Capacitive Patents (Class 73/724)
  • Patent number: 8643128
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an MEMS sensor and a method for making the MEMS sensor. The MEMS sensor according to the present invention includes: a substrate including an opening; a suspended structure located above the opening; and an upper structure, a portion of which is at least partially separated from a portion of the suspended structure; wherein the suspended structure and the upper structure are separated from each other by a step including metal etch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Pixart Imaging Incorporation
    Inventor: Chuan Wei Wang
  • 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: 8631706
    Abstract: One or more decoupling capacitors are coupled to a low inductance mount that is connected to the bottom layer of a printed circuit board (PCB) on which a semiconductor module is mounted. The low inductance mount includes a magnetic planar structure with vias that are coupled to the one or more decoupling capacitors and to like vias positioned on the PCB.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Nickolaus J Gruendler, Paul M Harvey, Tae Hong Kim, Sang Y Lee, Michael J Shapiro
  • Patent number: 8601879
    Abstract: A capacitance type pressure sensor includes a semiconductor substrate having a reference pressure compartment formed therein, a diaphragm formed of a portion of the semiconductor substrate and formed in a surface layer portion of the semiconductor substrate to define the reference pressure compartment, the diaphragm having a through-hole communicating with the reference pressure compartment, fillers arranged within the through-hole, and an isolation insulating layer surrounding the diaphragm to isolate the diaphragm from the remaining portion of the semiconductor substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mizuho Okada
  • Publication number: 20130319125
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressure sensor, which may include a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, a third electrode plate, a fourth electrode plate and a fifth electrode plate, which are successively laminated on a substrate, wherein the first electrode plate, the third electrode plate and the fourth electrode plate are fixed to the substrate, the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate are disposed opposite to each other and have a gap formed therebetween, the second electrode plate is suspended over the first electrode plate to constitute a first capacitor; the second electrode plate and the third electrode plate are disposed opposite to each other and have a gap formed therebetween, to constitute a second capacitor; and the fifth electrode plate is suspended over the fourth electrode plate to constitute a third capacitor, and can move along a direction perpendicular to the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Zhiwei Wang, Jianhong Mao, Lei Zhang, Deming Tang
  • Patent number: 8590387
    Abstract: An absolute capacitive micro pressure sensor including a pressure sensor element with a mechanically fixed electrode and a deflectable pressure sensor membrane separated from the fixed electrode by a predetermined distance. A packaging defining a chamber is formed by a cover assembled to a base plate with an opening defined therein. The chamber is filed with a fluid and/or a gas at substantially constant pressure. Within, the chamber, the pressure sensor element is mounted to the base plate to define an open cavity therebetween substantially aligned with the opening defined in the base plate. A gel is disposed in the open cavity in contact with an exposed surface of the deflectable membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Depuy Synthes Products, LLC
    Inventor: Rocco Crivelli
  • Patent number: 8564311
    Abstract: A noise suppression method for a capacitance-to-voltage converter varies a sequence of sensing signal edges during a plurality capacitance measurements to produce a number of noise responses. The sensing signal edges are varied in a repetitive rising and falling edge pattern for each sequence. Three or more such sequences can be used, and the sequence with the highest noise is eliminated and the others are averaged. The noise suppression method can be implemented during calibration and then used for a number of normal acquisitions. The noise suppression method can be applied to capacitance-to-voltage converters having monitoring and integration phases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics Asia Pacific Pte Ltd.
    Inventor: Kusuma Adi Ningrat
  • Patent number: 8561471
    Abstract: An improved capacitive manometer comprises a diaphragm that is constrained relative to an electrode structure spaced from the diaphragm. An electrode support structure is arranged to support the electrode structure and comprises a compliant ring including at least three flexures integrally formed in the ring and angularly spaced around the alignment axis. The electrode support is clamped in place relative to the diaphragm at the locations of the compliant ring flexures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven D. Blankenship
  • Patent number: 8544336
    Abstract: A capacitive pressure sensor array is made of two conductive layers, wherein each conductive layer is formed with a plurality of elongated conductors disposed in a substantially parallel manner between an upper and a lower insulating sheet, wherein the upper and lower insulating sheets are bonded to each other between adjacent conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Xsensor Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Ian Main, David Jack
  • Patent number: 8539839
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Hironori Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20130233086
    Abstract: A pressure sensor measures pressure by measuring the deflection of a MEMS membrane using a capacitive read-out method. There are two ways to implement the invention. One involves the use of an integrated Pirani sensor and the other involves the use of an integrated resonator, to function as a reference pressure sensor, for measuring an internal cavity pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: NXP B. V.
    Inventors: Willem Frederik Adrianus Besling, Martijn Goossens, Jozef Thomas Martinus van Beek, Peter Gerard Steenken, Olaf Wunnicke
  • Patent number: 8516894
    Abstract: An electronic circuit (10) for controlling a capacitive pressure sensor (1), which capacitive pressure sensor (1) comprises a plate electrode capacitor (C) with a capacity that varies in dependence on pressure changes exerted on a deflectable diaphragm (2) forming one plate electrode of the capacitor (C), wherein the electronic circuit (10) comprises a DC voltage source (12) being adapted to generate a DC bias-voltage (UDC) to be applied across the electrodes of the capacitor (C), an AC voltage source (13) being adapted to generate an AC voltage signal (UAC) to be applied across the electrodes of the capacitor (C) and a controller (18) being adapted to receive an output signal (OUT) of the capacitor (C) and to control the DC voltage source (12) such that the DC bias-voltage (UDC) applied to the capacitor (C) adopts a value that maintains the capacity of the capacitor (C) at a desired value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventor: Josef Lutz
  • Patent number: 8511168
    Abstract: A capacitive differential pressure sensor is described which has a simple configuration, and which provides reliable measuring results even in corrosive measuring environments. The sensor element for capacitively measuring differential pressure includes a sensor diaphragm which is implemented in a layered configuration on a semiconductor substrate and spans a cavern. A pressure connection opens into the cavern. The sensor element also includes a measuring capacitor which has a movable electrode on the sensor diaphragm, and a stationary counter electrode which is situated on the base of the cavern, opposite from the movable electrode. According to the sensor, the cavern is filled with a dielectric fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Sven Zinober, Remigius Has
  • Patent number: 8511169
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Brooks Instrument, LLC
    Inventors: Michael W. Fortner, Joseph Sipka, Christopher Reed
  • Patent number: 8504237
    Abstract: In device for side impact recognition in a vehicle, at least one pressure sensor system that produces a signal is provided in a side part of the vehicle, and an evaluation circuit is provided that recognizes a side impact as a function of the signal. In addition, a test device is provided for the at least one pressure sensor system, the at least one test device being configured such that the at least one test device oversamples the signal and then filters it in order to produce a test signal, the test device comparing the signal with a reference value and, as a function of this comparison, recognizing the operability of the at least one pressure sensor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Wellhoefer, Boris Adam, Volker Frese
  • Publication number: 20130160554
    Abstract: A capacitive transducer and manufacturing method thereof is provided. A multifunction device including a plurality of the capacitive transducers is also provided, where the capacitive transducers are disposed on a substrate and include at least one microphone and at least one pressure sensor or ultrasonic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Jien-Ming Chen, Chin-Wen Huang, Chin-Hung Wang, Hsin-Li Lee
  • Patent number: 8471346
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate including a cavity and a first material layer over at least a portion of sidewalls of the cavity. The semiconductor device includes an oxide layer over the substrate and at least a portion of the sidewalls of the cavity such that the oxide layer lifts off a top portion of the first material layer toward a center of the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Thoralf Kautzsch, Markus Rochel
  • Publication number: 20130152694
    Abstract: A MEMS pressure sensor device comprises a sensor element positioned on top of a carrier and a cavity. The sensor element hermetically seals the cavity. An electrode is coupled to the cavity that forms a pressure transducer together with the sensor element. The cavity is created by a density changing material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventors: Ilkka Urvas, Andrei Jurievich Pavlov, Yelena Vasiljevna Pavlova
  • Publication number: 20130137958
    Abstract: A variable capacitor, a microfabricated implantable pressure sensor including a variable capacitor and an inductor, and related pressure measurement and implantation methods. The inductor may have a fixed or variable inductance. A variable capacitor and pressure sensors include a flexible member that is disposed on a substrate and defines a chamber. Capacitor elements extend indirectly from the flexible member. Sufficient fluidic pressure applied to an exterior surface of the flexible member causes the flexible member to move or deform, thus causing the capacitance and/or inductance to change. Resulting changes in resonant frequency or impedance can be detected to determine pressure, e.g., intraocular pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: California Institute of Technology
    Inventor: California Institute of Technology
  • Patent number: 8443676
