Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a pressure sensor and method of using the same. A pressure sensor may comprise a substrate having a substrate thickness extending between a first substrate surface and a second substrate surface, wherein the first substrate surface and the second substrate surface define opposing ends of the substrate thickness; a first pressure sensing assembly attached to the first substrate surface and configured to detect a first pressure force associated with a first fluid volume, wherein a portion of the first substrate surface adjacent the first pressure sensing assembly is fluidly isolated from the first volume of fluid; and a second pressure sensing assembly attached to the second substrate surface and configured to detect a second pressure force associated with a second volume of fluid, wherein a portion of the second substrate surface adjacent the second pressure sensing assembly is fluidly isolated from the second fluid volume.

Abstract: A fluid flow system and a method for detecting air bubble and liquid are provided. The fluid flow system comprises a force sensor configured to monitor at least one of an air bubble or an occlusion in a flow tube. The fluid flow system comprises a controller to execute the method. The controller is configured to monitor an output signal of a force sensor of the fluid flow system, and the output signal comprises an Alternating Current (AC) component and a Direct Current (DC) component, and detect a change in the output signal to a new output signal based on a number of transitions to the new output signal, and a time duration of the new output signal. The controller compares the change in the output signal with one of a predefined number of transitions or a predefined time and determines a new threshold when the change in the output signal exceeds one of the predefined number of transitions or the predefined time.

Abstract: Disclosed are pressure sensors including a die and an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) mounted on a top surface of a substrate. The pressure sensor can define an inner volume and a bottom opening configured to abut the substrate. The die and ASIC are mounted on the top surface of the substrate within the inner volume. The substrate defines a first aperture therethrough and the die defines a second aperture therethrough in a direction along an axis perpendicular to the substrate, the first aperture and the second aperture being aligned. Metallic barrier(s) disposed on a bottom surface of the substrate, circumferentially about the first aperture, can be at least partially coated with solder mask to reduce or prevent flow of unwanted materials past the metallic barriers and through the first aperture. The substrate can include electrical connection pads on the bottom surface configured to be in communication with a daughter board.

Abstract: A fluid flow system and a method for detecting air bubble and liquid are provided. The fluid flow system comprises a force sensor configured to monitor at least one of an air bubble or an occlusion in a flow tube. The fluid flow system comprises a controller to execute the method. The controller is configured to monitor an output signal of a force sensor of the fluid flow system, and the output signal comprises an Alternating Current (AC) component and a Direct Current (DC) component, and detect a change in the output signal to a new output signal based on a number of transitions to the new output signal, and a time duration of the new output signal. The controller compares the change in the output signal with one of a predefined number of transitions or a predefined time and determines a new threshold when the change in the output signal exceeds one of the predefined number of transitions or the predefined time.

Abstract: Disclosed are pressure sensors including a die and an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) mounted on a top surface of a substrate. The pressure sensor can define an inner volume and a bottom opening configured to abut the substrate. The die and ASIC are mounted on the top surface of the substrate within the inner volume. The substrate defines a first aperture therethrough and the die defines a second aperture therethrough in a direction along an axis perpendicular to the substrate, the first aperture and the second aperture being aligned. Metallic barrier(s) disposed on a bottom surface of the substrate, circumferentially about the first aperture, can be at least partially coated with solder mask to reduce or prevent flow of unwanted materials past the metallic barriers and through the first aperture. The substrate can include electrical connection pads on the bottom surface configured to be in communication with a daughter board.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a pressure sensor and method of using the same. A pressure sensor may comprise a substrate having a substrate thickness extending between a first substrate surface and a second substrate surface, wherein the first substrate surface and the second substrate surface define opposing ends of the substrate thickness; a first pressure sensing assembly attached to the first substrate surface and configured to detect a first pressure force associated with a first fluid volume, wherein a portion of the first substrate surface adjacent the first pressure sensing assembly is fluidly isolated from the first volume of fluid; and a second pressure sensing assembly attached to the second substrate surface and configured to detect a second pressure force associated with a second volume of fluid, wherein a portion of the second substrate surface adjacent the second pressure sensing assembly is fluidly isolated from the second fluid volume.

