Abstract: A tunable high-frequency capacitor includes first and second fixed electrodes, the first fixed electrode having a high-frequency input connection, and the second fixed electrode having a high-frequency output connection. A movable electrode is arranged facing and spaced apart from the fixed electrodes and is supported by means of a suspension which causes a displacement of the movable electrode in relation to the fixed electrode depending on a control signal that is applied.

Abstract: A capacitive pressure sensor includes a first substrate (1), a first flat electrode (1a) formed on the first substrate (1), a pressure-sensing frame (4) surrounding the first flat electrode (1a) provided on the first substrate (1), second substrates (2, 3) connected to the pressure-sensing frame (4) opposedly to the first substrate (1) and forming a capacitance chamber (7) together with the first substrate (1) and the pressure-sensing frame (4), a stage (5) provided on the second substrates (2, 3) in the capacitance chamber (7), separated from the pressure-sensing frame (4), and opposed to and separated from the first flat electrode (1a), and a second flat electrode (2a) provided on the stage (5) and opposed to the first flat electrode (1a), wherein the pressure-sensing frame (4) deforms elastically according to a pressure applied to the first and second substrates (1, 2, 3).

Abstract: A displacement responsive device e.g. a measurement probe (110) is disclosed. Displacement of a stylus (130) causes resilient movement of a carriage (134) supported by planar springs (112) and (114). This movement is detected by a capacitance sensor (160), formed from two cylinders (164) and (166). The cylinders move in at least three degrees of freedom and changes in their capacitance during the said movement can be determined by a circuit (e.g. FIG. 5). Movement in x, y and z directions can be sensed.

Abstract: A microcomponent which includes a capacitive component, of at least two elementary capacitors (C1, C2, C3, C4) which are connected in series. Each elementary capacitor is made up of two plates namely: a plate (10) fixed with respect to the rest of the microcomponent; and a second plate (12), part of which is capable of being displaced with respect to the first fixed plate (10) due to the effect of a control signal, so as to vary the value of the capacitance of the elementary capacitor C1. The control signals for the various elementary capacitors are generated independently so as to vary the overall capacitance of the capacitor by independent variation of the capacitances of each elementary capacitor.

Abstract: A varactor includes a first capacitor plate, a second capacitor plate, at least one fixed charge holder, and a control electrode. The second capacitor plate is spaced from and movable towards and away from the first capacitor plate. At least one fixed charge holder with an imbedded charge is on at least a portion of the second capacitor plate. The control electrode is spaced from the second capacitor plate. Applying a bias to the control electrode moves the second capacitor plate towards or away from the first capacitor plate depending on the polarity of the applied bias.

Abstract: A tuneable high-frequency capacitor includes first and second fixed electrodes (102a, 102b), the first fixed electrode (102a) comprising a high-frequency input connection (114), and the second fixed electrode (102b) comprising a high-frequency output connection (118). A movable electrode (104) is arranged facing and spaced apart from the fixed electrodes (102a, 102b) and is supported by means of a suspension (106, 108) which causes a displacement of the movable electrode (104) in relation to the fixed electrodes (102a, 102b) depending on a control signal that is applied.

Abstract: A capacitor having a bottom plate, a top plate and a support connected to the center portion of the top plate for positioning the top plate over the bottom plate and separated therefrom by a gap. The outer portion of the top plate moves relative to the bottom plate when a potential is applied between the plates. The outer portion may be connected to the center portion of the top plate by springs such that the movement of the top plate relative to the bottom plate is accommodated by bending at least one of the springs. The capacitor may also include an insulating layer between the top and bottom plates disposed so as to prevent the top plate from shorting to the bottom plate. A spacer for setting the minimum distance between the outer portion of the top plate and the bottom plate may also be included.

Abstract: A capacitive transducer apparatus converts mechanical force to electrical signal parameters by change of spacing between plates of a plurality of capacitors. The apparatus has two mechanical components. The first component includes an articulating member such as a post surrounded by a first capacitive plate. Means are provided for causing the articulating member to articulate responsive to user manipulation thereof, and thereafter, to return to a quiescent position. The second component includes a second capacitive plate made up of a plurality of printed metalized members disposed about the articulating member substantially parallel to the first capacitive plate. A circuit is provided for detecting respective signals from a plurality of capacitors formed by the plates, the respective signals varying in value depending on articulation of the articulating member which alters the capacitance of the respective capacitors depending on the direction and magnitude of an applied force.

Abstract: A high-Q micromechanical device such as a capacitor and method of tuning same by electrostatically moving the capacitor's dielectric are provided. The high-Q, tunable, micromechanical capacitor is realized using an IC-compatible, electroplated-metal, surface-micromachining technology and demonstrates quality (Q−) factors in excess of 290—the highest reported to date for on-chip tunable capacitors at frequencies near 1 GHz. When combined with on-chip (or off-chip) high-Q inductors, these tunable capacitors are expected to be useful for not only low-phase noise integrated VCO applications, but also for tunable, low-loss, RF filters and tunable matching networks, both key functions capable of enhancing the multi-band programmability of wireless communication handsets.

Abstract: A capacitance-type external-force detecting device includes a substrate, a moveable unit which is supported by the substrate via a supporting beam and which can be displaced in the detecting direction, a comb-shaped fixed electrode provided on the substrate and including a plurality of fixed electrode units spaced in the detecting direction, a comb-shaped moveable electrode provided on the moveable unit and including a plurality of moveable-side electrode units provided between the corresponding fixed electrode units so that the moveable-side electrode units are meshed with the corresponding fixed electrode units, and a capacitance-detecting unit for detecting the displacement amount of the moveable part, at the time when the external force causes the moveable unit to be displaced in the detecting direction, as the variation in the ratio of the overall capacitance between the fixed electrode units and the moveable electrode units and for outputting a voltage signal substantially in proportion thereto.

Abstract: An electronic device, such as a filter or phase shifter, for example, includes a substrate, and a MEMS capacitor on the substrate and having a plurality of selectable capacitance values. The MEMS capacitor preferably includes a lower capacitor electrode on the substrate, and a movable bridge including end portions connected to the substrate laterally adjacent the lower capacitor electrode. The movable bridge may also include a conductive medial portion between the end portions defining an upper capacitor electrode suspended above the lower capacitor electrode and being movable between an upper position and a lower position by an electrostatic force generated between the capacitor electrodes. The upper and lower positions provide respective low and high selectable capacitance values.

Abstract: An input device for a personal computer or the like has an elastic member, a slider horizontally movable on the elastic member, and a key top operatively connected to the elastic member through the slider. The elastic member 5 has a coupling portion provided with a flange which vertically movably fits in a fit hole formed in the slider. A horizontal movement of the key top causes the wall of the fit hole of the slider to press the flange, which in turn causes deformation of the flange and of the movable electrode, with the result that the size of the gap and, hence, capacitive value between the movable electrode and the fixed electrode are changed, whereby the direction of movement of the key top is detected with a high degree of accuracy.

Abstract: A MEM capacitor having a capacitance plate nearer a movable plate than a separate bias plate. Voltage potential between the bias plate and movable plate determines the value of capacitance between the movable plate and the capacitance plate. In a preferred MEM capacitor, the movable plate is suspended over two fixed plates, a bias plate and a capacitance plate. The movable plate is disposed opposite both the bias plate and the capacitance plate. A distance between opposing surfaces of the capacitance plate and the movable plate is less than a distance between the bias plate and the capacitance plate. Preferably, the relative difference in distances between the plates is accomplished by a mechanically suspended movable plate that is shaped to have portions in at least two separate planes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a metallization for a film capacitor, wherein a dielectric capacitor film provided with a metallic coating is wound into a capacitor element in the running direction of the capacitor film, whereby the coating is provided with a segmentation.

Abstract: A linear displacement sensor (10) has a capacitive transducer (24) having a flexible diaphragm (24c) disposed in a housing (12) which also slidingly mounts a plunger (18) movable toward and away from the diaphragm. The plunger has a spring seating end slidably received in a hollow tubular button (14) with a coil spring disposed in the tubular button between the spring seating end of the plunger and a spring seat of the button. Movement of the button caused by an element whose movement is to be monitored causes a change in the force applied to the diaphragm which is proportional to the movement of the button to provide a corresponding output signal by means of signal conditioning electronics (28) disposed in the housing.

Abstract: Determination of the quantity of consumable product present in a reservoir, for example the quantity of ink present in the reservoir of an inkjet printing device. According to the invention, the movable reservoir can be engaged in the dielectric space of a capacitor consisting of two plates, a signal generator applies a signal to the capacitor and the reservoir is moved, a comparator changes state when a threshold is reached and the distance travelled by the reservoir makes it possible to determine the quantity of product situated therein.

Abstract: A variable capacitor that provides a full range of capacitance, while reducing the amount of rotation necessary to effect maximum variation in capacitance, and while eliminating any wear-related deterioration in device performance includes at least two coplanar, electrically isolated sets of parallel electroconductive members so configured as to form a fixed set of capacitor plates, each of which may be separately electrically connected to an electrical circuit. A movable group having at least one member including at least one electroconductive area is positioned parallel to, and spaced from, the fixed set of plates. The movable group is adapted for rotation about an axis perpendicular to a surface plane of the first set of plates to vary an amount by which said movable group overlaps the surface of each of said capacitor plates, and thereby provide variable capacitive coupling between the two isolated electroconductive members that comprise the fixed set of capacitor plates.

Abstract: Devices for use in highly integrated radio frequency transceivers utilize micro-electro-mechanical systems, or wobble motors, to form superior switches and to select and vary components that determine different frequencies of operation. Each device has a substrate with concentric rings of electrodes and contacts. A circular rotor is centrally pivoted or wobbled to engage the contacts along its circumferential edge. The rotor may be mechanically or materially modified to create symmetric or asymmetric forms which interact with one or more stationary capacitor electrodes on the substrate. The positioning of the rotor forms in terms of rotation, overlap and separation, relative to the capacitor electrodes, varies the capacitance.

Abstract: An array (100) of voltage variable capacitors (110) is provided in which voltage variable capacitors (110) are fabricated with piezoelectric displacement devices (150). Voltage variable capacitors (110) have first plates (120) which are coupled to displacement devices (150). First plates (120) are dielectrically coupled to second plates (130). Displacement device (150) has a stack of metallic layers (154), voltage variable material blocks (152), and voltage supply terminals (170) and (180). Voltage differences are established across voltage variable material blocks (152) using voltage supply terminals (170) and (180). A voltage difference causes a voltage variable material layer to change thickness, and this causes first plate (120) to move relative to second plate (130). Voltage variable material is selected from a group of piezoelectric ceramics, which can include lead-titanate (PbTiO.sub.3), lead-zirconate (PbZrO.sub.3), barium-titanate (BaTiO.sub.3), and lead-zirconate-titanate (PbZr.sub.x Ti.sub.1-x O.

Abstract: A multiple axis joystick employs positionable and fixed electrode assemblies having mutually orthogonal sets of spaced apart electrodes. The electrode spacings depend on the rotational and translational movements of the positional electrodes relative to the fixed electrodes. A signal generator applies an electromagnetic signal to one set of the electrodes. The signal is coupled to the closest associated electrodes of the other set of electrodes to a degree dependent on the rotation- and translation-induced spacings. A controller sequentially detects and processes each coupled signal voltage to determine a degree of deflection in the X-, Y-, Z-, roll-, pitch-, and yaw-axis directions of one set of the electrodes relative to the other set of electrodes.

Abstract: A capacitively coupled, six axis joystick (320) employs a sensor electrode (310) having a perpendicular pair of slots (312, 314) and a fixed electrode assembly (300) having capacitor electrodes (C.sub.S) formed on three mutually orthogonal surfaces of planar circuit boards (302, 304, 306) that are complementarily nested within the slots of the sensor electrode. When nested together, the capacitor electrodes are separated from faces of the sensor electrode by spacings that depend on the rotational and translational movements of the sensor electrode relative to the electrode assembly. A signal generator (352) and address decoder (354) sequentially apply an alternating signal to the capacitor electrodes. The alternating signal is coupled to the closest associated faces of the sensor electrode to a degree dependent on the rotation- and translation-induced spacings.

Abstract: A metallized dielectric film (103, 104, 105, 106) is used for manufacturing electrical power capacitors of self-healing type. The metallization (60, 60', 601, 601'), which is obtained by known deposition techniques for zinc, aluminum or zinc-aluminum alloys, has a variable thickness of substantially decreasing profile, such that the resistance, evaluated in ohms/square .OMEGA./.quadrature.), varies from a minimum of 1 .OMEGA./.quadrature. in the contact region (51, 51', 501), to a maximum of 60 .OMEGA./.quadrature. (on the opposite side). The thickness of the metallization (60, 60', 601, 601') is reduced by a continuous variation of for example inverse square type.

