Patent ID: 6164933
Filing Date: 2000-12-26
Classification: A61B,F04B,G01L

Abstract:
A method for measuring a pressure of a pressurized fluid fed through a diaphragm pump and accumulated in a vessel, said diaphragm pump having a pump cavity and a diaphragm with a piezoelectric element which is actuated by application of a voltage to displace said diaphragm for pumping a fluid into said vessel, said method comprising the steps of:deenergizing said diaphragm by removal of the voltage to said piezoelectric element so as to stop pumping the fluid and accumulating the pressurized fluid into said vessel;introducing said pressurized fluid only from said vessel back into said pump cavity so as to cause a displacement of said diaphragm by said pressurized fluid;deriving an electrical signal indicative of the displacement of said diaphragm; andtranslating said electrical signal into a corresponding pressure value indicative of the pressure of said pressurized fluid in said vessel.