Diaphragm Patents (Class 73/715)
  • Patent number: 6626044
    Abstract: A sensor having freeze resistant features is disclosed. The sensor includes a sensor die and a buffer member that are assembled for attachment to a process fluid conduit. The buffer member defines an opening in fluid communication with the process fluid. The sensor die has a flexible diaphragm, and a capillary channel establishes fluid communication between the diaphragm area of the sensor die and the opening in the buffer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Haji-Sheikh, Richard Alan Davis, Mark Robert Plagens, Carl Edward Stewart, Gilberto Morales
  • Patent number: 6622564
    Abstract: A pressure sensor is provided, in which dead space is not formed under the diaphragm so that air or fluid will not be remained in the dead space. The pressure sensor having a passage for flowing fluid from one end to the other end thereof comprises a sensor head having a pressure sensitive area responsive to the fluid pressure and a diaphragm having a pressure receiving surface for receiving the fluid pressure directly, wherein the pressure receiving surface is disposed so as to protrude to the inside of the passage, and the pressure sensitive area is disposed on the opposite surface from the pressure receiving surface of the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Surpass Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Imai
  • Patent number: 6619129
    Abstract: A three-piece pressure sensor assembly includes a one-piece pressure port formed of cold rolled steel, a stainless steel sensor element having an elongated annular side-wall, and an O-ring. The pressure port has a threaded slug at one end for attaching the sensor assembly to the wall of a pressure vessel and an annular cup at the other end. The annular cup has side-walls defining a cavity, and an annular axial recess formed in the center of the cavity receives the O-ring and a lower portion of the sensor element side-wall. A central post of the pressure port supports the inner periphery of the sensor element side-wall, and a portion of the pressure port material surrounding the recess is displaced radially inward against the sensor element side-wall, staking the sensor element in the cavity and compressing the O-ring between the sensor element and the bottom of the axial recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul J. Pitzer
  • Patent number: 6615666
    Abstract: A pressure measuring device includes a housing which retains a pressure responsive element interconnected to an indicating member that moves relative to a dial face when a change of pressure is detected. A peripheral bumper is mounted to the housing exterior, the bumper including an extending portion which creates a discontinuous path for shock or impact loads applied to the bumper relative to a continual movement mechanism. The housing can further include a discontinuous region imposed in an engagement portion of the housing, the engagement portion permitting the housing to be directly attached to an inflatable blood pressure sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond A. Lia, Robert L. Vivenzio
  • Patent number: 6615665
    Abstract: A pressure measuring device with a housing (21, 53) and a pressure measuring cell is provided, the pressure measuring cell being protected from interference, in particular independently of its installation position in the housing (21, 53), and comprising: a housing (21, 53), a pressure measuring cell, which has at least one pressure-sensitive measuring diaphragm (3, 35, 37), on the outer side of which a pressure (P, P1, P2) acts during operation, which has a transducer for converting a pressure-dependent deflection of the measuring diaphragm (3, 35, 37) into an electrical measured variable and which has free outer circumferential surfaces, which are provided with an electrically conductive coating (31, 61), and an electronic circuit (13, 49) for converting the electrical measured variable into a measuring signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co.
