Abstract: The present disclosure relates to sensors including pressure sensors, humidity sensors, flow sensors, etc. In some cases, a sensor unit subassembly for installation in or use with a pressure sensor housing may include at least one pressure sensor signal output terminal supported by a printed circuit board, a pressure input port, and a pressure sense element secured relative to one or more printed circuit boards. The printed circuit board(s) may include circuitry configured to format pressure output signals provided by the pressure sense element into a particularly chosen output format, and may provide the formatted pressure output signal(s) to an attached electrical connector of the pressure sensor housing. In some cases, the sensor unit subassemblies can be mixed with a multitude of different electrical connectors and/or with a multitude of different port connections to from a wide array of pressure sensor assemblies.

Abstract: A sensor is configured to sense pressure in an isolated or subterranean environment. The sensor is configured to act as a capacitor with a capacitance that varies as a function of pressure. The sensor has a robust design with minimal moving parts, and in which any parts that do move do not communicate electrically through direct electrical conduction (e.g., through conductive leads). Instead, moving parts that participate in the performance of sensor as a capacitor receive and dispense electrical charge only through a dielectric fluid (e.g., a gas or liquid within the sensor). This may reduce hysterysis, lag, and/or friction with respect to pressure-dependent capacitor designs in which wiring is connected directly to moving parts.

Abstract: Methods for making and systems employing pressure and temperature sensors are described. Embodiments include a capacitive element including a first conductor plate and a second conductor plate. Each plate includes a conductor layer formed on a substrate. In a pressure sensor embodiment, seal is positioned at or near the edges of the conductor plates, and a gas retained in a gap defined between the plates. In a temperature sensor embodiment, the gap defined between the plates is in fluid communication with the external environment.

Abstract: A service gauge for determining refrigerant pressure and the saturated vapor equivalent temperature, or other parameters, for a refrigerant in an HVAC system. In one embodiment, the service gauge employs a bourdon tube with at least one attached strain gauge to sense the refrigerant pressure and produce an electronic pressure signal. In another embodiment, a magnet and rotary position sensor produces an electronic signal proportional to the refrigerant pressure. The electronic pressure signal from the output of the strain gauge or the rotary position sensor is connected to a microprocessor, which calculates and displays the refrigerant pressure, the saturated vapor equivalent temperature for a variety of refrigerants, produces instantaneous and time lapsed representations of those parameters, and other parameters of the refrigerant.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes: a housing having openings at both ends thereof; a pair of pressure-receiving devices configured to seal the openings respectively and transmit a pressure from the outside to the interior of the housing; a force transmission device configured to connect the pair of pressure-receiving devices and transmit a force that one of the pressure-receiving devices receives to the other pressure-receiving device; and a pressure-sensitive element having a pressure-sensitive portion and a pair of base portions to be connected to both ends of the pressure-sensitive portion, wherein a line connecting the pair of base portions and a detection axis, which is a direction of detection of the force, and the direction of displacement of the force transmission device are arranged in parallel; the one of the base portions is a first fixed portion, a pair of connecting devices extending from the other base portion so as to interpose the pressure-sensitive portion are connected respectively to a pair of sec

Abstract: A service gauge for determining refrigerant pressure and the saturated vapor equivalent temperature, or other parameters, for a refrigerant in an HVAC system. In one embodiment, the service gauge employs a bourdon tube with at least one attached strain gauge to sense the refrigerant pressure and produce an electronic pressure signal. In another embodiment, a magnet and rotary position sensor produces an electronic signal proportional to the refrigerant pressure. The electronic pressure signal from the output of the strain gauge or the rotary position sensor is connected to a microprocessor, which calculates and displays the refrigerant pressure, the saturated vapor equivalent temperature for a variety of refrigerants, produces instantaneous and time lapsed representations of those parameters, and other parameters of the refrigerant.

