Abstract: A sensor for detecting an acceleration on a surface. The sensor exchanging messages with a computer through a communication interface. The sensor comprises an accelerometer for outputting a signal representative of the acceleration and an interface unit comprising a transmitting circuit. The interface unit receives the signal representative of the acceleration and modulates the signal for transmission to the computer.

Abstract: A profiling system for obtaining a characterization of a medium under a surface. The profiling system comprising a plurality of system components exchanging messages through a communication interface. The system components comprise an energy impulse generator, a sensing assembly, and a user-computing interface. The generator, for transferring an energy pulse to the surface, comprises generator communication means for exchanging the messages with other system components. The sensing assembly includes sensors. Each one of the sensors comprises an accelerometer for detecting an acceleration on the surface resulting from the energy pulse and producing a signal representative of the acceleration. Each one of the sensors also comprises an interface communication means for transmitting the signal representative of the acceleration and exchanging messages with other system components through the communication interface.

Abstract: A measurement apparatus includes a speed sensor, a cadence sensor and a display portion. The apparatus further includes a transmit portion for wirelessly transmitting signals detected by the speed sensor and the cadence sensor to the display portion. The transmit portion is provided with a shaft portion extending in one direction, which rotatably supports the cadence sensor and the speed sensor. A measurement body portion including the speed sensor, the cadence sensor and the transmit portion is mounted on chain stay. The display portion is mounted on a portion of a handle in the field of vision of a rider of the bicycle, and it has functions of receiving and processing signals transmitted from the transmit portion, and displaying prescribed information. Thus, the measurement apparatus that can easily be mounted to a bicycle and the sensor apparatus applied thereto are obtained.

Abstract: There can be obtained a handlebar stem ensuring that a speed indicator provides a readily observable indication and in addition thereto capable of achieving a reduction in size and weight. A handlebar stem attaching a bicycle's handlebar includes a rod attaching the handlebar stem to the bicycle; a speed indicator receiving a signal from a speed sensor to display speed; and an indicator housing located at a front protrusion extending in a forward direction to traverse the rod to house the speed indicator, the indicator housing, as seen along the rod, overlapping or being adjacent to the rod.

Abstract: An application of rate gyros and accelerometers allows electronic measurement of the motion of a rigid or semi-rigid body, such as a body associated with sporting equipment including a fly rod during casting, a baseball bat, a tennis racquet or a golf club during swinging. For instance, data can be collected by one gyro according to the present invention is extremely useful in analyzing the motion of a fly rod during fly casting instruction, and can also be used during the research, development and design phases of fly casting equipment including fly rods and fly lines. Similarly, data collected by three gyros and three accelerometers is extremely useful in analyzing the three dimensional motion of other sporting equipment such as baseball bats, tennis racquets and golf clubs. This data can be used to support instruction as well as design of the sporting equipment.

Abstract: A wheel speed sensor has a detection element having at least one lead for detecting a wheel speed, at least one terminal portion connected to the lead of the detection element, a holder portion having a detection element fitting portion fitting the detection element therein and a terminal portion fitting portion fitting the terminal portion therein, and a resin sealed portion sealing the holder portion in a state the detection element and the terminal portion connected with an electric wire are held in the holder portion. The detection element fitting portion and the terminal portion fitting portion are disposed such that the lead of the detection element is brought into abutment with or proximity to a predetermined location of the terminal portion when the detection element and the terminal portion are fitted in the detection element fitting portion and the terminal portion fitting portion, respectively.

Abstract: An inertial navigation system is provided. The system includes a gas supported sensor block that is adapted to rotate in three dimensions in a near frictionless environment, a plurality of jet plates adapted to receive two or more pairs of opposing pneumatic nozzles and a plurality of electronically controlled pneumatic valves that provides and controls gas to the opposing pair of pneumatic nozzles. Each pair of opposing pneumatic nozzles is directed at an exterior surface of the sensor block and uses gas flow to move and hold the sensor block in any rotational location without physically touching the sensor block.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor includes an acceleration sensor element and a frame portion surrounding the element. The sensor element and the frame portion are located on a major surface of a substrate. An intermediate layer is formed on the frame portion. A cap portion is bonded to the intermediate layer, thereby sealing-off the acceleration sensor element. Grooves in the form of a frame are provided in the frame portion and the intermediate layer, respectively, and located at positions generally identical to each other with regard to the major surface direction of the substrate.

