Abstract:
A monolithic resonator for a vibrating beam device, either an accelerometer or a pressure transducer, includes an outer structure and an inner structure. The outer structure includes a mounting structure, a proof mass or pressure transfer structure and a plurality of flexure beams parallel for the accelerometer and perpendicular for the pressure transducer, extending between the mounting and either proof mass or pressure transfer structure. The inner structure is connected to the outer structure and contains isolator masses, isolator beams and a vibrating beam. The outer structure has a thickness greater than the intermediate thickness of the isolator masses which is in turn thicker than the inner structure thickness of the isolator beams and vibrating beam. The intermediate thickness is independently selected to achieve the ideal mass requirements of the vibration isolation mechanism.
Abstract:
A sensor containing at least one piezoelectric transducer element is operated via a common, single signal line in both possible operating modes--first, at low frequencies as a measuring element for a mechanical quantity upon utilization of the direct piezoeffect and, second, at higher frequencies as a piezoelectric resonator upon utilization of the inverse piezoeffect for electrical excitation of mechanical oscillations and of the direct piezoeffect for generating the piezoelectric reaction. A high-frequency signal (u.sup.HF, u.sub.F) that describes the resonant characteristic and a lower-frequency signal (u.sub.NF, u.sub.Q) that describes the mechanical influence are generated from the measured signal on the signal line. The faultless function of the sensor together with the appertaining measuring amplifier, for example, can thus be monitored immediately during a measurement with the sensor or a simultaneous measurement of two different quantities can be undertaken.
Abstract:
A force sensing assembly and particularly one which is especially suitable for use as a pressure transducer is disclosed herein. This assembly includes at least one and preferably a stacked pair of resonating type force sensing devices supported from one end in a cantilvered fashion.
Abstract:
An oscillating crystal force transducer and method of making the same are provided, the transducer comprising support structure, a plate-shaped piezo-electric crystal having opposed sides and a peripheral edge extending between the opposed sides, and two seating members carried by the support structure and respectively engaging the peripheral edge of the crystal and arranged to apply a force to the crystal along a line extending through the crystal from one of the seating members to the other of the seating members, the support structure comprising a looped spring member having opposed ends spaced from each other to define the mouth of the looped spring member and respectively carrying the seating members whereby the crystal is disposed in the mouth of the looped spring member between the seating members thereof.
Abstract:
A force transducer device adapted to function in a system having electrical means to cause the device to oscillate at its natural resonant frequency and means to monitor said frequency, the device having an intermediate resilient member being capable of mechanically oscillating at a natural resonant frequency, at least two piezoelectric transducers mounted on said resilient member and means for connecting the transducer sheets into said system, is disclosed herein.
Abstract:
A force sensor comprising a resonator (10) having a frequency that varies with the force being measured. The resonator includes an oscillatory bar (101, 102) and a pair of anchor members (12, 103, 104) that are connected each to a corresponding end portion of the bar and which are adapted to apply the force having to be measured to the bar. The sensor further comprises a tube (16) that surrounds the resonator and which is rigidly secured by its end portions to the anchor members (12).
Abstract:
A force transducer having a vibratory member either a beam or a string and means for effectively isolating the vibratory member from its end mounts over the range of its operating frequencies to eliminate energy loss to the mounts. The axial stresses, either tension or compression, are directly transferred to the vibratory member to affect its natural resonant frequency. Isolation at vibration frequencies is effected by the cooperation of combined isolator masses and isolator springs with the vibratory member. The isolator masses comprise two bars extending from each end support of the vibratory member, each being coextensive with a portion of the support member. The pairs of masses are axially separated. The isolator springs comprise two single thin, spaced resilient members, each isolator spring connecting a single end support of the member and a single transducer end mount.
Abstract:
An apparatus for measuring pressure within a conduit is disclosed preferably comprising a tube whose resonant frequency varies with the pressure of fluid within the tube; means for passing the fluid to be measured through the tube; two active piezoelectric films disposed in intimate contact with the tube on opposite sides thereof; first electronic means for energizing the first of the films to cause the tube to resonate at its natural frequency, and second electronic means connected to the other of the films to monitor the frequency of the tube.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a vibrating bridge for a vibrating-wire sensor, comprising opposing clamping points for connecting the vibrating bridge to the vibrating-wire sensor and comprising multiple vibrators which are provided between the clamping points and which are mechanically connected to the securing points and can be tensioned via the securing points, wherein one of the vibrators is free of a vibration exciter or vibration detector, and another vibrator is provided with a vibration exciter.