Replaceable probe head

• US 8,664,938 B2
• Filed: 05/05/2010
• Issued: 03/04/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 05/05/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: YSI Incorporated (Xylem, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: YSI Incorporated (Xylem, Inc.)
• Inventors: Palassis, Christopher J., James, Michael T.
• Primary Examiner(s): Valone, Thomas F
• Application Number:
  US12/774,081
• Publication Number:
  US 20110273165A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,399 Days
• Field of Search: 324/149
• US Class Current: 324/149
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 11/00 Component parts of measuring arrangements not specially adapted for a specific variable G01D13/00, G01D15/00 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 11/245 Housings for sensors

Abstract

A probe head is disclosed that is detachable from a probe body containing electronics. The probe head including a housing enclosing a sensor and at least part of an electrical connector electrically coupled to the sensor. The housing has a coupling member positioned to detachably connect the housing to the probe body, and when the probe head and probe body are coupled, the electrical connector electrically couples the sensor to the electronics in the probe body.

Claims

1. A probe head that is detachable from a probe body that contains electronics, the probe head comprising:

a housing enclosing a sensor and at least part of an electrical connector electrically coupled to the sensor, the housing comprising a coupling member positioned to detachably connect the housing to the probe body;

wherein the electrical connector is electrically connectable to the electronics in the probe body to electrically couple the sensor to the electronics of the probe body; and

wherein the coupling member includes a flexible, generally C-shaped open ring.

2. The probe head of claim 1 wherein the probe head is disposable.

3. The probe head of claim 1 wherein the flexible, generally C-shaped open ring includes a snap-fit feature.

4. The probe head of claim 3 wherein the snap-fit feature includes an annular ridge protruding from the exterior surface of the open ring.

5. The probe head of claim 1 wherein the flexible, generally C-shaped open ring is compressible to disengage the coupling member from the probe body such that the probe head is detachable from the probe body.

6. The probe head of claim 5 wherein compressing the flexible,. generally C-shaped open ring reduces the ring'"'"'s diameter.

7. The probe head of claim 1 wherein the housing further comprises a first seat with the flexible, generally C-shaped open ring seated thereon.

8. The probe head of claim 7 wherein the housing includes a second seat having a sealing ring seated thereon.

9. The probe head of claim 1 wherein the coupling member is integral with the housing.