Abstract: A handle stem attached to a head tube of a bicycle includes a speed indicator housed in an indicator housing. The indicator is formed of a body including a circuit board and a liquid-crystal display and a battery housing which is detachable from the body. The body is fixed to the indicator housing and accordingly the speed indicator is attached to the handle stem and the battery housing is freely attachable/detachable. The handle stem and the speed indicator are thus obtained with which batteries are easily replaced without detaching the whole of the indicator from the handle stem.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first substrate including first, second and third layers; and a second substrate including fourth, fifth and sixth layers. The first substrate provides an electric device. The second substrate provides a physical quantity sensor. The first layer of the first substrate and the fourth layer of the second substrate are shields for protecting the electric device and the physical quantity sensor. The device is protected from outside disturbance without adding an additional shield.

Abstract: A micro machined accelerometer package includes a chip having a top surface and a bottom surface. A micro machined accelerometer is formed in the chip, the accelerometer including a mass cantilevered from the remainder of the chip to be movable out of the plane of the chip, one or more motion detectors for detecting motion of the mass, processing circuitry and one or more bond pads for communicating detected accelerations. A first hollow molded cap is bonded to the top surface over at least part of the accelerometer to define a first cavity into which the cantilevered mass may move. The first molded cap is bonded to the chip such that the cap covers the mass, the motion detectors and the processing circuitry but leaves the bond pads uncovered.

Abstract: An angular motion measurement system disposed on a movable platform having a first and second section, the system comprising a first and second measurement arrangement and a processor arrangement. The first measurement arrangement provides a first output indicative of angular motion of the first section and has a bandwidth above 50 Hertz and at least one of, a bias above 5 degrees per second and a scale factor above 10%. The second measurement arrangement provides a second output indicative of angular motion of the second section and has a bandwidth below 50 Hertz, a bias below 5 degrees per second and a scale factor below 10%. The processor arrangement is responsive to a plurality of inputs, which include the first and second output, generating a corrected output having a bandwidth above 50 Hertz, a bias below 5 degrees per second and a scale factor below 10%.

Abstract: A capacitive-type acceleration sensor includes a sensor chip that forms a moving electrode and a fixed electrode. The electrodes face each other while maintaining a detection gap. The sensor chip is joined to a circuit chip integrally. The circuit chip is mounted on a package via a resin adhesive. The adhesive is mixed with a filler of a material having a Young's modulus higher than that of the resin.

Abstract: In a movable space, a boundary (CN1) between a ceiling surface and a wall surface of a cap (CA) has a curved plane. When stress is exerted on the cap (CA), this stress is dispersed accordingly around the boundary (CN1) having a high probability of generation of a crack. Therefore, generation of a crack in the cap (CN) is unlikely.

Abstract: A vibrator is received within a case and the case is contained in a containing portion. Further, the case is arranged to be supported by the surrounding terminals having first ends thereof embedded in the containing portion. By virtue of the described configuration, the vibrator is securely retained by the case even if strong vibrations are applied to the terminals. With this configuration, an angular velocity sensor ensuring the strength to retain the vibrator even if the vibrator is reduced in size and causing no degradation of the output characteristic even when subjected to strong vibrations can be provided.

Abstract: A sensor package and method of making the same is disclosed in which the sensor package includes a sensor component for electromagnetic sensing having a sensor body with a sensor tip at one end. A sensor housing having a cavity for receiving the sensor component is disposed in a substrate and is aligned with an object to be sensed. The housing further includes a snap-fit interface with the sensor component that is configured to admit and secure the sensor tip during assembly thereof. A bracket is mechanically fixable to the substrate at a first end and is in operable communication with the sensor tip at a second end. The bracket is configured to bias the sensor tip towards the object to be sensed for elimination of an internal air gap between the sensor tip and housing formed during assembly thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for recovering and recycling a tracer gas from a leak testing process. The apparatus comprises a leak testing section, a gas recovery/blending section, and a gas analysis/recycle section. The leak testing section operates to perform various leak testing functions and comprises a plurality of test parts, a plurality of gas supply valves, and a plurality of gas discharge valves. The gas recovery/blending section functions to blend gases together and comprises a virgin gas storage means associated with a flow control means and a recovered gas storage means having a pressure analysis means and recovered gas analysis means. The gas analysis/recycle section operates to analyze, store, and deliver a tracer gas and comprises compressor, blended gas storage means, blended gas analysis means, pressure analysis/adjustment means, and temperature analysis means.

Abstract: A rotational speed detector such as a wheel speed detector has an elongate housing containing a detector unit therein. The detector unit is a molded unit having a sensor element and an integrated circuit chip for processing sensor signals. A front wall of the elongate housing faces a magnetized rotor rotated by a rotating object so that the rotational speed of the rotor is detected by the detector unit. After the housing and a center rod having a terminal wire for leading out the detected electrical signals are connected to each other, a resin mold covering an outside of the center rod and a part of the housing is formed to formulate a unitary body of the rotational speed detector.

Abstract: A power semiconductor module contains a power component and a sensor component. The power component is disposed on a first substrate. The sensor component is electrically and/or mechanically insulated from the power component by being disposed on an individual, separate second substrate. In this manner, disturbances of the sensor system section caused by the power section and its operation can be avoided particularly reliably.

Abstract: For leak testing closed containers (9) which are filled with a filling product containing at least one liquid component the container is introduced in a test cavity (1) which is evacuated at least down to vapour pressure of that liquid component. The pressure in the surrounding of the container (9) and thus within test cavity (1) is monitored. Monitoring is performed by a vacuum pressure sensor (7), whereas lowering pressure surrounding the container (9) is performed by a vacuum pump (5). Leakage is detected by monitoring a pressure change in the surrounding of the container which is due to evaporation of liquid emerging from a leak and being evaporated in the low pressure surrounding.

Abstract: A sensing apparatus comprises a sensing unit and a supporting unit. The sensing unit detects a direction and an amount of physical quantity applied thereto. The sensing unit has a detection reference axis along which the direction and the amount of the physical quantity are detected. The supporting unit stationarily supports the sensing unit. The sensing unit is inclined relative to the supporting unit by a predetermined angle so that a difference in angle between the detection reference axis and the direction of the physical quantity actually applied to the sensing unit when detecting the direction and the amount of the physical quantity is reduced.

Abstract: A semiconductor dynamic sensor such as an acceleration sensor is composed of a sensor chip for detecting a dynamic force applied thereto and a circuit chip for processing output signals from the sensor chip. The sensor chip is supported on the circuit chip, and both chips are mounted on a package case. To suppress thermal stress transfer from the package case to the sensor chip through the circuit chip, an adhesive film having an elasticity modulus lower than 10 MPa is interposed between the circuit chip and the package case. Characteristics of the sensor chip are kept stable by suppressing the thermal stress transfer from the package case.

Abstract: To provide a magnetoresistive sensor comprising at least one sensor element for measuring a magnetic field, and a magnet assigned to the sensor element, which has a simple structure and in which subsequent trimming for compensating an offset can be dispensed with, the magnet (14) has structures (18) which lead to a perpendicular guidance of magnetic flux lines (25) from the supporting magnet (14) in the sensing direction (y direction) at least in the sensitive area (26) of the sensor (100).

Abstract: A sensor package and method of making the same is disclosed in which the sensor package includes a sensor component for electromagnetic sensing having a holder assembly with the sensor component disposed at one end and sensor terminals in electrical communication with the sensor component extending from an opposite end. A harness assembly having a harness head configured with harness terminals extending therefrom for electrical connection with corresponding sensor terminals. The holder assembly and harness head are configured with a means for snap-fit assembly that provides space to mechanically connect corresponding sensor terminals and harness terminals with each other forming a resultant subassembly for insertion into a sensor housing. The housing further includes a heat-staked interface with the harness head that secures the subassembly relative to the sensor housing.

Abstract: A motion detection apparatus and method for securing a detector, transducer or accelerometer. The detector is securely positioned in a location corresponding to a portion of the body such as the head, stomach, heart, sternum, or other portion. The mounting apparatus includes a base section to which the detector is secured and support members. Support members can have a fixed-length or be extendable. The support members are adjusted if necessary to position the mounting apparatus and detector to the predetermined position.

Abstract: In an electronic sensor having a spool assembly and a housing cap, the spool assembly has a pair of grooves formed in the exterior surface and located diametrically opposed from each other. The housing cap has a pair of apertures configured and positioned in the cap to align with the grooves in the spool. The grooves and aperture are configured for receiving portions of a mounting bracket. When the mounting bracket is installed on the electronic sensor, a radial spring in communication with the spool assembly and housing cap maintains the mounting bracket in a locked relationship with the spool assembly and housing cap and minimizes the stack up tolerances from a reference surface to the tip of the electronic sensor.

