Fluid level sensor
US8479573B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 1, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jul 9, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 12, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2205/3389
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A fluid level sensor to determine the level of fluid into a container used in negative pressure wound therapy. The sensor includes an array of conductive plates to produce electric field lines through the container and fluid within, the plates serving as the plates of a capacitor. The plates (1-4), are located close to the wall of the container, and are connected to a circuit board, electronics and software to determine the fluid level in the container based on the relative changes of capacitance between the plates. The capacitance is converted into a voltage signal representative of the change. The algorithms are designed to check the fluid level over predefined time periods to indicate the fluid level at more than one point and also track the fluid level. The fluid sensor can be used in the vertical, horizontal or other position of the container as desired.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.