Abstract: A lockable case includes a base casing having two opposite first lateral walls, a top cover openably connected to the base casing, a slide block, and two slide bars disposed respectively on two opposite sides of the slide block. Each slide bar has an inner end, and a locking element to engage a corresponding first lateral wall. The slide block is disposed between the inner ends of the slide bars, and is movable between locking and unlocking positions that respectively prevents and permits inward movement of the slide bars. An actuating lever is connected pivotally to the slide block to move the slide block to the locking position. An elastic member is provided for biasing the slide block toward the unlocking position.

Abstract: A locking device and a method for unlocking the locking device are provided. The locking device includes a stationary plug having a first aperture extending therein configured to receive a key. The stationary plug further includes an outer surface, an inner surface defined by the first aperture, and at least a second aperture extending from the outer surface to the inner surface. The locking device further includes a housing having an outer wall disposed around at least a portion of the stationary plug. The outer wall has at least a third aperture extending therethrough. The locking device further includes a bolt member operably coupled to the outer wall of the housing. The locking device further includes a locking mechanism disposed in the third aperture of the housing and extending into the second aperture of the stationary plug. The locking mechanism is configured to allow rotation of the housing about the stationary plug when the key is inserted into the first aperture.

Abstract: A shield device is for fastener(s) of a lock assembly that is adjustable between inoperable and operable states, each fastener including a head and being removably engageable with a door to connect the lock assembly therewith. The shield device includes a barrier displaceable between a first position, where the barrier covers the fastener head to prevent removal of the fastener, and a second position where the fastener is accessible to permit removal. The barrier is disposed in the first position when the lock is in the inoperable state and in the second position when the lock is in the operable state. Preferably, the lock assembly includes a member that adjusts the lock assembly between the operable and inoperable states and the barrier is coupled with the member. As such, when the lock member adjusts the lock assembly between the two states, the barrier displaces between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A cylinder housing arrangement, where the cylinder housing encloses a lock cylinder or the like, which comprises a number of locking elements to be arranged by a key, preferably tumbler discs to be turned by a key, which discs in their locked position prevent the turning of the lock cylinder relative to the cylinder housing. The cylinder housing comprises a body part and a separate cover part, which is arranged to be installed in the crosswise direction relative to the cylinder housing at the end of the body part on the inserting side of a key, so that it is locked to the body part in the axial direction of the cylinder housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a key housing (1), particularly for a motor vehicle, with an emergency key (3), comprising a key head (5) forming a grip part joined to an insert (7) for insertion in an emergency lock in a vehicle when applied and an insert housing (33) with a longitudinal form, for housing the insert (7) when the emergency key (3) is not in use. The emergency key (3) can be separated from the housing (1) in the case of application. The key head (5) is fixed to the insert (7) by means of a joint (9; 10).

Abstract: Biodegradable anionic polymers are disclosed which include recurring polymeric subunits preferably made up of dicarboxylic monomers such as maleic anhydride, itaconic anhydride or citraconic anhydride. Free radical polymerization is used in the synthesis of the polymers. The polymers may be complexed with ions and/or mixed with fertilizers or seeds to yield agriculturally useful compositions. The preferred products of the invention may be applied foliarly or to the earth adjacent growing plants in order to enhance nutrient uptake by the plants.

Abstract: An instrument and method for bending a surgical implant, such as a spinal rod, includes a lever pivotally connected to a handle through a movable linkage system. The movable linkage system includes one or more bearing surfaces for applying a force to a first portion of the surgical implant while a rod seat connected to the handle holds an adjacent second portion of the surgical implant in a fixed position, thereby causing the surgical implant to bend between the first and second portion. The instrument can be easily operated using a single hand, is easy to control and requires a relatively small amount of force to bend a surgical implant. The instrument can include an automatic advancement means for advancing the surgical implant after bending to bend another portion of the surgical implant by a selected amount. The instrument can also be used for bending spinal rods having a non-circular cross-section in multiple planes.

Abstract: An instrument and method for bending a surgical implant, such as a spinal rod, includes a lever pivotally connected to a handle through a movable linkage system. The movable linkage system includes one or more bearing surfaces for applying a force to a first portion of the surgical implant while a rod seat connected to the handle holds an adjacent second portion of the surgical implant in a fixed position, thereby causing the surgical implant to bend between the first and second portion. The instrument can be easily operated using a single hand, is easy to control and requires a relatively small amount of force to bend a surgical implant. The instrument can include an automatic advancement means for advancing the surgical implant after bending to bend another portion of the surgical implant by a selected amount. The instrument can also be used for bending spinal rods having a non-circular cross-section in multiple planes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a deep rolling roller head (1) of a deep rolling tool for deep rolling radii or recesses (22) on the main and lifting bearing journals of crankshafts (21). Said deep rolling roller head is equipped with a housing (2) inside of which one or two laterally interspaced deep rolling rollers (4) are rotationally guided in a loose manner and with little play in two roller cages (5, 6). The roller cages (5, 6) are fastened to supports (15) on the face (3) of the housing (2) oriented toward the crankshaft (21). Said supports support the roller cages (5, 6) on their faces (10) oriented away from the deep rolling rollers (4) while laterally guiding them at the same time. The face (3) of the housing (2) oriented toward the crankshaft (21) is provided, on both ends thereof, with a projection (11, 12) for supporting each of the roller cages (5, 6).

Abstract: In a wire rod mill, the last rolling block or unit, either a finishing unit or a postfinishing rolling unit, with common drive is not used for traction control, but traction control upstream thereof is provided to regulate the cross section of the wire rod strand before entry into the last stage. The product is a wire rod strand of low cross sectional tolerance and high uniformity over the length of the rod.

Abstract: In order to shorten the delivery path of working rolls for their replacement in a rolling mill with support plates which are provided on an operating side (BS) of roll stands (F1-Fi), are displaced transversely to roll axes, are outfitted for receiving working roll sets (4), and are located adjacent to a mill floor level (7) for transporting the working rolls (4) back and forth, and with trenches (10) which are arranged upstream of respective roll stands (F1-Fi) on the operating side (BS) and a base (11) of which is outfitted for delivery of back-up roll sets (9), it is suggested that a transport device (12) be associated a transport device (12) is associated with the support plates (2) for transporting respective support plates (2) back and forth between a position for replacing the working rolls and in which the support plates (2a) are arranged immediately adjacent to the roll stands above the trenches (10), and a position of replacing back-up rolls and in which the support plates (2c) are located beneath t

Abstract: A device for securing a metal stud into the metal track of a framing system includes a first lever arm with a handle portion at one end and an endplate at the other end. A second lever arm features a handle portion at one end and a pair of cutting plates at the other end. The cutting plates are spaced so that the endplate may be received there between. Each cutting plate features a cutting surface. The flange of a track is received between each cutting surface and the endplate so that a pair of cuts are formed therein when the handle portions of the device are moved towards one another. The cutting plates also deflect or crimp the flange on opposite sides of the pair of cuts so that the stud may be received there between.

Abstract: This invention provides a metal sheet pressing method of precision-pressing a metal sheet, wherein after a metal sheet (1) is partially drawn so as to form a perforated portion (1a), the perforated portion (1a) is heated by baking and after it is heated by baking, the perforated portion (1a) is pressed with press dies into an uneven-surface shape.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hog ring pliers with automatic feed mechanism which provides an efficient method of attaching hog rings and similar devices. A brittle plastic strip to which are adhered a plurality of hog rings of a predetermined spacing is inserted into the loading sleeve of the invention and each hog ring is advanced into the jaws of the invention automatically upon the closure of the preceding hog ring and the trimming of the brittle plastic strip behind it.

Abstract: A wedge driving tool for cutting and/or non-cutting shaping of a sheet metal workpiece in a press includes a mould- and/or tool-bearing working slider, which may be displaced between a slider bed and a driver at a predetermined angle. For obtaining a working slider which may be continuously angularly adjusted, segmental disks are in each case arranged on both sides of the working slider in a continuously movable manner with respect to an angle of rotation, in each case, on the slider bed and the driver or on the working slider and the driver. The segmental disks, in each case, being arranged in pairs on an axis of rotation, are non-rotatably mutually connected along their chord-type boundaries such that corresponding straight-line guides, particularly for the working slider, are arranged in these connections.

Abstract: The invention concerns a reference leakage device (14) for leak sniffer detector (1) equipped with a sniffing tip (8) and a control unit (6). Said reference leakage device (14) comprises a gas reservoir (31) and a constriction (33) wherefrom there is released a specific amount of test gas, at least during calibration. The reference leakage device (14)4) is characterised in that in the constricted zone (33) there is located a sensor (42) detecting the approach of the sniffing tip and in that said device includes means for transmitting signals to the control unit (6) of the leak detector. 4) Translator's note: The German text states “1” here whereas “14” would be more in line with the drawing figures and the remaining text. Therefore the “14” has been assumed for the translation.

