BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Many types of industrial machines are monitored using industrial sensing probes. Such probes are available in standard sizes. A typical probe comprises a sealed connection head that includes an opening for the extension of a probe sensor into the machine and a connection head internal volume in which a conversion circuit for driving the sensor is encased and protected from the environment. The probe communicates with a remote controller via a two wire DC 4- 20mA link. The conversion circuit is also known as a two-wire transmitter.

In operation, the sensor senses a machine parameter such as temperature or pressure.

The conversion circuit drives the sensor to generate a raw sensor signal indicating the sensed parameter and converts this signal into a DC signal that meets the 4-20 mA standard. It should be noted that the same DC link is typically used for both power input and signal output. In some implementations, the link is also used for programming the conversion circuit.

In the industry, the conversion circuit and the sensor are considered an integral unit with the rest of the probe. Thus, they are connected to each other (and to the external link) via screw terminals. If the circuit or the probe needs to be replaced, a skilled person is required to open the terminals and ensure correct matching of the wires to the terminals on the circuit. Periodic testing of all the conversion circuits in a factory is thus often a particular laborious activity.

In some cases, users are interested in reading the measurements at a machine. As the probe and circuit are considered integral, one solution is to manufacture the circuit with an external plug for attaching an add-on display to the probe. Another, well known, solution is to provide a separate display unit that sits on the DC link and is powered by the link. Being separate, this display unit requires separate circuitry and is typically as expensive as a conversion circuit. In addition, when the conversion circuit is calibrated, re-programmed or used for a different type of sensor, also the display needs to be adjusted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it is realized that the conversion circuit should be considered as a separate unit from the rest of an industrial probe.

While from a functional point of view the conversion circuit is integral with the sensor and the link, from a maintenance point of view, the circuit is an electronic component which typically requires more frequent servicing, replacement and/or calibration.

In accordance with this realization, in an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the <BR> <BR> connections between the circuit and the rest of the probe (e. g. , sensor, connection head and external link) are simplified, so that a new circuit can be easily replaced, even by a less skilled person. Further, a plug for programming and/or testing the conversion circuit can be advantageously located on the side of the circuit, as the circuit can be easily removed, making the plug accessible. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the conversion circuit can be removed with one, two or three simple actions, such as turning a lock, pushing apart a tab and/or pulling out the circuit, instead of the currently required 4-8 unscrewing of terminals and 2 unscrewing of screws. Alternatively or additionally, reconnection of the conversion circuit is achieved with one, two or three simple actions, such as inserting the circuit into the base socket and/or turning of a lock, instead of the currently required 4-8 screwing of terminals and 2 driving of screws.

Alternatively or additionally, a display is made integral with the circuit, in the same sealing casing. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the connections to the conversion circuit are moved from the top of the circuit (where they are located, in the art), to the bottom of the circuit, thus clearing space for a display, possibly a display as large as a top face of the conversion circuit.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention where a conversion circuit is integrated with a display into a single sealed unit, a matching base socket is provided. The sensor and the link wires are attached to the socket. The conversion circuit fits into the socket in only a single orientation, thus ensuring correct coupling of the wires to the circuit elements.

Typical and generally desirable results are that the circuit and display as a unit are cheaper to manufacture (fewer components), that there are no open plugs in the probe that may serve as the starting point of moisture penetration or corrosion and/or that a damaged circuit can easily be replaced and/or upgraded, in a short time. Optionally, the connection head is made transparent, so that the display may be viewed while the case is closed.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the circuit is easily removed for testing of the circuit and/or the probe. Optionally, a circuit testing device includes a socket similar to that of the connection head, into which a circuit can be easily placed for testing. This can potentially allow ISO testing of the many circuits of a factor to be performed regularly, rapidly and with a much reduced (or eliminated) change of misconnection of the circuits during testing.

There is thus provide din accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a conversion circuit component, comprising: a sealed unit body; a sensor conversion and transmission circuitry enclosed by said body; a display enclosed by said body; and a plurality of electrical contacts mounted on said body, including a first plurality of contacts for interaction with an external sensor and a second plurality of contacts for interaction with an external link. Optionally, said plurality of contacts comprises pressure contacts that mate with a plurality of contacts base socket, and comprising a quick connector for quick connection of said body to said base socket. Optionally, said base socket comprises an elastic retaining ring adapted to engage a groove formed in said body.

