Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to dimensionally stable stretch or elastic textile articles characterized in that the article has not been subjected to temperatures greater than 160° C. The disclosure is also directed to a method to make dimensionally stable stretch articles characterized by the absence of a traditional heat-setting step.

Abstract: A device (1) for improving the threading of thread-guides (5) for warp linear knitting machines (10), comprising at least a first support (6) that can be associated to a supporting structure (11) of a warp linear knitting machine (10), a second support (7) operatively placed between the first support (6) and the supporting structure (11), a plurality of thread-guides (5) designed to guide threads while knitting a knitted item, and at least one thread-guide (5) bar (2) operatively associated to the first support (6) to which the thread-guides (5) are associated. The first (6) and the second (7) support are movable with respect to the supporting structure (11) between an operating position, in which the thread-guides (5) are active for the formation of the knitting item, and at least one threading position, angularly rotated with respect to the operating position, in which the threading of the thread-guides (5) takes place.

Abstract: A clothes washing machine of the top loading type and which comprises a generally tubular base structure (10) to be inferiorly seated onto the floor (P); a tub (20) to contain a washing liquid and affixed onto the base structure (10); a support frame (30) suspended in the interior of the base structure (10); suspension means (40) to absorb the vibratory and oscillatory motions and that connect the support frame (30) to the base structure (10) in order to maintain the former suspended in the interior of the latter; a motor unit (50) disposed in the interior of the base structure (10) secured to the support frame (30) and carrying a drive shaft (51) extending vertically upwardly to the inside of the tub (20); and a rotative basket (60) disposed in the interior of the tub (20) and which is operatively and selectively associated with the drive shaft (55).

Abstract: A lockable tie down strap comprises a strap member (2) having one end (3) captively connected to a buckle member (4) and a free end (8) engageable over a load bearing member (29) in the buckle body (11) to enable the strap member (2) to be tensioned. A lockable latch member (9) is pivotally mounted in the body (11) and includes a first jaw surface (27) adapted to clampingly engage the strap member (2) against a second jaw surface (28) associated with body (11). The strap member (2) includes a pair of steel reinforcing cords (43) located in respective pockets (42) extending longitudinally of the strap member (2) adjacent opposed edges thereof.

Abstract: An electronic steering lock includes a power supply control unit and a locking assembly. The power supply control unit provides a supply voltage for locking the assembly via a ground supply line and a voltage supply line. The locking assembly is only supplied by the power supply control unit with a supply voltage and ground when a voltage with respect to ground is present on an ignition supply line, which is indicative of the ignition being switched off. The locking assembly includes a locking motor which is supplied with voltage and ground, whereby the ground supply of the locking motor is provided via a ground supply switching device. The locking assembly further includes a control circuit which controls the ground supply switching device. The control circuit includes an additional input connection on which there is a control signal derived from the ignition supply line.

Abstract: A trailer locking system is disclosed that is adapted to be used to hold the hitch of a trailer in a position jacked above a height at which the trailer can be hitched to a vehicle therefore preventing the theft of the trailer. The locking system comprises an elongated locking shaft, an L-shaped support bracket adapted to receive the locking shaft and having at least one brace slot, a generally flat mounting brace adapted to fit through the at least one brace slot and adapted to receive the locking shaft, and a locking pin adapted to fit through a locking pin hole in the locking shaft and adapted to receive a lock when inserted through the locking shaft.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dial for a combination lock, which mainly includes a toothed wheel additionally configured on a side of conventional type dial provided with an internally mounted notched wheel. A plurality of external teeth are circum-located on an outer edge of the toothed wheel, and a center of another notched wheel is provided with a rotating shaft, lateral to which is provided with a notch. A plurality of teeth spacings circum-located on an outer edge of the notched wheel mutually engage with external teeth of the notched wheel of the dial. Accordingly, the dial is able to simultaneously actuate and rotate two notched wheels, thereby improving innovative effectiveness of the combination lock.

Abstract: A method of forming a ring gear from a ring blank includes providing a mandrel having a central axis and an outer annular forming surface. The outer annular forming surface defines a plurality of forming elements having a forming element axis offset from the central axis of the mandrel. The ring blank has a ring axis and is placed over the mandrel generally aligning the central axis of the mandrel with the ring axis of the ring blank. A roll is provided having a roll axis that is generally parallel with the element axis. The roll is forced radially inwardly while circumscribing the central axis. The roll pivots around the roll axis deforming the ring blank radially inwardly forming teeth on an inner surface of the ring blank that coaxial with the element axis and offset from the mandrel axis.

