A hybrid MEMS microfluidic gyroscope is disclosed. The hybrid MEMS microfluidic gyroscope may include a micro-machined base enclosure having a top fluid enclosure, a fluid sensing enclosure and a bottom fluid enclosure. The hybrid MEMS microfluidic gyroscope may include a plurality of cantilevers disposed within the bottom semi-circular portion of the micro-machined base enclosure or a single membrane disposed within the bottom semi-circular portion of the micro-machined base enclosure.

Systems and methods relating to sensors for measuring acceleration. Two attached containers are each filled with different liquids. At each junction of the two liquids, an indicator is placed. When acceleration forces are applied to the sensor, the indicator moves when the boundary between the two liquids similarly move. The amount of movement of the boundary and of the indicator is proportional to the amount of acceleration for applied. A tracking subsystem tracks the position of the indicator and, by determining the amount of movement of the indicator, the amount of acceleration force applied can be calculated. The indicator can be a particle or it can be a beam-like element that deflects when the boundary between the two liquids move.

Systems and methods relating to sensors for measuring acceleration. Two attached containers are each filled with different liquids. At each junction of the two liquids, an indicator is placed. When acceleration forces are applied to the sensor, the indicator moves when the boundary between the two liquids similarly move. The amount of movement of the boundary and of the indicator is proportional to the amount of acceleration for applied. A tracking subsystem tracks the position of the indicator and, by determining the amount of movement of the indicator, the amount of acceleration force applied can be calculated. The indicator can be a particle or it can be a beam-like element that deflects when the boundary between the two liquids move.

Impact or acceleration sensor, which contains a liquid droplet and is designed such that the position and/or distribution of the liquid indicates whether an impact or any other acceleration of a predetermined minimum magnitude has occurred, includes: first and second foils, a cavity disposed between the foil faces of the foils and at least one retaining structure disposed on the foil face of the first and/or second foil and functions to maintain the liquid in a predetermined first sub-volume of the cavity. The retaining structure is a region of the first and/or second foil formed as a local elevation, depression or irregularity of the foil face, which forms a passable barrier for the wetting and/or contacting of the first and/or second foil by the liquid and defines an area piece of the foil face of the first and/or second foil corresponding to the first sub-volume.

A hybrid MEMS microfluidic gyroscope is disclosed. The hybrid MEMS microfluidic gyroscope may include a micro-machined base enclosure having a top fluid enclosure, a fluid sensing enclosure and a bottom fluid enclosure. The hybrid MEMS microfluidic gyroscope may include a plurality of cantilevers disposed within the bottom semi-circular portion of the micro-machined base enclosure or a single membrane disposed within the bottom semi-circular portion of the micro-machined base enclosure.

An acceleration sensor is provided in which a sensitive color plate is provided between two polarizing plates that are in a crossed Nicol disposition, and a silver nanowire dispersion is disposed between the sensitive color plate and one of the polarizing plates.

An impact indicator includes a first tube having an outer dimension, a second tube having an inner dimension greater than the outer dimension of the first tube, and wherein at least a portion of the first tube is disposed within the second tube. A first fluid is disposed and held within the first tube via capillary action until a predetermined level of an acceleration event is received. A second fluid is disposed and held within the second tube via capillary action, and the second fluid is spaced apart from the first fluid by at least one plug. Responsive to receiving the predetermined level of the acceleration event, at least a portion of the first fluid exits the first tube and mixes into the second fluid to create a change in color of the second fluid to provide a visual indication of the acceleration event.

Impact or acceleration sensor, which contains a liquid droplet and is designed such that the position and/or distribution of the liquid indicates whether an impact or any other acceleration of a predetermined minimum magnitude has occurred, includes: first and second foils, a cavity disposed between the foil faces of the foils and at least one retaining structure disposed on the foil face of the first and/or second foil and functions to maintain the liquid in a predetermined first sub-volume of the cavity. The retaining structure is a region of the first and/or second foil formed as a local elevation, depression or irregularity of the foil face, which forms a passable barrier for the wetting and/or contacting of the first and/or second foil by the liquid and defines an area piece of the foil face of the first and/or second foil corresponding to the first sub-volume.

A hybrid MEMS microfluidic gyroscope is disclosed. The hybrid MEMS microfluidic gyroscope may include a micro-machined base enclosure having a top fluid enclosure, a fluid sensing enclosure and a bottom fluid enclosure. The hybrid MEMS microfluidic gyroscope may include a plurality of cantilevers disposed within the bottom semi-circular portion of the micro-machined base enclosure or a single membrane disposed within the bottom semi-circular portion of the micro-machined base enclosure.

A sensing device includes a housing and at least one film extending across the housing. The at least one film divides the housing into a first compartment and a second compartment. At least one mass is disposed within the first compartment. The at least one mass id sized to rupture the at least one film. A fluid having a first color is disposed in the first compartment and a fluid having a second color is disposed in the second compartment.