초록 ▼

The present invention relates to a method of determining both pressures and temperatures in a high temperature environment. The present invention also relates to a method of determining temperatures about a pressure-sensing element using a bi-functional heater. In addition, the present invention pre

The present invention relates to a method of determining both pressures and temperatures in a high temperature environment. The present invention also relates to a method of determining temperatures about a pressure-sensing element using a bi-functional heater. In addition, the present invention preferably relates to a pressure sensor with the pressure-sensing element and a heating element both integrated into the sensor's packaging, preferably onto the diaphragm of the pressure sensor, and particularly to such a pressure sensor capable of operating at high or elevated temperatures, and even more particularly to such a pressure sensor wherein the heating element is capable of both heating, at least in part, the pressure-sensing element and monitoring the temperature of the application area. Preferably, the pressure-sensing element is formed from shape memory alloy (SMA) materials that can be used at high or elevated temperatures as a pressure sensor with high sensitivity.

대표청구항 ▼

What we claim is: 1. A method of determining both pressures and temperatures in a pressure chamber comprising the steps of: providing a pressure-sensing element for a pressure chamber in which a pressure and a temperature are to be measured; providing a heating element in or about the pressure cham

What we claim is: 1. A method of determining both pressures and temperatures in a pressure chamber comprising the steps of: providing a pressure-sensing element for a pressure chamber in which a pressure and a temperature are to be measured; providing a heating element in or about the pressure chamber which a pressure and temperature is to be measured; measuring the pressure of the pressure chamber through the pressure-sensing element; and measuring or predicting the temperature of the pressure chamber through the heating element. 2. The method in claim 1, wherein the heating element is resistive. 3. The method in claim 1, further comprising the step of the heating element heating, at least in part, the pressure sensing-element. 4. The method in claim 3, wherein the heating element is capable of heating, at least in part, the pressure-sensing element to at least 200째 C. 5. The method in claim 3, wherein the heating element is capable of heating, at least in part, the pressure-sensing element to at least 450째 C. 6. The method in claim 1, wherein the pressure-sensing element is manufactured from a shape memory alloy material. 7. A method of determining both pressures and temperatures in a pressure chamber comprising the steps of: providing a sensing element for a pressure chamber in which a pressure and a temperature are to be measured; providing a heating element in or about the pressure chamber in which a pressure and temperature is to be measured; heating the sensing element, at least in part, with the heating element; measuring the pressure of the pressure chamber through the sensing element; and measuring or predicting the temperature of the pressure chamber through the heating element. 8. The method in claim 7, wherein the heating element is resistive. 9. The method in claim 7, wherein the heating element is capable of heating, at least in part, the pressure-sensing element to at least 200째 C. 10. The method in claim 7, wherein the heating element is capable of heating, at least in part, the pressure-sensing element to at least 450째 C. 11. The method in claim 7, wherein the pressure-sensing element is manufactured from a shape memory alloy material. 12. The method in claim 7, wherein the pressure chamber is a boiler. 13. The method in claim 7, wherein the pressure chamber is an engine cylinder. 14. A method of adjusting an engine comprising the steps of: providing a pressure-sensing element for a pressure chamber in which a pressure and a temperature are to be measured; providing a heating element in or about the pressure chamber in which a pressure and temperature is to be measured; heating the pressure-sensing element, at least in part, with the heating element; measuring or estimate the pressure of the pressure chamber through the sensing element; and adjusting parameters of combustion for the pressure chamber based at least in part on the measured or estimated pressure. 15. The method in claim 14, wherein the heating element is capable of heating, at least in part, the pressure-sensing element to at least 200째 C. 16. The method in claim 14, wherein the heating element is capable of heating, at least in part, the pressure-sensing element to at least 450째 C. 17. The method in claim 14, wherein the pressure-sensing element is manufactured from a shape memory alloy material. 18. The method in claim 14, wherein the pressure chamber is part of a diesel engine. 19. The method in claim 14, wherein the pressure chamber is part of a turbine engine. 20. The method in claim 14, wherein the pressure chamber is part of an engine for marine applications.