1662results about "Fluid pressure measurement using elastically-deformable gauges" patented technology

A micromechanical structural element, having a very stable diaphragm, implemented in a pure front process and in a layer construction on a substrate. The layer construction includes at least one sacrificial layer and one diaphragm layer above the sacrificial layer, which is structured for laying bare the diaphragm and generating stabilizing elements on the diaphragm, at least one recess being generated for a stabilizing element of the diaphragm. The structure generated in the sacrificial layer is then at least superficially closed with at least one material layer being deposited above the structured sacrificial layer, this material layer forming at least a part of the diaphragm layer and being structured to generate at least one etch hole for etching the sacrificial layer, which is removed from the region under the etch hole, the diaphragm and the at least one stabilizing element being laid bare, a cavity being created under the diaphragm.

A method and apparatus are disclosed for determining status of a canister of a topical negative pressure (TNP) system. The method includes the steps of monitoring pressure provided by a pump element of the TNP system, determining at least one characteristic associated with the monitored pressure and determining status of at least one parameter associated with a canister of the TNP system responsive to the determined characteristics.

The disclosed pressure transducer assembly includes a housing, a pressure sensor disposed within the housing, a coupling establishing a sealed pathway between the housing and an external source of gas or fluid, and a deposition trap disposed in the pathway. The deposition trap provides a plurality of channels, each of the channels being narrower than the pathway.

The present invention lessens the amount of air entering between mating membranes of a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor of the present invention includes a transducer portion and separate patient or medical fluid transfer portion or dome. The transducer portion is reusable and the dome is disposable. The dome defines a fluid flow chamber that is bounded on one side by a dome membrane. Likewise, the transducer is mounted inside a housing, wherein the housing defines a surface that holds a transducer membrane. The two membranes mate when the dome is fitted onto the transducer housing. The pressure sensor enhances the seal between the mated membranes by creating higher localized contact stresses. The pressure sensor also reduces the amount of gas that permeates from the fluid chamber across the dome membrane and between the interface by making the dome membrane from a material having a low vapor transmission.

A disposable pressure sensor includes a substrate and a pressure diaphragm formed upon the substrate. A sensor coil can be provided, comprising a capacitor and an inductor formed on the substrate and surrounded by the pressure diaphragm. The ferrite core is located proximate to the sensor coil, such that when the pressure diaphragm is exposed to a pressure, the diaphragm moves close to the inductor or the capacitor, thereby resulting in a change in the capacitor or the inductor and an indication of pressure. The capacitor can be implanted as an adjustable, trimmable or variable capacitor. The inductor may also be provided as an adjustable or variable inductor and can include the use of a variable capacitor and a PVDF based piezoelectric transducer. When the PVDF layer is under pressure, it can generate an electric field across the interdigital transducer and transmit a signal thereof through an antenna.

A biocompatible, mechanical, micromachined pressure sensor and methods of manufacturing such a pressure sensor are provided. The pressure sensor of the current invention includes a high-aspect-ratio curved-tube structure fabricated through a one-layer parylene process. The pressure sensor of the current invention requires zero power consumption and indicates the pressure variation by changes of the in situ in-plane motion of the sensor, which can be gauged externally by a direct and convenient optical observation. In one embodiment, the pressure sensor of the current invention has been shown to work as an IOP sensor for eye implantation where the intraocular in-plane motion of the sensor can be recorded from outside of the eye, such that the intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients can be constantly monitored.

The invention discloses a trabecular stent and methods for treating glaucoma. The stent may incorporate an intraocular pressure sensor comprising a compressible element that is implanted inside an anterior chamber of an eye, wherein at least one external dimension of the element correlates with intraocular pressure. In some embodiments, the sensor may be coupled to the stent. Also disclosed are methods of delivery of the stent and the sensor to the eye.

A syringe having an internal pressure gauge comprises a syringe barrel; a piston within the barrel; a spring coupled to the piston at a first position of the spring, the spring having a second portion that is movable in response to fluid pressure within a syringe cavity; and a pressure gauge having an indicator correlated to a plurality of positions of the second portion of the spring to indicate a pressure of a fluid. The spring can be a bellows. The first portion of the spring can be coupled to the piston to form a sliding seal with an inner wall of the syringe, and the second portion of the spring can move longitudinally within the syringe without sealing contact. The syringe can indicate fluid pressures within a range of at least about 5 to 35 cm H2O, for example. The fluid chamber can be in fluid communication with a cuff of an inflatable medical device, such as an endotracheal tube, such that the measured pressure comprises the fluid pressure within the cuff. Methods of measuring pressure using a syringe are also disclosed.

