Patent ID: 6360612
Filing Date: 2002-03-26
Classification: G01L

Abstract:
A pressure sensor apparatus for measuring a linear distance between two outer locations of pressure comprising:a first electrode and a second electrode, each disposed on one of a pair of backing sheets; a resistive electrode, having a known electrical resistance, disposed on one of said pair of backing sheets so as to provide an electrical conduction between said first electrode and said second electrode; a continuous shunt electrode, having a resistance lower than said resistance of said resistive electrode, said shunt electrode disposed on one of said pair of backing sheets; and a plurality of spacer elements, said plurality of spacer elements defining at least one contact region disposed along a length between said first and second electrodes, wherein said plurality of spacer elements are disposed so as to maintain said shunt electrode in a non-conductive arrangement relative to said resistive electrode when substantially no pressure acts thereon, and wherein, upon a pressure being exerted on any portion thereon, said resistive electrode is shunted within said contact region for a distance substantially equal to the distance between said outer locations of said pressure such that said linear distance between two outer locations of pressure is measured in response to a change in resistance across said resistive electrode.