Abstract: A noninvasive system and method for measuring vacuum pressure in a fluid in accordance with the present invention generally includes a chamber with two interconnected diaphragms having different surface areas and a force transducer that makes contact with the smaller area diaphragm. When a pressure level less than atmospheric occurs inside the chamber, the smaller area diaphragm presses with a force on the force sensor. As the pressure level in the chamber decreases, the force on the sensor increases. The present system is intended for, but not limited to, use in a Phacoemulsification machine, where it will serve to measure the vacuum in a fluid without contaminating the fluid with previous uses of the system or with any components of the system which are unable to undergo a sterilization process.

Abstract: A noninvasive system and method for measuring vacuum pressure in a fluid in accordance with the present invention generally includes a chamber with two interconnected diaphragms having different surface areas and a force transducer that makes contact with the smaller area diaphragm. When a pressure level less than atmospheric occurs inside the chamber, the smaller area diaphragm presses with a force on the force sensor. As the pressure level in the chamber decreases, the force on the sensor increases. The present system is intended for, but not limited to, use in a Phacoemulsification machine, where it will serve to measure the vacuum in a fluid without contaminating the fluid with previous uses of the system or with any components of the system which are unable to undergo a sterilization process.