Capacitive Patents (Class 73/724)
  • Patent number: 9117933
    Abstract: A capacitive pressure sensing semiconductor device is provided, which has pressure resistance against pressure applied by a pressing member and can detect the pressure surely and efficiently. The pressure sensing semiconductor device includes a pressure detecting part, which detects pressure as a change in capacitance, and a package that receives the pressure detecting part within. The pressure detecting part includes a first electrode and a second electrode disposed to oppose the first electrode, with a determined distance therebetween. Capacitance is formed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and changes according to a change in said distance caused by pressure transmitted to the first electrode by a pressing member. The package also includes a pressure transmitting member that transmits, to the first electrode of the pressure detecting part, the pressure applied by the pressing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Wacom Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiko Horie, Hidetaka Takiguchi
  • Patent number: 9116063
    Abstract: A sensor unit may include a ceramic member including a first face and a second face opposite to each other with a predetermined interval, a sensor part mounted on the first face, a plurality of metal pins fixed to the second face, a plurality of internal wirings passing through the ceramic member, each of the plurality of internal wirings connecting the sensor part with one of the plurality of metal pins, and a metal member formed on a circumferential end of the second face and joined with a housing by welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hideki Fujiwara, Akihiro Ooshima, Tomotaka Morikawa
  • Patent number: 9068899
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressure sensor, which may include a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, a third electrode plate, a fourth electrode plate and a fifth electrode plate, which are successively laminated on a substrate, wherein the first electrode plate, the third electrode plate and the fourth electrode plate are fixed to the substrate, the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate are disposed opposite to each other and have a gap formed therebetween, the second electrode plate is suspended over the first electrode plate to constitute a first capacitor; the second electrode plate and the third electrode plate are disposed opposite to each other and have a gap formed therebetween, to constitute a second capacitor; and the fifth electrode plate is suspended over the fourth electrode plate to constitute a third capacitor, and can move along a direction perpendicular to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: LEXVU OPTO MICROELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY (SHANGHAI) LTD.
    Inventors: Zhiwei Wang, Jianhong Mao, Lei Zhang, Deming Tang
  • Publication number: 20150135844
    Abstract: An assembly, comprising two ceramic bodies, which are connected by means of a joint, which contains an active hard solder, or braze, wherein the active hard solder, or braze, has a continuous core volume, which is spaced from the ceramic bodies, in each case, by at least 1 ?m, especially at least 2 ?m, and wherein the joint has bounding layers, which border on the ceramic body. The the core volume, which includes at least 50% of the volume of the joint, is free of crystalline phases of size greater than 6 ?m, especially greater than 4 ?m, preferably greater than 2 ?m.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Nils Ponath, Andreas Rossberg, Elke Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20150122040
    Abstract: A pressure measuring device, comprising: a pressure measuring cell having a measuring membrane, at least one platform and a pressure chamber formed therebetween. An electrical transducer for transducing a deflection of the measuring membrane into a pressure dependent, primary signal; a cylindrical housing having a measuring cell chamber, in which the pressure measuring cell is arranged, and an end face pressure receipt opening in communication with the pressure duct; and an electronic circuit in the housing for operating the electrical transducer, and for processing the primary signal, and for outputting a measurement signal. The cylinder axis of the pressure measuring cell forms with the cylinder axis of the housing an angle, which amounts to not less than 80°, and which is especially preferably a right angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Ulfert Drewes, Nils Ponath, Michael Hugel, Thomas Uehlin
  • Publication number: 20150122041
    Abstract: A pressure sensor comprises a first substrate and a cap attached to the first substrate. The cap includes a processing circuit, a cavity and a deformable membrane separating the cavity and a port open to an outside of the pressure sensor. Sensing means are provided for converting a response of the deformable membrane to pressure at the port into a signal capable of being processed by the processing circuit. The cap is attached to the first substrate such that the deformable membrane faces the first substrate and such that a gap is provided between the deformable membrane and the first substrate which gap contributes to the port. The first substrate comprises a support portion the cap is attached to, a contact portion for electrically connecting the pressure sensor to an external device, and one or more suspension elements for suspending the support portion from the contact portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Chung-Hsien LIN, Rene HUMMEL, Ulrich BARTSCH, Marion HERMERSDORF, Tsung Lin TANG, Wang Shen SU, Chia Min LIN
  • Patent number: 9016133
    Abstract: Various embodiments relate to a pressure sensor and related methods of manufacturing and use. A pressure sensor may include an electrical contact included in a flexible membrane that deflects in response to a measured ambient pressure. The electrical contact may be separated from a signal path through a cavity formed using a sacrificial layer and PVD plugs. At one or more defined touch-point pressure thresholds, the membrane of the pressure sensor may deflect so that the state of contact between an electrical contact and one or more sections of a signal path may change. In some embodiments, the change of state may cause the pressure sensor to trigger an alarm in the electrical circuit. Various embodiments also enable the operation of the electrical circuit for testing and calibration through the use of one or more actuation electrode layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: NXP, B.V.