Abstract: A device and method for calibration of a mass flow sensor (14) employs a flow channel and a holder for the mass flow sensor in the flow channel. An adjustable throttle device is provided between the holder and a connection to a pump during a calibrating operation to operate on the basis of a predetermined time/displacement profile by means of a control device. During operation of the pump, the throttle device generates a supercritical flow with which a flowing medium has the speed of sound in the narrowest cross section of the throttle device.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus and method for producing and comparing signals from various points in a MEMS device. By producing signals which should be of substantial identical characteristics, deviations from the situation where the signals are of identical characteristics can be used to identify various types of asymmetry which are otherwise difficult to detect. In one embodiment, the MEMS device is comprised of a plurality of fixed beams arranged symmetrically and a plurality of movable beams arranged symmetrically. A first sensor is formed by certain of the fixed and movable beams while a second sensor, electrically isolated from said first sensor, is formed by at least certain other of the fixed and movable beams. The first and second sensors are located within the MEMS device so as to produce signals of substantially identical characteristics. A circuit is responsive to the first and second sensors for comparing the signals produced by the first and second sensors.

Abstract: A device and method for scratch and/or mar testing the surface of a material specimen. In an embodiment, the scratch testing device comprises a scratching member. In addition, the scratch testing device comprises a carriage operable to move the scratching member. Further, the scratch testing device comprises a load mechanism, wherein the load mechanism applies a load to the scratching member.

Abstract: A single-piece adapter (10) is disclosed for supplying gas to a gas detector (32) that contains at least one gas sensor (34) and that has a gas inlet (30) for allowing gas at the inlet to come into contact with the at least one sensor (34), which adapter comprises: chamber (24) having an opening formed by a rim (22) for fitting over the gas inlet of a gas detector (32), the chamber having an inner surface (18), an inlet duct (14) for feeding gas into the chamber in a direction transverse to the opening, and an outlet (16) to vent gases from within the chamber. The inner surface (18) of the chamber is formed by a first moulding (12) of a rigid, non-absorbent material and a second moulding (20) of resilient material. The second moulding forms the rim (22) for providing a gas-tight seal between the adapter (10) and the detector (32).

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and apparatus for indicating a parameter of a transmitted fluid. One embodiment of the invention comprises a fluid source operatively coupled to a conduit for transmitting a fluid from the fluid source. In addition, a sensor detects a parameter of the fluid, such as the percent oxygen content of the fluid. In response to the sensor detecting the parameter of the fluid, an indicator illuminates a portion of the conduit if a predetermined condition, such as a minimum percent oxygen content of the fluid, is satisfied.

Abstract: A device for testing exhaust emissions of an internal combustion engine utilizes wireless real time data transfer to permit outdoors testing via an indoors base station (14). A hand portable display device (18) provides instructions to an operator, and a gas sensor/analyser (16) detects combustion gas content. The base station, display device and sensor/analyser preferably communicate by radio.

Abstract: Equipment and a method for measuring water vapour flux from a surface such as skin uses a closed measuring chamber in which there is a means for agitating the air within the measuring chamber to give improved measurements.

Abstract: Method for conducting an on-site measurement of a density value of an insulation material is provided, comprising: (a) providing an acoustic source for emitting a sound wave; (b) directing the sound wave emitted from the acoustic source through a waveguide and at an insulation material present in a wall, floor or ceiling cavity; (c) measuring a sound pressure in the waveguide to obtain at least one sound pressure measurement; and (d) calculating a density value of the insulation material based on the at least one sound pressure measurement.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a method capable of easily identifying a coloring material composition. The method performs a chromatography step of loading a subject sample containing the coloring material composition to a chromatography apparatus that holds a separating base material containing a cellulosic material and a metallic oxide material, and of performing a chromatography using a mobile phase of a liquid in the analysis of the coloring material composition. According to such a chromatography apparatus, coloring materials contained in the coloring material composition can be favorably and easily separated.

Abstract: A device for determining a center of rotation of a vehicle around the vehicle's vertical axis determines the center of rotation as a function of a yaw rate and a float angle.

