Abstract: A catheter die is provided and includes a device layer defining a cavity and including a piezoresistive pressure sensor operably disposed proximate to the cavity and an insulator having an opening and being disposed on an upper surface of the device layer such that a portion of the piezoresistive pressure sensor is exposed through the opening. The catheter die further includes an insulation layer bonded to a lower surface of the device layer and first and second bond pads, the first bond pad being electrically coupled to the portion of the piezoresistive pressure sensor via the opening and the second bond pad being disposed on the insulation layer.

Abstract: A heater includes at least one heating element having a resistance that varies non-linearly with respect to a temperature of the heating element. The heating element includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a third surface extending between the first and second surfaces, and a fourth surface extending between the first and second surfaces, opposite the third surface. The heating element has a height defined between the first and second surfaces, and a width defined between the third and fourth surfaces, and wherein the width is less than the height. The heater also includes at least one electrode coupled to the first surface and configured to generate an electric field across the heating element and cause a current to flow through the heating element.

Abstract: Rare earth elemental thermistors and compositions useful for making such thermistors. In particular, it relates to yttrium and chromium oxide based thermistor systems having at least two phases: YCrO3 and Cr2O3 and their use for measuring temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to rare earth elemental thermistors and compositions useful for making such thermistors. In particular, it relates to yttrium and chromium oxide based thermistor systems having at least two phases: YCrO.sub.3 and Cr.sub.2 O.sub.3 and their use for measuring temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to making sensors by cutting pieces from a boule or ingot of a metal oxide single crystal. The sensors produced are also described.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a thermistor created using a monocrystalline form of a nickel-manganese-oxide cubic spinel and methods of using same as a sensor in an electrical circuit.

Abstract: Monocrystalline nickel-cobalt-manganese-copper oxide having a cubic spinel structure over a broad range of concentration ratios of manganese/cobalt/nickel/copper, including methods of producing such monocrystals, particularly those having a quaternary cubic spinel structure. Sensors having desirable electrical properties are disclosed, which sensors comprise at least a portion of such monocrystals. In particular, such sensors are highly accurate temperature sensors or thermistors having high sensitivity, good reproducibility and improved aging characteristics.

Abstract: The invention relates to the growth of nickel-iron-manganese oxide monocrystals having a cubic spinel geometry. Methods of their growth and sensors constructed with same are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to the growth of nickel manganese oxide monocrystals having a cubic spinel geometry. Methods of their growth and sensors constructed with same are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to the growth of nickel manganese oxide monocrystals having a cubic spinel geometry. Methods of their growth and sensors constructed with same are also described.

Abstract: A biomedical pressure sensor having a pressure sensing diaphragm is provided with a distensible membrane overlying the diaphragm, and the diaphragm is provided with one or more holes. During normal operation, externally applied pressure forces the membrane against the diaphragm so that the membrane and diaphragm deform under pressure as a unit and transmit pressure-applied forces to a force transducer within the probe housing. When a reference pressure exceeding the externally applied pressure is supplied within the probe housing, such reference pressure passes through the hole in the diaphragm and forces the membrane away from the diaphragm, thereby isolating the diaphragm from the externally applied pressure and bringing the diaphragm to a zero-differential pressure condition. Use of a hole in the diaphragm permits an extremely compact construction.

Abstract: An improved miniature, in vivo, pressure sensor is disclosed which comprises a housing having an internal chamber adapted to be connected to a conduit for varying the pressure therein; a piezoresistive element positioned in the chamber and adapted to be connected to a circuit for sensing changes in the resistance of the piezoresistive element; a pressure responsive element carried by the housing and having an inner portion and an outer portion, the inner portion being exposed to the pressure extant in the interanl chamber and the outer portion being exposed to ambient pressure conditions outside of the housing; and a coupling device releasably coupling the pressure responsive element to the piezoresistive element in such a manner that when equal pressures are concurrently applied to the inner and outer portions of the pressure responsive element, the pressure responsive element applies a predetermned load to thre piezoresistive element and when unequal pressures are concurrently applied to the inner and outer

Abstract: A gauge element for and a pressure sensor for sensing phenomena such as pressure and temperature comprising a substantially U-shaped unitary piezoresistive element formed from a silicon crystal. When employed for sensing pressure and temperature, resistor means are provided along with means for coupling the first and second legs of the piezoresistive element in an electrical circuit to provide a temperature independent output indicative of the pressure imparted to one leg of the piezoresistive element, and for coupling the second leg and the resistor means to provide an output independent of the pressure imparted to the first leg and indicative of the environmental temperature. This configuration is particularly suitable for miniaturization and therefore useful for biomedical applications wherein the sensor can be inserted into a body transcutaneously by a catheter.