    Inventors: William Frederick Adrianus Besling, Peter Gerard Steeneken, Olaf Wunnicke
  • Publication number: 20150101415
    Abstract: A measuring arrangement with a ceramic measuring cell and a metal process connection for connecting the measuring cell to a measuring environment, with the measuring cell being fastened in the process connection without gaskets and in a diffusion-resistant fashion, with the measuring cell being fastened at a ceramic ring, which is arranged at a metal ring for fastening in the process connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: Thomas Kopp
  • Patent number: 8997576
    Abstract: A system and method detect the presence of an unacceptable quantity of gas molecules in the reference vacuum cavity of a capacitance diaphragm gauge (CDG). An independent pressure transducer has an active portion exposed to the reference vacuum cavity. The transducer includes a ring anode, a cylindrical inner wall surface that forms at least one cathode, and a magnet positioned with respect to the ring anode such that the magnetic flux of the magnet is generally aligned with the central axis of the ring anode. A high voltage source applies a voltage between the ring anode and the cathode. A current sensor senses a magnitude of any current flowing between the ring anode and the cathode via ionized gas molecules. A monitoring unit monitors the magnitude of the current sensed by the current sensor and activates an alarm when the magnitude of the current exceeds an acceptable magnitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Reno Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Ferran, Robert J. Ferran
  • Patent number: 8997575
    Abstract: A system and method mitigate the effects of these external vibrations on a capacitance diaphragm gauge by sensing the motion of the diaphragm at the first natural frequency of the diaphragm of the CDG. The presence of the natural frequency signals superimposed on the pressure signal is determined by sensing variations in the output of a sensor at or near the known natural frequency of the diaphragm and filtering that known low frequency from the output. The filtered signal is used in a feedback circuit to impose electrostatic forces on the diaphragm. The imposed electrostatic forces oppose the motion created by the external vibration to suppress the effects of the vibration on the pressure measured by the CDG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Reno Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Ferran
  • Patent number: 9000779
    Abstract: A method of correcting the gain of a capacitive member having electrodes that are movable relative to each other including the steps of successively applying to one of the electrodes, reduced bias voltages having opposite signs and a common value below a threshold for which a remanent field generated by said reduced bias voltages can be measured, making corresponding measurements of the output signals from the capacitive member; taking an average, and correcting the gain of the capacitive member as a function of the measured output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Sagem Defense Securite
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Caron, Vincent Ragot
  • Patent number: 8984952
    Abstract: Pressure sensors and their methods of use are described. In one embodiment, a pressure sensor may include: a tubular probe body; a capacitive sensor disposed at the distal end of the probe body; a lead electrically coupled to the sensor extending along an interior space of the probe body; and at least one support formed of a material having a relatively low dielectric constant disposed within the probe body to support the lead and space the lead away from an inner wall of the probe body. This may help to minimize shunt capacitance and changes in shunt capacitance due to radial movement of the lead. In other embodiments, a pressure sensor may include a channel formed in a wall of the probe body, a temperature sensor disposed at a distal end of the probe body, and a temperature sensor lead disposed in the channel and connected to the temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Dynisco Instruments LLC
    Inventors: Leo E. Barron, John A. Czazasty, Francis A. Galler
  • Publication number: 20150068314
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a MEMS device is disclosed. The device includes a substrate, a first and second MEMS elements on the substrate. Each of the first and second MEMS elements includes a fixed electrode on the substrate, a movable electrode above the fixed electrode, a first insulating film, the first insulating film and the substrate defining a cavity in which the fixed and movable electrodes are contained, and a first anchor on a surface of the first insulating film inside the cavity and configured to connect the movable electrode to the first insulating film. The cavity of the first MEMS element is closed. The cavity of the second MEMS element is opened by a through hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Naofumi NAKAMURA, Kei MASUNISHI, Yumi HAYASHI, Yusaku ASANO, Tamio IKEHASHI, Jun DEGUCHI, Daiki ONO
  • Patent number: 8975714
