Obstruction detector for a fluid flow line of a medical laboratory instrument
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for detecting obstructions of a flow line, comprising:
- a cylindrically-shaped essentially solid detector housing defining a concentric cavity integrally formed therein, said detector housing having first and second openings into said cavity;
means for attaching the flow line to said detector housing whereby said first opening, said cavity, and said second opening, respectively, establish a flow path; and
pressure detection means comprising a piezo-electric element located directly on an exterior surface of said detector housing in an area corresponding to said cavity for detecting changes in pressure within said cavity.
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Abstract
An apparatus for detecting obstructions of a flow line. A detector housing is provided having a cavity therein. The detector housing has first and second openings into the cavity. The flow line is attached to the detector housing establishing a flow path through the first opening, the cavity, and the second opening, respectively. A pressure detector detects changes in pressure within the cavity, indicating the presence of an obstruction.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. An apparatus for detecting obstructions of a flow line, comprising:
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a cylindrically-shaped essentially solid detector housing defining a concentric cavity integrally formed therein, said detector housing having first and second openings into said cavity; means for attaching the flow line to said detector housing whereby said first opening, said cavity, and said second opening, respectively, establish a flow path; and pressure detection means comprising a piezo-electric element located directly on an exterior surface of said detector housing in an area corresponding to said cavity for detecting changes in pressure within said cavity. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. An apparatus for detecting obstructions of a flow line, comprising:
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a cylindrically-shaped essentially solid detector housing defining an integrally formed, concentric cavity having first and second conically shaped end regions and a cylindrically shaped central region therebetween, each said first and second end region tapering outward in a direction towards said central region, said housing including first and second openings in communication with said first and second end regions; means for attaching the flow line to said detector housing whereby said first opening, said cavity, and said second opening, respectively, establish a flow path; and pressure detection means for detecting changes in pressure within said cavity. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10)
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11. An apparatus for detecting obstructions of a flow line, comprising:
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a cylindrically-shaped essentially solid detector housing defining a concentric cavity integrally formed therein, said detector housing having first and second openings into said cavity; means for attaching the flow line to said detector housing whereby said first opening, said cavity, and said second opening, respectively, establish a flow path; and pressure detection means including a piezo-electric tape wrapped circumferentially around said detector housing in an area corresponding to said cavity for detecting changes in pressure within said cavity.
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12. An apparatus for detecting obstructions of a flow line, comprising:
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a cylindrically-shaped essentially solid detector housing defining a concentric cavity integrally formed therein, said detector housing having first and second openings into said cavity; means for attaching the flow line to said detector housing whereby said first opening, said cavity, and said second opening, respectively, establish a flow path; and pressure detection means comprising a piezo-electric element located directly on an exterior surface of said detector housing in an area corresponding to said cavity for measuring a microstrain of said housing corresponding to a change in pressure within said cavity.
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Specification