Feed-through components for improved electrical connection

Abstract

The present invention relates to a feedthrough (200) suitable for use in a flow path (300). The feedthrough (300) comprises a body (202) having a first interface region (204) and a second interface region (206). The first interface region (204) comprises a platform region (214). At least one electrical conductor (212) extends through the body (202) and into both the first interface region (204) and the second interface region (206). A printed circuit board (216) is attached to the platform region (214). At least one pin hole (234) defined by the printed circuit board (216) is configured to receive the at least one electrical conductor (212).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to feed-through components with improved electrical connections and related methods. [Background technology]

[0002] Feedthroughs are used to connect conductive elements of two or more electrical devices. For example, a first electrical device may be located in a specific environment, such as a vacuum environment, a high or low temperature environment, or a specific gas environment, including an explosive gas environment, or a low or high humidity environment, and one or more other electrical devices may be located outside the specific environment to which the first electrical device belongs. In such an embodiment, one or more feedthroughs may be provided that connect the two or more electrical devices in a manner that allows isolation of the specific environment to which the first electrical device belongs.

[0003] Vibrating conduit sensors, such as Coriolis mass flowmeters and vibrating densitometers, typically operate by detecting vibrations in a vibrating conduit that contains a flowing material and often incorporates a feedthrough. Measurement signals received from a vibration transducer coupled to the conduit can be processed to determine properties associated with the material in the conduit, such as mass flow rate, density, etc. The vibration modes of a vibrating material-filled system are typically influenced by a combination of the mass, stiffness, and damping properties of the containing conduit and the material contained therein.

[0004] A typical Coriolis mass flow meter includes one or more conduits connected in series in a pipeline or other transport system, carrying a material, e.g., a fluid, slurry, emulsion, etc., in the system. Each conduit can be considered to have a set of natural vibration modes, including, e.g., simple bending, torsional, radial, and coupled modes. In a typical Coriolis mass flow measurement application, as material flows through the conduit, the conduit is excited in one or more vibration modes, and the vibration of the conduit is measured at multiple locations spaced along the conduit. Typically, the excitation is provided by an electromechanical device, such as an actuator, e.g., a voice coil type driver, that periodically oscillates the conduit. By measuring the time delay or phase difference between the vibrations at each transducer location, the mass flow rate can be determined. Two such transducers (or pick-off sensors) are typically used to measure the vibration response of one or more flow tubes, often located at upstream and downstream positions of the actuator. The two pick-off sensors are connected to an electronic measurement device. The measurement device receives signals from the two pickoff sensors and processes the signals to, among other things, derive a mass flow measurement. Thus, vibratory flow meters, including Coriolis mass flow meters and densitometers, use one or more flow tubes that are vibrated to measure the flow of a fluid.

[0005] In some environments, it is necessary to conduct electrical signals through a flame-resistant physical barrier. For example, a flame-resistant physical barrier may separate compartments of a field-mounted transmitter housing. Process control transmitters designed for use in hazardous environments often use multiple methods of protection in combination, including flame-resistant housings and / or barriers, to prevent uncontrolled explosions of flammable gases.

[0006] To achieve the electrical connection between the two compartments, a flame-retardant feedthrough can be used. A typical flame-retardant feedthrough in the prior art is a bonded joint type bushing. In a bonded joint type bushing, a bonded joint can be formed between the conductor and the casing of the bushing, or between the conductor insulation layer and the casing of the bushing. To be approved as flame-retardant, the joint must meet certain requirements, such as temperature index rating and chemical compatibility, as well as very tight tolerances (e.g., on the order of 0.1 or 0.15 millimeters). Of course, depending on the application, not all feedthroughs need to be flame-retardant or explosion-proof.

[0007] To allow for the connection of one or more electrical devices, the feedthrough is provided with at least one conductive pin, which extends through a header that acts as a barrier between the two sides of the conductive pin. If the header is a conductive material, an insulating material can be placed around the portion of the conductive pin that extends through the header to prevent current from passing between the header or pins. If the header is a non-conductive material, the header itself can act as an insulating material that prevents current from passing between the pins. In this way, a first side of the conductive pin can be connected to a conductive element, such as a wire or terminal, connected to a first electrical device, and a second side can be connected to a conductive element connected to a second electrical device to provide a conductive path between the first and second electrical devices.

