Abstract: A thermal transfer device having a first substrate layer, a second substrate layer and first and second electrodes disposed between the first substrate layer and the second substrate layer. The thermal transfer device also includes a release layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and an actuator disposed adjacent the first and second electrodes. The actuator is adapted to separate the first and second electrodes from the release layer to open a thermotunneling gap between the first and second electrodes, and wherein the actuator is adapted to actively control the thermotunneling gap.

Abstract: An electricity generating and air conditioning system with a dehumidifier. The system includes an engine, a generator connected to an output shaft of the engine to generate electricity, a dehumidifying agent body to dehumidify indoor air, a regeneration heater to regenerate the dehumidifying agent body, and a waste heat recovering means to supply waste heat of the engine to the regeneration heater, and thus, to allow the regeneration heater to use the supplied waste heat as a heat source for the regeneration of the dehumidifying agent body, so that the system exhibits a maximal efficiency.

Abstract: A cogeneration system is disclosed. The cogeneration system includes a heat pump type air conditioner, a waste heat recoverer to recover waste heat of a drive source, a waste heat supplying heat exchanger, which is heated by the waste heat recovered by the waste heat recoverer, and a bypassing unit, which causes the waste heat supplying heat exchanger to function as an evaporator during a heating operation of the heat pump type air conditioner. In accordance with this arrangement, it is possible to enhance the heating capacity of the heat pump type air conditioner irrespective of outdoor temperature, to prevent damage of compressors, and to minimize power consumption.

Abstract: An environmental control system for an aircraft having an air pump that is powered by bleed air from an engine of the aircraft. Although the air pump is powered by engine bleed air, the air pump draws ambient fresh air from outside the aircraft, compresses the fresh air to a predetermined pressure and pumps compressed fresh air into the pressurized cabin of the aircraft without ever exposing the fresh air to the compressed engine air. To heat the compressed fresh air, heat from the engine bleed air can be transferred to the compressed fresh air with a heat exchanger. However, although heat is exchanged between the engine bleed air and the compressed fresh air, the two flows of air are kept separate and are never mixed.

Abstract: A stackable heat transfer system incorporating a plurality of flow controlled endcaps facilitating select flow of heat transfer fluid through low profile extrusions. The low profile extrusions are mounted in a sandwiched configuration with thermal electric cooling arrays for providing heat dissipation from the cooler arrays and the heat transfer from a low profile extrusion sandwiched the cooler arrays.

Abstract: A combined type air conditioner is disclosed, by which manufacturing or assembly of the air conditioner is facilitated. The present invention includes a cabinet forming an exterior of the air conditioner to suck and blow an air by driving a blowing fan and an air guide provided within the cabinet to accommodate the blowing fan, the air guide guiding the air introduced into the cabinet to an air blowing port provided to the cabinet. And, the air guide includes a lower guide provided to a bottom of the cabinet and an upper guide assembled to an upper part of the lower guide to cover an upper side of the blowing fan, the upper guide having a blowing guide guiding an air-conditioned air to the air blowing port.

Abstract: A system and method for de-icing a recondensor includes at least one heating element configured to melt iced particles from a recondensing system. A power delivery circuit is included configured to deliver power to the at least one resistive heating element such that the at least one resistive heating element delivers a supply of heat sufficient to melt the iced particles from the recondensing system.

Abstract: In a refrigerant circuit (20), a refrigerator circuit (110) and a freezing circuit (30) are connected in parallel to an outdoor circuit (40). In the freezing circuit (30), a freezer circuit (130) and a booster circuit (140) are connected in series. A booster compressor (141) and a four-way switch valve (142) are provided in the booster circuit (140). During the time when a freezer heat exchanger (131) performs cooling operation for cooling the inside air, refrigerant evaporated in the freezer heat exchanger (131) is compressed in the booster compressor (141), and then, is sucked into a variable capacitance compressor (41). On the other hand, during defrosting of the freezer heat exchanger (131), the refrigerant evaporated in a refrigerator heat exchanger (111) is compressed in the booster compressor (141), and then, is supplied to the freezer heat exchanger (131).

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system is characterized by an ice/beverage dispenser and a remote beverage tower. The dispenser has a cold plate, a carbonator pump and a carbonator tank and the tower has a carbonator tank. To chill the tower carbonator tank, a closed loop fluid circuit extends between and heat exchange couples the dispenser cold plate and the tower carbonator tank. The dispenser carbonator pump can be used to circulate water through the closed loop circuit or a carbonator pump for the tower can be used for the purpose. A valve arrangement is provided for and as part of the dispenser cold plate to conveniently enable the dispenser to be switched between stand-alone operation and operation as a base unit for the remote tower. Arrangement is also made to cause ice agitation at the dispenser in response to drinks dispense at the remote tower to maintain a supply on the cold plate.

Abstract: A cooling fan apparatus includes a main housing assembly which includes a front housing end, a rear housing end, and a plurality of housing air channels located at the rear housing end. A fan assembly is supported in the main housing assembly near the front housing end. A solid coolant retaining assembly, for retaining a block of water ice, is supported in the main housing assembly and is located between the fan assembly and the rear housing end. The solid coolant retaining assembly includes a plurality of retainer air channels, and an access door is connected to the main housing assembly for allowing access to the solid coolant retaining assembly through the main housing assembly. Preferably, the main housing assembly further includes housing air channels located on side portions of the main housing assembly. A drainage receptacle is connected to the solid coolant retaining assembly for receiving the liquid melt from the ice.

Abstract: A sorptive heat exchanger (E), which presents a plurality of heat exchange channels (10) in thermal contact with respective sorption channels (11), where sorption material (12) is fixed on the internal surfaces of channels (11).

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a process for distilling a fluid mixture in a microchannel distillation unit, the microchannel distillation unit comprising a plurality of microchannel distillation sections, the fluid mixture comprising a more volatile component and a less volatile component, the process comprising: flowing a vapor phase of the fluid mixture in a first microchannel distillation section in contact with a liquid phase of the fluid mixture, part of the more volatile component transferring from the liquid phase to the vapor phase to form a more volatile component rich vapor phase, part of the less volatile component transferring from the vapor phase to the liquid phase to form a less volatile component rich liquid phase; separating the more volatile component rich vapor phase from the less volatile component rich liquid phase; flowing the less volatile component rich liquid phase to another microchannel distillation section upstream from the first microchannel distillation section; and flowing

Abstract: A method for fabricating silica glass is disclosed. The method includes the steps of (a) hydrolyzing silicon alkoxide; (b) hydrolyzing heterometal alkoxide containing Bi and Ti components; (c) mixing a solution containing hydrolyzed products of the silicon alkoxide and a solution containing hydrolyzed products of the heterometal alkoxide, thus forming a mixed solution; (d) molding gel by pouring the mixed solution into a forming mold; (e) drying the molded gel; and (e) performing heat-treatment of the dried gel so as to vitrify the gel.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for manufacturing a large scale quartz glass slab ingot in a flame hydrolysis reaction in a furnace, including the steps of rotating the furnace, depositing a fused silica on a furnace bed, and extending the deposit outwardly by heating and rotation of the furnace, thereby a quartz glass slab ingot is obtained. A quartz glass burner is installed at the ceiling of the furnace, hydrogen gas supplied to the burner flows down along the tapered wall of the oxygen chamber and is ejected into the outer casing. Part of the hydrogen gas is deflected to the center of the burner and mixed with the oxygen just after the ejection from the oxygen gas nozzles. Thereby, the flame is formed smoothly and the thermal efficiency is improved. The flame becomes wide enough and the silica powder transported by the hydrogen gas is uniformly fused by the flame and heat capacity of the fused silica.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a glass panel and a glass panel manufactured such a method, comprising a pair of glass plates opposed to each other to define a void therebetween by a number of space-maintaining members arranged along plate surfaces with predetermined intervals between rows, and a thermally meltable seal member for joining the glass plates throughout a circumference thereof to be hermetically sealed by a heat-joining process. The void between the glass plates being decompressed by a decompressing process, and the distance between outermost rows of the space-maintaining members and peripheral edges of the glass plates being at most 5.8 times the thickness of the thinner one of the glass plates.

Abstract: A method for producing a thin-plate-shaped substrate blank that is an intermediate for a glass substrate, in which the occurrence of undulation is prevented and the substrate blank is produced with high accuracy, the method comprising press-molding a glass in a softened state with a mold having an upper mold member and a lower mold member to produce the thin-plate-shaped substrate blank, wherein the glass in a softened state is press-molded without causing any surrounding edge portion of the substrate blank under the production to come into contact with the mold, to produce the substrate blank at least having no notch portion.

