Tamper-resistant scheme for securing a housing

Abstract

A tamper-resistant control system includes a housing and a cover. The housing includes a housing body defining an interior space to house an electronic process control device and further includes a first end having a housing threaded portion. The cover includes a cover body defining an interior space and further includes a proximal end, a cover threaded portion, an outer surface, and at least one groove formed on the outer surface. The proximal end of the cover body defines a coupling portion. Upon threadably securing the cover to the housing, the coupling portion of the cover engages the housing threaded portion to limit relative rotation between the housing and the cover.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to tamper-resistant enclosures, and more particularly to tamper-resistant enclosures for multi-piece electronic enclosures that secure process control devices. BACKGROUND

[0002] Process control devices are commonly used to control, measure, and / or perform other functions within a process, such as opening or closing a valve and measuring a process parameter. For example, some process control devices can control the pressure of a control fluid used to position a pneumatic control device, such as a regulator. For example, electro-pneumatic controllers can be used to control a field device associated with the controller, which can be, for example, a valve, a valve positioner, a switch, a transmitter, and a sensor (e.g., a temperature, pressure, and flow sensor). In some forms, these controllers can control the pressure of a control fluid in a pneumatic actuator of a process control valve or regulator to position the process control valve or regulator. For example, a valve can open or close in response to a control output received from a controller, or can send a measurement of a process parameter to the controller so that the controller can use the measurement as a control input. In some cases, the controller can be used in a hazardous environment that is susceptible to damage. Additionally, the controller and regulator can use fluids that are inherently flammable or explosive. In such cases, components that can potentially ignite are contained within an explosion-proof enclosure in order to contain sparks and / or flames therein, thereby protecting the installed, potentially flammable environment and other control instrumentation to ensure proper operation.

[0003] These enclosures must be properly closed or secured to ensure that a proper seal is obtained. Additionally, once the enclosure is properly sealed, such enclosures are generally not intended to allow access to the components contained therein. Certain explosion-proof enclosures can be designed according to various standards that provide certification that a flame will not propagate to an area outside of the enclosure. Examples of standards include a minimum amount of engaged threads when using fasteners such as bolts and / or screws to secure the enclosure and a minimum treacherous path distance. In these arrangements, an auxiliary securing component, such as a set screw or other arrangement, can be used to prevent the bolts from loosening. However, these auxiliary securing components can reduce the amount of engaged threads in the fastener, which can result in the arrangement no longer complying with the required standards. Additionally, some existing arrangements can resemble other fasteners used in the process control environment, and thus, an operator can inadvertently attempt to gain access to the components within the explosion-proof enclosure, which can adversely affect the ability of the enclosure to contain sparks and / or flames. SUMMARY

[0004] According to one aspect, a tamper-resistant control system includes a housing and a cover. The housing includes a housing body defining an interior space to house an electronic process control device and further includes a first end having a housing threaded portion. The cover includes a cover body defining an interior space and further includes a proximal end, a cover threaded portion, an outer surface, and at least one groove formed on the outer surface. The proximal end of the cover body defines a coupling portion. Upon threadably securing the cover to the housing, the coupling portion of the cover engages the housing threaded portion to limit relative rotation between the housing and the cover.

[0005] In some forms, the system can further include an application tool having an application tool body defining an interior space and at least one protrusion extending from a surface of the application tool body. The interior space houses at least a portion of the cover body. The cover is adapted to be placed within the interior space of the tool body such that the at least one protrusion of the application tool body is in axial alignment with the at least one groove of the cover body. In some of these examples, the at least one protrusion of the application tool exerts a torque on the at least one groove of the cover to threadably secure the cover to the housing.

[0006] The system can additionally include a securing tool having a securing tool body and a first end having a securing portion. The securing tool body defines an interior space to house at least a portion of the housing. Upon inserting the housing into the interior space of the securing tool body, the securing portion engages the coupling portion of the cover to urge the coupling portion of the cover into engagement with the housing threaded portion. In some examples, the securing portion includes an annular ramp extending around at least a portion of the securing tool body. An urging force is exerted on the securing tool to urge the coupling portion of the cover into engagement with the housing threaded portion. In some examples, the urging force is between about 4,000 psi and about 10,000 psi.

