Patent ID: 6647778
Filing Date: 2003-11-18
Classification: G01F,G01N

Abstract:
A sensing device comprising:a substrate; a first micromachined tube comprising a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a freestanding portion between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet so as to define a continuous passage for a fluid flowing through the first micromachined tube, the freestanding portion being spaced apart from a first surface of the substrate; means for vibrating the freestanding portion of the first micromachined tube at a resonant frequency thereof; means for sensing movement of the freestanding portion of the first micromachined tube; and at least a second micromachined tube on the substrate, the second micromachined tube being a component of means for sensing a property chosen from the group consisting of motion of the sensing device and pressure, viscosity and temperature of the fluid flowing through the first micromachined tube; wherein the first and second micromachined tubes comprise portions that are defined by at least one of a bulk etched region of the substrate or an etched film on the substrate.