    Abstract: A capacitive pressure sensor includes: a semiconductor substrate having a reference pressure chamber formed therein; a diaphragm which is formed in a front surface of the semiconductor substrate and has a ring-like peripheral through hole penetrating between the front surface of the semiconductor substrate and the reference pressure chamber and defining an upper electrode and a plurality of central through holes; a peripheral insulating layer which fills the peripheral through hole and electrically isolates the upper electrode from other portions of the semiconductor substrate; and a central insulating layer which fills the central through holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Goro Nakatani
  • Patent number: 8966990
    Abstract: A micro electro mechanical system device has a first subassembly having sensor element including a coupler, and a second subassembly including a comb drive. The comb drive having stator plates and rotor plates and the coupler configured to displace the rotor plates relative to the stator plates providing a variable capacitance dependent on the displacement of the rotor plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventor: Jason Vaughn Clark
  • Patent number: 8966989
    Abstract: A capacitive pressure measuring cell, including a ceramic platform and a ceramic measuring membrane, which are connected pressure tightly along a joint to form a reference pressure chamber between them. The measuring membrane has a first electrode facing the platform, and the platform has at least a second electrode facing the measuring membrane. The capacitance between the first and second electrodes depends on the difference between a pressure externally acting on the measuring membrane and a pressure reigning in the reference pressure chamber, wherein the joint has a thickness d, which defines an equilibrium distance between the measuring membrane and the front side of the platform. On the front side of the platform, a support layer is arranged, which comprises an inorganic insulator, wherein the support layer has a thickness of at least 0.2, and wherein the second electrode is arranged on the support layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Ulfert Drewes, Thomas Uehlin, Elke Schmidt, Andreas Rossberg
  • Patent number: 8965725
    Abstract: In order to mitigate the negative effects of a change in atmospheric pressure, an improved capacitance diaphragm gauge (CDG) sensor incorporates an independent ambient atmospheric pressure sensor near the CDG sensor body. The ambient atmospheric sensor is located outside the CDG sensor body to sense the ambient atmospheric pressure surrounding the CDG sensor body. The ambient atmospheric sensor provides an output that represents the ambient atmospheric pressure. A sensor output processing circuit receives the output of the ambient atmospheric sensor as well as the output of the CDG sensor. The processing circuit utilizes the output from the ambient atmospheric pressure sensor to fine tune the CDG measurement of pressure by executing an in situ, real time, automatic calibration adjustment of the CDG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Reno Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Ferran, Robert J. Ferran
  • Publication number: 20150040674
    Abstract: An electrostatic capacitive pressure sensor includes: a housing having an inlet portion for a fluid; a sensor chip that detects, as a change in electrostatic capacitance, a change in a diaphragm that flexes upon receipt of a pressure of the fluid, which has entered through the inlet portion; and a baffle that prevents deposition, onto the diaphragm, of a contaminating substance included in the fluid, provided within a flow path of the fluid that is subject to measurement between the inlet portion and the diaphragm. The baffle has a cylindrical structure that is closed on one end, disposed with the direction that is perpendicular to a pressure-bearing surface of the diaphragm as the axial direction. A plurality of flow paths, in which the fluid passes between the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical structure, is provided in multiple layers in the axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: Azbil Corporation
    Inventors: Takuya ISHIHARA, Hidenobu TOCHIGI, Yasuhide YOSHIKAWA, Masashi SEKINE
  • Patent number: 8950265
    Abstract: A sensor including a buffer material layer configured to at least partially deflect when a force or pressure is imparted on the buffer material layer; and an electroactive polymer (EAP) cartridge in operative contact with the buffer material layer, wherein the EAP cartridge is configured to generate an output signal that corresponds to an amount of strain imparted on the EAP cartridge. The EAP cartridge may be used in a variety of sensing applications including as a pressure sensor integrated into a fluid connector. One aspect of the invention provides for selection of a buffer material layer based upon a desired pressure range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Jason T. Dunn, Shawn D. Ellis, Roger W. Briese, Tad N. Orstad, Todd D. Lambert, John E. Page, Mario A. Calvo, Timothy Skwiot
  • Patent number: 8943895
    Abstract: Pressure sensors and their methods of use are described. In one embodiment, a pressure sensor includes a pressure deflectable diaphragm end formed of a first material with a first coefficient of thermal expansion, and a relatively non-deformable component formed of a second material having a second coefficient of thermal expansion. The pressure deflectable diaphragm end and the non-deformable component form a first and a second portion of a capacitor. An intermediate component separates, or is disposed between, the pressure deflectable diaphragm end and the relatively non-deformable component. The intermediate component is formed of a material with a coefficient of thermal expansion that is less than the first coefficient of thermal expansion which may help minimize changes in span with temperature. In other embodiments, a pressure sensor includes an intermediate circuit located between a distal end of the pressure sensor and a remotely located circuit enclosure including a main circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Dynisco Instruments LLC
    Inventors: Leo E. Barron, John A. Czazasty
  • Publication number: 20150000417
    Abstract: A process fluid pressure measurement probe includes a pressure sensor formed of a single-crystal material and mounted to a first metallic process fluid barrier and disposed for direct contact with a process fluid. The pressure sensor has an electrical characteristic that varies with process fluid pressure. A feedthrough is formed of a single-crystal material and has a plurality of conductors extending from a first end to a second end. The feedthrough is mounted to a second metallic process fluid barrier and is spaced from, but electrically coupled to, the pressure sensor. The pressure sensor and the feedthrough are mounted such that the secondary metallic process fluid barrier is isolated from process fluid by the first metallic process fluid barrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Robert C. Hedtke, Fred C. Sittler
  • Publication number: 20140352446
    Abstract: A microelectromechanical pressure sensor structure that comprises a planar base and side walls and a diaphragm plate. The side walls extend circumferentially away from the planar base to a top surface of the side walls. The planar base, the side walls and the diaphragm plate are attached to each other to form a hermetically closed gap in a reference pressure, and a top edge of the inner surfaces of the side walls forms a periphery of a diaphragm. The diaphragm plate comprises one or more planar material layers of which a first planar material layer spans over the periphery of the diaphragm. The top surface of the side walls comprises at least one isolation area that is not covered by the first planar material layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Heikki KUISMA
  • Patent number: 8899105
    Abstract: A capacitive pressure sensor includes a stator which encircles a portion of a cylindrical diaphragm. This encircling forms a circumferential gap between the sidewalls of the stator and the diaphragm. Therefore, a greater area “A” can be achieved in smaller diameter sensor footprint than prior art designs and yet still detect relatively small changes in capacitance. Additionally, the width “g1” of the gap can be wider than prior art designs without negatively affecting capacitance detection. A bonding agent which has a melting temperature of about half that of bonding agents used in prior art designs, secures the stator to the diaphragm and reduces oxidation issues during assembly, thereby decreasing manufacturing time and cost. To ensure proper side-to-side alignment of the stator relative to the diaphragm, a centering sleeve, which is removed after bonding, is placed over as stub at the upper end of the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventors: Goutham R. Kirikera, William M. Patton
  • Patent number: 8887573
    Abstract: A vacuum sensor for sensing vacuum in a sealed enclosure is provided. The sealed enclosure includes active MEMS devices desired to be maintained in vacuum conditions. The vacuum sensor includes a motion beam anchored to an internal surface in the sealed enclosure. A driving electrode is disposed beneath the motion beam and a bias is supplied to cause the motion beam to deflect through electromotive force. A sensing electrode is also provided and detects capacitance between the sensing electrode disposed on the internal surface, and the motion beam. Capacitance changes as the gap between the motion beam and the sensing electrode changes. The amount of deflection is determined by the vacuum level in the sealed enclosure. The vacuum level in the sealed enclosure is thereby sensed by the sensing electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tung-Tsun Chen, Jui-Cheng Huang, Chung-Hsien Lin
  • Patent number: 8887575
    Abstract: One or more reactive gases are introduced to a capacitance manometer at a particular area or areas of the diaphragm between the inner and outer capacitive electrodes so the error-inducing measurement effects of positive and negative bending are neutralized or minimized. Additionally, a guard structure may be used with the electrode structure of the capacitance manometer. The guard structure presents an area that is relatively insensitive to the diffusion of the gas into the diaphragm and the resulting changing surface tension, thus providing increased or optimal stability of the zero reading of the manometer. The guard may also provide electrostatic isolation of the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven D. Blankenship, Paul D. Lucas
  • Patent number: 8875583
    Abstract: Disclosed is an electromechanical transducer, including: a cell including a substrate, a vibration film, and a supporting portion of the vibration film configured to support the vibration film so that a gap is formed between the substrate and the vibration film; and a lead wire that is placed on the substrate with an insulator interposed therebetween and extends to the cell, wherein the insulator has a thickness greater than the thickness of the supporting portion. The electromechanical transducer can reduce parasitic capacitance to prevent an increase in noise, a reduction in bandwidth, and a reduction in sensitivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazutoshi Torashima, Ayako Kato
  • Patent number: 8869622
    Abstract: A technology that makes it possible to adjust, through processing, an output signal sent from a capacitive electromechanical transducer apparatus such as a CMUT upon reception of an elastic wave is provided. A capacitive electromechanical transducer apparatus 100 includes cells 102 that include a first electrode 104 and second electrodes 106, each of which is disposed so as to be opposite the first electrode 104 with a cavity 105 therebetween. In the capacitive electromechanical transducer apparatus 100, at least one of the cells 102 includes a processed unit on which at least either addition of a material or removal of a material is performed as processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazunari Fujii, Takahiro Akiyama, Ayako Kato
  • Publication number: 20140309577
    Abstract: Devices and methods for the measurement and control of fluid using one or two capacitors are described. The devices use Micro-Electro-Mechanical-Systems (MEMS) and radio-frequency inductive coupling to sense the properties of a fluid in a tube. The single and double capacitor devices may be coupled to shunts implantable in a patient and operable to be interrogated non-invasively. The shunts employing the novel capacitor devices are insensitive to stray signals such as the orientation of a patient's head. The devices are operable to employ a wireless external spectrometer to measure passive subcutaneous components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventors: Gordon Albert Thomas, Reginald Conway Farrow, Alokik Kanwal
  • Patent number: 8844362
    Abstract: A pressure sensor for sensing pressure of a fluid includes a tubular housing that has a first capacitor plate segment and a second capacitor plate segment. Each of the first capacitor plate segment and the second capacitor plate segment includes a respective substantially planar inner surface. The pressure sensor also includes an anvil positioned within the tubular housing. The anvil and the tubular housing function as opposite terminals of a variable capacitor. A first capacitor plate side of the anvil and the first capacitor plate segment face each other and have a first gap therebetween. A second capacitor plate side of the anvil and the second capacitor plate segment face each other and have a second gap therebetween. Capacitance of the variable capacitor changes in response to a first change in a size of the first gap and a second change in a size of the second gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: David William Beck, Jacobo Rogelio Archuleta
  • Patent number: 8841735
    Abstract: A capacitive pressure sensing semiconductor device is provided, which has pressure resistance against pressure applied by a pressing member and can detect the pressure surely and efficiently. The pressure sensing semiconductor device includes a pressure detecting part, which detects pressure as a change in capacitance, and a package that receives the pressure detecting part within. The pressure detecting part includes a first electrode and a second electrode disposed to oppose the first electrode, with a determined distance therebetween. Capacitance is formed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and changes according to a change in said distance caused by pressure transmitted to the first electrode by a pressing member. The package also includes a pressure transmitting member that transmits, to the first electrode of the pressure detecting part, the pressure applied by the pressing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Wacom Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiko Horie, Hidetaka Takiguchi
  • Publication number: 20140260647
    Abstract: A pressure sensor is provided which produces a measurement of the displacement and a measurement of a natural frequency of the diaphragm which are then combined to produce a compensated measurement of the displacement of the diaphragm, thereby substantially eliminating the dependence of the compensated displacement measurement on strain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: InvenSense, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek SHAEFFER, Stanley WANG
  • Patent number: 8833171
    Abstract: As may be consistent with one or more embodiments discussed herein, an integrated circuit apparatus includes a membrane suspended over a cavity, with the membrane and cavity defining a chamber. The membrane has a plurality of openings therein that pass gas into and out of the chamber. As the membrane is actuated, the volume of the chamber changes to generate a gas pressure inside the chamber that is different than a pressure outside the chamber. A sensor detects a frequency-based characteristic of the membrane responsive to the change in volume, and therein provides an indication of the gas pressure outside the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: NXP, B.V.