Alternatively or additionally, said circuitry is designed to mount in an industry standard connection head. Alternatively or additionally, said circuitry is designed to interface with an industry standard sensor. Alternatively or additionally, said circuitry is designed to interface with an industry standard link. Alternatively or additionally, said display is on a same side of said body as at least some of said contacts. Alternatively, said display is on an opposite side of said body from said contacts.

There is also provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method of coupling a sensor conversion circuit to a sensor mounted in a sensor probe connection head, comprising essentially of : attaching a plurality of wires from said sensor to a base socket ; attaching a plurality of wires from an external link to said base socket; and inserting said circuit into said base socket. Optionally, the method comprises pre- attaching said base socket to said connection head.

There is also provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a base socket comprising: a body adapted to mount inside a standard connection head of an industrial sensing probe and be attached via standard connection means of said connection head; a plurality of terminals for attaching wires associated with said probe to said socket; a plurality of contacts, each associated with one of said wires; and a mechanical lock adapted to engage and align a circuitry component such that said contacts align with contacts of said circuitry. Optionally, the base socket is incorporated in a conversion circuit testing device. Alternatively or additionally, the base socket is incorporated in a conversion circuit programming device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES Particular non-limiting embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following description of embodiments in conjunction with the figures. Identical structures, elements or parts which appear in more than one figure are preferably labeled with a same or similar number in all the figures in which they appear, in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of an exploded view of a probe unit in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 is a schematic illustration of a bottom view of a sealed unit, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; Fig 3 is a schematic illustration of a top view of a sealed unit base, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; and Fig. 4 is a schematic block diagram of a conversion circuit enclosed in a sealed unit in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of an exploded view of an industrial sensing probe 20 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Sensing probe 20 is optionally of a standard size as is known in the art and for which industrial machines that need to be monitored are designed.

Probe 20 comprises a connection head 50, a sensor 60, an external wire link 70, all of which are optionally standard components. In addition, probe 20 includes a conversion circuitry component 30 and a matching base socket 40, which, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, are different from the single element standard conversion circuitry known in the art.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, connection head 50 comprises an opening 56 adapted to receive sensor 60, an opening 52 adapted to receive external wire link 70 and a plurality of fixation points, for example, threaded holes 54, for attaching base socket 40. Optionally, threaded holes 54 are sized and/or located as the standard holes used for attaching a circuit to the connection head, in prior art devices. Connection head 50 optionally includes a cap (not shown) which is optionally transparent or includes a window. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, connection head 50 provides environmental protection, for example, being waterproof, airtight, and/or EMI protected.

Conversion circuitry component 30, optionally with an integrated display 34, is designed to fit into base socket 40, reliably forming mechanical and electrical connections. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, component 30 is sealed against the environment and/or provides EMI or other protection to its internal sub-components.

Sensor 60 is optionally a standard component and may be of any type known in the art, for example, a temperature or a pressure sensor. For example, sensor 60 comprises a sensing tip 66 mounted on a body 64 that is adapted to seal to case 50. A plurality of wires 62 extend from sensor 60 and are connected to base socket 40. The number of wires, as well as the function of conversion circuitry 30 may vary, for example, depending on the type of probe <BR> <BR> (e. g. , passive, active and/or calibration method), measurement type and/or measurement range.

External link 70, comprising, for example two wires 72 is optionally a standard external link wire for 4-20 mA power and data communication. Wires 72 are also connected to base socket 40.

Base socket 40 is designed to be mechanically fixed to connection head 50, for example using one or more screws 45, which are optionally designed to match the standard holes 54 designed for attaching a circuitry component in the prior art devices. Alternatively other connection means as known in the art may be used.