Abstract: A detector for detecting rotational speed of a vehicle wheel includes a detector element disposed in a housing and a lead wire for sending output signals of the detector element to an outside device. An output terminal of the detector element is electrically connected to the lead wire by tungsten inert gas welding. The housing and the lead wire are molded together with a resin material that forms an outer wall of the detector. Since the lead wire and the output terminal are connected by the tungsten inert gas welding, the junction is protected from any damages due to pressure and heat generated in the molding process.

Abstract: A wheel speed sensor has a detection element having at least one lead for detecting a wheel speed, at least one terminal portion connected to the lead of the detection element, a holder portion having a detection element fitting portion fitting the detection element therein and a terminal portion fitting portion fitting the terminal portion therein, and a resin sealed portion sealing the holder portion in a state the detection element and the terminal portion connected with an electric wire are held in the holder portion. The detection element fitting portion and the terminal portion fitting portion are disposed such that the lead of the detection element is brought into abutment with or proximity to a predetermined location of the terminal portion when the detection element and the terminal-portion are fitted in the detection element fitting portion and the terminal portion fitting portion, respectively.

Abstract: A sensor chip connected to a signal processing IC is provided on a die pad, a stationary electrode and a movable electrode are arranged on a semiconductor substrate of the sensor chip, the stationary electrode and movable electrode are covered with a protective cap, a shield electrode layer is embedded in a top face part of a semiconductor substrate, and these elements are sealed with a sealing resin, thus, a potential of the movable electrode is obtained from an output potential of a capacity/voltage conversion circuit of a signal processing IC, and at least one of the shield electrode layer and protective cap is electrically connected to the movable electrode to thereby make identical to each other in potential.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor including a sensor chip for converting into an electrical signal an acceleration applied in a direction of a sensitive axis parallel to a board face of a printed circuit board, which has a first wire bonding face, a wiring base for supporting the sensor chip, which includes second and third wire bonding faces and a wiring pattern formed on the second and third wire bonding faces and a package for accommodating the wiring base having the sensor chip mounted thereon, which has a mounting face to be mounted on the board face of the printed circuit board and a fourth wire bonding face substantially parallel to the mounting face such that the wiring pattern on the third and second wire bonding faces of the wiring base can be connected to pads of the package and pads of the sensor chip, respectively.

Abstract: An inertia detecting transducer having a reliable detection element. The element is kept to be free from deposition of gas and organic substance generated from resin adhesive. A first case of the transducer has an opening and a circuit component mounted thereon, and is provided with an external electrode and a first connection electrode. A second case includes a detection element mounted inside thereof, and an opening of the case is sealed with a sealing plate. The second case is further provided with a second connection electrode. The second case is attached to the first case so that the former covers the opening of the latter. The second connection electrode and the first connection electrode are electrically coupled. In the above-described configuration of the present invention, if an inertia detecting transducer gets a partial damage, either one of the detection element and the circuit component remaining intact can be re-utilzed.

Abstract: A housing for protectively shielding control sensors detectors, or similar devices from harsh work environments. The housing comprises an enclosure having a sensing area transparent to electromagnetic waves. The sensing area is protected by a material that is arranged in an overlaying relation thereto, and which is of sufficient thickness to effectively protect the sensing area of the housing from harsh work environments while allowing the control sensor to operate therethrough in a normal fashion. The protective material may take the form of a laminate applied to a cap covering the sensing area, or the cap itself and/or housing may be made from the protective material. Preferably, the protective material includes material having a low coefficient of friction such as molybdenum disulfide, graphite, or polytetrafluoroethylene.

Abstract: A boat mounted speedometer for providing a speed signal to a boat operator. The system includes a probe that reaches a laminar flow of water below the back edge of the boat. An opening in the probe allows for water pressure, proportional to boat speed to build up in the system. Any air trapped in the water in the system is bled out through a bleed valve. A pressure transducer reads out a signal and a processor generates a digital signal proportional to pressure and speed of the boat. The signal is read out for the operator on a back lit digital speedometer display.

