Abstract: A sensor system for measuring a physical quantity includes: a bridge sensor having at least two terminal pairs, a current source for applying a bias current between the bias terminal pair, resulting in a differential sensor signal on a readout terminal pair, wherein the differential sensor signal is indicative for the physical quantity, and an amplifier comprising a first input node and a second input node for receiving the differential signal and at least one output node, wherein the amplifier is configured for amplifying the differential sensor signal and putting the resulting signal on the at least one output node, wherein the sensor system is configured such that, in operation, the amplifier is powered by at least part of the bias current.

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.

Abstract: When the distribution of the pressure applied to a mat is measured, a plurality of detection units is established in the air mat and the sensor for measuring the pressure applied to the air mat is needed to be provided for each detection unit. The mat for pressure measurement 2 is arranged the first medium accommodation object 21b on the right side and the second medium accommodation object 22b on the left side. The first connecting pipeline 21a is connected to the first medium accommodation object 21b and the second connecting pipeline 22a is connected to the second medium accommodation object 22b, respectively.

Abstract: A method and system for dynamically determining a vapor pressure of a fluid passing through a pumping system by diverting a portion of the fluid from the pumping system into a chamber, isolating the diverted fluid from the pumping system, evacuating the chamber and measuring the vapor pressure of the isolated fluid. In another aspect of the invention, a temperature compensation device is included in the chamber to alter the chamber fluid temperature to insure that the chamber fluid temperature is substantially the same as the fluid in the pumping system.

Abstract: A variable support mechanism includes a plurality of pneumatic bladders and an electronic control system for controlling the inflation and deflation thereof. Each of the bladders communicates through a valve with a common manifold. The operations of the valves are individually controlled by a microprocessor. A pressure sensor communicates with the manifold and generates electrical signals that are representative of the magnitude of the fluid pressure in the manifold to the microprocessor. The microprocessor is also connected to a vent valve that provides selective fluid communication between the manifold and the atmosphere. The microprocessor is further connected to a pressure valve that provides selective fluid communication between the manifold and a pump. Initially, the magnitude of the pressure in each of the bladders is sampled, measured, and stored by the electronic control system.

Abstract: While a bag (1) made of a thin, soft, and less elastic material is packed with air and is positioned between contacts of soft materials, a thin tube (2) from the bag (1) is lead to the outside of the contacts, and the pressure difference with respect to atmosphere is measured, whereby the contact pressure of an elastic body can be measured. As water depth (A) (mmH.sub.2 O) is measured while the bag (1) is horizontally sank into the water, and as water temperature is changed while the water temperature is measured, the measured level can be calibrated together with thermal influence.

Abstract: A temperature-time-pressure detecting device for a closed heat treatment zone consists of a sealed discoidal-shaped capsule of substantially transparent material adapted for placement within the zone in a generally vertical position. The capsule is formed of two opposed preferably symmetrical circular shell walls sealed around their common rim and defining therebetween a central core region containing a shaped mass of a fusible indicating material having a defined melting point at least as high as the temperature to be detected. The central core region is surrounded by an inner and an outer annular chamber which are concentric with the core region and with one another.

Abstract: To measure pressure acting on a support (1), a sealed bag (2) which is filled with a fluid and has flexible bag walls (9, 10), and which is arranged on the support (1) and whose interior communicates with a flexible capillary tube (4, 4'), is used as a sensor. Connected to the free end of the flexible capillary tube (4, 4') is an evaluation device which detects pressure variation, it being possible for the end of the flexible capillary tube (4, 4') to be plugged into a block (5). The block has a bore (6) which continues the channel of the flexible capillary tube (4, 4') and is sealed at its end not: subjected to the flexible capillary tube (4, 4') by a diaphragm (7). The diaphragm bulges outwards in the event of a reduction in the volume of the bag (2). The extent of the outward bulging of the diaphragm (7) can be determined by an optical detector (15, 16).

Abstract: A pillow type pressure detector having a base board on the front surface of which a load cell type load sensor is mounted; a holder cover which is so provided as to be spaced a predetermined distance from the base board; a flat-plate-shaped load transmitting board and a flat-plate-shaped retaining board positioned between the base board and the holder cover; a pillow type pressure reaction jig positioned between the load transmitting board and the retaining board; and a pillow holding member for clamping predetermined portions of the pressure reaction jig mounted over the base board and the holder cover. There are provided a mechanism for simultaneously swinging the load transmitting board and the retaining board relative to the base board, a mechanism elastically supporting the pillow holding member on the side of the base board and/or a thin-plate-shaped depressing member provided over the surface of the load sensor for fixedly secure the load sensor to the base.

Abstract: A head-gauge/tank-bladder device for measuring the pressure of liquid within a tank. The invention provides for measuring the tank pressure while maintaining the gauge isolated form the liquid within the tank. The invention is connects a gauge to a fluid filled tank through at least one threaded connection. On the other end of the tube, a bladder is attached. A liquid contained within the tubing transmits the tank fluid pressure to the gauge.

Abstract: A control device for fluid containers (16) of a flexible material, particularly for controlling the level of stomi bags, comprises an elastic resistance element (10) having an electric resistance which changes by stretching of the element, which is adapted to be fixedly connected with the container wall at the ends thereof to extend over an extensible portion (17) of the container wall. Means (12) are provided for connecting an alarm means (19) reacting to a change in the resistance of the resistance element.

Abstract: An air reservoir (4) intended for regulating the pressure in the sealing cuff of a respiration catheter has a wall consisting of an elastic membrane (3). The reservoir also functions as a pressure gauge, the elastic membrane when inflated being caused to contact a semitransparent plate (2) which is firmly connected with a rigid part (1) of the reservoir. At contact between the membrane and the plate, indicator rings on the membrane become visible through the semitransparent plate.

Abstract: A mechanical transducer is disclosed which includes a converter having a plurality of elongate flexible elements, which are joined together at their opposite ends and spaced at intervals around a longitudinal axis of the transducer. The opposite ends of the converter are displaceable toward and away from each other along the axis, which displacement is accompanied by a bowing or straightening of the elongate elements. Thus, an axial force applied to the converter will be converted to a radial force exerted by the elongate elements, or a radial force applied to the elongate elements will be converted to an axial force.

Abstract: A bendable actuator includes a tubular body made of an elastic material, a reinforcing braided structure surrounding the tubular body, and closure members closing both open ends of the tubular body and the reinforcing braided structure, respectively. At least one closure member is formed with a connecting aperture communicating with an internal space of the tubular body. A restraining device is provided at least partially between the closure members for partially restraining extension of the actuator in the axial direction. When the tubular body is supplied with a pressurized fluid, the actuator is extended in the axial direction while being curved at the same time.

Abstract: A method and device for indicating the swelling of a casing or the like having a wall with at least one generally planar portion prone to deformation by pressure buildup within the casing. The device comprises an elongate strip of visible frangible material adapted for spanning superposition with the planar portion of the wall and means for securing opposing ends of the frangible strip to the casing to restrict movement of the ends perpendicular to the planar portion of the wall. Increasing bulging of the wall deflects the frangible strip to the point of fracture thereof. In another embodiment, gaskets may be interposed between the ends of the frangible strip and the wall of the casing to provide a clearance therebetween, thus increasing the permissible degree of bulging of the wall which may occur before deflection of the frangible strip.

Abstract: A direct-acting pressure sensor capable in the low-pressure range and including a pressure-sensitive assembly constituted by inner and outer concentrically-arranged curved springs anchored at one end in a socket to define a pressure region therebetween, within which is disposed an elongated, flexible bladder forming an internal pressure chamber communicating with a fluid input socket. The springs are joined at their free end to form a tip whose travel is indicative of the pressure of fluid applied to the sensor. The bladder initially assumes a curved form conforming to the curvature of the springs; but when subjected to internal pressure by an applied fluid, it seeks to straighten out to an extent determined by the level of pressure.

Abstract: An elongated elastically deformable housing is responsive to external force applied thereto and is connectable to a pressure evaluation device. A rigid tube longitudinally traverses the housing and defines therewith a closed annular space around the tube, which has a plurality of radial bores formed therein in an array extending the length of the housing and connecting the interior of the tube with the annular space, a hydraulic fluid being contained in the annular space and the tube. Means are provided at one end of the tube for the connection thereof to the pressure evaluation device.

Abstract: A robot arm formed of a bundle of adjacent elastomeric tubes supplied independently with fluid pressure to force bending, extension or contraction. The tubes are maintained in parallel alignment by means of spaced apart parallel ribs through which the tubes pass. Parallel, spaced apart, rods extending through the ribs, but fixed at one end, have opposite free ends passing into position sensors. Bending and lengthwise changes in arm position may be sensed by the rods and used to control pressure in individual arms to correct or change arm position.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the pressure between a support dressing and a body portion surrounded by said support dressing comprises a device for sensing the pressure, a device for indicating the pressure sensed and an arrangement transferring the pressure sensed to the device for indicating the pressure. The device for sensing the pressure may have a first part borne by the support dressing and a second part movable relative to the first one and being urged against the body portion by a spring or the like, the second part being connected to an indicator cooperating with a graduation through a lever system. The device for sensing the pressure may, however, also comprise a cavity filled with an incompressible fluid, said cavity being defined by a wall which is flexible at least in a region abutting the body portion.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging system comprises a transducer array including a plurality of elongated piezoelectric transducers successively arranged along a curved surface for emission of diverging beams of acoustic energy and an acoustic diverging lens affixed to the curved surface for increasing the angle of divergence of the emitted acoustic energy. The system includes a source for successively generating burst energy and means for selectively establishing a connection from the energy source to a subarray of the transducers to transmit a beam of acoustic energy therefrom and shifting the connection to the next subarray by at least one transducer in response to the generation of subsequent acoustic energy to cause the emitted acoustic energy to be angulated in an arc scan format. Means are provided for compensating for differences in energy level resulting from the differences in the path-length of the acoustic lens.

Abstract: A method and device for leak testing vessels such as fuel cells or tanks which are large enough for a person to move around within holding a small hand held ball or balloon type device which is provided with a large aperture. In leak testing a vessel, the aperture portion of the device is pressed against the inside wall of the vessel with sufficient pressure to form an airtight seal between the inside of the device and the wall. While maintaining the airtight seal, the device is moved over the full inside surface of the cell. If there is a hole in the cell, the device which is very compliant will tend to collapse as it passes over the hole due to a resilient pressure drop created by the hole allowing the air to escape from the device to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A pressure detection arrangement embedded between the skin of a portion of the body and a means used to surround and/or immobilize that particular part of the body, such as a cast. The pressure detection arrangement is a bifurcated capsule having a reservoir cavity and an indicator cavity. A colored fluid is initially contained only within the reservoir cavity by either a frangible disc across the conjunction of the indicator cavity with the reservoir cavity or an extensible bladder within the reservoir cavity. The indicator cavity is transparent or translucent and protrudes through the cast to regions external thereto.If there is swelling of the limb due to medical complications, the skin presses against the capsule and either breaks the frangible disc allowing the colored fluid to pass into the indicator cavity or forces the extensible bladder into the indicator cavity of the capsule. Both methods provide a visual indication in the indicator cavity of excessive pressure on the limb.

Abstract: A pressure monitoring system for use with an electrofluidic device for sensing pressure includes a pump for supplying fluid to the electrofluidic sensing device. An electrical switching circuit controls the supply of fluid to the sensing device and is responsive to the external pressure level applied to the sensing device; this circuit also cyclically causes the supplied pressure to vent when the pressure of supplied fluid inside the sensing device is substantially equal to the applied external pressure, and then start the fluid supply to the device over again. This system further includes a measuring element for detecting the pressure level of the supplied fluid, and a digital meter for displaying the analogous detected pressure level during supply of the fluid.

Abstract: The source of vacuum comprises a tubular body in which a piston which is combined with a piston rod is axially slidable. A seal is interposed between the rod and the body where the rod extends out of the body. A suction orifice is provided which is on the axis of or in the vicinity of the axis of the body and parallel to the axis. An arrangement is provided for holding the body and urging the piston to one end of the body in one hand. A communication passage is provided for putting the suction orifice in communication with a chamber defined between the piston and the body when the piston is depressed relative to the body.

