Abstract: A transistor-type pressure sensor is provided, having an upper and a lower substrates, a source/drain formed on the lower substrate and separated from each other, a channel layer formed between and on the source/drain, a dielectric layer and a gate. The gate is substantially formed between the source and the drain. The surface of the gate, being in contact with the dielectric layer, has a stepped surface profile, so that the channel length/width ratio can be changed due to the pressure sensed by the pressure sensor.

Abstract: In order to accurately and stably estimate the conditions of a running tire, a vehicle is equipped with a sensor-incorporating tire having, at an equal distance from the center in the axial direction of the tire, pressure sensors (11A, 11B) buried in a tread rubber positioned on the outer side in the radial direction of the tire belt layer of a tire tread portion and on the inner sides in the radial direction of tread blocks, the contact length LA of the car body side and the contact length LB of the opposite side of the center in the axial direction of the tire are detected by using the duration times of pressure values from the pressure sensors (11A, 11B) and a wheel speed from a wheel speed sensor (14), and the ratio R=LA/LB of the contact length LA to the contact length LB is computed to estimate lateral force generated by the tire, or the average contact length LAB which is the average value of the contact lengths LA and LB is computed to determine a load applied to the tire.

Abstract: A capacitative pressure sensor (30) for harsh environments such as vehicle tires. The sensor has two opposing electrodes (36 and 50). One electrode is a membrane (50) that extends between fluid at a reference pressure and fluid at the pressure to be sensed. In use, the flexible membrane (50) deflects due to pressure differentials between the reference pressure and the fluid pressure. Associated circuitry converts the deflection into a signal indicative of the pressure to be sensed. The membrane is a laminate at least partially formed from a transition metal nitride because transition metal nitrides are a metal ceramics with high yield strength and metallic bonding that makes it suitable for use in extreme environments. They can also readily include an oxidizing component such as aluminium so that the membrane form a passivating surface oxide layer to protect it from oxidative failure.

Abstract: The mobility of a vehicle having first and second pairs of diagonally opposite wheels is extended when the pressure on a given wheel is abnormally low. A load on the first pair of wheels defines a first load diagonal, and a load on the second pair of wheels defines a second load diagonal. A disequilibrium between the first and second load diagonals is induced by actuation of a level corrector comprised of at least two actuators each acting on a respective side of the vehicle, for reducing a load borne by said given wheel and thereby extending the mobility thereof.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a pressure detecting element for detecting a pressure, a circuit board having an electrical circuit to be connected to the pressure detecting element, and a housing having a housing member and a cover. The housing member partitions at least a part of a first space for accommodating the pressure detecting element and at least a part of a second space for accommodating the circuit board such that the first space and the second space are separated from each other. The cover partitions at least a part of a remainder of each of the first space and the second space.

Abstract: Systems and methods for digitally controlling sensors. In one embodiment, a digital controller for a capacitance diaphragm gauge is embedded in a digital signal processor (DSP). The controller receives digitized input from a sensor AFE via a variable gain module, a zero offset module and an analog-to-digital converter. The controller automatically calibrates the received input by adjusting the variable gain and zero offset modules. The controller also monitors and adjusts a heater assembly to maintain an appropriate temperature at the sensor. The controller utilizes a kernel module that allocates processing resources to the various tasks of a gauge controller module. The kernel module repetitively executes iterations of a loop, wherein in each iteration, all of a set of high priority tasks are performed and one of a set of lower priority tasks are performed. The controller module thereby provides sensor measurement output at precisely periodic intervals, while performing ancillary functions as well.

Abstract: Reliability and accuracy in a pressure measurement transmitter are provided by employing a plurality of absolute or gauge pressure sensors operating in conjunction with a differential pressure sensor. A method is also provided to perform diagnostics based upon the readings of the three pressure sensors. Further, should one of the three pressure sensors fail, a reasonable estimate of process pressure being measured by the failed sensor can be generated based upon the remaining two sensors.

Abstract: A device for monitoring and wirelessly signaling a pressure, or a change in pressure, in pneumatic tires on vehicles having a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure or the change in pressure; a transmitter for transmitting a signal derived from the measuring signal of the pressure sensor; a control circuit that activates the transmitter only from time to time; a battery (1) as current source; and a back-up capacitor connected in parallel to the battery. A controllable switching unit is provided by means of which the back-up capacitor can be connected in parallel to the battery from time to time for a limited period of time only.

Abstract: A pressure sensor for sensing a fluid pressure in harsh environments such as the air pressure in a tire formed on a wafer substrate. Associated circuitry deposited in CMOS layers on the wafer substrate has a conductive layer at least partially overlying the associated circuitry, the conductive layer forming a first electrode of the capacitative sensor. A conductive membrane at least partially overlies the conductive layer, and is spaced from it to form a second electrode of the capacitative sensor. The conductive membrane separates fluid at a reference pressure and fluid at the pressure to be sensed such that the associated circuitry is configured to convert the deflection of the conductive membrane into an output signal indicative of the fluid pressure. The conductive membrane is at least partially formed from a ceramic material to provide corrosion and wear resistance.

Abstract: A device for introducing air or other pressurized gas into a tire, sports ball or other pneumatic device. The device advantageously allows the user to check the pressure of the gas and to release excess the gas from the tire or other pneumatic device without removing the apparatus from the tire or other pneumatic device.

Abstract: A fiber optic differential pressure sensor. In a described embodiment, a differential pressure sensor system for use in a subterranean well includes a fluid property sensing housing having a flow passage formed therethrough. A differential pressure sensor has an optical fiber extending in a wall having a first side and a second side, each of the first and second sides being exposed to pressure in the flow passage.

Abstract: An effort transmitted between a vehicle wheel and a wheel support is determined by mounting a tire/wheel assembly for rotation on a wheel support having a dynamic hub rigidly connected on a fixed frame such that the only degree of freedom of the assembly is rotation about the hub axis. The tire is pressed against an excitation device and the resulting fixed support effort transmitted between the wheel and the wheel support is measured. On the basis of the measured fixed support effort, there is calculated a suspended support effort which would be transmitted between the wheel and a wheel support having a degree of freedom of suspension in at least one direction (X, Y, Z) in relation to the excitation device.

Abstract: A tire pressure mounting apparatus is provided including a pressure sensor for sensing the pressure in a tire. The pressure sensor has a housing. A threaded fastener is secured to the housing and forms a first valve portion. A tire valve stem projects through a first opening in a rim for holding the tire. The tire valve stem carries a second valve portion therein. The first valve portion and the second valve portion form a valve when screwed together.

Abstract: A sensor assembly suitable for a vehicle fuel module assembly includes a plastic body defining a bore therethrough and having a barrier with a continuous peripheral edge encapsulated in the body. An aperture extends through the plate. A sensor chip is bonded to the plate over the aperture.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for quantitative analysis of a cause of tire trouble capable of quantitatively analyzing whether the tire trouble is caused by the tire itself or in a matter of harshness of a tire using condition in light of not only a force acting on a tire mounted on a running vehicle but also harshness of a tire using condition such as a traveling speed of the vehicle, level difference of a road surface, a curve and gradient information.

Abstract: A pressure sensor including: A pressure measuring cell having an end face loadable with the medium; a housing having a media opening and a ring-shaped, axial bearing surface, which surrounds the media opening; a clamping apparatus; and a ring-shaped sealing arrangement. The pressure measuring cell is positioned in the housing and the sealing arrangement is positioned between the bearing surface and the end face, and the sealing arrangement, as well as the pressure measuring cell, are axially clamped between the bearing surface and the clamping apparatus. The sealing arrangement includes, a decoupling ring, as well as a first and a second, ring-shaped sealing element. The first sealing element lies against the end face, the second sealing element lies against the bearing surface, and the decoupling ring is axially clamped between the first and the second sealing elements.

Abstract: A semiconductor piezoresistive sensor, which is electrically connected with a circuit, includes a semiconductor base, at least one piezoresistive element and a conductive layer. The semiconductor base includes a diaphragm and a base. The base is disposed adjacent to and around the diaphragm. The piezoresistive element is formed in the diaphragm and is electrically connected with the circuit. The conductive layer is electrically connected with the diaphragm.

Abstract: Method of allowing control of a vehicle provided with at least two wheels in case of puncture of a tire, each wheel having a rim and a tire associated therewith, including the steps of inflating each tire to an operating pressure at a reference temperature; admitting a fluid compressed to a first pressure higher than the operating pressure of the tire at the reference temperature into at least one tank associated with at least one of the rims; bringing the tire into communication with the tank when the inner pressure of the tire is lower than the operating pressure by a predetermined first threshold value; measuring the inner pressure of the tire with a predetermined frequency; calculating a variation of the inner pressure in the time unit; generating an alarm signal when the variation of the inner pressure corresponds to a reduction and is higher than a predetermined value; and transmitting the alarm signal to the driver.

Abstract: A pressure gauge for determining refrigerant pressure and refrigerant saturated vapor equivalent temperature for a refrigerant in an HVAC system.

Abstract: A sheet film protective covering for different types of contour sensing devices is described. In a preferred embodiment, this covering is a MYLAR® sheet film that is coated with a layer of a conductive material. The bottom surface of the MYLAR® film is also preferably coated with a layer of an adhesive. The sheet film covering preferably is contiguous and serves the purpose, among other things, to protect the underlying surface of the pressure-sensing device from contaminants and from electrostatic discharge, as well provide force concentration during use.