[0007] In some arrangements, the at least one groove forms a circular cross-section, although any number of shapes and / or configurations are possible. In some examples, a plurality of grooves are formed on the cover body, the plurality of grooves being positioned radially around the outer surface of the cover body. In any of these examples, the system can include a sealing member positioned within the interior space of the cover body to seal the interior space. An electronic process control device can be at least partially disposed within the interior space of the housing and the interior space of the cover.

[0008] In some aspects, the coupling portion of the cover can have a first thickness. At least a portion of a remainder of the cover body has a second thickness. The first thickness is less than the second thickness.

[0009] According to another aspect, a method of sealing a tamper-resistant device includes placing at least one electronic process control device within an interior space of a housing. The housing further includes a housing body and a first end having a housing threaded portion. The method further includes threadably coupling the housing threaded portion to the cover threaded portion and urging the coupling portion of the cover body into engagement with the housing threaded portion such that relative rotation between the housing and the cover is limited.

[0010] So configured, the enclosure is sealed such that it properly contains an explosion therein, thereby complying with required standards and / or regulations, while remaining tamper-resistant by not providing access to its interior space without application of a destructive force. The second process of securing the cover to the housing does not require an external fastener that can be inadvertently removed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] The above needs are at least partially met by providing tamper-resistant solutions for securing enclosures as described in the following detailed description, particularly when studied in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

[0012] Figure 1 According to various embodiments, an exemplary process control system is illustrated with an exemplary tamper-resistant enclosure having a cover and a housing;

[0013] Figure 2A According to various embodiments, a perspective view of an exemplary tamper-resistant enclosure of Figure 1 is illustrated;

[0014] Figure 2B According to various embodiments, perspective views of exemplary tamper-resistant enclosures of Figure 1 and Figure 2A are illustrated with an exemplary electronic process control device being inserted therein.

[0015] Figure 3 According to various embodiments, an exemplary electronic process control device for Figure 1 and FIG. 2 are illustrated;

[0016] Figure 4 According to various embodiments, an exemplary cover for Figures 1-3 an exemplary tamper-resistant enclosure of is illustrated in an upper perspective view;

[0017] Figure 5 According to various embodiments,Figure 4 a first lower perspective view of an exemplary cover of

[0018] Figure 6 According to various embodiments, a side view of an exemplary cover of Figure 4 and Figure 5 a second lower perspective view of an exemplary cover of

[0019] Figure 7 According to various embodiments, a side view of an exemplary cover of Figures 4-6 is illustrated;

[0020] Figure 8 According to various embodiments, a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary cover of Figures 4-7 is illustrated;

[0021] Figure 9 According to various embodiments, an upper perspective view of an exemplary application tool for securing Figure 1 and the exemplary tamper-resistant enclosure of FIG. 2 is illustrated;

[0022] Figure 10 According to various embodiments, an upper perspective view of an exemplary application tool of Figure 9 having a plurality of protrusions for securing the cover to the housing is illustrated;

[0023] Figure 11 According to various embodiments, a lower perspective view of an exemplary application tool of Figure 9 and Figure 10 is illustrated;

[0024] Figure 12 According to various embodiments, a perspective view of an exemplary alignment tool placed on an exemplary cover is illustrated;

[0025] Figure 13 According to various embodiments, a perspective view of an exemplary alignment tool coupled to an exemplary cover is illustrated;

[0026] Figure 14 According to various embodiments, an upper perspective view of an exemplary securing tool for an exemplary tamper-resistant enclosure is illustrated;

[0027] Figure 15 According to various embodiments, a lower perspective view of an exemplary securing tool of Figure 14 is illustrated;

[0028] Figure 16 According to various embodiments, a perspective view of an exemplary base plate for an exemplary tamper-resistant enclosure is illustrated;

[0029] Figure 17 According to various embodiments, a perspective view of an exemplary tamper-resistant enclosure disposed in an exemplary base plate of Figure 16 is illustrated;

[0030] Figure 18 A side cross-sectional view of an example tamper-resistant enclosure disposed in an example substrate is illustrated prior to an example cover being secured to an example housing in accordance with various embodiments; and

[0031] Figure 19 A side cross-sectional view of an example tamper-resistant enclosure is illustrated after an example cover is secured to an example housing in accordance with various embodiments.

