Abstract: A method for operating an electronic device comprising a first and second MEMS device and a semiconductor substrate disposed upon a mounting substrate includes subjecting the first MEMS device and the second MEMS device to physical perturbations, wherein the physical perturbations comprise first physical perturbations associated with the first MEMS device and second physical perturbations associated with the second MEMS device, wherein the first physical perturbations and the second physical perturbations are substantially contemporaneous, determining in a plurality of CMOS circuitry formed within the one or more semiconductor substrates, first physical perturbation data from the first MEMS device in response to the first physical perturbations and second physical perturbation data from the second MEMS device in response to the second physical perturbations, determining output data in response to the first physical perturbation data and to the second physical perturbation data, and outputting the output data.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an inertia measurement module for an unmanned aircraft, which comprises a housing assembly, a sensing assembly and a vibration damper. The vibration damper comprises a first vibration-attenuation cushion; and the sensing assembly comprises a first circuit board, a second circuit board and a flexible signal line for connecting the first circuit board and the second circuit board. An inertia sensor is fixed on the second circuit board, and the first circuit board is fixed on the housing assembly. The inertia measurement module further comprises a weight block, and the second circuit board, the weight block, the first vibration-attenuation cushion and the first circuit board are bonded together. The present disclosure greatly reduces the influence of the operational vibration frequency of the unmanned aircraft on the inertia sensor and improves the measurement stability of the inertia sensor.

Abstract: A fiber optic sensor is provided. The fiber optic sensor includes: a fixed portion configured to be secured to a body of interest; a moveable portion; a spring member positioned at least partially between the fixed portion and the moveable portion; an optical fiber wound in contact with the fixed portion and the moveable portion such that the optical fiber spans at least a portion of the spring; and an elastomeric material provided in contact with at least one of the fixed portion, the moveable portion, the spring member, the body of interest, and the optical fiber.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an inertia measurement module for an unmanned aircraft, which comprises a housing assembly, a sensing assembly and a vibration damper. The vibration damper comprises a first vibration-attenuation cushion; and the sensing assembly comprises a first circuit board, a second circuit board and a flexible signal line for connecting the first circuit board and the second circuit board. An inertia sensor is fixed on the second circuit board, and the first circuit board is fixed on the housing assembly. The inertia measurement module further comprises a weight block, and the second circuit board, the weight block, the first vibration-attenuation cushion and the first circuit board are bonded together. The present disclosure greatly reduces the influence of the operational vibration frequency of the unmanned aircraft on the inertia sensor and improves the measurement stability of the inertia sensor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for isolated sensor device protection are provided. In one embodiment, an isolated sensor device comprises: a housing having an isolation chamber; an isolator sealed within the isolation chamber; an inertial sensor assembly sealed within the isolation chamber, the inertial sensor assembly coupled to an inner surface of the isolation chamber by the isolator; and at least one progressive impact interface applied to a periphery of the inertial sensor assembly, wherein the at least one progressive impact interface extends outward from the inertial sensor assembly towards the inner surface.

Abstract: Provided is an ultrasonic transducer including: a housing including a bottom surface and side members, the side members facing each other and extending upwardly with a space part therebetween, the housing having an opened upper part; a piezoelectric resonator disposed at an upper portion of the bottom surface; a housing auxiliary member disposed at upper portions of the side members and inserted into the space part; and a signal connection pin part disposed at an upper portion of the housing auxiliary member. In particular, the housing auxiliary member is formed of material having a lower density than the housing, thereby improving isotropic radiation characteristics.

Abstract: A micromechanical component including a mass structure which may be deflected with respect to a substrate with the aid of at least one spiral spring in a direction of deflection. The spiral spring includes at least one folding section, which is formed by two spring legs which are situated essentially in parallel to each other and are connected to each other with the aid of a connecting bar. A damping device for oscillating movements of the folding section in the direction of deflection is provided in the area of the connecting bar.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a base body, a functional element that is placed on the base body, and a lid body, formed from silicon, that is placed over the base body so as to cover the functional element. A hole portion and a sealing member that closes the hole portion are disposed in the lid body, in the hole portion, the area of a second opening disposed on a side opposite to a first opening is larger than the area of the first opening disposed on the base body side, and the ratio of the volume of the sealing member to the volume of the hole portion is equal to or higher than 35% and is equal to or lower than 87%.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a MEMS device package including a hollow tubular part, a top cap formed to cover a top opening of the tubular part, a bottom cap formed to cover a bottom opening of the tubular part, and a sensor device equipped in a cavity of the tubular part. The MEMS device can use tubular parts having a variety of cross sections and also enhance an impact resistance by inserting a damper into the tubular part.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor, including a diaphragm cup, a housing and a decoupling element, the diaphragm cup and housing having a lateral surface, the decoupling element being at least partially made from an elastic material and having a continuous recess bounded by an inner wall of the decoupling element, the diaphragm cup and/or the housing being at least partially situated in the recess.

Abstract: Devices, apparatus, systems and methods for providing accurate linear and angular positioning with a payload mounted to a conical shaped cantilevered supported beam or S shaped cantilevered beam or a center deflecting beam having freely moveable ends. The payload can be a laser pointer mounted on a firearm, which maintains the initial precise pointing during and after exposure in high G shock and vibration environments. Vertical and lateral adjustment controls can adjust minute changes in beam orientation. Precision adjustments can be performed in a zero G, one G, or high G environment and maintains the adjustment during and after being exposed to a high G shock or vibration environment.

Abstract: A technique for actively damping internal vibrations in a scanning probe microscope is disclosed. The excitation of various mechanical movements, including resonances, in the mechanical assembly of an SPM can adversely effect its performance, especially for high speed applications. An actuator is used to compensate for the movements. The actuator may operate in only the z direction, or may operate in other directions. The actuator(s) may be located at positions of antinodes.

Abstract: A sensor system includes a supporting element and a sensor element attached to the supporting element and having a main plane of extension. The supporting element has (i) at least one contact element for electrical contacting of the sensor system and (ii) at least one relief structure for stress decoupling, the at least one relief structure being situated in a plane parallel to the main plane of extension essentially between the at least one contact element and the sensor element.

Abstract: A stabilized field sensor apparatus collects field data, in particular magnetic field data, with reduced motion noise. The apparatus includes a tear drop shaped housing, a tow frame in the housing, a plurality of vibration isolating dampers spaced around the frame, a base assembly mounted to the dampers, a support pedestal having a bottom end fixed to the base assembly and an upper free end, a single spherical air bearing connected to the upper free end of the pedestal, an instrument platform with a lower hollow funnel having an upper inside apex supported on the air bearing for a one point support, principal and secondary gyro stabilizers for maintaining pivotal and rotational stability, and at least one field sensor mounted to the instrument platform for collecting the field data while being stabilized against motion noise including vibration, pivoting and rotation from the base assembly, from the tow frame and from the housing.

Abstract: An engine control system includes a combustion torque determination module, a friction torque determination module, and a control module. The combustion torque determination module determines a combustion torque of an engine based on pressure inside a cylinder of the engine during an engine cycle. The friction torque determination module determines friction torque of the engine based on the combustion torque, acceleration of an engine crankshaft, effective inertia of the engine crankshaft, and a pumping loss in the cylinder during the engine cycle. The control module adjusts an operating parameter of the engine based on the friction torque.

Abstract: A sensor device includes a housing base part, a bearer part, a chip structure situated on the bearer part, and a spring/damper combination via which the housing base part and the bearer part are elastically connected to one another. In the sensor device, the housing base part, the spring/damper combination and the bearer part are situated one over the other.

Abstract: A holding device for an ultrasonic transformer having a diaphragm cup, in particular for a motor vehicle, includes the following: a housing to accommodate the diaphragm cup; a decoupling component to position the diaphragm cup on the housing and on a holding section in vibration-damped manner; and a filler material to connect the diaphragm cup and the decoupling component to the housing in a vibration-damped and sealing, form-fitting manner, the decoupling component sealingly filling a gap between an edge of an opening of the housing and the diaphragm cup, as well as a corresponding method.

Abstract: A piezoresistive pressure sensor that uses a protective gel to protect the piezoresistive device is susceptible to lead wire failure by vibration-induced waves in the protective gel. Such waves can be reduced and the device made more robust by the use of three-dimensional structures in the gel, which are configured to reduce and/or re-direct vibration-induced pressure waves in the gel. The structures are referred to as “breakwaters” in that they protect lead wires and lead wire connections from wave fronts and the damage that wave-induced pressure on the lead wires causes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and system for providing environmental control for a vibration sensitive system such as an interferometric measurement system, while minimizing acoustic noise during data acquisition.

Abstract: A sensor device includes a housing base part, a bearer part, a chip structure situated on the bearer part, and a spring/damper combination via which the housing base part and the bearer part are elastically connected to one another. In the sensor device, the housing base part, the spring/damper combination and the bearer part are situated one over the other.

Abstract: The shock isolation system for an inertial sensor arrangement, on the one hand, causes an advantageous moment of inertia by the special arrangement of the individual sensors, especially of the gyroscope used. On the other hand, an advantageous long interval of the required shock-absorbing components (“shock mounts”) is provided by the use of several tubular shells. A measurement device with this inertial sensor arrangement thus achieves improved accuracy and reliability.

Abstract: The process meter comprises a sensor that can be mounted in a wall of a vessel for holding or conveying a process medium, and a meter-electronics case mechanically coupled to the sensor. In operation, the electronics case is at least intermittently subjected to vibrations either generated in the sensor itself or transmitted via the sensor. To reduce amplitudes of such vibrations of the electronics case, at least one vibration absorber is affixed to a wall of the electronics case. This vibration absorber is vibrated at least intermittently in order to dissipate vibrational energy taken into the electronic case. By the suppression of such case vibrations, spurious components in the measurement signal can be reduced to the point that a significant improvement in signal-to-noise ratio is obtained.

Abstract: An assembly for testing a head gimbal assembly (HGA) comprises a support platform configured to hold a base plate of the HGA. A base plate of the HGA is mounted on the support platform. The assembly further comprises a channel with an opening adjacent to a tail of the HGA and a vacuum source connected the channel. The vacuum source creates a negative pressure in the channel to secure the tail of the HGA to the opening of the channel. Embodiments of the invention may be useful to inhibit vibration in the tail of an HGA, which may also reduce vibration in the head of the HGA. Reducing vibration in the head of the HGA may increase the accuracy and precision of tests performed on the HGA using the assembly.

Abstract: An inertial sensor has an interior filled with a relatively low viscosity fill gas. To that end, the inertial sensor has a housing forming the noted interior, and a movable component within the interior. The inertial sensor also has the noted fill gas within the interior. The fill gas has a viscosity that is less than the viscosity of nitrogen under like conditions. For example, when subjected to the same temperatures and pressures, the fill gas has a viscosity that is less than the viscosity of nitrogen.

Abstract: A method and system for liquefaction monitoring of a gas in a gas piping system in which pressure and temperature information about the gas is gathered and the liquefaction status of the gas is determined and reported.

Abstract: The process meter comprises a sensor that can be mounted in a wall of a vessel for holding or conveying a process medium, and a meter-electronics case mechanically coupled to the sensor. In operation, the electronics case is at least intermittently subjected to vibrations either generated in the sensor itself or transmitted via the sensor. To reduce amplitudes of such vibrations of the electronics case, at least one vibration absorber is affixed to a wall of the electronics case. This vibration absorber is vibrated at least intermittently in order to dissipate vibrational energy taken into the electronic case. By the suppression of such case vibrations, spurious components in the measurement signal can be reduced to the point that a significant improvement in signal-to-noise ratio is obtained.

Abstract: A unit damper apparatus 18 is used as a damper apparatus 18 which absorbs an impact and a vibration conveyed from a contact 14 to a seesaw member 12, and a structure of this unit damper apparatus 18 is the structure which absorbs circular movement of the seesaw member 12 or performs the circular movement in accordance with that of the seesaw member 12, where a damper effect does not fluctuate according to an angle of inclination of the seesaw member 12.

Abstract: A dampening apparatus for a pressure gauge in which a housing secured to the amplifier of the pressure gauge encircles the pointer shaft in a close but loose fit relation so as to define a controlled clearance packed with a high viscosity dampening agent such that it serves to decelerate and cushion any sudden shock or pulsation force that would otherwise be transmitted from the pointer shaft to a pointer registering values of pressure of fluid pressure being monitored.

Abstract: An angle of attack sensor has a vane mounted on a rotating shaft that rotates in response to angle of attack. The shaft has a rotor at one end which is in a chamber in a housing supporting the shaft. The chamber includes a space around the rotor filled with either an electrorheological or magnetorheological fluid. A controller is used to provide an electrical signal, such as a signal controlling an electromagnet, to change the magnetic field affecting the fluid in response to various aircraft parameters to thereby control the viscosity of the electrorheological or magnetorheological fluid in the chamber and control the amount of damping of the rotating vane.

Abstract: A pointer resetting mechanism for a magnet disc operated gauge mainly adapted for use in vehicles is made up of a coil spring particularly housed together with a floatable magnet disc for protection in a sealed shelter case and at least an auxiliary magnet received in one of a tubular columns in a lower case of the shelter case. The spring has one end fixed to a pointer shaft and the other end secured to a retaining means disposed on the case. Around the sealed shelter case is wrapped around induction copper wires. When an electric current appears in the copper wires, the magnet disc floating in damping oil is forced by induced magnetism to rotate in the shelter case and when the electric current is removed the pointer can be automatically reset by way of the mechanical biasing force of the coil spring. Furthermore, the auxiliary magnet is used to make the pointer operate more stable at its initial position at where the coil spring can not produce enough tension to firmly hold the pointer in position.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel fluid thrust bearing system and method for assembling the same. When used in an indicating instrument, the fluid thrust bearing of the present invention reduces the number of necessary parts and simplifies assembly when compared to the prior art. A rotatable element is disposed in a close-fitting cavity so as to define a small gap between the element and the cavity walls, and a fluid is disposed in that gap to the substantial exclusion of air. The fluid damps the rotational movement of the rotatable element. In addition, adhesive forces among the fluid, rotatable element, and cavity walls and cohesive forces within the fluid help maintain the rotatable element in the cavity.

Abstract: A bobbin assembly for a vehicle instrument gauge is provided. The bobbin assembly includes an upper and a lower bobbin, which together define a chamber therebetween and an axis of rotation therethrough. The bobbin assembly also includes a permanent magnet rotatably disposed within the chamber. A shaft rotatably supports the magnet within the chamber for rotative movement about the axis of rotation, and a viscous damping fluid, carried in the chamber, damps the rotational movement of the magnet. The upper bobbin includes a nose portion defining a bore therethrough which extends along the axis of rotation. The bore is open to the chamber and receives the shaft therethrough. The nose portion also defines an inner dam portion disposed within the chamber. The upper bobbin further includes a trough which is in fluid communication with the chamber and extends radially outwardly from the inner dam portion.

Abstract: Vessel, useful in heat transmission regulation, includes a sealable, outer housing and a sample compartment generally enclosed therein such that a hollow portion between at least a part of the housing and compartment is present. The hollow compartment can contain a predetermined quantity of a gas. The sample compartment may be supported, and a multiple-part vessel can be provided. Such a vessel can be made to include standard-manufacture components, being easy to make and use, and/or be especially useful in viscosity testing.

Abstract: The load absorbing device is housed in a fluid filled housing for cooling d vibration damping purposes. The device includes a rotating disc coupled to the motor output shaft, and brake calipers for engaging the disc periphery to incrementally increase the torque load on the motor. A support structure shields these components and serves as the support for the motor to be tested. Vibration isolating mounts are used to support both the motor and the housing for these components.

Abstract: A gauge carrier for absorbing longitudinal and radial shock forces on a shock sensitive gauge in a gauge housing where the gauge is insertable and retrievable with a unit assembly. The gauge or gauges are coupled to a longitudinal shock absorber comprised of belleville springs by a ball and socket arrangement to isolate longitudinal shock waves from the gauge while annular resilient members provide radial shock absorption for the gauge in the housing. The longitudinal shock absorber can be selectively pre-loaded.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring a physical parameter is described having a frame, at least one support which is resiliently flexible under the influence of a physical parameter and which is integral with the frame, and at least one resonator integral with the support for supplying a signal representative of the physical parameter in response to flection of the support, the sensor also having an abutment and counter abutment limiting the flextion of the support, in particular before it is fixed to the frame. This sensor has applications in the measurement of a physical parameter such as, for example, acceleration.

Abstract: The input voltage from a fuel tank level sender is processed by an anti-slosh circuit which has a short time constant during a fast acquire operation and a longer time constant during normal operation. The slew rate of the output voltage provided to a gauge is determined by the clock rate of an up/down counter which is determined by switched resistances and a small valued capacitor. Either analog or digital anti-slosh outputs are provided.

Abstract: A measurement sensor is disclosed having a frame, a support which is resiliently flexible under the influence of a physical parameter and is fixed to the frame, a mass connected to the support, a housing which is formed by the frame and surrounds the mass to dampen movement of the mass and its support, a detection device for supplying a signal representative of the physical parameter in response to flection of the support. The sensor includes an assembly for precisely positioning the mass in the housing. The sensor has applications in the measurement of a physical parameter such as, for example, acceleration.

Abstract: The present invention features a vibration attenuation assembly designed for the protection of single axis instruments such as accelerometers. The assembly includes an inner cylinder housing one or more single axis accelerometers co-aligned with a principle axis of the cylinder. The inner cylinder is suspended by three or more equally spaced springs at each end. The springs also function as electrical conductors for transmitting power and signals to the accelerometer. The inner cylinder is longitudinally shiftable within the outer cylinder and a main fluid cavity exists between the exterior surface of the inner cylinder and the inner surface of the outer cylinder. A rigid outer cap is provided at both ends of the outer cylinder and a rigid inner cap is provided at both ends of the inner cylinder.

Abstract: The present invention features a vibration attenuation assembly designed for the protection of single axis instruments such as accelerometers. The assembly includes an inner cylinder housing one or more single axis accelerometers co-aligned with a principle axis of the cylinder. The inner cylinder is suspended by three or more equally spaced springs at each end. In one embodiment, damping fluid is maintained between the inner cylindrical surface of the housing and the suspended cylinder to provide damping and a thermal path. The springs also function as electrical conductors for transmitting power and signals to the accelerometer. Damping fluid retention between the inner and outer cylinder can be accomplished by use of a diaphragm or bellows as a physical barrier. Alternatively, retention of the damping fluid can be accomplished without a physical barrier by use of fluid adhesion which has particular applicability in low gravity environments such as space.

Abstract: An extensometer support system having vibration damping mountings for parts that have substantial mass and which are subjected to external vibrations. Such parts include counterweights for counterbalancing the extensometer and also the mounting for an external support frame for the extensometer. The vibration damping comprises a mounting made of a suitable damping material, such as a silicone foam rubber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a damping device of the type comprising a housing (40) defining a sealed chamber (42) containing a viscous damping fluid such as silicone and receiving a blade capable of displacement relative to the housing. In accordance with the invention, the housing (40) and the blade (80) comprise respective series of fins (50, 51, 52, 53 and 90, 92, 94, and 96) which are interleaved. Thus, relative displacement of the blade inside the housing (40) is braked by a combination firstly of the controlled flow of fluid from one side of the blade to the other via interstices between the blade and the housing, and secondly by viscous friction between the interleaved fins. The invention also relates to a device for measuring the level of fuel in a motor vehicle fuel tank and including such a damping device.

Abstract: An on board indicator for vehicles is provided, including a sensor detecting a physical magnitude to be indicated, connected to a display device through a low pass filter whose cut off frequency is increased for a given time after switch on of the vehicle, by appropriate circuitry. A threshold detector controlling an alarm device is connected to the output of the low pass filter. Such an indicator may be used for indicating the fuel level in the reservoir of a motor vehicle, for example.

