Abstract:
The present technology is directed to the integration of a fixed ultrasonic device into a connector fitting adapted to connect fluid conduits, as well as methods of detecting the presence or absence of media passing through a fitting.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present technology relates generally to apparatuses and methods for detecting air and liquid in a fitting. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    When using piping, tubing or other fluid handling hardware, it can often be difficult to positively determine the internal air or liquid. It is often important, and sometimes crucial, to identify air or other gases within a fluid conduit. Visual inspection is sometimes not possible or adequate to determine this. This applies to numerous types of apparatus such as, for example, analytical instrumentation used in laboratories, medical equipment, chemical and refining plants and the like, which require connection of a first conduit through which is transported a fluid, such as a liquid or gas, to a second conduit. 
         [0003]    Many of these fluid handling systems utilize one or more connectors operatively interposed in the gas or liquid stream. These connectors act as a means of making a union between conduits used to transport the fluid. 
         [0004]    Ultrasound is sound at frequencies greater than 20 kHz. Ultrasonic devices produce ultrasonic waves that can be continuous or pulsed. These devices do not require contact with the sample it is testing and are typically non-destructive. Commonly used frequencies are between 20 kHz to 20 MHz, or 20 kHz to 10 MHz, or 500 kHz to 4 MHz, or 1 MHz to 3 Mhz. 
         [0005]    A need exists for apparatuses and methods that can accurately identify air or other gases within a fluid conduit. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    In certain embodiments, the present technology is directed to the integration of a fixed ultrasonic device into a connector fitting adapted to connect fluid conduits. The technology includes many types of connectors including, for example, screw-on, snap-on, glued, adhered, soldered, ferrules, valves, PVC plumbing fittings, filters and others. The connectors can be, for example, crimp fittings, compression fittings, field attachable fittings, swivel fittings, access fittings, flare and flareless fittings, luer type fittings or hose barb fittings. 
         [0007]    Many industries use connectors and fittings in liquid handling systems, for example including irrigation, manufacturing, solar heating, automotive, water treatment, waste processing, marine, space, military, chromatography, food processing, pharmaceutical, medical, industrial dispensers and food and beverage. 
         [0008]    The ultrasonic device typically comprises an ultrasonic acoustic sensor that is excited by an electronic signal. In a single transducer system, the excitation of the sensor is marked by a START pulse. A transmitted wave travels to the target and a reflected wave echoes back. The echo is marked with a STOP pulse. The difference in time between START and STOP time-of-flight, or the difference in signal level between the transmitted wave and the reflected wave, indicates the flow of medium and fluid identification. 
         [0009]    In a dual transducer system, the transducers work in a pitch-and-catch fashion. A first transducer is excited with a START pulse and a second transducer receives the transmitted wave and generates STOP pulses. The differential in time-of-flight between the transmitted wave and the reflected wave, or the difference in signal level between the transmitted wave and the reflected wave, indicates the flow of medium and fluid identification. 
         [0010]    In certain embodiments, the ultrasonic device is integrated into the connector so as to produce an acoustic signal that is directed in a transverse direction to the fluid conduit. The presence or absence of media in a connector will result in a signal level or time of flight difference detected by the ultrasonic device. 
         [0011]    In certain embodiments, the present technology is directed to a connector and the manufacture of a connector comprising a body having a first end with a first opening and a second end having a second opening and a passageway extending therethrough. The first and second openings adapted to receive an end of a fluid conduit. The body of the connector has an integrated ultrasonic device adapted for detecting the presence or absence of media passing through the passageway. 
         [0012]    In certain embodiments the present technology comprises three or more ends and openings having shared passageways. 
         [0013]    In other embodiments, the body is adapted to receive a first conduit that sealably covers, in a fluid-tight connection, at least part of the first end and a second conduit that covers at least part of the second end such that a fluid can communicate from one conduit to the other. 
         [0014]    In certain embodiments, the first and second ends have an inside diameter. The ends are adapted to receive conduits that sealably conform, in a fluid-tight connection, to the inside diameter of the first and second ends. This allows a fluid to communicate from one conduit to the other through the passageway. 
         [0015]    In certain embodiments, the connector can be a valve. Valves have two main components, a body and a bonnet, although some valves do not have bonnets. The bonnet is typically used to control and connect the actuator to the body. 
