CN103826674B

CN103826674B - Air borne sensor system in infrared reflection pipeline

Info

Publication number: CN103826674B
Application number: CN201280046081.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: A·哈特曼; P·阮; D·C·卡明斯
Original assignee: Societe dAssistance Technique pour Produits Nestle SA
Current assignee: Nestec SA
Priority date: 2011-07-25
Filing date: 2012-07-09
Publication date: 2016-11-30
Anticipated expiration: 2032-07-09

Abstract

The present invention provides air borne sensor system and the method for air borne sensor system in this pipeline of use in pipeline.Described system includes adapter (60), and this adapter includes the first and second cylindrical parts limiting fluid flowing passage, and this first cylindrical part includes two neighbouring wedge-shaped projection portions (68).Each wedge-shaped projection portion be can transmission ultrared and limit outer surface and inner surface.Described system also includes pipe and has infra-red light emitter (42,52) and the infrared reflection sensor of infrared light detector (44,54).Infra-red light emitter and infrared light detector are arranged at adapter or near adapter so that infrared ray luminous energy is transmitted through the part reflected by described adapter of adapter and the most described infrared ray and can be detected by infrared light detector.

Description

Air borne sensor system in infrared reflection pipeline

Technical field

This patent disclosure relates generally to health and field of nutrition.More particularly, the present invention relate to detect fluid pump system The apparatus and method of the air of Guan Zuzhong.

Background technology

To can not the mammal such as human patients conveying of nutrient substance of OA or other form Alimentation composition/nutritional labeling is the most vital.Such as, enteral feeding-bottle and the container with feed pipe are usually used to Patient can not or refusal OA time sustain life, its directly in the position less than oral area, food is put into gastrointestinal tract/ In digestive tract.Bottle and container, feed pipe and other artificial induction system and approach can face in the therapeutic process of acute illness Time use.For chronic disease, such system and approach can be used as maintaining a part for the therapeutic scheme in patient's remaining years.No matter How long the persistent period used has, and these devices are often for feeding of patients and and then supply nutrition to patient and provide uniquely Means.

Enteral feed pump is used in combination to introduce medical treatment stream with the enteral feed pipe group as an enteral feed system part Body is also well-known in medical domain.Enteral feed pipe group generally includes the long pipeline section of multistage, and it is connected to be incorporated into Shorter concentration pipeline section in pump installation.One of enteral feed pipe group common problem encountered is that pipe group may containing air bolus (such as Bubble), this can cause abdominal distention, pain or general malaise during feed and/or after feed.

Summary of the invention

The present invention relates to air borne sensor system/sensing system (air-in-line sensor in a kind of pipeline And use the method for air borne sensor system in this pipeline system).In a basic embodiment, the present invention provides a kind of suitable Orchestration device, it has the first and second cylindrical parts limiting fluid flowing passage.This fluid flowing passage extends through Cross described first and second cylindrical parts.This first cylindrical part includes two neighbouring wedge-shaped projection portions.Implement one In example, each wedge-shaped projection portion is that energy transmission is ultrared at least partially, and each jut limits outer surface and Nei Biao Face.The inner surface in wedge-shaped projection portion can limit the most triangular shaped recess.

In one embodiment, adapter has the inner surface of the inside limiting hollow, the internal structure of this hollow and setting It is set to allow fluid to flow there through.The inner surface of this adapter can be smooth at least partially and be can transmission infrared Line.In another embodiment, the inner surface of this adapter can be that energy transmission is ultrared at least partially.

In one embodiment, adapter is made up of polypropylene.

In another embodiment, it is provided that a kind of box, it includes rigid frame, manages and have and limit fluid flowing passage At least one adapters of the first and second cylindrical parts.First cylindrical part includes two neighbouring wedge-shaped projection Portion.In one embodiment, each wedge-shaped projection portion is that energy transmission is ultrared, outside each jut limits at least partially Surface and inner surface.The inner surface in wedge-shaped projection portion can limit the most triangular shaped recess.

In one embodiment, at least one adapter is positioned on the first end of described box.

In one embodiment, the Part I of adapter is configured to closely cooperate with pipe.The Part II structure of adapter Become to closely cooperate with the second pipe.

In one embodiment, described box includes the first and second adapters, and this first adapter is positioned at the first end of box On, the second adapter is positioned on the second end of box.

In another embodiment, it is provided that a kind of sensing system, it includes pump installation and is detachably attached to pump installation Box.Pump installation includes that at least one has the infrared reflection sensor of infra-red light emitter and infrared detector.Box Including at least one adapter managing and having the first and second cylindrical parts limiting fluid flowing passage.Real one Execute in example, each wedge-shaped projection portion be at least partially can transmission ultrared, each jut limits outer surface and interior Surface.The inner surface in wedge-shaped projection portion can limit the most triangular shaped recess.Described infrared reflection sensor sets Be set to so that infrared ray luminous energy is transmitted through the outer surface in the first wedge-shaped projection portion, and the most described infrared ray by the first cylinder The part of the inner surface reflection of shape part can be detected by infrared detector.

In one embodiment, pump installation is enteral feed pump.

In one embodiment, infra-red light emitter and infrared detector are arranged on the same side in pump installation.? In another embodiment, it is provided that two infrared ray sensors, each end of pump installation is respectively arranged with an infrared ray sensor.Red Outside line optical transmitting set and infrared light detector can also be positioned in the interior bottom portion part of pump installation so that infrared ray is launched Infrared ray launched in the upward direction by device.At least one adapter described can be located on the end of box, and is configured so that institute State the first and second neighbouring wedge-shaped projection portion orientations downwards, to connect with described infra-red light emitter and infrared detector Logical.

In another embodiment, it is provided that the method for the air of a kind of Guan Zuzhong being used for enteral feed system for detection. The method includes the step providing the box with the adapter being sealingly attached to enteral feed pipe, and detects this enteral feed The step of the air in pipe.This adapter includes the first and second parts limiting fluid flowing passage.Part I includes Two neighbouring wedge-shaped projection portions, each wedge-shaped projection portion is that energy transmission is ultrared at least partially, and each jut limits Make outer surface and inner surface.By making IR light transmission to the outer surface in the first wedge-shaped projection portion and use detector to detect The amount of the infrared ray of reflection detects.

In one embodiment, IR light transmission crosses the outer surface in the first wedge-shaped projection portion, and the infrared ray reflected Outer surface through the second wedge-shaped projection portion.

In one embodiment, described method also includes being inserted in pump installation described box, to be introduced by enteral feed product To patient.

In one embodiment, described method also includes, if air being detected in described enteral feed pipe, stopping enteral The feed cycle.Alternatively, described method can include, if the air of threshold quantity being detected in described enteral feed pipe, sending Audio alarm.

Sensor in the pipeline of the improvement that it is an advantage of the present invention to provide a kind of air for detecting Guan Zuzhong.

Another advantage is that a kind of method providing detection for the improvement of the air of the Guan Zuzhong of enteral feed.

The present invention yet another advantage is that offer a kind of improvement for detecting air, cost-effective sensor.

Yet another advantage is that of the present invention provides sensor a kind of improvement for detecting air, simple to operate.

Yet another advantage is that of the present invention provide a kind of can be for detecting the suitable of the air of the Guan Zuzhong for enteral feed Orchestration.

The present invention is a further advantage in that a kind of box of offer, and this box has can be for detecting the pipe group for enteral feed In the adapter of air.

There is also described herein further feature and advantage, and according to following detailed description and drawings, these features and excellent Point will be apparent from.

Accompanying drawing explanation

Fig. 1 shows that light passes through first medium and arrives the second medium with high index.

Fig. 2 shows that light passes through first medium and arrives the second medium with relatively low-refraction.

Fig. 3 shows the total reflection/total internal reflection of incident ray.

Fig. 4 shows the incident ray with the angle less than critical angle.

Fig. 5 shows the incident ray with the angle more than critical angle.

Fig. 6 shows pump installation according to an embodiment of the invention and has the box of air borne sensor system in pipeline Perspective view.

Fig. 7 shows the perspective view of the pump installation in Fig. 6 according to an embodiment of the invention and box, and wherein this box is inserted Enter in pump installation.

Fig. 8 shows adapter according to an embodiment of the invention and has infra-red light emitter and infrared ray The perspective view of the infrared ray sensor of photodetector.

Fig. 9 shows the adaptation being used together with air borne sensor system in pipeline according to an embodiment of the invention The perspective view of device.

Figure 10 shows that the adapter of the line 10-10 along Fig. 8 according to an embodiment of the invention and infrared ray pass The sectional view of sensor.

Detailed description of the invention

Enteral feed pump is time and the device of amount controlling to be transported to the nutrition of patient during enteral feed.Enteral is fed Raise is that nutritional fluid is incorporated into the patient that can not be taken food by normal absorption approach.Enteral introduce generally utilize at feeding pouch and One group of pipe between the conduit of implantation within a patient is carried out.The usual carrier pipe of disposable cassette at least some of so that permissible Easily process used pipe.Enteral feed pump is typically connected to feeding pouch with pipe on the first side and uses another on the second side Root pipe is connected to patient.

Due to character, introducing process and other enteral feed condition of enteral fluid, it is possible that replace feed stream Body and introduce a certain amount of air, this easily causes patient uncomfortable or pain.One exemplary of this problem occurs in When nutriment bag is emptying.If enteral feed pump proceeds to introduce, replacement food is given patient by tube pump by air.

The present invention relates to a kind of sensing system, it can sense when to replace nutritional fluid to be present in enteral feed system Air in pipe.When pumped volume of air has reached programmable threshold, alarm can be sent to user.Sensor system System can also distinguish the existence of the minute bubbles in pipe and the air of the amount of determination, thus avoids to user false alarm.

(entirely interior based on the total reflection being derived from Snell's law and Fresnel equation to the existence of inner air tube and the detection of amount Reflection, " TIR ") principle, which specify by surface reflection and the relative quantity of the light of transmission.Described law and equation describe works as light The characteristic of light beam when restrainting the surface between the two media by having different refractivity.

Snell's law describes the physical principle when light is from a kind of medium transmission to another kind of medium.Concrete next Saying, Snell's law shows that the ratio of the sine value of angle of incidence and the sine value at refraction angle is constant.This constant or equal to (i) two The ratio of the phase velocity (" ν ") in kind medium, or the relative ratio equal to the (ii) refractive index (" n ") of two media.Therefore, this Nie Er law is represented by figure by Fig. 1, and can be summarized as follows:

\frac{\sin θ_{i}}{\sin θ_{o}} = \frac{v_{i}}{v_{o}} = \frac{n_{i}}{n_{o}}

Equation 1

In equation 1, θ_iFor angle of incidence of light, θ_oFor refraction angle, θ_rFor angle of reflection, v_iAnd v_oPhase velocity for bi-material Degree, n_iAnd n_oRefractive index for bi-material.

The probable value of the angle of emergence based on light, equation 1 inequality derived should be:

\sin θ_{o} = \frac{n_{i}}{n_{o}} \sin θ_{i} \leq 1

Equation 2

When light is transferred to the second medium with high index from first medium, light beam between two media point Its angle is reduced towards normal, as shown in Figure 1 every surface.Also as it is shown in figure 1, it also occur that a certain amount of partially reflective.