    Inventors: Karl Flögel, Thomas Uehlin, Frank Hegner, Karlheinz Banholzer
  • Patent number: 6615668
    Abstract: A diaphragm that distorts according to pressure applied thereon and a signal processor circuit are formed on a semiconductor substrate having an (110)-surface-orientation. Stain gauges converting the diaphragm distortion into an electric signal and forming a bridge circuit are formed on the diaphragm. The electric signal from the bridge circuit is processed by the signal processor circuit. A pair of transistors constituting an input circuit of an amplifier in the signal processor circuit are positioned on the substrate to equalize their source-drain current directions. Thermal stress influence on the sensor outputs is minimized since sensor components are formed on the substrate having the (110)-surface orientation, and thereby the pressure applied to the diaphragm is accurately detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Inao Toyoda, Yasutoshi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6612175
    Abstract: A sensor operable at temperatures in excess of 400° C. is described. The sensor of the present invention operates without fluid fill, is non-porous, non-contaminating, and has no exterior exposed metallic components. The sensor includes a non-porous, impermeable sensing diaphragm that may be positioned in direct contact with fluids in an ultra-pure environment. The non-porous surface may be comprised of a layer of single crystal sapphire that is glassed to a backing plate. The sensor of the present invention is suitable for use in a chemically inert pressure transducer module for sensing pressures and/or temperatures in process fluids and may be molded directly into the high temperature plastic housing of the pressure transducer module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: NT International, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Peterson, Jorge Andrés Diaz Diaz, Gerald R. Cucci
  • Patent number: 6612177
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a pressure-measurement device with a pressure sensor (1) for measuring the pressure of liquid or gaseous media and with a diaphragm seal (2) that subjects measuring diaphragm (11) of pressure sensor (1) to a pressure to be measured. Pressure sensor (1) has a connection part (12) made of a ceramic material which is connected to measuring diaphragm (11) on the diaphragm side via a joint (14) that is diffusion-tight towards the exterior, and is connected diffusion-tightly to diaphragm seal (2) on the diaphragm seal side. In this way, it is assured that no gases or water vapor can enter the pressure-transfer medium via pressure sensor (1). The operational mode of the pressure transducer remains functional over a long time, and particularly at high temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: VEGA Grieshaber KG
    Inventors: Ewald Boehler, Joern Jakob, Manfred Liehr
  • Patent number: 6612178
    Abstract: In order to provide environmental protection, a leadless sensor of the type having a central boss is secured within a composite metal housing consisting of a top metal housing having a central boss which communicates with the central boss of the sensor. The top housing has a thin top portion surrounded by a peripheral portion, which peripheral portion is epoxied or otherwise secured to a bottom metallic housing having an internal hollow for accommodating the pressure sensor and the glass backing wafer, both of which are secured to a header which accommodates terminal pins associated with the active elements on the sensor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony D. Kurtz, Joseph R. VanDeWeert
  • Patent number: 6609426
    Abstract: A pressure sensor comprises a sensor diaphragm which on one of its surfaces can be acted upon by the fluid pressure to be defected. The sensor diaphragm is rigidly supported at its opposite surface. It is made of an elastomeric material of an electrically non-conducting material wherein fine particles of electrically conducting material are homogenously embedded and distributed in such a density that a compression of the sensor diaphragm caused by the fluid pressure results in a measurable change in its electrical resistivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Markus Altmann, Robert Skofljanec, Clemens Müller
  • Publication number: 20030154795
    Abstract: A three-piece pressure sensor assembly includes a one-piece pressure port formed of cold rolled steel, a stainless steel sensor element having an elongated annular side-wall, and an O-ring. The pressure port has a threaded slug at one end for attaching the sensor assembly to the wall of a pressure vessel and an annular cup at the other end. The annular cup has side-walls defining a cavity, and an annular axial recess formed in the center of the cavity receives the O-ring and a lower portion of the sensor element side-wall. A central post of the pressure port supports the inner periphery of the sensor element side-wall, and a portion of the pressure port material surrounding the recess is displaced radially inward against the sensor element side-wall, staking the sensor element in the cavity and compressing the O-ring between the sensor element and the bottom of the axial recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventor: Paul J. Pitzer
  • Publication number: 20030150274
    Abstract: An improved pressure sensor assembly incorporates a stainless steel pressure sensing element that is welded to a stainless steel pressure port insert-molded into a molded plastic pressure vessel. Sealing between the pressure port and the pressure vessel is enhanced by a O-ring seated in a groove on the outer periphery of the pressure port, or by a sealant applied to the periphery of the pressure port prior to the insert molding operation. The pressure port is insert-molded with the pressure vessel so as to expose an axial end of the pressure port having a stepped annular surface, and the pressure sensor element is welded to the exposed end of the pressure port. The plastic material of the pressure vessel extends into a central axial bore of the pressure port to minimize leakage by maximizing a potential leakage path for the medium contained by the pressure vessel, and over a shoulder of the pressure port to secure the pressure port in the body of the pressure vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: Paul J. Pitzer