Abstract: An acceleration measurement system for measuring acceleration of a target object includes an accelerometer mount that includes at least one mass, at least one elastic member, and at least one damping material. A method of measuring acceleration of a target object includes selecting the at least one elastic member and the damping material provide a more accurate transmission from the target object to an accelerometer that is connected to the accelerometer mount.

Abstract: An angular velocity measuring apparatus for detecting an angular velocity of a rotation about a rotation axis including a vibration element, a semiconductor integrated circuit chip for processing signals supplied to and from the vibration element and a circuit board on which the semiconductor integrated circuit chip is mounted, and the vibration element is mounted on the semiconductor integrated circuit chip by means of a supporting member including a metal support rod and an adhesive layer. The vibration element and semiconductor integrated circuit chip are arranged to be overlapped with each other viewed in a direction of the rotation axis and are arranged substantially in parallel with each other in planes which are substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis.

Abstract: A speedometer mounting structure in a motorcycle is provided which is capable of mounting the speedometer without deteriorating the design of the motorcycle. A handlebar holder is provided to secure a steering handlebar, on a fork support member for supporting a front fork of a motorcycle. The speedometer is mounted on the handlebar holder.

Abstract: An antivibration elastic suspension in which a chassis of an inertial measurement unit is placed inside a casing. The inertial measurement unit includes a gyro assembly that is fixed to the chassis by two support rings flexible in terms of torsion and rotation around a fixed axis of the chassis. At least one flexible annular diaphragm is coaxial with the fixed axis and the flexible annular diaphragm is fixed by an interior periphery to an exterior periphery of the chassis and by an exterior periphery to an interior wall of the casing. The flexible annular diaphragm respects a symmetry of revolution exhibited by the gyro assembly with respect to the fixed axis.

Abstract: A method of detecting the improper mounting of a sensor on a motor vehicle includes monitoring the output signals of the sensor, determining the noise levels in the output signals, and comparing the noise levels from the output signals to a threshold noise value to determine if the sensor is properly mounted. Preferably, the method monitors the output signals of a first sensor and a second sensor, determines the noise levels in the output signals being emitted by each of the sensors, and compares the noise levels of the first sensor to the noise levels of the second sensor to determine if the sensors are properly mounted.

Abstract: A net zero isolator having an elongated linear displacement member; and first and second counter rotation members arranged crosswise to the linear displacement member at either end thereof, each of the first and second counter rotation members including a mounting portion spaced apart from an isolated portion on respective first and second sides of the elongated linear displacement member. The elongated linear displacement member and the first and second counter rotation members are structured such that a displacement of the mounting portions along the linear displacement member is balanced by a displacement of the isolated pads. The net zero isolator acts through each of the first and second counter rotation members to generate displacements of the isolated portions that cancel a linear displacement of the mounting portions.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor including a sensor chip for converting into an electrical signal an acceleration applied in a direction of a sensitive axis parallel to a board face of a printed circuit board, which has a first wire bonding face, a wiring base for supporting the sensor chip, which includes second and third wire bonding faces and a wiring pattern formed on the second and third wire bonding faces and a package for accommodating the wiring base having the sensor chip mounted thereon, which has a mounting face to be mounted on the board face of the printed circuit board and a fourth wire bonding face substantially parallel to the mounting face such that the wiring pattern on the third and second wire bonding faces of the wiring base can be connected to pads of the package and pads of the sensor chip, respectively.

Abstract: An acceleration measurement system for measuring acceleration of a target object includes an accelerometer mount that includes at least one mass, at least one elastic member, and at least one damping material. A method of measuring acceleration of a target object includes selecting the at least one elastic member and the damping material provide a more accurate transmission from the target object to an accelerometer that is connected to the accelerometer mount.

Abstract: A significant number of rescue workers are killed or injured each year as they conduct searches within damaged or burning structures, unaware that the structure is in imminent danger of collapse. The present invention provides a system and method for detecting and monitoring structural damages which are irreversible and which lead to inevitable collapse of a building or structure. The system includes at least one accelerometer that is housed in a device that is mounted on an exterior surface outside the burn area, and within the reach of the rescue worker. The device communicates with a remote display that provides visual and/or audible signals to indicate imminent collapse of the structure.