         [0016]    The connector fittings of the present technology can be of thermoplastic, fluoropolymer and other plastic materials (including for example polyvinylfluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polychlorotrifluoroethylene, perfluoroalkoxy polymer, fluorinated ethylene-propylene, polyethylenetetrafluoroethylene, polyethylenechlorotrifluoroethylene, perfluorinated elastomers, fluorocarbons, fluoroelastomers, and perfluoropolyethers), metals (including for example copper, brass, steel and stainless steel) or any combination of those. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an example of an ultrasonic device used with the disclosed technology. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram of an example of a system used with the disclosed technology. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is an illustration of an embodiment of the disclosed technology. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the disclosed technology. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the disclosed technology. 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is an isometric view of an embodiment of the disclosed technology. 
           [0023]      FIG. 7 a    is an isometric view of an embodiment of the disclosed technology. 
           [0024]      FIG. 7 b    is a cross sectional view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7   a.    
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is an isometric view of an embodiment of the disclosed technology. 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  is a partially exploded isometric view of an embodiment of the disclosed technology. 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the disclosed technology. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0028]    As used herein, “fluid” means any state of matter in which component particles can move past one another; and includes any gases, liquids, fluidized solids, or slurries. 
         [0029]    As used herein, “fitting” means any connector or an article that attaches a fluid conduit to another fluid conduit. 
         [0030]    A fluid conduit can be a tube, pipe, hose, line, cannula, catheter, duct, drain or any other hollow form having two opened ends that allows for the passage of a fluid. 
         [0031]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an ultrasonic device as used in certain embodiments of the present technology. The device can comprise, for example, a voltage regulator, amplifier, digitizer, microprocessor, piezoelectric transmitting crystal and an LED. 
         [0032]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram of an ultrasonic device as used in the present technology. The device comprises a voltage regulator, amplifier, digitizer, a transmitting oscillator, logical circuits, a receiving piezoelectric crystal and a receiving crystal. 
         [0033]    In certain embodiments of the present technology, for example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , a first fluid conduit  3  is sealably fixed to a connector  5  in a fluid-tight connection. The connector  5  has an integrated ultrasonic device comprising a piezoelectric crystal  7  fixed to the connector  5  and an electronic circuit  9 . The connector  5  provides for fluid communication between the first fluid conduit  3  and a second fluid conduit  11 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 4  depicts certain embodiments of the present technology in the form of a male luer lock. Male and female luer fittings can be conventionally employed to connect disposable medical devices (including, but not limited to, a syringe and a needle) in a liquid and air leak-proof manner. After they have been connected, typically by pushing together by hand, luer taper fittings remain together due to friction between their mating tapered surfaces. They can be disconnected by twisting and pulling the female and male fittings away from each other. 
         [0035]    There are many variations of luer style fittings, all of which can incorporate various aspects of the present technology.  FIG. 4  shows, as a non-limiting example, a cross section of a luer male fitting  41  that comprises a nozzle  21 , a ridge  23 , an outer surface  25  and an inner surface  27 . Nozzle  21  has a generally tapered cylindrical shape, with a central longitudinal axis  29  and a passageway defined by the inner surface  27 . Tip  31  of nozzle  21  can have a thin profile (i.e., a reduced sidewall thickness) such that nozzle  21  may puncture a bag port membrane. An ultrasonic transducer  33  is fixed in the nozzle between the outer surface  25  and the inner surface  27 . 
         [0036]    Another embodiment of the present technology is an example of the female luer lock fitting shown in cross section in  FIG. 5 . In the embodiment shown therein, a fitting  51  comprises an inner surface  45 , and an outer surface  47 . The inner surface  45  corresponds to (that is, it is configured to couple with) an outer surface of a male fitting (for example, that shown in  FIG. 4 ). The male fitting maintains a passageway, and the female fitting may comprise the fixed ultrasonic transducer  50 . 