[0032] The skilled artisan will understand that the elements in the figures are shown for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and / or relative positioning of some of the elements in the figures can be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve the understanding of various embodiments of the present application. Furthermore, the precise characterization of certain elements as being "on," "above," "below," and the like can be taken as a broad estoppel by the skilled artisan, as such relative descriptions can be taken in context of the various embodiments. In addition, generally, elements that are commonly used or understood to be present in commercially feasible embodiments, but are not necessary for the understanding of the various embodiments, are not depicted in order to promote a clearer view of these various embodiments. It will also be appreciated that certain actions and / or steps can be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that the specificity of such ordering can not be required. It is also to be understood that the terminology and phraseology used herein is meant to be taken in a descriptive and explanatory sense and not a limiting sense. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] As shown in Figure 1 , a controller 10 is provided that includes a tamper-resistant control system 100. The controller 10 can be any type, such as an electro-fluidic level controller, although other types of controllers having any number of configurations and / or components can be used. Such controllers can include any number of components that assist in their operation, including, for example, switches, levers, plungers, shifter rods, and / or any number of adjustment mechanisms. However, for the sake of brevity, these components will not be discussed in substantial detail, except to note that any number of components can be disposed at least partially within a housing or housing.

[0034] The controller 10 can be used to control a fluid flow device having any number of fluid flow lines and / or connections that supply fluid to downstream components. In some examples, such fluid flow devices can be in the form of actuators, regulators, and the like. Other examples are possible.

[0035] Turning to Figures 2A-6The tamper-proof control system 100 includes a housing 102 and a cover 120 that can be permanently fixed to the housing 102. As previously stated, the tamper-proof control system 100 is considered explosion-proof and / or explosion-proof, meaning that the system 100 is capable of withstanding a threshold internal pressure (which can be used as a proxy capable of containing an explosion). In some examples, such a system 100 may be designed to comply with one or more standards, such as International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 60079 and / or 60079-1. To determine whether the arrangement of the housing 102 and the cover 120 is capable of containing an explosion, a test can be performed in which a detonation is induced within the housing 102 while the resulting pressure is measured. The housing 102 must be able to withstand a safety factor exceeding this resulting pressure. For example, a supply pressure of up to 120 psig / 8.2 bar may be supplied to the housing 102, typically 110 psig / 7.5 bar. The threshold internal pressure may be approximately 3 to approximately 15 times this supply pressure. Therefore, housing 102 can have any number of suitable sizes and / or configurations to withstand this threshold pressure, such as having a specified thickness (e.g., approximately 10 mm), material (e.g., aluminum and / or steel), number of threaded connections between housing 102 and cover 120 (to be discussed later), etc. Of course, this is only one measure and standard for defining an enclosure as explosion-proof or blast-resistant, and those skilled in the art will understand and recognize alternative measures and standards.

[0036] In the example shown, housing 102 includes a housing body 103 having a first end 103a and a second end 103b. The first end 103a of housing body 103 includes a housing threaded portion 104. Housing body 103 has the form of a shell defining an internal space 105 and may include any number of features, such as steps and / or ledges 106, etc. The second end 103b of housing body 103 defines an opening 108 and an additional coupling region 110 that allows controller 10 to be coupled to additional components in a fluid flow control device system.

[0037] like Figures 2A-3 As shown, system 100 also includes an electronic process control device 140 having a first terminal 140a, a second terminal 140b, and wiring 142, and can incorporate any number of electronic components (e.g., switches, sensors, transducers, etc.). Figure 2B As shown, the electronic process control device 140 is inserted into the internal space 105 of the housing body 103, and wiring 142 is inserted through the opening 108 of the housing body 103. In some examples, the first end 140a of the electronic process control device 140 has a generally circular shape, which can be placed on and / or coupled to the boss 106 of the housing body 103 using any number of suitable methods.

[0038] Turning to Figures 4-8 The cap 120 includes a cap body 122 having a first end 122a and a second end 122b. The cap body 122 includes an inner surface 123 that at least partially defines an interior space 124, and further includes an outer surface 125. A cap threaded portion 126 is formed on the inner surface 123. The cap body 122 further includes at least one groove 128 formed on the outer surface 125 and a coupling portion 130 formed at the first end 122a thereof. Although the illustrated cap 120 is generally cylindrical, other shapes and / or configurations can be used.