Abstract: One of a pair of rolls of a roll stand is formed with an axially throughgoing central hole through which passes a drive shaft having a pair of ends. A coupling at one end of the drive shaft rotates same and the one roll. This one roll can be shifted, normally vertically, between a use position closely juxtaposed with the other roll and a change position spaced away from the other roll and with the roll resting on supports. An entrainment fitting on the carriage can fit with and axially connect to an entrainment element of the drive shaft in the change position of the other roll. An actuator can shift the carriage from an inner position into an outer position and thereby pull the drive shaft out of the one roll and leave the one roll resting on the supports.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for manufacturing a spiral duct The apparatus includes: a first edge forming roll for forming dual bent parts at both straight edges of a metal band; a cutting roll for cutting the metal band extracted from the first edge forming roll in a waved shape by periodically varying a horizontal rotation angle or in a straight shape in its longitudinal direction; a second edge forming roll disposed in front of the cutting roll in feeding direction of the metal band to form a single bent part of the waved edges of the cut metal band; and a seaming device for coupling a single bent part with the dual bent part winding the cut metal band in a spiral shape.

Abstract: Press for producing dimensionally stable pressed parts from powdered material, with a press frame, a die holding plate, at least one upper punch holding plate, at least one lower punch holding plate, adjusting drives for the upper punch and lower punch holding plate and/or die holding plate, a vertical guide in the press frame for at least the upper and lower punch holding plate and a measuring device for measuring the position of the upper punch holding plate, the lower punch holding plate and/or the die holding plate. A single measuring rule is attached in its thermal fixed reference point to a support vertically uncoupled from the press frame, on which measurement slides cooperating with the holding plates are guided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a coolant header for hot rolled strip cooling devices, which cools a hot rolled strip fed from a finish rolling mill.

Abstract: A method of forming an elongate composite product wherein a composite body formed of an internal billet and an external sleeve is assembled, the interior periphery of the sleeve being complimentary to the exterior periphery of the billet, the composite body then being formed as by extruding into an elongate product having an inner core and an outer sheath.

Abstract: A method includes applying a constant force to at least a portion of a component configured for use in a medical device and while the constant force is applied, subjecting the component to a temperature above ambient temperature for an amount of time sufficient to-improve the flatness of the component.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a thin-walled part (33), especially a pipe section. According to said method, the wall (11) of the part (33) is drawn out from a strip (1) of material, an inner contour (17) is cut out, the wall is stretched to size, and an outer contour is cut out of the strip (1) of material.

Abstract: The invention relates to indentation vise-wrenches; in use, interlocking pushed-out areas (“exdentations”)/pushed-in areas (“indentations”) of a fitting's inner surface/a pipe's outer surface are created by indenting units at indentation vise-wrenches' jaws. Neither pipes nor fittings of interlocked pipe-fitting combinations will move with respect to each other; even after total separation between the indentation vise-wrench and the interlocked combination. Embodiments include a tool comprising an indentation vise wrench; a tool kit comprising a set having at least two indentation vise-wrenches; a process comprising making indentation vise-wrenches; a process of interlocking pipe-fitting combinations; etc.

Abstract: A flip-chip flow sensor has electrical components, such as temperature sensors and a heater, on the top of a substrate and has a channel formed in the bottom of the substrate. The channel is separated from the substrate's top by a membrane of substrate material. A fluid flowing through the channel is separated from a heater, upstream temperature sensor, downstream temperature sensor, bond pads, and wire bonds by the membrane. Heat flows through the membrane easily because the membrane is thin. As such, the electrical elements of the flow sensor, the bond pads and the wires are physically separated from a fluid flowing through the channel but can function properly because they are not thermally isolated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring gas pressure by combining an ionization gauge with at least one other vacuum sensor. Nonvolatile memory coupled to the vacuum gauge contains calibration parameters unique to each individual sensor based on factory calibration. The nonvolatile memory may contain calibration parameters for a heat-sensitive vacuum sensor to compensate for the temperature gradients generated by the ionization gauge. The calibration parameters are a function of calibration data determined when the ionization gauge is both on and off. The nonvolatile memory may store a window of measurement data of the vacuum gauge that is updated at predetermined time intervals and in response to an event, such as an error event, to aid in investigating the cause of vacuum gauge malfunction or failure.