         [0037]    In another embodiment, an ultrasonic fitting  61  in  FIG. 6  comprises a multi-lumen male portion—that is, a male portion with a plurality of lumens  63   a - g . A single fluid conduit  65  transmits a fluid sample into the multi-lumen portion  63  which then transmits the fluid sample into several (in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , seven) separated paths. A separate fluid conduit can be fixed to each of the male portions or lumens  63   a - g  as show by example with fluid conduit  69 . This embodiment of the present technology comprises a fixed ultrasonic device  67  at the input end of the fluid into the fitting  61 . Alternatively, a separate device may be fixed at the outputs of the device at each male portion or lumen  63   a - g.    
         [0038]      FIG. 7 a    shows an embodiment of an ultrasonic fitting  71 . This fitting can be configured to fluidly couple conduits to any other appropriate fluid conduit, and readily connect and disconnect conduits to and from any other appropriate fluid conduit. Ultrasonic fitting  71  comprises an insert portion  73  and a holding portion  75 . Insert portion  73  can be configured to engage with holding portion  75  to form a fluid-tight connection and may be configured to disengage with holding portion  75  to break the fluid-tight connection. Insert portion  73  comprises a connection end  79  and holding portion  75  can include a connection end  77 . Connection ends  77 ,  79  are configured to connect insert portion  73  and holding portion  75  to suitable fluid conduits in fluid-tight arrangements. 
         [0039]    In certain embodiments, connection ends  77 ,  79  can include a barbed surface configured to connect to a fluid conduit via an interference fit arrangement. Connection ends  77 ,  79  can also include any other suitable configuration to connect insert portion  73  and holding portion  75  to suitable fluid conduits in fluid-tight arrangements. For example, connection ends can include a threaded arrangement configured to engage corresponding grooves of a fluid conduit. 
         [0040]      FIG. 7 b    is a cross-sectional view of the holding portion of another embodiment of the technology shown in  FIG. 7 a   . Housing  85  can include a receiving end  87  opposite connection end  89 , and may define a channel  90  configured to direct fluid therethrough. Housing  85  can also include a fixed ultrasonic device  91 . As a fluid flows through the channel  90 , it is able to detect air or other matter within the fluid stream. 
         [0041]    In an embodiment as shown in  FIG. 8 , a fitting  100  comprises an outer surface  101  and an inner surface  103 . Located on the outer surface are one or more barbs  105  that extend slightly beyond the diameter of the outer surface. Another variation of the fitting has a threaded end that allows the fitting to be threadedly engaged to a fluid conduit. The fitting receives the fluid conduit such that there is engagement between the inner surface of the conduit and the one or more barbs  105 . An ultrasonic device  107  can be integrated into the fitting in a fixed manner such that fluid or air can be detected as it flows through the connector. 
         [0042]    In certain embodiments as shown in  FIG. 9 , a kelly valve  110  comprises a housing (not shown), that includes a valve mechanism  111  comprising, as major components, a cage or carrier  113 , a lower seat assembly  115 , a floating valve ball  117  and an upper seat assembly  119 . The valve mechanism  111  is positioned and held in the housing. An actuator cooperates with the valve ball  117  for positioning the valve ball  117  in open and closed positions, sealing against the upper and lower seat assemblies  115 ,  119 . 
         [0043]    The cage or carrier  113  provides a lower end  121  sized to be closely received in an intermediate recess. One or more lip type seals  123 , such as for example polyseals, fit in a groove provided by the lower cage end  121 . The seal  123  allows pressure leakage from below and seals against pressure from above. 
         [0044]    A pair of ears  125  extend upwardly from the lower cage end  121  and terminate in enlarged ends  127  providing a groove  129 . A split ring band  131  in the groove  129  holds the upper seal assembly  119  in position on top of the valve ball  117 . 
         [0045]    The lower seat assembly  115  rests on top of the wave spring  133  and provides an external groove receiving a second lip type polyseal allowing pressure leakage from below but sealing in response to pressure from above against the inside of the cage  113 . The upper end of the lower seat assembly  115  provides an inclined surface providing a conventional O-ring sealing against pressure from either direction. The lower seat assembly  115  provides a central passage  130  for allowing the flow of fluid therethrough. 
         [0046]    The valve ball  117  has a central passage  135  and a smooth exterior sealing surface. The upper seat assembly  119  provides an inner passage  137  and an inclined surface having an O-ring seal sealing against the exterior of the valve ball  117 . 
         [0047]    The valve mechanism  111  is retained in the housing by the locking assembly  141  which comprises a plurality of ring segments received in the recess. The valve ball  117  is turned by the actuator  143 . 
         [0048]    In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 , the ultrasonic device  150  is fixed along the wall of the central passageway  130  to provide detection of media in the fitting. As stated, the media can be one or more contaminants in the fluid that is flowing through the fitting, for example, air, water, or other gases or fluids. 
         [0049]    In certain embodiments as shown, for example, in cross-section  FIG. 10 , a diaphragm valve comprises a body  160  having an inner passage  163  therethrough. The inner passage  163  is intersected by a shallow weir  165  whose top surface  165   a  is partially or fully concave and forms a seat across the inner passage for a diaphragm  167 . The bonnet  169  can have any or all of the following: an annular flange  171 , a handwheel  173 , a valve spindle  175 , and a compressor  177 . The compressor  177  can include a central bottom portion  179 , and a recess  181  to receive the hub  183 . 
         [0050]    In certain embodiments, the spindle  175  has a threaded portion  185  that engages a nut  187  held against rotation in the compressor  177 . Upon rotation of the handwheel  173  in one direction, the spindle  175  is rotated and since the nut  187  and compressor  177  are prevented from rotating, both are moved downward toward the valve body  160  to seat the diaphragm  183  on the weir  165 . This prevents the flow of fluid through the inner passage  163 . Upon opposite rotation of the handwheel  173  the nut  187 , compressor  177 , and diaphragm  183  can be moved away from the weir  165 . 
         [0051]    In certain embodiments, an ultrasonic device  191  is fixed in the valve body  160  along the wall of the inner passageway  163  to provide detection of media in the fitting. The media can be contaminants in the fluid that is flowing through the fitting, for example, air, water, or other gases or fluids. 
         [0052]    Ultrasonic devices are typically transceivers because they transmit and receive the sound waves. They then convert the sound waves into electrical signals that are then processed to evaluate attributes of the target sample. However, in certain embodiments, the present technology can also comprise separate transmitters and receivers. A typical ultrasonic device generates high-frequency sound waves in short pulses from piezoelectric type transmitters, but magnetostriction or other materials may be used. The device transmits the sound waves at a target sample and typically evaluates the echo that is received back by the sensor, measuring the time interval between sending the signal and receiving the echo to determine the distance to an object. In certain embodiments, of the current technology, the presence or absence of media in a connector will result in a signal level or time of flight difference detected by the ultrasonic device, i.e. air and a fluid will have different times of flight. Alternatively, the acoustic signal attenuation properties between air and fluid media can be used. In certain embodiments, the output from the ultrasonic device maybe hardwired to a display providing an analog output, logic output, digital bus output, LED or otherwise. It may also be wireless. 
         [0053]    Typical wave frequency ranges between 1 MHz and 15 MHz or 1 Mhz to 3 Mhz. As the emitted waves propagate they are partially reflected or scattered by the target sample due to variations in acoustic impedance, pc. These variations are caused by density changes at the target. The characteristics of the reflective waves depend on the size of the sample feature and the wavelength of the emitted sound. Since the scattered energy can become too small to be useful when the wavelength is too long relative to the sample features, typically the emitted wavelength is chosen to be smaller than the features of interest. 
         [0054]    After the ultrasonic wave is transmitted, the ultrasonic transducer receives waves reflected off structures and density gradients. The difference in signal level between the transmitted wave and the reflected wave and/or the time-of-flight difference can be transmitted and analyzed by an analyzer such as a computer or CPU. The delay time between the transmitted and received signal is correlated to the distance of the reflection source, while the intensity of the received signal is correlated to the reflection sources acoustic impedance and size. For example, air bubbles in a fluid conduit are detected because the time of flight for the ultrasonic wave hitting an air bubble is shorter than if no bubbles were present and the intensity of the received wave can be correlated to something other than what is supposed to be present in the conduit. 
         [0055]    Although the present technology has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, these embodiments and examples are merely exemplary and not intended to be limiting. Many other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art. The present technology should, therefore, not be limited by the specific disclosure herein, and may be embodied in other forms not explicitly described here, without departing from the spirit thereof.