Abstract: The machine knitting needle of the invention, beginning at its hook (3), between the hook (3) and its latch bearing (9), has a convex or at least not concave shank contour, which defines the inner hook contour and on one end (18) adjoins the concave inner hook contour directly. It is attained as a result that the elevation angle which a yarn (23), located in the hook (3), must overcome if it is to slide on the shank does not increase at any point along the inner contour (17). Preferably, it even decreases steadily. It thus has its maximum value inside a space which is defined on the one hand by the inner hook contour (15) and on the other by a plumb line (L) or (L1) which is dropped, from the hook tip (12) or its tapering portion (11), onto the needle back (16), or if the needle back is not oriented parallel to the direction of motion of the machine knitting needle, onto the arrow that defines the direction of motion.

Abstract: A cupboard-like washing machine includes a conveyer belt for moving the item to be washed in a cycle during a drying process. The dryer can be embodied as an air circulation dryer or an air evacuation dryer. Moving the item to be washed using the conveyer belt reduced the drying time. A rinsing container that is disposed in the rear wall of the housing is used as a heat exchanger.

Abstract: Structure of driving unit in a drum type washing machine including a tub mounted inside of a cabinet, a drum mounted inside of the tub, a shaft connected to the drum mounted inside of the tub for transmission of a driving force from a motor to the drum, a front bearing and a rear bearing mounted on an outer circumference of the shaft at opposite end portions thereof respectively, a bearing housing built in a central portion of a rear wall of the tub for supporting the front bearing, a rotor composing the motor together with the rotor, and coupled to the rear end portion of the shaft, a stator fixed to the tub rear wall inward of the rotor to compose the motor together with the rotor, a connector serration coupled to the outer circumference of the shaft in front of the rear bearing and fixed to the rotor, for transmission of a rotating power from the rotor to the shaft, and a bearing bracket fixed to the rear wall of the tub to cover an outside of the rotor and support the rear bearing, thereby reducing noise,

Abstract: A security box includes an outer box, an inner box and a lock cable. The outer box comprises a compartment adapted to receive the inner box therein. The outer box further comprises a first lock hole. The inner box comprises a second lock hole, a lock core hole, a lock core and a sleeve. The sleeve has a first blind hole and a second blind hole corresponding to the second lock hole and the lock core hole respectively. The lock core has a blind hole corresponding to the first blind hole and the second lock hole. A lock cable has a lock rod at one end and a lock ring at the opposite end thereof. The lock rod is inserted through the first lock hole, the second lock hole, and the first blind hole to be secured in the blind hole of the lock core.

Abstract: The rolling mill comprises a pair of work rolls for rolling a plate material in the thickness direction, a guide for guiding the leading end of the plate material between the work rolls, and a rolling oil supply member for supplying rolling oil between the work rolls through a rolling oil passage formed within the guide. The rolling mill further comprises a temperature adjusted oil passage formed within the guide separately from the rolling oil passage, and a temperature adjusted oil supply member for applying temperature adjusted oil having a different temperature from the rolling oil to the work rolls through the temperature adjusted oil passage so as to control the crown rate of the work rolls, improving the controllability of the crown rate of the work roll.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a tube between a pair of dies. The tube is captured between a pair of dies having die surfaces constructed of an electrically non-conducting material defining a die cavity therein. The ends of the tube are sealed and electrical current is applied to the tube to induce electrical resistance heating of the tube. The interior of the tube is pressurized to expand the tube into the cavity to thereby form the heated tube.

Abstract: A single action press for forming a shell used to make a can end includes a first tool and an opposed second tool. The first tool includes a die center insert that performs a forming operation on disc cut from a sheet of end material. The first tool is configured and arranged wherein force is supplied to the die center insert during the downstroke and force is removed from the die center insert at the bottom of the downstroke and at the start of the upstroke, to thereby enable the die center insert to disengage from the shell. One specific embodiment uses a die center piston and compressed air to apply force to the die center insert. Another embodiment uses a cam and cam follower arrangement to remove axial forces at the bottom of the downstroke and either springs or gas pressure to apply force to the die center insert during the downstroke.

Abstract: A crack test for a tubular structure includes a sensor ring disposed radially outward from a flare pin in a flaring press. The sensor ring is responsive to physical contact from a cracked flared end of a tube processed in the press.

Abstract: An impact sensor, or a method for testing the impact sensor. The impact sensor has a sensor element and a filter for filtering the signals of the sensor element. This filter is preferably a low-pass filter. Using a test signal, the filter is tested, and if there is a deviation the filter is corrected using a software filter or through a parametrization of the triggering algorithm.

Abstract: A ball joint for a motor vehicle includes a housing (6) having a cavity (5), and with a ball pivot (1), which has a pin (2) and a joint ball (3) and which, with its joint ball (3), is mounted in the cavity (5) of the housing (6) in a manner that permits it to rotate and pivot. The journal (2) extends through an opening (7) provided in the housing and out therefrom. The inventive ball joint also comprises sealing bellows (11), which are placed between the housing (6) and the journal (2). A multipart measuring arrangement is provided having at least one signal transmitter (17, 18) and at least one sensor (20, 21, 22). The measuring arrangement is placed between the pin-side end of the joint ball (3) and the pin-side end of the sealing bellows (11).

Abstract: In a fuel cell system, a reformer supplies reformate to a fuel cell stack. A portion of the reformate flow is diverted for analysis by a hydrocarbon analysis system. Residual hydrocarbons in the reformate may damage the anodes of the fuel cell stack. Although incompletely-reformed reformate may include a variety of hydrocarbon compounds, the invention simply measures methane as an indicator of the overall performance level of the reformer. A currently preferred embodiment includes a catalytic combustion methane sensor. Combustion air and reformate are delivered in a fixed ratio to the sensor via positive displacement pumps. The system can provide alarm means or optionally a shut-off means to protect a fuel cell stack from elevated levels of hydrocarbons in the reformate stream.

Abstract: A method of gas chromatograph mass spectrometry with a negative chemical ionization (NCI) process includes analyzing a standard substance for the NCI by deriving with a derivatization reagent a fatty acid with a multiple number of carbon atoms, measuring the standard substance for the NCI by negative chemical ionization, and obtaining a retention time for each of the number of carbon atoms. The method includes measuring, under a same condition, a standard sample of each of from one to a plurality of measurement object components by negative chemical ionization, and obtaining a respective retention time for each of the measurement object components, and obtaining a retention index for the NCI of each measurement object component using the respective retention time of the measurement object component, and the retention time of the standard substance. The index facilitates both correcting the retention time of each measurement object component, and identifying substances.

Abstract: The piezoelectric element of an engine knock sensor is held between upper and lower ring-shaped bases by two identical clips that extend through the piezoelectric element and engage each base. Each clip has a ring-shaped flange engaging a groove circumscribing the inner wall of one of the bases, with the flanges of the clips engaging opposite bases. Also, each clip has three legs that engage a groove in the opposite base. Each clip leg is disposed between two legs of the other clip.

Abstract: A method for evaluating lyophobicity of an inner wall of a fine tube having a lyophobic film formed on the inner wall includes a step of setting up a fine tube having a lyophobic film extending from an end of the inner wall of the fine tube to a predetermined position of the inner wall, in a liquid placed in a unit in such a manner that the lyophobic film is positioned uppermost and also includes a step of measuring the position of the liquid surface of the liquid that has risen in the fine tube and then stopped and then determining the position of the lower end of the lyophobic film.

Abstract: The invention relates to scanning magnetic microscope which has a photoluminescent nanoprobe implanted in the tip apex of an atomic force microscope (AFM), a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) or a near-field scanning optical microscope (NSOM) and exhibits optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) in the vicinity of unpaired electron spins or nuclear magnetic moments in the sample material. The described spin microscope has demonstrated nanoscale lateral resolution and single spin sensitivity for the AFM and STM embodiments.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for testing at least one performance characteristic of a vehicle.

Abstract: A cylinder discriminating device includes a cylinder discriminating section. A crank rotor includes first and second non-tooth portions asymmetrically positioned on the crank rotor. The first non-tooth portion is positioned to correspond to a top dead center of a specific cylinder. A crank signal is outputted when each of the plurality of the tooth portions is detected. A cam signal is outputted when a predetermined tooth portion of a cam rotor is detected. And, the cylinder discriminating section discriminates the specific cylinder by detecting the first non-tooth portion based on number of the crank signals detected during a time period from a time when one of the first and second non-tooth portions is detected to a time when the other of the first and second non-tooth portions is detected, and by detecting whether or not the cylinder discriminating section detects the cam signal during the same time period.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine, a structure-borne noise generated in a combustion chamber is detected by a structure-borne noise sensor. A quantity is ascertained on the basis of the structure-borne noise signal. A reference quantity of an undrifted structure-borne noise sensor is ascertained for a certain reference operating state for the combustion chamber, during continuous operation of the engine the quantity is ascertained for the reference operating state, and from a change over time of the ascertained quantity with respect to the reference quantity, a drift of the structure-borne noise sensor is ascertained.

Abstract: A method for determining output torque limits of a powertrain including an electrically variable transmission relies upon a model of the electrically variable transmission. Transmission operating space is defined by combined electric machine torque constraints and engine torque constraints. Output torque limits are determined at the limits of the transmission operating space.

Abstract: A micromechanical pressure sensor element, in particular for tire pressure measurement. The device has at least: a layer system having a diaphragm underneath which a cavity is formed, which is separated from an external space outside the pressure sensor element; a measuring device for measuring a deflection of the diaphragm; and a seismic mass formed on, underneath, or in the diaphragm. Furthermore, in a method for using such a pressure sensor element, the pressure sensor element is operatable in a sleep mode having lower power consumption and in an operating mode having higher power consumption; in the sleep mode a change in the measuring signals of the measuring device over time is checked, and if a relevant change in the measuring signals is detected, a position change is inferred and a switchover to the operating mode is performed, in which the measuring signals of the measuring device or the analysis signals formed from the measuring signals are transmitted via a transmitter, for example, an antenna.

Abstract: An apparatus for dynamically measuring a volume of fuel in a fuel tank of unknown geometry includes a fuel level sensor mounted on the fuel tank, a fuel meter for measuring a volume of fuel being consumed, and a rewritable look-up table storing correspondence between volumes of fuel and levels of fuel in the fuel tank. The loop-up table is rewritten as the oil in the tank is consumed. A system website is used for remotely monitoring the fuel tank of a building.

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 device for determining at least one parameter of a medium flowing in a line, in particular for determining the air mass flow rate in the intake manifold of an internal combustion engine, which include a line component 3 and a sensor device 1 having a bypass part 6, are known. To prevent separation of the flow at the sidewalls of the bypass part, it is provided that a flow diversion element 2 be positioned in the line component 3 upstream from the bypass part 6 with respect to the main flow direction 18 and have at least one diversion surface 20 facing the main flow direction 18, which, starting from an apex line 25 located at a distance from the bypass part 6, curves evenly on both sides toward the two sidewalls 16, 17 so that the ends 38 of the diversion surface 20 facing away from the apex line are aligned with the sidewalls 16, 17.

Abstract: Sensor equipment includes: a sensor device having a sensing portion; and an electric connection portion coated with an electric insulation member. The electric connection portion electrically connects an external circuit and the sensor device. The electric insulation member is a thin film disposed on the electric connection portion. In the sensor equipment, the insulation member is made of the deposition film, which is not deteriorated with time. Therefore, the insulation member does not flow out from the connection portion. Accordingly, detection sensitivity of the sensor equipment is prevented from reducing.

Abstract: A cross-component superconducting gravity gradiometer sensitive to off-diagonal components of the gradient tensor includes, for each gradient axis, a pair of closely matched angular accelerometers coupled by superconducting circuitry, including sensing circuits designed to minimize the sensitivity of the instrument to angular acceleration of the platform at which the angular accelerometers are mounted; and a mode-splitting circuitry designed to reduce a nonlinear coupling of angular acceleration to the output of the gravity gradiometer and to attain the operability of the instrument in a broader range in the frequency domain.

Abstract: A resonant micro-electro-mechanical system includes a microstructure having a mass which is free to oscillate in accordance with a predetermined degree of freedom, and a driving device coupled to the mass for maintaining the mass in oscillation at a resonance frequency. The driving device includes a differential sense amplifier supplying first signals indicative of a velocity of oscillation of the mass, and an actuation and control stage supplying second signals for driving the mass on the basis of the first signals. The driving device moreover includes a filtering circuit of a high-pass type, which is connected between the differential sense amplifier and the actuation and control stage, and has a bandpass that includes the resonance frequency.

Abstract: A thermal accelerometer device that provides a compensation for sensitivity variations over temperature. The thermal accelerometer includes signal conditioning circuitry operative to receive analog signals representing a differential temperature is indicative of a sensed acceleration. The signal conditioning circuitry includes serially connected A-to-D and D-to-A converters, which implement a temperature dependent function and process the received signals to provide a compensation for sensitivity variations over a range of ambient temperature. To provide a ratiometric compensation for variations in power supply voltage, a buffered voltage proportional to the supply voltage is provided as a reference voltage to the D-to-A converter. The thermal accelerometer includes a self-test circuit for verifying the integrity of a heater, temperature sensors, and circuitry included within the device.

Abstract: The accelerometer uses magnetic transducer technology. A mass-block, mounted to a base by an elongate member (shaft), moves relative to the base due to accelerations. The elongate-member has at least one magnetised transducer region (circumferential or longitudinal), which emanates a magnetic field as a function of member flexure due to acceleration of the mass-block. A sensor adjacent the transducer detects the field and derives a acceleration-representing signal. Alternatively, a mass-block is mounted to a central hub of a disc which is radially secured and has an intermediate region that flexes in response to acceleration. The intermediate region is magnetised to provide the magnetic transducer element. Otherwise, the mass-block is supported in an aperture of a reference-base by cores of inductors. The core permeability is a function of the compressive tensile forces on the cores due to acceleration of the mass-block.

Abstract: The present invention provides sensors based on micromachined ultrasonic transducer technology. The sensors preferably include a plurality of sensor elements, but may include only one sensor element. Arrays of sensors are also provided. Sensor elements include a functionalized membrane supported over a substrate by a support frame. The functionalized membrane, support frame and substrate together form a vacuum gap. The sensor element is connected to an electrical circuit, which is configured to operate the sensor element at or near an open circuit resonance condition. The mechanical resonance frequency of the functionalized membrane is responsive to binding of an agent to the membrane. Thus, the sensor element also includes a detector, where the detector provides a sensor output responsive to the mechanical resonance frequency of the sensor element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and method of non-destructively monitoring reactive material through a substrate for changes in material properties that designate the condition of the reactive material during cure and service life. A transducer is placed on a portion of the substrate generally parallel to an interface of the substrate to the reactive material. The ultrasonic waves generated via the transducer are used to detect reflected sound waves upon encountering the interfaces, where the interfaces consist of changes in material properties across the substrate.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, the present technique provides a testing apparatus for testing material integrity of an object. The exemplary testing apparatus includes a phased array transducer, which is disposed external to the object. The phased array transducer is configured to transmit a first set of ultrasonic signals and to receive a second set of ultrasonic signals. The testing apparatus further includes logic circuitry coupled to the phased array transducer. The logic circuitry is configured to dynamically control apertures for transmitting the first set of ultrasonic signals and receiving the second set of ultrasonic signals based on a region of interest and a testing speed.

Abstract: An accurate measure of normally operating noise is required for a useful noise measurement system. A device is needed to make a representative measure of the boat's acoustic power using measured boat sound level with integrated corrections for sensed distance to the boat and measured ambient sound level. This device needs to make this measurement process invisible, automatic, and accurate from a law enforcement point of view.

Abstract: A pressure indicating apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus indicates pressure change in a device, the apparatus comprises: a pointer, optical sensing means, a planar element and indicating means. The pointer moves in response to the change in pressure, which in turn moves the planar element. Light from the optical sensing means is incident on the planar element. The planar element varies the incident light, which is picked up by a conversion means. The conversion means converts light energy to electrical energy that is used to illuminate LED from an array of LED's or activates any one LCD component from the array LCD's in the display provided in the indicating means to indicate pressure.

Abstract: A vacuum measuring cell has a first housing body and a membrane, both of Al2O3 ceramic or sapphire. The membrane is planar with a peripheral edge joined by a first seal to the first housing body to form a reference vacuum chamber. A second housing body of Al2O3 ceramic or sapphire opposite the membrane, is joined to the peripheral edge of the membrane by a second seal to form a measurement vacuum chamber. A port connects the vacuum measuring cell to a medium to be measured. At least in the central area of the first housing body, an optical transparent window is formed and at least the central region of the membrane has an optically reflective surface. Outside the reference vacuum chamber, in opposition to and at a distance from the window, an optical fibre is arranged for feeding in and out light onto the surface of the membrane.