Abstract: Ultrasonic waves passing through guides (5, 6) are emitted towards a target (2) immersed in a liquid in order to infer the wetting of this target from certain features of the received signal. The invention is notably applied to the study of liquid heavy metals.

Abstract: Described is a method for examining a surface of a sample using an atomic force scanning microscope (AFM) comprising a cantilever with a longitudinal extension along which a measuring tip is disposed, which is selectively arranged relative to said sample surface by a driver means and whose spatial position is detected using a sensor unit, and said microscope is provided with at least one ultrasound generator, which initiates vibration excitation at a given excitation frequency between said sample surface and said cantilever, the measuring tip of which is brought into contact with said sample surface in such a manner that said measuring tip is excited to vibrations which are oriented lateral to said sample surface and perpendicular to said longitudinal extension of said cantilever and that the torsional vibrations induced in said cantilever are detected and analyzed by means of an evaluation unit.

Abstract: A scanning microscope probe in which a palladium covering film is formed on the surface of the protruding portion of a cantilever, and the base end portion of a nanotube is disposed in contact with the palladium covering film with the tip end portion of the nanotube protruding to the outside, thus allowing the tip end to be used as a probe needle end for detecting signals. A coating film is formed to cover all or part of the surface of this base end portion, and the nanotube is thus firmly fastened to the cantilever. Since the base end portion adheres tightly to the palladium covering film, both of them are electrically continuous. This palladium covering film allows, as an electrode film, the application of a voltage to the nanotube or the passage of an electric current through the nanotube, showing also good adhesion to the nanotube and cantilever.

Abstract: The following invention pertains to the introduction of a gas (or fluid) around a SPM probe or nanotool™ to control chemical activity e.g. oxygen to promote oxidation, argon to inhibit oxidation or clean dry air (CDA) to inhibit moisture to control static charging due to the action of the probe or nanotools and to provide vacuum at and around the tip and substrate area. The invention can also produce electrical current for use with active electronic devices on, in or near the body of the device. In addition by use of a fluid like water, certain oils, and other liquids in conjunction with specific tip structure either electric discharge machining can be used at the tip area on the tip itself (in conjunction with a form structure on the work piece) or on a work piece beneath the tip to shape, polish and remove material at very small scales (10 microns to 1 nm or less).

Abstract: An evaporated fuel leak detector detects leakage of an evaporated fuel generated in a fuel tank. The detector includes: a differential pressure valve, a pump for sucking a detection port side to reduce pressure on a fuel tank side, and pressure detection means for detecting pressure on a detection port side. The valve includes a detection port connecting to a fuel tank side, an atmosphere port opened to atmosphere, a pressure chamber and a valve member displaceable in accordance with differential pressure between the detection port and the pressure chamber for connecting and disconnecting a connection between the detection port and the atmosphere port. The valve member disconnects between the detection port and the atmosphere port in a case where pressure of the pressure chamber becomes larger than pressure of the detection port by a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: In the low pressure zone (10) of a fuel injection system a fuel pressure damper (12) is provided which dampens pressure variations, especially such pressure variations that are caused by operation of a high-pressure fuel pump (16) mounted downstream of the low pressure zone (10). In the low pressure zone (10), the pressure profile is detected by means of a pressure sensor (14). The high-frequency components of the pressure profile detected by the pressure sensor (14) can be used to ascertain whether the fuel pressure damper (12) functions properly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assessing tire performance by generating accurate, timely tire-to-surface slippage information under any operational/environmental conditions and on any road and/or off-road surface without requiring instrumentation of the roadway. The approach is capable of storing generated tire-to-surface slippage information for later retrieval and analysis and/or capable of supporting dynamic, real-time collection and dissemination of generated data. One exemplary embodiment generates and disseminates tire-to-surface slippage information in real-time that is compatible with and may be formatted for use by any consumer vehicle control system as well as external test and analysis equipment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical liquid meter (10) for use with a medical liquid feeding device (30) including an expandable container (31), an inlet port (32) for supplying a medical liquid into the expandable container (31) therethrough, and a feed duct (33) for feeding to a patient the medical liquid discharged from one end of the expandable container (31). The medical liquid meter (10) comprises a weight-measuring mechanism (1). The weight of the medical liquid feeding device (30) is measured using the weight-measuring mechanism (1) so as to quantify a remaining amount of the medical liquid stored in the expandable container (31).

