Diaphragm Patents (Class 73/715)
  • Patent number: 10107702
    Abstract: Pressure sensor having a support element extending in a longitudinal direction and bearing a pressure-sensitive element, the sensor having a threaded portion for mounting the sensor in a threaded housing in a pressurized fluid apparatus, the support element having a shoulder forming an abutment surface that is not parallel to the longitudinal axis, to allow the sensor to be positioned in a predetermined position in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction, wherein the threaded portion is formed on a tightening nut which is separate and movable with respect to the support element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude
    Inventor: Antoine Frenal
  • Patent number: 10101234
    Abstract: A pressure sensor comprising a housing, a diaphragm wafer, and an isolator configured to absorb lateral stress. The diaphragm wafer includes a fully exposed diaphragm, a fluid contact surface, a sensing element, and a support portion, where the support portion and the contact surface define a cavity. The isolator extends laterally from the support portion to the housing. The pressure sensor is easily drainable, eliminating the buildup of particulates, and the diaphragm can be directly wire-bonded to printed circuit boards, eliminating the need for extensive electrical feedthrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Rosemount Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Potasek, Charles Little, Weibin Zhang
  • Patent number: 10078028
    Abstract: A pressure sensor assemblage includes a housing and a pressure sensor received in an interior space of the housing. The housing has at least one gas inlet that is connected in gas-permeable fashion at least to a sub-region of the interior space of the housing. In addition, a sacrificial element is provided at the gas inlet, which element is disposed and implemented in such a way that gas flowing through the gas inlet comes into contact with a surface of the sacrificial element, which surface of the sacrificial element is provided with a silver layer. The sacrificial element has a carrier element made of an iodine- or iodide-resistant material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Thomas Fessele, Masoud Habibi
  • Patent number: 10067023
    Abstract: A differential pressure measuring pickup comprises a measuring pickup body and a differential pressure sensor. The measuring pickup body has a process interfacing surface with a first pressure input opening and a second pressure input opening. The differential pressure sensor can be loaded with a first pressure through the first pressure input opening and with a second pressure through the second pressure input opening. The first pressure input opening is closed by way of a first separating diaphragm and the second pressure input opening is closed by way of a second separating diaphragm. The first separating diaphragm is sealed with respect to the surroundings by way of a first seal, and wherein the second separating diaphragm is sealed with respect to the surroundings by way of a second seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: ENDRESS+HAUSER SE+CO.KG
    Inventors: Michael Hugel, Thomas Uehlin, Christian Hahn
  • Patent number: 10039199
    Abstract: An adapter has two conductors each with a U-shaped bend forming upper longer legs and lower shorter legs. The conductors face each other with the longer legs linearly aligned with each other and the shorter legs aligned with each other, thereby forming a first gap between the longer legs and a second gap between the shorter legs. The first gap is substantially smaller than the second gap, so that an electrical package can be placed across the first gap to contact the two upper longer legs, while the two shorter legs are spaced further apart to span a larger gap between conductors of a connector. Thus, the adapter enables the electrical package to be connected to conductors having a gap that is larger than the electrical package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: AMPHENOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Donald A. Girard, Jr., Robert Auger, Mark W. Gailus
  • Patent number: 10035696