Abstract: A self contained internally illuminated diagnostic gauge used to display the magnitude of physically measured quantities in low or no light areas. The diagnostic gauge uses mechanical gauge needles to indicate the magnitude of the measurements on a dial. The dial is illuminated internally with a thin and flexible electroluminescent panel layer. This electroluminescent layer emits photons of light in response to a applied electrical energy. The electrical energy is supplied from a small battery system and driven through electronic circuitry both of which are contained inside of the gauge shell housing unit. The gauge shell has a removable battery cover that enables access to the power supply and the electronic drive circuitry of the device.

Abstract: A mechanical gauge having a mechanism for setting multiple alarms within tolerance values. When such tolerance values defined by the mechanism are reached, the same mechanism activates an alarm.

Abstract: A pressure measurement device comprising a housing enclosing an elastic pressure measurement element and a magnet attached to the measurement element. First and second Hall sensors operatively positioned near the magnet are connected to an electrical circuit which processes the sensor outputs to provide first and second output signals. The positions of the Hall sensors can preferably each be adjusted from outside the housing.

Abstract: A pressure sensor is mounted upon a hydraulic valve body. The sensor has a base which extends into a bore formed in the valve body. The valve body bore is in communication with a pressurized hydraulic fluid. A cover that is removably attached to the valve body encloses the pressure sensor. A circuit substrate is disposed within the cover and electrically connected to the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A pressure gauge includes a Bourdon tube coupled to a pinion of a spindle with a link and a sector gear, and to rotate the spindle in correspondence with a pressure in the Bourdon tube. The rotational movement of the spindle or the deformation of the Bourdon tube may be converted into a digital output and shown in a displayer. A disc is secured to the spindle and has a number of openings formed in the peripheral portion. A photo detecting device may be used for detecting a light emitted through the openings of the disc and for detecting the rotational movement of the disc.

Abstract: A pressure gage includes a Bourdon tube coupled to a pinion of a spindle with a link and a sector gear, and to rotate the spindle in correspondence with a pressure in the Bourdon tube. The rotational movement of the spindle or the deformation of the Bourdon tube may be converted into a digital output and shown in a displayer. A disc is secured to the spindle and has a number of openings formed in the peripheral portion. A photo detecting device may be used for detecting a light emitted through the openings of the disc and for detecting the rotational movement of the disc.

Abstract: A Bourdon tube pressure gauge is mounted for sensing the pressure of a system. The Bourdon tube is connected to at least one optical strain sensor mounted to be strained by movement of the Bourdon tube such that when the Bourdon tube is exposed to the pressure of the system, movement of the tube in response to system pressure causes a strain in the optical sensor. The optical sensor is responsive to the strain and to an input optical signal for providing a strain optical signal which is directly proportional to the pressure. A reference or temperature compensation optical sensor is isolated from the strain associated with the pressure of the system and is responsive to temperature of the system for causing a temperature-induced strain. The reference optical sensor is responsive to the temperature induced strain and the input optical signal for providing a temperature optical signal which is directly proportional to the temperature of the system.

Abstract: Pressure gauge for very high pressures based upon a principle similar to the Bourdon tube, comprising a beam-shaped measuring element having an elongate cavity lying eccentrically in the cross section of the measuring element, and being supported by a holder member at one end. The measuring element is composed of two substantially plate-shaped parts manufactured in planar technology, preferably of silicium or quartz. One plate part is provided with an elongate recess in that surface which faces against a cooperating surface on the other plate part, so as to form the eccentric cavity. Both plate parts are jointed at the surfaces in such a manner that the cavity is sealingly closed. The measuring element is adapted to be subjected exteriorly to the very high pressures to be measured.

Abstract: A residual pressure sensor for verifying that a residual pressure is zero, and to a monitoring apparatus for monitoring for faults in the residual pressure sensor. In order to detect that a residual pressure has completely gone, the residual pressure sensor detects change conditions in the output therefrom, and an output for no residual pressure is not generated while there are changes. Moreover, an electrical power supply condition to a drive solenoid (21) of a solenoid valve for opening/closing a pressure supply line, is monitored using a fail-safe current sensor (21) which outputs a logic value "0" when the presence of a current is detected, and which outputs a logic value "1" when the presence of a current is not detected. Fault monitoring of the residual pressure sensor is then carried out based on the monitoring output conditions of the current sensor and the output conditions of the residual pressure sensor.

