Abstract: A diaphragm for a pressure sensor includes a central portion having a primary thickness and a surrounding secondary portion having a secondary thickness greater than the primary thickness. The pressure sensor includes the diaphragm, a fluid conduit capped by the diaphragm, and a piezoelectric bridge for each of the primary and secondary portions to generate a signal indicative of the displacement of the portions; and a method of producing the sensor.

Abstract: A method of forming a piezo-resistive sensor, comprising a piezo-resistor, a leadout resistor, and an insulator structure is provided. A Silicon-On-Insulator (SOI) substrate is provided having an epitaxial layer, a dielectric layer, and a bulk substrate layer. A mask layer is formed on top of the epitaxial layer. The mask layer defines where the piezo-resistor and leadout resistors are to be located by creating first exposed portions of the epitaxial layer. A silicon dioxide layer (SiO2) is grown in a Local Oxidation of Silicon (LOCOS) process for a predetermined time on the first exposed portions based on the desired thickness of the piezo-resistor, where the-piezo resistor is located below the SiO2 layer. The thickness of the leadout resistor, and therefore the parasitic leadout resistance, is determined by the original thickness of the epitaxial layer and can be maintained independent of the piezo-resistor thickness.

Abstract: A pressure and sensing element is provided that includes one piezo-resistive sensing element configured as a single light implant square, and may produce outputs relating to both a pressure and temperature that has been sensed. The piezo-sensing element may operate as a piezo-resistive radial element when a constant current is conducted through the element in the radial direction with respect to the diaphragm. Conversely, the piezo-sensing element may operate as a piezo-resistive tangential element when a constant current is conducted through the element in the tangential direction to the edge of the diaphragm. A difference in the radial and tangential resistances and a corresponding difference in voltage drop are proportional to an applied pressure, while a sum of the same two resistances is a function of temperature.

Abstract: A sensor chip has a piezo-resistive bridge, a temperature resistive bridge, and a multifunctional resistor network that can be used to provide span compensation when operating the piezo-resistive bridge in a constant current mode. In the constant current mode, the multifunctional resistor network can also be used to provide a bias potential to an epitaxial layer of the sensor chip. In a constant voltage mode, the multifunctional resistor network can be used to provide three different gains for a temperature channel that includes the temperature resistive bridge in order to customize the output of the temperature channel for specific operating temperature ranges.

Abstract: A sensor chip has a piezo-resistive bridge, a temperature resistive bridge, and a multifunctional resistor network that can be used to provide span compensation when operating the piezo-resistive bridge in a constant current mode. In the constant current mode, the multifunctional resistor network can also be used to provide a bias potential to an epitaxial layer of the sensor chip. In a constant voltage mode, the multifunctional resistor network can be used to provide three different gains for a temperature channel that includes the temperature resistive bridge in order to customize the output of the temperature channel for specific operating temperature ranges.

Abstract: A sensor chip has a piezo-resistive bridge, a first resistor network that can be used for biasing when connected to an external amplifier, a second resistor network that can be used to set gain when connected to the external amplifier, and a leadout resistor that connects an output of the bridge to a common summing point of the two resistor networks. The summing point is connected to the non-inverting input of the external amplifier. The leadout resistor has a predetermined number of squares. A portion of the squares has a light implant and the remaining portion of the squares has a heavy implant. The ratio of the heavy and light implant portions provides customized span compensation of the amplified output for specific operating temperature ranges.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes an upper and a lower layer of semiconductor material separated by a layer of insulation material. Resistors formed in the upper layer are connected into a Wheatstone bridge arrangement having an output. A first voltage provides power to the bridge. A second voltage connected to the lower layer of semiconductor material has a value selected to reduce the drift of the output following power up of the sensor.

Abstract: A caddy for carrying a plurality of flotation devices. The caddy includes a frame having first and second end members, each having a slot formed therein for receiving a shoulder strap. The first end member further includes a pair of apertures for receiving a pair of elongated aluminum bars onto which a number of bulky flotation devices are secured. The first end member also includes a spring biased locking device which is coupled to the distal end of each bar.

Abstract: A measurement system utilizes a sensor formed in a semiconductor on insulator structure that has an offset related to the time that power is applied. A controller applies power, obtains readings and removes power so as to minimize any effect of the offset.

