Patent Description:
The features of the invention will be more readily understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:.

Sensors can include sensor elements arranged within a housing or a body. Often sensors are manufactured from individual components and are assembled after manufacture of the individual components. For example, a sensor can include a housing, wiring, a sensor element, and components to secure the sensor element within the housing. This type of serial manufacturing and assembly of sensor components can introduce likelihood of quality control issues, manufacturing defects, and improper assembly, which can render the sensor inoperable and can increase manufacturing and repair costs. It can be physically difficult to assembly complex sensors with numerous internal components and can require specialized equipment, jigs, or other manufacturing tools/processes to create and assemble sensor components in this manner. In addition, sourcing different materials for the various sensor components can be time consuming, delay manufacturing/assembly operations, and increase overall cost of the sensor. Using different materials can also make it difficult to maintain the manufacturers intended design specifications of the sensor. For example, using separately sourced materials or components for a sensor housing and suspension elements within the sensor housing may not achieve a desired ratio between a dimeter of the sensor element and a diameter of the housing necessary to maintain performance of the sensor during conditions of shock or vibration.

Current manufacturing techniques include machining various components, such as the sensor housing, suspension components, and any caps or fitting necessary to seal the sensor. Assembly can require specific sequences of placing specific components within the housing prior to placing other components in the housing. Any tuning of the sensor can require additional time and materials to disassemble the sensor, source different repair materials from various manufacturing sources, reassemble the sensor with the repair materials, and testing the repaired sensor.

The current subject matter can include an improved sensor and method of manufacturing the sensor. The sensor can be formed using additive manufacturing techniques to manufacture the sensor as an integrated, single unit consisting of a housing, suspension elements formed integrally within the housing. In some embodiments, the sensor formed via additive manufacturing techniques can also include an end cap that is also formed by the additive manufacturing techniques. The end cap can be formed integrally within the housing such that the end cap is included in the integrated single unit. The end cap can include suspension elements that are formed integrally within portions of the end cap.

Some implementations of the current subject matter described herein include a sensor with an integrated suspension formed within a housing and/or an integrated suspension formed within a compression plate or end cap of the sensor. The sensor can be manufactured using a metal material deposited and formed using additive manufacturing technology. The sensor can include radial spring suspension elements including arched beams. The arched beams can be secured at one or both ends to the sensor housing. The arched beams can act as radial springs to suspend a crystal mass or sensor element within the housing and can provide radial stiffness to prevent the crystal mass or sensor element from resonating, cracking, or colliding with inner surfaces of the housing under vibration or shock conditions. The stiffness of the suspension elements can be modified by changing the cross sectional geometry, bending geometry, length, and number of secured ends of the arched beams forming the radial suspension elements. Stiffness can also be modified by changing the total number of radial suspension elements in the sensor.

The sensor can also include axial spring suspension elements. The axial spring suspension elements can include arched beams secured at one or both ends to either an end cap or compression plate. The axial suspension elements can act as axial springs to suspend the crystal mass or sensor element and can provide axial stiffness to prevent the crystal mass or sensor element from resonating, cracking, or colliding with the end cap under vibration or shock conditions. The stiffness of the axial suspension elements can be modified by changing the cross sectional geometry, bending geometry, length, and number of secured ends of the beams. Stiffness can also be modified by changing the total number of axial suspension elements in the sensor.

The use of additive manufacturing techniques to form a sensor with integral suspension elements therein can advantageously address the problems associated with sourcing, assembling, deploying, and repairing sensors manufactured using non-additive manufacturing techniques, such as machining and assembling individual components. For example, component material selection and availability are no longer dependent on vendor supply or lead times. Any tuning or design changes required to adjust a functional aspect of the sensor can be performed by adjusting a material composition, geometry, or additive manufacturing deposition techniques rather than sourcing and awaiting delivery of suitable repair parts prior to assembly and testing of the new components.