Abstract: In a circuit for use with a micromachined device having a movable mass that forms an inner electrode of a differential capacitor, oppositely phased square waves are applied to two outer electrodes of the differential capacitor. A reset voltage is applied to the inner electrode synchronously with the square waves to stabilize and control the potential on the inner electrode. The signal on the inner electrode is demodulated by sampling during a first half of the square wave and a second half of the square wave between applications of the reset pulse to obtain a voltage that does not contain noise due to the reset switch.

Abstract: An electrostatically controlled, micromachined micromechanical capacitor having an adjustable, extensive tuning range. A configuration consists of a set of various sized beams or plates adjacent to a common plate or plates. The pairs of plates are linearly moved relative to each other to provide an adjustable capacitance. The movement of the plates is caused electrostatically by an application of a DC or low frequency voltage to the respective plates. The signals that are processed by these micromechanical capacitors are typically in the megahertz range and higher. The process for micromachining the micromechanical capacitor is similar to the process utilized in integrated circuit fabrication.

Abstract: A mechanical capacitor includes a fixed electrode, a movable electrode separated from the fixed electrode by a gap, a spring attached to the movable electrode suspending it above the fixed electrode, opposing the fixed electrode and an insulator formed over either the fixed or the movable electrode in between the two electrodes. The movable electrode, the gap, the insulator and the fixed electrode form a mechanical capacitor. The capacitance of the mechanical capacitor is changed by applying a control voltage between the movable and the fixed electrodes. When a control voltage across the mechanical capacitor is increased, the movable electrode moves closer to the fixed electrode, which causes the mechanical capacitor capacitance to increase. When the control voltage across the mechanical capacitor is decreased, the movable electrode is moved farther away from the fixed electrode by the operation of the spring.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus for sensing a plurality of operating parameters of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. An energy source supplies electrical energy to the pistons, whereby each piston forms a variable capacitor with the engine housing. The capacitance value of each variable capacitor changes as a function of the relative position of the piston to the housing. An oscillator circuit produces a capacitive signal that is indicative of the capacitance value of each variable capacitor. A microprocessor receives the capacitive signal and responsively determines one of a plurality of operating parameters of the engine.

Abstract: An electrical field display and/or display device which in a preferred embodiment provides a visual display indicating operation of an electrical field generator used to disperse a powdered substance and an audible display indicating non-operation of the electrical field generator. The device is carried in a housing which has an opening therein to permit viewing of the visual display which preferably is in the form of a neon lamp. The device may also provide a signal in response to non-operation of the electrical field generator to initiate or terminate operation of another device.

Abstract: A variable capacitor includes a fixed conductive plate and a movable conductive plate with a dielectric disposed between them. A piezoelectric actuator is used to vary the distance between the conductive plates by moving the movable plate with respect to the fixed plate, with capacitance changing in inverse proportion to distance moved. In an electrodeless high intensity discharge lamp ballast, such a variable capacitor is situated in series with the excitation coil of the lamp. When a control voltage is applied to the piezoelectric actuator, the movable plate is moved from a starting position to a running position so as to maintain the ballast load in tune under both starting and running conditions, respectively, resulting in higher efficiency operation.

Abstract: A high-performance single-crystal silicon tactile imaging array organized in a X-Y matrix of capacitor elements. Metallic column lines are formed on a glass support substrate, while the row lines are formed from a contiguous chain of doubly-supported bridge structures, with one such structure for each sensing element. All of the bridge structures are simultaneously fabricated from a single-crystal silicon semiconductor wafer using a two-step boron diffusion process, followed by a silicon-to-glass electrostatic bonding step and subsequent unmasked wafer dissolution. Each bridge structure has a thick center plate for the sense capacitor supported by thinner beams connected to adjacent row single-crystal silicon support rails bonded to the glass substrate. The force sensitivity and maximum operating range of the tactile imager can be selected over a very wide range by appropriately setting the dimensions of these thinner support beams.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring the torque acting on a rotating shaft has two electrode structures which are respectively mechanically coupled to two axially spaced points on the shaft to be measured so that a relative movement between the two electrode structures occurs due to the torque. The electrode structures each have a number of parallel, spaced electrodes and are asymmetrically mounted in a plane so that a number of capacitors are formed by electrode pairs each having an electrode from each electrode structure. Because of the asymmetrical arrangement, the electrodes in a pair are spaced a relatively large distance away from the next closest electrode, so that a capacitive decoupling between the pairs is achieved. Changes in the spacing between the points on the shaft due to torsion of the shaft caused by the torque will change the spacing between the electrodes in each pair, thereby resulting in a total capacitance change which is proportional to the torque.

