element <NUM>, and a press block <NUM>. Elements described with respect to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> that have the same reference numbers as <FIG> are embodiments of those elements described with respect to <FIG> before pressing. The pre-press assembly <NUM> and post-press assembly <NUM> may be collectively referred to as assemblies <NUM> and/or <NUM>. In an embodiment, the post-press assembly <NUM> may be a component of a housing <NUM> for a transmitter that is adapted and/or configured to communicate with a flow sensor.

Various embodiments of an interference fit standard barrier <NUM> are contemplated, for instance ones that are contained in housings of transmitters or contained in other enclosures with electronic components. The post-press assembly <NUM> may have an interference fit standard barrier <NUM> that complies with standards of a recognized standards setting organization trusted by those skilled in the art, for instance, one or more of IEC "Ex d" and "Ex e" standards. The Ex d standard is a "flameproof standard. " The Ex e standard is an "explosion protected standard" with "increased safety. " The IEC has separate sets of requirements for both of the Ex d and Ex e standards. These standards are merely exemplary. Other standards in the industry for interference fit standard barriers <NUM> are contemplated. The interference fit standard barrier <NUM> may be formed by interference fit of the barrier member <NUM> with one or more of the aperture <NUM> and the passthrough element <NUM>. This embodiment of the interference fit standard barrier <NUM> may be called an interference fit standard barrier <NUM>. The interference fit standard barrier <NUM> may be such that it satisfies requirements of the IEC for Ex e and Ex d standards for gaps between elements as well as lengths of flame paths. For instance, the gaps may have gap depths that are less than a predetermined gap depth. In an embodiment, the gaps may have gap depths that are less than one of <NUM> and <NUM>. In an embodiment, the interference fit standard barrier <NUM> may have flame paths that are less than a predetermined threshold.

In an embodiment, the interference fit standard barrier <NUM> may have a first side <NUM> and a second side <NUM>. In an embodiment, the first side <NUM> is a terminal side (e.g. terminal side <NUM> of <FIG>) with electronic communication elements that communicate with a first system, perhaps a network (e.g. network <NUM> of <FIG>). In an embodiment, the second side <NUM> is an electronics side (e.g. electronics side <NUM> of <FIG>) with electronic components that may do one or more of store data, receive data, transmit data, process data, interpret data, display data, and the like. In an embodiment, the electronics side (e.g. electronics side <NUM> of <FIG>) may have electronics in communication with a vibratory sensor. In an embodiment, the shape of one or more of the barrier member <NUM> and the aperture <NUM> may be dictated by components to be installed on the electronics side (e.g. electronics side <NUM> of <FIG>). An embodiment of a system <NUM> with a terminal side <NUM> and an electronics side <NUM> of an interference fit standard barrier <NUM> is shown in <FIG>.

Embodiments presented in this specification show various arrangements of elements of an interference fit standard barrier <NUM> in the context of a post-press assembly <NUM> and pre-press assembly <NUM>. While the post-press assembly <NUM> and pre-press assembly <NUM> are described in the present application within an embodiment of a flow sensor transmitter communicating with an outside network, the embodiment is not intended to be limiting. Those of skill will readily understand that the post-press assembly <NUM> and pre-press assembly <NUM> may be further used in other applications.

The barrier member <NUM> is an element that is deformed by pressure to generate an interference fit to form the interference fit standard barrier <NUM>. The barrier member <NUM> may be pressed using, for instance, a press, to deform the barrier member <NUM> to conform to one or more of an aperture <NUM> and a passthrough element <NUM> to form the interference fit standard barrier <NUM>. The pressure may be applied in a pressure direction <NUM>, perhaps in a direction from a first side <NUM> to a second side <NUM>. The barrier member <NUM> may have a first face <NUM>, a second face <NUM>, and a peripheral edge <NUM>. In an embodiment, the first face <NUM> and the second face <NUM> are on opposing sides of the barrier member <NUM>, with the peripheral edge <NUM> being between the first face <NUM> and the second face <NUM>. In an embodiment, the first face <NUM> and/or the second face <NUM> may be substantially flat and may have substantially parallel surfaces, with a relatively consistent thickness of the barrier member <NUM> between them (at least before pressing).

In an embodiment, the peripheral edge <NUM> may be tapered (before and/or after pressing) such that the barrier member <NUM> has greater volume near the first face <NUM> than near the second face <NUM>. In an embodiment, this may mean that the first face <NUM> has greater surface area than the second face <NUM>. In an embodiment, the taper along the peripheral edge <NUM> is a substantially flat edge at an angle <NUM>. In an embodiment, the angle <NUM>, as measured from a barrier reference line <NUM> drawn from the first face <NUM> to the second face <NUM> that is perpendicular to both the first face <NUM> and the second face <NUM> is less than a magnitude of <NUM> degrees. In another embodiment, the angle <NUM> is less than or equal to a magnitude of <NUM> degrees with respect to the same barrier reference line <NUM>. It should be appreciated that positive and negative angles are only with respect to a reference, so the magnitude is presented here. The peripheral edge <NUM> may be such that it is configured to partially conform to a conformal portion of an interior of the aperture <NUM>. In an embodiment, the peripheral edge <NUM> is of a shape that is configured to at least partially conform to a conformal portion of the interior of the aperture <NUM>. It should be appreciated that the peripheral edge <NUM> may be flat, may be angled, may be curved, may have one or more of flat, angled, and curved portions, and/or the like. In a different embodiment, the peripheral edge <NUM> may be flat and perpendicular to both the first face <NUM> and the second face <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the overall shape of the barrier member <NUM> may be dictated by the space occupied by other components in the assembly. In an embodiment, the shape of the barrier member <NUM> may not be cylindrical. In an embodiment, the shapes of the first and second faces <NUM> and <NUM> may not be circular and may be the same or different. For instance, the shape of the first and second faces <NUM> and <NUM> may be of a triangle, perhaps having rounded corners. This may be described as a curved triangle for the purposes of this specification. The volume and cross section of the barrier member <NUM> may narrow from the first face <NUM> to the second face <NUM>, such that the resulting three-dimensional shape of the barrier member <NUM> can be characterized as a narrowing curved triangle. In an embodiment, the barrier member <NUM> may have a bulge. This bulge may be used to close an aperture <NUM> that has extra room to accommodate a connector for a passthrough element <NUM>. In an embodiment, the peripheral edge <NUM> may be uniform between the first face <NUM> and the second face <NUM> such that the overall shape of the barrier member <NUM> is consistently one shape that narrows at the edges from the first face <NUM> to the second face <NUM>, for instance, in a shape of a narrowing curved triangle (the narrowing perhaps from the first face <NUM> to the second face <NUM>).

In an embodiment, the barrier member <NUM> may need to accommodate a passthrough element <NUM>. The passthrough element <NUM> may extend through the barrier member <NUM> and, hence, the interference fit standard barrier <NUM>. The barrier member <NUM> may have an interior channel <NUM> to accommodate the passthrough element <NUM>. Before pressing to form the interference fit standard barrier <NUM>, the interior channel <NUM> may have sufficient space to receive the passthrough element <NUM>. During compression, this interior channel <NUM> may be compressed around the passthrough element <NUM>, perhaps forming an interference fit coupling with the passthrough element <NUM>. In an alternative embodiment, the passthrough is coupled to the interior of the barrier member <NUM> prior to pressing, such that the interior channel <NUM> is superfluous or has already been filled by the passthrough element <NUM>, and, perhaps, appropriately sealed.

In an embodiment, the barrier member <NUM> may be composed of a material that has properties that are desirable for making an interference fit standard barrier <NUM>. For instance, the material may one or more of be sufficiently malleable, be sufficiently inert, have sufficiently low coefficients of friction when interacting with traditional materials, be tolerant of large temperature swings (not too brittle at extreme cold temperatures or melt at high temperatures), and have sufficient capacity to store elastic potential energy to be used in an interference fit standard barrier <NUM>. For instance, the barrier member <NUM> may be composed of a material that has a predetermined one or more of maximum elasticity, minimum coefficient of friction when interacting with conventional materials, maximum melting point at standard temperature and pressure, minimum combustion point, minimum autoignition temperature, minimum inertness, minimum tendency to absorb fluids such as water, at particular operating temperatures. These specifications may be with respect to a predetermined threshold. In an embodiment, the barrier member <NUM> may be composed of materials that have characteristics selected to maintain differences relative to the characteristics of materials from which the aperture <NUM> is composed. Alternatively, the barrier member <NUM> may be composed of polymers selected to have a particular set of properties at a particular set of conditions (e.g. temperature and pressure). For instance, the barrier member <NUM> (and/or peripheral edge <NUM>) may be composed of a polymer that is one or more of more malleable than, that has a lower Young's modulus of elasticity, and has a higher Poisson's ratio than the material of which the aperture <NUM> (and/or the conformal interior peripheral edge <NUM>) is composed. In an embodiment, the barrier member <NUM> may be composed of a polymer, for instance, a fluorocarbon or fluoropolymer. Examples of fluorocarbons that may be used may include PTFE, polyvinylfluoride (hereinafter, "PVF"), polyvinylidene fluoride (hereinafter, "PVDF"), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (hereinafter, "PCTFE"), polyethylenechlorotrifluoroethylene (hereinafter, "ECTFE"), ethylene tetrafluoroethane (hereinafter, "ETFE"), perfluoro methyl alkoxy (hereinafter, "MFA"), perfluoro alkoxy alkane (hereinafter, "PFA"), fluorinated ethylene propylene (hereinafter, "FEP"), perflourinated elastomer (hereinafter, "FFPM"), chlorotrifluoroethylenevinylidene fluoride (hereinafter, "FPM"), tetrafluoroethylene-propylene (hereinafter, "FEPM"), perfluoropolyether (hereinafter, "PFPE), perfluorosonic acid (hereinafter, "PFSA"), perfluoropolyoxetane, and/or the like.

The aperture <NUM> is an aperture in an element of the assemblies <NUM> or <NUM> that receives a barrier member <NUM> to form an interference fit standard barrier <NUM>. The aperture <NUM> is a hole or channel through a part of the assemblies <NUM> or <NUM>. In an embodiment, the aperture <NUM> may be an element of a housing <NUM>. The aperture <NUM> is configured to be blocked by receiving a barrier member <NUM> to form the interference fit standard barrier <NUM>. The aperture <NUM> may further be configured to be large enough to receive a connector for electronics that may be provided on the passthrough element <NUM>. The aperture <NUM> may be surrounded by a first surface <NUM> and a second surface <NUM>. The aperture <NUM> may have a first opening <NUM> and a second opening <NUM>. In an embodiment, the first opening <NUM> has a larger surface area than the second opening <NUM>. In another embodiment, the first opening <NUM> has the same surface area as the second opening <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the aperture <NUM> has a conformal interior peripheral edge <NUM>. For instance, at least a portion of the conformal interior peripheral edge <NUM> may be adapted to be conformal with at least a portion of the peripheral edge <NUM> of the barrier member <NUM>, such that, when the peripheral edge <NUM> of barrier member <NUM> is engaged with the conformal interior peripheral edge <NUM> of the aperture <NUM>, at least a portion of the barrier member <NUM> may be placed within the aperture <NUM> without applying any more pressure than is necessary for the positioning itself.

In an embodiment, the conformal interior peripheral edge <NUM> may be flat and perpendicular to first and second surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> about the aperture <NUM>, representing a flat edge. In this embodiment, the peripheral edge <NUM> of the barrier member <NUM> may also be flat and perpendicular to its first face <NUM> and second face <NUM>. In another embodiment, the conformal interior peripheral edge <NUM> may be angled relative to the first and second surfaces <NUM> and <NUM>. For instance, the conformal interior peripheral edge <NUM> may be angled relative to an aperture reference line <NUM> drawn from the first surface <NUM> to the second surface <NUM> that is perpendicular to both the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM>, the line at a point of an edge of the first surface <NUM>. The conformal interior peripheral edge <NUM> may have portions with complementary angles <NUM> that correspond to fit the angles <NUM> of the peripheral edge <NUM> of the barrier member <NUM>. For instance, if the peripheral edge <NUM> has portions with an angle <NUM> with respect to a straight line drawn from the first face <NUM> to the second face <NUM> that is perpendicular to both the first face <NUM> and the second face <NUM> of the barrier member <NUM>, the conformal interior peripheral edge <NUM> may have a complementary angle <NUM> (which may be the same or substantially the same as the angle <NUM>) with respect to the barrier reference line <NUM>. In this embodiment, the barrier reference line <NUM> may be parallel to and/or coincident with the aperture reference line <NUM>. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the barrier reference line <NUM> and the aperture reference line <NUM> are coincident. The angle <NUM> and complementary angle <NUM> and the barrier and aperture reference lines <NUM> and <NUM> are shown in <FIG> in a magnified view <NUM> of the engagement between the barrier member <NUM> and the aperture <NUM> before pressing. Magnified view <NUM> shows a magnified portion of an embodiment of the barrier member <NUM> engaged with the aperture <NUM> before pressing. In this embodiment the angle <NUM> and complementary angle <NUM> are the same angle. Also, in this embodiment, the barrier reference line <NUM> and the aperture reference line <NUM> are the same and/or coincident. It can also be seen that the first face <NUM> has greater surface area than the second face <NUM>, the first opening <NUM>, and the second opening <NUM>. The second face <NUM> has a smaller surface area than the first opening <NUM> but has a larger surface area than the second opening <NUM>. The second opening <NUM> may have a smaller surface area than any of the first face <NUM>, the second face <NUM>, and the first opening <NUM>. These surface areas may reflect the relative volumes of elements at the positions at which the first and second faces <NUM> and <NUM> are relative to the first and second openings <NUM> and <NUM>. When the barrier member <NUM> is engaged with the aperture <NUM> before pressing, a portion of the barrier member <NUM> may fit into a portion of the aperture <NUM> without applying significant pressure. This may be facilitated by portions of the peripheral edge <NUM> and conformal interior peripheral edge <NUM> having conformal or corresponding portions, perhaps having edges at appropriate or substantially the same angle <NUM> and complementary angle <NUM>. Other conformal arrangements are contemplated, for instance, any combination of polygonal or curvilinear surfaces that conform or correspond to one another.