    Inventors: Willem Frederik Adrianus Besling, Peter Gerard Steeneken, Olaf Wunnicke
  • Publication number: 20140224027
    Abstract: A system and method mitigate the effects of these external vibrations on a capacitance diaphragm gauge by sensing the motion of the diaphragm at the first natural frequency of the diaphragm of the CDG. The presence of the natural frequency signals superimposed on the pressure signal is determined by sensing variations in the output of a sensor at or near the known natural frequency of the diaphragm and filtering that known low frequency from the output. The filtered signal is used in a feedback circuit to impose electrostatic forces on the diaphragm. The imposed electrostatic forces oppose the motion created by the external vibration to suppress the effects of the vibration on the pressure measured by the CDG.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Reno Sub-Systems Canada Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert J. Ferran
  • Publication number: 20140208860
    Abstract: A diaphragm-type pressure gauge which is attached to a vessel to be measured and measures a pressure by introducing a gas inside the vessel includes a housing into which the gas is introduced, and a sensor unit which is arranged in the housing, and includes a diaphragm electrode, a measurement surface of which is arranged parallel to an introduction direction of the gas. When the housing is attached to the vessel, the measurement surface of the diaphragm electrode is arranged parallel to a direction of gravitational force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: CANON ANELVA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Haruzo MIYASHITA
  • Publication number: 20140202254
    Abstract: A system and method detect the presence of an unacceptable quantity of gas molecules in the reference vacuum cavity of a capacitance diaphragm gauge (CDG). An independent pressure transducer has an active portion exposed to the reference vacuum cavity. The transducer includes a ring anode, a cylindrical inner wall surface that forms at least one cathode, and a magnet positioned with respect to the ring anode such that the magnetic flux of the magnet is generally aligned with the central axis of the ring anode. A high voltage source applies a voltage between the ring anode and the cathode. A current sensor senses a magnitude of any current flowing between the ring anode and the cathode via ionized gas molecules. A monitoring unit monitors the magnitude of the current sensed by the current sensor and activates an alarm when the magnitude of the current exceeds an acceptable magnitude.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventors: David J. Ferran, Robert J. Ferran
  • Patent number: 8770033
    Abstract: A capacitive measurement device including first measurement device designed to carry out a first measurement function in relation to a nearby object, the first measurement device including a body and, a capacity electrode, both of a substantially conductive material, and a guard electrode placed between the body and the capacitive electrode and insulated from the body on the one hand and from the capacitive electrode on the other hand by dielectric elements; an excitation apparatus which maintains the capacitive electrode and the guard electrode to a desired AC electrical potential; a first electronic apparatus, connected to the capacitive and guard electrodes, for measuring the capacitance between the capacitive electrode and the object; and a second measurement device designed to carry out a second measurement function, which are located in the vicinity of either the capacitive or guard electrode, and maintained by the excitation apparatus to a desired AC electrical potential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Nanotec Solution
    Inventor: Didier Roziere
  • Patent number: 8763468
    Abstract: Provided are an electrode device, a pressure sensor and an electronic pressure meter. The electrode device may comprise: an electrode portion; and an elastically deformable portion arranged on a radial peripheral of the electrode portion. The electrode portion is integrated with the elastically deformable portion such that when a force is applied to the electrode device, the elastically deformable portion can be deformed correspondingly and the electrode portion can be displaced axially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Shenzhen Kingyield Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Nianping Zhang
  • Patent number: 8766657
    Abstract: A sensor has a strip resonator filter that energizes an emitter patch which emits an electric field out from the strip resonator filter (away from the strip resonator filter). The capacitance of the filter, or specifically the coupling capacitance and radiation pattern of the slotted patch, is altered when an object such as a finger is near the sensor. Resulting changes in a signal outputted by the filter can be used to determine how close the object is to the sensor. The strip resonator filter may be a half wavelength strip resonator coupled filter having three separate strips. The patch may have a slot and two accompanying strips. An arrangement of multiple sensors may detect the position of an object in two or three dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald DeJean, Trang Thai
