Abstract: A cantilever beam has a proof mass arranged at its distal end so as to cause the beam to resiliently deform into an S-shape when the accelerometer is subjected to acceleration intended to be detected. Strain gauge elements are placed at the two knees of the S-shape.

Abstract: The clad metal comprises a soft metal lamina overlay on a refractory metal lamina. An orifice is created by first punching a hole through the clad metal and then etching the soft metal lamina around the punched hole to create in that portion of the hole in the soft metal lamina a tapered entrance to that portion of the hole in the refractory metal lamina. The soft metal lamina is copper and the refractory metal lamina is molybdenum.

Abstract: Audible noise emission from a solenoid-operated fuel injector is reduced by providing a groove around the armature spaced from the end of the armature that impacts the end to the pole piece/fuel inlet tube so as to leave a radial flange at the end of the armature. In one form of the invention, the groove extends around the outside diameter of the armature. In another form, the groove extends around the inside diameter of the armature. The groove is located and sized to optimize energy absorption during impact of the armature against the pole fuel inlet tube piece.

Abstract: Audible noise emission from a solenoid-operated fuel injector is reduced by providing a circumferential slot around the end of the stator at the working gap between the stator and the armature. In one form of the invention the slot is unoccupied and creates a flange that absorbs impact energy by deflection. In another form the slot is filled with dimagnetic material that exerts an opposing force that retards armature motion as the armature approaches the stator in response to solenoid energization opening the injector.

Abstract: Unfired ceramic tape is fired to a ceramic substrate during the laminar fabrication of a thick film force sensing element to provide the fabricated sensing element with a force sensing zone which is effective in response to the application of force thereto to induce strain in the fired ceramic tape. A conductor and thick film resistor system is printed and fired to the tape during the fabrication process to provide the fabricated sensing element with an electrically detectable signal correlating with the induced strain. Accelerometer and pressure sensor embodiments are disclosed. The invention is well-suited for the commercial mass-production of sensing elements, such as for automotive vehicle usage, because it can practiced through the use of automated production processes.

Abstract: A process for flush-mounting a silicon micromachined sensor for fluid flow measurements with an adjacent face of a substrate. The faces of the substrate and sensor, over which the fluid flow will pass, are disposed face down on a conformal surface. Adhesive is applied between the sensor and substrate to secure the sensor and substrate one to the other. Upon removal from the conformal surface, the faces are cleaned of adhesive and the electrical signal generating means of the sensor are connected with the signal processing means, for example, by wire bonding. In this manner, the sensor lies flush with the face of the substrate, avoiding interference with the fluid flow over the sensor face and, hence, maintaining sensitivity throughout the life of the sensor.