  • Publication number: 20030150275
    Abstract: An electronic pressure-sensing device is isolated from corrosive, conductive gasses and fluids by a corrosion resistant metal diaphragm welded to a pressure port. The pressure-sensing device is attached to a support structure with a hole that provides a path from the diaphragm area to the pressure-sensing device. A fill fluid is sealed behind the diaphragm and fills the hole through the support structure to the electronic pressure-sensing device. In this design, any hostile chemical applied is completely isolated from the electronic sensor and associated adhesive seals by the metal diaphragm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: David E. Wagner, James H. Hoffman, Gerald Lopopolo
  • Patent number: 6604429
    Abstract: An improved pressure sensor assembly incorporates a stainless steel pressure sensing element that is welded to a stainless steel pressure port insert-molded into a molded plastic pressure vessel. Sealing between the pressure port and the pressure vessel is enhanced by a O-ring seated in a groove on the outer periphery of the pressure port, or by a sealant applied to the periphery of the pressure port prior to the insert molding operation. The pressure port is insert-molded with the pressure vessel so as to expose an axial end of the pressure port having a stepped annular surface, and the pressure sensor element is welded to the exposed end of the pressure port. The plastic material of the pressure vessel extends into a central axial bore of the pressure port to minimize leakage by maximizing a potential leakage path for the medium contained by the pressure vessel, and over a shoulder of the pressure port to secure the pressure port in the body of the pressure vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul J. Pitzer
  • Publication number: 20030145656
    Abstract: A pressure sensor having a radially tensioned diaphragm for measuring fluid pressure. The pressure sensor includes a first generally concave metal body member and a second generally concave metal body member, and a radially tensioned flexible metal diaphragm disposed therebetween that is tensioned by heating the sensor. The first and second body members are formed from a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion in the range of approximately 0.0000056 inch/inch/° F. to 0.0000064 inch/inch/° F. The diaphragm is formed from a precipitation hardening metal material having a coefficient of thermal expansion of approximately 0.0000060 inch/inch/° F. The first body member and the second body member are formed from a ferromagnetic metal material such that the first and second body members shield the diaphragm from magnetic fields which may otherwise cause movement of the diaphragm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: Terrence J. Troyer
  • Patent number: 6601452
    Abstract: A semiconductor pressure sensor has a recess formed on a semiconductor substrate. The recess has a sidewall, a bottom wall that serves as a diaphragm for detecting a pressure, and a corner portion provided between the sidewall and the bottom wall and having a radius of curvature R. The radius of curvature R satisfies a formula of: R/S=526·(d/S)2−0.037·(d/S)+a1, where S is an area of the diaphragm, d is a thickness of the diaphragm, and a1 is in a range of 9.6×10−7 to 16×10−7 inclusive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Yuichiro Murata, Inao Toyoda, Yasutoshi Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20030140703
    Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a pressure sensor element that is provided with a pressure sensor membrane. The pressure sensor element is held in a receiving part in a defined position during operation within a permissible operating pressure range by a spring element. When the permissible working pressure range is exceeded, a relative movement, acting against the spring force, between the pressure sensor element and the receiving part takes place, thereby increasing the volume of the space immediately upstream of the pressure sensor membrane. The design allows for a limitation of the pressure and for an effective protection of the pressure sensor membrane when the liquid is frozen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: Manfred Weigl
  • Patent number: 6598482
    Abstract: A differential pressure sensor has a first and a second measuring chamber. Each measuring chamber is limited by a rigid carrier plate and a diaphragm plate, which is formed in the region of the measuring chamber as a pressure-sensitive measuring diaphragm. To design the differential pressure sensor to be resistant to overloading, the carrier plate is arranged between a first and a second diaphragm plate and has congruent concave depressions on opposite sides in the plane of the plate. The depressions are connected to one another by a decentered duct, penetrating the carrier plate perpendicularly to the plane of the plates. In the region of the measuring chambers, the diaphragm plates are formed congruently in relation to the depressions as pressure-sensitive measuring diaphragms. The measuring chambers and the duct are filled with an incompressible fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: ABB Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Scholz, Albrecht Vogel, Peter Krippner
  • Patent number: 6595064
    Abstract: A diaphragm 30 and basic body 20 of a pressure sensor 10 are interconnected via a joint F. A groove 26 is provided in the basic body 20 in order to reduce the stress concentration in the region of the joint F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co.
    Inventors: Ulfert Drewes, Andreas Rossberg, Frank Hegner, Elke Maria Schmidt, Jürgen Breme, Thomas Velten
  • Patent number: 6595066
    Abstract: A leadless sensor of the type employing a p+ rim which surrounds contact areas, each contact area defined by a metallized portion surrounded by a p+ semiconductor material, which p+ semiconductor materials or fingers are coupled to an active sensor array. The leadless sensor is bonded to a first glass cover member having two slotted apertures which communicate with the active regions of the sensor area on the underside and a top glass contact member which has two slotted regions which communicate with the piezoresistive sensors on the top side of the semiconductor wafer. The glass contact member has a series of corner through holes which are congruent with the contact terminals associated with the semiconductor sensor and which through holes are filled with a glass metal frit to enable contact to be made to the contact terminals of the semiconductor sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony D. Kurtz, Alexander A. Ned
  • Patent number: 6595063
    Abstract: A system and corresponding method for bulge testing films (e.g. thin films, coatings, layers, etc.) is provided, as well as membrane structures for use in bulge testing and improved methods of manufacturing same so that resulting membrane structures have substantially identical known geometric and responsive characteristics. Arrayed membrane structures, and corresponding methods, are provided in certain embodiments which enable bulge testing of a film(s) over a relatively large surface area via a plurality of different free-standing membrane portions. Improved measurements of film bulging or deflection are obtained by measuring deflection of a center point of a film, relative to non-deflected peripheral points on the film being tested. Furthermore, membrane structures are adhered to mounting structure in an improved manner, and opaque coatings may be applied over top of film(s) to be bulge tested so that a corresponding optical transducer can more easily detect film deflection/bulging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Sintef
    Inventors: Henrik Rogne, Dag Torstein Wang
  • Patent number: 6595067
    Abstract: In a pressure sensor made by bonding a sensor chip and a metal stem together with a resin adhesive, fluctuation of the sensor output caused by temperature changes are maximally reduced. The resin adhesive for bonding together the sensor element and the metal stem has a creep characteristic defined as CR=A×&sgr;B between its creep rate CR and stress &sgr; upon it with A and B being constants. The resin adhesive is selected to satisfy that the constant B is not greater than 3.5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Yasutoshi Suzuki, Hiroaki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6591687
    Abstract: A capacitive vacuum measuring cell includes first and second ceramic housing bodies (1, 4) joined by an edge seal (3). A thin ceramic membrane (2) is supported between first and second housing bodies (1, 4) by the edge seal (3) at a small distance from the first housing body (1) creating a reference vacuum chamber (25) therebetween. An electrically conductive material (7) coats opposing surfaces of the first housing body (1) and the membrane (2) to form a capacitor. A measurement vacuum chamber (26) is provided between the membrane (2) and the second housing body (4). A port (5) communicates with the second housing body (4) to connect the measurement vacuum chamber (26) of the measuring cell to the medium to be measured. The membrane (2) is made from an Al2O3 slurry that is sintered in a first heating step, cooled, and then reheated to smooth the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Inficon GmbH
    Inventors: Per Bjoerkman, Ray Olsson
  • Patent number: 6591688
    Abstract: A load applied to a load cell's load-bearing member (21) causes that member to move against the force applied by springs (28 and 30) and thereby bring a magnet (24) into closer proximity to the ferromagnetic core (12) of a coil (10). Acting across a small gap, the magnet partially saturates a magnetic circuit that encloses the coil. This force-caused magnet motion changes the coil inductance and the magnetic circuit's degree of saturation. By applying to the coil (10) a brief voltage pulse without thereby heating it significantly, and by observing the coil current's resultant steady-state value and the rate at which the coil current approaches that value, an inductance-to-load converter (FIG. 4) calculates the applied load and the coil's temperature and generates outputs that represent them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Starr-Johnson
    Inventor: Hubert A. Wright
  • Patent number: 6591689
    Abstract: A pressure sensor has a sensor chip with a diaphragm formed therein and bumps formed thereon, and a stem with leads extending from a surface thereof to the sensor chip. The bumps and the leads are electrically connected by face down bonding so that a surface of the sensor chip faces the surface of the stem. In this manner, bonding wires are unnecessary. Therefore, an area for disposing the bonding wires in the stem can be cut down, so that the pressure sensor can be miniaturized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Nidan, Takafumi Taki, Hideaki Hara, Michihiro Masuda, Kaname Ban, Kazuo Tanaka, Yoshifumi Murakami
  • Patent number: 6591684
    Abstract: A pressure sensor is mounted upon a hydraulic valve body. The sensor has a base which extends into a bore formed in the valve body. The valve body bore is in communication with a pressurized hydraulic fluid. A cover that is removably attached to the valve body encloses the pressure sensor. A circuit substrate is disposed within the cover and electrically connected to the pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Kelsey-Hayes Company
    Inventors: Michael Babala, Marc Bolitho, Thomas Baron, Helmut Gegalski
  • Patent number: 6584851
    Abstract: A pressure sensor has a joint (1) having a pressure port (13), a pressure detecting device (2) bonded to the joint (1) to convert fluid pressure to an electric signal and a housing (5) provided to an output side of the pressure detecting device (2), the pressure sensor further including a flange member (3) bonded to the joint (1) and having a through-hole (26) for the pressure detecting device (2) to be inserted and a connector (6) bonded to the flange member (3) to fix the housing (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Nagano Keiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kouzou Yamagishi, Yoshihiro Tomomatsu, Atsushi Imai
  • Publication number: 20030115965
    Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring the pressure of a fluid. A flexible barrier separates the fluid from the pressure receiving surface of a pressure sensing device. The pressure of the fluid is transferred through the flexible barrier to the pressure receiving surface. The flexible barrier may be in abutting juxtaposition with or may be spaced apart from the pressure sensing surface. In either case, the flexible barrier is coupled or held in defined relationship to the pressure sensing surface such that the pressure receiving surface will receive the substantially actual pressure of the fluid even when the pressure of the fluid is less than the ambient atmospheric pressure. Coupling of the flexible barrier to the pressure receiving surface may be achieved by any suitable means, including adhesive or the application of a full or partial vacuum between the flexible barrier and the pressure receiving surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: Innovent, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Michael Mittelstein, John T. Sorensen, James B. Gerg, Soheila Mirhashemi
  • Patent number: 6581468
    Abstract: The present invention provides a differential-pressure transducer having two sensors cross-coupled and independently excited. A first Wheatstone Bridge pressure sensor has a first sensitivity and is excited by a first voltage. A second Wheatstone Bridge pressure sensor has a second sensitivity and is independently excited by a second voltage different from said first voltage. The excitation voltages are independently adjusted to increase or decrease the sensitivities of the sensors to substantially match. The outputs of the sensors are cross-coupled to each other to reduce the offset difference errors between the pressure sensors. Sensitive electronics are isolated within the sealed housing to protect them from harsh surrounding media. The transducer is configured to provide either a four pressure differential pressure measurement or a three pressure gauge differential pressure measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Kavlico Corporation
    Inventor: Mark J. Clifford
  • Patent number: 6578426
    Abstract: A semiconductor sensor chip mounted on a thin diaphragm of a cylindrical metallic stem via an insulation layer is hermetically contained in a housing of a pressure sensor. The sensor chip includes a strain gage for outputting an electrical signal according to distortion of the diaphragm caused by pressure to be measured. A shield layer is interposed between the insulation layer and the sensor chip, and the shield layer is grounded. Influence of outside noises on the sensor outputs is eliminated or suppressed by the grounded shield layer even if the outside noises are in a high frequency region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Masahito Imai, Takeshi Shinoda, Yasutoshi Suzuki, Hiroaki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6577224
    Abstract: An oil filled pressure transducer of the type employing a metal diaphragm has a diaphragm of a greater thickness than a conventional diaphragm. The thick diaphragm exhibits and accommodates extremely large pressures and deflects to cause a lower pressure to be transmitted to the oil. Because of the large thickness of the metal diaphragm, the diaphragm dissipates a predetermined percentage of the applied pressure, whereas a corresponding fraction of the applied pressure is transmitted to the oil and hence to the silicon sensors. In this manner the diaphragm acts as a step-down transformer where a portion of the force or pressure applied to the diaphragm is transmitted to the pressure sensor. The pressure sensor receives a pressure which is a fraction of the applied pressure and the sensor is compensated to produce an output proportional to the actual pressure as applied to the thick diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony D. Kurtz
  • Patent number: 6561037
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a pressure sensor for a pressure measuring transducer which contains a base body (3), and a pressure-sensitive measuring membrane (7). The membrane is located on the base body (3) and can be subjected to a measurable pressure. The first chamber (10) is arranged between the base body (3) and the measuring membrane (7) in order to protect the measuring membrane (7) if the pressure to be measured exceeds an upper pressure limit. A second chamber (11) is provided to protect the measuring membrane (7) if the pressure to be measured falls short of a lower pressure limit. The second chamber (11) is arranged between the measuring membrane (7) and a contact plate (5) The contact plate is situated on the side of the measuring membrane (7) opposite the base body (3). A bore (6) is provided for subjecting the measuring membrane (7) to pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Vega Grieshaber KG
    Inventors: Ewald Böhler, Jörn Jakob, Manfred Liehr
  • Patent number: 6550337
    Abstract: An electronic pressure-sensing device is isolated from corrosive, conductive gasses and fluids by a corrosion resistant metal diaphragm welded to a pressure port. The pressure-sensing device is attached to a support structure with a hole that provides a path from the diaphragm area to the pressure-sensing device. A fill fluid is sealed behind the diaphragm and fills the hole through the support structure to the electronic pressure-sensing device. In this design, any hostile chemical applied is completely isolated from the electronic sensor and associated adhesive seals by the metal diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Measurement Specialties, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Wagner, James H. Hoffman, Gerald Lopopolo
  • Patent number: 6550338
    Abstract: A pressure sensing device adapted to measure pressure of a fluid includes a body member made of an inert material that does not react chemically with the fluid. A thin wall diaphragm section integral with the body member carries on its exterior surface a sensor that provides a signal proportionate to the pressure of the fluid within body member. The sensor device has an exterior surface with a bridge resistor circuit mounted thereon. The cross-sectional configurations of the sensor device and the thin wall diaphragm section are complimentary so their mating surfaces fit snugly together. A liner member made of an inert material that does not react chemically with the fluid fits within the body member adjacent the first thin wall diaphragm section and includes a second thin wall diaphragm section integral with the liner member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventor: Ardishir Rashidi
  • Publication number: 20030070488
    Abstract: Pressure measurement unit in a pressure measurement system A pressure measurement unit in a pressure measurement system has a housing section (8) which has an internal space (9) with internal surfaces, and a ceramic unit (1) which has a pressure diaphragm (2) and at least one external surface, with the ceramic unit (1) held in the press fit in the housing section (8) and with radial holding stresses operating between the external surface of the ceramic unit (1) and the internal surfaces of the housing section (8). In a method for manufacturing a corresponding pressure measurement unit with a housing section (8) and with a ceramic unit (1) which has a pressure diaphragm (2) and at least one external surface, with holding stresses built up between the housing section (8) and the ceramic unit (1), which hold the ceramic unit (1) in the internal space of the housing section (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: Johannes Ante, Markus Gilch
  • Patent number: 6543294
    Abstract: A pressure indicator according to the present invention monitors the pressure of the fluid in a vessel. One embodiment of the present invention comprises a closed pressurized gas volume behind a dimpled metal diaphragm. In normal operation, the force of the fluid pressure acting on the external surface of the diaphragm overcomes the force of the gas pressure acting on the internal surface of the diaphragm to hold the diaphragm in a concave geometry. In the event of a sufficient loss of fluid pressure, the force of the gas pressure acting on the internal surface of the diaphragm will overcome the force of the fluid pressure acting on the external surface of the diaphragm, thereby moving the diaphragm into a convex geometry. A viewing window disposed in the side of the vessel can be used to view the pressure indicator and determine the shape of the indicator diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Bradley Stamps, Ronnie Lee Martin, James Lee Braswell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6543290
    Abstract: In a flowmeter for measuring fluid flow, fluid passes through a primary element (20) in which the pressure on respective sides of the restriction (2a) acts on respective sides of the diaphragm (11) mounted in a diaphragm housing (3). The diaphragm, in turn, acts on a measuring element (17) provided with strain gauges (27) connected to a measuring bridge (5). The signals from the measuring bridge (5) can be used to indicate the flow through the orifice plate, for example, on an indicating instrument (7), or otherwise to record changes in the flow or control the flow to a desired value by means of a control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Eletta AB
    Inventors: Chris Engström, Åke Eriksson
  • Patent number: 6539806
    Abstract: Magnetic force from a momentarily excited coil (34) results in oscillatory flexure of a flexible diaphragm (30) loaded on one side by a liquid (10) whose level is to be measured. A permanent magnet (42) mounted on the diaphragm (30) so moves with diaphragm flexure as to vary the magnetic saturation of a saturable circuit in which the coil (34) generates flux. By determining the coil's inductance under quiescent-diaphragm conditions, a computer (56) can infer the ambient pressure that bears upon the liquid (10). By compensating for the static pressure thus inferred, it can then determine liquid level by observing diaphragm oscillations reflected in coil electromotive force generated by the magnet (42) as the diaphram (30) undergoes oscillatory flexure in response to the coil's momentary excitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Starr-Johnson
    Inventor: Hubert A. Wright
  • Publication number: 20030047004
    Abstract: Several associated techniques and fiber optic constructions are disclosed to protect a diaphragm type fiber optic cylinder pressure sensor from the effects of maximum under hood temperatures and to minimize errors associated with rapidly changing under hood and engine temperatures. The techniques include electronic compensation in response to temperature change, fuel system cooling of the optoelectronic interface, construction of the interface and construction of the sensor tip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventor: Marek T. Wlodarczyk
  • Patent number: 6516670
    Abstract: A pressure sensor is provided having a housing, a process connection which is connected to the housing and serves to feed a medium whose pressure (p) is to be measured to a membrane which his arranged in the housing, said membrane, in operation, undergoing a deflection which depends on the pressure (p) which is to be measured, which pressure sensor can have a seal made of a chemically highly resistant material and in which the membrane can consist either of ceramic or metal, which pressure sensor has a seal which seals a gap found between the housing and the process connection and/or the membrane, bears directly against the gap and covers the gap, and which is clamped between the housing and the membrane, and which pressure sensor has a spring which is two-legged in cross section, whose first and second legs enclose an acute angle, whose first leg has a leg surface which faces away from the second leg, rests on a supporting surface and is connected fixedly to the latter, and whose second leg has a leg surface
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co.
    Inventors: Frank Hegner, Karl Flögel, Karlheinz Banholzer, Bernd Rosskopf
  • Publication number: 20030019298
    Abstract: The current invention relates to a freeze-resistant pressure sensor, which is comprised of a pressure sensor housing (9), which encloses a pressure measurement chamber (10), and a pressure measurement cell (2). In addition, an elastically flexible compensation element (1) is provided, which is disposed in the pressure measurement chamber (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Heiko Scheurich, Winfried Kuhnt, Martin Mast, Berthold Rogge, Masoud Habibi, Hanspeter Mayer
  • Patent number: 6508129
    Abstract: A pressure sensor capsule with a beam shaped sensor body, made of direct bonded layers of single crystal sapphire, surrounding a hollow central channel. A first beam end receives pressure and a second beam end has electrical contact pads and there is a mounting surface between the ends. The central channel has a narrower width passing through the mounting surface. An isolation plate is brazed to the mounting surface. Pressure sensing film is in the first end with leads extending through the channel to the electrical contact pads. The beam having a notch at the second end, forming an isolated lead surface on the central channel where the electrical contact pads are accessible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventor: Fred C. Sittler
  • Publication number: 20030005772
    Abstract: A chamber in the interior of a housing communicates with the environment of the housing by means of a gas esxchange path, wherein a filter element with a hydrophobic and/or hydrophobicized, nanoporous material is placed in the gas exchange path. The chamber serves, e.g. to accomodate electronic circuitry, or it is chamed as a reference pressure chamber of a relative pressure sensor. The relative pressure sensor according to the present invention for capturing a measured pressure with respect to a reference pressure comprises a reference pressure path 23 which extends between a surface which can be exposed to the reference pressure and an opening in a reference pressure chamber 22, a filter element 30 which is arranged in the reference pressure path comprising a hydrophobic or hydrophobicized, nanoporous material. The filter element allows pressure compensation on account of its permeability to N2 and O2, while water molecules are selectively blocked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: Frank Hegner, Andreas Rossberg, Elke Schmidt, Ulfert Drewes, Michael Kirst, Bernhard Walter
  • Patent number: 6499352
    Abstract: A ceramic pressure measuring cell with a basic body (1, 3), a diaphragm (5) connected to the basic body (1, 3) to form a measuring chamber (7, 9), which during operation undergoes a deflection dependent on a pressure (p1-p2) to be measured and the deflection of which is registered by means of an electromechanical transducer and is made accessible for further evaluation and/or processing, and a bore (13, 17) which penetrates the basic body (1, 3) and into which a small pressure tube (15, 19) is soldered in a pressure-resistant and gastight manner, and via which a pressure (p1, p2) is introduced into the measuring chamber (7, 9), is provided, in which a volume inside the measuring cell and the small pressure tube is precisely known, since the mechanical stop (33, 35) fixes a depth of penetration of the small pressure tube (15, 19) into the basic body (1, 3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co.
