Patent ID: 7498728
Filing Date: 2009-03-03
Classification: G01P

Abstract:
1. A double-ended tuning fork vibrating beam assembly comprising: first and second mount structures; first and second generally parallel vibrating tines operatively coupled at respective longitudinal ends thereof to said first and second mount structures; electrodes for stimulating said vibrating tines into vibration and for monitoring the frequency of vibration wherein the frequency of vibration is related to a direction and amount of force applied to said mount structures; and first and second support tines extending between said mount structures outboard of said vibrating tines thereby increasing the stiffness of the assembly and resisting bending, twisting and bowing strains on said vibrator tines during manipulation and bonding/assembly, said support tines being adapted to be disabled following bonding/assembly to disable their strain resist function whereby the vibrating tines can operate as designed, wherein the first and second support tines have a transverse dimension at every point along their length that is greater than the corresponding transverse dimension of the vibrating tines.