Patent ID: 7104137
Filing Date: 2006-09-12
Classification: G01L

Abstract:
1. A magnetostrictive fluid-pressure sensor comprising: a) an annular inner cylinder having a longitudinal axis, surrounding a fluid-receiving bore, and having first and second ends; b) an annular outer cylinder substantially coaxially aligned with the inner cylinder, spaced radially outward from the inner cylinder, and having first and second ends, wherein at least one of the inner and outer cylinders is a magnetostrictive cylinder; c) a first connector connecting the first ends of the inner and outer cylinders and having a first portion extending radially inward of the inner cylinder; d) an annular second connector connecting the second ends of the inner and outer cylinders and surrounding a fluid inlet of the bore; e) an annular third connector connecting the inner and outer cylinders and disposed longitudinally between the first and second connectors; f) a first coil surrounding the fluid-receiving bore, disposed radially between the inner and outer cylinders and longitudinally between the first and third connectors, and substantially coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis, wherein the first coil when activated generates a solid first magnetic flux circuit in connecting portions of the inner and outer cylinders and the first and third connectors; and g) a second coil surrounding the fluid-receiving bore, disposed radially between the inner and outer cylinders and longitudinally between the second and third connectors, and substantially coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis, wherein the second coil when activated generates a solid second magnetic flux circuit in connecting portions of the inner and outer cylinders and the second and third connectors, and wherein the second magnetic flux circuit is opposite in flux direction to the first magnetic flux circuit in the third connector.