Fig. 3 shows a top view of socket 40, including a plurality of terminal screws 43 for attaching wires 62 and wires 72 to socket 40. Other terminal types may be used as well, for example clip terminals. Alternatively or additionally, at least some of the wires may connect on the top of socket 40, for example, being led in channels or grooves (not shown) on the upper surface of socket 40. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, socket 40 defines an aperture between the terminals. Optionally, the aperture allows wires 62 to be inserted into sides of terminals 43, and possibly accessed, even after socket 40 is attached to connection head 50.

Each such terminal includes a corresponding contact 41 for electrical connection to conversion circuitry 30. Fig. 2 is a bottom view of conversion circuitry 30 showing a plurality of contact pads 31 for contacting terminal contacts 41. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, pads 31 are flush, to prevent entry of the environment into the body of conversion circuitry 30. Contacts 41 are optionally spring-backed, for example being in the form of spring- loaded pins, to ensure good contact between contacts 41 and pads 31 when conversion circuitry 30 is placed into base socket 40. Alternatively or additionally, pads 31 may be spring loaded.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the mechanical connection between conversion circuitry 30 and socket 40 ensures correct alignment of contacts 41 and pads 31.

Alternatively or additionally, the mechanical connection is a quick connection that is easy to make and/or unmake. Figs. 1-3 show details of an exemplary connection method, however, in some embodiments, socket 40 may be integrated into conversion circuitry 30 or connection head 50. Alternatively other fast connection methods as known in the art of electrical connectors, may be used. For example, a prong and apertures type connection, as used in electrical sockets, may be used for both mechanical and electrical coupling between conversion circuitry 30 and socket 40. In another example, Velcro is used for the mechanical connection.

In another example, a quarter-turn screw or used to lock conversion circuit 30 to base unit 40, and a suitable notch/protrusion arrangement is used to ensure alignment.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, conversion circuitry 30 includes a body 32 including a groove 36. Groove 36 is designed to mate with an incomplete retaining ring 47 mounted, for example, in a groove in a body 42 of socket 40. Retaining ring 47 can be selectively reduced in diameter so that it engages or disengages groove 36. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a lock 49 includes a rectangular shank (not shown), which, depending on the lock position, either pushes apart the ends of retaining ring 47 or allows them to come together. An optional notch (not shown) is provided in body 32, to allow easy access to lock 49. While other quick attachment methods may be used, one potential advantage of a lock/retaining-ring mechanism described here is that the ring takes little space and the lock is easily operable using a simple screw driver, which many technicians carry around for electrical contacts testing. An exemplary alternative locking mechanism is a spring loaded twist locking mechanism that locks into position and is pushed in and twisted in order to be removed.

In operation, conversion circuitry 30 may be simply snapped into socket 40 and removed by turning lock 49 a quarter turn and then removing conversion circuitry 30.

Optionally a spring (not shown) is provided to urge conversion circuitry 30 out of socket 40.

Alternatively, contacts 41 are spring loaded as described above using springs optionally strong enough to push conversion circuitry out, when it is released. Rotational alignment of conversion circuitry 30 and socket 40 is optionally achieved by the location of one or more notch 38 defined in body 32 and matching a protrusion (not shown) in socket 40. Alternatively or additionally, socket 40 includes at least one notch and body 32 at least one matching protrusion. Alternatively or additionally, socket 40 and conversion circuitry 30 are not rotationally symmetrical.

One application where such fast connection and/or disconnection may be useful is in testing (e. g. , periodic) the calibration of the conversion circuits. A typical factory may include hundreds or thousands of circuits when need to be tested, by removal form their connection heads and insertion into a test circuit. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the test circuit is designed with a socket base as in or similar to socket base 40. Then, a removed conversion circuit can be simply removed from its connection head, placed in the test circuit and then returned to its connection head. Optionally an adapter that matches an existing circuit tester to base socket 40 is provided, for retrofitting existing testing and/or programming equipment.

Alternatively or additionally, a sensor testing kit in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, includes a testing head similar in shape and connector location as converter 30, and inserted into socket 40 in order to test sensor 60 and/or link 70.

Alternatively or additionally, a separate plug is provided for testing in base socket 40.

Conversion circuitry 30 and base socket 40 may be provided, for example, as a kit, possibly including a transparent cap for connection head 50, possibly for use in retrofitting an existing probe. Alternatively, for example, the various components described above may be provided as separate items or in other packaging methods. For example, sockets may be sold with connection heads and conversion circuits sold as are other conversion circuits.

