Apparatus and method for isolating a sensor

Apparatus is provided for isolating a sensor (12,52) from a vibrating surface (14,54). The sensor has first (22,62) and second (24,64) spaced surfaces; a bore (26,66) extending between the surfaces and a groove (36,76) in the second surface. The apparatus includes a flanged sleeve (16,56) adapted to extend through the bore to the vibrating surface. The sleeve is sufficiently long when extending through the bore to provide a first gap (30,70) between the vibrating surface and the second surface of the sensor and sufficiently narrow when extending through the bore to provide a second gap (32,72) between the sleeve and the sensor. The flange (34,74) overlays the first surface of the sensor and the second gap. The apparatus also includes a bolt (28,68), which extends through the bore and into engagement with the vibrating surface, for attaching the sleeve to the vibrating surface. The apparatus also includes a first O-ring (18) positioned between the first surface of the sensor and the sleeve flange and a second O-ring (20) positioned in the groove of the second surface. The first O-ring spaces the sensor from the sleeve and the flange and the second O-ring is adapted to abut the vibrating surface and space the sensor from the vibrating surface and the sleeve, such that the sensor floats between the first and second elastomeric isolation means in isolation from the sleeve and the vibrating surface.