Abstract: A gauge element for and a pressure sensor for sensing phenomena such as pressure and temperature comprising a substantially U-shaped unitary piezoresistive element formed from a silicon crystal. When employed for sensing pressure and temperature, resistor means are provided along with means for coupling the first and second legs of the piezoresistive element in an electrical circuit to provide a temperature independent output indicative of the pressure imparted to one leg of the piezoresistive element, and for coupling the second leg and the resistor means to provide an output independent of the pressure imparted to the first leg and indicative of the environmental temperature. This configuration is particularly suitable for miniaturization and therefore useful for biomedical applications wherein the sensor can be inserted into a body transcutaneously by a catheter.

Abstract: A fluid flowmeter includes a bluff body for producing vortex shedding free of intermittency. The body has at one end a support member for mounting in a conduit and has proximate its downstream surfaces a pair of orifices. A vibratory planar sensor, preferably ferromagnetic, is situated in a sensor chamber within the support member for vibrating in response to received pressure fluctuations. A magnetic detector is situated in proximity to the sensor for producing an electrical signal when the sensor vibrates in response to vortex shedding. Fluid in the conduit, and thus vortex shedding, is coupled from the orifices through a pair of parallel channels, which are in non-fluid-flow communication with one another, to opposite sides of the sensor. In one embodiment, the sensor comprises a diaphragm rigidly mounted along its periphery whereas in another embodiment the sensor comprises a rigid, substantially planar disc vibratorily mounted along its periphery.