Pressure transducer assembly

Claim 2

A pressure transducer assembly for monitoring pressure in a fluid comprising: a housing defining a chamber and having an inlet port and an outlet port in fluid-flow communication with the chamber; an insulated body sealed within the chamber to form separate first and second chambers within the housing with the first chamber in fluid-flow communication with the inlet port and outlet port; a pressure transducer means secured in the insulated body and exposed to the first chamber for determining and converting fluid pressure within a fluid in the first chamber into electrical impulses; a fluid pressure responsive media covering the pressure transducer means which is electrically nonconductive and which separates the pressure transducer means from any fluid present in the first chamber; electrical conducting means connected to the pressure transducer means and extending through the insulated body and into the second chamber for providing electrical connection between the pressure transducer means in the first chamber and the second chamber; and engagement means on the housing for providing a connection locus on the housing for electrical wiring which can be interconnected with the electrical conducting means.

Claim 3

A pressure transducer assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein the fluid pressure responsive media comprises silicone elastomer:

Claim 4

A pressure transducer assembly as recited in claim 1 further comprising tubing connecting means on the inlet and outlet ports for connecting tubing to the housing.

Claim 5

A pressure transducer assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein the electrical conducting means comprises a plurality of electrical conducting metal pins electrically interconnected to the pressure transducer means to transfer power to the pressure transducer means and to transfer away electric impulse signals corresponding to determined pressures.

Claim 6

A pressure transducer assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein the insulated body sealed within the chamber comprises a polysulfone body.

Claim 7

A pressure transducer assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein the presure transducer means comprises a silicon pressure transducer with a single piezoresistive element.

Claim 8

A pressure transducer assembly as recited in claim 6 wherein the pressure transducer means comprises a monolithic silicon pressure sensor employing a four-terminal resistive element formed in a monocrystalline silicon diaphragm.

Claim 9

A pressure transducer assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein the pressure transducer means monitors fluid pressure within the first chamber in the range from about -50 mmHg to +300 mmHg.

Claim 10

A pressure transducer assembly as recited in claim 1 further comprising a clear lens means on the housing extending over the first chamber for viewing fluid and bubbles in the fluid within the first chamber.

Claim 11

A pressure transducer assembly as recited in claim 9 wherein the clear lens means comprises a clear dome portion on the housing extending over at least a portion of the first chamber.

Claim 12

A pressure transducer assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein the housing comprises a biocompatible polymeric material.

Claim 13

A pressure transducer assembly as recited in claim 11 wherein the biocompatible polymeric material is selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyethylene and polysulfone.

Claim 14

A pressure transducer assembly as recited in claim 1 further comprising vent means on the housing and on the insulated body for providing exposure to the atmosphere for the pressure transducer means.

Claim 15

A pressure transducer assembly as recited in claim 13 wherein the vent means comprises an opening extending through the housing into the second chamber and aligned with an opening extending through the insulated body and leading to the pressure transducer means.

Claim 16

A pressure transducer assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein the engagement means comprises a resilient, snap-fitting means for connecting electrical wiring to the assembly.

Claim 17

A pressure transducer assembly as recited in claim 15 wherein the resilient, snap-fitting means comprises an opening into the second chamber for receiving an electric wiring connector and at least one resilient portion of the housing which engages an electric wiring connector and which is deformable for releasing such an electric wiring connector.

Claim 18

A pressure transducer assembly as recited in claim 1 further comprising a wiring connector means which engages the electrical conducting means in the second chamber for transmitting electric impulses generated by the pressure transducer means along electrical wiring to a monitoring means for displaying fluid pressure in fluid in the first chamber.

Claim 19

A pressure transducer assembly as recited in claim 17 wherein the electrical conducting means comprises electrical pins extending into the second chamber and the wiring connector means comprises a body having electrical pins engaging terminals and which slides into the second chamber for engaging the electrical pins.

Claim 20

A pressure transducer assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein the pressure transducer means includes a temperature compensation circuit for determining fluid pressure at the sensed temperature of a fluid in the first chamber.

Claim 21

A disposable pressure transducer assembly for use in the invasive monitoring of blood pressure, the assembly comprising: a housing defining a chamber therewithin and having an inlet port and an outlet port in fluid-flow communication with the chamber; an electrically insulated intervening wall in the chamber separating the chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber wherein the first chamber is in fluid-flow communication with the inlet port and outlet port and the second chamber is separated from the first chamber by a fluid-tight seal; a pressure transducer means secured in the first chamber in a depression on the electrically insulated intervening wall, which pressure transducer means is exposed to the first chamber for sensing and converting fluid pressure exhibited by a fluid in the first chamber into electrical impulses; an electrically nonconductive, fluid pressure responsive media covering the pressure transducer means which separates the pressure transducer means from direct contact with - fluid present in the first chamber; electrical conducting means connected to the pressure transducer means for transmitting and receiving electrical impulses from the pressure transducer means and which extends through the intervening wall into the second chamber to provide a pathway for electricity between the pressure transducer means in the first chamber and the second chamber; and receptor means on the housing for receiving and connecting the housing to electrical wiring for powering the pressure transducer means and for transferring electrical impulses generated by the pressure transducer means and corresponding to determined pressures.

Claim 22

A disposable pressure transducer assembly for use in the invasive monitoring of blood pressure, the assembly comprising: a housing defining a chamber therewithin and having an inlet port and an outlet port in fluid-flow communication with the chamber; an electrically insulated intervening wall in the chamber separating the chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber wherein the first chamber is in fluid-flow communication with the inlet port and outlet port and the second chamber is separated from the first chamber by a fluid-tight seal; a pressure transducer means secured in the first chamber in a depression on the electrically insulated intervening wall, which pressure transducer means is exposed to the first chamber for sensing and converting fluid pressure exhibited by a fluid in the first chamber into electrical impulses; an electrically nonconductive, fluid pressure responsive media covering the pressure transducer means which separates the pressure transducer means from direct contact with - fluid present in the first chamber; electrical conducting means connected to the pressure transducer means for transmitting and receiving electrical impulses from the pressure transducer means and which extends through the intervening wall into the second chamber to provide a pathway for electricity between the pressure transducer means in the first chamber and the second chamber; and receptor means on the housing for receiving and connecting the housing to electrical wiring for powering the pressure transducer means and for transferring electrical impulses generated by the pressure transducer means and corresponding to determined pressures.

Claim 23

A disposable pressure transducer assembly as recited in claim 20 wherein the electrically nonconductive fluid pressure responsive media comprises silicone elastomer.

Claim 24

A disposable pressure transducer assembly as recited in claim 20 further comprising tubing connecting means on the inlet and outlet ports for connecting tubing to the housing.

Claim 25

A disposable pressure transducer assembly as recited in claim 20 wherein the electrical conducting means comprises a plurality of electrical conducting metal pins electrically interconnected to the pressure transducer means to transfer power to the pressure transducer means and to transfer away electric impulse signals corresponding to determined pressures.

Claim 26

A disposable pressure transducer assembly as recited in claim 20 wherein the electrically insulated intervening wall within the chamber comprises a polysulfone wall.

Claim 27

A disposable pressure transducer assembly as recited in claim 20 wherein the pressure transducer means comprises a monolithic silicon pressure sensor employing a four-terminal resistive element formed in a monocrystalline silicon diaphragm.

Claim 28

A disposable pressure transducer assembly as recited in claim 20 wherein the pressure transducer means monitors fluid pressure within the first chamber in the range from about -50 mmHg to + 300 mmHg.

Claim 29

A disposable pressure transducer assembly as recited in claim 20 further comprising a clear lens means on the housing extending over the first chamber for viewing fluid and bubbles in the fluid within the first chamber.

Claim 30

A disposable pressure transducer assembly as recited in claim 27 wherein the clear lens means comprises a clear dome portion on the housing extending over at least a portion of the first chamber.

Claim 31

A disposable pressure transducer assembly as recited in claim 20 wherein the housing comprises a biocompatible polymeric material.

Claim 32

A disposable pressure transducer assembly as recited in claim 29 wherein the biocompatible polymeric material is selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyethylene and polysulfone.

Claim 33

A disposable pressure transducer assembly as recited in claim 20 further comprising vent means on the housing and on the electrically insulated intervening wall for providing exposure to the atmosphere for the pressure transducer means.

Claim 34

A disposable pressure transducer assembly as recited in claim 31 wherein the vent means comprises an opening extending through the housing into the second chamber and aligned with an opening extending through the electrically insulated intervening wall and leading to the pressure transducer means.

Claim 35

A disposable pressure transducer assembly as recited in claim 20 further comprising a wiring connector means which engages the electrical conducting means in the second chamber for transmitting electric impulses generated by the pressure transducer means along electrical wiring to a monitoring means for displaying fluid pressure in fluid in the first chamber.

Claim 36

A disposable pressure transducer assembly as recited in claim 33 wherein the electrical conducting means comprises electrical pins extending into the second chamber and the wiring connector means comprises a body having electrical pins engaging terminals and which slides into the second chamber for engaging the electrical pins.

Claim 37

A disposable pressure transducer assembly as recited in claim 20 wherein the pressure transducer means includes a temperature compensation circuit for determining fluid pressure at the sensed temperature of a fluid in the first chamber.

Claim 38

A disposable pressure transducer assembly for invasively monitoring blood pressure comprising: a housing comprised of polysulfone defining a chamber therewithin, having an inlet port and an outlet port in fluid-flow communication with the chamber and having a first aperture opening to the chamber; an electrically insulated intervening wall in the chamber comprised of polysulfone which separates the chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber wherein the first chamber is in fluid-flow communication with the inlet port and outlet port and the second chamber having an opening through the housing and separated from the first chamber by a fluid-tight seal and the first aperture extends into the second chamber and aligns with a second aperture extending through the electrically insulated intervening wall; a pressure transducer means secured in the first chamber in a depression on the electrically insulated intervening wall, which pressure transducer means is exposed to the first chamber for sensing and converting fluid pressure exhibited by a fluid in the first chamber into electrical impulses; an electrically nonconductive fluid pressure responsive media comprising silicone elastomer covering the pressure transducer means which separates the pressure transducer means from direct contact with fluid present in the first chamber; electrical conducting pins connected to the pressure transducer means for transmitting and receiving electrical impulses from the pressure transducer means and which extend through the intervening wall into the second chamber to provide a pathway for electricity between the pressure transducer means in the first chamber and the second chamber; and snap-fitting resilient arms on the housing which combine with the opening through the housing into the second chamber for receiving and connecting the housing to electrical wiring for powering the pressure transducer means and for transferring electrical impulses generated by the pressure transducer means and corresponding to determined pressures.

Claim 39

A disposable pressure transducer assembly for invasively monitoring blood pressure comprising: a housing comprised of polysulfone defining a chamber therewithin, having an inlet port and an outlet port in fluid-flow communication with the chamber and having a first aperture opening to the chamber; an electrically insulated intervening wall in the chamber comprised of polysulfone which separates the chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber wherein the first chamber is in fluid-flow communication with the inlet port and outlet port and the second chamber having an opening through the housing and separated from the first chamber by a fluid-tight seal and the first aperture extends into the second chamber and aligns with a second aperture extending through the electrically insulated intervening wall; a pressure transducer means secured in the first chamber in a depression on the electrically insulated intervening wall, which pressure transducer means is exposed to the first chamber for sensing and converting fluid pressure exhibited by a fluid in the first chamber into electrical impulses; an electrically nonconductive fluid pressure responsive media comprising silicone elastomer covering the pressure transducer means which separates the pressure transducer means from direct contact with fluid present in the first chamber; electrical conducting pins connected to the pressure transducer means for transmitting and receiving electrical impulses from the pressure transducer means and which extend through the intervening wall into the second chamber to provide a pathway for electricity between the pressure transducer means in the first chamber and the second chamber; and snap-fitting resilient arms on the housing which combine with the opening through the housing into the second chamber for receiving and connecting the housing to electrical wiring for powering the pressure transducer means and for transferring electrical impulses generated by the pressure transducer means and corresponding to determined pressures.

Claim 40

A disposable pressure transducer assembly as recited in claim 36 wherein the pressure transducer means comprises a monolithic silicon pressure sensor employing a four-terminal resistive element formed in a monocrystalline silicon diaphragm.

Claim 41

A disposable pressure transducer assembly as recited in claim 36 wherein the pressure transducer means monitors fluid pressure within the first chamber in the range from about -50 mmHg to +300 mmHg.