[0039] In the illustrated example, the cap 120 is sized to house at least a portion of the housing 102. However, in other examples, the cap 120 can be sized to be inserted into a portion of the housing 102. However, the pitch of the cap threaded portion 126 is matched to the pitch of the housing threaded portion 104 such that the cap 120 can be threadably coupled to the housing 102.

[0040] In the illustrated example, two grooves 128 are provided and are positioned radially about the outer surface 125 of the cap body 122. The grooves 128 have an elongated shape extending along the longitudinal axis “L” and are spaced apart from one another by approximately 180°, although other spacings and numbers of grooves can be used. The grooves 128 have a generally circular or arcuate shape that disrupts the continuity of the outer surface 125 of the cap body 122 such that the grooves 128 form generally concave portions on the cap body 122. The grooves 128 can take any number of desired cross-sectional shapes, such as triangular, rectangular, tapered, etc. Other examples are possible.

[0041] As previously mentioned, the coupling portion 130 of the cap 120 extends outwardly from the first end 122a of the cap body 122. The illustrated coupling portion 130 is in the form of a continuous annular extension that extends outwardly from a boss 131 of the cap body 122. It should be appreciated that any arrangement of non-continuous segments can be used. The coupling portion 130 has a wall thickness “tl” that is less than the thickness “t2” of the remainder (or a portion) of the cap body 122, and thus, can be more malleable or deformable than the remainder and / or a portion of the cap body 122.

[0042] The second end 122b of the cap body 122 can also include an internal annular protrusion 132 that is sized to accommodate a sealing member such as an O-ring 134. The O-ring 134 can be constructed of a resilient material that, in a relaxed state, can have an inner diameter that is smaller than an outer diameter of the internal annular protrusion 132. Thus, upon stretching the O-ring 134 around the internal annular protrusion 132, the O-ring 134 will be stretched and, as a result, will exert a compressive force on the internal annular protrusion 132 to hold it in place to the cap body 122.

[0043] Turning to Figures 9-11 , the system 100 also includes an application tool 150 that includes an application tool body 152 having a first end 152a and a second end 152b. The application tool body 152 also includes an inner surface 153 that at least partially defines an interior space 154. The first end 152a of the application tool body 152 defines a wall 156 that includes at least one protrusion opening 156a that extends at least partially through the wall 156 and into the interior space 154.

[0044] In the illustrated example, the at least one protrusion opening 156a is sized to accommodate a protrusion or dowel pin 158. The protrusion opening 156a is illustrated as being generally cylindrical in shape with a generally circular cross-section, but any desired shape and configuration can be used (that corresponds to the shape and / or configuration of the groove 128 formed on the cap body 122). In the illustrated example, the protrusion opening 156a is positioned to extend partially through the inner surface 153 of the application tool body 152 such that a channel is formed on the inner surface 153. However, in other examples, the protrusion opening 156a can be positioned such that it does not intersect the inner surface 153 of the application tool body 152 and / or does not form a channel on the inner surface 153.

[0045] As Figure 10 and Figure 11 illustrated, the dowel pin 158 is inserted into the protrusion opening 156a. The coupling can be a press or friction fit connection, a threaded connection, or any other suitable type of coupling, such as via magnets, welding, adhesives, etc. In other examples, the dowel pin 158 can be integrally formed with the application tool body 152, thereby eliminating the need for the protrusion opening 156a. In any of these configurations, the dowel pin 158 can extend any desired distance between the first end and the second end depending on the particular configuration and / or dimensions of the cap 120.

[0046] The wall 156 additionally defines a socket coupling mechanism 160. In the example shown, the socket coupling mechanism 160 is in the form of an open or drive socket that can accept a drive square of any number of desired sizes. For example, the drive socket can be a standard 3 / 8" or ½" open. Other examples are possible as well. Moreover, in some examples, the socket coupling mechanism 160 can be in the form of a male drive square that inserts into a corresponding drive socket.

[0047] Turning to Figure 12 and Figure 13 As previously mentioned, the dowel pin 158 has a generally similar shape to the groove 128 but in reverse, and is dimensioned to be slightly smaller than the groove 128 so that it can be inserted and / or nested therein. Moreover, the inner surface 153 of the application tool body 152 can have a diameter (or other non-circular dimension) that is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the outer surface 125 of the cap body 122 so that the interior space 124 of the cap 120 can accommodate at least a portion of the application tool body 152.