Abstract: A pressure detection arrangement embedded between the skin of a portion of the body and a means used to surround and/or immobilize that particular part of the body, such as a cast. The pressure detection arrangement is a bifurcated capsule having a reservoir cavity and an indicator cavity. A colored fluid is initially contained only within the reservoir cavity by either a frangible disc across the conjunction of the indicator cavity with the reservoir cavity or an extensible bladder within the reservoir cavity. The indicator cavity is transparent or translucent and protrudes through the case to regions external thereto.If there is swelling of the limb due to medical complications, the skin presses against the capsule and either breaks the fringible disc allowing the colored fluid to pass into the indicator cavity or forces the extensible bladder into the indicator cavity of the capsule. Both methods provide a visual indication in the indicator cavity of excessive pressure on the limb.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a method and apparatus for determining a newborn infant's capability to orally accept nourishment. In accordance with the method of the invention, a test nipple is inserted in the mouth of an infant. Further method steps comprise measuring the suction which the infant applies to the test nipple, and measuring the expression force which the infant applies to the test nipple. The infant's capability of orally accepting nourishment is then determined as a function of the measured suction and expression. In accordance with the apparatus of the invention, there is provided a test nipple, and first and second transducers adapted for coupling to the test nipple. The first transducer is operative to generate a suction-indicative electrical signal, and the second transducer is operative to generate an expression-indicative electrical signal. A timing circuit is provided for defining successive time intervals.

Abstract: This invention relates to a muscle monitor device for providing a visual indication of the strength of contractile muscles, especially the vaginal muscles.The device is useful both as a preventive and therapeutic biofeedback component for aiding the user to increase the degree and strength of control exercised over the muscles being monitored.

Abstract: The medical pressure gauge and indicator device is for diagnosing the presence of tension pneumothorax in the pleural cavity of a patient. The gauge and indicator device comprises a diaphragm, a needle and a sleeve, with the diaphragm having an interior surface for contact with the pressurized air within the pleural cavity and having an exterior surface for contact with atmospheric air. The needle is of sufficient length for puncturing the chest wall and for extending into the pleural cavity. The sleeve is in the form of an elongated rigid tubular body, is provided with a pair of ends and mounts the needle and diaphragm at opposite ends thereof. The diaphragm has an expanded position and a collapsed position. When in the collapsed position, the diaphragm is generally located within the interior of the sleeve. The needle has a rear end inflow communication with the interior of the sleeve and the interior surface of the diaphragm and a sharpened chest wall-puncturing forward end.

Abstract: System for measuring or monitoring the intracranial pressure which comprises a non-elastic detecting pouch to be inserted into the space between the skull and the cerebrum, a flexible tube connected to the pouch, a device for supplying a liquid into the pouch through the flexible tube and a device for measuring the pressure of the liquid in the pouch. When the pressure of the liquid reaches the intracranial pressure, the curve showing relation between liquid pressure vs. pouch volume flattens. Thus, by measuring the pressure of the flattened region, intracranial pressure may be determined.

Abstract: An over-pressure protection device utilized for limiting the fluid pressure applied to a vein which has been removed from the body and which is being tested prior to transplantation within the body. The over-pressure protection device has a port for accepting a fluid under pressure, a tapered fitting for connection of the device to the vein to be tested and a resilient membrane which regulates the pressure of the fluid being applied to the vein. The specific characteristics of the resilient membrane limits the fluid pressure applied to the vein and therefore prevents subsequent deterioration of the vein.

Abstract: A pressure gauge for indicating small pressure changes includes a sac of thin flexible film material communicable with and inflatable by the pressure to be indicated, during use. The sac is supported by a base so that the sac effectively inflates in a generally vertical direction, during use. A transmission plate is pivotally mounted to the base and bears against the sac under the influence of its own weight. A pointer is directly connected to the transmission plate to indicate the position thereof under the influence of pressure in the sac to effect the indication of that pressure.