  • Publication number: 20140174189
    Abstract: A pressure sensing apparatus which utilizes an electrolytic droplet retained between a first and second sensing electrode within a housing. Contact between the electrolyte droplet and the electrodes form electric double layers (EDL) having interfacial EDL capacitance proportional to interface contact area which varies in response to mechanical pressure applied to deform exterior portions of the housing. The electrolyte contains a sufficient percentage of glycerol to prevent evaporative effects. Preferably, the sensing electrodes are modified with depressions, hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic portions to increase central anchoring of the electrolyte droplet within the housing. The inventive pressure sensor provides high sensitivity and resolution which is beneficial to numerous applications, and is particularly well-suited for medical sensing applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Tingrui Pan, Baoqing Nie, Siyuan Xing, James D. Brandt
  • Patent number: 8739632
    Abstract: A pressure sensor can include a diaphragm plate of an electrically conductive material, the diaphragm plate including substantially planar opposed first and second surfaces. A layer of a dielectric material can be provided at the first surface of the diaphragm plate along a periphery thereof such that a flexion region of the first surface is substantially free of the dielectric material. The dielectric layer can be configured to engage a fixed structure within a housing to support the flexion region as to enable deflection thereof relative to the fixed structure that changes an electrical characteristic of the pressure sensor in response to application of force at the second surface of the diaphragm plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Case Western Reserve University
    Inventors: Shih-Shian Ho, Srihari Rajgopal, Mehran Mehregany
  • Publication number: 20140127446
    Abstract: A membrane including at least one aluminum layer and at least one amorphous carbon layer. At least one polymer layer may also be included. Aluminum layer(s) can provide improved gas impermeability to the membrane. Amorphous carbon layer(s) can provide corrosion resistance. Polymer layer(s) can provide improved structural strength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicants: Moxtek, Inc., Brigham Young University
    Inventors: Brigham Young University, Moxtek, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8714022
    Abstract: The present invention provides a capacitance pressure sensor having a traces structure which can stably measure a pressure. A capacitance pressure sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a substrate having a first insulation layer to a third insulation layer; a diaphragm placed to face the substrate so that a reference chamber is formed between the diaphragm and the substrate; a first electrode on the substrate 1, facing to the diaphragm; a second electrode on the diaphragm, which is disposed so as to face the first electrode; a trace connected to the first electrode, for electrically connecting the first electrode to the outside; and a second trace connected to the second electrode, for electrically connecting the second electrode to the outside. The traces penetrate the first insulation layer from the reference chamber side of the substrate toward the side opposing to the reference chamber of the substrate, and also are bent between each of the insulation layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Anelva Corporation
    Inventor: Qiang Peng
  • Patent number: 8704538
    Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a housing assembly, an electrode arrangement and a diaphragm having a fixed portion secured to the housing assembly and an active portion movable relative to the electrode arrangement in response to a differential pressure applied to opposite sides of the diaphragm. The fixed portion of the diaphragm is secured at one or more locations relative to at least a portion of the housing assembly; and at least one groove is formed in the fixed portion of the diaphragm between the locations at which the diaphragm is fixed relative to the housing assembly and the active portion so as to relieve any stress on the active portion of the diaphragm. A method of making the sensor assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Chrisy Grudzien
  • Publication number: 20140069197
    Abstract: High temperature pressure sensing devices and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, a high temperature pressure sensor including intrinsic zero output and span correction versus temperature is disclosed. In addition, ways in which to improve high temperature performance through the use of intermediate circuits located towards the distal end of the high temperature pressure sensor as well as configurations to reduce thermally induced stresses within the pressure sensor are disclosed. The disclosed embodiments also detail ways in which to reduce signal loss due to various stray capacitances within the pressure sensor to improve signal fidelity and sensitivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Dynisco Instruments LLC