[0048] If desired, the cap 120 can be initially hand-tightened onto the housing 102. The cap 120 is dimensioned so that the interior annular protrusion 132 surrounds a portion of the first end 140a of the electronic process control device 140, and thus, the O-ring 134 can provide an additional environmental seal to the interior space of the housing 102 and cap 120. For example, when secured to one another, the housing 102 and cap 120 can be an IP54 rating, among other things, in addition to complying with the previously mentioned safety standards and / or classifications.

[0049] The application tool 150 is then aligned with the cap 120, meaning that the dowel pin 158 is axially aligned with the longitudinal axis L of the groove 128, and then placed onto the cap 120. The operator can then secure the cap 120 to the housing 102 by rotating the cap 120 using a wrench inserted into the socket coupling mechanism 160 and applying a desired torque (e.g., between approximately 30 lbf-ft and approximately 70 lbf-ft). As the application tool 150 (and dowel pin 158) is rotated, the dowel pin 158 engages the surface of the groove 128 on the cap 120 to cause the cap 120 to be tightened onto the housing 102. As a result, a primary seal is formed having a length defined by the engaged threads of the housing threaded portion 104 and cap threaded portion 126 (and additionally, in some examples, a seal is generated via the O-ring 134).

[0050] So configured, the system 100 requires a dedicated application tool 150 to secure (and gain access to) the housing 102 and cap 120, thereby reducing and / or eliminating the possibility of an operator confusing the cap 120 with another component of the controller 10 that can actually need to be accessed.

[0051] Turning toFigures 14-19 The system 100 includes an additional secondary securing mechanism to limit unscrewing of the cap 120 from the housing 102. In particular, a securing tool 170 is provided in the form of an elongate cylinder having a securing tool body 172 with a first end 172a and a second end 172b. The securing tool body 172 also includes an inner surface 173 that at least partially defines an interior space 174. The first end 172a of the securing tool body 172 defines a securing portion in the form of an annular chamfer 176 that extends around at least a portion of the securing tool body 172. In the example shown, the annular chamfer 176 has a larger diameter at the first end 172a of the securing tool body 172 and gradually decreases in diameter as it moves in a direction toward the second end 172b of the securing tool body 172. The securing tool body 172 can also define a slot 178 that extends along its length.

[0052] The securing tool 170 also includes a base plate 180 having a countersunk region 182 that extends downwardly from an upper surface 180a thereof. The countersunk region 182 is generally circular and has a diameter that is slightly larger than the outer diameter (or other non-circular dimension) of the cap body 122. As shown, the second end 122b of the cap body 122 can be placed inside the countersunk region 182 of the base plate 180. Because the inner diameter of the inner surface 173 of the securing tool body 172 is larger than the outermost diameter of the housing 102 and the outermost diameter of the coupling portion 130, the securing tool body 172 can be placed over the housing 102 and the first end 122a of the cap body 122. More particularly, the first end 172a of the tool body 172 is placed over the housing 102 and the cap 120 such that the annular chamfer 176 abuts the coupling portion 130 of the cap body 122. To avoid damage, the wiring 142 can be routed through the slot 178. Figures 17-19

[0053] A pressing mechanism (not shown), such as a hydraulic press, can then be positioned adjacent the second end 172b of the securing tool body 172 and can apply an urging force to the securing tool body 172. The urging force causes the annular chamfer 176 to press against the coupling portion 130 and causes the coupling portion to crimp or deform inwardly and into engagement with the housing body 103 (e.g., the housing threaded portion 104) and can or can not come into contact with the boss 131. In some examples, the coupling portion 130 itself can press into the housing body 103 and create a deformed region thereon. In some examples, the pressing tool can apply an urging force of between about 4,000 psi to about 10,000 psi.

[0054] ​In other words, upon being pressed, the inner diameter of the outermost end 130a of the coupling region 130 can decrease, and thus be smaller than the diameter of the housing threaded portion 104, creating an interference with the housing threaded portion 104. As a result, the cap 120 is permanently secured to the housing 102 without destruction of force, thereby preventing the cap 120 from being inadvertently removed. In some examples, the coupling region 130 can "bite" into a portion of the threads on the housing threaded portion 104 to create a stronger interference fit. However, in other examples, most or all of the outermost end 130a of the coupling region 130 can instead engage the housing 103, rather than the housing threaded portion 104.

