Zevex, Inc.

Itt Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.

Edo Electro-ceramic Products

Moog Gmbh

Hills, Chris

Chris Hills

Mark Stringham

Blake Allen

Gene Payne

A sensor and method of use provides for detection of an occlusion (or sudden pressure increase) in tubing during the administration of solutions to a patient. The occlusion sensor may be attached to an infusion pump using a biasing mechanism. The tubing may be positioned in contact with the occlusion sensor using a cassette. Detection of an occlusion in the tubing is accomplished by measuring the compression and expansion of the tubing. When the tubing becomes occluded pressure within the tube will increase, resulting in expansion of the tubing. Expansion of the tubing exerts a force on the sensor to trigger an alarm to alert medical personnel of the occluded tube.

Pressure sensor and method of use

An ultrasonic sensor for detecting the presence of air or liquid uses flex circuits for connecting the ceramic element to the driver circuitry. The sensor provides improved transmission of ultrasonic signals between the ceramic element and the adjacent material, providing greater flexibility in using the sensor.

Ultrasonic air and fluid detector

A system and method for actively tracking a drive frequency of a piezoelectric motor is disclosed. A drive voltage can be applied at a drive frequency to an active piezoelectric element in the piezoelectric motor. A voltage response can be induced in a passive piezoelectric element that is mechanically coupled to the active piezoelectric element to movably engage the passive piezoelectric element at a voltage response frequency. A phase difference can be determined between the drive frequency and the voltage response frequency. The drive frequency of the active piezoelectric element can be adjusted until the phase difference is within a predetermined parameter.

System and method for tracking drive frequency of piezoelectric motor

A piezoelectric motor has a head to movably engage a separate member, and one or more piezoelectric blocks coupled to the head, and displacing the head and separate member by selectively expand and contract in response to an applied electric field. An electrode extends between the head and the piezoelectric block. One or more apertures are formed in the electrode to create a space between the head and the at least one piezoelectric block to receive an adhesive to join the head and the piezoelectric block. A joint is formed between the piezoelectric block and head which has a first rigid zone to displace as the piezoelectric block expands, and a second compliant zone to comply. The electrode extends only through a portion of the joint, or the rigid zone, and the adhesive extends through at least another portion of the joint, or the compliant zone. A pre-load mechanism applies a force to the piezoelectric block and head in a linear direction oriented perpendicular to the separate member to force the head against the separate member.

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Layton, UT, United States of America

Chris Hills