Abstract: The invention is intended to provide a technique regarding sensor nodes for impact detection to enable the intensities of impacts to be determined in a multi-value or analog mode and to reduce the power consumption of sensor nodes. The sensor node is provided with a shock detection sensor comprising a piezoelectric element unit which generates an electric charge corresponding to an external impact, a capacitor which rectifies and accumulates the electric charge so generated, and a voltage detector which operates on the accumulated power and externally outputs a signal when the accumulated voltage reaches a preset level; a stand-by control object section which is caused by the external signal to return from a stand-by state and to operate; and a power supply which feeds power to the stand-by control object section, wherein the operation of the stand-by control object section is triggered by the signal of impact detected by the piezoelectric element unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for simulating a collision of a motor vehicle by means of a laterally hitting impactor. Said device comprises a seat carriage (3) which can be displaced in the transversal direction of the vehicle and on which a seat (5) is mounted, a lateral part carriage (10) on which a lateral part (13) of a motor vehicle body is mounted, and the impactor (20) that acts upon the lateral part (13) and is provided with an acceleration mechanism (21). The seat carriage (3) and the lateral part carriage (10) can be displaced independently of each other. In order to create a testing device which dispenses with the need for expensive and time-consuming preliminary tests to determine the settings for the tests, the impactor (20) is equipped with an acceleration mechanism (21) which can perform both positively and negatively accelerated movements in a controlled manner while an additional impactor (30) is provided that acts upon the seat carriage (3).

Abstract: A formation fluid sample is exposed to a rigidly-supported semi-permeable membrane such as silicone rubber to permit diffusion of gases and vapors from the formation fluid into a vacuum chamber, while at the same time, blocking the passage of any liquids. The membrane-transmitted gas is analyzed in the vacuum chamber by a sorbent-coated resonator. The sorbent absorbs gas and changes the resonant frequency of the resonator to indicate the presence of a gas. An ion pump or sorbent is associated with the evacuated chamber to maintain the vacuum. The ion pump or sorbent removes gases and vapors from the chamber that diffuse into the chamber from the reservoir sample that is on the opposite side of the semi-permeable membrane.

Abstract: In an SOFC stack system, a reformer supplies reformate to the stack. An anode tail gas portion is recycled into the reformer. An inline flowmeter indicates an apparent recycle flow rate. A map of anode tail gas composition as a function of fuel utilization efficiency U, reformer oxygen/carbon ratio O:C, and recycle percentage R is generated on a laboratory test bed at various recycle rates and fuel utilization rates. Compositions are sent through a flowmeter and a Coriolus mass flowmeter provide a Coriolus flow and sensor voltage function across the various compositions and flow rates to create an average curve and an average (reference) voltage at a given flow. A scale factor Z is calculated and used to determine a scaled sensor voltage X for use in an average flow polynomial curve fit equation to calculate tail gas mass flow rate at any flow value indicated by the flow meter.

Abstract: An apparatus for BTU measurement of natural gas having at least one reference spherical acoustic resonator containing a reference gas, a sample gas spherical acoustic resonator containing a natural gas sample, a first acoustic transmitter adapted to transmit a first acoustic signal into the natural gas sample, a second acoustic transmitter adapted to transmit a second acoustic signal into the reference gas, a first acoustic receiver adapted to receive at least a portion of the first acoustic signal, and a second acoustic receiver adapted to receive at least a portion of the second acoustic signal. Using the third radial resonance frequencies for the sample gas and reference gas, a data processor operably connected with a signal output of the first acoustic receiver determines the specific gravity of the natural gas sample. The discovered linear relationship between specific gravity and heating value of natural gas enables a determination of the heating value from the measured specific gravity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for in-process integrity test of a filter. The method may comprise the steps of: coupling a gas source to an input side of a filter without removing the filter from a dispenser system, the gas source supplying a gas and controlling a pressure of the gas; coupling a tube to an output side of the filter, the tube being filled with a liquid; increasing the pressure while monitoring the tube, with a light beam, for a displacement of the liquid by one or more gas bubbles; and determining a value of the pressure at which the displacement of the liquid is detected.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a device for controlling and regulating the physical-biochemical condition of a liquid mixture (1) in a process in at least one container (3), e.g. a plastic bag (4), which is provided at a mixing means (5) on at least one mixing table (2), where said liquid mixture (1) is mixed by tilting of said mixing table (2). Sensors (8) are provided in said liquid mixture (1), which notice the physical-biochemical condition in the liquid mixture (1), which is registered in the form of measured measurement test results (9) in a computer/processor (7), in which they are compared with desired, predetermined determined measurement test results (10).

Abstract: A method for simultaneously detecting a size and concentration of ionic materials includes measuring voltage drop values of at least three ionic materials of which sizes and concentrations are known using each of at least two FET-based sensors having different electrical characteristics, determining at least three points in a three-dimensional plot from the known sizes, concentrations and the measured voltage drop values, approximating the at least three points into a single plane, measuring a voltage drop value of an ionic material of which size and concentration are unknown using the at least two FET-based sensors, determining equipotential lines existing on the plane using the voltage drop value of the unknown ionic material and determining a cross point between each of the equipotential lines.

Abstract: A flow path switching valve is provided, in which an impact due to the pressure change when a flow path is switched is prevented from being generated. (A) A rotor slot 1c allows an analysis infusion pump 11 to be connected to an analytical column 13, so as to form a flow path (condensing procedure). (B) The rotor of the flow path switching valve 1 is rotated clockwise for 30 degrees, the rotor slot 1c allows the analysis infusion pump 11, the analytical column 13, and a trap column 5 be connected. After the pressure in the trap column 5 is raised to the same pressure level as that of the analytical column 13, the pressure is stabilized, and the pressure difference between the two columns 5 and 13 is counteracted (high-pressure procedure).

Abstract: A method of determining a phase separation concentration of a sample substance in a solution, comprises the steps of measuring values of a physical quantity of the solution containing the sample substance with at least one sample substance concentration lower then the phase separation concentration, wherein the physical quantity characterizes an interaction of the solution with sound waves, determining a concentration function representing a dependency of the physical quantity on the sample substance concentration lower then the phase separation concentration, and determining the phase separation concentration as a concentration value at which the concentration function equals a predetermined critical value of the physical quantity of the solution containing the sample substance in a saturated condition. Furthermore, a concentration determining device is described.

Abstract: A method is provided for simulating and/or demonstrating and/or enhancing photoactive properties, such as hydrophilicity, of a surface, such as a photoactive surface. One embodiment includes providing a photoactive surface and applying a peroxide-containing material, such as an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, over at least a portion of the surface. An optional resinous layer, such as an at least partly hydrolyzed polymethoxysiloxane layer, can be applied over the surface. A kit to practice the method and an article made using the method are also provided.

Abstract: A cantilever probe-based instrument is controlled to reduce the lateral loads imposed on the probe as a result of probe/sample interaction. In a preferred embodiment, the probe tip and/or sample are driven to move laterally relative to one another as a function of cantilever deflection in order to compensate for lateral tip motion that would otherwise be caused by cantilever deflection. In the case of a probe having a passive cantilever, the sample and/or the probe as a whole are driven to move laterally to obtain the desired magnitude of compensation as direct function of cantilever deflection. In the case of a probe having an active cantilever, the sample or probe may be moved as a function of cantilever drive signal, or the cantilever may be controlled to bend as a function of cantilever drive signal so that the tip moves to obtain the desired magnitude of compensation.

Abstract: A topographic profile of a structure is generated using atomic force microscopy. The structure is scanned such that an area of interest of the structure is scanned at a higher resolution than portions of the structure outside of the area of interest. An profile of the structure is then generated based on the scan. To correct skew and tilt of the profile, a first feature of the profile is aligned with a first axis of a coordinate system. The profile is then manipulated to align a second feature of the profile with a second axis of the coordinate system.

Abstract: A method for controlling the flow through an exhaust sampling system includes sensing an operating characteristic of a power source, extracting a sample of an exhaust flow of the power source, combining the sample with an additional flow of fluid, and measuring a particulate level of the combined flow. A flow rate of the extracted sample is controlled to be substantially proportional to a flow rate of the exhaust flow based on a difference between the combined flow and the additional flow.

Abstract: A brake wear measurement apparatus for use on a brake assembly equipped with a wear pin having a diameter and an exposed height, which comprises a plunger sleeve having a first end and a second end, and an inner diameter larger than the wear pin outer diameter; a plunger slidably mounted in the plunger sleeve having a corresponding first end and second end and wherein the plunger first end is exposed, such that when the brake wear measurement apparatus is placed over the wear pin, the wear pin contacts the plunger first end, and moves the plunger within said plunger sleeve a retraction distance delta, which corresponds to the wear pin exposed height; a plunger stop mechanism, which prevents the plunger from sliding out of the plunger sleeve when no external force is applied to the plunger; and, a locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism acts to prevent the plunger from sliding within the plunger sleeve when said locking mechanism is engaged.

Abstract: A tire pressure detection side receiving circuit includes an antenna resonance circuit having an antenna, a capacitor and a coil, a capacitance changing circuit for changing a capacitance of the capacitor, an oscillation circuit capable of imparting a test wave to the antenna resonance circuit, a resonance level detector capable of detecting a resonance level of the antenna resonance circuit, a memory storing preset reference frequency, a resonance frequency detector changing a frequency of the test wave to be imparted to the antenna resonance circuit while the capacitor of the antenna resonance circuit is maintained at a constant capacitance, thereby detecting, as a measured resonance frequency, a frequency in a case where an amplitude level of the test wave has reached a peak, and a tuning control controlling the capacitance changing circuit and changing the capacitor capacitance so that the measured resonance frequency is approximated to a reference frequency.

Abstract: A vehicle's tire pressure is monitored such that an actual pressure (Pm) measured within the tire is compared to a set pressure (PcTm) which has been corrected for the measured value of the temperature (Tm) in order to trigger a pressure alert in the event of a pressure leak. If the tire is cooling, the pressure alerts are stopped if the variation temperature per unit of time (a negative value in a cooling tire) is less than a threshold temperature drift value (also a negative value). Thus, the pressure alerts are stopped when the tire cools at a rapid rate, indicating that the tire is not moving.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the contactless detection of flat objects, particularly in sheet form, such as paper, films, foils, plates and similar flat materials or packs. In said methods and devices, e.g. in the printing industry there is a need for bringing about a reliable, precise detection of single, missing or multiple sheets, particularly double sheets of the flat objects.

Abstract: A system for planning wardrobe and activities includes a weather sensing unit configured to wirelessly transmit weather conditions, a weather condition display module configured to receive the transmitted weather conditions, and a reflective surface integrally coupled to the weather condition display.

Abstract: A system for determining angle of attack and angle of sideslip of an air vehicle is described. The system includes a plurality of mass flow sensors, at least a portion of which are mounted to result in a differential in air flow across the respective mass air flow sensors. The system also includes a controller configured to receive signals from the flow sensors and determine at least one of the angle of attack and the angle of sideslip for the air vehicle.

Abstract: A process and device for mounting a clamp-on flow rate measurement device on a measurement pipe using a mounting device having a holding strap with catches. The holding strap can be fastened on the measurement pipe by the holding strap being guided into and through the catch and tightened. A holder is attached to the holding strap to which the clamp-on flow rate measurement device can be fastened. First the mounting device is mounted on the measurement pipe, afterwards the clamp-on flow rate measurement device is attached to the holder without the holding strap being completely tensioned, so that the clamp-on flow rate measurement device is loosely held on the measurement pipe. Then, after aligning the clamp-on flow rate measurement device is, the clamp-on flow rate measurement device is completely attached to the holding means by further tensioning of the holding strap by lifting the catch off the measurement pipe.

Abstract: A flow rate measuring element of a thermal type flow sensor is placed in the fluid to be measured. The element includes: a first heating resistor for measuring a flow rate; a second heating resistor for heating a support for the first heating resistor; and current control circuits and which control heating resistor supply current so that the temperature of the second heating resistor is higher than the temperature of the first heating resistor.

