Patent attributes
A fluid sensing apparatus and a method for detecting pressure and a presence of bubbles within a fluid tube. The fluid sensing apparatus comprises a housing configured to receive a portion of the tube and to house a pressure sensor and an ultrasonic transmitter. The pressure sensor is positioned adjacent the tube and is configured to receive a pressure sensor signal, which correlates to a detected pressure differential within the tube. A controller transmits a drive signal to the ultrasonic transmitter, which emits ultrasonic waves through the portion of the tube and to the pressure sensor. The pressure sensor receives both the ultrasonic waves and the pressure sensor signal, and subsequently transmits an output signal to the controller. In a presence of a pressure differential or a bubble within the tube, the output signal will exhibit a DC shift or a distortion of signal characteristics of the output signal, respectively.