Patent ID: 7895882
Filing Date: 2011-03-01
Classification: A61M,G01F

Abstract:
1. A method for determining a density of a fluid relative to a density of a flow object in a flow control system of a type having a flow rate sensor including the flow object movably received in an axially extending flow passageway, the flow object being axially movable within the flow passageway in response to a first force exerted on the flow object by the fluid as it passes through the flow passageway and a second force exerted on the flow object in a direction opposite the first force by a spring member received within the flow passageway, the flow object reaching an equilibrium position within the flow passageway when the first and second forces are equal, the equilibrium position corresponding to an axial position within the flow passageway which varies with varying flow rate, said method comprising: sensing an acceleration of the flow rate sensor with an accelerometer; monitoring a change in position of the flow object responsive to the acceleration; determining a direction of movement of the flow object; and determining the relative density of the fluid relative to the flow object.