Abstract: An inertia detecting transducer having a reliable detection element. The element is kept to be free from deposition of gas and organic substance generated from resin adhesive. A first case of the transducer has an opening and a circuit component mounted thereon, and is provided with an external electrode and a first connection electrode. A second case includes a detection element mounted inside thereof, and an opening of the case is sealed with a sealing plate. The second case is further provided with a second connection electrode. The second case is attached to the first case so that the former covers the opening of the latter. The second connection electrode and the first connection electrode are electrically coupled. In the above-described configuration of the present invention, if an inertia detecting transducer gets a partial damage, either one of the detection element and the circuit component remaining intact can be re-utilzed.

Abstract: An indicating instrument (4) has a housing (3) having an external thread (7) by which it can be inserted in a recess (2) of a dashboard (1). A housing nut (9) which can be screwed onto the external thread (7) and has an internal thread (8) fixes the housing (3) on the dashboard. Either the external thread (7) and the internal thread (8) are provided only in at least two subregions of the circumference of the housing (3) and of the housing nut (9), respectively, the subregions each having a shorter length than the subregions which lie between them and do not have a thread, so that the housing nut (9) can be pushed in at least one angular position completely onto the housing (3) without engaging in the external thread (7), or instead only the external thread (7) or the internal thread (8) is provided in at least two subregions of the circumference, which subregions are of resilient design radially, so that the internal thread (8) and external thread (7) can become disengaged.

Abstract: A position sensor module in which a position sensor delivers a signal output to an electronic evaluation unit for further processing, wherein the sensor module and evaluation unit are mounted on and electrically connected by a shaped sheet metal part to eliminate the need for tuning adjustments between the position sensor and the electronic evaluation unit.

Abstract: A traction motor speed sensor support arrangement (30). A proximity sensor (34) is mounted within a housing (32) having a sensor support portion (44) cantilevered from a base portion (40). Dowel pins (60) extending from the base portion (40) position the sensor (34) at a predetermined locative relative to a rotating wheel (56) within the motor (10). A wire (50) leading from sensor (34) is formed in a rolling U (68) to accommodate movement of the motor (10) relative to the locomotive (52). The wire (50) is terminated at a connector (36) including a back shell portion (74) containing a stress-relieving loop (80) formed in wire (50). The natural frequency of the housing (32) is controlled to be greater than a predetermined value associated with the natural frequency of the motor operation.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor, which can always maintain a supporting body at a predetermined angle even when an inclining member is inclined and in which, moreover, a tilt lock angle is small. A substantially U-shaped limiting protrusion 136 is provided standing at a face wheel 130, and predetermined clearances are formed between the limiting protrusion 136 and a limiting shaft 138 of a bracket 40. When a seatback is inclined, the face wheel 130 rotates around an axis line J at the same angle as an angle of inclination of the seatback, and the bracket 40 is rotated with respect to the seatback by the load of a weight 118. Thus, a center line C of the bracket 40 is kept in a vertical direction. Even if a difference occurs between the angle of inclination of the seatback and the angle of rotation of the face wheel 130, the center line C of the bracket 40 is always in the vertical direction, within the clearances, due to the weight 118's own weight.

Abstract: The present invention is a semiconductor sensor package for incorporating a semiconductor sensor chip. The main surface for mounting the semiconductor sensor chip is formed at a predetermined angle with respect to the surface of a printed circuit board for mounting the package. The main surface is provided with a plurality of terminals along two opposite sides for connecting with the input/output terminals of the semiconductor sensor chip and a bottom surface perpendicular to the main surface with a plurality of pins respectively formed along two sides parallel to the main surface. The plurality of pins are inserted into mounting holes formed in the printed circuit board, and the plurality of terminals provided along parallel sides the pins are electrically connected.

Abstract: A support for supporting two or more units used in a system for measuring a speed and or acceleration of a vehicle, with the support able to rest on a surface, has an elongated bar on which the units are mounted. A first leg and a second leg are both mounted to the bar. A third leg is mounted to a rear portion of the bar. The legs are height-adjustable.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor is disclosed which includes a capacitance-type acceleration detection element mounted on a ceramic base plate. The element comprises a movable electrode mounted between a pair of fixed electrodes. Acceleration of the sensor in a measurement direction causes the movable electrode to move relative to the fixed electrodes and the element has opposite ends in a direction perpendicular to the measurement direction. The acceleration detection element is mounted on the base at a first one of the opposite ends. Accordingly, the mounting surface of the acceleration sensor is parallel to the direction of acceleration to be detected. Thus the acceleration sensor can be surface-mounted on a printed board, and more be easily mounted in an automobile air bag control system or the like.