In an embodiment, before pressing, the aperture <NUM> may have an aperture depth <NUM> between the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM> along an aperture reference line <NUM> that is greater than a member depth <NUM> the barrier member <NUM> has between a first face <NUM> and a second face <NUM> along a barrier reference line <NUM>. In various embodiments, before pressing to form the interference fit standard barrier <NUM>, one or more relative dimensions of elements may include the surface area of the first opening <NUM> may be greater than a surface area of the second face <NUM>, the surface area of the first opening <NUM> may be less than the surface area of the first face <NUM>, the surface area of the second opening <NUM> may be less than the surface area of the second face <NUM>, and the surface area of the second opening <NUM> may be less than the surface area of the first face <NUM>. The one or more relative dimensions may make it such that, before pressing, the peripheral edge <NUM> of the barrier member <NUM> can be at least partially conformally engaged with the conformal interior peripheral edge <NUM> of the aperture <NUM>. Upon pressing, the barrier member <NUM> may be compressed at its peripheral edge <NUM> such that the barrier member <NUM> elongates between its first face <NUM> and its second face <NUM> during pressing, contorting larger amounts of material to be part of the peripheral edge <NUM>. This elongation may further engage a greater surface area of the barrier member <NUM> peripheral edge <NUM> with a greater surface area of the conformal interior peripheral edge <NUM>. In some embodiments, during and/or after pressing, the barrier member <NUM> may spill over one or more of the first opening <NUM> and the second opening <NUM> of the aperture <NUM> such that one or more of the first face <NUM> may cold flow and spill around the first surface <NUM> and the second face <NUM> may cold flow and spill around the second surface <NUM>. In this embodiment, after pressing, the aperture <NUM> may have an aperture depth <NUM> between the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM> along an aperture reference line <NUM> that is one of equal to, less than, or greater than a member depth <NUM> the barrier member <NUM> has between a first face <NUM> and a second face <NUM> along a barrier reference line <NUM>. In an embodiment, the aperture <NUM> may have an opening on the second side <NUM> and/or the first side <NUM> that allows part of the barrier member <NUM> to cold flow to positions outside of the aperture <NUM> due to the pressing. In this embodiment, the barrier member <NUM> may be of a greater volume than the aperture <NUM>. Embodiments are also contemplated in which the aperture <NUM> has greater volume than the barrier member <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the first surface <NUM> may have alignment elements <NUM> for aligning the pre-press assembly <NUM> elements during pressing. For instance, the first surface <NUM> may have holes that receive alignment pins <NUM>, the alignment pins <NUM> configured to provide guidance to certain elements when engaging and pressing the pre-press assembly <NUM>. In an embodiment, the alignment pins <NUM> may be separably couplable. In various embodiments, one or more elements of the assembly <NUM> and/or <NUM> or the press block <NUM> may have holes for receiving these alignment pins <NUM> to keep the elements of the assembly <NUM> and/or <NUM> and the press block <NUM> in place. In another embodiment, the alignment elements <NUM> also being holes, the alignment elements <NUM> may have threading. In this embodiment, the threading may allow for easy coupling and uncoupling of the alignment pins <NUM>. Further, in an embodiment with a pressure distribution element <NUM>, the pressure distribution element <NUM> may have coupling elements <NUM>, such that the pressure distribution element <NUM> may be coupled to the first surface <NUM> after the pressing that forms the interference fit standard barrier <NUM> is done. For instance, the pressure distribution element <NUM> may have holes through which screws may be passed or threaded to the alignment elements <NUM> (here, holes or threaded holes) of the first surface <NUM>, allowing coupling of the pressure distribution element <NUM> to the first surface <NUM> after the pressing. It should be appreciated that, in this embodiment, the pressure distribution element <NUM> can be used to reinforce the interference fit standard barrier <NUM> to withstand higher explosion pressures.

The passthrough element <NUM> is an element that passes through the interference fit standard barrier <NUM> from the first side <NUM> through to the second side <NUM>. In an embodiment, the passthrough element <NUM> passes through the barrier member <NUM>, perhaps through an interior channel <NUM>. It should be appreciated that the passthrough element <NUM> may be pre-coupled before pressing with an element of the pre-press assembly <NUM>, for instance, coupled to the interior channel <NUM> of the barrier member <NUM>. In another embodiment, the passthrough element <NUM> may be coupled to the interference fit standard barrier <NUM> by the pressing, perhaps by passing the passthrough through an interior channel <NUM> of the barrier member <NUM> and subsequently pressing the barrier member <NUM> to cause a pressure-fit coupling between the passthrough element <NUM> and one or more of the barrier member <NUM> and the interior channel <NUM> of the barrier member <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the passthrough element <NUM> may comprise a PCB. The PCB may be any type of PCB known in the art. In an embodiment, the PCB is formed of wafer layers. In an embodiment, the PCB is formed of wafer layers, with a flexible electronics layer sandwiched between rigid layers. The use of a flexible layer may reduce stress on the PCB when the pressing is done with the passthrough element <NUM> engaged through the interior channel <NUM> of the barrier member <NUM>. In an embodiment, the passthrough element <NUM> may have electronics couplers for coupling to a first network (e.g. network <NUM> of <FIG>) on the first side <NUM> (e.g. terminal side <NUM> of <FIG>) of an interference fit standard barrier <NUM> (when engaged for pressing and/or after pressing) and may have electronics for conducting transmitter operations on the second side <NUM> (e.g. an electronics side <NUM>).

Also, in an embodiment, when pressing is done, the pressure applied presses at least a portion of the passthrough element <NUM> from the first side <NUM> to the second side <NUM> of the interference fit standard barrier <NUM>. For instance, before pressing, some of the portion (e.g. an electronics portion) of the passthrough element <NUM> that is supposed to be located on the second side <NUM> (e.g. an electronics side <NUM> of <FIG>) may be located on the first side <NUM> (e.g. terminal side <NUM> of <FIG>). This part of the portion of the passthrough element <NUM> may be appropriately pushed to the second side <NUM> by the pressing operation that forms the interference fit standard barrier <NUM>.

When assembling, a press block <NUM> may be used to apply the pressure necessary to create an interference fit standard barrier <NUM>. Pressure may be applied to a press block <NUM> on its pressure side <NUM>. In order to reduce any potential damage to the passthrough element <NUM>, the press block <NUM> may have recesses that are at least partially conformal to the shape of the passthrough element <NUM>. These recesses may cause an uneven application of pressure on the barrier member <NUM> when pressing is done through the press block <NUM>. This uneven application of pressure can result in weak interference fits. For instance, the uneven pressing may cause uneven translation of stored elastic potential energy, leading to failure of an interference fit standard barrier <NUM>.

A pressure distribution element <NUM> is an element that, when pressed, applies even pressure to another element. For instance, in an embodiment in which the press block <NUM> with conformal recesses is used, a pressure distribution element <NUM> may be placed on the end of the press block <NUM> opposite the pressure side <NUM> of the press block <NUM>. In an embodiment, the pressure distribution element <NUM> is engaged between a press block <NUM> and a barrier member <NUM> before pressing such that, when pressure is applied to the press block <NUM> to form an interference fit standard barrier <NUM>, the pressure may be applied through the pressure distribution element <NUM>, the pressure distribution element <NUM> applying substantially uniform pressure to the barrier member <NUM> about a surface of the pressure distribution element <NUM> that opposes the pressure direction <NUM> of the pressing. In an embodiment, the pressure distribution element <NUM> may be a flat member with substantially parallel planar faces and a relatively narrow width between the faces. In an embodiment, the passthrough element <NUM> may have coupling elements <NUM>, for instance, comprising holes and/or screws. These coupling elements <NUM> may be used to couple the pressure distribution element <NUM> to the post-press assembly <NUM>, for instance, to a first surface <NUM> that surrounds a first side <NUM> of an aperture <NUM>. In an embodiment in which the coupling elements <NUM> comprise holes, the holes may be used to receive alignment pins <NUM> to help align the pressure distribution element <NUM> during pressing. The pressure distribution element <NUM> may also have a slot <NUM> for allowing a passthrough element <NUM> to pass through the slot <NUM>. The slot <NUM> may be at a position of the pressure distribution element <NUM> that coincides with the interior channel <NUM> of the barrier member <NUM> when the pressure distribution element <NUM> is engaged with and/or coupled to the barrier member <NUM> such that a passthrough element <NUM> can pass straight through both the pressure distribution element <NUM> and barrier member <NUM>. The slot <NUM> may be shaped like a typical slot <NUM> in that it is substantially wider in one dimension than the other at each cross section of the passthrough element <NUM> along a line perpendicular to the faces of largest surface area of the passthrough element <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> is any container that holds electronics components. The housing <NUM> may be one that requires Ex d and/or Ex e certification. In an embodiment, the housing <NUM> may be a housing <NUM> or case for one of a flow sensor, a transmitter configured and/or adapted to communicate with a flow sensor, any other electronics containing apparatus, and the like. The housing <NUM> may be one that, when in use, it resides in an environment with flammable and/or explosive gases. The housing <NUM> may have the interference fit standard barrier <NUM> to ensure that any explosion/flame generated by sparking of electronics circuitry in the housing <NUM> cools down a flame or explosion in the housing <NUM> that can escape from the housing <NUM>, perhaps spreading to the already flammable or explosive environment. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the housing <NUM> is a housing for a transmitter that is configured to receive signals from a meter assembly and transmit those signals to a relevant network (e.g. network <NUM> of <FIG>). The second side <NUM> has electronics that are used as part of the transmitter. These electronics may include circuits configured to one or more of receive, store, and transmit data from a meter assembly to or from terminals on the other side of the interference fit standard barrier <NUM>. In an embodiment, the first side <NUM> is a terminal side (e.g. terminal side <NUM> of <FIG>) with terminals for transmitting signals between the electronics side (e.g. electronics side <NUM> of <FIG>) and an external network (e.g. network <NUM> of <FIG>). The terminal side is separated from the electronics side by the interference fit standard barrier <NUM>, perhaps preventing transmission of flame/explosion generated due to sparking in the electronics circuitry on the electronics side that otherwise could escape to the terminal side and, perhaps subsequently, an environment with flammable or explosive gases in sufficient concentration to cause a hazardous fire and/or explosion. The passthrough element <NUM> may be a PCB in this embodiment, the PCB having one side with terminal elements and another side with electronics elements. The electronics elements may be positioned on the electronics side of the interference fit standard barrier <NUM>, and the terminal elements may be positioned on the terminal side of the interference fit standard barrier <NUM>.