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pressure sensor, especially for measuring pressures exceeding 100 bar, with a diaphragm (1, 1?) that can be deflected and/or deformed as a result of pressurization. It has an enclosed hollow volume (6) that is disposed below the diaphragm and in particular is at least partly filled with a gas or a mixture of gas. A supporting frame (2) for the diaphragm sealingly closes the periphery of the diaphragm relative to a base member (3), and at least one pressure transducer converts the deflection and/or deformation of the diaphragm into at least one electric quantity. It uses a capacitive, piezoresistive or any other principle or at least one strain measuring strip, in which case the pressure sensor is sealingly encapsulated on all sides and has no electric contacts or lines leading to the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. OHG
    Inventors: Roland Burghardt, Carsten Zahout-Heil
  • Publication number: 20130118265
    Abstract: A MEMS pressure sensor wherein at least one of the electrode arrangements comprises an inner electrode and an outer electrode arranged around the inner electrode. The capacitances associated with the inner electrode and the outer electrode are independently measured and can be differentially measured. This arrangement enables various different read out schemes to be implemented and also enables improved compensation for variations between devices or changes in device characteristics over time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Willem Frederik Adrianus BESLING, Klaus REIMANN, Peter Gerard STEENEKEN, Olaf WUNNICKE, Reinout WOLTJER
  • Patent number: 8434369
    Abstract: A preloaded pressure sensor module (PPSM) is disclosed, where the PPSM outputs a linear Conductivity Response versus Pressure Force input. The PPSM has a convex or concave profile which is prepared by pressing a flat pressure sensor device onto to a convex or concave base respectively so that the pressure sensitive layer inside the sensor module is bent and displays a preloaded effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Universal Cement Corporation
    Inventors: Chih-Sheng Hou, Yann-Cherng Chern
  • Patent number: 8429978
    Abstract: A pressure sensor for sensing a pressure of a process fluid includes a sensor body exposed to the pressure of the process fluid. The sensor body deforms in response to the pressure. A diaphragm suspended from the sensor body has a tension which changes in response to deformation of the sensor body. A resonate frequency of the diaphragm is measured. The measured resonant frequency is indicative of the line pressure of the process fluid and integrity of the isolation fill fluid system. In addition to measuring the resonant frequency, the oscillation mode itself can be used as a diagnostic tool to assess sensor health.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Klosinski, Charles R. Willcox
  • Patent number: 8429979
    Abstract: The present invention is adapted to prevent a diaphragm from being deformed by a thermal stress caused by thermal expansion coefficients of a sensor main unit and a fixing member and includes a sensor main unit to which a fixed electrode is fixed, a diaphragm structure that forms a sealed space between the diaphragm structure and the sensor main unit and a fixing member that is jointed to the diaphragm structure in a manner of surrounding a pressure receiving part of the diaphragm structure so as to lead a fluid to the pressure receiving part, wherein the diaphragm structure includes a flat plane diaphragm main unit and first and second ring members each having a known thermal expansion coefficient that are respectively provided on both sides of a circumference of the diaphragm main unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Horiba STEC, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Kuwahara, Takehisa Hataita, Soutaro Kishida
  • Patent number: 8424388
    Abstract: An implantable capacitive pressure sensor apparatus and method for making such an apparatus includes a first pressure sensor portion and a second pressure sensor portion. The first pressure sensor portion includes a diaphragm electrode connectable to ground (e.g., the diaphragm electrode being positioned in close proximity to the body when implanted therein such that the diaphragm electrode is deformable in response to pressure applied thereto by the body). The second pressure sensor portion includes a signal electrode (e.g., wherein the first pressure sensor portion and the second pressure sensor portion are coupled such that a gap is provided between the diaphragm electrode and the signal electrode) and an insulator material. The signal electrode is provided on and in direct contact with the insulator material to electrically isolate the signal electrode such that parasitic capacitance effects on the signal electrode are reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael F. Mattes, David A. Ruben
  • Patent number: 8397578
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a capacitive pressure sensor, and the assembly of a capacitive pressure sensor, that may be used within an implantable medical pump. In one example, a housing ferrule that encloses one capacitive plate and includes at least one protrusion for attaching a support structure of the capacitive plate. The at least one protrusion defines a smaller inner diameter as a reference point for securing the support structure while the ferrule provides a larger inner diameter to allow the support structure to tilt inside the ferrule to orient the capacitive plate into a desired plane. Despite manufacturing irregularities, the capacitive plate can be mounted in the desired plane parallel to another capacitive plate, a diaphragm, mounted to an edge of the ferrule. In another example, an assembly tool provides a stage to orient the capacitive plate and support structure within the ferrule at a desired depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith A. Miesel, James M. Haase, Chris J. Paidosh, Darren A. Janzig, Timothy J. Denison
  • Publication number: 20130042693
    Abstract: Cannula assemblies with pressure sensors made of stacked coplanar layers and ambulatory infusion systems comprising the same are disclosed. The cannula assemblies include a hub and an infusion cannula. The hub includes a pressure sensor and a fluid channel fluidly coupled to the infusion cannula. The pressure sensor is formed from a stack of coplanar layers including a top layer, a base layer an electrode layer and a counter electrode layer. The fluid channel is positioned between the top layer and the base layer. The electrode layer is positioned between the top layer and the base layer and coupled to the fluid channel. The counter-electrode layer is positioned between the top layer and the electrode layer. A spacer layer having a through cut-out defining an electrode cavity is disposed between the top layer and the base layer such that the electrode layer extends across the electrode cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: Roche Diagnostics International AG
    Inventor: Roche Diagnostics International AG
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20130000411
    Abstract: A MEMS and/or NEMS pressure measurement device comprising a deformable membrane suspended on a substrate, one of the faces of the membrane being intended to be subjected to the pressure to be measured, detection means with strain gauges for the deformation of the membrane, said detection means being formed on a substrate and a non-deformable arm, transmitting the deformation in an amplified manner of the membrane to the detection means, the arm being rotatably hinged to the substrate about an axis (Y) substantially parallel to the plane of the membrane and which is integral with the membrane so that it transmits a deformation of the membrane to the detection means in an amplified manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENE ALT
    Inventors: Philippe ROBERT, Guillaume JOURDAN
  • Patent number: 8333118
    Abstract: An improved capacitive manometer includes a diaphragm including a common electrode and an electrode structure including a center electrode and ring electrode. The diaphragm is movable between (i) a zero position when the pressure on each side of the diaphragm is the same and (ii) a maximum differential position when the maximum measurable differential pressure is applied to the diaphragm. A support structure is arranged to support the diaphragm so that the diaphragm is constrained relative to the electrode structure. The common electrode is spaced from and axially aligned with the center and ring electrodes. The electrode structure is secured relative to the diaphragm at at least three clamping locations. The angle defined within each right plane containing a point of constraint of the diaphragm and the point of each clamping location relative to the plane of the diaphragm in the zero position is between 60° and 90°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven D. Blankenship
  • Patent number: 8316718
    Abstract: A microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) pressure sensor device (20, 62) includes a substrate structure (22, 64) having a cavity (32, 68) formed therein and a substrate structure (24) having a reference element (36) formed therein. A sense element (44) is interposed between the substrate structures (22, 24) and is spaced apart from the reference element (36). The sense element (44) is exposed to an external environment (48) via one of the cavity (68) and a plurality of openings (38) formed in the reference element (36). The sense element (44) is movable relative to the reference element (36) in response to a pressure stimulus (54) from the environment (48). Fabrication methodology (76) entails forming (78) the substrate structure (22, 64) having the cavity (32, 68), fabricating (84) the substrate structure (24) including the sense element (44), coupling (92) the substrate structures, and subsequently forming (96) the reference element (36) in the substrate structure (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Yizhen Lin, Woo Tae Park, Mark E. Schlarmann, Hemant D. Desai
  • Patent number: 8316717
    Abstract: Disclosed is a wireless self-powered monolithic integrated capacitive sensor, as well as methods of manufacturing same. A single monolithic chip may include various technologies, including RF MEMS, CMOS devices and related circuitry, and physical sensor MEMS. An example pressure sensor is disclosed, including a sensing capacitor and a reference capacitor that together allow the system to provide steady output in various environmental conditions. In one embodiment a pre-fabricated circuit wafer is fusion bonded to a pre-fabricated diaphragm wafer. Doped silicon may form the monolithic structure to provide the voltage necessary to run the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Rogue Valley Microdevices, Inc.