Abstract: A recorder is disclosed for producing a continuous data record and comprises a case, a strip chart which is wound from a chart storage compartment onto a spring-given take-up spool and a speed-reducing governor comprising a paddle wheel, immersed in viscous fluid, operatively connected to the driven take-up spool by a gear train. The paddle wheel contains temperature-responsive paddles which extend or retract in response to increases and decreases in the temperature to compensate viscosity changes in the fluid. Also, the drive spring is mounted within the take-up spool inside a free-rotating sleeve which prevents spring distortions from interfering with the smooth operation of the take-up spool.

Abstract: A capacitance fuel-gauging probe is supported at its upper end in a fuel tank by a stress-relieving mount. The mount includes a disc assembly formed of two identical steel discs each with a central aperture. The discs are joined together at their respective outer edges and around their respective central apertures by steel rings which separate the discs from one another, forming an annular recess. The ratio of the estimated disc stress to the disc material proof stress, and the ratio of the estimated probe stress to the probe material proof stress are substantially the same and as small as possible. A bolt extends through the aperture, the probe being clamped to the center of the disc assembly by a nut. The outer edge of the disc assembly is clamped securely with the wall of the fuel tank by a collar screwed into a sleeve within which the disc assembly is located. Any vibration of the probe during use causes flexing of the disc assembly so as to damp the vibration.

Abstract: A displacement transducer for accurately detecting both linear and angular displacements and velocities, between objects moving relative to one another. The displacement transducer is structured to accurately operate under large gravitational accelerations and vibration extremes as well as minimize the adverse effects of environmental degradation upon the displacement transducer's performance.

Abstract: An improved liquid filled gauge for measuring the temperature or pressure of a fluid. Gauge temperature or pressure readings are indicated by a pointer configured to produce substantial resistance to motion during pointer rotation. The preferred embodiment employs an elongated flat sheet pointer having three 90.degree. twists; two in the indication end of the pointer to bound a first resistive surface, and a third in the tail of the pointer to bound a second resistive surface.

Abstract: A density sensor includes a stationary housing (12) and a reciprocating body (22) with a float (26) attached thereto to provide a buoyant force. The reciprocating body (22) is connected to a piston (32) by a reciprocating rod (34). The piston (32) is operable to move within a bore (30). A second piston (52) is also disposed in the bore (30) and is coupled to the piston (32) by a spring (54). A transducer (44) is disposed at the other end of the bore and is connected to the piston (52) through hydraulic fluid disposed in a hydraulic chamber (56). The spring (54) is functional to remove low frequency components of acceleration from the buoyant force and the hydraulic fluid disposed in the hydraulic chamber (56) is operable to remove high frequency acceleration components from the buoyant force. In this manner, the transducer (44) can be isolated from both high and low frequency acceleration components.

Abstract: A portable, pocket sized instrument for measuring wind speed and indicating wind direction wherein a multiple number of vanes of varying size and spacing are radially and orthogonally fixed to a disc and wherein the force of the wind against the vanes causes the disc to rotate against the restraining torque of a spring. Wind speed is indicated by angular rotation of the disc and wind direction is indicated by the orientation of the instrument at the time of maximum reading. A foldable handle protects the mechanism and increases the convenience of positioning the instrument.

Abstract: A damping system for damping relative rotation of a pair of members having confronting surfaces spaced apart by a primary gap or zone of capillary dimension, a viscous damping fluid in the gap contacting the confronting surfaces of said members and held in the gap by capillary attraction to provide a damping action upon rotation of the members relative to one another, the arrangement providing a non-migrating self-supporting viscous fluid damping system. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the confronting surfaces of the members defining the capillary gap or zone are in non-parallel relationship, for example, one of the confronting surfaces may be planar and the other conical wherein the rotational axis of the rotatable member is disposed on the point of the cone to provide a point contact bearing minimizing friction and centering the viscous damping material adjacent the axis of rotation to provide a more uniform controlled damping action.