In another example, when light is transferred to the second medium with relatively low-refraction from first medium, light beam exists Increase its angle towards normal at separation surfaces between two media and also occur a certain amount of partially reflective, as shown in Figure 2. In this case (wherein light is transferred to the second medium with relatively low-refraction from first medium), solid when the ratio of refractive index When fixed also >=1, the sine value of angle of incidence can only present and meets the value with lower inequality:

\sin θ_{i} \leq \frac{n_{o}}{n_{i}}

Equation 3

About equation 3, whenTime, by generation refraction with partially reflective.WhenTime,And θ_iFor critical angle.WhenTime, refraction will not be occurred to be totally reflected.

By increasing angle of incidence, refraction angle also increases, and be parallel to separate the surface of two media close to deflecting light beams Position.This angle of incidence is referred to as " critical angle ".Additionally, when angle of incidence increases to can not cause refraction, be instead all-trans Penetrate, as shown in Figure 3.Word " entirely " is important, because rolling over Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 a portion luminous reflectance and a part of light Penetrating and compare, when there is total reflection, will reflect back into all energy of incident beam.

Therefore critical angle is defined as sine value equal to the ratio between emergent ray and the refractive index of incident ray Radian.According to math equation, critical angle is defined as follows:

\arcsin θ = \frac{n_{o}}{n_{i}}

Equation 4

Such as, the critical angle from water to air about 48.6 ° use θ in figs. 2 and 3_cRepresent.As in figure 2 it is shown, θ_iLittle In θ_c, therefore there is partially reflective and refraction.As it is shown on figure 3, θ_iMore than θ_c, therefore it is totally reflected.So, for identical Critical angle its cause the different paths of incident ray from the refractive index of bi-material about different angle of incidence.

In another example, angle of incidence keeps identical, but the character of the second material changes, and therefore have also been changed refraction Rate.As shown in Figure 4, θ_c1Less than θ_i, therefore it is totally reflected.As it is shown in figure 5, θ_c2More than θ_i, therefore there is partially reflective and folding Penetrate.Therefore, for identical angle of incidence, it is contemplated that the refractive index of the second material, it will reflect different amounts of light,

In other words, by measuring the amount of the light received at the reflecting surface of the first material, can distinguish different Material.For example it is assumed that food has the refractive index similar to the refractive index of water and does not exists or alleviate other lower grade Impact such as scatter, ambient light, viscous foodstuff etc., then total reflection situation can be used to determine such as enteral feed pump Pipe in there is air.

Therefore, Snell's law provide a kind of can in the case of the refractive index of angle of incidence and two media is given really The method determining refraction angle and critical angle.Using identical data, Fresnel equation allows to determine relative to the amount of the light of transmission The relative quantity of the light of reflection.Such as, with reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, Fresnel equation can provide the amount of the light of reflection and the light of transmission Amount.Accurately determining of these values is important, because it can help clearly to identify present in the pipe of enteral feed pump is empty Gas or food.

Referring again to Fig. 1, the reflecting part of incident power is given by reflectance (" R "), and refracted portion is by absorbance (" T ") Be given.The polarization of incident ray is depended in the calculating of R and T.Consider s-polarized light (being perpendicular to the plane of Fig. 1) and p-polarized light (in the plane of Fig. 1), R and T coefficient is given by below equation:

R_{s} = {(\frac{n_{i} \cos θ_{i} - n_{o} \cos θ_{o}}{n_{i} \cos θ_{i} + n_{o} \cos θ_{o}})}^{2} T_{s} = 1 - R_{s}

Equation 5

R_{p} = {(\frac{n_{i} \cos θ_{o} - n_{o} \cos θ_{i}}{n_{i} \cos θ_{o} + n_{o} \cos θ_{i}})}^{2} T_{p} = 1 - R_{p}

Equation 6

If incident illumination is unpolarized, then reflection coefficient is:

R = \frac{(R_{s} + R_{p})}{2}

Now it has been discovered by the applicants that properly select the material for first medium, surface between two media Geometry, angle of incidence and generation around and the mode of detection light, can be designed that and can distinguish second medium e.g. Air or the sensor of fluid.Such as, if first medium has the refractive index of 1.5, the refractive index of air is 1, and water Refractive index is 1.33, then the light that permission user is all reflected by any angle of incidence between about 42 ° to about 62 ° by reading Amount determines that described second medium is air or water.This is in pipe that such as first medium is box for enteral feed (or class Like structure) time will be favourable.