    Inventors: Salleh Ismail, Patrick Kayatta
  • Publication number: 20120265455
    Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a sensor body with a sensor chamber in the interior, at least a first separating membrane, forming a first separating membrane chamber connected with the sensor body. A measuring membrane divides the sensor chamber into two chamber portions. A pressure transfer liquid, with which the first separating membrane chamber, the first chamber portion and a channel therebetween are filled, in order to transfer a pressure to the measuring membrane; wherein the pressure sensor is specified for a temperature range between a minimum temperature and a maximum temperature, as well as for a pressure range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG Haupstr. 1
    Inventors: Anh Tuan Tham, Rafael Teipen, Michael Philipps
  • Publication number: 20120247218
    Abstract: An absolute capacitive micro pressure sensor including a pressure sensor element with a mechanically fixed electrode and a deflectable pressure sensor membrane separated from the fixed electrode by a predetermined distance. A packaging defining a chamber is formed by a cover assembled to a base plate with an opening defined therein. The chamber is filed with a fluid and/or a gas at substantially constant pressure. Within, the chamber, the pressure sensor element is mounted to the base plate to define an open cavity therebetween substantially aligned with the opening defined in the base plate. A gel is disposed in the open cavity in contact with an exposed surface of the deflectable membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: Codman Neruo Sciences Sárl
    Inventor: Rocco Crivelli
  • 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: 8256302
    Abstract: A capacitive electro-mechanical transducer includes a cell, the cell including a first electrode and a second electrode that is disposed opposite the first electrode with a gap therebetween; and a pressure-adjusting unit for adjusting pressure in the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazunari Fujii, Yoshitaka Zaitsu
  • Patent number: 8250926
    Abstract: The invention relates to a capacitive pressure sensor and a method for fabricating thereof. The capacitive pressure sensor comprises a cover, a plurality of first electrode, a substrate and a plurality of second electrode. The cover owns an upper wall and a plurality of side walls. The plurality of first electrode is disposed on the inside of the upper wall of the cover. The side walls of the cover are connected to the substrate to form a space. The plurality of second electrode is disposed on the substrate. The plurality of first electrode and the plurality of second electrode are both in the space. In the invention, the material for cover, the plurality of first electrodes and the substrate are all flexible polymeric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: National Taiwan University
    Inventors: Yao-Joe Yang, Ming-Yuan Cheng, Xin-Hua Huang
  • Publication number: 20120204652
    Abstract: A pressure sensor can include a diaphragm plate of an electrically conductive material, the diaphragm plate including substantially planar opposed first and second surfaces. A layer of a dielectric material can be provided at the first surface of the diaphragm plate along a periphery thereof such that a flexion region of the first surface is substantially free of the dielectric material. The dielectric layer can be configured to engage a fixed structure within a housing to support the flexion region as to enable deflection thereof relative to the fixed structure that changes an electrical characteristic of the pressure sensor in response to application of force at the second surface of the diaphragm plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventors: Shih-Shian Ho, Srihari Rajgopal, Mehran Mehregany
  • Patent number: 8234927
    Abstract: A pressure sensor assembly for sensing a pressure of a process fluid includes a sensor body having a cavity formed therein and first and second openings to the cavity configured to apply first and second pressures. A diaphragm in the cavity separates the first opening from the second opening and is configured to deflect in response to a differential pressure between the first pressure and the second pressure. A capacitance based deformation sensor is provided and configured to sense deformation of the sensor body in response to a line pressure applied to the sensor body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Schulte, David G. Tyson, Andrew J. Klosinski
  • Patent number: 8230746
    Abstract: The present invention allows manufacturing of a capacitive diaphragm pressure gauge and a Pirani pressure gauge on a single silicon substrate, which makes it possible to reduce the manufacturing cost by the miniaturization of products and mass production. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the manufacturing method of a combined type pressure gauge is a manufacturing method of a combined type pressure gauge including a capacitive diaphragm pressure gauge and a Pirani pressure gauge, the method including a groove-forming step of forming a first groove portion and a second groove portion on a first surface side of a silicon substrate by etching, and a bonding step to bond a glass substrate to the silicon substrate so as to cover the first groove portion and the second groove portion on the first surface side of the silicon substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Anelva Corporation
    Inventor: Haruzo Miyashita
  • Publication number: 20120186354
    Abstract: A capacitance type pressure sensor includes a semiconductor substrate having a reference pressure compartment formed therein, a diaphragm formed of a portion of the semiconductor substrate and formed in a surface layer portion of the semiconductor substrate to define the reference pressure compartment, the diaphragm having a through-hole communicating with the reference pressure compartment, fillers arranged within the through-hole, and an isolation insulating layer surrounding the diaphragm to isolate the diaphragm from the remaining portion of the semiconductor substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: ROHM CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Mizuho OKADA
  • Patent number: 8220337