    Abstract: Measures are provided, by which mechanical stresses within the diaphragm structure of a MEMS component may be intentionally dissipated, and which additionally enable the implementation of diaphragm elements having a large diaphragm area in comparison to the chip area. The diaphragm element is formed in the layer structure of the MEMS component. It spans an opening in the layer structure and is attached via a spring structure to the layer structure. The spring structure includes at least one first spring component, which is oriented essentially in parallel to the diaphragm element and is formed in a layer plane below the diaphragm element. Furthermore, the spring structure includes at least one second spring component, which is oriented essentially perpendicularly to the diaphragm element. The spring structure is designed in such a way that the area of the diaphragm element is greater than the area of the opening which it spans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Fabian Purkl, Michael Stumber, Ricardo Ehrenpfordt, Rolf Scheben, Benedikt Stein, Christoph Schelling
  • Patent number: 10018541
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for sorting target cells and non-target cells from a sample by a cell sorting valve microfabricated on a surface of a silicon substrate, with microfabricated channels leading from the cell sorting valve, wherein the cell sorting valve separates the target particles from non-target material; a disposable cartridge containing a sample reservoir, a sort reservoir and a waste reservoir; wherein the sample is provided in a buffer comprising nuclease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Miltenyi Biotec, GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Miltenyi, Tanno Hübel, Volker Nolle
  • Patent number: 9909946
    Abstract: A pressure sensor system having a pressure sensor chip is specified. The pressure sensor chip is mounted on a mounting receptacle of a ceramic housing body having a pressure feed guided to the pressure sensor chip. The housing body is three-dimensionally shaped and monolithically formed and is formed by a ceramic material having a coefficient of thermal expansion which deviates by less than 30% from the coefficient of thermal expansion of the pressure sensor chip in a temperature range of greater than or equal to ?40° C. and less than or equal to 150° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: EPCOS AG
    Inventors: Jan Ihle, Andreas Peschka, Bert Hundertmark, Benjamin Bohl, Bernhard Ostrick
  • Patent number: 9901268
    Abstract: An intracranial pressure monitoring device includes a housing defining a first internal chamber, a plurality of strain gauges disposed on an inner surface of a diaphragm defined by a wall of the first internal chamber, a device for generating orientation signals, and circuitry coupled to the plurality of strain gauges and to the device. The circuitry is configured to generate intracranial pressure data from signals received from the plurality of strain gauges, generate orientation data based on the orientation signals received from the device, and store the intracranial pressure data and the orientation data in a computer readable storage such that the intracranial pressure data and orientation data are associated with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Branchpoint Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Hughes, Alexander Strachan
  • Patent number: 9896327
    Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical system sensor device is disclosed. The sensor device comprises a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) layer, comprising: an actuator layer and a cover layer, wherein a portion of the actuator layer is coupled to the cover layer via a dielectric; and an out-of-plane sense element interposed between the actuator layer and the cover layer, wherein the MEMS device layer is connected to a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) substrate layer via a spring and an anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: INVENSENSE, INC.
    Inventor: Matthew Julian Thompson
  • Patent number: 9878904
    Abstract: A MEMS device with electronics integration places integrated circuit components on a topping wafer of a sensing die to conserve space, minimize errors and reduce cost of the device as a whole. The topping wafer is bonded to a sensing wafer and secured in a housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Rosemount Aerospace Inc.
    Inventor: David P. Potasek
  • Patent number: 9873837
    Abstract: Methods, reactor systems, and catalysts are provided for converting in a continuous process biomass to fuels and chemicals, including methods of converting the water insoluble components of biomass, such as hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin, to volatile C2+O1-2 oxygenates, such as alcohols, ketones, cyclic ethers, esters, carboxylic acids, aldehydes, and mixtures thereof. In certain applications, the volatile C2+O1-2 oxygenates can be collected and used as a final chemical product, or used in downstream processes to produce liquid fuels, chemicals and other products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Virent, Inc.