Abstract: Flowable loose packing dunnage is formed from paperboard into three dimensional particles of various shapes. Also, an apparatus for forming the dunnage employs two vertically aligned arrays of toothed, untoothed and/or cutting wheels through the nip of which paperboard segments pass and by which they are shaped into dunnage particles. Further, in a method of forming the dunnage particles, strips of paperboard are cut into segments which are formed into three dimensional shapes. A method of protecting a packed object surrounds it with the flowable loose packing dunnage made of paperboard in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: A container composed of semiflexible body and two semiflexible end caps wherein the body and the end portions fit together in a rigid manner to provide a rigid container. Although a firm latching between the body and the end caps is afforded, they can be disassembled if desired. In a preferred manner, the end caps are composed of a semiflexible plastic material, and the semiflexible body is composed of fiberboard. The container is durable so that several of the units can be stacked upon each other. It also offers versatility in that the fiberboard body can be divided with different panel portions so as to afford a display type container.

Abstract: The invention is a self-adjusting suspension system which is incorporated into the structure of a perineal shield. A flexible strand is provided at corner locations on the perimeter of the shield. A separate waistband portion has one or more elastic tensioning strips which are slidably connected by followers to the flexible strands at the corners. The follower divides the flexible strand into two directed segments, one to each side of the follower. Each directed segment is oriented towards the adjacent corner location on that side of the follower and secured to the perimeter of the shield. When tension is applied to the followers so that the flexible strands are also placed in tension, the followers slide along the strands until the tensions in the strands to each side of the followers are equal and the tension around the perimeter of the shield is approximately uniform. Substantially no tension is directed towards the midspan of the shield.

Abstract: Cookers, methods of cooking and igniting fuel, and packaged fuel. Novel features of the cookers include receptacles and covers having reflective inner surfaces in the shapes of paraboloids. Another novel feature is a novel cooking surface and support which may extend above the top of the receptacle and into the cover. A supporting and stabilizing pan is attached to the receptacle and biased from the receptacle by a biasing means. The biasing means, combustion grate, and cooking surface support are, in combination, resiliently deformable such that the biasing means and combustion grate can be assembled to the cooking surface for storage or transport. The cookers can be readily disassembled from the cooking mode and reassembled for storage with a reduction in volume of up to at least about 50%, all without use of tools.

Abstract: The invention in its simplest form is a one piece receptacle formed from a blank that is a flat sheet and where gusseted corners are individually folded and latched to form the receptacle. The latches at each end of the receptacle are joinable to add strength to the receptacle and to provide convenient carrying and/or pull handles. The receptacle may be provided with an integral cover which is secureable to the latches and strengthens and adds to the utility of the latches.

Abstract: A temperature compensation scheme for a piezoresistive pressure sensor utilizing resistors with carefully chosen temperature coefficients of resistivity to provide a totally passive network.

Abstract: A shield to be worn between the legs of a user. The shield, on its body side has a non absorbent, liquid impermeable, flexible midspan and an outside perimeter of absorbent material. In use, liquid makes contact with the shield on the flexible midspan and is moved quickly away until the liquid contacts the absorbent perimeter where it is rapidly taken up and retained. The shield is characterized by its capability to rapidly take up and contain liquids, its capability to fit comfortably and remain in place reliably, and its discreetness when carrying and wearing.

Abstract: Discrete absorbant particles, useful for example as an animal litter, are produced by joining together layers of formed paper pulp, the layers being compressed together in such a way as to remain together under normal use conditions, prior to immersion in water, but so as to wholly or partially separate upon immersion in water, so that the particles are easily flushed down a toilet after use. The product also has uses other than for animal litter, such as in floor sweeping, as a mulch, packing, or otherwise.

Abstract: A means for attaching a perineal pad to a support garment so as to restrict the range of possible displacement of the pad while not transferring dynamic loads from the garment to the pad and being characterized by a tab secured to the garment side of the pad near one end of the longitudinal midline of the pad. The tab has adhesive on the pad side of its free end so that, in use, after the tab has been passed through a loop provided on the support garment the free end of the tab may be adhered to the garment side of the pad and thereby create a loop coupling between the pad and the garment.

Abstract: Hygienic pads such as sanitary napkins are provided with extensions, which can be attached to a central pad unit to increase the dimension in a direction determined by the user.

Abstract: An interlabial pad as provided having a cylindrodially-shaped central portion and oppositely disposed flaps. The method for forming the interlabial pad involves folding a pad blank along the central longitudinal axis and gathering and attaching the blank at spaced-apart portions below the fold line to form a cylindrodially shaped central member with flaps depending radially therefrom.