Embodiments are contemplated in which one or more of the passthrough element <NUM> and the pressure distribution element <NUM> are not part of one or more of the assemblies <NUM> and <NUM>. In these embodiments, portions of steps and arrangements that involve those elements may not be incorporated into the invention. For instance, embodiments are contemplated in which the assemblies <NUM> and/or <NUM> do not have a passthrough element <NUM> through the interference fit standard barrier <NUM>. Further, embodiments are contemplated in which the assemblies <NUM> and/or <NUM> do not have a pressure distribution element <NUM>. Embodiments in which neither are elements of the assemblies <NUM> and/or <NUM> are also contemplated.

After pressing, the spacing between elements that form the interference fit standard barrier <NUM> may be limited in order to prevent flames or explosions on one side of the interference fit standard barrier <NUM> from reaching the other side of the interference fit standard barrier <NUM>. It should be appreciated that interference fit standard barriers <NUM> need not be hermetic seals. Some gas exchange may be allowed through the interference fit standard barrier <NUM>. In order to assure the flow of gases is limited, the spaces between one or more elements that form the interference fit standard barrier <NUM> may be limited to a predefined threshold, for instance, to less than <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>. In an embodiment, any spaces between the barrier member <NUM> and the aperture <NUM> may be less than a predefined threshold. In an embodiment, any spaces between the peripheral edge <NUM> and the conformal interior peripheral edge <NUM> are less than a predefined threshold. In an embodiment, any spaces between a passthrough element <NUM> and a barrier member <NUM> are less than a predefined threshold. In an embodiment any spaces between a passthrough element <NUM> and an interior channel <NUM> of a barrier member <NUM> are less than a predefined threshold.

As can be seen in <FIG> and <FIG> which show an embodiment of the pre-press assembly <NUM>, before pressing, a side of the press block <NUM> opposite its pressure side <NUM> may be engaged with one or more of the pressure distribution element <NUM> and the passthrough element <NUM>. If the press block <NUM> is at least partially engaged with the passthrough element <NUM>, the press block <NUM> may have recesses (not shown) that receive at least part of the passthrough element <NUM>. In some embodiments, upon pressing the press block <NUM> with the passthrough element <NUM> partially engaged in the recesses of the press block <NUM>, parts of the passthrough element <NUM> may be deliberately bent to conform to a desired resulting shape. This bend may better accommodate certain connectors for electronics components. In an embodiment, the press block <NUM> may have internal channels for receiving alignment elements <NUM>, for instance, alignment pins <NUM> coupled to corresponding holes in a first surface <NUM>.

The pressure distribution element <NUM> may receive unevenly distributed pressure from the press block <NUM> on the side of the pressure distribution element <NUM> where pressure is applied. The pressure distribution element <NUM> may have a substantially uniform and/or flat opposing side (opposite the side to which pressure is applied by the press block <NUM>) that applies even pressure to elements on the opposing side, for instance, a barrier member <NUM>. In an embodiment, the pressure distribution element <NUM> may have holes for receiving alignment elements <NUM>, for instance, alignment pins <NUM> coupled to corresponding holes in a first surface <NUM>. In this embodiment, the holes (and perhaps additional holes) in the pressure distribution element <NUM> may also be used to couple the pressure distribution element <NUM> to the first side <NUM> of the interference fit standard barrier <NUM>, perhaps reinforcing the interference fit standard barrier <NUM>. In this embodiment, the pressure distribution element <NUM> may abut the first face <NUM> of the barrier member <NUM>. In an alternative embodiment in which a pressure distribution element <NUM> is not used, the press block <NUM> may directly engage with the barrier member <NUM> to press the barrier member <NUM>.

The barrier member <NUM> may be engaged with one or more of the press block <NUM> and the pressure distribution element <NUM> on the first face <NUM>. The barrier member <NUM> may engage the aperture <NUM>, perhaps at the barrier member's <NUM> peripheral edge <NUM>. The pre-press assembly <NUM> may have the peripheral edge <NUM> of the barrier member <NUM> engaged with an interior portion of the aperture <NUM>, for instance, a conformal interior peripheral edge <NUM>.

Before pressing, the barrier member <NUM> may only be partially engaged with the aperture <NUM>. For instance, in an embodiment, only a portion of the peripheral edge <NUM> engages with and/or conforms to the conformal interior peripheral edge <NUM> before pressing. Before pressing, the peripheral edge <NUM> and the conformal interior peripheral edge <NUM> may be at least partially conformal in that they are angled and/or are complementary and/or conformal with one another, perhaps with the peripheral edge <NUM> having an angle <NUM> and the conformal interior peripheral edge <NUM> having a complementary angle <NUM>. For instance, in an embodiment the angle <NUM> and the complementary angle <NUM> may be negatives of one another relative to a particular reference, for instance, one or more of the barrier reference line <NUM> and the aperture reference line <NUM>. It should be appreciated that the angles <NUM> and complementary angles <NUM> may be exaggerated in the figures for purposes of demonstration. In an embodiment where only a portion of the peripheral edge <NUM> is conformal with the conformal interior peripheral edge <NUM> before pressing, the pressing may cause the interior peripheral edge <NUM> to deform with the rest of the barrier member <NUM> and cause the resulting deformed peripheral edge <NUM> to have a greater complementary and/or conformal surface area shared between the peripheral edge <NUM> and the conformal interior peripheral edge <NUM> than before the pressing, perhaps contributing to the formation of the interference fit standard barrier <NUM>.

The aperture <NUM> may be an element of a rigid structure, for instance, a housing <NUM>, the rigid structure providing a substrate for providing opposing pressure that can be translated through the aperture <NUM>, perhaps via the conformal interior peripheral edge <NUM>, to oppose the pressure applied to the first face <NUM> of the barrier member <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the arrangement of elements of the pre-press assembly <NUM> may be, in order from a direction from a first side <NUM> to a second side <NUM> (in a pressure direction <NUM>), the press block <NUM>, the pressure distribution element <NUM>, the barrier member <NUM>, and the aperture <NUM>. It should be appreciated that the barrier member <NUM> may be partially conformal and engaged with part of the interior of the aperture <NUM>, such that a portion of the barrier member <NUM> and the aperture <NUM> overlap in the direction from the first side <NUM> to the second side <NUM> (and/or the pressure direction <NUM>). Also, a passthrough element <NUM> may be arranged on the interior of some elements, for instance, one or more of a recess in the press block <NUM>, a slot <NUM> in the pressure distribution element <NUM>, an interior channel <NUM> of the barrier member <NUM>, and through part of the aperture <NUM>. The passthrough element <NUM> may have ends in an axis defined by a pressure direction <NUM> defined from the first side <NUM> to the second side <NUM>, for instance an end that is partially situated in the recesses of the press block <NUM> and another end that is situated on the second side <NUM> before pressing. In an embodiment in which the pressure distribution element <NUM> is not used, the order may be the same except that the pressure distribution element <NUM> is not included.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a barrier member <NUM> for forming an interference fit standard barrier <NUM>. The barrier member <NUM> presented in <FIG> may be an embodiment of the barrier member <NUM> presented in <FIG> and <FIG> (before pressing). Specialized components may be needed to generate interference fit standard barriers <NUM>. Existing components are not specifically configured for this purpose, and they may not be easily adaptable for the purpose of forming an interference fit standard barrier <NUM>. For instance, existing polymer bushings typically are tiered with significant discontinuities between discontinuous levels and round shaped interior channels <NUM> that are poorly adapted to accepting passthrough elements <NUM> such as PCBs and forming interference fit standard barriers <NUM> around them. Applicant's barrier member <NUM>, before pressing, may have one or more attributes that make it better adapted to the application of creating an interference fit standard barrier <NUM>, and/or an interference fit standard barrier <NUM> with a passthrough element <NUM>.