    Inventors: Ming Qiao, Elizabeth Woods, Paul Myren, Randy Cortright, John Kania
  • Patent number: 9808607
    Abstract: In one aspect, an implantable shunt system is disclosed that, in one example implementation, includes a resilient member and a connected fluid regulating device. The fluid regulating device selectively permits fluid flow through an opening valve of an implantable shunt according to an adjustable opening pressure. The opening pressure is proportional to an amount of tension on the resilient member. One or more tension sensors that are connected to the resilient member measure an amount of tension on the resilient member. The tension sensors generate tension data that corresponds to the measured amount of tension. The system further includes a communication unit with a transmitting unit that transmits the measured data over a communication link. The system also includes a reading unit that receives the transmitted tension data over the communication link. The reading unit includes a connector that electrically connects the reading unit to the transmission unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: DEPUY SYNTHES PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Lev Ludin, Michael DeFusco
  • Patent number: 9772242
    Abstract: A physical quantity measuring sensor includes: a joint having a projection; a ceramic sensor module including a diaphragm and a cylindrical portion integrated with the diaphragm and provided to the projection; and an O-ring interposed between a sensor-module flat portion extending in a direction orthogonal to an axial direction of the cylindrical portion and a joint flat portion extending in a direction orthogonal to an axial direction of the projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: NAGANO KEIKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hironori Kobayashi, Shuji Tohyama, Yusuke Abe, Haruhiko Sekiya
  • Patent number: 9764947
    Abstract: The voltages output from a low-pressure MEMS sensor are increased by increasing the sensitivity of the sensor. Sensitivity is increased by thinning the diaphragm of the low pressure sensor device. Nonlinearity increased by thinning the diaphragm is reduced by simultaneously creating a cross stiffener on the top side of the diaphragm. An over-etch of the top side further increases sensitivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jen-Huang Albert Chiou, Shiuh-Hui Steven Chen
  • Patent number: 9719874
    Abstract: A pressure sensor device is to be positioned within a material where a mechanical parameter is measured. The pressure sensor device may include an IC having a ring oscillator with an inverter stage having first doped and second doped piezoresistor couples. Each piezoresistor couple may include two piezoresistors arranged orthogonal to one another with a same resistance value. Each piezoresistor couple may have first and second resistance values responsive to pressure. The IC may include an output interface coupled to the ring oscillator and configured to generate a pressure output signal based upon the first and second resistance values and indicative of pressure normal to the IC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.R.L.
    Inventors: Alessandro Motta, Alberto Pagani, Giovanni Sicurella
  • Patent number: 9714569
    Abstract: A pressure measurement apparatus for a downhole measurement-while-drilling tool comprises a feed through connector and a pressure transducer. The feed through connector comprises a body with opposing first and second ends, at least one electrical interconnection extending axially through the body and out of both ends, and a pressure transducer receptacle in the first end and a communications bore extending from the receptacle to the second end. The pressure transducer is seated in the receptacle such that a pressure at the first end can be measured, and comprises at least one electrical contact that extends from the pressure transducer through the communication bore and out of the second end. The pressure transducer can take pressure measurements for predicting wear of a primary seal in a motor subassembly of the tool, detect a pressure-related battery failure event, and control operation of a dual pulse height fluid pressure pulse generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Evolution Engineering Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron W. Logan, Jili Liu, David A. Switzer, Justin C. Logan
  • Patent number: 9677919
    Abstract: A gauge system comprises a sensor that produces a sensor signal as a function of a sensed parameter. The gauge system also comprises a motor and a gauge having a scale and a movable indication needle that is driven by the motor and displays a measurement value of the sensed parameter based upon position of the needle relative to the scale. The gauge system further includes a position sensor that produces a position feedback signal representative of a sensed position of the needle and a controller that provides drive commands to the motor based on the sensor signal and the position feedback signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventors: John Allan Kielb, Cory Michael Robinson
  • Patent number: 9663357
    Abstract: A method for fabricating packaged semiconductor devices (100) with an open cavity (110a) in panel format; placing (process 201) on an adhesive carrier tape a panel-sized grid of metallic pieces having a flat pad (230) and symmetrically placed vertical pillars (231); attaching (process 202) semiconductor chips (101) with sensor systems face-down onto the tape; laminating (process 203) and thinning (process 204) low CTE insulating material (234) to fill gaps between chips and grid; turning over (process 205) assembly to remove tape; plasma-cleaning assembly front side, sputtering and patterning (process 206) uniform metal layer across assembly and optionally plating (process 209) metal layer to form rerouting traces and extended contact pads for assembly; laminating (process 212) insulating stiffener across panel; opening (process 213) cavities in stiffener to access the sensor system; and singulating (process 214) packaged devices by cutting metallic pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Jie Mao, Hau Nguyen, Luu Nguyen, Anindya Poddar
  • Patent number: 9665199
