Patent ID: 6745615
Filing Date: 2004-06-08
Classification: A61B,G01N

Abstract:
An apparatus for detecting the movement of a fluid at plural shear rates using a decreasing pressure differential, said apparatus comprising:a fluid source elevated above a horizontal reference position; a capillary tube having a first end and a second end, said first end being in fluid communication with the fluid source through a first riser tube; a second riser tube having one end coupled to said second end of said capillary tube and another end being exposed to atmospheric pressure, said second riser tube being positioned at an angle greater than zero degrees with respect to said horizontal reference position; and a respective sensor for detecting the movement of the fluid, caused by said decreasing pressure differential, through said first and second riser tubes, respectively, at plural shear rates as the fluid moves from the fluid source, through said first riser tube, through said capillary tube and into said second riser tube, said movement of fluid comprising a laminar flow.