Abstract: A formation tester for determining the formation pressure of a subsurface formation traversed by a wellbore comprises of:—an elongate tester body;—a support plate (3) that is extendible outwardly from the surface of the formation tester body, said support plate carrying probe means (5) to establish a passageway between the inside of said formation tester body and said formation, and a sealing pad (6) connected to said probe means to isolate said passage way between the inside of said formation tester body and said formation;—anchoring means (7) to settle said tester body at a level within the wellbore. The elongate tester body comprises an eccentric portion (2) wherein said support plate is mounted such that a determined standoff is maintained between said elongate tester body and the wall of the wellbore when said tester body is settled at a level in the wellbore.

Abstract: A free point tool comprises an elongated main shaft assembly and a low mass sensor assembly coaxially and slidingly disposed over the elongated main shaft. The low mass sensor assembly is adapted to be supported within the down hole casing by first and second drag spring centralizers coupled respectively to upper and lower ends of the low mass sensor assembly. The low mass sensor assembly comprises a magnetic amplifier sensor disposed in a sensor body and having a variable inductance proportionally responsive to longitudinal and rotational displacement of an adjacent sensor plate portion of a movable sensor sleeve concentric with and enclosing the sensor body, wherein the sensor sleeve is attached to the first drag spring centralizer and the sensor body is attached to the second drag spring centralizer.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) adapted to indicate the direction of water current at a pre-determined depth of water, including a floating device (20) and a weighted sail member (24) connected (26) thereto. The floating device (20) acting as a visual indicator at the surface to users as to the direction of water current at the depth of the weighted sail member (24), the sail member (24) being of a weight and configuration to drag the floating device (20) without submerging it. A fisherman commencing a berley trail (18) at a particular depth of water can use the apparatus (10) to determine which direction to cast bait.

Abstract: A connector (3) is suggested, which is capable of connecting a fluid line (28) to a fluid technology device. A connection channel runs between a device connection (24) and a line connection (25) in the connector (3). The connector (3) is equipped with a volume flow detection device (2) that has a mass flow sensor device (54), using which the volume flow through the connection channel (26) may be determined using a bypass channel (48).

Abstract: A device for determining at least one parameter of a medium flowing in a line in a main flow direction includes a part adapted for introduction into the line.

Abstract: A portable apparatus having an accelerometer device and a supporting element in the accelerometer device, having a first body of semiconductor material integrating a sensor element that detects movements of the first body and generates a signal correlated to the detected movement; a second body of semiconductor material that integrates a conditioning electronics and that is electrically connected to the first body; and conductive bumps that provide electrical connection of the first and second bodies to the supporting element. In particular, the conductive bumps connect the first and second bodies to the supporting element without the interposition of any packaging.

Abstract: A gyro sensor 10 having a small and simple structure and yet being capable of detecting changes in angular speed with high sensitivity. The sensor 10 includes a giant magnetostrictive member 12 made of a giant magnetostrictive element, a drive coil 18 for vibrating the giant magnetostrictive member 12 by controlling the intensity of a magnetic field applied to the giant magnetostrictive member, and a GMR element (detecting means) 20 for detecting changes in magnetic permeability or remnant magnetization of the giant magnetostrictive member 12. Changes in angular speed around a rotation axis that is orthogonal to a direction in which the giant magnetostrictive member 12 vibrates are detected as the changes in magnetic permeability or remnant magnetization of the giant magnetostrictive member 12 caused by its deformation, which is brought about by the Coriolis force.

Abstract: An angular velocity sensor includes a tuning fork vibrator, a drive unit provided on the tuning folk vibrator, and a detection unit for detecting an amount of deflection of the tuning folk vibrator. The tuning fork vibrator includes a first vibrating arm having a first end and a second end and having a fundamental vibration frequency, a second vibrating arm having a first end and a second end and having the fundamental vibration frequency, and a coupling portion for coupling the first end of the first vibrating arm to the first end of the second vibrating arm. The drive unit is provided on the first vibrating arm and causes the first vibrating arm to vibrate. The drive unit has a driving resistance. The detection unit is provided on one of the first vibrating arm and the second vibrating arm, and detects an amount of deflection of the one of the first vibrating arm and the second vibrating arm when deflecting due to an angular velocity applied to the tuning fork vibrator.

Abstract: An activity monitor is provided that operates to reduce errors associated with current activity monitors caused by simply adding activity values from different motion sensors.