[0055] So configured, the tamper-resistant control system 100 described herein can allow for a more secure environment that complies with explosion-proof (or any other) safety standards, while reducing the likelihood of inadvertent access to the sealed interior space. The system 100 can use any number of alternative arrangements, e.g., a housing having a coupling portion that is deformed or crimped to engage with the cap body.

[0056] Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous modifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with respect to the above described embodiments without departing from the scope of the application, and that such modifications, alterations, and combinations are to be viewed as being within the ambit of the present inventive concept.

[0057] Unless expressly recited otherwise, e.g., in traditional "means plus function" language in the claims, e.g., "means for" or "step for" language, the patent claims at the end of this patent application are not intended to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). The systems and methods described herein are intended to improve computer functionality and improve the functionality of conventional computers.

Claims

1. A tamperproof control system, comprising: a housing including a housing body having a first end with a housing threaded portion, the housing body defining an interior space to house an electronic process control device; a cap including a cap body defining an interior space and including a proximal end, a cap threaded portion, an outer surface, and at least one groove formed on the outer surface, the proximal end of the cap body defining a coupling portion; and an application tool having an application tool body defining an interior space to house at least a portion of the cap body and at least one protrusion extending from a surface of the application tool body, the cap adapted to be placed within the interior space of the tool body such that the at least one protrusion of the application tool body is in axial alignment with the at least one groove of the cap body; a securing tool having a securing tool body and a first end with a securing portion, the securing tool body defining an interior space to house at least a portion of the housing, wherein upon insertion of the housing into the interior space of the securing tool body, the securing portion is adapted to engage the coupling portion of the cap to urge the coupling portion of the cap into engagement with the housing threaded portion; and wherein upon threadably securing the cap to the housing, the coupling portion of the cap is in engagement with the housing threaded portion to limit relative rotation between the housing and the cap.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein, The at least one protrusion of the application tool exerts a torque on the at least one groove of the cap to threadably secure the cap to the housing.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein, The securing portion includes an annular ramp extending around at least a portion of the securing tool body.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein, An urging force is exerted on the securing tool to urge the coupling portion of the cap into engagement with the housing threaded portion, wherein the urging force is between about 4,000 psi and about 10,000 psi.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein, The at least one groove forms a circular cross-section.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of grooves formed on the cap body, the plurality of grooves positioned radially around the outer surface of the cap body.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a sealing member positioned within the interior space of the cap body to seal its interior space.

8. The system of claim 1, further comprising an electronic process control device at least partially disposed within the interior space of the housing and the interior space of the cap.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein, The coupling portion of the cap body has a first thickness and at least a portion of a remaining portion of the cap body has a second thickness, wherein the first thickness is less than the second thickness.

10. A method of sealing a tamperproof device, the method comprising: placing at least one electronic process control device within an interior space of a housing, the housing further including a housing body having a first end with a housing threaded portion; A cap is provided, the cap including a cap body defining an interior space and including a proximal end, a cap threaded portion, an outer surface, and at least one groove formed on the outer surface, the proximal end of the cap body defining a coupling portion; threadably coupling the housing threaded portion to the cap threaded portion; and urging the coupling portion of the cap body into engagement with the housing threaded portion such that relative rotation between the housing and the cap is limited; and wherein threadably coupling the housing threaded portion to the cap threaded portion includes inserting at least a portion of the cap into an interior space of an application tool, the application tool having an application tool body and at least one protrusion extending from a surface of the application tool body, wherein the at least one protrusion of the application tool body is axially aligned with the at least one groove of the cap body; and wherein the step of urging the coupling portion of the cap body into engagement with the housing threaded portion includes inserting at least a portion of the housing into an interior space of a securing tool, the securing tool having a securing tool body and a first end, the first end forming a securing portion, wherein the securing portion engages the coupling portion of the cap and urges the coupling portion of the cap into engagement with the housing threaded portion.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: applying torque to the at least one groove of the cap via the application tool.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein, the securing portion of the securing tool applies a force between about 4,000 psi and about 10,000 psi on the coupling portion of the cap.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein, At least a portion of the electronic process control device is disposed within the interior space of the cap after threadably coupling the housing to the cap.

14. The method of claim 10, further comprising: a sealing member is provided to sealingly engage the interior space of the housing and the interior space of the cap body with respect to an external environment.

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