Abstract: A pressure transducer system for developing accurate pressure measurements with a torque driven pressure transducer where the transducer has dual capacitor devices in tandem and mechanically coupled to permit relative displacement along a elongated axis in response to temperature and where the devices are displacable by angular torque about the elongated axis to obtain independent correlatable measurements from the dual capacitor devices.

Abstract: A pressure sensor comprises a pair of pressure compartments with deflective end walls and an elongated displaceable member with two extremities respectively anchored to the deflective end walls of the two pressure compartments, and a capacitor with first series of capacitor plates affixed to the elongated displaceable member and a second series of capacitor plates disposed in an alternating arrangement with the first series of the capacitor plates and affixed to a stationary member, wherein the pressure difference between the two pressure compartments displaces the elongated displaceable member in axial directions thereof and changes the capacitance value between the first and second series of capacitor plates and, consequently, the numerical value of the differential pressure is determined as a function of the measured value of the capacitance.

Abstract: A pressure gauge and indicator switch wherein a Bourdon tube and electrical switch are sealably contained within a liquid-filled compartment, and a liquid pathway is provided between the Bourdon tube and an external fitting. The electrical switch leads are connectable outside the compartment, and the Bourdon tube is mechanically linked to a pressure indicator so as to provide an analog reading of actual pressure within the Bourdon tube, and the Bourdon tube is mechanically linked to the pressure switch so as to provide a switch actuation whenever the pressure within the Bourdon tube reaches a predetermined level.

Abstract: A dual capacitor device for utilizing dependent capacitances for measurement purposes where an upper capacitor base member and a lower capacitance base member are arranged with parallel capacitor surfaces in horizontal planes and where the parallel capacitor surfaces are located on opposite sides relative to a vertical axis to define first and second capacitors. The lower capacitor base member has a centrally located section connected to an outer section of the lower capacitor base member by a torsion beam and the centrally located section is attached to the upper capacitor base member by a vertical arm member. The torsion beam means has a displacement axis normal to the central axis so that angular displacement of the torsion beam and the centrally located section about the displacement axis produces a capacitance change in the first and second capacitors.

Abstract: A dual capacitor device for utilizing dependent capacitances for measurement purposes where a first capacitor base member and a second capacitance base member are arranged with parallel capacitor surfaces in parallel planes and where the parallel capacitor surfaces are located on opposite sides relative to a central transverse plane to define first and second capacitors. The second capacitor base member has a centrally located section connected to an outer section of the second capacitor base member by a torsion beam and the centrally located section is attached to the first capacitor base member by a coupling member. Angular displacement of the outer section relative to the centrally located section about the displacement axis produces a capacitance change in the first and second capacitors.

Abstract: A dual capacitor device for utilizing dependent capacitances for measurement purposes where an upper capacitor base member and a lower capacitance base member are arranged with parallel capacitor surfaces in horizontal planes and where the parallel capacitor surfaces are located on opposite sides relative to a vertical axis to define first and second capacitors. The lower capacitor base member has a centrally located section connected to an outer section of the lower capacitor base member by a torsion beam and the centrally located section is attached to the upper capacitor base member by a vertical arm member. The torsion beam means has a displacement axis normal to the central axis so that angular displacement of the torsion beam and the centrally located section about the displacement axis produces a capacitance change in the first and second capacitors.

Abstract: A sensor system utilizing a bourdon tube to generate a force as a function of pressure to deflect a diaphragm in a capacitor device where the diaphragm varies capacitance values of the capacitor device as a function of the applied force. The capacitor device is an essentially integral circularly shaped construction of quartz material in which the diaphragm is attached to a tubular quartz member. A metal member having a similar coefficient of temperature expansion to the coefficient of the quartz is used to couple the diaphragm to the bourdon tube.

