Abstract: A sensing apparatus comprises a sensing beam having piezo-resistive components mounted therein that output a signal as a function of a strain on the sensing beam and a main body holding the sensing beam. The sensing beam includes a gasket pattern integrated thereon to create a substantially uniform interface between the main body and the clamp.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic servo valve (61) is provided, which includes a torque motor (63) and a position sensor (37) attached to a housing (67) of the electro-hydraulic servo valve (61). A spool valve (69) is disposed within a bore (71) of the housing (67) and is connected to the torque motor (63) such that it can move linearly within the bore (71) of the housing (67). The position sensor (37) determines the position of the spool valve (69) within the bore (71), and extends through the housing (67) such that it is connected to the spool valve (69) perpendicularly to the linear movement of the spool valve (69).

Abstract: Improvements in closed loop feedback circuit of the type having both digital circuitry and analog loop compensation circuitry comprising an analog arrangement for temporarily reducing the analog loop compensation circuitry gain, and a digital arrangement operable upon circuit initialization (reset or initial energization) to actuate the analog arrangement for a predetermined time interval to avoid overshoot and reduce the time required to achieve stable loop operation. The loop compensation circuitry typically includes at least one capacitor and the analog arrangement for temporarily reducing the gain may include a resistive shunt temporarily connected in parallel with the capacitor. In one preferred embodiment, there is a resistor connected in series with the resistive shunt by the controlled conduction path of a semiconductor device such as a field effect transistor having its conduction path and its internal resistive shunt connected in parallel with the capacitor.

Abstract: A pressure measuring system which includes a pressure sensitive capacitor and a reference capacitor, a source of external excitation connected to the sensing capacitor, the reference capacitor being connected to a feedback signal generating circuit and the output from said capacitors being summed by a summing junction to produce an error signal. A phase sensitive demodulator is connected to receive the error signal and input same to a feedback signal generating circuit to generate the feedback signal for the reference capacitor. The feedback signal generating circuit includes a computing circuit for generating a digital signal corresponding to the magnitude of said feedback signal required to null said sensing capacitor signal to thereby provide a measurement of pressure.