Acoustic fluid presence/absence detection
US8120500B2 · kind B2 · utility
11Cited by
32References
27Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 8, 2008 |
| Grant date | Feb 21, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 27, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2205/3375
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An acoustic sensor detects presence and/or absence of fluid in a fluid delivery medium. The acoustic sensor detects fluid absence based on the difference of the speed of sound between air and a fluid. For example, the acoustic sensor may detect fluid absence based on a phase shift between acoustic signals transmitted through the fluid delivery medium when fluid is present as compared to acoustic signals transmitted through the fluid delivery medium when fluid is absent, e.g., when air or bubbles are present in the fluid delivery medium.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.