    Abstract: A micromechanical capacitive pressure sensor has a layered structure, which includes at least one deflectable carrier element for at least one deflectable measuring electrode in a first layer plane and at least one stationary carrier structure for at least one counter electrode in a second layer plane parallel to the first layer plane. The carrier structure is suspended in a closed cavity of the layered structure between two diaphragms, which are oriented essentially perpendicularly to the layer planes and delimit the cavity on two opposite sides. At least one pressure connection aperture is provided, via which at least one of the two diaphragms may be subjected to a pressure being measured. The carrier element is connected to the two diaphragms in such a way that diaphragm deformations cause a parallel shift of the measuring electrode relative to the counter electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Remigius Has
  • Publication number: 20120174681
    Abstract: A capacitive pressure measuring cell, including a ceramic platform and a ceramic measuring membrane, which are connected pressure tightly along a joint to form a reference pressure chamber between them. The measuring membrane has a first electrode facing the platform, and the platform has at least a second electrode facing the measuring membrane. The capacitance between the first and second electrodes depends on the difference between a pressure externally acting on the measuring membrane and a pressure reigning in the reference pressure chamber, wherein the joint has a thickness d, which defines an equilibrium distance between the measuring membrane and the front side of the platform. On the front side of the platform, a support layer is arranged, which comprises an inorganic insulator, wherein the support layer has a thickness of at least 0.2, and wherein the second electrode is arranged on the support layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventors: Ulfert Drewes, Thomas Uehlin, Elke Schmidt, Andreas Rossberg
  • Publication number: 20120167659
    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: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Willem Frederik Adrianus Besling, Peter Gerard Steeneken, Olaf Wunnicke
  • Patent number: 8201456
    Abstract: The present invention is a measuring cell comprising a base body. Layered upon the base body is a measurement membrane having a first measuring element, a measurement device, and an intermediate membrane. The intermediate membrane is arranged between the measurement membrane and the base body, and a second measuring element is arranged thereon. When a pressure force is applied to the cell, the measurement membrane is directed outward and undergoes deformation with respect to the intermediate membrane as well as the base body. The deformation causes the measuring capacitance formed by the measuring electrodes to change according to the pressure applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Vega Grieshaber KG
    Inventor: Holger Gruhler
  • Patent number: 8198992
    Abstract: A safety belt warning system for vehicles comprises a sensor mat for the detection of a force acting on its surface, which includes, for the formation of two electrical capacitors, two dielectric layers which are located one above the other in sandwich fashion and arranged in each case between electrically conductive coats, and which have different compressibility at least in the direction of loading due to force, so that the capacitances of the two capacitors vary differently with a load on the sensor mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Fischer, Christian A. Fischer, Marcel Fruend, Kai Niederhagen
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120132006
    Abstract: A capacitive measurement device including first measurement device designed to carry out a first measurement function in relation to a nearby object, the first measurement device including a body and, a capacity electrode, both of a substantially conductive material, and a guard electrode placed between the body and the capacitive electrode and insulated from the body on the one hand and from the capacitive electrode on the other hand by dielectric elements; an excitation apparatus which maintains the capacitive electrode and the guard electrode to a desired AC electrical potential; a first electronic apparatus, connected to the capacitive and guard electrodes, for measuring the capacitance between the capacitive electrode and the object; and a second measurement device designed to carry out a second measurement function, which are located in the vicinity of either the capacitive or guard electrode, and maintained by the excitation apparatus to a desired AC electrical potential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventor: Didier Roziere
  • Patent number: 8181531
    Abstract: A sensor may include a substrate that has a cavity formed in a surface thereof. A diaphragm, having a conductive portion, may be suspended over the cavity, a selective coating may be present on a face of the diaphragm outside of the cavity, and a counterelectrode may be spaced from and in opposition to the diaphragm. The diaphragm may deform upon interaction of the selective coating with an analyte and thereby alter a capacitance of the sensor in a manner indicative of a degree of interaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Inventors: Edwin Carlen, Marc S. Weinberg, Angela Z. Uhland, Jonathan Bernstein, John Aceti, Malinda M. Tupper
  • Patent number: 8183975
    Abstract: A miniature pressure transducer is disclosed which is able to operate at high temperatures. The pressure transducer is provided on a substrate comprising an elongate silicon base portion with one or more contact areas formed at one end and a diaphragm formed at the opposite distal end. A plurality of piezoresistive elements are provided on the diaphragm, preferably in a Wheatstone Bridge arrangement, and connected to the contact areas using interconnects. The diaphragm extends across substantially the entire effective width of the elongate base portion providing a compact width while still maintaining a sensitive pressure sensing capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: GE Infrastructure Sensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell Craddock, James Anthony King