Abstract: There is provided an optical scanning apparatus having an angular positioning means that is generally comprised of a variable capacitor including a rotor disc with a plurality of equally spaced conductors and a stator disc with twice as many equally spaced conductors axially spaced from the rotor disc for capacitive coupling. Excitation of the variable capacitor provides a feedback signal to the controller of the optical scanning apparatus that is proportional to the angular position.

Abstract: An electrically variable three terminal monomorphic piezoelectric capacitor is manufactured with thick or thin film hybrid microelectronic circuit technology. A first capacitor plate and a ridge, which substantially surrounds and extends above the first capacitor plate, are formed on the surface of a substrate. A monomorphic piezoelectric wafer having a control plate and a second capacitor plate on opposing surfaces is bonded to the upper surface of the ridge. During bonding, a force is applied at the center of the wafer which fixes a permanent bow in the wafer in the direction of the first capacitor plate. A four terminal monomorphic embodiment and three and four terminal bimorphic embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A platform weight scale comprising a capacitative load cell sensing means configured to be insensitive to off center loading of the horizontal platform regardless of load amount or location on the platform. The platform is supported by a plurality of springs selected for equal spring rates. The load cell is electrically connected into a FET (Field Effect Transistor), CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) or Bi-Polar semiconductor multivibrator circuit selected and designed to sense electric currents on the order of 10.sup.-13 amperes. In one preferred embodiment the load cell comprises a grounded hemispherical surface opposing a flat charged plate. In alternate embodiments the load cell comprises a differential capacitor or a parallel plate capacitor suspended in a manner that is insensitive to off center loading. An additional embodiment for the load cell comprises a spherically concave surface opposing the above grounded hemispherical surface.

Abstract: A capacitive tuning screw comprises a threaded portion with a longitudinal cavity for slidably receiving a plunger shaft. If the capacitive element on the tip of the plunger shaft contacts the corresponding capacitive element on the surface of an electrical circuit board or substrate, further turning of the screw will cause the shaft to slide into the cavity and prevent crushing the circuit board or substrate. A shoulder on the screw stops rotation and longitudinal movement of the screw before the entire length of the plunger shaft slides into the cavity.

Abstract: A platform weight scale comprising a capacitative load cell sensing means configured to be insensitive to off center loading of the horizontal platform regardless of load amount or location on the platform. The platform is supported by a plurality of springs selected for equal spring rates. The load cell is electrically connected into a FET (Field Effect Transistor), CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) or Bi-Polar semiconductor multivibrator circuit selected and designed to sense electric currents on the order of 10.sup.-13 amperes. In one preferred embodiment the load cell comprises a grounded hemispherical surface opposing a flat charged plate. In alternate embodiments the load cell comprises a differential capacitor or a parallel plate capacitor suspended in a manner that is insensitive to off center loading. The differential capacitor load cell embodiment utilizes an alternating switch circuit as a part of the multivibrator circuit.

Abstract: A capacitance-type membrane switch in which ordinarily spaced-apart contacts are positioned other than directly over an associated capacitance spacing element with an inner insulating layer and outer conductive portions.

Abstract: A capacitor type displacement or load sensor includes a first electrode constituted by an electrically conductive coiled spring capable of expansion and contraction and a second electrode positioned to face the first electrode without making contact therewith. The second electrode is constituted by an electrically conductive coiled spring or a cylindrical electric conductor. The sensor is constructed such that capacitance between the first and second electrodes varies with a change of a gap between the first and second electrodes or an opposing area of the first and second electrodes caused by the relative displacement occurring therebetween.

Abstract: A transducer having six degrees of freedom is provided for converting forces and moments applied to a movable member, particularly to the movable arm of a robot, into electrical signals. The transducer includes a cylindrical body which is intended to be connected to the movable member and whose lateral surface has two axially spaced portions each provided with four equiangularly spaced metal plates. A cylindrical casing is resiliently supported about the body and provided on its inner surface with two substantially semi-cylindrical metal plates arranged facing the plates carried by the body in such a way as to define therewith a narrow interspace and to constitute eight capacitors. The capacitances of these capacitors depend on the relative positions of the plates of the casing and the plates of the body. The transducer also includes detectors connected to the plates of the body and of the casing.