A pressure sensor apparatus is disclosed herein, which generally includes a sensor element, a flexible sensor diaphragm in intimate contact with the sensor element at all pressure levels and temperatures, and a package base and a package cover for hermetically sealing the sensor element and the flexible sensor diaphragm within a hermetically sealed sensor package to provide pressure sensor data thereof. The sensor element can be implemented as a quartz sense element to produce a SAW pressures sensor. The pressure sensor apparatus can be alternatively based on other sensing technologies, such as silicon piezoresistive, ceramic capacitive and others.

A piezoelectric sensor arranged so as to includes: a transparent piezoelectric element having a piezoelectric property; and a pair of transparent conductor film layers opposed to each other with the piezoelectric element therebetween, the transparent piezoelectric element and the transparent conductor film layers are formed between a pair of transparent substrates, opposed to each other, which serve as pressure transmission means. Consequently, the transparent piezoelectric sensor has an excellent durability. A piezoelectric sensor comprises a piezoelectric element with a piezoelectric property which is made of a piezoelectric material having no Curie point and has a dipole orientation degree of not less than 75%. Consequently, the piezoelectric sensor having an excellent durability and a simple structure is provided at low cost.

A pressure sensor device for producing a signal indicative of a pressure of a fluid to be monitored, including a housing having a fluid conduit for receiving the fluid to be monitored and a diaphragm positioned at an end of the fluid conduit. The diaphragm includes at least first and second portions, wherein a thickness of the first portion is less than a thickness of the second portion. A transducer is bonded to a surface of the first portion of the diaphragm and including piezoresistive elements for sending the signal. Preferred is a circular second portion and an annular first portion around the outer edge of the second portion. The housing is preferably tubular and includes an annular shoulder for mounting the diaphragm, along with an annular groove on the outer surface of the first portion and connecting the first portion to the annular shoulder.

A pressure capsule embedded in a pacemaker lead to monitor intracardiac chamber pressure is described. This pressure monitor capsule provides highly accurate pressure readings while insuring a high integrity seal against bodily fluids and tissue growth. The capsule is intended to be embedded into a pacemaker cardiac lead or a catheter with the distal (Tip) isolation diaphragm sensing pressure, coupling the pressure through an air column to a protected sensing MEMS device and providing a secure fluid seal to the lead walls. The proximal (Back) end of the capsule provides the electrical interface through the lead to the pacemaker pulse generator.

A pressure sensor for sensing a pressure of a fluid includes a monolithic metal including substrate having a substantially planar top side, wherein the metallic comprising substrate includes s a relatively thick boss near a center of the substrate and a thinned sensing portion that is elastically deformable and pressure-sensitive positioned radially outward from the boss. At least one dielectric layer is on the top side of the substrate. A plurality of piezoresistors are on the dielectric layer, wherein the piezoresistors are positioned over the thinned diaphragm portion. At least one overglaze layer is over the conductor layer that provides apertures for electrically contacting the plurality of piezoresistors. A sensing system includes a housing including at least a first port for coupling to a fluid for measurement of a pressure of the fluid and at least one sensor in the housing including a pressure sensor according to an embodiment of the invention.

A system for calibrating a plurality of optical modules includes a plurality of optical signal sources and optical signal degradation elements optically communicating with input switches. The input switches supply optical test signals to optical modules (units under test) plugged into a common shelf. Calibration switches including variable optical attenuators may be used to adjust the input signal levels and alternately supply adjusted signals to an optical power meter and the units under test. A controller is used to control the adjustment and thereby provide defined, measured signal levels to the units under test. By reading data from the units under test and using these defined signal levels, the optical modules may be calibrated or diagnosed. Output optical switches are used in a similar fashion to calibrate or diagnose the outputs of the units under test. In addition to input / output power calibration, the invention may also perform wavelength calibrations.

