Filter with memory, communication and temperature sensor
First Claim
1. An apparatus for monitoring the temperature of a filtering element, comprising:
- said filtering element, a temperature sensor in close proximity to said filtering element, and a transmitter, in communication with said temperature sensor.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention describes a system and method for accurately measuring the temperature of a filter element. A temperature transducer, and a communications device are coupled so as to be able to measure and transmit the temperature of a filter element while in use. This system can comprise a single component, integrating both the communication device and the temperature transducer. Alternatively, the system can comprise separate temperature transducer and transmitter components, in communication with one another. In yet another embodiment, a storage element can be added to the system, thereby allowing the device to store a set of temperature values. The use of this device is beneficial to many applications. For example, the ability to read filter temperatures in situ allows improved Sterilization-In-Place (SIP) protocol compliance, since the temperatures of actual filter elements can be directly measured, rather than interpolated as is done currently.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. An apparatus for monitoring the temperature of a filtering element, comprising:
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said filtering element, a temperature sensor in close proximity to said filtering element, and a transmitter, in communication with said temperature sensor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of insuring the validity of a Sterilization using Steam-In-Place procedure performed on a filtering element within a filter housing, comprising:
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providing a temperature sensor, in communication with a transmitter, in close proximity to said filtering element;
performing said sterilization-in-place procedure;
monitoring the temperature of said filtering element during said procedure; and
verifying that said monitored filter temperature is greater than a predefined minimum temperature. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14)
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15. A method for removing temperature variations from integrity test measurements utilizing pressurized gas, performed on a filtering element within a filter housing, comprising:
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providing a temperature sensor, in communication with a transmitter, in close proximity to said filtering element;
performing said integrity test procedure;
monitoring the temperature of said gas within the housing during said procedure; and
incorporating said monitored temperature measurement into the interpretation of said integrity test. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification