Abstract: Provided is a differential pressure sensor capable of improving joining stability of a filter. The differential pressure sensor includes: a sensor module configured to detect a pressure difference between an atmospheric pressure and a pressure of a measured medium; a case body, which is configured to contain the sensor module, and in which an atmosphere introducing hole for introducing atmospheric air into the case body is formed; and a filter provided from inside the case body to cover the atmosphere introducing hole, the case body having a protrusion, which protrudes to an inside of the case body, the atmosphere introducing hole being formed in the protrusion, the filter being joined to the protrusion.

Abstract: A method of calibrating an offset of a pressure sensor, by which an offset of a sensing value of a pressure sensor, which detects a pressure of hydrogen in a fuel cell system, is accurately calibrated. The method includes receiving, by a controller, a sensing value of a pressure sensor which detects a hydrogen pressure in a state where a hydrogen supply starts after a start of a fuel cell system; counting, by the controller, a time for which the sensing value of the pressure sensor increases from a first pressure P1 to a second pressure P2; calculating, by the controller, an offset value corresponding to the counted time by use of stored setting data; and calibrating, by the controller, a subsequent sensing value of the pressure sensor by the calculated offset value in real time when the offset value is calculated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of associating at least one state in a plurality of states to a new value output by a drifting sensor, the method comprising: /a/ receiving a signal from the sensor, said signal comprising a plurality of values; /b/clustering the values of said signal into a number of clusters equal to the number of the plurality of states, each cluster being associated with a respective state in the plurality of states; /c/ for the new value of the signal, associating at least one state in said plurality of states or a probability rating representing the probability to be associated with one state in said plurality of states for said new value of the signal, the associated state or the associated probability rating being determined based on at least distances (dH, dL) of said new value of the signal to respective clusters.

Abstract: Methods of compensating for undesired influences in a pressure transmitter wherein the pressure transmitter comprises a body for housing a low-pressure sensor and a high-pressure sensor each of which is in fluid communication with a port and in further fluid communication with each other through a connector tube containing a fill fluid. Various embodiments of the compensation process use one of the high-pressure and the low-pressure sensor as a common reference, compensating for changes in calibration, such as changes in the effective areas or spring rates of the non-reference sensor.

Abstract: In order to perform a zero-point calibration of a measuring assembly according to the differential pressure principle, which measuring assembly has a measuring transducer having a measuring cell, which measuring transducer is connected to at least one evaluating unit and at least one communication unit with regard to signaling, the digital signals provided to a communication unit are recorded. At least one characteristic value relevant to the zero-point calibration is determined from the digital signals. The at least one relevant characteristic value at a first time is stored as a reference characteristic value. At a second time lying after the first time, at least one relevant characteristic value is determined as a current characteristic value. A comparison of the reference characteristic value and the current characteristic value is performed. A zero-point calibration of the measuring assembly occurs if the result of the comparison lies outside of a specified tolerance.

Abstract: Fault detection techniques for control of sensor systems. A sensor control integrated circuit (“IC”) may include a fault detection system for coupling to the sensor supply lines. The system may detect faults for each of the sensor supply lines. The fault detection system may level shift sensor supply line signals from a first voltage domain to a second voltage domain appropriate for the fault detection system of the controller IC. The fault detection system may level shift source potential voltages from the first voltage domain to the second voltage domain to detect predetermined fault types. The fault detection system may compare the second domain voltages from the sensor supply lines to voltages representing predetermined fault types and may generate fault status indicators based on the comparison.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided to field adjust offset values for packaged sensors incorporated in devices. Embodiments provide for a processor in the sensor package to measure current environmental conditions and set a zero offset for the sensors in the package in light of those current environmental conditions. In this manner, any changes in the sensor over the sensor's lifetime and current environmental conditions that can affect functioning of the sensor can be accounted for in operational measurements taken by the device.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to accurately detect a sensitivity abnormality of an in-cylinder pressure sensor over a wide operating range without using other sensor outputs or the like. Based on only the output of an in-cylinder pressure sensor 44, an ECU 50 acquires a first parameter that is affected by an output sensitivity of the sensor, and a second parameter that is not affected by the output sensitivity. Specifically, the ECU 50 acquires a heat release quantity PV? as the first parameter, and acquires an indicated torque ratio (A2/A1) as a second parameter. The ECU 50 also calculates a determination coefficient ? that is a ratio between the first and second parameters, and determines that the output sensitivity of the in-cylinder pressure sensor 44 is abnormal when the determination coefficient ? deviates from an allowable range.

Abstract: Systems and methods for calibrating pressure gauges in one or more process chambers coupled to a transfer chamber having a transfer volume is disclosed herein. The method includes providing a first pressure in the transfer volume and in a first inner volume of a first process chamber coupled to the transfer chamber, wherein the transfer volume and the first inner volume are fluidly coupled, injecting a calibration gas into the transfer volume to raise a pressure in the transfer volume and in the first inner volume to a second pressure, measuring the second pressure using each of a reference pressure gauge coupled to the transfer chamber and a first pressure gauge coupled to the first process chamber while the transfer volume and the first inner volume are fluidly coupled, and calibrating the first pressure gauge based on a difference in the measured second pressure between the reference pressure gauge and the first pressure gauge.

Abstract: A valve assembly (1) for measuring differential pressures in a fluid system where the valve assembly includes a differential pressure sensor (12) for registration of differential pressures, a first cavity (22) with a calibrating cone (10) displaceable between measuring and a zero point calibration/flushing position. The valve assembly (1) includes a valve body (7) with two connections (13, 14) and a second cavity (15) arranged with a safety valve cone (8) which protects the differential pressure sensor (12). The safety valve cone (8), by differential pressures higher than a dimensioned value, is moved in a direction towards the low pressure side and, as a result, a passage between high and low pressure side is opened, from one connection (13) to the other connection (14) via the second cavity (15) and via provided cavities (24) and recesses (25) in the safety valve cone (8), whereby a pressure equalizing occurs.

Abstract: A valve assembly (1) included in a system for measuring differential pressures in a fluid system and where the valve assembly (1) includes a valve body (7) with an inlet (13) and an outlet (14) for connection to the fluid system, ducts (32, 33) for communication with a differential pressure sensor (12) for registration the differential pressure, a cavity (22) including a calibration cone (10) which is movable in the cavity (22) between a measuring position and a position for zero point calibration/flushing via the valve assembly (1). In instances when the measuring position of the device does not exists, the calibration cone (10) separates the differential pressure sensor (12) from the fluid system, i.e., in its initial position, and, at the same time, the valve assembly (1), in this position, is automatic flushed so as to get rid of any enclosed air in the valve assembly (1).

Abstract: A method of calibrating a metabolic analyzer incorporating an oxygen analyzer and a NDIR carbon dioxide analyzer in the field that does not require the use of gas cylinders containing gases of known concentration is described. In calibrating the CO2 detector, at the time of factory setup, the detector output for a gas of a known concentration is measured and stored in the memory of the metabolic analyzer's microprocessor, as is the detector output voltage when the IR source is dimmed by a known percentage. Subsequently, in the field, CO2 levels in ambient air and cell pressure are measured at two different flow rates through the sample chamber and the IR source is again dimmed by the same percentage as had been used at the time of factory setup. Based upon the resulting readings, both the zeroing and span adjustment factors can be computed.

Abstract: For calibrating a humidity sensor, the latter is used to measure the relative humidity (U1, U2) at each of two known gas pressure values (P1, P2), likewise to be measured if necessary. At the same time, other ambient conditions are kept constant. A correction value for correction of the measured values of the humidity sensor to be subtracted from the latter is then obtained from the formula: k=((P1/P2)*U2?U1)/(P1/P2?1). The humidity sensor is thus capable of calibration without measurement of the actual humidity value.

Abstract: The invention provides an automatic zero point correction device that includes a pressure sensor, wherein output from the sensor is outputted and the sensor output is inputted to a time-varying zero point drift correction means of the sensor; a sensor output judgement means of the time-varying zero point drift correction means, wherein the sensor output judgement means operates to make a judgement determining whether the sensor output is larger than a set value; and operating condition judgement means of the time-varying zero point drift correction means, wherein the operating condition judgement means judges operating conditions of the sensor, wherein the time-varying zero point drift correction means operates to cancel time-varying zero point drift of the sensor when the sensor output judgement means determines sensor output is larger than the set value and the operating condition judgement means determines operating conditions of the sensor are within previously set operating conditions.

Abstract: In a method for determining the reset time in a pressure sensor that detects the pressure in a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine and emits a corresponding pressure signal, with the pressure curve in the combustion chamber having at least one high-pressure region the reset time is determined as a function of at least one pressure value detected in the high-pressure phase, so that it is possible, within the sensor, to determine a favorable time at which to reset the drift, based on the pressure range. In the method, information about the auxiliary rotation speed is determined based on the pressure curve of the compression phase and is then used to generate the reset time, the method entails only slight circuitry-related expense and can therefore be implemented even in an ASIC without complex signal processing, and the method functions in almost all known engine operating states.

Abstract: A method and system for calibrating an analog sensor used in a digital measurement system is provided. The design comprises generating a precise pressure value set at multiple calibration points and supplying said precise pressure value set to an uncalibrated pressure sensor, detecting sensor changes for the uncalibrated pressure sensor based on each precise pressure value generated, polling an actual pressure reading associated with a sensor change for the uncalibrated pressure sensor for each calibration point, and establishing a mathematical relationship between measured value readings and actual pressure for the uncalibrated sensor. Establishing the mathematical relationship converts the uncalibrated sensor to a newly calibrated sensor. A known good sensor may be employed to enhance calibration reliability.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus, including software implementation, are disclosed providing drift prediction of output values for manometers. A signal or other indication may be provided for or in relation to a capacitance manometer when a servicing, replacing, and/or zeroing event is predicted or determined to be required, based on a history (e.g., timestamps) associated with previous zeroing events. Previously recorded timestamps can be curve fit with suitable functions to calculate or predict future maintenance, calibration, and/or replacement events for a manometer. Such signals or indications can be generated as an on-screen indication, and could also be available upon interrogation of the manometer via a digital communications link or system.

Abstract: A piezoresistive pressure sensor test sample is first provided, and a zero offset of the piezoresistive pressure sensor test sample is measured. Subsequently, a stress deviation corresponding to the zero offset is calculated. Thereafter, at least a piezoresistive pressure sensor under the same process condition as the piezoresistive pressure sensor test sample is formed. When forming the piezoresistive pressure sensor, at least a stress-adjusting thin film is formed on at least a surface of the piezoresistive pressure sensor to calibrate the zero offset of the piezoresistive pressure sensor.

Abstract: A thermally controlled stage is connected within one arm of a bridge of a capillary bridge viscometer so that the bridge can be balanced in situ to provide accurate measurement signals. The thermally controlled stage includes a tuning capillary tubing portion that is wrapped around a thermally conductive core. A resistance heater or a Peltier thermoelectric device is located in close proximity to the capillary tubing portion. The heater or Peltier device and the capillary tubing portion are located within a thermally insulated housing. The heater or Peltier device varies the temperature of the capillary tubing portion to cause a corresponding change in the flow impedance of the tuning capillary tubing portion of the arm of the bridge in which the thermally controlled stage is connected. The temperature of the tuning capillary tubing portion is monitored and adjusted until any pressure differential across the bridge is eliminated, whereby to trim in the balance of the bridge.

Abstract: A method of operating an internal combustion engine in which fuel is combusted during a working stroke in at least one combustion chamber includes determining by a pressure sensor a gas pressure acting in the combustion chamber during the working stroke, monitoring a plausibility of a measuring variable obtained from a signal of the pressure sensor, determining, of a plurality of actual operational variables of the internal combustion engine which are not based on the signal of the pressure sensor, a reference variable corresponding to the measuring variable, comparing the measuring variable with the reference variable, and by this comparison checking the plausibility of the signal of the pressure sensor and the measuring variable obtained from it; and also a computer program, an electrical storage medium, and a control and/or regulating device for carrying out the method are provided.

Abstract: The digital air pressure gauge includes an error correction lookup table database stored within a memory device within the gauge. The database includes reference air pressure values and associated measured air pressure values, where the reference air pressure values and associated measured air pressure values are determined at identical discrete time intervals as pressurized air is input into the gauge. A transducer generates an electrical signal representative of air pressure within a device such as a pneumatic tire. A microprocessor compares the electrical signal with measured air pressure values within the database and determines a closest measured air pressure value. The microprocessor then determines the associated reference air pressure value of the closest measured air pressure value. The reference air pressure value is then displayed as the accurate pressure of the pressurized air within the device. The gauge may be disposed within a tire valve cap with an RF transmitter.

Abstract: A physical quantity sensor detecting physical quantity, such as acceleration or angular velocity, is provided and mounted on, for example, a vehicle. The sensor has a physical quantity transducer and the first to third circuits. The transducer senses physical quantity acting in a direction determined with respect to a predetermined detection axis of the transducer to output a detection signal corresponding in level to the physical quantity. The first circuit receives the detection signal and output a first physical quantity signal depending in level on the detection signal. The second circuit produces a second physical quantity signal from the first physical quantity signal, the second physical quantity signal being larger in magnitude the first physical quantity signal. The third circuit receives the first and second physical quantity signals and outputs a signal consisting of the first and second physical quantity signals alternately selected and lined up sequentially in time.

Abstract: A method and device for testing containers, the method calling for a difference in pressure to be generated between the pressure inside the container and the pressure immediately surrounding the container, the behavior of one of these pressures permitting the gas tightness of the container to be assessed. A pressure value is stored and subsequently compared with one of the pressures, the stored pressure value being stored electronically and compared with at least one value of the output signal from a pressure sensor. The container is housed in an enclosure which is connected to a pressure or suction line, and a pressure-value storage unit, a comparator unit and a pressure sensor are associated with the pressure or suction line.

Abstract: In a drift detection method for detecting drift in a pressure detection value output from a pressure detector, pressure is detected by the pressure detector at a preset detection point in a pressure-uncontrolled region in an arbitrary molding cycle. The detected pressure is set as a reference pressure. Pressure is detected by the pressure detector at the same detection point in the pressure-uncontrolled region in a subsequent molding cycle. A deviation of the detected pressure from the reference pressure is obtained. When the deviation is greater than a preset value, it is determined that a drift is present, and processing for coping with the drift is performed.

Abstract: A method and device for testing containers, the method calling for a difference in pressure to be generated between the pressure inside the container and the pressure immediately surrounding the container, the behavior of one of these pressures permitting the gas tightness of the container to be assessed. A pressure value is stored and subsequently compared with one of the pressures, the stored pressure value being stored electronically and compared with at least one value of the output signal from a pressure sensor. The container is housed in an enclosure which is connected to a pressure or suction line, and a pressure-value storage unit, a comparator unit and a pressure sensor are associated with the pressure or suction line.

Abstract: A paint booth airflow control system is described for preventing paint particles and other contaminates from entering adjacent paint booth sections by equalizing air pressure differences between adjacent sections. Pressure sensors in communication with adjacent paint booth sections report pressure differences between the adjacent sections to an airflow controller. Responsive to the reported pressure differences the airflow controller adjusts paint booth airflow to equalize the pressure between adjacent sections. In order to maintain pressure measurement accuracy, automatic calibration modules periodically calibrate all pressure sensors to pneumatic references.

Abstract: A flow generator having use in the provision of CPAP or assisted ventilation treatment is disclosed The flow generator has a turbine for the supply of breathable gas which is driven by an electric motor and an associated motor power supply. The power supply in turn is controlled by a controller. A pressure sensing port measures delivery pressure that is passed to a pressure transducer, the output signal of which is passed to the motor controller. The zero offset of the pressure transducer is automatically calibrated on occurrence of the conditions where the turbine is not operating and no pressure activity is sensed by the transducer. The turbine not operating condition can be determined from Hall-effect sensors integral to the motor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting a zero point of a pressure sensor of an injection apparatus, which method and apparatus enable precise zero-point adjustment for the pressure sensor. Pressure of resin is detected by use of the pressure sensor, while a screw is moved, and a detection value corresponding to a detected pressure is obtained. The zero point of the pressure sensor is adjusted on the basis of the detection value. The detection value is obtained when the screw is moved in a state in which a flight speed is rendered lower than a screw speed. In this case, since the frictional resistance which acts on resin in the vicinity of the inner circumferential surface of the heating cylinder upon movement of the screw can be decreased, loads stemming from the frictional resistance are prevented from serving as disturbance against the detection value. As a result, zero-point adjustment for the pressure sensor can be performed precisely.

Abstract: A method of correcting drift in a sensor includes the step of identifying a calibration command. A nominal zero pressure sensor drift correction factor for the sensor is identified by relying upon a calibration voltage value and a calibration temperature value secured at a nominal zero pressure condition. Sensor output is subsequently adjusted according to the nominal zero pressure sensor drift correction factor.