Abstract: A pressure sensor sub-assembly (18) has a solid-state sensing element (22) mounted on a laminated ceramic substrate (20) and has the electrical signal contacts (22a) on the sensing element electrically connected to connector pins (24) on the substrate. A manufacturing process can fabricate a batch of sub-assemblies on a substrate structure that is sub-divided to form the separate sub-assemblies. The sensor sub-assemblies can be tested, and graded, before or after the sub-division step, and then each mounted in a housing.

Abstract: A method for determining drilling fluid density for stabilizing a wellbore including obtaining shale cuttings from a wellbore. In one embodiment of a method according to this invention, shale cuttings are obtained from a wellbore and their index properties, including but not limited to surface area, is measured; mean effective stress around the wellbore is calculated using the geostatic overburden in situ stress, the field pore pressure, and the total stress around the wellbore; the in situ shale strength is determined using a correlation between surface area, mean effective stress and shale strength; and drilling fluid density is determined using the shale strength. Methods for determining in situ shale strengths, elastic properties, pore pressures, and formation stresses of low permeability rocks.

Abstract: A pressure/control gage (12) includes a housing (4) defining an elongate, generally funnel shaped fluid chamber (6) having an open end (8) at the base of the fluid chamber. The open end is sealed by a diaphragm (10). The sealed fluid chamber includes a liquid (26), such as mercury, and a gas (28) defining an interface (30) between the two. The liquid is positioned against the inner surface (20) of the diaphragm. The outer surface (22) of the diaphragm is coupled to a source of pressure (18). The location of the interface changes according to the pressure applied to the outer surface of the diaphragm. Preferably the housing is clear, so the interface can be visually observed, with visual markings (32, 34) indicating the pressure. Also disclosed is a novel surge control valve (40) in which a resilient material (42) is positioned transversely across the fluid passageway (24) connecting the pressure source and the diaphragm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for measuring roughness along a surface (II) of a road or an airport runway in the driving direction. A long bar (I) has a number of ultrasound transducers (1-17) directed down toward the surface (II) of the road. The bar (I) is located e.g. in a carriage trailing behind a vehicle, at a suitable distance (for instance 20 cm) above the road surface (II). During motion, ultrasound pulses are simultaneously emitted form all transducers (1-17) for a subsequent recording of echoes from the road surface (II) with the same transducer, in order to obtain a recording of the distance between the bar and the road surface for each particular transducer. The measurement is repeated when the bar (I) has moved a distance equal to an integral multiple of the distance between two neighboring transducers, in such a manner that a number of the previously measured spots are measured once more, i.e. an overlap technique is used.

Abstract: A semiconductor pressure sensor includes a semiconductor pressure-sensing chip including a semiconductor body having a diaphragm that flexes in response to applied pressure, a strain gauge disposed in the diaphragm for altering an electrical signal in response to flexing of the diaphragm, and an amplifying circuit disposed in the semiconductor body outside the diaphragm and connected to the strain gauge for amplifying the electrical signal; a base supporting the semiconductor pressure-sensing chip; a package enclosing the semiconductor pressure-sensing chip and the base and having an opening providing access to the pressure-sensing chip; a plurality of leads penetrating the package and connected to the amplifying circuit; a substrate on which the package is mounted; and a gain-adjusting resistor disposed on the substrate opposite the package and electrically connected to the amplifying circuit for adjusting the gain of the amplifying circuit.

Abstract: A sensing system including a sensing device with cooperating electrical components which move relative to each other in response to a sensed environmental parameter to yield a reactance signal, which is transmitted to a remotely located processor having an oscillator for receiving the transmitted signal and generating a transduced signal whose value corresponds to the value of the environmental parameter.

