With Electrical Readout Patents (Class 73/723)
  • Publication number: 20140038004
    Abstract: A sensor device is provided for determining a pressure of a medium located inside a housing of an electrochemical energy storage. The sensor device includes a detection unit which may be or is inductively coupled to an electrically conductive layer, which is deflectable by the pressure of the medium to be determined. The detection unit is designed to inductively detect a distance, which is dependent on the pressure of the medium to be determined, between the layer and the detection unit, to determine the pressure of the medium from the distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Didra, Jens Schneider, Fabian Henrici, Carsten Kaschube, Remigius Has
  • Publication number: 20140020471
    Abstract: The present invention, in one embodiment, provides a method of measuring pressure or temperature using a sensor including a sensor element composed of a plurality of carbon nanotubes. In one example, the resistance of the plurality of carbon nanotubes is measured in response to the application of temperature or pressure. The changes in resistance are then recorded and correlated to temperature or pressure. In one embodiment, the present invention provides for independent measurement of pressure or temperature using the sensors disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: UT-BATTELLE LLC
    Inventors: Ilia N. Ivanov, David B. Geohegan
  • Patent number: 8631710
    Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring apparatus for measuring a measurement variable of a fluid, in particular a sensor, such as a pressure sensor or a travel sensor. The measuring apparatus has a housing, a diaphragm which is arranged in and/or on the housing and an elastic element, which is designed in the manner of a leaf spring, for restoring the diaphragm. A signal transmitter is operatively connected to the diaphragm and/or to the elastic element, and a signal receiver interacts with the signal transmitter. Structures for providing reinforcement are arranged in the edge region and/or in the center of the elastic element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Marquardt Mechatronik GmbH
    Inventors: Dietmar Weisser, Benjamin Schullcke, Heinrich Müller, Markus Scheiter
  • Patent number: 8584527
    Abstract: A single wire interface for a transducer transmits the transducer output as a frequency modulated signal over one single wire during one interval. During a second interval a reference signal is transmitted as a frequency modulated signal. Both the transducer output and the reference signal output are processed by the same circuitry during the respective intervals to provide both frequency modulated signals. The frequencies of the two signals are measured and then the ratio of the two periods which is the reciprocal of the two frequencies is calculated. This ratio is the direct measure of the output of the transducer and when provided eliminates sources of errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Wolf S. Landmann
  • Publication number: 20130255390
    Abstract: A pressure sensor for use with a fluid delivery system having good sensitivity at low pressure, but also configured to remain in operating condition after being exposed to high pressures is disclosed herein. In one variation, the pressure sensor includes a fluid path set, a deformable element associated with the fluid path set and configured to deform in response to an external pressure, and a pressure transducer for monitoring deformation of the deformable element. In certain embodiments, the pressure sensor is configured to measure fluid pressure within the range of between about 0 mm Hg to about 300 mm Hg. However, the sensor pressure is also be configured to remain functional after being exposed to pressure in excess of about 60,000 mm Hg.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: MEDRAD, INC.
    Inventors: Michael A. Riley, Michael A. Spohn, Gerald W. Callan, Michael J. Swantner, Russell M. Evans, III
  • Patent number: 8499642
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid pressure sensing device comprising a pressure sensing transducer having a support structure and a diaphragm attached to said support structure, the diaphragm having a fluid facing side. A housing has a transducer receiving cavity defined by a bottom wall and a housing sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom wall. The bottom wall is formed with a fluid pressure receiving recess. A fluid pressure port is formed in the housing in communication with the recess. The diaphragm is positioned between the support structure and the fluid pressure receiving recess and a seal material around a support structure sidewall fixes the pressure sensing transducer in the housing and provides a hermetic seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Sensata Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Wico Hopman, Robert Zwijze, Paul Gennissen, Maarten van Noorden, George van der Donk, Jans Kruise
  • Patent number: 8499641
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring pressure. The apparatus comprises at least one pressure transducer, which transduces pressure into an electrical signal. The invention includes the features that at least one acoustic sensor is provided, that the acoustic sensor registers acoustic signals and transduces such into electrical signals, and that the acoustic sensor is mechanically and/or acoustically coupled with the pressure transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Udo Grittke, Sergej Lopatin, Andreas Roβberg, Thomas Uhlin, Axel Humpert, Andreas Spitz, Peter Selders
  • Publication number: 20130145853
    Abstract: A fluid pressure measurement sensor (11) comprises a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) chip (23). The MEMS chip (23) comprises two lateral walls (56), a sensitive membrane (49) connected to said lateral walls (56) and sealed cavity (9). The exterior surfaces of the lateral walls (56) and the sensitive membrane (49) are exposed to the fluid pressure. The lateral walls (56) are designed to subject the sensitive membrane (49) to a compression stress transmitted by the opposite lateral walls (56) where said lateral walls (56) are connected to the sensitive membrane (49) such that the sensitive membrane (49) works in compression only. The MEMS chip (23) also comprises a stress detection circuit (31) to measure the compression state of the sensitive membrane (49) which is proportional to the fluid pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: OPENFIELD
    Inventor: OPENFIELD
  • Publication number: 20130098160
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to sensors that are exposed to media during use. In some cases, a sensor assembly includes a sensor element positioned on a substrate, where the sensor element may be mechanically and electrically connected to the substrate and may be in fluid communication with a media inlet port. The sensor assembly may include a cover sealed to the substrate of the sensor assembly to enclose the sensor element in a sealed chamber. In some instances, the sensor assembly may include a bonding layer on the substrate of the sensor assembly, and the cover may be sealed to the bonding layer to form the sealed chamber. In some instances, the sealed chamber may help provide a fail-safe media seal for the sensor assembly in the event the sensor element forms a leak during use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Paul Rozgo, Ryan Jones
  • Publication number: 20130047738
    Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a platform having a membrane bed includes providing a platform body, which comprises silicon; and removing silicon material from a surface of the platform body by means of laser ablation. Preferably, this is followed by oxidizing the ablated surface and then etching the oxidized surface. In an example of the invention, a resulting pressure sensor comprises two platforms, each with a membrane bed having a contour for supporting a measuring membrane, wherein the contour essentially corresponds to a bend line of the measuring membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Anh Tuan Tham, Dieter Stolze, Rafael Teipen
  • Patent number: 8375797
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the operation of a pressure measuring device for the measurement of the pressure in a system through which fluid flows, in particular in an extracorporeal circuit of a medical unit, with the pressure measuring device having a measuring chamber which is bounded by a flexible membrane, through which fluid flows in the operation of the system or which is filled with fluid and also having a pressure sensor connected to the membrane for the purpose of pressure measurement, with the method including the following steps not requiring any intervention of the staff: a. increasing the pressure in the measuring chamber (12) to a pressure value at which the membrane (13) is at least slightly outwardly curved relative to the measuring chamber (12) in the state not connected to the pressure sensor (14) or determining such a pressure value; b: separating the membrane (13) of the measuring chamber (12) from the pressure sensor (14); c.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Josef Beden, Itka Bado, Patrick Spalt
  • Patent number: 8359929
