bullet On-line Magazine 'Sensors & Transducers' (S&T e-Digest)

    (ISSN 1726- 5479)

Add our Sensor Industry News feed 

 RSS News feeds logo XML News feeds logo

 

 

  Submit an Article

 

Previous Issues:

Sensors & Transducers Magazine

25 Top Downloaded Articles

2000-2002 S&T e-Digest Contents

2003 S&T e-Digest Contents

2004 S&T e-Digest Contents

2005 S&T e-Digest Contents

  

    


 

 

Vol. 69, No. 7, July 2006

 

Bullet

 

Table of Contents

 

RESEARCH

 

The Wireless Notification System for the Hearing Impaired

 

The Wrist Alert is intended for the use by the hearing impaired in their home environment. It alerts the user to signals such as smoke detectors and doorbells. These signals are connected to a centralized controller box, processed, and transmitted via a Radio Frequency link to the wireless wristband device. The alerting mechanism employs vibration, a discreet form of notification that helps minimize disruption to everyday life in the household. The Wrist Alert utilizes different vibration patterns to differentiate between designated priority levels and the associated signal sources.

 

Andrew Foo Thai Hin,

Elmy Johana Mohamad

Universiti Teknologi Tun Hussien Onn, Malaysia

 

 

A Microfabricated Transduction Coil for Inductive Deep Brain Stimulation

 

"Inductively Coupled Deep Brain Stimulator" describes a chip/system design to inductively couple arbitrary waveforms to electrodes embedded in the brain for deep brain stimulation or other neurostimulation. This approach moves the conventionally implanted signal generator outside the body and provides flexibility in adjusting waveforms to investigate optimum stimulation waveforms. An "inlaid electroplating" process with through-wafer plating is used to reduce microcoil resistance and integrate microstructures and electronics. Utilizing inductive link resonance specific to microcoils, waveforms are selectively transmitted to microcoils, which further produces biphasic waveforms that are suitable for deep brain stimulation.

 

Jie (Jayne) Wu1, 2,

Gary H Bernstein2

1The University of Tennessee, USA

2University of Notre Dame, USA

 

 

Pull-in Instability Investigation of Circular Micro Pump Subjected to Nonlinear Electrostatic Force

 

Electrostaticaly actuated circular micro plates are used in the many MEM devices such as micropumps and optical switches. All such systems exhibit an instability phenomenon, which it is known as the "pull-in" instability. In this paper a distributed model has been used to investigate the pull-in instability of circular plate subjected to nonlinear distributed electrostatic force. The governing nonlinear differential equation of the plate subjected to non-uniform electrostatic pressure has been derived and solved using finite difference method. The effects of different parameters such as: residual stress, radius and thickness of the plate and initial gap have been studied. The obtained results have been compared with the existing results and were in tune.

 

Pouria Soleymani, Hamed Sadeghian,

Ahmadali Tahmasebi, Ghader Rezazadeh

Mechanical Engineering Department, Urmia University, Iran

 

 

Studies on Chemically Deposited Nonstoichiometric Thin Films of CuInSe2 -a Highly Promising Material for Photosensors

 

Thin films of copper indium diselenide (CIS) were prepared by chemical bath deposition technique onto glass substrate at 60oC. The studies on composition, morphology, optical absorption, electrical conductivity and structure of the films were carried out. Characterization includes X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Atomic force microscopy (AFM), Energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDAX), Absorption spectroscopy. The results are discussed and interpreted.

 

R. H. Bari1, L. A. Patil1, P. P. Patil2

1Pratap College, Amalner, India

2North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon, India

 

 

PRODUCT NEWS

 

High Resonance Frequency Accelerometer for Automotive Test Applications

 

Endevco Corporation, announced the introduction of its new 7264D High Resonance Crash Accelerometer, building on the company's reputation as the industry standard in piezoresistive accelerometers for automotive safety testing applications including vehicle barrier and sled testing and anthropomorphic test dummies.

 

The 7264D is based on the highly regarded 7264B and C series of transducers and provides an extended "flat" frequency range and resonant frequency of over 40,000Hz. This enhanced performance is proving invaluable to the increasing challenges faced by crash test engineers ...

 

Yeni Hoo

Senior Marketing Communications Specialist,

ENDEVCO

Tel.: 949.493.8181

E-mail: yeni.hoo@endevco.com

7264D High Resonance Crash Accelerometer

 

 

CS-series of Integrated Load Sensors Based on Innovative Capacitive Sensing Technology

 

Loadstar Sensors Inc. of Mountain View has launched a new line of products based on its patent protected capacitive sensing technology. The products launched include the CS-Series of integrated load sensors, the DS-2100 four-channel display and LoadVUE software for easy operation on a PC. 

 

These new sensors offer a large 0-5V measurable output without the need for external signal conditioning equipment in a compact, rugged, stainless steel package. Just supply 5V DC power to the sensor and measure the DC output using just a common digital multi-meter (DMM)! The small size and threaded mounting holes provided on the top and bottom of the sensors, makes it possible to mount them conveniently and fit them into tight spaces. In addition, their low power consumption (only 0.01mW) makes them suitable for use with batteries. The CS-Series is currently available in three standard models - the CS-05100 rated for loads upto 50 lbs., the CS-10100 rated for loads up to 100 lbs., and the CS-25100 which is rated for loads up to 250 lbs ...

  

Div Harish

Loadstar Sensors, Inc.

453 Ravendale Drive, Suite F

Mountain View, CA 94043

Tel.: 1-650-938-4282, fax: 1-650-938-4285

E-mail: div@loadstarsensors.com

CS-series Load Sensors

 

 

High-Frequency Explosion, Blast, and Shock Wave Pressure Sensors

 

June 26, 2006, Depew, NY, USA - High-frequency sensors from the Pressure Division of PCB® Piezotronics, Inc. are designed for a broad range of explosion, blast, and shock wave testing. Applications include free-field and underwater blast testing, shock wave and time-of-arrival measurements, shock tube research, closed bomb testing, and squib lot acceptance testing.

 

General purpose ICP® and charge output blast sensors feature extremely fast response, with resonant frequencies to 500k Hz. ICP® microsensors provide rapid rise times of Ј 0.5 microseconds for projectile detection and time of arrival measurements. Free-field blast pressure ICP® pencil probes measure blast effects on structures, vehicles, and humans, and feature integral microelectronics for long cable driving. Underwater blast pressure probes measure shock wave pressures associated with underwater explosion testing, and are available in ICP® and charge output versions ...

   Transparant

Andrea Mohn

Marketing Coordinator

PCB Piezotronics, Inc., 3425 Walden Avenue

Depew, NY 14043-2495 USA

Tel.: (800) 828-8840 ext. 2216, fax: (716) 684-0987

E-mail: mktg@pcb.com

Pressure sensors

 

 

Magnetic One-chip Linear Position Sensor - Encoder and Contactless Linear Sensor with Analog and Digital Evaluation

  

iC-ML is an integrated magnetic linear position sensor / encoder assembled in a space-saving TSSOP20 package (6.6 x 6.4 x 1.1 mm). The circuit contains four Hall sensors for the generation of analog sine/cosine signals at a pole pitch of 2.56 mm; it also has an integrated signal conditioning unit with an A/D converter and output interfaces. Three configuration inputs allow 26 different modes of operation to be selected for the position evaluation of the magnetic tape placed above the chip. Magnetic field strengths from 20 mT upwards are sufficient for safe operation; a suitable gain or error signal can be used to both monitor the distance of the magnet and to center it.

 

It is possible to cascade several iC - ML devices at once, allowing various coordinates to be scanned; here the chips are activated one after the other in a chain and the position signals output via a 4-wire bus. This simplifies the connecting up of the device to a microcontroller or interpolator for further processing. Deactivated chips with high-impedance bus connections have a very low standby current draw ...

 

Dr David Lin

iC-Haus GmbH,

Am Kuemmerling 18, D-55294 Bodenheim

Tel: +49 - (0)6135 - 9292-300, fax: +49 - (0)6135 - 9292-192 

E-mail: sales@ichaus.com

Linear position sensor

 

 

Sensors Improve Cooling Process Reliability in Heat Exchange Applications

 

CARY, N.C (June 19, 2006) - MTS Systems Corp., C- and G-Series sensors are now being utilized in heat exchange applications as a means of measuring and ensuring the proper amount of cooling fluid in the system. The liquid-level sensors are used to measure the level of cooling fluid in the reservoir to preserve proper levels, ensuring cooling efficiency and lowering down time. These sensors are a cost-effective solution for injection molding machine chillers and other types of plastic molding application chillers.

 

The C-Series sensor is ideal for portable and smaller stationary chiller reservoirs, particularly those used on injection molding machines, because it is low-cost and extremely reliable and rugged due to its non-contact nature. The G-Series sensors are suitable for larger chillers, and come in a rod-style industrial sensor with float. Both the C- and G-Series sensors are available in analog or digital outputs and with several housing options based on the type of cooling fluid used in the chiller ...

  

Jesse Russell,

MTS Temposonics

Commerical Product Marketing Manager

Tel: 919-677-0100

E-mail: jesse.russell@mts.com

G-Series sensors

 

 

24V DC-LVDT Position Sensors Feature 0-10 V DC Output for Simplified Field Integration

 

Pennsauken, NJ,  June 12, 2006 Macro Sensors introduced a new line of 24V single-ended DC-LVDT position sensors that provide a 0-10V output to operate in conjunction with PLCs, digital indicators, A/D converters, computer-based data processors, and QC data collection systems.

 

Utilizing built-in electronics, the SE 750 Series of General Purpose DC- LVDTs provide the desirable features of AC-operated LVDTs, but with the convenience of DC input and output.  The high reliability, easy field integration and excellent resolution of these industry-standard 3/4 inch (19 mm) LVDTs make them ideal for a range of position measurement applications including valve position sensing, hydraulic cylinder positioning and as machine tool positioners and materials testing extensometers.

 

Macro Sensors offers the SE 750 Series in nine standard ranges from 0.100 inch (2.5 mm) to 20.00 inches (500 mm).  Maximum linearity error for sensors is less than or equal to ±0.25% of FSO, with ±0.10% of FSO available as an option.   Operating temperature range is 0ºF to 160ºF (-20ºC to +70ºC).  Units operate from 24V DC nominal, 15- 24V DC +10% or 30 mA nominal input and provide a full-scale output of 0 to 10V DC over the sensing range ...

  

Ed Herceg

Macro Sensors

U.S. Route 130 North, Bldg. 22, Pennsauken, NJ 08110-1541

Tel: 856-662-8000 Fax: 856-317-1005

E-mail: eeh@macrosensors.com

DC-LVDT Position Sensors

 

 

Reaction Torque Sensors for Automotive Engine Accessory Testing

 

June 22, 2006, Depew, NY, USA - The Force/Torque Division of PCB Piezotronics, Inc. offers a series of strain-gage reaction torque sensors for torque measurements on accessories such as Starters, Alternators, Air Conditioning Compressors, Power Steering Gearboxes, and Water Pumps. Series 2300 and 2500 reaction torque sensors feature high torsional stiffness, flange mounting, and are available in full-scale capacities from 5 to 500 k in-lb (0.56 to 56.5 k N-m). Other applications include testing of brake torque, bearing friction small motor dynamometers, pumps, stepping switch torque, and fluid viscosity ...

   

Bob Metz

Technical Sales Specialist

3425 Walden Avenue

Depew, NY 14043-2495 USA

Tel.:(888) 684-0004 ext. 2683, fax: (716) 684-8877

E-mail: bmetz@pcb.com

Torque sensor

 

 

Portable Gas Analyser is Certified as Intrinsically Safe

 

Servomex Group is delighted to introduce the intrinsically safe Servomex 5100 to its range of new portable analysers. The 5100 portable oxygen analyser provides a replacement for the popular 570A hazardous area analyser, while the infrared version is the first intrinsically safe infrared analyser, providing a single % level measurement for CO2, CO or CH4.

 

Considerably smaller and lighter than the 570A, the 5100 i.s. uses proven non-depleting magnetodynamic paramagnetic or infrared sensing technologies (depending on the gas being detected) to ensure high reliability and a low cost-of-ownership.

 

Typical applications for the Servomex 5100 include combustion optimisation in hazardous areas, natural gas processing, use in refineries, checking centrifuges prior to start-up, HyCo facilities, catalytic cracker regeneration, inerting in tank farms and other general process monitoring ...

   

Servomex Group

Tel.: +44 1892 652181

Fax +44 1892 662253

E-mail: info@servomex.com

Gas analyser Servomex 5100

 

 

INNOVATIONS

 

ISSYS Awarded New Patent for a Resonant Tube Viscosity Sensing Device

 

YPSILANTI, MI - 06/29/2006 - Integrated Sensing Systems, Inc. (ISSYS) announced that the U.S. Patent Office has granted it a utility patent (US 7,059,176) entitled "Resonant Tube Viscosity Sensing Device."

 

This patent covers a method and device for assessing the viscosity of a fluid using a microfluidic chip. Its 39 granted claims include methods of fabricating, designing and packaging the new sensor and combining its output with the other sensory outputs such as mass flow rate, density and temperature. The patent also covers the integration of this sensor directly onto an engine to monitor the oil or lubricant quality for vehicle applications (both automotive and military usage). This application offers a smaller more cost effective means of sensing automotive oil quality, which can reduce oil consumption and prevent engine wear. The patent builds on ISSYS' previous microfluidic patents in this area such as US Patents 6,477,901, 6,647,778 and 6,935,010.

 

An important contribution of this patent is the fact that it is the next step in achieving a comprehensive fluidic analysis system for industrial and vehicle applications. ISSYS' technology is now offering a single microchip sensor capable of multiple sensing functions, including temperature, density, flow, and viscosity ...

 

Doug Sparks,

Integrated Sensing Systems, Inc.

391 Airport Industrial Dr.

Ypsilanti, MI 48198

Tel.:734-547-9896 x119, fax: 734-547-9964

E-mail: dsparks@mems-issys.com

 


 

Bullet

 

Multisensor Data and Information Processing

(Special Issue, August 2005)

 

S&T Special Issue's cover

 

 

 

 

Click <here> to syndicate our Sensor Industry News feed.

 

Back to Home page

 


1999 - 2006 Copyright ©, International Frequency Sensor Association (IFSA). All Rights Reserved.


Home - News - Links - Archives - Tools - Standardization - Patents - Marketplace - Projects - Wish List - Subscribe - Search - e-Shop - Membership

 Members Area -Sensors Portal -Training Courses - S&T Digest - For advertisers - Bookstore - Forums - Polls - Sensor Jobs - Site Map