Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a pressure transducer having a header wherein the header is comprised of a first section and a second section that are offset from each other. Each first and second section has a flexible diaphragm adapted to receive a first and second pressure, respectively. A central channel connects the diaphragms and a pressure sensor, located within the central channel, communicates with the channel and produces an output equal to the difference between the first and second pressures. The resultant device is a low differential pressure transducer which enables one to bring leads from the sensor out while having diaphragms of substantially the same size and diameter, therefore enabling the diaphragms to exhibit the same back pressure and be equally compliant.

Abstract: A force transducer assembly for measuring compressive and tensile loads applied to a force transmission device, the assembly includes a housing, a sleeve assembly and a sensor device. The housing has a hollow interior. The sleeve assembly is coupled within the interior of the housing. The sensor device is secured within the interior of the housing between a portion of the sleeve assembly and a portion of the housing. The sensor device includes first and second sensors each including an isolation diaphragm at least partially defining an oil-filled cavity, and a piezoresistive sensor positioned so as to be effected by a change in pressure in the oil-filled cavity. When a first force is applied to the apparatus in a first direction via the force transmission device, one of the isolation diaphragms is deflectable in response thereto, and when a second force is applied in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the other of the isolation diaphragms is deflectable in response thereto.

Abstract: A pressure transducer employing a metal isolation diaphragm. A volume of oil is located between the metal diaphragm and a silicon sensor received in a base member. In order to reduce errors at very low pressure caused by the oil exerting a tension on the deflecting portion of said silicon sensor, the metal diaphragm has an extending dome or dimple above the location of the silicon sensor. The silicon sensor is also recessed below the supporting base plate so that the separation between the silicon sensor and the metal diaphragm increases. The base plate also contains a series of shallow, narrow concentric grooves which further reduces surface tension between the metal diaphragm and the base plate.