Csem Centre Suisse D'electronique Et De Microtechnique Sa

Biomerieux, Inc.

Philippe Renaud

Raymond Vuilleumier

Lucien G Falco

Bernard Jean-Marie Limon

Jean-Marc Moret

Felix Rudolf

Benjamin Kloeck

Fabienne Marquis-Weible

Analysis card

A switching device comprises a swinging element (1) that is able to move between two end positions (A, B). Holding electrodes (4, 5) are placed in end positions (4, 5). A control circuit (8) controls the switching by generating signals of suitable voltage. Swinging element (1) is attached in an elastic manner (for example, by a flexible rod 2) in such a way that the elastic return force which tends toward a zero position (0) has, in an essential amplitude range, a higher value than the electrostatic force of attraction created by the control circuit and holding electrodes (4, 5) and acts in the opposite direction, in such a way that the switching time of the swinging element is determined primarily by its natural frequency and not by the magnitude of the electrostatic force of attraction.

Switching device

The obturators can be actuated in order to modulate an incident beam (L). Microshutters (5) are attached to a substrate by means of fastenings opposing resistance to their rotation away from a rest position. The microshutters (5) are placed on optical paths (X--X) so as to be able to interrupt them or establish them. They are fitted out with reflecting surfaces (7) so as to deflect the light when they are in the blocking position. On each optical path (X--X) a supplementary reflecting surface (8), a diaphragm (6) and a focusing means (4) are placed. Thus, in line with its position, each microshutter can focus the light on the diaphragm (6) so as to allow it to pass or to deflect it in order to block it. The application thereof is in the transformation of a beam (L) into a modulated beam (Lm).

Miniature network of light obturators

The invention relates to a capacitive absolute pressure measurement sensor having a first element (2) in which is arranged a mobile electrode (4), a second element (6) in which is arranged a fixed electrode (8) situated facing and insulated from said mobile electrode (4), a connecting frame (10) interposed between the first element and the second element to define a chamber (12) insulated from the external environment and inside of which there is substantially zero pressure, and a reference volume (14) connected to the chamber. The first element (2) has the configuration of a membrane of substantially constant thickness and the reference volume (14) is arranged at least partially in the second element (6).

Capacitive absolute pressure measurement sensor and method of

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Saint-Sulpice, Switzerland

Philippe Renaud