Abstract: A circuit has an input and a two-wire output. The circuit is designed for use with HTPE transducers and comprised of four stages. The first stage is a charge amplifier based on operational amplifier, the second stage is a 1-pole passive low-pass filter, the third stage is an active 2-pole low-pass filter based on two JFETs, and the fourth stage is an emitter follower comprising two bipolar junction transistors connected to each other in Darlington configuration.

Abstract: A MEMS acceleration sensor comprising: a frame, a plurality of proofmasses; a plurality of flexures; a plurality of hinges and a plurality of gauges. The frame, proofmasses, flexures, hinges and gauges designed to measure acceleration in a direction perpendicular to the device plane while being generally resistant to motions parallel to the device plane. The measurement of the acceleration is accomplished through the piezoresistive effect of the strain in the gauges.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive element is provided. In one embodiment the pressure sensitive element comprises: a diaphragm with a gage side and a back side and a rim surrounding the diaphragm; a pair of inner islands on the gage side of the diaphragm wherein the pair of inner islands are spaced to form a first gap between the pair of inner islands; a first freed gage spanning the first gap; at least one bridge to provide an electrical communication path between the rim and the first freed gage; an outer island on the gage side of the diaphragm wherein the outer island and the rim are spaced to form a second gap; and a second freed gage spanning the second gap.

Abstract: A system and method for accurately measuring fluid level in a vessel is provided. Generally, the system contains an elongated portion being a coaxial tube having a hollow center, an arm being coaxial in shape, and a sensor containing a transmitter capable of creating and transmitting an excitation electromagnetic pulse for traversing the elongated portion and the arm, and a receiver for receiving reflected pulses, wherein a proximate end of the elongated portion joins a distal end of the arm in a manner to create a waveguide for an electromagnetic pulse provided by the sensor.

Abstract: An interconnection verification device for sensors and a software implementation of interconnection verification between cabling and sensors in large, multi-channel test configurations are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment the sensor assembly comprises a sensor and an indicator electrically connected inline with the sensor. In a preferred embodiment the indicator is an LED. In an even more preferred embodiment, the sensor is an IEPE.

Abstract: A thermal pressure measurement assembly coupled to a rim of an aircraft wheel. A housing is configured to be fastened to a wheel face. An electronics enclosure is positioned in the housing. Electronics are positioned in the electronics enclosure and configured to process a signal received from a remote sensor that measures tire pressure and temperature. Internal insulation is positioned in an interior of the housing. The internal insulation is configured to reduce the temperature of the electronics sufficiently to permit use of low temperature electronics rated to 125 degrees C.

Abstract: A motion-sensitive low-G MEMS acceleration switch, which is a MEMS switch that closes at low-g acceleration (e.g., sensitive to no more than 10 Gs), is proposed. Specifically, the low-G MEMS acceleration switch has a base, a sensor wafer with one or more proofmasses, an open circuit that includes two fixed electrodes, and a contact plate. During acceleration, one or more of the proofmasses move towards the base and connects the two fixed electrodes together, resulting in a closing of the circuit that detects the acceleration. Sensitivity to low-G acceleration is achieved by proper dimensioning of the proofmasses and one or more springs used to support the proofmasses in the switch.

Abstract: A MEMS acceleration sensor is provided.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive element is provided. In one embodiment the pressure sensitive element comprises: a diaphragm with a gage side and a back side and a rim surrounding the diaphragm; a pair of inner islands on the gage side of the diaphragm wherein the pair of inner islands are spaced to form a first gap between the pair of inner islands; a first freed gage spanning the first gap; at least one bridge to provide an electrical communication path between the rim and the first freed gage; an outer island on the gage side of the diaphragm wherein the outer island and the rim are spaced to form a second gap; and a second freed gage spanning the second gap.

Abstract: A layer height measuring system in one embodiment has a transmission line including a probe for measuring a height of a first layer within a tank and a cable that connects the probe to an electronics unit. The electronics unit cyclically transmits interrogation pulses to the probe and receives reflections therefrom for time domain reflectometric measurement of the height of the first layer.

Abstract: A modular piezoelectric sensor system, wherein the system comprises: a sensor pod including at least one standard sensor interface; and a plurality of different mounting adapters that include different external mounting interfaces wherein each mounting adapter has at least one complementary standard sensor interface.

Abstract: An interconnection verification means for sensors and a software implementation of interconnection verification between cabling and sensors in large, multi-channel test configurations are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment the sensor assembly comprises a sensor and an indicator electrically connected inline with the sensor. In a preferred embodiment the indicator is an LED. In an even more preferred embodiment, the sensor is an IEPE.

Abstract: A motion-sensitive low-G MEMS acceleration switch, which is a MEMS switch that closes at low-g acceleration (e.g., sensitive to no more than 10 Gs), is proposed. Specifically, the low-G MEMS acceleration switch has a base, a sensor wafer with one or more proofmasses, an open circuit that includes two fixed electrodes, and a contact plate. During acceleration, one or more of the proofmasses move towards the base and connects the two fixed electrodes together, resulting in a closing of the circuit that detects the acceleration. Sensitivity to low-G acceleration is achieved by proper dimensioning of the proofmasses and one or more springs used to support the proofmasses in the switch.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for using time domain reflectometry to determine the identity of a fluid in a vessel, and to determine whether the quality of a fluid in a vessel is within acceptable parameters. Methods include identifying a fluid by comparing a derived characteristic of a fluid to a reference characteristic, determining the quality of a fluid by determining if a derived characteristic is within an acceptable quality range, monitoring a fluid for a dynamic change in quality or state, and identifying a fluid by comparing a transition reflection waveform to a reference signature transition. The methods are implemented in systems for identifying a fluid layer in a vessel, such as fuel, free liquid water or ice, detecting misfueling or fuel contamination, and detecting fluid state changes, such as the formation of ice.

Abstract: A sensor device includes at least one sensor device coupled to a substrate. A solder pad interface includes a plurality of steps, with at least a portion of the steps positioned at different planes, each of a step having a solder pad. A cable with a plurality of cable leads, is configured for each of a cable lead to be coupled to a solder pad.

Abstract: A modular TDR probe assembly is presented. The probe assembly includes a first section with a central conductor and an outer conductor having a first impedance, and a second section with a central conductor and an outer conductor having a second impedance. An impedance matching elbow joins the first section and the second section. The elbow contains a solid dielectric insert with a bore passing through it housing a terminal pin that conveys electrical signals between the center conductor of the first section and the center conductor of the second section.