US3590638A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Thermoelectric pressure sensor
Assignee: Bendix Corp
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Filing: 1969-10-22
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Granted: 1971-07-06
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Expires: 1989-10-22
Abstract
Abstract A pressure sensor having a bimetallic diaphragm that is subjected to a pressure and adapted to flex from a reference contour in response to a change in the pressure. A linear variable differential transformer positioned adjacent to the diaphragm provides a signal corresponding to the displacement of the diaphragm from the reference contour. A thermoelectric device is responsive to the transformer signal for varying the temperature of the diaphragm causing it to return to the reference contour. A temperature probe senses the diaphragm temperature and provides a signal corresponding to the sensed pressure.
Inventors
- 👤 Harry G Anastasia
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 15:18
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01L; G01L19/00; G01L19/04; G01L11/00; G01L11/004
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
87 words
A device for measuring pressure comprising: a diaphragm adapted to flex when subjected to changes in pressure and changes in temperature; means for subjecting the diaphragm to the pressure to be measured so that the diaphragm flexes from a reference contour with changes in pressure; heat transfer means associated with said diaphragm and arranged in heat transfer relationship therewith to restore the diaphragm to its reference contour; and means for detecting the temperature of the diaphragm and providing an output corresponding to the pressure to be measured.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
87 words
A device for measuring pressure comprising: a diaphragm adapted to flex when subjected to changes in pressure and changes in temperature; means for subjecting the diaphragm to the pressure to be measured so that the diaphragm flexes from a reference contour with changes in pressure; heat transfer means associated with said diaphragm and arranged in heat transfer relationship therewith to restore the diaphragm to its reference contour; and means for detecting the temperature of the diaphragm and providing an output corresponding to the pressure to be measured.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
A device for measuring pressure as described in claim 1, which includes means for detecting flexure of the diaphragm from the reference contour for controlling the heat transfer means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
A device for measuring pressure as described in claim 2, in which the means for detecting diaphragm flexure provides a signal corresponding thereto.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
A device for measuring pressure as described in claim 2, in which the means for detecting flexure of the diaphragm is an inductive device.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
69 words
A device for measuring pressure as described in claim 3, in which the means for measuring the flexure of the diaphragm comprises a linear variable differential transformer positioned adjacent the diaphragm and spaced therefrom to provide an airgap which varies, with flexure of the diaphragm from the reference contour, said transformer having a flux path through the airgap and the diaphragm so that the flux varies with diaphragm flexure.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
A device for measuring pressure as described in claim 2, in which the means for detecting flexure of the diaphragm is a pair of switch contacts for controlling the heat transfer means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
52 words
A device for measuring pressure as described in claim 1, in which the heat transfer means heats the diaphragm for flexing the diaphragm in one direction and cools the diaphragm for flexing the diaphragm in the opposite direction when the diaphragm is flexed from the reference contour by a change in pressure.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
35 words
A device for measuring pressure as described in claim 1, in which the diaphragm is subjected to different pressures at opposite sides thereof and the device provides an output corresponding to the difference in pressures.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
31 words
A device for measuring pressure as described in claim 8, in which one of the pressures is a vacuum and the output corresponds to the absolute value of the other pressure.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
76 words
A device for measuring pressure as described in claim 6, wherein the heat transfer means comprises: means for biasing the diaphragm to cooling; heating means connected to the switch contacts; and a power source connected to the switch contacts, said switch contacts responsive to one sense of diaphragm flexure to connect the power source to the heating element which is responsive to the power to hEat the diaphragm so that it returns to the reference contour.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
A device as described in claim 1, wherein the heat transfer means comprises a thermoelectric device.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
12 words
A device as described in claim 1, wherein the diaphragm is bimetallic.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
42 words
A device as described in claim 2, wherein the heat transfer means comprises: means for biasing the diaphragm to cooling; and heating means responsive to one sense of diaphragm flexure for heating the diaphragm so that it returns to the reference contour.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
55 words
A method for measuring pressure comprising the steps of: subjecting a heat-sensitive diaphragm to a pressure to be measured to flex the diaphragm from a reference contour; changing the temperature of the diaphragm to restore the diaphragm to the reference contour; and measuring the temperature of the diaphragm to provide a measure of the pressure.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
55 words
A method for measuring pressure comprising the steps of: subjecting a heat-sensitive diaphragm to a pressure to be measured to flex the diaphragm from a reference contour; changing the temperature of the diaphragm to restore the diaphragm to the reference contour; and measuring the temperature of the diaphragm to provide a measure of the pressure.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
FR1297083A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-07-05 | 1975-01-04 | 1975-07-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-07-05 | 1979-01-04 | 1979-07-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-07-05 | 1983-01-04 | 1983-07-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |