Sensor Maker Acquires Visyx

Sensor and sensor-based systems manufacturer Measurement Specialties Inc. announced it has acquired the assets of California-based Visyx Technologies. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Based on tuning-fork technology originally developed by Symyx Technologies, Visyx has developed sensors that can measure fluid properties, including density, viscosity and dielectric constant. This technology will allow OEMs to incorporate fluid property measurement, such as oil condition, in their next-generation equipment. Target markets include heavy truck/off road engines and transmissions, compressors/turbines and refrigeration/air conditioning.

Measurement Specialties (MEAS) is based in Hampton and uses piezoresistive, electro-optic, electro-magnetic, capacitive, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technologies to engineer its sensors and sensor-based systems for measuring characteristics such as pressure, temperature, position, force, vibration, humidity and photo-optics.

MEAS CEO Frank Guidone said, "We are very excited about the addition of this technology to our portfolio. As off road/heavy truck operators and OEMs strive to extend the time between oil changes and manage field warranty claims, oil condition monitoring will become a critical parameter to measure. Visyx has developed the leading technology in this field, and we are very excited about the future potential for MEAS. We believe this application alone could represent over $20 million annually to MEAS by FY12."

For more information, visit: www.meas-spec.com