Claim 42

A disposable pressure transducer assembly as recited in claim 36 wherein the pressure transducer means includes a temperature compensation circuit for determining fluid pressure at the sensed temperature of a fluid in the first chamber.

Claim 43

A disposable pressure transducer assembly as recited in claim 36 further comprising a clear lens means on the housing extending over the first chamber for viewing fluid and bubbles in the fluid within the first chamber.

Claim 44

A disposable pressure transducer assembly as recited in claim 40 wherein the clear lens means comprises a clear dome portion on the housing extending over at least a portion of the first chamber.

Claim 45

A disposable pressure transducer assembly for invasively monitoring blood pressure comprising: a housing comprised of polysulfone with at least a portion of the housing forming a dome and extending over and defining a chamber within the housing, the housing including an inlet port and an outlet port in fluid-flow communication with the chamber and a first aperture opening to the chamber; an electrically insulated intervening wall in the chamber comprised of polysulfone which separates the chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber wherein the first chamber is in fluid-flow communication with the inlet port and outlet port and the second chamber having an opening through the housing and separated from the first chamber by a fluid-tight seal and the first aperture extends into the second chamber and aligns with a second aperture extending through the electrically insulated intervening wall; a pressure transducer means secured in the first chamber in a depression on the electrically insulated intervening wall, which pressure transducer means is exposed to the first chamber for sensing and converting fluid pressure exhibited by a fluid in the first chamber into electrical impulses; an electrically nonconductive fluid pressure responsive media comprising silicone elastomer covering the pressure transducer means which separates the pressure transducer means from direct contact with fluid present in the first chamber; electrical conducting pins connected to the pressure transducer means for transmitting and receiving electrical impulses from the pressure transducer means and which extend through the intervening wall into the second chamber to provide a pathway for electricity between the pressure transducer means in the first chamber and the second chamber; and snap-fitting resilient arms on the housing which combine with the opening through the housing into the second chamber for receiving and connecting the housing to electrical wiring for powering the pressure transducer means and for transferring electrical impulses generated by the pressure transducer means and corresponding to determined pressures.

Claim 46

A disposable pressure transducer assembly for invasively monitoring blood pressure comprising: a housing comprised of polysulfone with at least a portion of the housing forming a dome and extending over and defining a chamber within the housing, the housing including an inlet port and an outlet port in fluid-flow communication with the chamber and a first aperture opening to the chamber; an electrically insulated intervening wall in the chamber comprised of polysulfone which separates the chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber wherein the first chamber is in fluid-flow communication with the inlet port and outlet port and the second chamber having an opening through the housing and separated from the first chamber by a fluid-tight seal and the first aperture extends into the second chamber and aligns with a second aperture extending through the electrically insulated intervening wall; a pressure transducer means secured in the first chamber in a depression on the electrically insulated intervening wall, which pressure transducer means is exposed to the first chamber for sensing and converting fluid pressure exhibited by a fluid in the first chamber into electrical impulses; an electrically nonconductive fluid pressure responsive media comprising silicone elastomer covering the pressure transducer means which separates the pressure transducer means from direct contact with fluid present in the first chamber; electrical conducting pins connected to the pressure transducer means for transmitting and receiving electrical impulses from the pressure transducer means and which extend through the intervening wall into the second chamber to provide a pathway for electricity between the pressure transducer means in the first chamber and the second chamber; and snap-fitting resilient arms on the housing which combine with the opening through the housing into the second chamber for receiving and connecting the housing to electrical wiring for powering the pressure transducer means and for transferring electrical impulses generated by the pressure transducer means and corresponding to determined pressures.

Claim 47

A disposable pressure transducer assembly as recited in claim 42 wherein the pressure transducer means comprises a monolithic silicon pressure sensor employing a four-terminal resistive element formed in a monocrystalline silicon diaphragm.

Claim 48

A disposable pressure transducer assembly as recited in claim 42 wherein the pressure transducer means monitors fluid pressure within the first chamber in the range from about -50 mmHg to +300 mmHg.

Claim 49

A disposable pressure transducer assembly as recited in claim 42 wherein the pressure transducer means includes a temperature compensation circuit for determining fluid pressure at the sensed temperature of a fluid in the first chamber.