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Abstract

This invention is for a hermetic piezoelectric accelerometer sensor that can operates at high temperatures without the degradation observed on the piezoelectric elements, due to Oxygen depletion of the piezoelectric materials, when they are exposed to high temperatures, in reducing atmospheres, or low partial Oxygen pressure, inside a sealed housing. When a piezoelectric element loses Oxygen, becomes more electrically conductive, and this severe loss in resistivity, exacerbated with the increase of the temperature, makes the sensor inoperable, unreliable, or with permanent damage. The accelerometer of this invention operates effectively over a wide range of temperatures, including high temperatures above 1600° F., depending of the piezoelectric element used on the construction. The housing of the accelerometer uses a small section of metal made with Silver (or Silver alloys) to allow Oxygen diffusion through the metal, when it is exposed to high temperature. This permits that the construction of the accelerometer housing, can be sealed hermetically; and the piezoelectric elements of the sensor have increased lifetime, with enough partial pressure of Oxygen inside the housing.

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First Claim