    Inventors: Karlheinz Banholzer, Karl Flögel, Frank Hegner, Bernd Rosskopf
  • Patent number: 6490932
    Abstract: A method of producing a number of pressure sensors includes joining a plurality of support bodies to a metal component, the metal component forming a diaphragm, applying a thin-film coating to produce the sensor elements, and finally dividing the metal component provided with the thin-film coating and the support bodies into a plurality of pressure sensors, each having a single one of the support bodies so that the number of pressure sensors formed corresponds to the plurality of the support bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Erwin Naegele, Martin Mast, Werner Fischer, Rainer Foerstner
  • Publication number: 20020178824
    Abstract: Transfer fluid, in particular for electrical pressure transducers and pressure transmitters, that transfers deflections of a separating element between a substance to be measured and the transfer fluid to a pressure measurement arrangement, the transfer fluid comprising a polyalphaolefin (PAO 6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Roman Becker, Abrecht Kalisch, Jurgen Pleyer, Peter Petter
  • Patent number: 6481291
    Abstract: A blood pressure measuring apparatus includes a sleeve having an inflatable interior, and gage housing having a movement mechanism disposed within said housing. The sleeve includes a socket which is sized to receive an engagement portion of the gage housing for directly attaching said gage housing to said sleeve to permit fluid interconnection between the interior of said inflatable sleeve and the interior of said housing without requiring a hose there between. The engagement portion of the gage housing can include an adapter to permit snap-fitting to the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond A. Lia, Robert L. Vivenzio, Raymond P. Dromms
  • Publication number: 20020162399
    Abstract: A reflective movable diaphragm unit 2 having diaphragm portions 25 formed by a circular SiO2 film, a mesa portion 22 and light-reflecting mirror portion 23 of the SiO2 film disposed in the center, and a ring-shaped spacer 24a and bonding layer 24b formed of metal layers in the circumferential edge portion of the diaphragm portion 25, whereby a pressure sensor is formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventors: Masayoshi Esashi, Yoichi Haga, Takashi Katsumata
  • Patent number: 6474168
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a pressure sensor for measuring absolute dynamic pressure. The sensor comprises a frame surrounding a diaphragm, wherein the diaphragm is spaced from the frame by at least two slits which define a restriction that places a reference chamber in fluid communication with a surrounding environment. The diaphragm is connected to the frame at two transition areas, which transition areas are separated from one another by the slits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Presens AS
    Inventor: Frode Meringdal
  • Patent number: 6474169
    Abstract: A diaphragm pressure sensor (1) includes a pressure guide member (3) made of fluoroplastics for the admission of liquid chemicals, pressure of which is measured. A pressure frame (4) made of perfluoroalkoxy resin is integrated with the pressure guide member (3) to form a wetted part 6 of the liquid chemicals. A ceramic diaphragm (8) with built-in pressure sensor (7) is bonded to the surface of the pressure frame (4) opposite to the surface to which pressure is applied. A body (2) is provided for housing the pressure guide member (3), pressure frame (4) and diaphragm (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Tem-Tech Lab Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mituyoshi Aizawa, Yoshinori Kawamura