[0008] Coriolis flow meters typically consist of a secondary pressure vessel or case that surrounds the primary flow path. The secondary volume must be sealed against moisture and contaminants. The secondary volume is also desirably pressurizable to slow or prevent external leakage. An electrical signal must be passed across this secondary boundary. This is typically done with a molten glass seal around the pin or a bonding feed-through as described above. This approach is expensive and requires wire wrapping to the pin. This wire is present during welding of the fused glass assembly. Welding can damage the wrapped wire or the molten glass.

[0009] The present invention relates to a feed-through connector that allows for a plastic body to be overmolded onto conductors that are then installed with a snap-in. Features in some embodiments include sealing features, anti-rotation features, and resistance to inward and outward loads. Additionally, the feed-through connector allows for installation after welding, brazing, and other thermally or chemically intensive processes have been performed. Summary of the Invention

[0010] According to one embodiment, a feedthrough is suitable for use in a flow path. The feedthrough comprises a body having a first interface region and a second interface region, the first interface region including a platform region. At least one electrical conductor extends through the body and from the body to both the first interface region and the second interface region. A printed circuit board is attached to the platform region, the printed circuit board defining at least one pin hole and configured to receive the at least one electrical conductor.

[0011] According to one embodiment, a method for connecting a housing to a first component is provided. The method includes the steps of defining a feedthrough suitable for use in a flow path, the feedthrough comprising a body having a first interface region and a second interface region, the first interface region including a platform region. At least one electrical conductor extends through the body and from the body to both the first interface region and the second interface region. A printed circuit board is attached to the platform region. The at least one electrical conductor is threaded through a pin hole defined by the printed circuit board.

[0012] [Implementation] According to one embodiment, a feedthrough is suitable for use in a flow path. The feedthrough comprises a body having a first interface region and a second interface region, the first interface region including a platform region. At least one electrical conductor extends through the body and from the body to both the first interface region and the second interface region. A printed circuit board is attached to the platform region. At least one pin hole defined by the printed circuit board is configured to receive the at least one electrical conductor.

[0013] Preferably, the printed circuit board is secured to the platform area by one or more rivets.

[0014] Preferably, the printed circuit board includes headers oriented and soldered at an angle to an edge of the printed circuit board.

[0015] Preferably, the body is formed from one or both of an electrically insulating material or a heat resistant material.

[0016] Preferably, the feedthrough includes an alignment key molded into the body that is configured to engage a complementary space defined by the flow passage.

[0017] Preferably, the feedthrough comprises at least one seal surrounding the periphery of the body which engages the inner surface of the flow passage.

[0018] Preferably, the feedthrough comprises a first travel stopper that engages a first shoulder defined by the flow passage to prevent the body from moving in a first direction, and a fixation region for the body consisting of a barb configured to bend upon insertion of the body into the flow passage and to engage a second shoulder defined by the flow passage when the body is fully inserted into the flow passage to prevent the body from moving in a second direction.

[0019] Preferably, the electrical housing defines an opening, where the feedthrough is secured to the electrical housing using at least one dowel.

[0020] According to one embodiment, a method for connecting a housing to a first component is provided. The method includes the steps of defining a feedthrough suitable for use in a flow path and comprising a body having a first interface region and a second interface region, where the first interface region comprises a platform region. At least one electrical conductor extends through the body and from the body to both the first interface region and the second interface region. A printed circuit board is attached to the platform region. The at least one electrical conductor is threaded through a pin hole defined by the printed circuit board.

[0021] Preferably, the method includes the step of fastening the printed circuit board to the platform area by one or more rivets.

[0022] Preferably, the method includes the steps of orienting the header at an angle relative to an edge of the printed circuit board and soldering the header to the printed circuit board.

[0023] Preferably, the body is formed from one or both of an electrically insulating and a heat resistant material.

[0024] Preferably, the method includes forming an alignment key in the body configured to engage a complementary space defined by the flow channel.

[0025] Preferably, the method includes surrounding a periphery of the body which engages the inner surface of the flow passage with at least one seal.

[0026] Preferably, the method includes the steps of forming a first travel stop in the body, engaging a first shoulder defined by the flow path with the first travel stop to prevent the body from moving in a first direction, forming a barb in the body configured to bend upon insertion of the body into the flow path, and engaging a second shoulder defined by the flow path with the barb to prevent the body from moving in a second direction when inserted into the flow path.

