Patent ID: 6532822
Filing Date: 2003-03-18
Classification: G01L

Abstract:
A resonant pressure sensor, comprising:a rigid base member having first and second surfaces; said first surface being in communication with a first fluid environment having a variable pressure; said rigid base member having a pressure port extending therethrough from said first surface to said second surface of said rigid base member; a hollow tube member having first and second ends, an inner surface, an outer surface, a wall thickness between said inner and outer surfaces, and an internal cavity bounded by said inner surface and said first and second ends; said first end of said hollow tube member being rigidly attached to said second surface of said rigid base member; said internal cavity being in fluid communication with said first fluid environment through said pressure port; a resonant mass rigidly attached to said second end of said hollow tube member; said resonant mass and said attached hollow tube member having a resonant frequency dependent upon a pressure of said first fluid environment on said inner surface of said hollow tube member; and electromagnetic driving means for electromagnetically applying a torque to said resonant mass, said electromagnetic driving means being adapted to apply said torque at said resonant frequency of said resonant mass and said attached hollow tube member; said electromagnetic driving means comprising an electromagnetic driving signal receptor attached to said resonant mass and an electromagnetic driving signal generator located adjacent said resonant mass and said electromagnetic driving signal receptor.