Abstract: A pressure or temperature gauge includes a Bourdon tube which is coupled via a shaft to transmit rotation to a stylus carried by the shaft which makes a record on a cylindrical chart which moves axially of the shaft at a constant rate. The shaft is divided into two sections which are joined together by a flexible coupling; the upper section of the shaft is mounted for angular displacement about its longitudinal axis by the thrust bearing. One section has an integrally formed axial extension which is received in a recess in the facing end portion of the other shaft section. This construction of the stylus shaft allows the angular motion produced by the coiling and uncoiling of the Bourdon type generally through an angle less than 360.degree. to be faithfully transmitted without any axial motion of the shaft which would give rise to erroneous recording of pressure or temperature readings in relation to time.

Abstract: A condition responsive apparatus is provided including a pressure gauge having a Bourdon tube expandable in response to an external pressure. In the preferred embodiment, an optical coupler, including a solid state light source and a detector, is mounted in proximity to a vane attached to the Bourdon tube. As the Bourdon tube flexes with increased pressure, the vane passes between the light source and the detector, thus blocking the radiation from the light source. The detector includes a Darlington amplifier which forms part of a voltage divider network for connecting an output signal from the Darlington amplifier to a pulse generating circuit. In operation, when the vane connected to the Bourdon tube passes between the light source and the detector, the pulse generating circuit responds to an increased voltage across the output of the voltage divider and is thus triggered to turn on a control transistor.

Abstract: A pressure gauge includes a cylindrical member having a flexible plate covering one end. Center flex of the plate is used to measure the force applied by fluid pressure. A low pressure transducer electrically measures the applied force. Pressure is transmitted from the flexible plate to the transducer by hydraulic fluid enclosed in the cylinder by a plastic boot. The boot is sealed to the cylinder by a sweat fit between the cylinder and a coaxial collar. The range of forces that can be measured is controlled by the thickness and diameter of the plate. In addition to pressure, the gauge can be used to measure temperature and orifice opening, and provide an indication of volumetric flow of the fluid.

Abstract: A Bourdon tube adapted for connection to a source of fluid pressure operates both a mechanically driven gauge pointer and an optical-electronic transmitter for providing operatively parallel output signals corresponding to values of pressure incurred by the fluid source. Simultaneously operative from the displaceable end of the Bourdon tube are both a mechanical movement for effecting amplified displacement of the pointer relative to a dial plate and an opaque vane displaceable within the transmitter between a photoemitter and a pair of photosensors. Circuitry in the transmitter responsive to discrete changes in light interruption between the vane and one of the photosensors emits a signal current corresponding to the pressure value at any given position of the vane.

Abstract: A digital pressure transducer is formed by mounting a force-sensitive resonator to a structure of nonsymmetrical configuration which produces loads under applied pressure. The frequency of the resonator is measured to provide a digital indication of the applied pressure.

Abstract: A simple fuel consumption efficiency gauge employs a pointer mechanically coupled to the extremity of a Bourdon gauge. The pointer is electrically coupled to vehicle ground and is bracketed by two contact posts associated with high and low fuel consumption efficiency, respectively. Contact by the pointer with either post completes an electrical circuit through a corresponding light emitting diode to signal good or poor fuel consumption efficiency. When the pointer is between the contact posts, current is continuously supplied to another light emitting diode through a load in order to signal fair fuel consumption efficiency. The device is housed in a casing adapted for connection to similar casings by means of clips and clamps.

Abstract: A bourdon tube transducer has included a bourdon tube with a conductive plate electrically separated from the bourdon tube and in parallel with the bourdon tube. As the pressure varies, so does the electrical reactance between the bourdon tube and the conductive plate and this variation is used to vary the frequency of an electrical oscillator that is connected to the bourdon tube and the conductive plate.

Abstract: A hydraulic transducer of the Bourdon tube type, in which the amount of light transmitted by a light emitting diode to a photoresistor is controlled by a shutter. The device provides an enclosed and compact transducing unit which has particular application with tractor/trailer braking systems.