A pressure sensitive device includes a ring having a central axis, first side and second side. The ring includes a dielectric portion parallel to the central axis and between the first and second sides. A flexible membrane is connected to a periphery of the ring on the first side, the flexible membrane including a conductive portion. A perforated membrane is connected to a periphery of the ring on the second side. The perforated membrane is spaced apart and electrically isolated from the flexible membrane by the ring below a threshold pressure differential across the pressure sensitive device. The perforated membrane includes an opening therethrough and a conductive portion facing and corresponding to the conductive portion of the flexible membrane such that a threshold pressure differential across the pressure sensitive device causes deflection between the conductive portions of the flexible membrane and the perforated membrane to change an electrical property.

The fiber optic pressure sensing system includes a sensor housing formed using MEMS processing. The sensor housing has ribs and grooves in both horizontal and vertical directions relative to the surface to allow the membrane to flex in a consistent manner. The flexing of the membrane allows the pedestal to be repeatedly positioned in response to pressure acting on the extension of the sensor head and membrane.

A pressure sensing apparatus including a thin disc of a metal having a ceramic material layer and piezoresistive elements formed thereon. A surface of the disc is bonded to a diaphragm assembly on a pressure port base constructed of a low cost metal. The bonding process is performed at low temperatures, (<700° C.), so that the diaphragm assembly and pressure port do not require high temperature corrosion resistance, and can thus be formed of less expensive materials. The inventive apparatus provides a lower cost alternative to conventional high pressure sensors since less material is used, less expensive materials are used, and fabrication is less complex. The inventive apparatus is also more reliable and exhibits greater thermal stability than conventional high pressure sensors.

An apparatus for visually indicating fluid flow through a fluid system or apparatus such as a medical infusion device. The apparatus comprises a pair of thin, indicia bearing films disposed in an overlaying relationship. These films are shifted relative to each other by movement of mechanical actuators which are deflected solely by the pressure of the fluid within the fluid conduits of the system of the apparatus. The two films are stacked in closed proximity and are preferably constructed from a substantially transparent flexible material such as mylar. One surface of the inferior film is printed with a plurality of integrated symbols depicting various fluid flow conditions. The superior film functions as a mask over the inferior film and is printed with a pattern of diagonally extending, alternating clear and opaque stripes. The print ratio of the superior film permits viewing at any one time of only one of the symbols printed on the inferior film.

A resonant microbeam pressure sensor is disclosed, comprising a microbeam suspended in a diaphragm in at least one point by suspension elements. Pressure applied to the diaphragm will cause the resonance frequency of the beam to shift. This shift is detectable and proportional to the pressure. The device is manufactured by surface micromachining.

A piezoelectric sensor arranged so as to includes: a transparent piezoelectric element having a piezoelectric property; and a pair of transparent conductor film layers opposed to each other with the piezoelectric element therebetween, the transparent piezoelectric element and the transparent conductor film layers are formed between a pair of transparent substrates, opposed to each other, which serve as pressure transmission means. Consequently, the transparent piezoelectric sensor has an excellent durability. A piezoelectric sensor comprises a piezoelectric element with a piezoelectric property which is made of a piezoelectric material having no Curie point and has a dipole orientation degree of not less than 75%. Consequently, the piezoelectric sensor having an excellent durability and a simple structure is provided at low cost.

Sensors, methods and systems detect physical effects (e.g., corrosion, erosion, scaling and / or oxidation) of a fluid in contact with a diaphragm associated with a sensor assembly. The diaphragm preferably exhibits a first mechanical response when initially placed into contact with a fluid and a second mechanical response different from the first mechanical response after exposure to the fluid for a predetermined period of time. A change in the diaphragm mechanical responses between at least the first and second mechanical responses is therefore indicative of physical effects on the diaphragm over time caused by the fluid in contact therewith. A mechanical response sensor is operatively associated with the diaphragm so as to measure the change in the diaphragm mechanical responses and thereby determine the physical effects over time of the fluid in contact with the diaphragm. In some embodiments, the diaphragm is actuated due to a pressure condition exerted by the fluid or in other embodiments the diaphragm is internally actuated. Internal actuation includes pneumatic, hydraulic or piezoelectric means for producing a mechanical response of the diaphragm. In one embodiment, therefore, fluid corrosivity may be sensed by bringing a sensor assembly having a pressure-actuated diaphragm into contact with a corrosive fluid, exerting a pressure condition on the diaphragm so as to cause the mechanical response of the diaphragm, measuring the diaphragm deflection or strain, and then deriving fluid corrosivity from the measured diaphragm mechanical response.

