Abstract: A differential capacitive pressure sensor of an embodiment of the present invention has first and second diaphragms positioned on opposing sides of a single substrate. Each diaphragm of the pressure transducer is configured to be exposed to a transient fluid, with the first and second pressure transducers being arranged with their respective deflection surfaces directed outwardly from each other. The differential capacitive pressure sensor may be configured to output representations of differential and common mode pressure of the transient fluids, where a representation of a common mode is cancelled in generating the representation of the differential pressure. The transient fluids may be the same fluid at different locations within a flow path. The diaphragms may be constructed from a ceramic material to be able to withstand exposure to corrosive or caustic fluids.

Abstract: A differential capacitive pressure sensor of an embodiment of the present invention has first and second diaphragms positioned on opposing sides of a single substrate. Each diaphragm of the pressure transducer is configured to be exposed to a transient fluid, with the first and second pressure transducers being arranged with their respective deflection surfaces directed outwardly from each other. The differential capacitive pressure sensor may be configured to output representations of differential and common mode pressure of the transient fluids, where a representation of a common mode is cancelled in generating the representation of the differential pressure. The transient fluids may be the same fluid at different locations within a flow path. The diaphragms may be constructed from a ceramic material to be able to withstand exposure to corrosive or caustic fluids.

Abstract: Optical fibers of different physical characteristics are combined to produce a hybrid fiber which, at the operating wavelength, has a relatively large effective area and desirable net dispersion and attenuation characteristics over the combined length of the hybrid system. Hybrid fibers are constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention by optically connecting a first fiber having a large effective area (greater than 85 &mgr;m2), an attenuation less than 0.19 dB/km and a dispersion greater than 10 ps/nm/km at 1550 nm, to a second fiber having an effective area which is smaller than the first fiber, a dispersion which is less than 10 ps/nm/km, and an attenuation which is less than 0.23 dB/km at 1550 nm. Both the first and second fibers preferably have a positive dispersion slope at 1550 nm. The first and second fibers are preferably spliced directly together.

Abstract: Optical fibers of different physical characteristics are combined to produce a hybrid fiber which, at the operating wavelength, has a relatively large effective area and desirable net dispersion and attenuation characteristics over the combined length of the hybrid system. Hybrid fibers are constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention by optically connecting a first fiber having a large effective area (greater than 85 &mgr;m2), an attenuation less than 0.19 dB/km and a dispersion greater than 10 ps/nm/km at 1550 nm, to a second fiber having an effective area which is smaller than the first fiber, a dispersion which is less than 10 ps/nm/km, and an attenuation which is less than 0.23 dB/km at 1550 nm. Both the first and second fibers preferably have a positive dispersion slope at 1550 nm. The first and second fibers are preferably spliced directly together.

Abstract: A normally open solenoid valve is provided for brake system operation which includes a poppet utilizing a spherical end in conjunction with a valve seat to provide the primary control orifice of the valve. A sleeve is inserted into the main body of the valve with an annular edge provided on the poppet near the spherical end which operates in conjunction with the sleeve to provide a secondary control orifice downstream of the primary control orifice.