Abstract: This invention relates to a semiconductor sensor for detecting external physical forces, such as acceleration, contact pressures, air pressures, mechanical vibrations, etc. The semiconductor sensor according to this invention is characterized by the use of compound semiconductors of high piezoelectricity, such as GaAs, etc. Conventionally sensors of the cantilever type, diaphragm type, etc. are made of silicon. These prior art sensors have low detection sensitivity, and their characteristics tend to deteriorate. The sensor according to this invention is made of GaAs, which has high piezoelectricity and can retain good characteristics of the semiconductor even at high temperatures and includes a field-effect transistor formed on the GaAs for sensing a stress. The FET is driven by a constant current or a constant voltage so as to detect a change of an electrical characteristic (e.g., threshold characteristic) due to a stress.

Abstract: In a capacitive pressure sensor and a method of manufacturing the same, first and second grooves are formed in one and the other surfaces of a substrate, respectively. A first sacrificial layer is embedded in the first groove. First insulating films are formed on the substrate in which the first sacrificial layer is formed. The first insulating films have a first film electrode stacked therebetween. A second sacrificial layer having a predetermined shape is stacked on the first insulating film. Second insulating films are formed on the first insulating film on which the second sacrificial layer is formed. The second insulating films have a second film electrode stacked therebetween. A pressure introducing hole is formed in the second groove formed in the other surface of the substrate to reach the first sacrificial layer. First and second hollow portions are formed by removing the first and second sacrificial layers.

Abstract: An improved pressure sensor element and pressure sensor array is formed by a cathode layer, a cathode tip attached to the cathode layer, and an anode layer opposing the cathode layer. The magnitude of the electron current flowing between the cathode tip and the anode layer is dependant on the field strength at the cathode tip, which is dependant on the separation between the cathode tip and the anode layer. As a deflectable anode layer is deflected towards the cathode tip, the field strength increases, causing a corresponding change in the magnitude of the flow of electrons. The cathode tip is separated from the anode layer such that electron current is produced at relatively low voltages by tunneling or field emission. The exact method of current production is selected by controlling the initial separation between the anode layer and the cathode tip.

Abstract: A method for dynamically balancing golf putters using radius of gyration as the controlling parameter wherein the center of precussion location on the putter club face is re-located so as to coincide with that location where a golfer consistently makes contact with a golf ball during that golfer's natural putting stroke. The present method also allows one to reposition the golf ball contact point on the putter club face to an optimum location such that the golfer will consistently strike a golf ball at or slightly above its horizontal centerline thereby imparting optimum role characteristics to the golf ball when putting. The present method is based upon the dynamic equations describing compound pendulum motion and uses radius of gyration as the controlling parameter to balance a golf putter based upon optimal putter comfort, feel and performance during the putting stroke.

Abstract: The invention is related to numerous improvements for fiber optic measuring systems, and principally those utilizing a deformable diaphragm for sensing pressure. One aspect of the invention is providing temperature compensation for diaphragm characteristics. Temperature measurement can be achieved by using a light signal having a wavelength distribution which overlaps the cut-off characteristics of a filter positioned at the fiber sensing end. Shifting in the cut-off characteristic in response to temperature modulates the intensity of the reflected back temperature compensation signal. In another approach, temperature is measured through its differential effect on light signals having different launching conditions. With either approach, the temperature measurement is used to calibrate the output of the pressure sensitive diaphragm.

Abstract: This invention relates to devices used for measuring tension in a moving web of material at a location adjacent to a coiling device. The invention consists of a single roller over which the web passes, the roller being supported by blocks at its end which incorporate flexure elements to provide the necessary constraints to motion of the blocks, and load cells are used to detect forces arising on the blocks. A signal of tension which is independent of wrap angle of the web around the roller is determined from a single load cell signal when the coil diameter is known, and is determined from two load cell signals when coil diameter is not known. Signals of wrap angle and coil diameter can also be obtained from the two load cell signals.

Abstract: Disclosed is an airflow sensing system for determining the type of airflow flowing over a flight surface. A hot film sensor is driven by a constant voltage feedback circuit that maintains the voltage across the sensor at a predetermined level. A signal processing circuit receives an output signal of the feedback circuit and determines whether the output signal is indicative of laminar, transitional or turbulent airflow. Transitional airflow is distinguished from turbulent airflow by a signal having significant energy in a low-frequency passband from 50-80 Hz. The signal processing circuit drives a three-color LED display to provide a visual indication of the type of airflow being sensed.

