Abstract: A transducer assembly including a sensor housing, a heater shell located in the sensor housing, a heater operatively coupled to the heater shell, a sensor received in the heater shell, and an electronics assembly positioned within the sensor housing, outside of the heater shell, and adapted to receive signals from the sensor. The assembly also includes a mounting plate positioned within the sensor housing, outside of the heater shell. The mounting plate has arms extending therefrom and at least one attachment point where the electronics assembly is secured to the mounting plate. The arms are secured to the sensor housing, and the mounting plate includes apertures adjacent to the arms for impeding thermal conduction between the arms and the attachment point.

Abstract: A pressure transducer assembly including a sensor enclosure, a pressure sensor received in the sensor enclosure, a tube connected to the pressure sensor and extending out of the sensor enclosure for connection to a source of fluid, an electronics circuit board electrically connected to the pressure sensor, and an electronics enclosure containing the electronics board and secured to the sensor enclosure. The electronics enclosure includes an external housing constructed of thermally conductive material, and a heat transfer plate constructed of thermally conductive material. The heat transfer plate is in physical contact with heat-generating elements of the electronics circuit board and in physical contact with the external housing, such that heat from the heat-generating elements can be dissipated through the external housing. This arrangement allows the circuit board to remain cool even as the sensor is heated.

Abstract: A pneumatic control system including at least one flow control line having a connecting line connectable to a fluid line of a pneumatically operated machine, a vacuum line connectable to a vacuum source, a vacuum valve controlling flow between the connecting line and the vacuum line, a pressure line connectable to a source of fluid under pressure, and a pressure valve controlling flow between the connecting line and the pressure line. A pressure manifold defines the pressure line and a first portion of the connection line, and supports the pressure valve, and a vacuum manifold defines the vacuum line and a second portion of the connecting line, and supports the vacuum valve. The vacuum manifold is adapted for replacement independently of the pressure manifold.

Abstract: A heater is disclosed for use with pressure transducers. The disclosed heater includes a first heating element and a second heating element. The first heating element is characterized by a first electrical resistance. The second heating element is characterized by a second electrical resistance. In preferred embodiments, the first electrical resistance is different than the second electrical resistance. The disclosed heater can be used to accurately heat a pressure transducer to at least four different operating temperatures by selectively (a) connecting the first heating element to the transducer temperature control circuitry, (b) connecting the second heating element to the transducer temperature control circuitry, (c) connecting the first and second heating elements in series with the transducer temperature control circuitry, or (d) connecting the first and second heating elements in parallel with the transducer temperature control circuitry.

Abstract: A capacitive pressure transducer including a heater shell, a capacitive pressure sensor, an electronics assembly and a thermal barrier is presented. The sensor and the electronics assembly are disposed in the heater shell. The thermal barrier is also disposed in the heater shell and is disposed between the sensor and electronics assembly.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for providing transient temperature compensation in a pressure transducer. The transducer includes a capacitive pressure sensor, the pressure sensor including a diaphragm, at least part of the diaphragm moving in response to changes in a pressure. The transducer may further include an electronic circuit which generates an uncompensated output signal representative of the pressure. The disclosed method generates a compensated output signal according to a function of the uncompensated output signal and a difference between a temperature of the pressure sensor and a temperature of the ambient environment.

Abstract: A capacitive pressure transducer is disclosed. The disclosed transducer includes a heater shell, a capacitive pressure sensor, an electronics assembly, and a thermal barrier. The sensor and electronics assembly are disposed in the heater shell. The thermal barrier is also disposed in the heater shell and is disposed between the sensor and electronics assembly.