The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 31, 2006
Filed:
Jun. 11, 2003
Mark W. Heaton, Irving, TX (US);
Arthur M. Turner, Allen, TX (US);
Andrew S. Dewa, Plano, TX (US);
Texas Instruments Incorporated, Dallas, TX (US);
Abstract
A position sensor for a pivoting platform which has a first portion that flexes when the platform pivots and a second portion of the platform that is rigid, utilizes a piezoresistive element on the first portion of the platform. A connecting terminal for the piezoresistive element is on the second portion and thus not subject to the flexing stresses. The platform can have two symmetrical arms as the flexing portion, and a pair of piezoresistive elements can be formed on each of the arms in order to double the output voltage changes with changes in these positions of the platform. A temperature compensating piezoresistive element can be formed on the rigid portion of the platform and connected to the piezoresistive element or elements. The piezoresistive elements can be formed directly on the portions of the platform.