[0027] Preferably, the housing defines an opening.

[0028] Preferably, the method includes the step of securing the feedthrough to the housing using at least one dowel. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0029] Like reference numbers represent like elements in all drawings. The drawings are not necessarily to scale. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a vibratory flow meter, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a feedthrough according to one embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a side view of a feedthrough, according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a feedthrough and a flow passage according to one embodiment. [Diagram 5] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a feedthrough in a housing according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a feedthrough in a housing according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a housing connected to a first component according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates a vibratory flowmeter 5 according to the present invention. The vibratory flowmeter 5 includes a flowmeter assembly 10 and meter electronics 20. The meter electronics 20 is connected to the flowmeter assembly 10 via leads 100 and configured to provide one or more measurements of density, mass flow rate, volumetric flow rate, total mass flow rate, temperature, or other measurements or information via communication path 26. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the vibratory flowmeter 5 can be configured as any type of vibratory flowmeter, regardless of the driver, pick-off sensor, number of flow tubes, or vibratory operating mode. In some embodiments, the vibratory flowmeter 5 can be configured as a Coriolis mass flowmeter. In addition, it should be recognized that the vibratory flowmeter 5 can also be configured as a vibratory densitometer.

[0031] The flow meter assembly 10 includes a pair of flanges 101a and 101b, manifolds 102a and 102b, a driver 104, pick-off sensors 105a and 105b, and flow tubes 103A and 103B. The driver 104 and the pick-off sensors 105a and 105b are connected to the flow tubes 103A and 103B.

[0032] The flanges 101a and 101b are attached to the manifolds 102a and 102b. In some embodiments, the manifolds 102a and 102b can be attached to opposite ends of a spacer 106. The spacer 106 maintains the spacing between the manifolds 102a and 102b to prevent the forces of the pipeline from being transmitted to the flow tubes 103A and 103B. When the flow meter assembly 10 is inserted into a pipeline (not shown) carrying a flow fluid to be measured, the flow fluid enters the flow meter assembly 10 through the flange 101a, passes through the inlet manifold 102a, where a total amount of the flow fluid is directed to enter the flow tubes 103A and 103B, flows through the flow tubes 103A and 103B, returns to the outlet manifold 102b, and exits the flow meter assembly 10 through the flange 101b.

[0033] The flowing fluid may include a liquid. The flowing fluid may include a gas. The flowing fluid may include a multi-phase fluid, such as a liquid with entrained gas and / or entrained solids.

[0034] The flow tubes 103A and 103B are selected to have substantially the same mass distribution, moment of inertia, and elastic modulus about bending axes Wa-Wa and Wb-Wb, respectively, and are appropriately attached to the inlet manifold 102a and outlet manifold 102b. The flow tubes 103A and 103B extend outwardly generally parallel to the manifolds 102a and 102b.

[0035] Flow conduits 103A and 103B are driven in opposite directions about their respective bending axes Wa and Wb in what is called the first order out-of-phase bending mode of vibratory flowmeter 5 by driver 104. Driver 104 may include one of many well known mechanisms, such as a magnet attached to flow conduit 103A and opposing coils attached to flow conduit 103B. Passing an alternating current through the opposing coils induces vibration in both conduits. An appropriate drive signal is applied to driver 104 by meter electronics 20 via lead 110. Other driver arrangements are contemplated and are within the scope of this specification and claims.

[0036] Meter electronics 20 receives the sensor signals on leads 111a and 111b, respectively. Meter electronics 20 generates a drive signal on lead 110 that causes driver 104 to vibrate flow tubes 103A and 103B. Other sensor arrangements are contemplated and are within the scope of this specification and claims. Meter electronics 20 processes the left and right velocity signals from pickoff sensors 105a and 105b to, among other things, calculate flow rate. Communications path 26 provides an input and output means by which meter electronics 20 can interface with an operator or other electronic systems. The description of Figure 1 is provided merely as one example of the operation of a Coriolis flowmeter and is not intended to limit the teachings of the present invention.

[0037] Meter electronics 20 in one embodiment is configured to vibrate flow conduits 103A and 103B. This vibration is accomplished by driver 104. Additionally, meter electronics 20 receives resultant vibration signals from pickoff sensors 105a and 105b. These vibration signals consist of vibration responses from flow conduits 103A and 103B. Meter electronics 20 processes the vibration responses to identify a response frequency and / or phase difference. Meter electronics 20 processes the vibration responses to determine one or more flow measurements, including mass flow rate and / or density of the flowing fluid. Other vibration response characteristics and / or flow measurements are contemplated and are within the scope of this specification and claims.

[0038] In one embodiment, flow tubes 103A and 103B are configured as substantially U-shaped flow tubes as shown. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the flow tubes may be configured as substantially straight flow tubes, or may be configured with one or more flow tubes of a curved shape other than a U-shaped flow tube. Other flow meter shapes and / or configurations may be used and are within the scope of the present specification and claims.

[0039] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the illustration of FIG. 1 is merely provided as an example of a possible oscillatory flow device operation and is not intended to limit the teachings of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is within the scope of the present invention to use the principles discussed herein with any type of oscillatory flow device, including, for example, a density meter, regardless of the number of conduits, the number of drivers, the number of pick-offs, the oscillatory operation mode, or the specified characteristics of the flow material. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is within the scope of the present invention to provide an oscillatory flow device that includes one or more resistance temperature devices ("RTDs"). Furthermore, although the conduits 103A, 103B are shown as being generally U-shaped, it is within the scope of the present invention to provide the conduits 103A, 103B with other shapes, such as, for example, straight or irregular shapes. Additionally, although in this embodiment, the drive mode is described as being a bending mode, it is within the scope of the present invention to utilize other drive modes.

[0040] 2, 3, and 4 show a feedthrough 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. A flow path 300 and related features are shown only in FIG. 4. The feedthrough 200 is comprised of an electrical feedthrough that can exchange electrical signals and / or power on both sides of the feedthrough 200. Specifically, the feedthrough 200 can exchange electrical signals between a first interface region 204 and a second interface region 206. However, the feedthrough 200 does not allow gas, liquid, or other materials to pass between the first interface region 204 and the second interface region 206. The feedthrough 200 is preferably connected to a vibratory flowmeter 5. In one embodiment, the feedthrough 200 is directly attached to the vibratory flowmeter 5. In another embodiment, the feedthrough 200 is indirectly attached to the vibratory flowmeter 5. Although described in the context of a vibratory flowmeter 5, the feedthrough 200 may be accompanied by electronic devices and housings that are not related to the flowmeter.

[0041] In some embodiments, the feedthrough 200 comprises a flame resistant feedthrough. Thus, the feedthrough 200 can be designed to comply with applicable flame resistant standards. In a flame resistant embodiment, a flame cannot pass through the feedthrough 200. As a result, a fire on one side of the feedthrough 200 does not result in a fire on the other side of the feedthrough 200.

[0042] In some embodiments, the feedthrough 200 comprises an explosion-proof feedthrough. The feedthrough 200 can be designed to comply with applicable explosion-proof standards. In an explosion-proof embodiment, the feedthrough 200 does not allow gases, liquids, or other materials to pass through, even if an explosion occurs on either side of the feedthrough 200. The feedthrough 200 can be configured to contain pressure spikes up to a predetermined pressure threshold.

[0043] The feedthrough 200 comprises a body 202. In some embodiments, the body 202 is substantially cylindrical, although it should be understood that other cross-sectional shapes may be used. A seal groove 208 may be formed in an exterior surface of the body 202 and configured to receive a seal 210 (see FIGS. 4 and 5). It should be understood that the seal groove 208 may be located at any desired location on the body 202, and that there may be only a single seal groove 208, or, as shown, multiple seal grooves 208.

[0044] The feedthrough 200 is mounted in a flow path 300 (see FIG. 4), which is defined by the body in which it is mounted. The flow path 300 may be uniform or may have portions of different shapes and / or different diameters. The flow path 300 may be straight or may include turns or bends.

[0045] The body 202 can be formed of an electrically insulating material and / or can be formed of a heat resistant material. The body 202 can be constructed of a non-combustible, flame resistant, or heat resistant material. The body 202 substantially blocks the flow passage 300. In some embodiments, any gap between the body 202 and the inner surface 302 of the flow passage 300 is of a gap depth and / or gap length that is less than the depth and / or length that a flame can pass through the flow passage 300. Thus, in some embodiments, the gap depth and the gap length are compliant with applicable fire protection standards.

