Method and Apparatus for Measuring Pressure Inside a Fluid System
First Claim
1. A method for determining fluid pressure inside a vessel without compromising the integrity of the vessel, comprising the steps of:
- positioning a sensor in operative communication with the external wall of the vessel such that expansion of the external wall of the vessel exerts a force against the sensor that is directed substantially radially outward with respect to the vessel;
causing a substantially radially inward force to be directed against the sensor in response to the substantially radially outward force exerted by the external vessel wall; and
using the sensor to detect the magnitude of the substantially radially outward force.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A disclosed method determines fluid pressure inside a vessel without compromising the integrity of the vessel. A sensor is positioned in operative communication with the external wall of the vessel such that expansion of the external wall of the vessel exerts a force against the sensor that is directed substantially radially outward with respect to the vessel. A substantially radially inward force is caused to be directed against the sensor in response to the substantially radially outward force exerted by the external vessel wall. The sensor can thus be used to detect the magnitude of the substantially radially outward force. A disclosed apparatus determines fluid pressure inside a vessel without compromising the integrity of the vessel. The apparatus includes a sensor and a band operatively associated with the sensor and configured to at least partially encircle the vessel so as to retain the sensor in operative communication against the external wall of the vessel.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A method for determining fluid pressure inside a vessel without compromising the integrity of the vessel, comprising the steps of:
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positioning a sensor in operative communication with the external wall of the vessel such that expansion of the external wall of the vessel exerts a force against the sensor that is directed substantially radially outward with respect to the vessel;
causing a substantially radially inward force to be directed against the sensor in response to the substantially radially outward force exerted by the external vessel wall; and
using the sensor to detect the magnitude of the substantially radially outward force. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. An apparatus for determining fluid pressure inside a vessel without compromising the integrity of the vessel, wherein an increase in fluid pressure within the vessel causes the external wall of the vessel to exert a radially outward force, the apparatus comprising:
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a sensor; and
a band operatively associated with the sensor and configured to at least partially encircle the vessel so as to retain the sensor in operative communication against the external wall of the vessel;
wherein the band exerts a radially inward force on the sensor in opposition to the radially outward force exerted by the external wall of the vessel. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification