Sensor connection means

Abstract

The invention relates to a sensor adapted for electrical connection to a power source having an electrical contact means ( 3 ). The sensor has a first insulating substrate ( 1 ) carrying a first electrode ( 2 ) and a second insulating substrate ( 7 ) carrying a second electrode ( 6 ). The electrodes are disposed to face each other in spaced apart relationship, sandwiching a spacer ( 4 ) therebetween. A first cut-out portion extends through the first insulating substrate ( 1 ) and a spacer ( 4 ) to expose a first contact area ( 23 ) on the second insulating substrate ( 7 ). This permits the electrical contact means ( 31 ) to effect electrical connection with the first contact ( 23 ) which in turn is in electrically conductive connection with the second electrode ( 6 ). A similar contact arrangement may be disposed on the opposite side of the sensor.

1 - 22 . (canceled)  
   
   
       23 . A method of making a sensor adapted for electrical connection with a power source having a contactor, the method comprising the steps of: 
 providing a first insulating substrate carrying a first electrode and having an aperture, a spacer having an aperture, and a second insulating substrate carrying a second electrode,    adhering the first insulating substrate to one side of the spacer, whereby the first electrode defines a first end wall of an electrochemical cell;    adhering the second insulating substrate to an opposite side of the spacer, whereby the second electrode defines a second end wall of the cell;    wherein the aperture of the first insulating substrate defines a first cut-out aperture that provides a first contact area on the second insulating substrate that is adapted to permit electrical contact with the second electrode.    
   
   
       24 . A method according to  claim 23  wherein each insulating substrate is formed from a flexible insulating material.  
   
   
       25 . A method according to  claim 24  wherein the flexible insulating material is polyester.  
   
   
       26 . A method according to  claim 23  further comprising the step of depositing metal on the first and second insulating substrates to form the first and second electrodes and the first contact area.  
   
   
       27 . A method according to  claim 26  wherein the metal is selected from the group consisting of palladium, gold, platinum, iridium and silver.  
   
   
       28 . A method according to  claim 26  wherein the metal is 10-1000 nanometers thick.  
   
   
       29 . A method according to  claim 26  further comprising the step of depositing the layer of metal is on the insulating substrate by sputter coating.  
   
   
       30 . A method according to  claim 23  wherein each electrode and the first contact area are formed from carbon.  
   
   
       31 . A method according to  claim 23  wherein the first cut-out aperture is spaced adjacent one end of the sensor.  
   
   
       32 . A method according to  claim 23  wherein the first cut-out aperture is cut from an edge of the sensor such that the first cut-out aperture is open on at least one edge of the sensor.  
   
   
       33 . A method according to  claim 23  wherein at least one of the insulating substrates or the spacer extends around the entire periphery of the first cut-out aperture.  
   
   
       34 . A method according to  claim 23  wherein the spacer comprises a cut-out aperture that corresponds to the first cut-out aperture of the first insulating substrate.  
   
   
       35 . A method according to  claim 34  wherein the cut-out aperture of the spacer is in registration with the first cut-out aperture of the first insulating substrate.  
   
   
       36 . A method according to  claim 23  wherein the first cut-out aperture is adapted for click engagement with a contactor.  
   
   
       37 . A method according to  claim 23  further providing that the second insulating substrate have an aperture, wherein the aperture defines a second cut-out aperture that provides a second contact area on the first insulating substrate that is adapted to permit electrical contact with the first electrode.  
   
   
       38 . A method according to  claim 37  wherein the first and second contact areas are laterally spaced apart relative to the longitudinal axis of the sensor.  
   
   
       39 . A method according to  claim 37  wherein the first and second contact areas are longitudinally spaced apart relative to the longitudinal axis of the sensor.  
   
   
       40 . A method according to  claim 37  wherein the first and second contact areas are laterally and longitudinally spaced relative to the longitudinal axis of the sensor.