Alternatively or additionally, a complete industrial probe 20 or testing circuit is sold as a unit.

Fig. 4 is a schematic block diagram of a conversion circuit 90 used in circuitry component 30, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Optionally, a single central processing unit (CPU) 94 is used to control display 34 and control sensor 60 (Fig. 1). Optionally, CPU 94 is also programmable by commands arriving on wire link 70. Alternatively or additionally, CPU 94 is programmable by connection of a portable programming device, such as a laptop or a dedicated programmer. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the programming includes calibrating sensor 60 and/or a calibration of the sensor type. The programming connection may be, for example, to a plug on the top of circuitry 30 (not shown). Alternatively, circuitry 30 is removed for programming, for example fitted into a base socket in the programming device and/or via a plug on its side or bottom.

Sensor 60 is typically an analog sensor and is thus connected to a plurality of analog terminals 91 of an analog front end 92. In a simplest case, signals from the analog front end are passed through an A/D converter 93 to CPU 94. In more complex sensors, CPU 94 may control various analog parameters, such as sensing current and/or provide calibration parameters to the sensor. In the example shown a real measurement and a reference signal are supplied from sensor 60 using four wires and CPU 94 uses the reference to correct the real measurement signal. CPU 94 then computes a measurement to be shown on display 34 and a same or different value to be transmitted on link 70. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, an opto-isolator 95 is used to reduce inference between probe 20 and the outside world and/or for galvanic isolation. The signals sent by CPU 94 pass through isolator 95 and are converted to an analog signal by an A/D converter 96. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a converter 97 acts as a current source that establishes the current on link 70 (connected via a pair of terminals 99) such that it supplies the power to conversion circuitry 30 and indicates the sensed value. A DC/DC converter 98 is optionally provided to power CPU 94 and its associated circuits, from converter 97.

Possibly, the proximity of CPU 94 and display 34 allows the presentation of a lower total impedance than if two separate components were provided. In addition, CPU 94 may include the low-level display driving circuitry. Optionally, a light (not shown) is provided with display 34. The light may be on continuously. Alternatively, a switch, such as a pressure sensitive switch on body 32, may be provided. Optionally, the display and/or data link is frozen prior to turning on the light, to accommodate inference in measurement caused by the power drain of the light. Alternatively or additionally, display 34 is used to show data other than sensor measurements, for example, power drain, measurement ranges, calibration parameters, fault conditions and/or measurement history. Such data can be displayed cyclically, for example, on an automatic cycle, so no user interface is required.

Other circuits than shown in Fig. 4 can be used, for example, if CPU 94 includes A/D and D/A converters and/or if an opto-isolator is not used.

The present invention has been described using non-limiting detailed descriptions of embodiments thereof that are provided by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. It should be understood that features and/or steps described with respect to one embodiment may be used with other embodiments and that not all embodiments of the invention have all of the features and/or steps shown in a particular figure or described with respect to one of the embodiments. For example, not all implementations in accordance with some embodiments of the invention, require an integral display. Variations of embodiments described will occur to persons of the art, for example, in the type of mechanical and/or electrical connections. The description of apparatus above encompasses the method of use of the apparatus, for example the modification of a standard testing procedure (or replacement procedure) to include the simple removal and insertion of a conversion circuitry.

It is noted that some of the above described embodiments may describe the best mode contemplated by the inventors and therefore may include structure, acts or details of structures and acts that may not be essential to the invention and which are described as examples.

Structure and acts described herein are replaceable by equivalents which perform the same function, even if the structure or acts are different, as known in the art. For example, the sides of base socket 40 (or extensions thereof) may rise higher, possibly reaching the top and/or engaging the top of conversion circuit 30 and providing mechanical connection between conversion circuit 30 and base socket 40. In another example, base socket 40 and conversion circuit 30 may connect side to side. Therefore, the scope of the invention is limited only by the elements and limitations as used in the claims. When used in the following claims, the terms "comprise","include","have"and their conjugates mean"including but not limited to".