Abstract: A champagne pressure gauge provides a small tube attached to the inside surface of a bidule inserted into a champagne bottle, such that as the pressure from fermentation increases, liquid is forced up the tube. The liquid level in the tube can be observed through the neck of the bottle, giving a non-intrusive, non-destructive measurement of pressure in the bottle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a capacitance pressure transducer of increased thermal and mechanical stability and thus performance over prior art designs. A cell formed by a cell housing containing a plane parallel capacitor plate and an inlet tube is connected to an outer protective cover solely by the inlet tube. The cell housing is contained within an air tight environmental enclosure (also supported solely by the inlet tube) of sufficient rigidity as to isolate the cell housing from changes in atmospheric pressure. The plane parallel capacitor plate is formed by a circular diaphragm peripherally connected to the tension ring and an electrode disk located within the tension ring.

Abstract: Apparatus and method is provided for determining the subjective sweet spot of a baseball bat, softball bat or other object of percussion. The subjective sweet spot is determined by first measuring the period of oscillation of the baseball bat or other object of percussion through an angular displacement of five degrees or less. Thereafter, a particular formula is utilized for determining the subjective sweet spot and the sweet spot is marked on the baseball bat for use by the hitter. The principles of this invention may be utilized on other objects of percussion such as softball bats, golf clubs and the like.

Abstract: The invention comprises a force measuring system for the dynamic determination especially of axle loads, speed, vehicle wheelbase and gross weight. The force measuring system is laid permanently in the roadway. It is of modular assembly, consisting of the amplifier (11), sensor (12) and terminal module (13). The individual modules may be coupled tightly by plug-and-socket connections, welding flanges or glued flanges. The sensor module (12) consists of a hollow section (1), in which piezo-elements (4) are fitted under elastic preload. The piezo-elements (4) are accommodated in the hollow section (1) at intervals of typically 5 to 10 cm, and they may be connected all together with only one electrically conductive foil (5) to the signal processing facility (19), or groupwise or even singly. According to this subdivision the road width can be sectioned as desired, in order to obtain a road loading diagram for instance.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for measuring gravitational and inertial forces, magnetic fields, or wave or radiant energy acting on an object or fluid in space provide an electric tunneling current through a gap between an electrode and that object or fluid in space and vary that gap with any selected one of such forces, magnetic fields, or wave or radiant energy acting on that object or fluid. These methods and apparatus sense a corresponding variation in an electric property of that gap and determine the latter force, magnetic fields, or wave or radiant energy in response to that corresponding variation, and thereby sense or measure such parameters as acceleration, position, particle mass, velocity, magnetic field strength, presence or direction, or wave or radiant energy intensity, presence or direction.

Abstract: A scanner has a frame assembly containing a carriage movably mounted in the frame assembly for scanning movement in a scanning path in a first direction along the length of the frame assembly, which includes at least one sheet transport path and a roll to index a sheet through the path in a direction transverse to the first direction. The scanning carriage is driven in the scanning path by a lead screw rotatably engaged with the scanning carriage for scanning movement along the length of the lead screw and a reversible motor. In a preferred embodiment the scanning carriage supports a reading head and/or a printing head for reading an image on a document and printing an image on a copy sheet and the pitch of the threads of the lead screw are selected so than an integer multiple of steps of a stepper motor provides a linear displacement of the carriage of one pixel width and a clock pulse generator simultaneously drives the stepper motor and the reading and/or printing heads.

Abstract: A pressure sensor having the structure wherein an amorphous magnetic alloy member or members are secured to both of a deforming part which is distorted by a pressure and a non-deforming part which is not distorted by a pressure and elements for detecting the change of a permeability of the amorphous magnetic alloy are respectively disposed at each of the amorphous magnetic alloy members, can measure the magnitude of an applied pressure with high accuracy while suppressing a drift of the output accompanied with the change of a temperature.