Abstract: A fluid flow system and a method for detecting air bubble and liquid are provided. The fluid flow system comprises a force sensor configured to monitor at least one of an air bubble or an occlusion in a flow tube. The fluid flow system comprises a controller to execute the method. The controller is configured to monitor an output signal of a force sensor of the fluid flow system, and the output signal comprises an Alternating Current (AC) component and a Direct Current (DC) component, and detect a change in the output signal to a new output signal based on a number of transitions to the new output signal, and a time duration of the new output signal. The controller compares the change in the output signal with one of a predefined number of transitions or a predefined time and determines a new threshold when the change in the output signal exceeds one of the predefined number of transitions or the predefined time.

Abstract: Disclosed are pressure sensors including a die and an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) mounted on a top surface of a substrate. The pressure sensor can define an inner volume and a bottom opening configured to abut the substrate. The die and ASIC are mounted on the top surface of the substrate within the inner volume. The substrate defines a first aperture therethrough and the die defines a second aperture therethrough in a direction along an axis perpendicular to the substrate, the first aperture and the second aperture being aligned. Metallic barrier(s) disposed on a bottom surface of the substrate, circumferentially about the first aperture, can be at least partially coated with solder mask to reduce or prevent flow of unwanted materials past the metallic barriers and through the first aperture. The substrate can include electrical connection pads on the bottom surface configured to be in communication with a daughter board.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a pressure sensor and method of using the same. A pressure sensor may comprise a substrate having a substrate thickness extending between a first substrate surface and a second substrate surface, wherein the first substrate surface and the second substrate surface define opposing ends of the substrate thickness; a first pressure sensing assembly attached to the first substrate surface and configured to detect a first pressure force associated with a first fluid volume, wherein a portion of the first substrate surface adjacent the first pressure sensing assembly is fluidly isolated from the first volume of fluid; and a second pressure sensing assembly attached to the second substrate surface and configured to detect a second pressure force associated with a second volume of fluid, wherein a portion of the second substrate surface adjacent the second pressure sensing assembly is fluidly isolated from the second fluid volume.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a pressure sensor and method of using the same. A pressure sensor may comprise a substrate having a substrate thickness extending between a first substrate surface and a second substrate surface, wherein the first substrate surface and the second substrate surface define opposing ends of the substrate thickness; a first pressure sensing assembly attached to the first substrate surface and configured to detect a first pressure force associated with a first fluid volume, wherein a portion of the first substrate surface adjacent the first pressure sensing assembly is fluidly isolated from the first volume of fluid; and a second pressure sensing assembly attached to the second substrate surface and configured to detect a second pressure force associated with a second volume of fluid, wherein a portion of the second substrate surface adjacent the second pressure sensing assembly is fluidly isolated from the second fluid volume.

Abstract: Disclosed are pressure sensors including a die and an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) mounted on a top surface of a substrate. The pressure sensor can define an inner volume and a bottom opening configured to abut the substrate. The die and ASIC are mounted on the top surface of the substrate within the inner volume. The substrate defines a first aperture therethrough and the die defines a second aperture therethrough in a direction along an axis perpendicular to the substrate, the first aperture and the second aperture being aligned. Metallic barrier(s) disposed on a bottom surface of the substrate, circumferentially about the first aperture, can be at least partially coated with solder mask to reduce or prevent flow of unwanted materials past the metallic barriers and through the first aperture. The substrate can include electrical connection pads on the bottom surface configured to be in communication with a daughter board.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are disclosed for sensing a force applied by an external source. An example system comprises a substrate comprising a plurality of electrical contact pads disposed on a first surface of the substrate. The system further comprises a force sensing device disposed on a second surface of the substrate, the second surface opposite the first surface. The system further comprises a housing disposed on the second surface of the substrate. The housing defines an aperture that provides a common coupling interface. The common coupling interface provides a common path for the force to be transmitted to the force sensing device either through a first coupling or a second coupling different from the first coupling.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to systems and methods for providing a seal between an expansion plug and an opening in a load pin. A load pin may comprise a strain gauge located within an opening in a body of the load pin; an expansion plug configured to seal with the opening, covering the strain gauge; and a sealing material attached to at least a portion of the expansion plug configured to seal between the expansion plug and the opening. A method may comprise selecting a sealing material configured to prevent damage to the expansion plug from the external environment, based on the environment in which the expansion plug will be used; applying the sealing material to at least a portion of the expansion plug; vulcanizing the sealing material to the expansion plug to combine the two elements; and inserting the expansion plug into the opening.

