PRESSURE GAUGE WITH DIGITAL STEPPING MOTOR AND REUSABLE TRANSFER PLUG

摘要

This invention is a pressure gauge (10) for displaying the magnitude of fluid pressure generated within a syringe (12) or another pressurized system. The pressure gauge (10) is removably attachable to a syringe (12), and may be sterilized for reuse after each medical procedure. A piezo-resistive transducer (30) senses fluid pressure, and generates an electrical signal that changes in response to changes in said fluid pressure. The electrical signal is converted to digital signals by a microprocessor (34). A stepper motor (28) responds to the digital signals to control a pointer (40) that moves across a dial (42) to display the magnitude of the fluid pressure. A small lithium battery (52) that can withstand high temperatures supplies electrical power to the pressure gauge (10). A housing unit (44, 46), comprising a stainless steel bottom housing (44), and a transparent window (46), encases the components of the pressure gauge (10). After use, the pressure gauge (10) is placed in an autoclave, thereby sterilizing the pressure gauge (10) for reuse.