[0046] In one embodiment, the body 202 is formed from a plastic or similar polymer. In some embodiments, the body 202 is formed from a metal. If the body 202 is formed from a plastic or similar polymer, the plastic or similar polymer can be inserted into the flow passage 300 in a liquid or semi-liquid state and cooled so that the body 202 substantially conforms to the inner surface of the flow passage 300. As a result, the gap between the body 202 and the inner surface of the flow passage 300 is minimized. As a result, the gap between the body 202 and the inner surface of the flow passage 300 is sufficiently minimal for the feedthrough 200 to be flameproof and / or explosionproof. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, components / compounds can be added to the material for desired properties and strength characteristics.

[0047] In another embodiment, the body 202 is formed to predetermined dimensions outside of the flow passage 300. Examples include, but are not limited to, casting, additive manufacturing, and / or subtractive manufacturing techniques known to those skilled in the art.

[0048] The body 202 is generally formed such that the gap depth between the body 202 and the inner surface of the flow passage 300 is minimal. The body 202 is formed such that the gap depth between the body 202 and the inner surface of the flow passage 300 is less than a predetermined maximum gap threshold. The predetermined maximum gap threshold may be a gap depth prescribed by an applicable fire standard. The predetermined maximum gap threshold may be a gap depth prescribed by an applicable explosion standard. Compliance with fire and / or explosion standards may require maintaining a small gap depth, a long flame path length, or both.

[0049] The feedthrough 200 further includes one or more conductors 212 extending through the body 202. The one or more conductors 212 may be comprised of any electrical conductor. The one or more conductors 212 may be comprised of wires, cables, pins, molded protrusions, conductive tubes, or any other desired conductor or conductor configuration. The one or more conductors 212 extend from both sides of the body 202 and at least partially into both the first interface region 204 and the second interface region 206. The one or more conductors 212 may transmit electrical signals between the first interface region 204 and the second interface region 206. The one or more conductors 212 may also transmit power between the first interface region 204 and the second interface region 206.

[0050] Ends of one or more conductors 212 may be available at the first interface region 204 and the second interface region 206 and exposed for electrical contact or coupling. The first interface region 204 may include a platform region 214. The platform region 214 provides an interface for receiving an electronic device or connector. In one embodiment, the electronic device is a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 216.

[0051] In one embodiment, a first electrical connector (or similar device) may be attached or secured to the ends of one or more conductors 212 available at the first interface region 204. A second electrical connector (or similar device) may be attached or secured to the ends of one or more conductors 212 available at the second interface region 206.

[0052] In some embodiments, the fixation region 222 comprises a first travel stop 224 and a barb 226. The first travel stop 224 is a region of the body 202 having a larger diameter than a more distal portion of the body 202. As such, the first travel stop 224 can mate with a first shoulder 304 defined by the flow passage 300 and prevent the feedthrough 200 from traveling beyond the point where the travel stop 224 and the first shoulder 304 engage.

[0053] The barbs 226 are protrusions that can be compressed or deflected to allow the body 202 to be positioned within the flow passage. However, once the body 202 is fully inserted into the flow passage 300, the barbs 226 can return to their resting position after deflection (or partially deflected position) and engage with the second shoulder 306 defined by the flow passage 300. The engagement of the barbs 226 with the second shoulder 306 prevents the feedthrough 200 from moving in the direction from which it was inserted into the flow passage 300. This is generally an irreversible insertion, but in some embodiments, the engagement of the body 202 from the flow passage 300 can be disengaged with a predetermined force. In some embodiments, there may be a mechanism (not shown) for compressing the barbs 226 to facilitate removal of the body 202 from the flow passage 300.

[0054] In some embodiments, the barb 226 is not present and the body 202 is secured to the flow passage 300 by fasteners 308, adhesive, or simply an interference fit. This interference fit can be between the body 202 and the flow passage 300 and / or between one or more seals 210 and the flow passage 300. Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment in which the fasteners 308 are configured as pins that engage the body 202 to prevent unwanted removal of the body 202 from the flow passage 300, for example. In a related embodiment, the body 202 may have grooves (not shown) to receive the pins or other types of fasteners 308.

[0055] The platform area 214 may include a means for mounting the PCB 216. In one embodiment, holes 228 defined by the platform area 214 align with holes 230 on the PCB 216. The PCB 216 may be attached to the platform area 214 by fasteners 232 inserted through both sets of holes 228, 230. The fasteners may consist of rivets, bolts, or any other mechanical fasteners known in the art. The holes 228 in the platform area 214 may be smooth internally drilled or may be threaded to receive mating fasteners 232. The PCB may also be glued to the platform area 214.

[0056] The PCB 216 may include pin holes 234 arranged to receive the conductors 212. Once the PCB 216 is attached to the platform area 214, the conductors 212 may be soldered to the PCB 216. A conductive pattern may surround the pin holes 214 on the PCB 216 (not shown), which places the conductors 212 in electrical communication with the components 236 on the PCB 216. In this manner, several different PCB 212 configurations, each having the same pin hole arrangement, may be utilized during assembly, which may be selected based on application considerations. In one embodiment, the components 236 on the PCB 216 may be headers.

[0057] In one embodiment, the body 202 is provided with alignment keys 238 that engage complementary spaces defined by the flow passage 300. This aligns the body 202 in a particular orientation and prevents the body 202 from rotating within the flow passage 300.

[0058] 5-7 show an electrical housing 400 with a flow passage 300 in which a body 202 is located. In one embodiment, the flow passage 300 can be defined by the body 402 of the housing 400. In one embodiment, the flow passage 300 can be defined by a plug attached to the body 402 of the housing 400. In either case, the outer surface area 240 of the feedthrough 200 provides an interface such that a first component 500 (see FIG. 7 ) can be removably and positionably attached to the housing 400. The first component 500 can be removably secured to the housing 400, where the first component 500 can be rotated or rotatably positioned relative to the feedthrough 200. In one embodiment, the feedthrough 200 forms a mounting interface with the first component 500. In one embodiment, the feedthrough 200 forms a rotatable mounting interface with the second component 500. For example, in some applications, feedthrough 200 may be used to attach a transmitter of Coriolis flowmeter 5 to a flowmeter assembly or housing. However, it should be understood that other uses and applications of feedthrough 200 are contemplated and are within the scope of this specification and claims.

[0059] In an alternative embodiment, a portion of the flow meter 5 or other electrical device may define a flow path 300 in which the body 202 is located. In an alternative embodiment, a portion of the flow meter 5 or other electrical device may define a housing 400.

[0060] The feedthrough 200 may be permanently or removably attached to the first component 500. The feedthrough 200 may be secured to the first component 500 in any suitable manner. The feedthrough 200 may be secured to the first component 500 by a clamp 502 or other hardware.

[0061] In embodiments in which at least one of the components 236 on the PCB 216 is a header, the header or headers are soldered to the PCB 216 so that they are oriented at an angle relative to an edge of the PCB 216. This allows the header to be accessed by a tool when utilized in an installed position, and also allows the PCB 216 to have a smaller footprint than if the headers were oriented perpendicular to the edge of the PCB 216.

[0062] According to one embodiment of this embodiment, the feedthrough 200 is configured to connect one or more electronics 20, which are in communication with the pickoffs 105a, 105b and the driver 104. According to another embodiment of this embodiment, the feedthrough 200 is configured to connect, whether directly or indirectly, conductors 212 from the one or more meter electronics 20 to one or more flow meter components, such as the driver 104, the pickoffs 105a, 105b, and other components, such as a temperature sensor (not shown).

[0063] The feedthrough 200 may further be connected to a conduit (not shown) that receives conductors 212 that are connected to one or more electronics 20. The conduit may be connected to the feedthrough 200. The conduit may also be connected via an opposite end to a variety of structures including, for example, a second feedthrough 200, a housing 400, or another junction box, or another meter electronics 20.

[0064] The holes in the housing 400 can receive fasteners 406 for attaching the housing to a structure such as a pipe, wall, or other surface. In FIG. 7, U-bolts are the fasteners 406 shown; however, bolts, screws, and other hardware are also contemplated and would be well understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The U-bolts allow the housing to be installed on either a horizontal or vertical pipe, and the orientation can remain the same by positioning the U-bolts accordingly. The holes in the housing 400 may be oriented as shown, or may alternatively or additionally be located elsewhere on the housing 400 and / or on flanges or protrusions on the housing appropriate for an alternative mounting scheme (not shown).

[0065] This specification presents specific examples to teach those skilled in the art how to make and use the best mode of the invention. Some conventional aspects have been simplified or omitted in order to teach the principles of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize variations from these examples that are within the scope of the invention.

[0066] The detailed description of the above-described embodiments is not intended to be an exhaustive description of all embodiments contemplated by the inventors to be within the scope of the present invention. Indeed, those skilled in the art will recognize that certain elements of the above-described embodiments can be combined or excluded in various ways to create further embodiments, which further embodiments are within the scope and teachings of the present invention. It will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above-described embodiments can be combined in whole or in part to create further embodiments that are within the scope and teachings of the present invention.

[0067] Thus, while specific embodiments and examples of the invention are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the art will recognize. The teachings provided herein may be applied to other embodiments in addition to those described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The scope of the invention should therefore be determined from the claims that follow.

Claims

1. A feedthrough (200) suitable for use in a flow path (300), comprising: a body (202) having a first interface region (204) and a second interface region (206), the first interface region (204) including a platform region (214); at least one electrical conductor (212) extending through the body (202) and from the body (202) to both the first interface region (204) and the second interface region (206); a printed circuit board (216) attached to said platform region (214); and at least one pin hole (234) defined by said printed circuit board (216) configured to receive said at least one electrical conductor (212); A fastening region (222) of said body (202), a first travel stopper (224) configured to engage a first shoulder (304) defined by the flow passage (300) to prevent the body (202) from moving in a first direction; and a barb (226) configured to bend upon insertion of the body (202) into the flow passage (300) and to engage a second shoulder (306) defined by the flow passage (300) to prevent the body (202) from moving in a second direction when the body (202) is fully inserted into the flow passage (300). A fixed region (222) consisting of The feedthrough (200) comprises:

2. The feedthrough (200) of claim 1, wherein the printed circuit board (216) is secured to the platform region (214) with one or more rivets.

3. The feedthrough (200) of claim 1, wherein the printed circuit board (216) includes a header (236) oriented and soldered at an angle to an edge of the printed circuit board (216).

4. The feedthrough (200) of claim 1, wherein the body (202) is formed from one or both of an electrically insulating material or a heat resistant material.

5. The feedthrough (200) of claim 1, comprising an alignment key molded into the body configured to engage a complementary space defined by the flow passage (300).

6. The feedthrough (200) of claim 1, comprising at least one seal (210) circumscribing the body (202) in engagement with an inner surface (302) of the flow passage (300).

7. The feedthrough (200) of claim 1, wherein an electrical housing defines an opening, and the feedthrough (200) is secured to the electrical housing (400) with at least one dowel (308).

8. 1. A method for connecting a housing to a first component, comprising: defining a feedthrough suitable for use in a flow path and comprising a body having a first interface region and a second interface region, the first interface region comprising a platform region; extending at least one electrical conductor through the body and from the body to both the first interface region and the second interface region; attaching a printed circuit board to the platform region; threading at least one electrical conductor through a pin hole defined by the printed circuit board; forming a first travel stop within the body; engaging a first shoulder defined by the flow passage with the first travel stop to prevent movement of the body in a first direction; forming a barb on the body configured to bend upon insertion of the body into the flow passage; engaging a second shoulder defined by the passage with the barb to prevent movement of the body in a second direction when the body is inserted into the passage; providing an interface by said feedthrough for removably and positionably attaching said first component to said housing; A method comprising:

9. The method of claim 8 , comprising fastening the printed circuit board to the platform area using one or more rivets.

10. 9. The method of claim 8, comprising orienting a header at an angle relative to an edge of the printed circuit board; and soldering the header to the printed circuit board.

11. The method of claim 8 , wherein the body is formed from one or both of an electrically insulating material and a heat resistant material.

12. The method of claim 8 , comprising forming an alignment key in the body configured to engage a complementary space defined by the channel.

13. The method of claim 8 , further comprising surrounding a periphery of the body that engages an inner surface of the flow passage with at least one seal.

14. The method of claim 8 , wherein the housing defines an opening.

15. The method of claim 8 , further comprising the step of securing the feedthrough to the housing with at least one dowel.

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