Abstract: A force balanced instrument system and method for mitigating errors is provided. The system and method mitigate errors in measurement readings caused by charge buildup in force balanced instruments that employ charge pulses to generate an electrostatic force to null an inertial proof mass disposed between opposing electrodes. The system and method mitigate charge buildup by applying positive charge pulses alternately to each opposing electrode for a given charge cycle time period followed by negative charge pulses alternately to each opposing electrode for a second given charge cycle time period. The negative charge pulses remove any residual charge on the electrodes caused by the positive charge pulses. As a result the net residual charge left on the electrodes is reduced on the average.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing a semiconductor device has a stage for horizontally holding a semiconductor substrate serving as a target sample to be analyzed, an ultrasonic wave transmitting/receiving unit provided above the stage to transmit and receive an ultrasonic wave, a current control unit for applying a current to the ultrasonic wave transmitting/receiving unit such that the value of the current is variable, an ultrasonic wave transmitter provided in the ultrasonic wave transmitting/receiving unit to transmit an emitted ultrasonic wave to the target sample such that the frequency of the emitted ultrasonic wave is variable with changes in the value of the current applied from the current control unit, an ultrasonic wave receiver provided in the ultrasonic wave transmitting/receiving unit to receive a reflected ultrasonic wave which is the emitted ultrasonic wave transmitted from the ultrasonic wave transmitter and reflected from the target sample, and a position control unit for controlling at least one o

Abstract: A method for detecting structure-borne noise events in a roller bearing, wherein a measuring signal M of a pressure or dilatation sensor arranged on a roller bearing is fed to a frequency filter for filtering out undesired signal parts. The aim of the invention is to determine structure-borne noise waves or structure-borne noise events by an evaluation device. As a result, a first variance value is calculated from digital values of the frequency filter output signal and at least one second variance value is calculated from other digital values of the frequency filter output signal and the weighted arithmetic average of the at least two variance values (new variance, old variance) is calculated with the aid of a retrocursive calculation of the variance value. A surpassing of the weighted arithmetic variance average value (V) exceeds a pre-selected variance threshold value (vsw). It is subsequently evaluated as a structure-borne noise event provoked by mechanical damage to the roller bearing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to vibration analysis and in particular, but not limited to, the derivation of multiple types of vibration signals from one vibration signal for vibration analysis. In the preferred method of the invention the vibrations of an object are measured using at least one vibration sensor, wherein the vibration sensor converts vibrations into an electrical vibration signal. The electrical vibration signal is digitised based on a first frequency, wherein the first frequency is selected from a plurality of possible frequency values. A first type of vibration signal is derived from the digitised vibration signal. A second type of vibration signal is then derived from the digitised vibration signal based on a second frequency. The second frequency is rationally determined from, and lower than, the value selected for the first frequency. The invention also provides apparatus for deriving multiple types of vibration signals from one measured vibration signal for vibration analysis.

Abstract: In a vibration sensor 1 comprising a diaphragm electrode 3 having weights 7a and 7b attached to opposite surfaces thereof, a first fixed electrode 2a opposed to one surface of the diaphragm electrode 3 and a second fixed electrode 2b opposed to the other surface of the diaphragm electrode 3, the vibration sensor 1 outputs vibration signals based on signals obtained from variations of capacitance between the first fixed electrode 2a and the diaphragm electrode 3 and signals obtained from variations of capacitance between the second fixed electrode 2b and the diaphragm electrode 3.

Abstract: A resonating pressure transducer operable to measure an applied pressure by measuring changes in a resonant frequency is disclosed. The pressure transducer comprises a plurality of diaphragms formed in a wafer of semi-conducting material between two layers, wherein each of the diaphragms is divided into a plurality of electrically isolated sections; a cavity in one of the covering layers opposite a corresponding one of the diaphragms, a first via formed through a selected one of the layers enables application of a potential to selected ones of the diaphragm sections; and a second via formed through a selected one of the layers enables transmission of a measure from selected ones of the diaphragm sections.

Abstract: A pressure pickup, having a pressure chamber, which is located between a separating membrane and a platform, and a A pressure canal for hydraulic transmission of pressure to a measuring cell, includes, for dynamic overload protection, a Venturi throttle implemented by providing that the pressure canal has at least one segment whose flow cross section is variable. Such segment is preferably provided in the form of an annular canal. The flow cross section can be changed, for example, by an axial shifting of a conical inner wall relative to a complementary, conical outer wall, or by the deforming of an elastic inner or outer wall of the annular canal.