<FIG> illustrate isometric views of an example embodiment of a sensor including a sensor suspension according to some implementations of the current subject matter. As shown in <FIG>, a sensor <NUM> can include a housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> can be a cylindrical housing. In some embodiments, the housing can be non-cylindrical, such a polygonal housing. The housing can include a metal material, a non-metal material, or a mixture of metal and non-metal materials. In some embodiments the metal material can include titanium, aluminum, stainless steel or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the metal material can include alloy <NUM>. The housing <NUM> can include an outer surface, an inner surface and a cavity therein. The housing <NUM> can also include a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. The first end <NUM> can include an end cap that can be integrally formed within the housing <NUM>. The second end <NUM> can include an opening. The inner surface of the housing <NUM> can include a plurality of suspension elements <NUM>. The suspension elements <NUM> can be formed in a variety of patterns on the inner surface of the housing. For example, the plurality of suspension elements <NUM> can be arranged in uniformly arranged rows and columns, non-uniformly arranged rows and columns, or in multiple portions which can include different arrangements of suspension elements relative to other portions arranged within the housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, the each suspension element of the plurality of suspension elements <NUM> can be arranged orthogonal to a length of the housing <NUM>, for example as shown in the embodiment of <FIG>. In some embodiments, each suspension element can be arranged parallel with the length of the housing <NUM>.

Each suspension element of the plurality of suspension elements <NUM> can be configured to couple to the inner surface of the housing at one end of the suspension element or both ends of the suspension element. The plurality of suspension elements <NUM> can provide a spring force to limit radial movement of a sensor element within the housing <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the sensor <NUM> can include a sensor element <NUM>, such a crystal mass. The sensor element <NUM> can translate within the housing <NUM> in a radial direction <NUM> and/or an axial direction <NUM> during operation of the sensor <NUM>. The plurality of suspension elements <NUM> can be configured to reduce or limit amounts of translation of the sensor element <NUM> in the radial direction <NUM> within the housing <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the sensor <NUM> also includes an end cap <NUM>. In some embodiments, the end cap <NUM> can be integrally formed within the housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, the end cap <NUM> can be formed separately from the housing <NUM> and can be inserted into the first end <NUM> of the housing <NUM> as a separate component. In such embodiments, the end cap <NUM> can be formed separately using the same additive manufacturing techniques and materials as used to form the housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, the end cap <NUM> can be welded or soldered to the housing <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate isometric views of another example embodiment of a sensor including a sensor suspension according to some implementations of the current subject matter. As shown in <FIG>, the sensor <NUM> can include a housing <NUM>, a first end <NUM>, a second end <NUM>, and a plurality of suspension elements <NUM>. The plurality of suspension elements <NUM> can be arranged in parallel with a length of the housing <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The sensor <NUM> can include a sensor element <NUM> configured to be inserted into and received within the housing <NUM>. The sensor element <NUM> can translate in a radial direction <NUM> and/or an axial direction <NUM> within the housing <NUM>. The plurality of suspension elements <NUM> can be configured to reduce or limit the amount of radial translation <NUM> of the sensor element <NUM> within the housing <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the sensor <NUM> can include an end cap <NUM> integrally formed within or inserted into the first end <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an isometric cross-sectional view of the sensor of <FIG> according to some implementations of the current subject matter. As shown in <FIG>, the sensor <NUM> can include a housing <NUM>, a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> can include a plurality of suspension elements <NUM> projecting from an inner surface of the housing <NUM>. The plurality of suspension elements <NUM> can be configured to reduce or limit an amount of radial translation <NUM> of a sensor element <NUM> within the housing <NUM>. The plurality of suspension elements <NUM> can include arched beam structures that can be affixed to the inner surface of the housing <NUM> at one or both ends of an individual suspension element. The plurality of suspension elements <NUM> can be configured to provide a spring force against the sensor element <NUM> (and to therefore reduce radial translation <NUM> of the sensor element <NUM> within the housing <NUM>). In some embodiments, the sensor element can be a crystal and can be formed from cerium bromide, lanthanum halide, or sodium iodide.

