Abstract: Certain implementations of the disclosed technology may include systems and methods for dynamic pressure testing of transducers in communication with a liquid. A method is provided that can include dynamically pressurizing a liquid in a cavity associated with a housing. While dynamically pressurizing the liquid, the method includes simultaneously measuring: a change in volume of the liquid; a test frequency response, by a test transducer in communication with the liquid; and a reference frequency response, by a reference transducer in communication with the liquid. The method may further determine a normalized frequency response of the test transducer, based at least in part on the test frequency response and the reference frequency response. The method may further provide an indication of the normalized frequency response of the test transducer and an indication of the bulk modulus of the liquid.

Abstract: A thin film encapsulation layer manufacturing apparatus is provided that may include a transfer chamber, a sputtering chamber, a monomer deposition chamber, a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) chamber, and an atomic layer deposition (ALD) chamber. The transfer chamber may be connected to each of the other chambers, and may be configured to align a substrate. Each of the other chambers may be configured to receive from and transfer to the transfer chamber a substrate. The sputtering chamber may be configured to form a first inorganic layer on the substrate by a sputtering process. The monomer deposition chamber may be configured to deposit a first organic layer on the first inorganic layer. The CVD chamber may be configured to form a second inorganic layer on the first organic layer. The ALD chamber may be configured to form a third inorganic layer on the second inorganic layer.

Abstract: A system and a method detect contamination of a diaphragm in a capacitance diaphragm gauge wherein a contaminated diaphragm deflects less in the presence of pressure than an uncontaminated diaphragm. The system and method measure a base pressure. A DC voltage is applied between the diaphragm and a fixed electrode to cause the diaphragm to deflect to simulate an effective pressure. The system and method measure a combined pressure caused by the base pressure and the effective pressure. The system and method subtract the base pressure to determine the effective pressure caused by the static diaphragm deflection. If the measured effective pressure is less than an acceptable effective pressure, the system and method determine that the diaphragm is contaminated.

Abstract: A process for producing a reference body (10) provided with a slot (17) as a test crack for the nondestructive testing of materials can be used flexibly and includes the following steps: a) a reference body (10) and a mask (11) provided with a slot pattern (12) are provided; b) the mask (11) is applied to the reference body (10); c) material is removed from the reference body (10) through the mask (11) with an abrasive water jet (16); and d) the mask (11) is taken off the reference body (10).

Abstract: A method for determining pressure sensor offset values in an evaporative emission control system. The method is performed during initial vehicle power up, and the method begins by receiving a reference signal indicating existing atmospheric pressure, as well as a check signal from a fuel tank pressure sensor indicating pressure within the fuel tank, at a time when the fuel system is open to atmosphere. A controller then calculates a sensor offset value based upon the reference signal and the check signal, and the controller stores the sensor offset value in a system memory location. During operation of the evaporative emission control system, the controller modifies pressure values received from the fuel tank pressure sensor by applying the sensor offset value. Whenever the system employs a reading from the fuel tank pressure sensor, that reading is corrected by applying the stored offset value.

Abstract: A self-calibrating pressure sensor system may measure the pressure of a gas or liquid. The system may include a pressure sensor, a reference sensor, and a drift compensation system. The pressure sensor may include a pressure-sensing flexible diaphragm with one side exposed to the gas or liquid and another side forming a wall of a sealed chamber. The reference sensor may include a reference flexible diaphragm that has two sides that are both within or exposed to the same sealed chamber. The drift compensation system may produce information that is indicative of the pressure of the gas or liquid based on the signal from the pressure sensor, and compensate for drift in this signal based on changes in the signal from the reference sensor. The pressure-sensing flexible diaphragm and the reference flexible diaphragm may be made at substantially the same time by depositing or growing a single layer of material in a single continuous step.

Abstract: A multi-range on-site full-automatic pressure and electric signal calibration instrument includes a housing, a power switch, a plurality of interfaces, a display, a keyboard, a gas pressure generation unit, a power supply unit, a pressure detection unit, a gas pressure control unit and an electric signal detection unit. A pressure output port of the pressure control unit is in parallel connection with pressure connectors used for installation of a plurality of pressure standard devices with different ranges and a calibrated gauge. The pressure control unit is in signal connection with the pressure standard device. The electric signal detection unit is in signal connection with the pressure control unit and the calibrated gauge; and the power supply unit can supply power by batteries. The calibration instrument does not need to be externally connected with a gas cylinder or an alternating current power supply.

Abstract: An online method for reconfiguring pressure and position sensors in a hydraulic system is disclosed. In one step, a sensor drift condition, a recalibration request, or an unisolated fault condition is detected. In another step, a system pressure sensor or another sensor, such as a load-sense pressure sensor, is verified as a trusted master reference sensor. Another step includes measuring and recording a first pressure reading at the master reference sensor and first voltage readings associated with first, second, third, and fourth pressure slave sensors at a first pump pressure set point. Another step includes, repeating the previous step at a second pump pressure set point. A new gain and offset for each of the first, second, third, and fourth pressure sensors can be calculated based on a comparison of the recoded first and second pressure readings and the recorded first and second voltage readings.

Abstract: A blood pressure monitor, particularly of the type having an inflatable cuff communicating with a pressure sensor and suitable for home use, may be calibrated by applying a sealed canister containing gas at a known pressure to a port so as to apply the known pressure to the pressure sensor, and comparing a pressure signal from the pressure sensor with the known pressure so as to determine a calibration error of the sensor and/or adjust the calibration of the sensor, e.g. by electronically adjusting the sensor. Several canisters may be used to calibrate the sensor across a range of pressures, each canister having a different known pressure. Each canister is preferably ruptured when attached to the port and is not re-usable, and may comprise an identifier such as an electronically readable identifier which is stored in a memory in association with the value of the known pressure within the canister.

Abstract: A hydraulic system is presented with a hydraulic fluid, with a work element actuable by the fluid, with a fluid pump for the application of a fluid pressure to the fluid, with the fluid pump being operable to generate a reference depression in the system, and with a pressure sensor for the measurement of the fluid pressure which is in communication with a control unit which is designed to carry out a calibration of the pressure sensor with reference to the reference depression.

Abstract: A system for calibrating an input electrical signal to an individual pressure control device includes the steps of providing a target pressure-to-current (P/I) threshold, providing a lower estimated P/I threshold, and providing an estimated P/I curve that passes between the target P/I threshold and the lower estimated P/I threshold. Next, the method determines a lower actual P/I threshold at a pressure equal to the pressure at the lower estimated P/I threshold. A maximum offset current is calculated from the difference between the currents at the lower actual P/I threshold and the lower estimated P/I threshold. Finally, the system calculates a calibrated P/I curve. The calibrated P/I curve includes the target P/I threshold and the lower actual P/I threshold. The slope of the calibrated P/I curve is calculated as a proportional value of the maximum offset current.

Abstract: A method for calibrating an input electrical signal to an individual pressure control device includes the steps of providing a target pressure-to-current (P/I) threshold, providing a lower estimated P/I threshold, and providing an estimated P/I curve that passes between the target P/I threshold and the lower estimated P/I threshold. Next, the method determines a lower actual P/I threshold at a pressure equal to the pressure at the lower estimated P/I threshold. A maximum offset current is calculated from the difference between the currents at the lower actual P/I threshold and the lower estimated P/I threshold. Finally, the method calculates a calibrated P/I curve. The calibrated P/I curve includes the target P/I threshold and the lower actual P/I threshold. The slope of the calibrated P/I curve is calculated as a proportional value of the maximum offset current.

Abstract: Described herein is the sensor assembly and method for rapidly obtaining accurate readings of a variable. The sensor assembly comprises a plurality of sensors which are connected to a microcontroller that processes the signals of the individual transducers to the microcontroller. The microcontroller contains software that maximizes the refresh rate and/or minimizes the time it takes to process the outputs of each of the transducers. The microcontroller that is coupled to the sensor assembly selectively measures the outputs of each transducer so as to speed up the refresh rate of the sensor.

Abstract: Described herein is the sensor assembly and method for rapidly obtaining accurate readings of a variable. The sensor assembly comprises a plurality of sensors which are connected to a microcontroller that processes the signals of the individual transducers to the microcontroller. The microcontroller contains software that maximizes the refresh rate and/or minimizes the time it takes to process the outputs of each of the transducers. The microcontroller that is coupled to the sensor assembly selectively measures the outputs of each transducer so as to speed up the refresh rate of the sensor.

Abstract: A device comprising a pressure monitor and a control means that receives a signal representing measured pressure at the pressure monitor and controls the controllable elements of a fluid system is utilized to monitor a fluid system for error conditions, to optimize operations and to diagnose the fluid system. By following a testing protocol that selectively enables parts of the system, the control means narrows the list of possible failing components. Comparing the measured pressure against normal pressures allows the device to identify error conditions. Determining the volume of fluid being transported and controlling the duration of the flow optimizes operation of the fluid system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Deadweight Pressure Testers used for the calibration of air pressure transducers. An air pressure transducer, which is to be calibrated, is set in parallel with the deadweight tester. Air is slowly pumped into the cylinder and the pressure inlet of the said pressure transducer to be calibrated. The air, which enters the cylinder under pressure, exerts a force on the cylindrical piston, thereby lifting the piston and balancing it against the air pressure. This force is balanced by the weights loaded on the top of the cylindrical piston. When the air pressure and the weights balance, the air pressure is known from the weights and the diameter of the cylindrical piston. A thin rubber seal allows for low friction and low air loss providing greater accuracy in measurements.