    Abstract: A surface mounted instrument (20) that is easily installed to seal (110, 120) against a mounting surface (150) in spite of imprecise installation of a standard rough-in box (145) or irregularities in the surface. A cover plate (60) overlays the installed instrument housing (10) without the use of outwardly visible mechanical connectors by use of a pawl (65) that engages the housing. An oversized display (50) is mounted for easy replacement on a moveable display module (45) for unobstructed access to the interior (35) of the housing. Subsurface channels (90) formed in the housing are used to deliver a working fluid from a measured location to a sensor (85) inside the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Setra Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin M. Bourbeau, Anthony T. Batista, Eric C. Beishline, Been-Chyuan Lin, Tiago Braz Anes
  • Patent number: 8356521
    Abstract: A pressure sensor device includes a substrate having a first section and a second section being adjacent to the first section and thinner than the first section, a piezoelectric film having flexibility and disposed on the second section, an upper electrode formed on the piezoelectric film and including a center electrode disposed at a substantially center of the second section in plan view, and a peripheral electrode disposed apart from the center electrode so as to surround the center electrode, a lower electrode formed between the second section and the piezoelectric film and disposed so as to face the upper electrode, and a detection circuit including a differential circuit electrically connected to the center electrode and the peripheral electrode, and the detection circuit detects a difference between a voltage caused between the center electrode and the lower electrode in response to the piezoelectric film being distorted, and a voltage caused between the peripheral electrode and the lower electrode in
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Teruo Takizawa
  • Publication number: 20130008256
    Abstract: A method for reducing the content of foreign molecules in gaseous or liquid form dissolved in a pressure transfer liquid of a pressure measuring transducer. A pressure receiving chamber is closed by an isolating diaphragm. A pressure measuring chamber is connected to the pressure receiving chamber, and a pressure sensor arranged in the pressure measuring chamber, in which the liquid serves to fill an inner space of the pressure measuring transducer formed by the pressure receiving chamber is provided. The pressure measuring chamber is connected therewith, and transfers an external pressure acting on the isolating diaphragm to the pressure sensor in measurement operation. The liquid is brought into contact with at least one adsorptive body, and foreign molecules dissolved in the liquid are bound to the adsorptive bodies by adsorption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Andreas Rossberg, Olaf Textor, Thomas Uehlin
  • Patent number: 8347725
    Abstract: An oil pressure includes a housing, a pressure sensing unit mounted in the housing and a first signal generator. Because the pressure sensing unit is provided with a pusher and an elastic piece that is able to uniformly receive a force exerted from the pusher such that the pusher can uniformly drive a swing member of the first signal generator, the oil pressure sensor can output an accurate oil pressure signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Cub Elecparts Inc.
    Inventors: San-Chuan Yu, Yu-Shun Lin, Chih-Wei Yen
  • Publication number: 20120291559
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to improved package assemblies for pressure sensing elements. Rather than leaving a pressure sensing element unabashedly exposed to the ambient environment in a manner that makes it susceptible to damage from stray wires, dirt, and the like; the improved package assemblies disclosed herein include a cover that helps form an enclosure around the pressure sensing element. The cover includes a fluid-flow channel with a blocking member arranged therein. The fluid-flow channel puts the pressure sensing element in fluid communication with the external environment so pressure measurements can be taken, while the blocking member helps protect the pressure sensing element from the external environment (e.g., stray wires and dirt to some extent). In this way, the package assemblies disclosed herein help promote more accurate and reliable pressure measurements than previous implementations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: James William Sterling, Steven Gross
  • Patent number: 8286496
    Abstract: In a sensor, a joint is provided with a sensor module, and the sensor module is accommodated in a housing. The housing is provided with a terminal, and a flexible circuit board electrically connects a diaphragm of the sensor module with the terminal. The joint is also provided with a cap-shaped base, and the top of the base is provided with an opening through which the diaphragm is exposed. A lateral surface of the base, which is crosswise with the top where the opening is provided, is provided with a part of the flexible circuit board, and the part is provided with an electronic component. With this arrangement, no plate-shaped circuit board for mounting the electronic component is required, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost. Moreover, since the electronic component is provided on the lateral surfaces of the base, the base and the electronic component are horizontally arranged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Nagano Keiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruhiko Sekiya, Shuji Tohyama, Hironori Kobayashi, Nobuhiko Akimoto
  • Publication number: 20120247791
    Abstract: A pressure gauge 20 includes a diaphragm 36 having a first side 64 and a second side 66 and occupying a first state or a second state as a function of a pressure of a fluid 59 in contact with the first side 64. A sensor 68 communicable with the second side 66 of the diaphragm 36 senses the first state or the second state to produce a signal which is processed by a circuit 40 to produce an output. An indicator 42 provides an output representing the first state or the second state of the diaphragm 36 based on the output from the circuit 40.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Andrzej E. Kuczek, Joseph B. Wysocki, Thierry Carriere
  • Publication number: 20120247217
    Abstract: A pressure sensor includes: a supporting body which has an opening; a pressure detecting portion which includes a supporting film provided on the supporting body and having a diaphragm portion closing the opening, and a piezoelectric body provided on the diaphragm portion and deflecting to output an electric signal; a frame body which has, on the pressure detecting portion, a cylindrical cavity along a film thickness direction of the supporting film, and is formed, in plan view when viewed from the film thickness direction of the supporting film, at a position where a cylindrical inner peripheral wall of the cavity overlaps with the opening, or outside of the opening; a sealing film which closes the frame body; and a silicone oil which is filled in an inner space formed of the cylindrical inner peripheral wall of the cavity, the sealing film, and the pressure detecting portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hironori SUZUKI
  • Publication number: 20120247219
    Abstract: A piezoresistive sensor device and method for making the same are disclosed. The device comprises a silicon wafer having piezoresistive elements and contacts in electrical communication with the elements. The device further comprises a contact glass coupled to the silicon wafer and having apertures aligned with the contacts. The device also comprises a non-conductive frit for mounting the contact glass to a header glass, and a conductive non-lead glass frit disposed in the apertures and in electrical communication with the contacts. The method for making the device comprises bonding a contact glass to a silicon wafer such that apertures in the glass line up with contacts on the wafer, and filling the apertures with a non-lead glass frit such that the frit is in electrical communication with the contacts. The use of a lead free glass frit prevents catastrophic failure of the device in ultra high temperature applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: ANTHONY D. KURTZ, Alexander A. Ned
  • Patent number: 8276456
    Abstract: A differential pressure sensor for measuring a pressure difference between two high-pressure environments is comprised of a sensor block including internal, oil-filled channels leading to an internally positioned differential pressure sensor element. Two process diaphragms are provided for transferring pressure from the high-pressure environments for isolating two distinct internal oil channels from the high-pressure environments. In order to achieve small internal oil volumes in the sensor block, additionally two separating discs, which initially separate between the two internal oil channels, are positioned in fluid communication with the high-pressure environments in order to block for the pressure from the high-pressure environments against the oil channels “from behind.” The separating discs bear against abutment faces having small openings into the internal oil channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Presens AS
    Inventor: Bjorn Erik Seeberg
  • Patent number: 8261619
    Abstract: A time-to-digital converting circuit and a pressure sensing device using the same are provided. The circuit includes: a delay time-varying unit generating a reference signal having a fixed delay time, and a sensing signal having a variable delay time in response to an impedance of an externally applied signal; and a delay time calculation and data generation unit calculating a delay time difference between the reference signal and the sensing signal, and generating digital data having a value corresponding to the calculated delay time difference. Accordingly, the digital data are generated using the delay time varied in response to the externally applied signal, so that the size of the time-to-digital circuit is significantly reduced. In addition, an affect due to external noises is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Atlab Inc.
    Inventors: Young-Ho Shin, Sang-Jin Lee, Bang-Won Lee
  • Patent number: 8250925
    Abstract: A workpiece composite includes a preform part and a gel accommodated in a recess in the preform, the recess being enclosed by at least one edge which serves as a creep barrier to prevent the gel from spreading. The at least one edge of the recess defines a termination point of at least one surface which is provided with a coating made of an oleophobic material in an area adjacent to the at least one edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Hubert Benzel, Lutz Mueller, Roman Sellin
  • Publication number: 20120198940
    Abstract: An oil pressure includes a housing, a pressure sensing unit mounted in the housing and a first signal generator. Because the pressure sensing unit is provided with a pusher and an elastic piece that is able to uniformly receive a force exerted from the pusher such that the pusher can uniformly drive a swing member of the first signal generator, the oil pressure sensor can output an accurate oil pressure signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventors: San-Chuan YU, Yu-Shun Lin, Chih-Wei Yen
  • Patent number: 8234926
    Abstract: A pressure sensor has a substrate with conductor tracks for contact-connecting electrical components. The pressure sensor has a measuring element for converting a mechanical measurement variable into an electrical signal and a signal converter for processing the electrical signals from the measuring element further. Furthermore, the pressure sensor has a first diaphragm which, together with the substrate, forms a first closed cavity which contains an inert filling medium. At least one side of the measuring element of the pressure sensor, which comprises an active surface, has direct contact with the filling medium in the first cavity. The signal converter is arranged on the substrate in the form of an unhoused integrated circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: EPCOS AG
    Inventors: Christian Wohlgemuth, Peter Thiele
  • Patent number: 8196475
    Abstract: Described herein is a method for integrating MEMS with submicron semiconductor electrical circuits such as CMOS to provide more complex signal processing, on-chip calibration and integration with RF technologies. A MEMS sensor is provided having an upper layer, an insulating layer into which a cavity has been formed and a handle layer. The upper layer acts as both the substrate of the semiconductor electrical circuit and as the active MEMS element. The remainder of the circuitry is fabricated either in or on the upper layer. In a preferred method of the present invention a first wafer assembly and a second wafer assembly are fabricated such that a MEMS sensor and the substrate of at least one semiconductive electrical circuit is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Kavlico Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Seesink, Horst Obermeier, Omar Abed, Dan Rodriguez, Robert Hunter, Calin Miclaus
  • Publication number: 20120137784
    Abstract: A relative pressure sensor includes: a pressure measuring transducer having a measuring membrane of a semiconductor chip and a platform, wherein, between both of these, a reference pressure chamber is formed; a support body, connected with the platform by means of a pressure-bearing adhesion, wherein a reference pressure path extends through the two former elements into the reference pressure chamber; and a sensor outer body, in which a transducer chamber with a first opening and a second opening is formed. The pressure measuring transducer is brought into the transducer chamber through the first opening, and is held therein by means of the support body. The support body pressure-tightly seals the first opening, and a side of the measuring membrane facing away from the reference pressure chamber is contactable with the media pressure through the second opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Olaf Krusemark, Norbert Gill
  • Patent number: 8186226
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to pressure sensors, and more particularly, to methods and apparatus for compensating pressure sensors for stress, temperature and/or other induced offsets and/or errors. In one illustrative embodiment, a pressure sensor may include a pressure sensing die mounted to a substrate of a pressure sensor package. The pressure sensor die may include on-board compensation. In some instances, the on-board compensation may include an on-board heating element and an on-board zener diode trim network, both situated on or in the pressure sensing die. The zener diode trim network may include one or more zener diodes and one or more resistive elements, where the zener diodes can be selectively activated to “trim” the resistive network to compensate for one or more offsets and/or errors of the pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Lamar F. Ricks
  • Publication number: 20120125116
    Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring apparatus for measuring a measurement variable of a fluid, in particular a sensor, such as a pressure sensor or a travel sensor. The measuring apparatus has a housing, a diaphragm which is arranged in and/or on the housing and an elastic element, which is designed in the manner of a leaf spring, for restoring the diaphragm. A signal transmitter is operatively connected to the diaphragm and/or to the elastic element, and a signal receiver interacts with the signal transmitter. Structures for providing reinforcement are arranged in the edge region and/or in the center of the elastic element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: Marquardt Mechatronik GmbH
    Inventors: Dietmar WEISSER, Benjamin SCHULLCKE, Heinrich MÜLLER, Markus SCHEITER
  • Patent number: 8182435
    Abstract: An implantable intraocular pressure sensor system has a sealed geometric shape with an internal pressure at a first value. A strain gauge wire is embedded in a surface of the sealed geometric shape. When the surface is deflected by intraocular pressure, a measured resistance of the strain gauge wire indicates the intraocular pressure. The system also has a processor coupled to a power source and memory. The processor is configured to read the measured resistance and write values corresponding to intraocular pressure to the memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Bruno Dacquay, Matthew J. A. Rickard
  • Publication number: 20120103102
    Abstract: A monolithic manometer and method of sensing pressure changes may include sensing a change in parasitic capacitive coupling between multiple parasitic capacitive coupled conductive elements in response to a diaphragm disturbing the parasitic capacitive coupling between the conductive elements. A signal representative of the sensed change in parasitic capacitive coupling may be output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: Michael W. Fortner, Joseph Sipka, Christopher Reed
  • Publication number: 20120096945
    Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a container, a pressure receiving unit that seals an opening section of the container, has a pressure receiving section and a peripheral section outside the pressure receiving section, a plurality of support members having one ends affixed to the peripheral section and other ends that extend from the one ends in parallel with a direction of displacement of the pressure receiving unit, a pressure-sensitive element; and a fixing plate having a first connection segment that affixes the second base portion of the pressure-sensitive element, and a second connection segment that extends both ends of the first connection segment toward at least one of main surface sides of the first connection segment and connects to the other ends of the support members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kenta SATO
  • Publication number: 20120073380
    Abstract: A pressure sensor includes: a container; a pressure receiving member which forms apart of the container; a pressure sensitive element which has a pressure sensing portion and a pair of base portions connected to both ends of the pressure sensing portion, and which has a detection axis parallel to a line connecting the base portions, and in which the detection axis is parallel to a displacement direction of the pressure receiving member, and which detects pressure based on displacement of the pressure receiving member; and a gate-shaped frame which includes a pair of shock absorbing portions that interposes the pressure sensitive element and is connected to a side of the pressure receiving member close to the peripheral portion or a side of the container close to the pressure receiving member and a beam portion that connects distal ends of the shock absorbing portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kenta SATO
  • Publication number: 20120060619
    Abstract: A tunable pressure transducer assembly that comprises a sensing element disposed within a housing, wherein the sensing element is adapted to output a signal substantially indicative of an applied pressure, and a filter assembly also disposed within the housing. The filter assembly comprises a cap and a tube, wherein the cap is spaced from the sensing element within the housing such that it encloses a set volume around the sensing element, and wherein the tube controls access of the applied pressure to the set volume. The filter assembly is operative to substantially reduce high frequency pressure ripples and allow static and quasi-static pressures to pass through to the sensing element, and may be manipulated to tune the pressure transducer assembly to achieve a desired dampening frequency. The filter assembly therefore enables one pressure transducer assembly outline to accurately measure pressure in various systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Gardner, Lou DeRosa
  • Patent number: 8122770
    Abstract: A single wire interface for a transducer transmits the transducer output as a frequency modulated signal over one single wire during one interval. During a second interval a reference signal is transmitted as a frequency modulated signal. Both the transducer output and the reference signal output are processed by the same circuitry during the respective intervals to provide both frequency modulated signals. The frequencies of the two signals are measured and then the ratio of the two periods which is the reciprocal of the two frequencies is calculated. This ratio is the direct measure of the output of the transducer and when provided eliminates sources of errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Wolf S. Landmann
  • Patent number: 8113058
    Abstract: To render possible a high-quality, yet cost-effective provision suitable for mass production of a piezoelectric pressure transducer (1) with at least one piezoelectric measuring element (3, 3?, 3?) arranged on a housing base part (2), which measuring element is connected on the opposite side to a diaphragm (4), the measuring element (3, 3?, 3?) is fixed on an electrode sheet (5, 5?, 5?, 5??) or directly on the base part 2 or the diaphragm 4, wherein the electrode sheet (5, 5?, 5?, 5??) wraps conductively and positively as well as in a manner fixing the layers around a contact pin (7) insulated with respect to the base part (2) and projecting outwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Piezocryst Advanced Sensorics GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Baumgartner, Christian Reiter, Friedrich Anton Holzinger, Alexander Schricker
  • Publication number: 20120017690
    Abstract: A pressure sensor, comprising: a monocrystalline membrane body, which includes a measuring membrane and an edge region surrounding the measuring membrane. The edge region has a greater material thickness than the measuring membrane and the edge region has a first mounting surface, whose surface normal is given by a first principal crystal axis. A monocrystalline substrate, which, with respect to crystal structure, comprises the same semiconductor material as the membrane body, the substrate has a second mounting surface, whose surface normal extends parallel to the first principal crystal axis. The membrane body is tightly connected to the substrate by joining the first mounting surface to the second mounting surface. The orientations of other principal crystal axes of the membrane body and the substrate are, in each case, oriented parallel relative to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Michael Philipps
  • Patent number: 8096187
    Abstract: A pressure sensor element includes: a package, a first diaphragm provided on a first surface of the package, a second diaphragm provided on a second surface of the package, and a pressure sensing element disposed in the package, the pressure sensing element including: a first base formed at one end in a longitudinal direction of the pressure sensing element, a second base formed at the other end in the longitudinal direction, and a resonating portion formed between the first base and the second base. In the element, the first and second surfaces are opposed to each other. The pressure sensor element is disposed such that the longitudinal direction is orthogonal to a displacement direction of each of the first and second diaphragms. The first base is connected to the first diaphragm while the second base is connected to the second diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Kenta Sato
  • Patent number: 8082796
    Abstract: Circuits, methods, and systems to compensate pressure sensor readings for changes in temperature. An example measures temperature in a field-effect-transistor-based pressure sensor or micro-electromechanical system by measuring the device's threshold voltage. This threshold voltage is linearly dependent on the temperature but shows negligible sensitivity to mechanical stress. This allows the pressure sensor's temperature to be determined in an environment of changing pressure. Once the temperature is known, the pressure sensor's pressure readings can be adjusted. The threshold voltage can be extracted by measuring the turn-on transistor characteristic of the device and using device models. Alternately, the threshold voltage can be extracted using threshold voltage extraction circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Silicon Microstructures, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael B. Doelle
  • Patent number: 8086375
    Abstract: A method for adjusting sensitivity of a load detecting device of a seat for a vehicle includes a seat assembling step for assembling the seat with plural load sensors assembled, a zero point adjusting step for obtaining a non-load output value by totaling output values of the load sensors when no load is applied on the seat and memorizing the non-load output value in a memory of a processing device, an adjusted output value calculating step for obtaining an adjusted output value by subtracting the non-load output value from a total of the output values of the load sensors when a predetermined load is applied on the seat, a trimming coefficient calculating step for calculating a trimming coefficient by dividing a designed output value by the adjusted output value, and a trimming coefficient memorizing step for memorizing the trimming coefficient in the memory of the processing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Satohiko Nakano, Mutsuro Aoyama, Akira Enomoto, Minoru Izawa
  • Patent number: 8079269
    Abstract: A pressure sensor comprises a first pressure chamber containing fill fluid at a first pressure, a second pressure chamber containing fill fluid at a second pressure, a porous dielectric diaphragm having first and second major surfaces exposed to the first and second pressure chambers, and first and second electrodes positioned with respect to the first and second major surfaces. A method for sensing pressure is also disclosed, comprising applying first and second pressures to fill fluid in first and second pressure chambers of a pressure sensor having a porous dielectric diaphragm, and producing an output representative of a pressure differential between the pressures, as a function of surface charges on first and second major surfaces of the porous dielectric diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventor: Swapan Chakraborty
  • Publication number: 20110296927
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid pressure sensing device comprising a pressure sensing transducer having a support structure and a diaphragm attached to said support structure, the diaphragm having a fluid facing side. A housing has a transducer receiving cavity defined by a bottom wall and a housing sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom wall. The bottom wall is formed with a fluid pressure receiving recess. A fluid pressure port is formed in the housing in communication with the recess. The diaphragm is positioned between the support structure and the fluid pressure receiving recess and a seal material around a support structure sidewall fixes the pressure sensing transducer in the housing and provides a hermetic seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventors: Wico Hopman, Robert Zwijze, Paul Gennissen, Maarten van Noorden, George van der Donk, Jans Kruise
  • Publication number: 20110283803
    Abstract: There is disclosed an internally switched multiple range transducer. The transducer employs a plurality of individual pressure sensors or Wheatstone bridges fabricated from semiconductor materials and utilizing piezoresistors. Each sensor is designed to accommodate accurately a given pressure range, therefore, each sensor is selected to provide an output when an applied pressure is within its accommodated range. As soon as the pressure exceeds the range, then another sensor is employed to produce an output. Each of the sensors, or each separate transducer, is coupled to a switch or other device to enable the selection of one of the plurality of sensors to operate within its given pressure range when the applied pressure is in that range. In this manner one obtains pressure measurements with a high degree of accuracy across a relatively large pressure range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony D. Kurtz, Louis DeRosa
  • Patent number: 8042401
    Abstract: A process fluid pressure transmitter includes a pressure sensor, transmitter electronics, and an isolation system. The pressure sensor has an electrical characteristic that changes with pressure. The transmitter electronics are coupled to the pressure sensor to sense the electrical characteristic and calculate a pressure output. The isolation system includes a base member, and isolation diaphragm, and a fill-fluid. The isolation diaphragm is mounted to the base member and interposed between the pressure sensor and a process fluid. The fill-fluid is disposed between the isolation diaphragm and the pressure sensor. The base member and the isolation diaphragm are constructed from different materials such that the coefficient of thermal expansion of the isolation diaphragm is larger than the coefficient of thermal expansion of the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Rosemount, Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Broden
  • Patent number: 8028584
    Abstract: A pressure sensor includes: a housing having a pressure introduction port; and a connector case integrated with the housing. The connector case includes: a protruding portion that protrudes in the pressure introduction port along with the introduction direction from one end of the connector case, and has a concavity hollowed in a direction perpendicular to the introduction direction; a sensor chip having a pressure gauge on one surface of the chip in the concavity; a terminal having one end inserted and molded in the connector case; and a bonding wire that electrically connects the sensor chip and the one end of the terminal. The connector case seals a connection portion between the bonding wire and the terminal, a connection portion between the boding wire and the sensor chip, and the bonding wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Otsuka, Yasuaki Makino, Tsuyoshi Fukada, Inao Toyoda, Naoki Kakoiyama
  • Patent number: 8020449
    Abstract: An apparatus for sensing pressure is provided comprising a housing, electronics, a pressure sensor and a secondary seal. The housing comprises an interior bore and a first end, with the interior bore forming an opening at the first end. The electronics may be disposed in the interior bore. The pressure sensor is mounted at the first end of the interior bore. The pressure sensor may be operatively connected to send signals to the electronics in response to external fluid pressure. The pressure sensor may, at least in part, form a primary seal at the first end of the interior bore. The secondary seal may be disposed in the interior bore in between the pressure sensor and the electronics. The secondary seal may be configured to act as a backup seal to the primary seal. The secondary seal provides an added degree of safety from high pressure pipeline contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Argus Machine Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Jason Weiss, Brian Bruchal, William MacDonald
  • Publication number: 20110214504
    Abstract: A disposable pressure sensor system includes a disposable sensor assembly having at least one sensing element, carried on a housing or frame, and at least one electrical connector and/or mechanical connector for connecting the sensing element(s) to an external apparatus or device. The mechanical and/or electrical connectors are integrated in the housing or frame so that both the connector(s) and sensing element(s) are packaged in a single part. The assembly can be integrated in or attachable to a fluid carrying module, such as a dialysis cartridge, such that the sensing element(s) can sense the fluid in the module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Alistair D. Bradley, Stephen R. Shiffer
  • Patent number: 8006565
    Abstract: A pressure sensor grid can comprise a plurality of bottom wires, arranged substantially parallel to each other and overlaid by a plurality of top wires arranged substantially perpendicular to the bottom wires. Each intersection of the top and bottom wires includes a pressure sensor. The sensor comprises a switching junction situated between the bottom wire and the top wire and a conducting channel extending through the switching junction from the bottom wire to the top wire. Pressure applied to the top wire causes an increase in conductance between the bottom wire and the top wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Wel Wu, Shih-Yuan (S Y) Wang, Pratik Chaturvedi, Sagl Varghese Mathal
  • Publication number: 20110163884
    Abstract: Through the use of an electro-acoustic transducer, a pressure wave of at least a predetermined intensity may be detected, such as one that may occur upon the activation of a vehicle's air bag. As the electro-acoustic transducer has a diaphragm that can be displaced under the influence of a pressure wave, the transducer can therefore be monitored for an event occurrence indicative of the pressure wave. This monitoring may involve passively monitoring an electrical connection of the transducer for an electrical signal of a predetermined level, such that the electrical signal is the event indicative of the pressure wave. The monitoring may involve passively monitoring a pressure switch, such that activation of the pressure switch is the event indicative of the pressure wave. Upon detection of the pressure wave event, a trigger signal may be output to an emergency notification device to instigate a communication regarding a possible emergency situation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventors: Alex Tame, Robert Edward Banks
  • Patent number: 7954383
    Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a fill tube which is arranged to couple to a process pressure. A sensor is coupled to the fill tube and is configured to measure pressure of fluid in the fill tube as a function of a change of a physical property of the fill tube. Circuitry is provided to measure pressure using the pressure sensor, and to measure pressure based upon the change of the physical property of the fill tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Willcox, Robert C. Hedtke, Liangju Lu