Paul D Ratke

US Patent:

20050257612, Nov 24, 2005

Filed:

May 21, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/851724

Inventors:

Todd Hiemer - Edmond OK, US
Paul Ratke - Edmond OK, US

International Classification:

G01F001/68

US Classification:

073204230

Abstract:

Aspirator systems include an aspirator body member having a fluid passageway extending therein and a first and second optical conductor configured to receive and/or transmit light therethrough. A drive mechanism may be coupled to the aspirator body member and configured to move the aspirator body member between an advanced position and a retracted position. An aspirator tip is coupled to the aspirator body member at an end of the fluid passageway and having a fluid passageway therein extending from the end of the fluid passageway of the aspirator body member when coupled to the aspirator body member, the aspirator tip being coupled to the first and second optical conductors and comprising an optically transmissive material. A controller detects contact of the aspirator tip with a fluid based on a level of light received from the aspirator tip through at least one of the first and second optical conductors and determines a level of the fluid based on a position of the aspirator body member when contact of the aspirator tip with the fluid is detected.