Controlling an ultrasonic transmitter

US9250216B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Nigel Wright · California, US
• Samuel Ernest Magargi, III · Pittsburgh, US
• Jeremy Thomas Harbaugh · Cranberry, US
• Michael John Zang · Washington, US
• Regis Joseph Winniewicz, Jr. · Zelienople, US
• Joseph Stephen Beri · Gibsonia, US
• Douglas Mark Zatezalo · Washington, US
• Tom Monahan · Wexford, US
• Ronald Robert Fox · Glenshaw, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 1, 2014
• Grant date: Feb 2, 2016
• Expiry date: Aug 1, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N2291/2698
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

This disclosure relates to detecting fluid in medical tubing. In certain aspects, a method is performed by a data processing apparatus. The method includes controlling repetitive activation of the ultrasonic transmitter. The method also includes receiving a signal from the ultrasonic receiver during an activation of the ultrasonic transmitter. The method also includes determining that fluid is absent or present in a portion of the medical fluid tube based on a comparison between the signal and a threshold value.