    Inventors: Leo E. Barron, John A. Czazasty, Francis A. Galler
  • Publication number: 20140069198
    Abstract: High temperature pressure sensing devices and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, a high temperature pressure sensor including intrinsic zero output and span correction versus temperature is disclosed. In addition, ways in which to improve high temperature performance through the use of intermediate circuits located towards the distal end of the high temperature pressure sensor as well as configurations to reduce thermally induced stresses within the pressure sensor are disclosed. The disclosed embodiments also detail ways in which to reduce signal loss due to various stray capacitances within the pressure sensor to improve signal fidelity and sensitivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Dynisco Instruments LLC
    Inventors: Leo E. Barron, John A. Czazasty
  • Publication number: 20140069199
    Abstract: High temperature pressure sensing devices and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, a high temperature pressure sensor including intrinsic zero output and span correction versus temperature is disclosed. In addition, ways in which to improve high temperature performance through the use of intermediate circuits located towards the distal end of the high temperature pressure sensor as well as configurations to reduce thermally induced stresses within the pressure sensor are disclosed. The disclosed embodiments also detail ways in which to reduce signal loss due to various stray capacitances within the pressure sensor to improve signal fidelity and sensitivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Dynisco Instruments LLC
    Inventors: Leo E. Barron, John A. Czazasty
  • Publication number: 20140060169
    Abstract: A MEMS pressure sensor device is provided that can provide both a linear output with regard to external pressure, and a differential capacitance output so as to improve the signal amplitude level. These benefits are provided through use of a rotating proof mass that generates capacitive output from electrodes configured at both ends of the rotating proof mass. Sensor output can then be generated using a difference between the capacitances generated from the ends of the rotating proof mass. An additional benefit of such a configuration is that the differential capacitance output changes in a more linear fashion with respect to external pressure changes than does a capacitive output from traditional MEMS pressure sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Andrew C. McNeil, Yizhen Lin
  • Patent number: 8661910
    Abstract: A capacitive sensor for measuring pressure comprises a fixed charge plate integral to a printed circuit board, a flexible charge plate that is grounded, a conductive donut-shaped adhesive spacer between the charge plates, a lid, a non-conductive donut-shaped adhesive spacer between the second charge plate and the lid, means of providing a pressure, fixed or variable, to both sides of the flexible charge plate, wherein a microcontroller controls a power supply and provides a voltage to the first charge plate wherein the accumulative voltage may be measured as a means of determining differential pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: IPG, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick L. McLaughlin, Thomas D. Decker
  • Patent number: 8656787
    Abstract: In an electrostatic capacitance pressure sensor provided with a pressure sensor chip of a diaphragm structure for detecting an electrostatic capacitance in accordance with a pressure of a medium to be measured, one face of a sensor diaphragm of the pressure sensor is a pressure introduction chamber side wherein the medium to be measured is introduced, and the other face is a capacitor chamber side wherein a capacitor portion is formed, where, in the sensor diaphragm, the rigidity is lower towards a center portion from a peripheral edge portion that is a boundary of diaphragm securing portions on the capacitor chamber side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Azbil Corporation
    Inventors: Takuya Ishihara, Nobuo Sashinami
  • Publication number: 20140033824
    Abstract: A pressure detection module of a pressure sensor device includes a receptacle part for receiving a carrier substrate. The carrier substrate is located on a first side with a pressure detection unit, and is inserted into the receptacle part with a second side facing away from the first side. The carrier substrate is fixed with its second side on a base of a receptacle groove. In order to construct the pressure detection module as small as possible, and to manufacture it in a cost-effective way, the receptacle part, the receptacle groove and a peripheral flange around the receptacle groove are, for example, provided with a plate-shaped design. The base has a contacting opening, through which contact surfaces of the carrier substrate, which are exposed at the contacting opening, are electrically contactable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Masoud HABIBI, Markus REINHARD