Output device for pressure transducer

• US 6,581,471 B1
• Filed: 11/30/2001
• Issued: 06/24/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 11/30/2001
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: MKS Instruments Incorporated
• Original Assignee: MKS Instruments Incorporated
• Inventors: Grudzien, Chris P.
• Primary Examiner(s): Williams, Hezron
• Assistant Examiner(s): JENKINS, JERMAINE L
• Application Number:
  US09/998,292
• Publication Number:
  US 20030101824A1
• Time in Patent Office: 571 Days
• Field of Search: 737/53, 737/18, 737/24, 731/46--468, 737/56, 738/663
• US Class Current: 73/753
• CPC Class Codes: G01L 19/083 electrical
• CPC Class Codes: G01L 19/086 for remote indication

Abstract

An output device for a pressure transducer incorporates a cable connector and an electronic display. Both may be selectably positioned relative to the pressure transducer. In one aspect of the invention, the electronic display is rotatable around an axis perpendicular to the plane of the display. In another aspect of the invention, the cable connector is positioned by adjusting the connection of the output device relative to the pressure transducer. In some embodiments, the adjustability of the output device is provided through a bayonet connection between the output device and the pressure transducer. The adjustments to position of the display and of the cable connector may be performed without the use of tools. An output device constructed in accordance with the present invention may be field-configured in a multitude of ways, largely eliminating the need for the preselection of particular output devices for particular installations.

Claims

1. An output device for a pressure transducer, comprising:

a housing, including a first end adapted for connection to the pressure transducer;

an electronic display attached to a second end of the housing, the electronic display being substantially disposed in a plane, the electronic display being rotatable relative to the housing about an axis perpendicular to the plane by a rotatable mechanism; and

a cable connector attached to a side of the housing, the direction of the cable connector relative to the pressure transducer being adjustable.

2. The output device of claim 1, the housing having a longitudinal axis and the plane of the electronic display being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, wherein the electronic display being rotatable around the longitudinal axis.

3. The output device of claim 1, wherein the electronic display is rotatable by about 360 degrees.

4. The output device of claim 1, wherein the electronic display is attached to the housing with a friction fit connection.

5. The output device of claim 4, wherein the friction fit connection includes a grip ring.

6. The output device of claim 4, wherein the friction fit connection includes a ratchet-type assembly.

7. The output device of claim 1, wherein the first end of the housing includes a bayonet connection.

8. The output device of claim 7, wherein the bayonet connection includes four slots.

9. The output device of claim 1, the cable connector having a depth, wherein the cable connector is attached in a recess in the housing, the recess being at least as deep as the depth of the cable connector.

10. The output device of claim 1, wherein the first end includes a bayonet connection and wherein the direction of the cable connector is adjustable by said bayonet connection.

11. A method of configuring an output device including a cable connector and a local electronic display for a pressure transducer for a particular installation, comprising the steps of:

determining a desired direction for the cable connector;

selecting an orientation for the output device relative to the pressure transducer to provide the desired direction for the cable connector;

completing a bayonet connection between the output device and the pressure transducer according to the selected orientation;

determining a desired orientation for the electronic display; and

rotating the electronic display around an axis perpendicular to the plane of the electronic display until the desired orientation is achieved.

12. A method of adjusting an output device including a cable connector and a local electronic display for a pressure transducer for a particular installation, comprising the steps of:

unlocking a bayonet connection between the output device and the pressure transducer from a first position;

determining a desired direction for the cable connector;

selecting an orientation for the output device relative to the pressure transducer to provide the desired direction for the cable connector;

completing the bayonet connection between the output device and the pressure transducer according to the selected orientation in a second position;

determining a desired orientation for the electronic display; and

rotating the electronic display around an axis perpendicular to the plane of the electronic display until the desired orientation is achieved.