Abstract: A multiphase-liquid level sensing system for sensing a layer depth and thickness of a liquid of a first phase that floats on a liquid of a different second phase includes an elongated stem that defines an elongated cavity. A float, which exhibits a sensible property, is disposed coaxially around the elongated stem and has negative buoyancy relative to the liquid of the first phase and positive buoyancy relative to the liquid of the second phase. A level sensor senses the sensible property and indicates a second phase liquid distance from the float to the bottom of the stem. An overburden sensor extends downwardly from the stem senses total liquid thickness of the liquid above the overburden sensor. A computational circuit calculates a layer depth and thickness of the liquid of the first phase, based on input from the level sensor and the overburden sensor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for determining a fluid level in a vessel. The system comprises a first differential pressure transducer, a second differential pressure transducer, a pressure delivery system, and a fluid passage. The first differential pressure transducer includes a first side and a second side. The first side is selectively in fluid communication with a portion of the vessel above the fluid level. The second differential pressure transducer includes a third side and a fourth side. The third side is selectively in fluid communication with a portion of the vessel below the fluid level. The fluid passage is in fluid communication with the second side of the first transducer, the fourth side of the second transducer, and the pressure delivery mechanism.

Abstract: A method of retro-fitting a moisture detection fitting in the wall of a building in accordance with the following steps: forming a space which proceeds into the wall; and inserting the moisture detection fitting into the space such that a probe of the fitting: 1) presses into timber framing within the wall, or 2) stops short of timber framing within the wall but contacts a moisture absorbent filler forming part of the fitting and wherein the filler can absorb moisture from the timber framing. The moisture detection fitting being fitted substantially permanently such that when it is in use a moisture detection device can be detachably connected to the fitting outside the wall and use the probes, and if appropriate the filler, to measure a moisture content of the timber framing.

Abstract: An axle assembly for a vehicle includes an axle housing having a tubular portion. A bimetallic sensor mount having a first region of corrosion resistant material and a second region of weldable material is welded to the tubular portion. A differential unit including a side gear is disposed in a central cavity of the axle housing. An axleshaft having a shaft portion and a target portion with a plurality of teeth is disposed in the tubular portion of the axle housing. The shaft portion is coupled to the side gear. A sensor is coupled to the sensor mount and extends through an aperture in the mount and the tubular portion to locate an end portion of the sensor a predetermined distance from the teeth of the target portion. A method of making an axle assembly having a sintered bimetallic sensor mount is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a tri-axial accelerometer with a magnetic sensing element, and has little or no magnetic shielding. Magnetic fields which would otherwise adversely affect the output of the accelerometer are measured and removed from the calculated accelerations in each dimension.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for detecting the environmental influence on a sensor by means of a variation of an electrical conductivity of a layer of the sensor, a device for detecting the environmental influence on sensors by detecting a variation of the electrical conductivity of a layer of the sensors, and a sensor device for detecting the environmental influence by means of a variation of an electrical conductivity of a layer of the sensor and by detecting a deposition inside the volume or on the surface thereof and/or the interaction of an environmental material or a substance to be measured on the same sensor.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a sensing instrument capable to detect a substance existing in a very small quantity, such as environmental pollutants, instantly with a high degree of precision. As a specific means for solving the problem, a frequency signal from a crystal oscillator is sampled using a frequency signal from a reference clock generating part, the sampling value is outputted in a digital signal, quadrature detection is conducted with the digital signal for a frequency signal corresponding to the output signal, the rotational vector rotating at a frequency corresponding to the difference between the frequency of the frequency signal and the frequency of a sinusoidal wave used for the quadrature detection is taken out, and the variation of the frequency is detected by detecting the velocity of the rotational vector based on the respective sampling values.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measurement of mass of small sample sizes. The method and apparatus is particularly adapted for providing microbalance measurement of solid materials as part of a combinatorial research program. The method and apparatus contemplate monitoring the response of a resonator holding a sample and correlating the response with mass change in the samples.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor is provided with a substrate unit where a thin-walled portion is arranged and a piezoelectric oscillator which is formed at the substrate unit. The piezoelectric oscillator includes two electrodes and a piezoelectric film positioned between the two electrodes. The thin-walled portion and the piezoelectric oscillator construct a membrane structure which will resonate at a predetermined frequency.

Abstract: A pressure transducer that does not breech the vessel wall is described. The pressure is determined by introducing an impulse to cause vibrations in the vessel, measuring the vibration, and determining the pressure inside the vessel as a function of one or more frequencies of the measured vibrations in the vessel wall. A PVDF transducer sensor may be used to measure the vibrations, and the vibration data may be transformed from the time domain to the frequency domain using a Digital Fourier transform. Mechanisms and hardware used to measure and calculate the internal pressure may include dedicated laboratory hardware, PC and PDA based systems, or a fully embedded microcontroller with accuracy and cost that rivals current technology.