Abstract: Example systems, apparatuses and methods are disclosed for sensing a force applied by an external source. An example system comprises a substrate comprising a plurality of electrical contact pads disposed on a first surface of the substrate. The system further comprises a force sensing device disposed on a second surface of the substrate, the second surface opposite the first surface. The system further comprises a housing disposed on the second surface of the substrate. The housing defines an aperture that provides a common coupling interface. The common coupling interface provides a common path for the force to be transmitted to the force sensing device either through a first coupling or a second coupling different from the first coupling.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to systems and methods for collecting and communicating sensed data. A communication system may comprise a mobile device comprising a wireless communication module; and at least one sensor device located within a work area configured to monitor characteristics of the surrounding environment, wherein the sensor device comprises a controller; one or more sensors; a wired output configured to communicate sensor data from the one or more sensors via a wired connection; and a wireless interface comprising an antenna configured to communicate with the wireless communication module of the mobile device, wherein the mobile device is operable to receive and process the information received from the at least one sensor device. The antenna may at least partially extend from a housing of the sensor device. In some embodiments, the mobile device may not directly communicate with the central server.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to systems and methods for collecting and communicating sensed data. A communication system may comprise a mobile device comprising a wireless communication module; and at least one sensor device located within a work area configured to monitor characteristics of the surrounding environment, wherein the sensor device comprises a controller; one or more sensors; a wired output configured to communicate sensor data from the one or more sensors via a wired connection; and a wireless interface comprising an antenna configured to communicate with the wireless communication module of the mobile device, wherein the mobile device is operable to receive and process the information received from the at least one sensor device. The antenna may at least partially extend from a housing of the sensor device. In some embodiments, the mobile device may not directly communicate with the central server.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to systems and methods for providing a seal between an expansion plug and an opening in a load pin. A load pin may comprise a strain gauge located within an opening in a body of the load pin; an expansion plug configured to seal with the opening, covering the strain gauge; and a sealing material attached to at least a portion of the expansion plug configured to seal between the expansion plug and the opening. A method may comprise selecting a sealing material configured to prevent damage to the expansion plug from the external environment, based on the environment in which the expansion plug will be used; applying the sealing material to at least a portion of the expansion plug; vulcanizing the sealing material to the expansion plug to combine the two elements; and inserting the expansion plug into the opening.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods may relate to a sensor controller configured to apply predetermined criteria to determine when a parameter value sampled by a sensor module meets the predetermined criteria, and in response to making such a determination, adjust a commanded data rate including an update time period. In an illustrative example, the predetermined criteria may be independently defined for each sensor in a network. In examples with a network of sensors, the sensor controller may dictate sensor module operation at differentiated data rates. In an illustrative example, a sensor controller may communicate with a series of pressure level sensor modules connected to a drilling apparatus in a mud logging application. Upon detection of a pressure level change that exceeds a critical condition as determined through comparison with the predetermined criteria, the sensor controller may increase or decrease a data rate of the respective sensor module, for example.

Abstract: A system and method for estimating the residual fatigue life of a load cell includes storing, in a memory, fatigue life reference data associated with a test load cell. A predetermined number of data storage bins are provided. Each data storage bin is representative of a predefined value range of peak loads. Peak loads applied to an in-service load cell are detected, and each is stored in an appropriate one of the data storage bins. A number of load cycles of the in-service load cell are calculated based on the detected peak loads stored in each of the data storage bins. An estimate of the residual life of the in-service load cell is calculated from the fatigue life reference data and the calculated number of load cycles of the in-service load cell.

Abstract: An adaptive wireless torque measurement system includes a rotor, a rotor antenna, a stator antenna, stator electronics, and rotor electronics. The rotor antenna is attached to the rotor. The stator antenna is configured to be inductively coupled to the rotor antenna. The stator electronics are coupled to receive, via the stator antenna, feedback data and are configured, in response thereto, to generate and transmit, via the stator antenna, power signals at a power level magnitude based in part on the feedback data. The rotor electronics are attached to the rotor and are coupled to receive, via the rotor antenna, the power signals transmitted by the stator electronics. The rotor electronics are configured to determine the power level magnitude of the power signals, generate the feedback data, the feedback data at least including information representative of the determined power level magnitude, and transmit, via the rotor antenna, the feedback data.