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 self-calibrating pressure transducer is disclosed. The device uses an embedded zirconia membrane which pumps a determined quantity of oxygen into the device. The associated pressure can be determined, and thus, the transducer pressure readings can be calibrated. The zirconia membrane obtains oxygen from the surrounding environment when possible. Otherwise, an oxygen reservoir or other source is utilized. In another embodiment, a reversible fuel cell assembly is used to pump oxygen and hydrogen into the system. Since a known amount of gas is pumped across the cell, the pressure produced can be determined, and thus, the device can be calibrated. An isolation valve system is used to allow the device to be calibrated in situ. Calibration is optionally automated so that calibration can be continuously monitored. The device is preferably a fully integrated MEMS device. Since the device can be calibrated without removing it from the process, reductions in costs and down time are realized.

Abstract: A leak test arrangement having a leak calibration device is disclosed. The calibration device is connected into communication with the leak test arrangement and provides a controlled source (sink) of fluid at a predetermined amount. The calibration includes a substantially sealed volume of fluid in fluid communication with the test arrangement and a control arrangement for heating and/or cooling the volume to produce the source (sink) of the calibrator.

Abstract: A device, system, and method for determining the sensing performance of pressure-sensing devices. The device generates dynamic pressure waveforms that enable researchers and medical personnel to accurately assess the characteristics and performance of a particular pressure-sensing device. The system and methods allow for comparison of performance between two or more pressure-sensing devices, including catheter tip pressure transducers and fluid-filled catheters. The system may also be used to practice priming and preparing catheters for insertion into a living body, as the system provides immediate feedback that may indicate the presence of air in the system.

Abstract: An intracardiac rotary pump (10) is provided with a pressure differential sensor (18) for supporting the pumping heart. The pressure differential sensor measures the pressure differential between aorta (AO) and left ventricle (LV). This pressure differential must correspond to certain desired values at different speed stages. If the pressure differential deviates to too large an extent, the deviation is recognized as a drift of the pressure sensor, and a correction value is determined in dependence on the drift, the subsequently measured pressure values being corrected with the aid of this correction value. In this manner it is possible to carry out a drift correction on the sensor with the pump arranged in the heart and even with the pump in operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor (2) for monitoring a thermodynamic parameter of a fluid in an industrial installation (1). The sensor (2) is connected to a measuring chain (4) or collecting and processing an electric signal emitted by the sensor (2). A perturbation of liquid origin is produced that acts on a sensitive element of the sensor (2), thereby altering the electric signal from the sensor (2). Said altered signal from the sensor (2) is collected and analysed using the measuring chain (4).

Abstract: A pressure transducer calibration device is disclosed having a housing which defines a first and second chamber separated by a compliant barrier. Two ports are in fluid communication with the first chamber, and one port is in fluid communication with the second chamber. The first chamber is configured to be filled with fluid and connected, via a three-way stopcock, to a pressure monitoring line. The second chamber is configured to be connected in fluid communication with a pressure generation device. In operation, the transducer is isolated from the monitored pressure source. Fluid communication is established between the first chamber and the transducer. A known fluid pressure is applied to the second chamber such that the known fluid pressure is also applied to the first chamber through the compliant barrier. The pressure transducer is then calibrated based upon the known fluid pressure within the first chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for calibrating pressure sensors associated with chambers in a processing facility. The system calibrates the pressure sensors while the chamber are open to each other, such as through an open slit valve or vacuum sealed door. Maintaining the pressure in the chambers relative to each other prevents a rush of gases, condensate or other foreign materials into an adjacent chamber that may occur when the pressure between the chambers is not equalized. This prevents contamination of the materials being processed, and eliminates the need for system shutdown to calibrate sensors. Also, since calibration occurs every time the slit valve is open, the calibration is real-time and does not allow the pressure differential between the chambers to become too great.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for calibrating pressure sensors associated with chambers in a processing facility. The system calibrates the pressure sensors while the chamber are open to each other, such as through an open slit valve or vacuum sealed door. Maintaining the pressure in the chambers relative to each other prevents a rush of gases, condensate or other foreign materials into an adjacent chamber that may occur when the pressure between the chambers is not equalized. This prevents contamination of the materials being processed, and eliminates the need for system shut-down to calibrate sensors. Also, since calibration occurs every time the slit valve is open, the calibration is real-time and does not allow the pressure differential between the chambers to become too great.