Pressure sensor
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A capacitive manometer assembly comprising:
- a diaphragm including a conductive material;
an electrode structure including an inner electrode and an outer electrode, wherein the inner electrode and outer electrode are separated from one another, wherein the diaphragm is movable relative to the electrode structure between (i) a zero position when the pressure on each side of the diaphragm is the same and (ii) a maximum differential position when the maximum measurable differential pressure is applied to the diaphragm;
a support structure arranged so as to support the diaphragm so that the diaphragm is constrained relative to the electrode structure, and the diaphragm is spaced from and axially aligned with the inner and outer electrodes relative to an alignment axis of the manometer;
a baffle with one or more apertures configured to admit gas to a region adjacent the diaphragm, wherein the baffle is configured to reduce effects of surface deformation of the diaphragm due to reactive gas.
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Abstract
One or more reactive gases are introduced to a capacitance manometer at a particular area or areas of the diaphragm between the inner and outer capacitive electrodes so the error-inducing measurement effects of positive and negative bending are neutralized or minimized. Additionally, a guard structure may be used with the electrode structure of the capacitance manometer. The guard structure presents an area that is relatively insensitive to the diffusion of the gas into the diaphragm and the resulting changing surface tension, thus providing increased or optimal stability of the zero reading of the manometer. The guard may also provide electrostatic isolation of the electrodes.
42 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A capacitive manometer assembly comprising:
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a diaphragm including a conductive material; an electrode structure including an inner electrode and an outer electrode, wherein the inner electrode and outer electrode are separated from one another, wherein the diaphragm is movable relative to the electrode structure between (i) a zero position when the pressure on each side of the diaphragm is the same and (ii) a maximum differential position when the maximum measurable differential pressure is applied to the diaphragm; a support structure arranged so as to support the diaphragm so that the diaphragm is constrained relative to the electrode structure, and the diaphragm is spaced from and axially aligned with the inner and outer electrodes relative to an alignment axis of the manometer; a baffle with one or more apertures configured to admit gas to a region adjacent the diaphragm, wherein the baffle is configured to reduce effects of surface deformation of the diaphragm due to reactive gas. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A capacitive manometer assembly comprising:
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a diaphragm including a conductive material; an electrode structure including an inner electrode, an outer electrode, and a guard structure disposed between the inner and outer electrodes, wherein the diaphragm is movable relative to the electrode structure between (i) a zero position when the pressure on each side of the diaphragm is the same and (ii) a maximum differential position when the maximum measurable differential pressure is applied to the diaphragm; a support structure arranged so as to support the diaphragm so that the diaphragm is constrained relative to the electrode structure, and the diaphragm is spaced from and axially aligned with the inner and outer electrodes relative to an alignment axis of the manometer; and a baffle with one or more apertures configured to admit gas to a region adjacent the diaphragm, wherein the baffle is configured to reduce effects of surface deformation of the diaphragm due to reactive gas. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A capacitive manometer comprising:
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a housing; a diaphragm including a conductive material; an electrode structure including an inner electrode and an outer electrode, wherein the inner electrode and outer electrode are separated from one another, wherein the diaphragm is movable relative to the electrode structure between (i) a zero position when the pressure on each side of the diaphragm is the same and (ii) a maximum differential position when the maximum measurable differential pressure is applied to the diaphragm; a support structure arranged so as to support the diaphragm so that the diaphragm is constrained relative to the electrode structure, and the diaphragm is spaced from and axially aligned with the inner and outer electrodes relative to an alignment axis of the manometer; a baffle with one or more apertures configured to admit gas to a region adjacent the diaphragm, wherein the baffle is configured to reduce effects of surface deformation of the diaphragm due to reactive gas. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19)
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Specification