Patent ID: 7182411
Filing Date: 2007-02-27
Classification: B60T

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for communicating information between a plurality of serial nodes linked by a fluid-containing enclosure, said apparatus comprising: a first fluid pressure transducer in fluid communication with the fluid-containing enclosure at a first one of the plurality of serial nodes; a second fluid pressure transducer in fluid communication with the fluid-containing enclosure at a second one of the plurality of serial nodes; wherein at least one of said first and said second fluid pressure transducers induces a serial stream of pressure variations in the form of alternating periods of increased pressure and decreased pressure in the fluid-containing enclosure, and wherein another one of said first and said second fluid pressure transducers senses said serial stream of pressure variations in the fluid-containing enclosure; and wherein said serial stream of pressure variations propagates through the fluid-containing enclosure, the alternating periods of increased pressure and decreased pressure collectively conveying information between the first one of the plurality of nodes and the second one of the plurality of nodes.