    Abstract: The present invention relates to technical field of electronic switch control and discloses a touch button, which comprises a panel and a hollow pad module; wherein, the panel is provided with a button area, and the pad module is arranged at an edge of the button area of the panel; the touch button further comprises at least one sensor configured to sense a pressure, and the sensor is arranged inside the pad module and abuts against the panel. By providing such a touch button, the panel of the touch button can be made of any material, and thus the application range of the touch button is enlarged. Moreover, the touch button has good durability, is beautiful, can identify touch pressures accurately, has high sensitivity, and brings convenience into the actual use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Shenzhen New Degree Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hao Li
  • Patent number: 9664187
    Abstract: A pen-type pressure indicator, which can be detachably connected to an air compressor for measuring the pressure of compressed air produced in the air compressor, includes a transparent tube and a slider. The slider can be moved along a first bore and a second bore of the transparent tube. The motion of the slider in the transparent tube is similar to the motion of a piston in a cylinder. The transparent tube is provided with a tapered annular surface, between the first bore and the second bore. In addition to measuring the pressure of the compressed air delivered to an object, when the pressure of the compressed air exceeds a predetermined pressure, excessive air can be released into the environment, without requiring the air compressor to be installed with a safety valve, so that the object can be protected from damages due to overpressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Inventor: Wen-San Chou
  • Patent number: 9628485
    Abstract: Peering within a mobile network is facilitated. In one example, a method includes: generating, by a requesting device including a processor, a peer group between the requesting device and at least one target device over a wireless communication network. The method also includes obtaining virtual access, by the requesting device, to an aspect of the target device based on the generating, wherein the generating is based on successful authentication of the requesting device and the target device. The method also includes displaying, by the requesting device, information indicative of the aspect of the service to which the target device is subscribed. In some cases, the aspect of the target device includes a service to which the target device is subscribed. The service can share data retrieved at a location of the target device with the requesting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: Soumyajit Chakraborty, Shiv Kumar, James Gordon Beattie, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9618414
    Abstract: A device for determining a pressure and a method for manufacturing the same, having a housing including a cavity, a sensor device including a first sealing structure which engages with the housing so that an opening of the cavity is closable with the aid of the sensor device, in which the sensor device is configured for determining a pressure which is applied to the cavity, and a sealing device situated between the housing and the sensor device and configured for pressing the first sealing structure on the housing by exerting a contact force on the sensor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Frank Klopf, Thomas Moelkner, Wilhelm Frey, Marc Layer, Juergen Kober
  • Patent number: 9606015
    Abstract: A measuring cell having a measuring cell body and a measuring diaphragm mounted on the measuring cell body, with the measuring diaphragm in direct contact with a measurement environment, so that when the measuring cell is used, as intended, in at least one measurement section of a top surface of the diaphragm that is covered in an anti-stick coating and faces the measurement environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: VEGA GRIESHABER KG
    Inventor: Joern Jacob
  • Patent number: 9588003
    Abstract: An isolator system for a pressure transmitter includes a port internal to the transmitter, a sensor tube, and a fill tube. The sensor tube is connected to the port to fluidly connect a passageway through a transmitter body to a pressure sensor. The sensor tube includes a first end disposed in the port. The first end has a first cross-sectional area. The fill tube is internal to the transmitter and connected to the port to fluidly connect to the passageway. The fill tube includes a second end disposed in the port. The second end of the fill tube has a second cross-sectional area that is less than the first cross-sectional area of the sensor tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Hedtke, Eric Petersen
  • Patent number: 9573544
    Abstract: A pair of vehicle door panels defines a cavity. An air sensor has an air inlet protruding into the cavity and senses an air pressure within the cavity. A shield covers the air inlet, has at least one side wall extending away from the air inlet, and defines a chamber configured to collapse in response to an increase in the air pressure to excite the air sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Jeffery Hammoud, Swadad A. Carremm, Dana Conner
  • Patent number: 9566656
    Abstract: A header assembly for a pressure sensor and methods for manufacturing and using the same are provided. In one example embodiment, a header insert may include a base; a hollow protrusion coupled to the base and having a metalized inner surface and a metalized outer surface, wherein the metalized outer surface of the hollow protrusion is used to couple to a header and the metalized inner surface of the hollow protrusion is used to couple to a header pin; and wherein a seal is formed between the header, the header insert and the header pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Martin, Louis DeRosa, Robert Gardner
  • Patent number: 9534975
    Abstract: A pressure sensor assembly for measuring the pressure of a first fluid. The assembly having a first housing including a pressure sensing device arranged therein. A diaphragm is arranged on a surface of the first housing and is configured to transmit a force exerted on a first side thereof to the pressure sensing device. A second housing is provided and attached to the first housing. The second housing may be arranged generally circumferentially around the diaphragm. A compressible element is provided and arranged within a compressible element space defined within the second housing. The compressible element is configured to transmit a force exerted thereon by the fluid to the first side of the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: MEASUREMENT SPECIALTIES, INC.
    Inventors: Natasha V. Kachenko, David E. Wagner, Weijun Xie
  • Patent number: 9523620
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a metal diaphragm capable of achieving a higher strength, excellent corrosion resistance, and a smooth surface condition, and a pressure sensor including the diaphragm. The diaphragm according to the present invention includes a two-phase stainless steel having a composition of 24 to 26 mass % Cr, 2.5 to 3.5 mass % Mo, 5.5 to 7.5 mass % Ni, 0.03 mass % or less C, 0.08 to 0.3 mass % N, and the balance Fe and inevitable impurities, and having a 0.2% proof stress of 1300 MPa or higher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: SEIKO INSTRUMENTS INC.
    Inventors: Takuma Otomo, Keita Naito, Ryo Sugawara, Tomoo Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 9427517
    Abstract: A piston pump is described for pumping a fluid, comprising at least two cylinders each having a piston which is movable inside the associated cylinder along the longitudinal axis of the cylinder by means of a drive, wherein cylinders are attached to a common pump flange. In each cylinder a chamber is formed having a volume that changes when the associated piston is moved in the cylinder. The pump flange extends along the direction of motion of the pistons, and at least one inlet port and one outlet port are attached to the pump flange, whose longitudinal axes run along the pump flange. A central valve plate is attached to the side of the pump flange facing away from the cylinders that bear on the pump flange and continuously rotates transversely to the pump flange during pumping operation of the piston pump. Respective passages are introduced to the pump flange in the region of each inlet and outlet port, and cylinder openings are introduced to the pump flange in the region of each cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: B. BRAUN MELSUNGEN AG
    Inventor: Dietmar Eberhard
  • Patent number: 9400225
    Abstract: A pressure gauge structure contains: a hollow case, a pushing device, a display unit, and a receiving bag. The hollow casing includes a bow-shaped frame, a support rack disposed below the bow-shaped frame, and a film defined between the bow-shaped frame and the support rack. The pushing device includes an insulation plate and includes a push bolt contacting with a bottom end of the insulation plate and inserting through a screwing post, wherein between the insulation plate and the film is defined a chamber, and the screwing post is screwed with a bottom end of the support rack. The display unit is mounted on the film, and the receiving bag is fixed between the film and the insulation plate to hold fluid with a certain density, the push bolt has a protruded rib extending outward from one end thereof and abuts against the screwing post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Chin Ray Industrial Ltd.
    Inventor: Chiu-Sung Chou
  • Patent number: 9389134
    Abstract: A sensor includes: a housing with a terminal; a joint including a projecting portion; a sensor module provided to the projecting portion and including a strain gauge; a conductive member connecting the terminal and the strain gauge; a cap-shaped synthetic resin base provided to the projecting portion, including a top with an opening in which the strain gauge is exposed and lateral portions intersecting the top, and having an inner circumferential surface slidable along an outer circumferential surface of the projecting portion; and an electronic component mounted on the lateral portions. The conductive member includes: a flexible circuit board having a first end connected to the terminal and a second end connected to the base; and a three-dimensional circuit connected to the electronic component, three-dimensionally arranged continuously along the top and the lateral portions of the base, and having one end connected to the flexible circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: NAGANO KEIKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yukinobu Iimori, Hironori Kobayashi, Shuji Tohyama
  • Patent number: 9321628
    Abstract: A MEMS device wherein a die of semiconductor material has a first face and a second face. A membrane is formed in or on the die and faces the first surface. A cap is fixed to the first face of the first die and is spaced apart from the membrane by a space. The die is fixed, on its second face, to an ASIC, which integrates a circuit for processing the signals generated by the die. The ASIC is in turn fixed on a support. A packaging region coats the die, the cap, and the ASIC and seals them from the outside environment. A fluidic path is formed through the support, the ASIC, and the first die, and connects the membrane and the first face of the die with the outside, without requiring holes in the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Dino Faralli, Benedetto Vigna, Laura Maria Castoldi
  • Patent number: 9296607
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling a MEMS device to a substrate is disclosed. The method includes providing a substrate with a conductor disposed over the substrate, adhering the MEMS device to the substrate, wherein a first elastomer adheres the MEMS device to the substrate. The MEMS device is electrically connected to the conductor using a wire bond.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: INVENSENSE, INC.
