Patent ID: 6481286
Filing Date: 2002-11-19
Classification: G01P

Abstract:
A microwave resonant cavity, comprising:a. an open ended, hollow, rigid body member disposed about a central void region and extending along a sensing axis from a first end to a second end, said body member including an electrically conductive inner wall in part bounding said void region; b. a rigid end member extending transverse to said sensing axis and from said body member across said void region at said first end, said end member including an electrically conductive rigid wall in part bounding said void region; c. a flexible end member extending transverse to said sensing axis and from said body member across said void region at said second end, said flexible end member including an electrically conductive flexible wall in part bounding said void region; d. a proof mass positioned along said sensing axis and supported by said flexible wall, (i) wherein said proof mass has an electrically conductive outer surface in part bounding said void region, and (ii) wherein said outer surface extends from said flexible wall toward the rigid wall, whereby a distal portion of said outer surface establishes a relatively narrow gap in the direction of said sensing axis and between said outer surface and said rigid wall, and (iii) wherein an annular region of said flexible wall between said proof mass and said body member establishes a relatively wide gap in the direction of said sensing axis between said annular region and said rigid wall, said void region forming a reentrant resonant cavity, said cavity being characterized by a resonant microwave frequency.