As further shown in <FIG>, the sensor <NUM> can include an end cap <NUM> that can be integrally formed within the housing <NUM> at the first end <NUM> of the sensor <NUM>. The end cap <NUM> can include an additional plurality of suspension elements <NUM>. The plurality of suspension elements <NUM> can include axial suspension elements configured to reduce or limit an amount of axial translation <NUM> of the sensor element <NUM> within the housing <NUM>. In some embodiment, each axial suspension element can be coupled to the end cap <NUM> at one end of the axial suspension element <NUM>, for example, as shown in <FIG>. In some embodiments, both ends of the axial suspension element <NUM> can be coupled to the end cap <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate isometric views of another example embodiment of a sensor including a sensor suspension according to some implementations of the current subject matter. As shown in <FIG>, the sensor <NUM> can include a housing <NUM>, a first end <NUM>, and a second end <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> can also include an inner surface <NUM> configured to suspend the sensor element <NUM> with the housing <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the inner surfaces <NUM> can be polygonal shaped surfaces and can be arranged and dimensioned so as to exert a spring force against the sensor element <NUM> to reduce an amount of radial translation <NUM> of the sensor element <NUM> within the housing <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the sensor <NUM> can include an endcap <NUM> integrally formed within the first end <NUM> of the sensor <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional view of the sensor of <FIG> according to some implementations of the current subject matter. As shown in <FIG>, the sensor <NUM> can include a housing <NUM>, an inner surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, and a surface <NUM> of the end cap <NUM>. The surface <NUM> can include a plurality of suspension elements <NUM> arranged to project into the cavity of the housing away from the surface <NUM> of the end cap <NUM>. The plurality of suspension elements can be configured to provide a spring force to reduce or limit an amount of axial translation of the sensor element <NUM> within the housing <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate cross-sectional views of an example embodiment of a plurality of suspension elements included in the sensor described herein according to some implementations of the current subject matter. As shown in <FIG>, the housing <NUM> of the sensor described herein includes an inner surface <NUM>. The inner surface <NUM> includes a plurality of suspension elements <NUM>. The suspension elements <NUM> form a tilted beam suspension element that extends at a first angle away from the inner surface <NUM> towards the cavity <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and then extends at a second angle away from the first angle so as to be approximately parallel with the inner surface <NUM>. The tilted beam suspension element <NUM> of <FIG> is illustrated in <FIG> for clarity.

<FIG> illustrate cross-sectional views of another example embodiment of a plurality of suspension elements included in a housing of the sensor described herein according to some implementations of the current subject matter. As shown in <FIG>, an inner surface <NUM> of the housing of the sensor described herein can include a plurality of suspension elements <NUM>. The suspension elements <NUM> can form a cantilever beam suspension element that extends at a first angle away from the inner surface <NUM> towards the cavity <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The cantilever beam suspension element of <FIG> is illustrated in <FIG> for clarity.

<FIG> illustrate isometric views of example embodiments of a plurality of suspension elements included in an end cap of the sensor described herein according to some implementations of the current subject matter. As shown in <FIG>, in one embodiment, the end cap <NUM> can include a plurality of suspension elements <NUM> extending from a top surface <NUM> of the end cap <NUM> toward the cavity of the housing of the sensor described herein. The plurality of suspension elements <NUM> can be configured as axial suspension elements and can be arranged to reduce or limit an amount of axial travel of a sensor element within the housing of the sensor described herein. As shown in <FIG>, each suspension element of the plurality of suspension elements <NUM> can include a diameter that varies along the length of each suspension element <NUM> such that a progressive spring force can be generated. Although the plurality of suspension elements <NUM> is shown with a circular-shaped cross-section, additional shaped cross-sections can be implemented. For example, in some embodiments, the shape of the cross-section of the plurality of suspension elements <NUM> can include geometric-shaped cross-sections. As further shown in <FIG>, the end cap <NUM> can include a collar or integrated gasket <NUM> configured to secure the end cap <NUM> within the housing of the sensor described herein when the end cap <NUM> can be formed separately from the housing using additive manufacturing techniques.

As shown in <FIG>, in another embodiment, the end cap <NUM> can include a circular arrangement of angled suspension elements <NUM> extending from the top surface <NUM> of the end cap <NUM> toward the cavity of the housing of the sensor described herein. The plurality of suspension elements <NUM> can be configured as axial suspension elements and can be arranged to reduce or limit an amount of axial travel of a sensor element within the housing of the sensor described herein. As shown in <FIG>, each suspension element of the plurality of suspension elements <NUM> can include a uniform diameter that does not vary along the length of each suspension element <NUM>. In some embodiments, the diameter of each suspension element of the plurality of suspension elements <NUM> can vary along its length such that a progressive spring force can be generated. In some embodiments, the angle at which each suspension element <NUM> extends away from the top surface <NUM> of the end cap <NUM> can be configured such that a progressive spring force can be generated. Although the plurality of suspension elements <NUM> are shown with a circular-shaped cross-section, additional shaped cross-sections can be implemented. For example, in some embodiments, the shape of the cross-section of the plurality of suspension elements <NUM> can include geometric-shaped cross-sections. As further shown in <FIG>, the end cap <NUM> can include a collar or integrated gasket <NUM> configured to secure the end cap <NUM> within the housing of the sensor described herein when the end cap <NUM> can be formed separately from the housing using additive manufacturing techniques.