    Inventor: Anthony D. Minervini
  • Patent number: 9266082
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cooling system for removing heat from a Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) slurry reactor. The cooling system including a downcomer disposed within the F-T reactor to deliver a coolant downward through the F-T reactor at a predetermined velocity. The downcomer and the pressure of the introduced coolant cooperate to increase the coolant velocity, thereby maintaining the coolant in the substantially liquid phase in the downcomer. The cooling system further includes a plenum connected to the downcomer, wherein the coolant remains in the substantially liquid phase. Additionally, the cooling system includes at least one riser extending upward from the plenum, wherein a portion of the coolant vaporizes to provide a boiling heat transfer surface on the at least one riser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: REG SYNTHETIC FUELS, LLC
    Inventors: H. Lynn Tomlinson, William Manning, William Schaefer, Tsungani Record
  • Patent number: 9243964
    Abstract: A device (1) converts a force or a pressure into an electrical signal and has a first deformation element (10), in particular a first membrane (12), to apply the force or the pressure to the device (1) and a second deformation element (20), in particular a second membrane (22), to convert the deflection of the force or the pressure into an electrical signal. The first deformation element (10) has a first force transmitter (14), and the second deformation element (20) has a second force transmitter (24) for transmitting the force from the first deformation element (10) to the second deformation element (20). The first force transmitter (14) is rigidly connected at its end distant from the first deformation element (10) to the end of the second force transmitter (24) distant from the second deformation element (20). Both compressive forces and tensile force can be transmitted from the first deformation element (10) to the second deformation element (20) by the first and second force transmitters (14, 24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: HYDAC ELECTRONIC GMBH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Brode, André Keiner
  • Patent number: 9052246
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a preloaded force sensor, the preloaded force being greater than a force threshold separating a non-linear response region of sensor operation from a substantially linear response region of sensor operation. In an illustrative embodiment, the total applied force includes the preloaded force and an externally-applied force, the preloaded force being predetermined such that electrical signal response is substantially linear for positive externally-applied forces which when added to the preload force do not exceed the maximum force. In some embodiments, the externally-applied force may be transferred to a force-sensing die via a force-transfer member. In an exemplary embodiment, a spring having a predetermined spring coefficient may apply the predetermined preload force to the force-transfer member. In an exemplary embodiment, externally-applied positive forces may be simply calibrated using gain and offset corrections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Wade, Ian Bentley, Jason Dennis Patch, Lamar Floyd Ricks
  • Publication number: 20150135853
    Abstract: A pressure sensing element includes a sensing sub-element disposed on a diaphragm, the element including a shield disposed over the sub-element and configured to substantially eliminate influence of external charge on the sub-element during operation. A method of fabrication and a pressure sensor making use of the pressure sensing element are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Mark P. McNeal, Douglas B. Strott, Stephen P. Greene
  • Patent number: 9027407
    Abstract: A pressure and temperature sensor comprising comprises at least a first resonator of the SAW type comprising a piezoelectric substrate, thinned at least locally, of the membrane type, a second resonator of the SAW type comprising a piezoelectric substrate and a third resonator of the SAW type comprising a piezoelectric substrate, characterized in that the first, the second and the third resonators are respectively on the surface of first, second and third individual piezoelectric substrates, each of the individual substrates being positioned on the surface of a common base section, locally machined away under said first resonator in such a manner as to liberate the substrate from said resonator so as to render it operational for the measurement of pressure. A method of fabrication for such a sensor is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Senseor
    Inventors: Luc Chommeloux, Philippe Menage
  • Publication number: 20150122038
    Abstract: A pressure sensor comprises a first substrate containing a processing circuit integrated thereon and a cap attached to the first substrate. The cap includes a container, a holder, and one or more suspension elements for suspending the container from the holder. The container includes a cavity and a deformable membrane separating the cavity and a port open to an outside of the pressure sensor. The container is suspended from the holder such that the deformable membrane faces the first substrate and such that a gap is provided between the deformable membrane and the first substrate which gap contributes to the port. Sensing means are provided for converting a response of the deformable membrane to pressure at the port into a signal capable of being processed by the processing circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Felix MAYER, Marc VON WALDKIRCH, Johannes BUHLER, Rene HUMMEL, Stephan BRAUN, Marion HERMERSDORF, Chung-Hsien LIN
  • Patent number: 9021884
    Abstract: A pressure sensor device and its use for confirming achievement of a selected pressure in a high pressure process (HPP) for sanitizing food is disclosed. The device includes at least a base and a sheet, each of which is substantially impermeable to the working fluid of the HPP and is deformable at the selected pressure. Microcapsules interposed between flat overlapping portions of the base and sheet contain a color former and burst upon pressurization of the environment surrounding the device. Release of the color former is detected to confirm that the pressurization occurred. The device can be associated with one or more foodstuffs (e.g., a packaged food product or a group of such packages) and remain associated therewith to continuously indicate that the foodstuff(s) have been subjected to the selected pressure and are therefore sanitized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Del Monte Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Caitlin Elizabeth Trahan, Justin Wade Shimek, Russel Allan Lem, Andrew Richard Hart
  • Patent number: 9016133
    Abstract: Various embodiments relate to a pressure sensor and related methods of manufacturing and use. A pressure sensor may include an electrical contact included in a flexible membrane that deflects in response to a measured ambient pressure. The electrical contact may be separated from a signal path through a cavity formed using a sacrificial layer and PVD plugs. At one or more defined touch-point pressure thresholds, the membrane of the pressure sensor may deflect so that the state of contact between an electrical contact and one or more sections of a signal path may change. In some embodiments, the change of state may cause the pressure sensor to trigger an alarm in the electrical circuit. Various embodiments also enable the operation of the electrical circuit for testing and calibration through the use of one or more actuation electrode layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: NXP, B.V.
    Inventors: William Frederick Adrianus Besling, Peter Gerard Steeneken, Olaf Wunnicke
  • Publication number: 20150107364
    Abstract: A pressure transmitter including tube-like pressure introducing pipes, a sealed-in liquid, the inside of the pressure introducing pipes being filled with the sealed-in liquid, pressure receiving diaphragms for receiving the pressures of measurement fluids, the pressure receiving diaphragms being set up in a state where one-side apertures in the pressure introducing pipes are blocked by the pressure receiving diaphragms, a pressure sensor that is set up in common to the other-side apertures in the pressure introducing pipes in a state where the pressure sensor is exposed to the sealed-in liquid, and hydrogen-permeation prevention layers that are set up on the pressure receiving diaphragms, wherein the pressure transmitter further includes a hydrogen-storage material that is set up inside the pressure introducing pipes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Ryo KUWANA, Setsuo ARITA, Atsushi BABA, Atsushi FUSHIMI, Daisuke SHINMA, Hideki HANAMI, Isao HARA, Takashi ITOU
  • Publication number: 20150107365
    Abstract: A pressure transmitter including tube-like pressure introducing pipes, a sealed-in liquid, the inside of the pressure introducing pipes being filled with the sealed-in liquid, pressure receiving diaphragms for receiving the pressures of measurement fluids, the pressure receiving diaphragms being set up in a state where one-side apertures in the pressure introducing pipes are blocked by the pressure receiving diaphragms, and a pressure sensor that is set up in common to the other-side apertures in the pressure introducing pipes in a state where the pressure sensor is exposed to the sealed-in liquid, wherein the sealed-in liquid is silicon oil containing phenyl groups, the pressure transmitter further including a hydrogen-storage material that is set up inside the pressure introducing pipes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Setsuo ARITA, Ryo KUWANA, Atsushi BABA, Atsushi FUSHIMI, Daisuke SHINMA, Hideki HANAMI, Isao HARA, Takashi ITOU
  • Patent number: 9010190
    Abstract: A MEMS pressure sensor may be manufactured to include a backing substrate having a diaphragm backing portion and a pedestal portion. A diaphragm substrate may be manufactured to include a pedestal portion and a diaphragm that is mounted to the diaphragm backing portion of the backing substrate to form a stress isolated MEMS die. The pedestal portions of the backing and diaphragm substrates form a pedestal of the stress isolated MEMS die. The pedestal is configured for isolating the diaphragm from stresses including packaging and mounting stress imparted on the stress isolated MEMS die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Rosemount Aerospace Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Potasek, John C. Christenson, Bruce H. Satterlund, Randy Phillips, Dave Holmquist
  • Publication number: 20150101413
    Abstract: A pressure sensitive element is provided. In one embodiment the pressure sensitive element comprises: a diaphragm with a gage side and a back side and a rim surrounding the diaphragm; a pair of inner islands on the gage side of the diaphragm wherein the pair of inner islands are spaced to form a first gap between the pair of inner islands; a first freed gage spanning the first gap; at least one bridge to provide an electrical communication path between the rim and the first freed gage; an outer island on the gage side of the diaphragm wherein the outer island and the rim are spaced to form a second gap; and a second freed gage spanning the second gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: Meggitt (Orange County), Inc.
    Inventors: TOM KWA, Leslie Bruce Wilner
  • Patent number: 8991262
    Abstract: A capacitive pressure sensor includes a semiconductor substrate, a first insulating portion configured to define a sensor region, a reference pressure chamber configured to divide a lower portion of the sensor region in a direction, a second insulating portion configured to divide a surface portion of the sensor region above the reference pressure chamber in the direction, and a trench configured to divide the sensor region in the direction. The sensor region is divided into at least three semiconductor parts by the reference pressure chamber, the second insulating portion, and the trench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Goro Nakatani
  • Patent number: 8984950
    Abstract: A capacitor for use in sensors includes opposed first and second capacitor plates, wherein the second capacitor plate is mounted to the first capacitor plate by a flexible attachment. The flexible attachment is configured and adapted so that flexure of the attachment causes a change in the spacing between the first and second capacitor plates to cause a change in the capacitance thereacross.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Rosemount Aerospace Inc.
    Inventor: David P. Potasek
  • Patent number: 8984949
    Abstract: A pressure sensor measuring element for a pressure sensor operates to detect pressure in a combustion space of an internal combustion engine. The pressure sensor measuring element includes a separating diaphragm, a plunger for the transmission of deflections of the separating diaphragm to a force measuring element, and with a sleeve which receives the plunger. The sleeve is closed by the separating diaphragm at a first end intended to face the combustion space and is designed to hold the force measuring element at the opposite second end. Accordingly, the pressure sensor measuring element can be produced more cost-effectively. Furthermore, the plunger can be produced in one piece with the separating diaphragm as a diaphragm/plunger unit, and the sleeve and the diaphragm/plunger unit can be formed from the same metal material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Trafag AG
    Inventors: Ulrich Staiger, Peter Dias-Lalcaca, Peter Hauri, Dieter Zeisel
  • Publication number: 20150059866
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for measuring cell turgor pressure (dendroturgometer), which can also operate as a firmometer. The system can also be used as an automatic dripper, wherein in this embodiment it is kept pressed by means of a flattening plate (1) against the organ (4), as well as by employing a brace (6) provided with a spring (5) that applies stable force of a magnitude higher than the product between the water pressure, regulated by a pressure adjuster (10) and the fluid layer (2) under the membrane (3), on which the plant exerts compression and obstructs the water flow. The dripping is started when the transpiration provides a drop in the cell turgor pressure of the plant, so that the resulting pressure will be lower than the adjusted water pressure. This system may also be miniaturized and used for measuring the vegetable turgor pressure by using water pressurization with an plunger (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: EMPRESA BRASILEIRA DE PESQUISA AGROPECUARIA - EMBRAPA
    Inventor: Adonai Gimenez Calbo