A pressure sensor assembly comprised of a single and dual layer diaphragm with integrated force sensing flexure, such as a cantilever beam. Strain gages are positioned on the force sensing beam. The pressure forces the diaphragm to deflect. The deflection is constrained by the beam, which is compelled to bend. The bending induces strains in strain gages located on the beam. The strain gages are connected in a Wheatstone bridge configuration. When a voltage is applied to the bridge, the strain gages provide an electrical output signal proportional to the pressure. Composite diaphragm—beam pressure sensors convert pressure more efficiently and improve sensor performance.

A method for the detection of an analyte of interest in a sample, which method comprises the steps of:(1) forming a composition comprising(a) a sample,(b) at least one substance selected from the group consisting of(i) added analyte of interest or an analog of the analyte of interest,(ii) a binding partner of the analyte of interest or its said analog, and(iii) a reactive component capable of binding with (i) or (ii),wherein one of said substances is linked to a label compound having a chemical moiety capable of being induced to luminesce, and(c) a plurality of particles capable of specifically binding with the analyte and / or a substance defined in (b) (i), (b) (ii), or (b) (iii);(2) inducing the label compound to luminesce; and(3) measuring luminescence emitted by the composition to determine the presence of the analyte of interest in the sample.

An apparatus for delivering fluids at a precisely controlled rate which includes a fluid dispensing component having a fluid reservoir for containing the fluids to be delivered and a reservoir fill component which can be removably interconnected with the fluid dispensing component. The reservoir fill assembly is uniquely designed to accept a vial component of conventional construction which is factory filled with the medicinal fluid to be delivered to the patient. The dispenser component embodies a highly novel fluid flow indicator that provides a readily discernible visual indication of fluid flow status through the device.

A device for indicating an internal pressure of an inflatable medical cuff, comprising: a membrane movable in response to a difference between the internal pressure and an external pressure; and movable indication means operably associated with the membrane for indicating, in use of the device, the internal pressure.

Method and system for a wet / wet differential pressure sensor based on microelectronic packaging process. A top cap with a hole can be attached to a topside of a MEMS-configured pressure sense die with a pressure sensing diaphragm in order to allow sensed media to come in contact with the topside of the pressure sensing diaphragm. An optional constraint with a hole for stress relief can be attached to a backside of the pressure sense die. Adhesive and / or elastomeric seals and / or solder can be utilized to seal the pressure sense die allowing sensed media to come in contact with both sides of the pressure sensing diaphragm without coming into contact with wirebonds and other metallized surfaces. The MEMS-configured pressure sense die can also be bonded to a substrate with standard die attach materials. Such microelectronic packaging processes yield a high performance and cost effective solution thereby providing wet-wet pressure sensing capability.

A micromechanical pressure sensor and a method for producing a micromechanical pressure sensor. This pressure sensor has at least one membrane and a measuring element situated on the membrane. A pressure applied at the membrane or a pressure differential applied at the different sides of the membrane results in deformation of the membrane. Simultaneous with the deformation of the membrane, the measuring element is subjected to elastic elongation and / or compression. In a piezo-sensitive component, such elastic elongation and / or compression generates a measured variable in the measuring element, which represents the applied pressure or the applied pressure differential at the membrane. It is provided in this context that the measuring element have at least partially a NiCr(Si) layer. Due to an at least partial crystallization in the production of the micromechanical pressure sensor, this NiCr(Si) layer has more advantageous piezoelectrical characteristics than an amorphous NiCr(Si) layer.

A pressure sensitive device includes a ring having a central axis, first side and second side. The ring includes a dielectric portion parallel to the central axis and between the first and second sides. A flexible membrane is connected to a periphery of the ring on the first side, the flexible membrane including a conductive portion. A perforated membrane is connected to a periphery of the ring on the second side. The perforated membrane is spaced apart and electrically isolated from the flexible membrane by the ring below a threshold pressure differential across the pressure sensitive device. The perforated membrane includes an opening therethrough and a conductive portion facing and corresponding to the conductive portion of the flexible membrane such that a threshold pressure differential across the pressure sensitive device causes deflection between the conductive portions of the flexible membrane and the perforated membrane to change an electrical property.