As shown in <FIG>, in another embodiment, the end cap <NUM> can include an arrangement of a plurality of V-shaped suspension elements <NUM> extending from the top surface <NUM> of the end cap <NUM> toward the cavity of the housing of the sensor described herein. The plurality of suspension elements <NUM> can be configured as axial suspension elements and can be arranged to reduce or limit an amount of axial travel of a sensor element within the housing of the sensor described herein. As shown in <FIG>, each suspension element of the plurality of suspension elements <NUM> can opening angle <NUM>. The opening angle <NUM> can be configured in varying angles to create varying amounts of spring force and stiffness. In some embodiments, the suspension elements <NUM> can include an engagement height <NUM> that can be configured to vary the stiffness as a step-function in response to a given amount of displacement force exerted on the plurality of suspension elements <NUM> by the sensor element as it translates axially within the housing of the sensor described herein and into contact with the plurality of suspension elements <NUM>. In some embodiments, the diameter of each suspension element of the plurality of suspension elements <NUM> can vary along its length such that a progressive spring force can be generated. In some embodiments, the angle at which each suspension element <NUM> extends away from the top surface <NUM> of the end cap <NUM> can be configured such that a progressive spring force can be generated. As further shown in <FIG>, the end cap <NUM> can include a collar or integrated gasket <NUM> configured to secure the end cap <NUM> within the housing of the sensor described herein when the end cap <NUM> can be formed separately from the housing using additive manufacturing techniques.

<FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional view of a sensor as described herein including another example embodiment of a plurality of suspension elements included in the end cap of the sensor according to some implementations of the current subject matter. As shown in <FIG>, the sensor <NUM> can include a polygonal-shaped housing <NUM> and a plurality of suspension elements <NUM> formed on an inner surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The plurality of suspension elements <NUM> can include radial suspension elements <NUM> configured to reduce or limit an amount of radial displacement of the sensor element within the housing <NUM>.

As further shown in <FIG>, the sensor <NUM> includes an end cap <NUM> (of which a top surface <NUM> is shown). The end cap <NUM> can include a plurality of suspension elements <NUM> extending from the top surface <NUM> toward the cavity of the sensor <NUM>. The plurality of suspension elements <NUM> can be arranged in a spiral pattern extending from a center <NUM> outward in a radial direction. In some embodiments, the plurality of suspension elements <NUM> can include square, triangular, circular, elliptical, or polygonal shaped suspension elements or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, portions of each suspension element <NUM> can overlap with a portion of an adjacent suspension element <NUM>. The plurality of suspension elements <NUM> can include axial suspension elements <NUM> configured to reduce or limit an amount of axial displacement of the sensor element within the housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, the plurality of suspension elements <NUM> can be configured to provide a progressive spring force in response to axial displacement of the sensor element against the end cap <NUM> and the plurality of suspension elements <NUM> configured thereon.

<FIG> illustrates an isometric view of another example embodiment of a plurality of suspension elements included in the end cap of the sensor described herein according to some implementations of the current subject matter. As shown in <FIG>, the end cap <NUM> can include a plurality of suspension elements <NUM> in a lattice or matrix formation. The plurality of suspension elements can include axial suspension elements <NUM> configured to reduce or limit an amount of axial displacement of the sensor element within the housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, the lattice can be a flexible lattice and can be configured to provide a progressive spring response or a linear spring response when a given load is applied to the lattice structure. A variety of lattice shapes and dimensions can be envisioned.

<FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of <FIG> according to some implementations of the current subject matter. As shown in <FIG>, the plurality of suspension elements <NUM> can form a lattice structure. Although the lattice structure is shown with individual cells <NUM> which are square shaped, additional cell shapes can be included to form the lattice structure which forms the plurality of suspension elements <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an isometric view of an example embodiment of a second end cap of the sensor described herein according to some implementations of the current subject matter. As shown in <FIG>, the second end cap <NUM> can include a housing <NUM> and a window <NUM> arranged within the housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, the end cap <NUM> can be a second end cap that can be inserted into the second end of a sensor as described herein. For example, the second end cap <NUM> can be inserted into the second end <NUM> of sensor <NUM> described in relation to <FIG>. In some embodiments, the second end cap <NUM> can be formed via the same additive manufacturing techniques and using the same materials as were used to form the housing and the end cap of the sensor described herein, for example the housing <NUM> and the end cap <NUM> described in relation to <FIG>. In some embodiments, the second end cap <NUM> can be welded to the housing after the sensor element has been inserted into the housing. In some embodiments, the window <NUM> can include a sapphire window.

<FIG> illustrates a process flow diagram of an example embodiment of a method for manufacturing the sensor of <FIG> according to some implementations of the current subject matter. As shown in <FIG>, the method <NUM> starts at <NUM>, at which a metal material is provided. The metal material can include titanium, aluminum, stainless steel or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, additional materials can be mixed with the metal material to form an alloy or a composition including a non-metallic material.

At <NUM>, the method <NUM> can include forming an apparatus by an additive manufacturing technique using the metal material provided at <NUM>. In some embodiments, the additive manufacturing technique can include material jetting, binder jetting, material extrusion, powder bed fusion (e.g., such as direct metal laser melting (DMLM), electron beam melting, and selective laser melting (SLS)), sheet lamination, and directed energy deposition.

The axial and radial suspension elements described herein can be formed with respect to a variety of parameters such as stiffness, vibrational frequency, shock resistance, dampening, active load caused by sensor element displacement, or the like. The plurality of axial and radial suspension elements described herein can be configured to secure the sensor element within the housing during conditions in which the sensor element may undergo thermal expansion, as well as conditions in which the sensor element can be axially or radially displaced due to vibration or shock conditions, such as may occur when the sensor and sensor elements are shaken. The plurality of suspension elements can act as a spring to absorb the displacement of the sensor element and to maintain the sensor element in position within the housing of the sensor.

In some embodiments, the metal material or the additive manufacturing process are selected to form the first plurality of suspension elements, such as the plurality of suspension elements <NUM> in <FIG>, with a predetermined amount of axial stiffness, a predetermined amount of axial vibration dampening, or a predetermined amount of temperature induced axial displacement with respect to the axial translation <NUM> of the sensor element <NUM> within the housing <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the metal material or the additive manufacturing process can be selected to form the second plurality of suspension elements, such as the plurality of suspension elements <NUM> in <FIG>, with a predetermined amount of radial stiffness, a predetermined amount of radial vibration dampening, or a predetermined amount of temperature induced radial displacement with respect to the radial translation <NUM> of the sensor element <NUM> within the housing <NUM>.

Forming the apparatus can include forming a sensor, such as the sensor <NUM> shown and described in relation to <FIG>. In some embodiments, the sensor can be a gamma sensor. Forming the apparatus can include forming a housing <NUM> of the sensor <NUM> including a cavity configured to suspend a sensor element <NUM> therein, an inner surface, and a first end cap <NUM> integrally formed within a first end <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the first end cap <NUM> can include a first plurality of suspension elements <NUM> integrally formed within the first end cap <NUM> and arranged to project from a surface of the first end cap <NUM> toward the cavity of the housing <NUM>.

At <NUM>, the method <NUM> can also include forming a second plurality of suspension elements <NUM> integrally on the inner surface of the housing <NUM>, the second plurality of suspension elements <NUM> projecting radially from the inner surface of the housing <NUM> toward the cavity.

At <NUM>, the method <NUM> can further include forming a second end cap of the apparatus by the additive manufacturing process using the metal material, and inserting a sapphire window into a portion of the second end cap. For example, as described in relation to <FIG>, the second end cap <NUM> can be formed using the metal material. A sapphire window <NUM> can be inserted into a housing <NUM> of the second end cap <NUM>.

At <NUM>, a sensor element can be inserted within the housing. The second end cap can be welded within a second end of the housing. For example, as described in relation to <FIG> and <FIG>, a sensor element <NUM> can be inserted into the housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, the sensor element can be a crystal and can be formed from cerium bromide, lanthanum halide, or sodium iodide. The second end cap <NUM> can be welded within a second end <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a block diagram of an example embodiment of a system including the sensor of <FIG> according to some implementations of the current subject matter. As shown in <FIG>, the system <NUM> can include a computer device <NUM> configured to receive and process sensor data generated by the sensor formed according the method <NUM> of <FIG>. The computing device <NUM> can include a processor <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, a communication interface <NUM>, a display <NUM>, and one or more input devices <NUM>. The processor <NUM> of the computing device <NUM> can be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory to process the data received via the communication interface <NUM>. The memory <NUM> can also store sensor data generated by the sensor described herein. The display <NUM> can include a monitor, scope, or similar display device configured to present the sensor data received by the computing device <NUM>. The input devices <NUM> can include a keyboard, mouse, joystick, a knob, a dial, a touchscreen, or the like with which a user can interact with the sensor data and/or the computing device <NUM>.

As further shown in <FIG>, the system <NUM> can include a photomultiplier tube <NUM> coupled to the computing device <NUM>. The photomultiplier tube <NUM> can receive photons from the sensor <NUM> and can convert the photons into an electrical signal which can be provided to the computing device <NUM> for analysis, processing, storage, and reporting. The sensor <NUM> can be a gamma sensor described herein and formed according to the method <NUM> of <FIG>. The gamma sensor <NUM> can receive gamma energy <NUM> from the environment <NUM> in which the gamma sensor <NUM> can be configured to sense.

Exemplary technical effects of the apparatus, methods, systems, described herein include, by way of non-limiting example, forming a sensor including a sensor element suspension via additive manufacturing techniques. This method of forming a sensor and sensor suspension can reduce the need for separately manufactured and assembled sensor components and can provide a sensor housing with a plurality of suspension elements integrally formed therein. The suspension elements can be formed to reduce amounts of radial and axial translation of a sensor element disposed within the sensor housing and interfacing with the suspension elements. The suspension elements can be configured with a variety of stiffness, vibration dampening, and thermal displacement by way of forming the suspension elements using the additive manufacturing techniques described herein. Forming a unitary housing with integrated suspension elements in this manner can reduce inventory lead times, decrease the number of individual sensor components requiring assembly, reduce repair and replacement costs, and provide a more reliable and precise sensor.

Certain exemplary embodiments have been described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the systems, devices, and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments and that the scope of the present invention is defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment can be combined with the features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

The subject matter described herein can be implemented in or coupled to a computing system that includes a back-end component (e.g., a data server), a middleware component (e.g., an application server), or a front-end component (e.g., a client computer having a graphical user interface or a web browser through which a user can interact with an implementation of the subject matter described herein), or any combination of such back-end, middleware, and front-end components.

Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, can be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. In at least some instances, the approximating language can correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations can be combined and/or interchanged, such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise.

Claim 1:
An apparatus comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) including a cavity (<NUM>), an inner surface (<NUM>), and a first end cap (<NUM>) within a first end (<NUM>) of the housing, the housing (<NUM>) including a sensor element (<NUM>) therein, the first end cap (<NUM>) including a first plurality of suspension elements (<NUM>) within the first end cap (<NUM>) and arranged to project from a surface of the first end cap (<NUM>) toward the cavity (<NUM>), the inner surface (<NUM>) of the housing and/or the first plurality of suspension elements (<NUM>) suspending the sensor element (<NUM>) within the cavity (<NUM>) as the sensor element (<NUM>) translates within the cavity (<NUM>); and
a second end cap affixed to a second end of the housing;
wherein the housing (<NUM>) further comprises a second plurality of suspension elements (<NUM>) on the inner surface (<NUM>) of the housing (<NUM>), the second plurality of suspension elements (<NUM>) arranged to radially project from the inner surface (<NUM>) of the housing toward the cavity (<NUM>);
characterized in that
the first end cap <NUM> is integrally formed within the first end of the housing (<NUM>), the first plurality of suspension elements (<NUM>) are integrally formed within the first end cap (<NUM>) and the second plurality of suspension elements (<NUM>) are integrally formed on the inner surface (<NUM>) of the housing (<NUM>); and
wherein the second plurality of suspension elements (<NUM>) form tilted beam suspension beam elements that extend at a first angle away from the inner surface (<NUM>) towards the cavity (<NUM>) of the housing (<NUM>) and then extend at a second angle away from the first angle so as to be parallel with the inner surface (<NUM>).