Reflective optical fluid pressure sensor
AssigneeAnatros Corporation
InventorsHal C. Danby, Carl Ritson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The reflective optical pressure sensor of this invention is a system for measuring the pressure of a liquid comprising a light source and a capillary formed in a transparent solid having a reflective surface positioned in the light path of light from the light source. A light detector is positioned in the path of light originating from the light source which has been reflected by the reflective surface of the capillary. The inlet end of the capillary is open for communication with liquid to be monitored for pressure, and the other end of the capillary is closed or communicates with a closed reservoir. If the pressure of the liquid to be monitored increases, increasing amounts of the liquid pass into the capillary passageway, blocking or reducing light flow to the light detector.
Claims11
An optical fluid pressure sensor comprising a light source, a capillary passageway containing a gas and formed in a transparent solid, the capillary passageway having a reflective surface positioned in the light path of light from the light source, and a light detector positioned in the path of light reflected by the reflective surface, the capillary passageway having an inlet end means for receiving liquid from an external source under fluid pressure to be monitored and an outlet end, the outlet end thereof having a closure means for preventing escape of gas therefrom.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.