The barrier member <NUM> may be adapted to such an application by incorporating features already described with respect to the barrier member <NUM>, for instance, by having a peripheral edge <NUM> that interacts with a conformal interior peripheral edge <NUM> of an aperture <NUM>, by the peripheral edge <NUM> and the conformal interior peripheral edge <NUM> having conformal and/or complementary portions before pressing, by having a peripheral edge <NUM> with an angle <NUM>, by the first face <NUM> having a greater surface area than the second face <NUM>, by composing the barrier member <NUM> of materials that have appropriate properties (as described in this specification) for making an interference fit standard barrier <NUM>, by composing the barrier member <NUM> of materials that have properties relative to the elements that define the aperture <NUM> (against which pressure is exerted during pressing, e.g. the conformal interior peripheral edge <NUM>), by a portion of the first face <NUM> having a greater surface area than any cross section of the aperture <NUM>, and the like. This list of features is exemplary, and all of the features stated with respect to the embodiments of the barrier member <NUM> in this specification are contemplated to improve the barrier member <NUM> and the manner in which the barrier member <NUM> is used in an interference fit standard barrier <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> show views of further embodiments of the invention. Elements presented with reference numbers in <FIG> and <FIG> are embodiments of elements with like reference numbers in <FIG>.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a pre-engagement assembly <NUM> before the barrier member <NUM> is engaged with the aperture <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a secured assembly <NUM> after a pressure distribution element <NUM> is coupled to a first surface <NUM>. In this embodiment, the pressure distribution element <NUM> is coupled to the secured assembly <NUM> using coupling elements <NUM>. Parts of the coupling elements <NUM> may be received by holes in the first surface <NUM>, with some of the holes, perhaps, having served as elements complementary to and/or in alignment with alignment elements <NUM> before and during pressing.

<FIG> show flowcharts of embodiments of methods for engaging elements of a pre-press assembly <NUM>, pressing elements of a pre-press assembly <NUM>, forming a post-press assembly <NUM>, and securing a post-press assembly <NUM> to form a secured assembly <NUM>. The methods disclosed in the flowcharts are non-exhaustive and merely demonstrate potential embodiments of steps and orders. The methods must be construed in the context of the entire specification, including elements disclosed in descriptions of the interference fit standard barrier <NUM>, descriptions of the pressed assembly <NUM>, descriptions of the pre-press assembly <NUM>, and/or any of the elements disclosed in <FIG>. The methods represented by the flowcharts and corresponding descriptions should be construed in the context of the entire specification, including elements disclosed in descriptions of <FIG>. The barrier member <NUM>, aperture <NUM>, passthrough element <NUM>, pressure distribution element <NUM>, housing <NUM>, interference fit standard barrier <NUM>, post-press assembly <NUM>, pre-press assembly <NUM>, first side <NUM>, second side <NUM>, first face <NUM>, second face <NUM>, peripheral edge <NUM>, interior channel <NUM>, angle <NUM>, barrier reference line <NUM>, member depth <NUM>, conformal interior peripheral edge <NUM>, first surface <NUM>, second surface <NUM>, aperture reference line <NUM>, complementary angle <NUM>, first opening <NUM>, second opening <NUM>, aperture depth <NUM>, coupling elements <NUM>, slot <NUM>, press block <NUM>, alignment elements <NUM>, alignment pins <NUM>, and pressure side <NUM> explicitly referred to or implicitly used in the flowcharts and corresponding method descriptions may be embodiments of the barrier member <NUM>, aperture <NUM>, passthrough element <NUM>, pressure distribution element <NUM>, housing <NUM>, pressure direction <NUM>, interference fit standard barrier <NUM>, post-press assembly <NUM>, pre-press assembly <NUM>, first side <NUM>, second side <NUM>, first face <NUM>, second face <NUM>, peripheral edge <NUM>, interior channel <NUM>, angle <NUM>, barrier reference line <NUM>, member depth <NUM>, conformal interior peripheral edge <NUM>, first surface <NUM>, second surface <NUM>, aperture reference line <NUM>, complementary angle <NUM>, first opening <NUM>, second opening <NUM>, aperture depth <NUM>, coupling elements <NUM>, slot <NUM>, pressure direction <NUM>, press block <NUM>, alignment elements <NUM>, alignment pins <NUM>, and pressure side <NUM> as disclosed in <FIG>, although any suitable barrier member <NUM>, aperture <NUM>, passthrough element <NUM>, pressure distribution element <NUM>, housing <NUM>, interference fit standard barrier <NUM>, post-press assembly <NUM>, pre-press assembly <NUM>, first side <NUM>, second side <NUM>, first face <NUM>, second face <NUM>, peripheral edge <NUM>, interior channel <NUM>, angle <NUM>, barrier reference line <NUM>, member depth <NUM>, conformal interior peripheral edge <NUM>, first surface <NUM>, second surface <NUM>, aperture reference line <NUM>, complementary angle <NUM>, first opening <NUM>, second opening <NUM>, aperture depth <NUM>, coupling elements <NUM>, slot <NUM>, pressure direction <NUM>, press block <NUM>, alignment elements <NUM>, alignment pins <NUM>, and pressure side <NUM> may be employed in alternative embodiments.

<FIG> shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method <NUM> of forming a component with an interference fit standard barrier <NUM>.

Step <NUM> is optionally forming pre-press assembly <NUM> components. This forming <NUM> may include forming one or more of the barrier member <NUM>, aperture <NUM> (and/or the physical elements that define the aperture <NUM>), and passthrough element <NUM>. The step <NUM> is optional to the extent that the parts may be formed before the method <NUM> starts. The pressure distribution element <NUM> may also optionally be formed if the embodiment of the method <NUM> incorporates the pressure distribution element <NUM>. The components may be formed by any known method, for instance, extrusion, molding, 3d printing, casting, coupling sub-elements, any other known method for forming elements, and the like. Any of the elements of the pre-press assembly <NUM> may be formed having any number of the features described in this specification. With regards to the barrier member <NUM>, the physical properties of the materials may be such that conventional methods of forming may be cumbersome. In these embodiments, the barrier member <NUM> may be formed by cutting away material from a large block to substantially form multiple barrier members <NUM> that can be subsequently cut away or otherwise removed from the large block. This may be advantageous for barrier members <NUM> composed of materials that have low coefficients of friction when interacting with conventional materials in the relevant context (e.g. stainless steel, aluminum, or C22 in vibratory sensors and/or transmitters). These may be too slick to handle individual using hands or tools because of sufficiently low coefficients of friction (e.g. between the tools or hands used and the material of the barrier member <NUM>).

Step <NUM> is engaging elements to form a pre-press assembly <NUM>. Elements of the pre-press assembly <NUM> may be engaged by engaging conformal portions of the elements. Engaging the passthrough element <NUM> with the barrier member <NUM> may be done before the method begins such that the passthrough element <NUM> is already coupled to the barrier member <NUM>. In another embodiment, the passthrough element <NUM> is engaged with the barrier member <NUM> by passing the passthrough element <NUM> through an interior channel <NUM> of the barrier member <NUM>. Engaging the press block <NUM> may include one or more of engaging the press block <NUM> recesses with the passthrough element <NUM>, engaging the press block <NUM> with an optional pressure distribution element <NUM>, and engaging the press block <NUM> to a first face <NUM> of a barrier member <NUM>. In embodiments where the pressure distribution element <NUM> is used to apply pressure from the press block <NUM> evenly (to compensate for recesses) to the barrier member <NUM>, the press block <NUM> may not be directly engaged with the barrier member <NUM>. In other embodiments, perhaps ones where the pressure distribution element <NUM> is not used to apply pressure from the press block <NUM> to the barrier member <NUM>, the press block <NUM> may be directly engaged with the barrier member <NUM>. The barrier member <NUM> may be engaged with the aperture <NUM>, perhaps having the peripheral edge <NUM> of the barrier member <NUM> at least partially engaged with the at least part of the conformal interior peripheral edge <NUM> of the aperture <NUM>. Once engaged, the barrier member <NUM> may be engaged with the aperture <NUM> such that the barrier member <NUM> at least partially resides within the aperture <NUM>. In an embodiment, the engaging the barrier member <NUM> with the aperture <NUM> may comprise engaging the barrier member <NUM> with the aperture <NUM> such that the barrier member <NUM> cannot be pressed further into the aperture <NUM> without deforming the barrier member <NUM>. Some of the elements may be guided by alignment elements <NUM>, for instance, alignment pins <NUM>. In an embodiment, one or more of the barrier member <NUM>, pressure distribution element <NUM>, and press block <NUM> may have holes or channels for use as alignment elements <NUM> to align the elements for pressing using, for example, alignment pins <NUM>. In an embodiment, the first surface <NUM> may have alignment elements <NUM> that include holes for receiving guiding elements, such as alignment pins <NUM>. In an embodiment, the holes and alignment pins <NUM> may be at least partially threaded to allow for a secure and aligned detachable coupling.

Step <NUM> is pressing a pre-press assembly <NUM> to form a post-press assembly <NUM>. In this step, pressure is applied to the press block <NUM>, for instance, in a pressure direction <NUM> from the first side <NUM> to the second side <NUM>. The pressure applied through the press block <NUM> may be applied to the first face <NUM> of the barrier member <NUM>, either directly or via a pressure distribution element <NUM>. Embodiments are also contemplated where a press block <NUM> intermediate is not used. Step <NUM> may also apply pressure through the press block <NUM> recesses to the passthrough element <NUM>. When the pressure is applied by step <NUM>, the rigid conformal interior peripheral edge <NUM> of the aperture <NUM> may provide an opposing pressure force to the peripheral edge <NUM> of the barrier member <NUM> such that pressure applied to the first face <NUM> may cause the barrier member <NUM> to deform to conform to narrower portions of the conformal interior peripheral edge <NUM> that are closer to the second side <NUM>, perhaps even having some of the barrier member <NUM> cold flow over one or more of the first opening <NUM> and second opening <NUM>. The directional pressure applied in the pressure direction <NUM> may be translated by portions of the peripheral edge <NUM> that are wider than portions of the conformal interior peripheral edge <NUM> into which the wider portions of the peripheral edge <NUM> are pushed to make pressure gradients in a transverse direction between the barrier member <NUM> and the aperture <NUM>. Some of the energy of the pressing is translated into deforming the barrier member <NUM> to conform to the interior of the aperture <NUM>. Some of the energy of the pressing is translated into stored elastic potential energy in the barrier member <NUM>, such that, over a, perhaps predetermined, range of operating conditions, the stored elastic potential energy can compel the barrier member <NUM> to responsively expand and/or contract to maintain the interference fit standard barrier <NUM>. It should be appreciated that the element having the aperture <NUM> (perhaps the housing <NUM>) may expand and contract at rates different from the rates of expansion of the barrier member <NUM>, and this stored elastic potential energy maintains the interference fit standard barrier <NUM> by responding to expansions and/or contractions of the aperture <NUM>. In an embodiment, some of the energy from pressing may also be translated into deforming the barrier member <NUM> such that a portion of the barrier member <NUM> cold flows, perhaps cold flowing through one or more of the first opening <NUM> and the second opening <NUM> of the aperture <NUM>. In embodiments with a passthrough element <NUM>, the pressure applied may be sufficient to form an interference fit between an interior channel <NUM> of the barrier member <NUM>, perhaps making a passthrough element interference fit such that the interface between the interior channel <NUM> and the passthrough element <NUM> may satisfy the same flameproof and/or explosion proof standards with which the interference fit standard barrier <NUM> complies.

Step <NUM> is optionally removing pressing elements. Removing pressing elements may include removing one or more of the press block <NUM>, pressure distribution element <NUM>, alignment elements <NUM>, and alignment pins <NUM>. In an embodiment, the pressure distribution element <NUM> is used during pressing and subsequently removed. In another embodiment, as shown in step <NUM>, the pressure distribution element <NUM> can be integrated into the post-press assembly <NUM>.

Step <NUM> is optionally aging the interference fit standard barrier <NUM>. In embodiments where the interference fit standard barrier <NUM> has polymeric components, for instance, if the barrier member <NUM> is composed of a polymeric material, the interference fit standard barrier <NUM> may be aged in order to assure quality. When originally formed, polymeric elements may still undergo significant structural change. This change can include physical structural changes as well as chemical changes associated with the polymer chains interacting. This aging allows the polymeric material to settle into a relatively consistent resting configuration and allows any chemical or physical interactions between polymeric structural elements to occur. Typically, when polymers age, they shrink. In the context of interference fit standard barriers <NUM>, this can be problematic, as spaces between elements are supposed to be limited. When elements of the barrier member <NUM> shrink, greater spaces between polymeric and non-polymeric materials increase. The pressing may store significant elastic potential energy in a pressed polymeric element that forms the interference fit (e.g. a polymeric barrier member <NUM>), such that, despite aging causing shrinking of the polymeric element, the stored elastic potential energy may counter some of the shrinking. This stored elastic potential energy and resulting expansion can mitigate the effect of shrinking due to aging. This stored elastic potential energy causes responsive expansion to effectively fill some of the spaces formed. It should be appreciated that, if, after aging, the gaps between elements of the interference fit standard barrier <NUM> are too large (perhaps exceeding a predetermined threshold), the defective interference fit standard barrier <NUM> may have to be reformed or the component with the defective interference fit standard barrier <NUM> may be discarded. Aging may be done passively by exposing the polymeric elements to ambient conditions or aging may be active, for instance, by exposing the polymeric elements to radiation (e.g. sunlight), specific levels of humidity, specific chemical environments (e.g. in oxygen rich environments), specific temperatures or temperature ranges, under conditions of physical stresses (e.g. vibrations), combinations thereof, or other conditions commonly used in the art. The aging may be conducted for an appropriate period of time, for instance, at least a day, at least a week, at least two weeks, at least a month, periods known in the art of polymer aging, or a like period. Polymer aging is well-established in the art, and further description of aging is omitted for purposes of brevity.

Step <NUM> is optionally securing a pressure distribution element <NUM> to the post-press assembly <NUM> to make a secured assembly <NUM>. A pressure distribution element <NUM> may be incorporated into the post-press assembly <NUM> by coupling the pressure distribution element <NUM> to one or more of the first surface <NUM> and the barrier member <NUM>. In an embodiment in which the alignment elements <NUM> having the holes that receive removable alignment elements <NUM>, perhaps the alignment pins <NUM>, the holes may also serve as coupling substrates for coupling elements <NUM> of the pressure distribution element <NUM> to the first surface <NUM>. For instance, the coupling elements <NUM> may be holes through the pressure distribution element <NUM> and screws that are passed through the holes and couple with the holes in the first surface <NUM>. In an embodiment in which these holes in the first surface <NUM> are threaded for receiving threaded alignment pins <NUM>, screws used to secure the pressure distribution element <NUM> may be threaded such that the threading corresponds to threading in the holes in the first surface <NUM>. In an embodiment, the first surface <NUM> may have further holes, perhaps threaded holes, that are not used for aligning the pre-press assembly <NUM> components but are used to couple the pressure distribution element <NUM> to the first surface <NUM>. In this embodiment, the pressure distribution element <NUM> may have the same number of holes and/or screws as the first surface <NUM>. In various embodiments steps <NUM>-<NUM> may be conducted in any order after step <NUM>.

Embodiments are contemplated in which one or more of the passthrough element <NUM> and the pressure distribution element <NUM> are not part of the assemblies <NUM> and/or <NUM>. In these embodiments, portions of steps that involve those elements may not be conducted.

In an embodiment, each of the steps of the method shown in <FIG> is a distinct step. In another embodiment, although depicted as distinct steps in <FIG>, steps <NUM>-<NUM> may not be distinct steps. In other embodiments, the method shown in <FIG> may not have all of the above steps and/or may have other steps in addition to or instead of those listed above. The steps of the method <NUM> shown in <FIG> may be performed in another order. Subsets of the steps listed above as part of the method <NUM> shown in <FIG> may be used to form their own method. The steps of method <NUM> may be repeated in any combination and order any number of times, for instance, continuously looping in order to form multiple interference fit standard barriers <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method <NUM> of forming a barrier member <NUM>. Method <NUM> may be an embodiment of step <NUM>.

Step <NUM> is forming a barrier member <NUM>. The barrier member <NUM> may be formed by any known method, for instance, extrusion, molding, 3d printing, casting, coupling sub-elements, any other known method for forming elements, and the like. With regards to the barrier member <NUM>, the physical properties of the materials may be such that conventional methods of forming may be cumbersome. In these embodiments, the barrier member <NUM> may be formed by cutting away material from a large block to substantially form multiple barrier members <NUM> that can be subsequently cut away or otherwise removed from the large block. This may be advantageous for barrier members <NUM> composed of materials that have low coefficients of friction when interacting with conventional materials in the relevant context (e.g. stainless steel, aluminum, or C22 in vibratory sensors and/or transmitters). These may be too slick to handle individually using hands or tools because of sufficiently low coefficients of friction (e.g. between the tools or hands used and the material of the barrier member <NUM>). Step <NUM>, itself, may be an embodiment of step <NUM>.

In other embodiments, the method shown in <FIG> may have other steps in addition to or instead of the step listed above. Subsets of the step listed above as part of the method <NUM> shown in <FIG> may be used to form their own method. The step of method <NUM> may be repeated any number of times, for instance, continuously looping in order to form multiple barrier members <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method <NUM> of engaging elements to form a pre-press assembly <NUM>. Method <NUM> may be an embodiment of step <NUM>. Elements of the pre-press assembly <NUM> may be engaged by engaging conformal portions of the elements. The engaging steps presented can be conducted in any order.

Step <NUM> is optionally engaging alignment elements <NUM>. Some of the elements engaged may be guided by alignment elements <NUM>, for instance, alignment pins <NUM>. In an embodiment, one or more of the barrier member <NUM>, pressure distribution element <NUM>, and press block <NUM> may have holes or channels for use as alignment elements <NUM> to align the elements for pressing using, for example, alignment pins <NUM>. In an embodiment, the first surface <NUM> may have alignment elements <NUM> that include holes for receiving guiding elements, such as alignment pins <NUM>. In an embodiment, the holes and alignment pins <NUM> may be at least partially threaded to allow for a secure and aligned detachable coupling. In an embodiment, step <NUM> may include engaging alignment pins <NUM>, perhaps securing them to other alignment elements <NUM> in the first surface <NUM>.

Step <NUM> is optionally engaging a passthrough element <NUM> with a barrier member <NUM>. In an embodiment, the passthrough element <NUM> is not coupled to the barrier member <NUM> prior to the method. In this embodiment, a passthrough element <NUM> may be engaged with the barrier member <NUM> by passing the passthrough element <NUM> through the barrier member <NUM>, perhaps through an interior channel <NUM>. In this embodiment, the pressing that may follow method <NUM> may cause a coupling between the passthrough element <NUM> and the barrier member <NUM>, for instance, at least a portion of the passthrough element <NUM> being coupled to an interior channel <NUM> of the barrier member <NUM> by interference fit. In embodiments in which the passthrough element <NUM> is already coupled to the barrier member <NUM> before the method starts, step <NUM> may be superfluous. Also, step <NUM>, itself, may be an embodiment of step <NUM>.

Step <NUM> is engaging the barrier member <NUM> with the aperture <NUM>. The barrier member <NUM> may be engaged with the aperture <NUM>, perhaps having the peripheral edge <NUM> of the barrier member <NUM> at least partially engaged with the conformal interior peripheral edge <NUM> of the aperture <NUM>. Once engaged, the barrier member <NUM> may be engaged with the aperture <NUM> such that the barrier member <NUM> at least partially resides within the aperture <NUM>. In an embodiment, the barrier member <NUM> may be engaged with the aperture <NUM> such that the barrier member <NUM> cannot be pushed further into the aperture <NUM> without deforming the barrier member <NUM>.

Step <NUM> is optionally engaging a pressure distribution element <NUM> with the barrier member <NUM>. In an embodiment in which a pressure distribution element <NUM> is used in the assemblies <NUM> and/or <NUM>, the pressure distribution element <NUM> may be engaged with the barrier member <NUM>. If the barrier member <NUM> has an engaged passthrough element <NUM>, engaging the pressure distribution element <NUM> with the barrier member <NUM> may include engaging the passthrough element <NUM> with a slot <NUM> in the pressure distribution element <NUM>. In an embodiment in which the pressure distribution element <NUM> is engaged with the barrier member <NUM> before the barrier member <NUM> is engaged with the passthrough element <NUM>, the passthrough element <NUM> may be engaged to the pre-press assembly <NUM> by being passed through both of the pressure distribution element <NUM> and the barrier member <NUM> at the same time, perhaps negating the need for a separate step <NUM>.

Step <NUM> is optionally engaging the press block <NUM>. Engaging the press block <NUM> may include one or more of engaging the press block <NUM> recesses with the passthrough element <NUM>, engaging the press block <NUM> with an optional pressure distribution element <NUM>, and engaging the press block <NUM> to a first face <NUM> of a barrier member <NUM>. In embodiments where the pressure distribution element <NUM> is used to apply pressure from the press block <NUM> evenly (to compensate for recesses) to the barrier member <NUM>, the press block <NUM> may not be directly engaged with the barrier member <NUM>. In other embodiments, perhaps ones where the pressure distribution element <NUM> is not used to apply pressure from the press block <NUM> to the barrier member <NUM>, the press block <NUM> may be directly engaged with the barrier member <NUM>. Combinations of both, for instance where the pressure distribution element <NUM> is present in the assemblies <NUM> or <NUM> but there is still at least some direct contact between the press block <NUM> and the barrier member <NUM> are contemplated.

Further, in embodiments that use alignment elements <NUM>, the press block <NUM> may have holes or recesses for receiving portions of alignment elements <NUM>, for instance, alignment pins <NUM>. In such an embodiment, the engaging step <NUM> may include engaging press block <NUM> with the alignment elements <NUM>, for instance, engaging with the alignment pins <NUM>. This step is optional, as embodiments in which pressure is applied by something other than a press block <NUM> are contemplated.

<FIG> shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method <NUM> of pressing a pre-press assembly <NUM> to form a post-press assembly <NUM>. Method <NUM> may be an embodiment of step <NUM>.

Step <NUM> is applying pressure to form an interference fit standard barrier <NUM>. In an embodiment, the pressure is applied to a first side of a press block <NUM>. In an embodiment where no press block <NUM> is used, pressure may be applied directly to one of a barrier member <NUM> and a housing with an aperture <NUM>. The pressure may be applied by any machine configured to press elements, for instance, a mechanical press. The pressure may be applied in a pressure direction <NUM> from a first side <NUM> to a second side <NUM>. The pressure may be applied to a press block <NUM> of a pre-press assembly <NUM>, perhaps a pressure side <NUM> of the press block <NUM>. The pressure is exerted through the press block <NUM> to elements with which the press block <NUM> is engaged on the side opposite the press block <NUM>. The pressure applied through the press block <NUM> may be applied to the first face <NUM> of the barrier member <NUM>, either directly or via a pressure distribution element <NUM>. The pressing may also apply pressure through the press block <NUM> recesses to the passthrough element <NUM>. When the pressure is applied during step <NUM>, the rigid conformal interior peripheral edge <NUM> of the aperture <NUM> may provide an opposing pressure force to the peripheral edge <NUM> of the barrier member <NUM> such that pressure applied to the first face <NUM> may cause the barrier member <NUM> to deform to conform to narrower portions of the conformal interior peripheral edge <NUM> that are closer to the second side <NUM>, perhaps even having some of the barrier member <NUM> cold flow over one or more of the first opening <NUM> and second opening <NUM>. Step <NUM>, itself, may be an embodiment of step <NUM>. In an embodiment, after the pressing step <NUM>, any of steps <NUM>-<NUM> may optionally be conducted in any order. In a same or different embodiment, before the pressing step <NUM>, any of steps <NUM>-<NUM> may optionally be conducted in any order.

The pressure required in step <NUM> may be reduced by the arrangement of the elements of the pre-press assembly <NUM>. For instance, the pressure applied may be of a magnitude that is less than or equal to <NUM> pounds. Significantly higher pressures would be required for compressing barrier members <NUM> that are not malleable. Further, by allowing the barrier member <NUM> to deform and/or cold flow into the aperture <NUM>, without providing an opposing face, less pressure need be applied to create the interference fit standard barrier <NUM> than would be necessary if the aperture <NUM> did not accommodate the expansion and potential overflow of the barrier member <NUM> under pressure. The expansion and potential overflow may be facilitated by the aperture <NUM> having a depth between its surrounding first surface <NUM> and second surface <NUM> greater or lesser than a barrier member <NUM> width between its first face <NUM> and its second face <NUM>. The expansion and potential overflow may be facilitated by the aperture <NUM> having the second opening <NUM>, perhaps allowing a portion of the deformed (during pressing) barrier member <NUM> to partially protrude from the second opening <NUM>. The result of step <NUM> may be a post-press assembly <NUM>.

In an embodiment, in order to assure that sufficient elastic potential energy is stored in the barrier member <NUM> after pressing, the barrier member <NUM> is not heated before and/or after pressing. Heating may cause an expansion or contraction of the barrier member <NUM>, and subsequent cooling may cause extra contraction or expansion of the barrier member <NUM>, potentially compromising the interference fit standard barrier <NUM> when the barrier member <NUM> cools. This may be facilitated by assuring that the barrier member <NUM> may remain at a temperature below the melting point determined at standard temperature and pressure of the material(s), of which the barrier member <NUM> is composed one or more of before, during, and after one or more of pressing and engaging elements.

In other embodiments, the method shown in <FIG> may have other steps in addition to or instead of the step listed above. Subsets of the step listed above as part of the method <NUM> shown in <FIG> may be used to form their own method. The step of method <NUM> may be repeated any number of times, for instance, continuously looping in order to form multiple post-press assemblies <NUM> and/or secured assemblies <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a system <NUM> having an interference fit standard barrier <NUM>. The system <NUM> has an electrical component <NUM>, a device <NUM>, a network <NUM>, a first communication channel <NUM>, and a second communication channel <NUM>. The electrical component <NUM> has a passthrough PCB <NUM>, electronics <NUM>, a terminal <NUM>, a terminal side <NUM>, an electronics side <NUM>, and the interference fit standard barrier <NUM>.

The electrical component <NUM> is a component that processes data from and/or transmits data to or between elements. In an embodiment, the electrical component <NUM> is a transmitter that is configured to communicate with a device <NUM> (e.g. a sensor) and a network <NUM>. In this embodiment, the transmitter may have electronics <NUM> that can one or more of act as a transceiver between devices <NUM>, store data from devices <NUM>, process data from devices <NUM>, transmit and receive data to and from devices <NUM>, and the like. The electrical component <NUM> may have an assembly (e.g. post-press assembly <NUM> or secured assembly <NUM>) with an interference fit standard barrier <NUM>. The interference fit standard barrier <NUM> may be an embodiment of the interference fit standard barrier <NUM>. The interference fit standard barrier <NUM> may provide a flame proof and/or explosion proof barrier (perhaps satisfying one or more of "Ex d" and "Ex e" IEC standards) between a terminal side <NUM> and an electronics side <NUM>. The terminal side <NUM> and the electronics side <NUM> may be embodiments of the first side <NUM> and the second side <NUM>, respectively. The terminal side <NUM> may have a terminal <NUM>, an element that is configured to electronically communicate with external networked elements via network <NUM>. The electronics side <NUM> may have electronics <NUM>, the electronics <NUM> being electronics for processing, storing, and/or communicating data. In an embodiment, the data being one or more of processed, stored, or communicated by the electronics <NUM> may be data representing one or more of a flowrate, density, viscosity, speed of sound, time delay, phase shift, frequency, temperature, fluid composition, aeration or void fraction, response signals, drive signals, other signals associated with vibratory sensors, and the like. The electrical component <NUM> may have a passthrough PCB <NUM> that passes through the interference fit standard barrier <NUM> to allow communication between the terminal side <NUM> and the electronics side <NUM> of the interference fit standard barrier <NUM>. Passthrough PCB <NUM> may be an embodiment of passthrough element <NUM>. Although not shown, in an embodiment, the interference fit standard barrier <NUM> may have a secured assembly <NUM> with a coupled pressure distribution element <NUM>.

The device <NUM> is an electronic element that is configured to communicate data with the electrical component <NUM>. The device <NUM> may communicate with the electronics <NUM> of the electrical component <NUM> via a second communication channel <NUM>. In an embodiment, the device <NUM> is a sensor, for instance, a Coriolis flow sensor, a densitometer, a viscometer, pressure sensor, any other device <NUM> that measures properties of fluids, a vibratory sensor, and/or the like. In this embodiment, the electrical component <NUM> may be a transmitter that is configured to communicate data to and from the device <NUM>, for instance, sensor data. In various embodiments, sensor data may include one or more of flowrate measurements, density measurements, viscosity measurements, pressure measurements, pickoff signals, time delays or phase shifts associated with Coriolis forces, frequencies, phase differences, phase errors, command frequencies, other commands, and/or the like.

The network <NUM> is an electronic communication medium that can be used to communicate with any number of devices <NUM> and/or electrical components <NUM> and may store or transmit data as necessary. The network <NUM> may one or more of store data on, transmit data to, or receive data from the electrical component <NUM>. Networked elements may be used to give commands to and/or receive data from one or more of the electrical component <NUM> and the device <NUM>. These network <NUM> elements may also process data from one or more of the electrical component <NUM> and the device <NUM>. The data transferred or processed may include one or more of sensor data, flow measurements, command signals, data retrievals, data writes, setting adjustments, and/or the like.

Claim 1:
An assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>) with an interference fit standard barrier (<NUM>) forming an explosion proof and/or flame proof barriers certified to satisfy Ex d and/or Ex e International technical Commission standards comprising:
an aperture (<NUM>) in an element and
a barrier member (<NUM>) comprising;
a first face (<NUM>);
a second face (<NUM>);
a peripheral edge (<NUM>) between the first face (<NUM>) and the second face (<NUM>), the peripheral edge (<NUM>) being at least partially angled by an angle (<NUM>) relative to a barrier reference line (<NUM>) that is perpendicular to both of at least part of the first face (<NUM>) and at least part of the second face (<NUM>), the angle (<NUM>) declining from the first face (<NUM>) to the second face (<NUM>); and
an interior channel (<NUM>) extending through a member depth (<NUM>) of the barrier member (<NUM>), the member depth (<NUM>) being between the first face (<NUM>) and the second face (<NUM>); and
wherein the aperture (<NUM>) comprises an interior peripheral edge (<NUM>) conformal with the peripheral edge (<NUM>) of the barrier member (<NUM>);
characterized in that
the interior channel (<NUM>) having a longer length than width in a surface of the first face (<NUM>) and a surface of the second face (<NUM>), and in that the barrier member (<NUM>) is composed of a polymer.