Abstract: An apparatus and method for flexibly suspending a sensing mechanism between a pair of cover plates, including a sensing mechanism formed in a crystalline silicon substrate; a pair of cover plates formed in crystalline silicon substrates; a first plurality of complementary interfaces in fixed relation between the sensing mechanism and a first one of the cover plates; and a second plurality of complementary interfaces flexibly suspended between the sensing mechanism and a second one of the cover plates with one or more of the flexibly suspended interfaces being a complementary male and female interface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for flexibly suspending a sensing mechanism between a pair of cover plates, including a sensing mechanism formed in a crystalline silicon substrate; a pair of cover plates formed in crystalline silicon substrates; a first plurality of complementary interfaces in fixed relation between the sensing mechanism and a first one of the cover plates; and a second plurality of complementary interfaces flexibly suspended between the sensing mechanism and a second one of the cover plates with one or more of the flexibly suspended interfaces being a complementary male and female interface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for flexibly suspending a sensing mechanism between a pair of cover plates, including a sensing mechanism formed in a crystalline silicon substrate; a pair of cover plates formed in crystalline silicon substrates; a first plurality of complementary interfaces in fixed relation between the sensing mechanism and a first one of the cover plates; and a second plurality of complementary interfaces flexibly suspended between the sensing mechanism and a second one of the cover plates with one or more of the flexibly suspended interfaces being a complementary male and female interface.

Abstract: A mechanical resonator having an electrical charge buried and substantially permanently trapped in a layer of insulating material grown or otherwise formed on either or both of the electrode and the vibratory beam, whereby the trapped electrical charge generates electrostatic forces between the beams and the electrodes of the opposing plates of the resultant capacitor.

Abstract: A method for designing a sensor using a dual double-ended tuning forks which provides composite cancellation of second-order non-linearity terms.

Abstract: A net zero isolator having an elongated linear displacement member; and first and second counter rotation members arranged crosswise to the linear displacement member at either end thereof, each of the first and second counter rotation members including a mounting portion spaced apart from an isolated portion on respective first and second sides of the elongated linear displacement member. The elongated linear displacement member and the first and second counter rotation members are structured such that a displacement of the mounting portions along the linear displacement member is balanced by a displacement of the isolated pads. The net zero isolator acts through each of the first and second counter rotation members to generate displacements of the isolated portions that cancel a linear displacement of the mounting portions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for suspending two or more force-versus-displacement sensors for measuring displacement of a pendular structure relative to a frame structure, wherein a suspension structure includes the frame and pendular structures, the pendular structure having a base structure suspended from the frame structure for rotation about a first axis, a beam structure spaced away from the first axis, and a flexure suspending the beam structure from the base structure for rotation about a second axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first axis. The flexure suspending the beam structure from the base structure is positioned substantially intermediate between suspension positions of the force-versus-displacement sensors, and constrains the beam structure to motion substantially within the plane of the pendular structure.

Abstract: A pendulous accelerometer wherein the active reaction mass is pendulously mounted external to a fixed support structure and may include sensor cover of covers in the total active reaction mass.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for suspending two or more force-versus-displacement sensors for measuring displacement of a pendular structure relative to a frame structure, wherein a suspension structure includes the frame and pendular structures, the pendular structure having a base structure suspended from the frame structure for rotation about a first axis, a beam structure spaced away from the first axis, and a flexure suspending the beam structure from the base structure for rotation about a second axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first axis. The flexure suspending the beam structure from the base structure is positioned substantially intermediate between suspension positions of the force-versus-displacement sensors, and constrains the beam structure to motion substantially within the plane of the pendular structure.

Abstract: A pendulous accelerometer wherein the active reaction mass is pendulously mounted external to a fixed support structure and may include sensor cover or covers in the total active reaction mass.

Abstract: A net zero isolator having an elongated linear displacement member; and first and second counter rotation members arranged crosswise to the linear displacement member at either end thereof, each of the first and second counter rotation members including a mounting portion spaced apart from an isolated portion on respective first and second sides of the elongated linear displacement member. The elongated linear displacement member and the first and second counter rotation members are structured such that a displacement of the mounting portions along the linear displacement member is balanced by a displacement of the isolated pads. The net zero isolator acts through each of the first and second counter rotation members to generate displacements of the isolated portions that cancel a linear displacement of the mounting portions.

Abstract: A pendulous accelerometer wherein the active reaction mass is pendulously mounted external to a fixed support structure and may include sensor cover or covers in the total active reaction mass.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enclosing a sensing device, such as an accelerometer, for reducing outside forces and strains on the sensing device. The cover includes two parts that bond to each other thereby forming a clamshell-type cover. The sensing device can float within the cover, is bonded to bonding points on one of the cover parts or is held in place by a pressure fit of the two cover parts on the sensing device.

Abstract: A method for designing a sensor using a dual double-ended tuning forks which provides composite cancellation of second-order non-linearity terms.

Abstract: Pressure-compensated transducers and accelerometers, and force-sensing and acceleration-sensing methods are described. In a preferred embodiment, regression techniques are utilized in the context of a vibrating beam force transducer to provide a measure of acceleration which is both temperature-compensated and pressure-compensated.

Abstract: A pendulous accelerometer wherein the active reaction mass is pendulously mounted to a fixed support structure and includes sensor cover or covers in the total active reaction mass.

Abstract: A pendulous accelerometer wherein the active reaction mass is pendulously mounted external to a fixed support structure and may include sensor cover or covers in the total active reaction mass.

Abstract: A pendulous accelerometer wherein the active reaction mass is pendulously mounted external to a fixed support structure and may include sensor cover or covers in the total active reaction mass.

Abstract: A force rebalance accelerometer includes a magnetic assembly designed for improved scale factor performance and producibility. The magnetic assembly excitation ring includes slots. The slots are defined by an inner edge of the upper surface of the excitation ring and are separated by an upper surface portion or tongue intermediate the slots which extends away from the outer edge of the upper surface and toward a magnet received within the interior portion of the excitation ring.

Abstract: The shower spa fixture is mounted between an inlet pipe and a shower head and includes a container for mixing a stream of water with additives. A portion of the stream of water passing from the inlet pipe to the shower head is diverted into the container. The container includes a replaceable cartridge which has a first additive in a first chamber and a second additive in a second chamber. The diverted stream of water mixes with the first additive in the first chamber, passes through a screen to the second chamber, and mixes with the second additive in the second chamber. The diverted stream containing additives is then returned to the main stream of water which exits the shower head. The amount of additives added to the main stream of water is controlled by a control valve. The present invention provides an improvement over known arrangements by providing two additives which are kept separate from one another preventing a chemical reaction between the additives which would cause a loss of potency.