Abstract: A trimmer capacitor includes two spaced electrodes having a dielectric layer therebetween. One of the electrodes includes a resilient central portion formed into a bulbous shape and engaged by a pressing plate threadedly receiving a screw shaft. The screw shaft may be rotated to move the pressing plate axially to vary the distance between the two electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a condenser for high power and with a gas shaped dielectric and preferably intended for tank circuits in high frequency generators and radio transmitters. The electrodes of the condenser consists of two metal tubes (1 and 2) with different diameters and located concentrically relative to each other. Those tubes are at both ends gas tight connected to each other so that a space is formed by the air gap between the tubes (1,2) which space can be filled with gas under pressure. The space inside the tube (2) with the smallest diameter is open and can be used for a transmitter tube to be located therein.

Abstract: A capacitor comprises a resilient strip of magnetic material, such as steel, a strip of non-magnetic material such as brass and a layer of insulation between the two. An end portion of the resilient strip is movable between a position substantially parallel and close to the brass strip and a position as an angle to and spaced further from the brass strip. A magnetic coil or permanent magnet controls the position of the movable end portion of the resilient strip relative to the brass strip to thereby control the capacitance between the two strips.

Abstract: A trimmer capacitor comprises a metallic plate member which is generally U-shaped, and an elongate conductor member which is to be located inside the metallic plate. Both the metallic plate member and the conductor member can be fixed to a printed circuit board. By bending the conductor member to displace it inside the metallic plate member, the electrostatic capacitance formed between the metallic plate member and the conductor member can be varied.

Abstract: An electro-acoustic transducer for a musical instrument, for producing electrical signals indicative of sound produced by playing of the instrument. The transducer comprises a housing of plastic material containing a capacitor microphone arrangement which comprises a first metal foil electrode within a sheath of metal foil which defines a second electrode. A dielectric separates the two electrodes. The capacitor microphone arrangement is sandwiched between a relatively rigid wall of the housing and a relatively flexible body of plastic material within the housing. The housing is adapted to be mounted in intimate contact with a surface of the instrument which vibrates in accordance with sound produced by playing of the instrument, so that the vibrations are transmitted to the electrodes.

Abstract: An electrical circuit translates the capacitance change of a variable area capacitive transducer into a d-c voltage change. The transducer has two electrodes, and the surface of one electrode is anodized or otherwise provided with a dielectric layer. One of the two electrodes is nonlinear, having an apex point nearer the other electrode than the remainder of the electrode surface. As a force is applied to the deformable one of the two electrodes, there is a change in the effective contact area between the electrodes in accordance with the applied pressure, producing a resultant change in capacitance. The signal translating circuit produces a d-c output signal which varies as a function of the transducer capacitance change.

Abstract: An oscillator for producing an output signal having a predetermined frequency for use in an electronic timepiece. The oscillator comprises a miniature crystal vibrator having a high resonant frequency, a case housing the crystal vibrator, an integrated circuit comprising an oscillator circuit with the crystal vibrator, and a trimmer condenser for adjusting the high resonant frequency. The trimmer condenser is formed on an external recess portion of said case, and is connected with the crystal vibrator and integrated circuit by a circuit having low stray capacitances. The oscillator is therefor highly insensitive to external electric fields.

Abstract: An installation for an antenna, particularly advantageous for use in connection with a transceiver in a mobile vehicle, comprising first and second means, each of which includes electrically conductive material, adapted to be fixed, without need for mechanical fasteners, in facing relation and in respective connection with inner and outer surfaces of a portion of a structure capable of providing a dielectric therebetween, the one of said means connecting to said outer surface providing for mount of an antenna in connection with the electrically conductive material thereof which forms one plate of a capacitor, the opposite plate of which is provided by the electrically conductive material of the other of said means which connects to said inner surface, and the said means which connects to said inner surface including means for coupling of the electrically conductive material thereof to conductive means in connection with said transceiver.

Abstract: A capacitive type load cell utilizing a support, a diaphragm member mounted with respect to said support for movement relative thereto, said diaphragm having a conductive surface, and a capacitor plate attached to the diaphragm so that upon deflection of the diaphragm there will be relative movement between the diaphragm and the capacitor plate. The diaphragm is constructed to provide free edge bending characteristics both at its outer peripheral edges, and between the diaphragm and the load support button, to thereby reduce radial bending stresses in the diaphragm during loading.