Abstract: A molded slotted optical switch structure (21) includes a separate molded emitter portion (23) and a separate molded detector portion (24). The molded emitter portion (23) includes an emitter device (29) molded within an emitter housing (27). The molded detector portion includes a detector device (49) molded within a detector housing (47). The molded emitter portion (23) is coupled to the molded detector portion (24) to form a slot (57) with the emitter device (29) and the detector device (49) aligned with each other across the slot (57). Switching occurs when an opaque object passes through the slot (57) interrupting optical communication between the emitter device (29) and the detector device (49).

Abstract: An electronic pressure sensor (10) is enhanced by attaching a sensor die (18) to a stress isolation platform (12) using an adhesive (42) having a similar thermal coefficient of expansion. The adhesive provides a hermetic seal between the stress isolation platform and the pressure sensor die. A via (20) in the stress isolation platform provides an opening for pressure to be applied to the sensor die. The stress isolation platform is attached to a plastic package body (16) via a semi-rigid adhesive (40) for providing stress isolation and a hermetic seal between the package body and the stress isolation platform. Any hostile chemical entering the via contacts an exposed diaphragm (50) of the sensor die to assert pressure against its piezoelectric network (52) to generate the electrical signals representative of the applied pressure but are kept away from the sensitive interconnects by the hermetic seals.

Abstract: A pressure sensor package (10) has a sensor body (12) for containing a pressure sensor. An elongated stem (14) has a first end connected to the sensor body (12), and a connector (24, 26) is disposed on a second end of the stem (14) for fixedly mounting the stem (14) to a mounting base (40), which is connected to, for example, a fuel tank (52). An annular sealing surface (28) is disposed on the first end of the stem (14) for pressing against a compressible seal (44) when the stem (14) is mounted to the mounting base (40), and an orifice (18) is disposed at the second end of the stem (14). The orifice 18 is connected to the pressure sensor by a passage (20, 22) through the stem body. The connector (24, 26) is spaced a sufficient distance from the sensor body (12) to substantially reduce error-inducing stresses on the pressure sensor.

Abstract: An optoelectronic tilt detector (10 and 35) having a cavity (17) is provided. The cavity (17) has a sidewall (18), a tapered floor (19), and a tapered ceiling (20). The tapered floor (19) and the tapered ceiling (20) have a first passage (23) and a second passage (24) through which radiation such as light may pass. Housed within the cavity (17) is an opaque sphere (14). The opaque sphere (14) moves within the container (17) in accordance with the tilt of the cavity (17) to uncover either the first passage (23) or the second passage (24). The opaque sphere (14) may operate in conjunction with a light emitting device (12) and a light detector (13) to allow radiation to travel from the light emitting device (12) to the light detector (13) when the cavity (17) is tilted, thereby providing a measure of tilt.

Abstract: A detector for sensing speed/direction of movement of apparatus including a reticle with alternate transparent and opaque portions coupled to the apparatus and having a light source mounted on one side and two spaced apart light sensors on the other side, which sensors produce alternate output signals with movement of the reticle. The sensor output signals are differentially compared to produce a digital output signal with a constant duty cycle. A second pair of light sensors is utilized to produce quadrature digital signals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of coupling an electrical signal to an optical fiber (14). The method includes encapsulating an electrical connector (21), an optical semiconductor device (18,36), and a fiber optic cable (14) all in one body (23,38,41,42). The semiconductor device (18,36) is electrically coupled to the electrical connector (21), and is also aligned to the fiber optic cable (14). The components are encapsulated in one single body (23,38,41,42). The single body (23,38,41,42) permanently maintains the alignment. The electrical connector (21) portion of the body (23,38,41,42) provides an easy means to couple the fiber optical cable (14) to electrical signals.

Abstract: Braided plastic sleeving useful in electronic applications is readily cut by means of a hot wire which is advanced through the sleeving when in flattened form at a controlled rate. It is important that the sleeving be under tension at the location where the cut is to be made. The size of the heated wire and the rate of advance of the heated wire through the flattened braided sleeving relative to the size of the braided sleeving is important to obtaining cutting and sealing of the ends of the braided sleeving without welding the ends shut. Means and method for achieving this is described herein.

Abstract: An improved vehicle height sensor and automotive leveling system are described using, in a preferred embodiment, two optical emitter-receiver pairs mounted in the sidewall or dust cover of a standard automotive air shock. The emitter-receiver pairs are arranged to operate by reflecting light from the central shaft of the shock absorber. Each emitter-receiver pair provides a light path that lies in a plane substantially perpendicular to the extension direction of the shock. The two emitter receiver pairs are spaced apart along the extension direction of the shock. Movement of the internal piston of the shock successively interrupts (by absorption) the light paths of the emitter-receiver pairs so as to provide a positive indication of the location of the movable piston and hence the height of the shock and the height of vehicle body above the road. The emitter-receiver pairs are mounted in a common assembly and seal to the shock dust cover through a single hole.

Abstract: A steering module assembly having a contoured housing unit to receive a PC board which has soldered to it a plurality of optoelectronic devices wherein neither said plurality of optoelectronic devices nor said PC board come in direct contact with the housing unit. The PC board also has a saddle element which contains snap retainers to receive each of said plurality of optoelectronic devices. A fitted cover encloses the housing unit.