Patent ID: 6016102
Filing Date: 2000-01-18
Classification: B60C

Abstract:
An apparatus for measuring atmospheric pressure for compensating a pressure measurement in a sealed enclosure, comprising:a housing, one end of said housing being open;a cover positioned on said housing, said cover being constructed to be received on the open end of said housing for providing a sealing fit therewith, said cover having an opening therethrough for allowing pressure equalization with an interior of said housing;a gasket interposed between said cover and said housing, said gasket being constructed of a material that provides a fluid-tight seal between said cover and said housing, said gasket having at least one passage of a predetermined size for allowing passage of air between said opening in said cover and said interior of said housing;a gas permeable membrane also interposed between said opening in said cover and said housing, said gas permeable membrane being constructed of a material that allows air to pass therethrough;a pressure sensor positioned within said housing for measuring atmospheric pressure based upon the air passed through said gas permeable membrane into said housing; andmeans for receiving a pressure signal from a sealed enclosure and compensating the pressure signal based upon the measured atmospheric pressure.