As shown in Figure 6 to 7, in one embodiment, the present invention provides air borne sensor system 10 in a kind of pipeline, should Sensing system includes the box 20 being detachably attached to pump installation 30.Box 20 can include having any suitable shape such as Fig. 6 The housing of shown shape or supporting structure.Box 20 is designed to be partially or fully inserted in pump installation 30, such as Fig. 7 institute Show.The design of box 20 can help to assemble enteral feed pipe be downloaded in pump installation 30, and without arranging route/guiding tube for pipe Or stretch pipe from the Guan Zuzhong being positioned at rotor (part for the such as peristaltic pump) top being included in pump installation 30.Other The nonrestrictive example of box configuration at United States Patent (USP) US D504,506, USD505,199, US D455,489, US D501, 924 and US D507, are described in 647, and above-mentioned patent is incorporated herein by reference.Box 20 can by any suitable rigidity, Semi-rigid or flexible material is made.Box 20 may be designed as so that it can be inserted in pump installation 30 the most in one way.

Box 20 includes pipe 22, and this pipe can be flexible and have rigidity or semirigid portion.Pipe 22 can be feed pipe Combine with the rotor being configured and positioned to the pump (such as peristaltic pump) in pump installation 30.

Pump installation 30 can be enteral feed pump.Being included in the pump in pump installation 30 can be peristaltic pump.Pump installation non- Restrictive example, in United States Patent (USP) US6, is described in 659,976, and this patent is incorporated herein by reference.Such as Fig. 7 institute Showing, pump installation 30 can include watch-dog/information screen 36 and for operating the panel 38 of pump installation 30.Watch-dog/information screen 36 With panel 38 also can with air borne sensor system in the pipeline in the embodiment of the present invention with the use of.Pump installation 30 also includes electricity Source button 32 and for relieving mechanism 34 that box 20 is discharged from pump installation 30.

Pump installation 30 may also include one or more infrared ray sensor 40 and 50.In one embodiment, pump installation 30 Including an infrared ray sensor 40 of the entrance side being positioned at pump installation 30, box 20 is connected to solution bag at described entrance side, as Shown in Fig. 6.Infrared ray sensor 40,50 each includes infrared reflection optical transmitting set 42 and 52.Infrared ray sensor 40,50 is also Each including infrared detector 44 and 54, described infrared detector is as a part for air borne sensor system 10 in pipeline It is arranged in the inner segments of pump installation 30.Infra-red light emitter 42,52 can be light emitting diode.Infrared light detector 44,54 can be photodiode or phototransistor.It is internal that infrared ray sensor 40 and 50 is arranged on pump installation 30, to avoid Due to the operation of user, infrared ray sensor 40 and 50 is caused abrasion or destroys.This is important, because system of the present invention The most expensive element of system is infrared ray sensor 40 and 50.

Infrared ray sensor 40,50 can be to have infrared transmitting device 42 and detect any the reddest of device 44 Outer line sensor, as shown in Figure 8.The non-limitative example of infrared ray sensor 40,50 includes by Fairchild The infrared ray sensor that Semiconductor researches and develops under QRD series.Infra-red light emitter 42,52 and infrared detector 44,54 can support or be arranged on any suitable supporting member (such as in pump installation 30).

Box 20 also includes as the pipe 22 of a part for air borne sensor system in pipeline and at least one adapter 60, as Shown in Fig. 6.When box 20 is inserted in pump installation 30, infrared reflection optical transmitting set 42,52 and infrared detector 44,54 can Arrange, as shown in Figure 8 abreast and near adapter 60 ground.In this way, although infrared ray sensor 40,50 is as at Fig. 6 Shown in be positioned at the inside top part of pump installation 30 thus be positioned at the top of box 20, but infrared ray sensor 40,50 is also The interior bottom portion part of pump installation 30 can be arranged on, to be positioned at the bottom of box 20 when box 20 is loaded in pump installation 30, as Shown in Fig. 7.In one embodiment, infrared ray sensor 40,50 is positioned at the interior bottom portion part of pump installation 30 so that infrared ray Reflection optical transmitting set 42,52 launches infrared ray in the upward direction in order to contact a part for adapter 60, this adapter ( Described part) reflection in a downward direction (and/or refraction) will be by the infrared ray of infrared detector 44,54 reception.

As Fig. 9 is the most best shown, adapter 60 has the Part I 62 separated by middle Part III 66 With Part II 64.Part I 62 includes two the wedge-shaped projection portions 68 extended out from the natural-surface of Part I 62.Change Sentence is talked about, as it is shown in figure 9, adapter 60 is substantially cylindrical (having natural cylindrical surface), and wedge-shaped projection portion 68 If being not included in adapter 60 from wedge-shaped projection portion 68, the cylindrical surface under wedge-shaped projection portion 68 can be in and prolong Stretch.Although shown in Fig. 9 is substantially cylindrical, but it will be understood to those of skill in the art that adapter 60 can have Permission adapter 60 known in the art is used as any shape of pipe adapter.

Wedge-shaped projection portion 68 is the most triangular shaped, limits substantially triangle between described wedge-shaped projection portion The recess 70 of shape.The par relative with recess 70 in wedge-shaped projection portion 68 can be used as transmission incident infrared light and reflection is red The surface of outside line light, as shown in Figure 10.So, in one embodiment, infrared reflection optical transmitting set 42,52 can be launched infrared Linear light, this infrared ray can be by lens (such as rib before arrive the inwall 72 of adapter 60 transmitted through the material of adapter 60 Mirror) 78 focusing, described inwall is used as adapter 60 and the content flowed by the pipe 22 of adapter 60 and enteral feed system Dielectric separates face between (such as nutritional labeling/alimentation composition, water, air etc.).When infrared ray runs into dielectric separates face When 72, incident infrared ray line reflection and/or refraction.Any reflected light back passes through adapter 60, and by infrared ray Detector 44,54 can be focused on by lens (such as prism) 80 before receiving.In order to easily and securely measure reflection and/or refraction Infrared ray, the inwall 72 of adapter 60 should substantially with along recess 70 in the middle of extend and adapter 60 is divided equally into The line of two identical halfbodies is vertical.The remainder of the inwall of adapter 60 can be substantially cylindrical, so that fluid It is prone to pass through from this adapter.

About prism 78,80, it will be understood to those of skill in the art that the alternate embodiment provided in the present invention can not be wrapped Include prism 78,80.Such as, in one embodiment, the prism 78,80 in Figure 10 is not comprised.As an alternative, infrared ray can be increased Reflection optical transmitting set 42,52 and the relative angle of infrared detector 44,54.By removing prism 78,80 from and increasing infrared ray Reflection optical transmitting set 42,52 and the relative angle of infrared detector 44,54, it is possible to produce relatively inexpensive infrared ray sensor 40,50, and avoid any possible problem because using prism 78,80 to produce (such as to cause lacking of reflection or refraction problems Point).

In another embodiment, the inner surface of adapter can be that energy transmission is ultrared at least partially.Such as, institute Stating inner surface can be especially that energy transmission is ultrared in the range of incident angle of light so that in described inner surface and adapter Interface between fluid or air bolus changes the scope of these angles.Scope according to desired incident angle of light and/or flow through The fluid type of adapter 60 or air bolus, any part of wedge-shaped projection portion 68 or adapter 60 can be can transmission infrared ray 's.The infrared ray launched by any one in optical transmitting set described herein can pass through described inner surface, by fluid or Air bolus reflects, and is sensed by any one in infrared detector as described herein.

In one embodiment, wedge-shaped projection portion 68 can have the sloping portion 68a towards adapter 60 front end, such as Fig. 9 institute Show.The sloping portion 68a in wedge-shaped projection portion 68 can help user to be fitted in around adapter 68 by pipe 22, for pump flow Body passes through adapter 60.Sloping portion 68a also is used as the backstop preventing pipe 22 from extending in the whole length of Part I 62 Device.In other words, the advantage using the adapter 60 of the present invention is that infrared ray is without pass through pipe 22 and adapter 60 to arrive dielectric separates face 72.But, infrared ray only needs through adapter 60 to arrive dielectric separates face 72.

The Part II 64 of adapter 60 is configured and positioned to be attached to be connected to alimentation composition/nutritional labeling supply bag Tube portion 74 and/or be connected to patient for tube portion 76 that fluid carries.Part II 64 can be any by this area The means known are attached to tube portion 74,76, these means include but not limited to press-in coordinate/press-fit, bonding, welding/welding and Adhesive etc..In one embodiment, Part II 64 is bonded to tube portion 74,76.The diameter of Part II 64 is smaller than, is equal to Or the diameter more than Part I 62.In one embodiment, the diameter of Part II 64 is more than the diameter of Part I 62.

Part III 66 is positioned in the middle of Part I 62 and Part II 64, and the diameter of this Part III is more than first The diameter of part 62 and the diameter of Part II 64.Part III 66 is for adapter 60 being correctly aligned and putting in box 20 Put.As shown in Figure 6, adapter 60 is positioned on the outward flange of box 20, it is possible to by being inserted by the Part I 62 of adapter 60 It is placed in described box in being press fit into pipe 22 in the hole that size in box 20 is similar and by the Part I 62 of adapter 60. In this way, Part III 66 prevents adapter 60 be inserted too far in the interior section of box 20 and contribute at fluid defeated Pipe 22,74,76 is made to be held in place during delivering to patient.

As it is shown in figure 9, and as upper part is discussed, adapter 60 has and includes at least wedge-shaped projection portion 68 and inwall The particular geometry of 72, have employed described special geometry to utilize the physics of the air for detecting Guan Zuzhong Principle also solves forming ability (mold-ability) problem.But, not only the geometry of adapter 60 is favourable, and The material being used for manufacturing adapter 60 is also helpful.In one embodiment, adapter 60 can be manufactured by food grade polymer, Described food grade polymer such as, but not limited to polypropylene,Methyl methacrylate-acrylonitrile-butadiene-benzene Ethylene copolymer (" MABS ") etc..In one embodiment, adapter 60 is made up of polypropylene, and it is especially suitable for together with food making With and there is relatively low sticking coefficient.By preventing food to be adhered to the inwall of adapter 60, it is allowed to larger amount of infrared ray By adapter, and also the material of the viscosity with increase can be used.

With reference now to Figure 10, infrared reflection optical transmitting set 42,52 sends a light beam section to adapter 60, this section It is attached to box 20 and receives from the nutritional labeling of the bag being positioned at side and engage with the patient at opposite side.By adapter 60 And therefore different amounts of light will be caused to be delivered to the detector 44,54 placed with reflection angle by the food of pipe 22 or air. LED(light emitting diode) output signal is sent to analog-digital converter by drive circuit and photosensitive amplifier and filter circuit, and this will Allow pump microcontroller supply optimised quantity infrared ray and determine air replace nutritional fluid be present in adapter 60 and because of This is present in pipe 22.

As being briefly noted above, fluid can flow by pipe 22 along the direction from bag to patient as shown in Figure 6.Pipe 22 exists Extend in the border of box 20.Adapter 60 is used for coupling together pipe 22 and the pipe 74 being attached to accommodate the bag in nutritional labeling source. Similarly, adapter 60 is used for coupling together pipe 22 and the pipe 76 being attached to receive the personnel of nutritional labeling.In this way, Pipe 22 can be fitted on the Part I 62 of adapter 60, until pipe 22 is attached sealingly to adapter 60.Fit having two In the embodiment of orchestration 60, pipe 22 is connected to adapter 60 in two ends of box 20.

The either side of the pump (not shown) that infrared ray sensor 40 and 50 is arranged in pump installation 30.Such as, pump Can be located at the center of pump installation 30 and by with the cut out portion 28 at the center being positioned at box 20 at pipe 22 cooperate.Cause This, infrared ray sensor 40 can be placed in pump upstream, is in and is positioned at this pump upstream (such as from described container or bag reception nutrition Compositions) adapter 60 interact position.Similarly, infrared ray sensor 50 can be placed in the downstream of pump, be in The position that adapter 60 in this pump downstream (such as nutritional labeling being delivered to patient) interacts.Similarly, a reality Execute and example can comprise two infrared ray sensors 40,50, an infrared ray sensor 40 can be comprised in another embodiment, or Person can comprise an infrared ray sensor 50 In yet another embodiment.

In operation, in pump installation 30, it is positioned at the pump (not shown) near part 28 nutritional labeling to be passed through from bag Box 20 is pumped to patient via pipe the 74, first adapter 60, pipe the 22, second adapter 60 and pipe 76.Without at bag and pump Or air detected in the pipeline between pump and patient, then continuation is carried feed product to patient by pump installation 30.But, if Air detected by sensing system 10 at the first or second adapter 60, then this is believed by infrared ray sensor 40,50 Breath is sent to the CPU of pump installation 30, and this CPU can use the information of storage and parameter to determine How many air are sensed in the pipeline between bag and patient.If be detected that the air capacity in pipe reaches predetermined threshold, then In pipeline, air borne sensor system 10 can enter the alarm safe mode with prompting patient of sounding, or pump installation 30 is automatically switched off To stop conveyance fluid, etc..

In another embodiment, pump installation 30 can have the transparency window (not shown) being positioned on inner surface.This window such as may be used It is made up of molded plastics and can be used as the barrier between infrared ray sensor 40,50 and any outer liquid body source.Described window is permissible Carry out chemical doping and can be can be through/ultrared the surface of transmission so that infrared ray can pass through described window.Described window Effect be the interior section preventing liquid from entering the pump installation 30 containing electronics and mechanical component.Such as, at wash pump device During 30, it is desirable to prevent water, soap and/or Clean-chemical leakage to pump installation 30 damaging or destroying any electricity Son or mechanical component.

In another embodiment, the infrared ray sent from infra-red light emitter can be pulse or continuous print.Carry The advantage of the infrared ray for launching continuously includes that persistently monitoring (such as detection) is pumped by box and be supplied to any of patient Fluid.So, continuous detecting reduces any probability failing problematic pumping situation (such as bubble) to be detected.So And, it is provided that wherein infrared ray is that such embodiment of pulse also possesses multiple advantage.Such as, the infrared ray detection of pulse Provide the stability (such as emitter is the most overheated) of the amount of ambient light rejection ability, infrared emitting light, emitter longer Life-span, this will not reduce the optical characteristics of emitter and the power attenuation of reduction because of aging.Therefore, originally Skilled person is it will be appreciated that pump disclosed herein and pumping system/pump installation can include that pulsed or continuous way infrared ray are sent out Penetrate.

In another alternate embodiment, the invention provides a kind of box comprising infrared reflection sensor, this infrared ray Reflective sensor includes infra-red light emitter and infrared detector.On this point, pump installation does not accommodate described infrared Line reflection sensor.But, the infrared reflection sensor on box can be constructed and arranged to cooperate with pump installation, so that red The sensed/detected result of outside line reflective sensor may be displayed on the watch-dog of pump installation.

In another embodiment, the method that the invention provides detection air in the pipe of enteral feed system.Should Method includes providing air sensing/sensing system in the pipeline with feed pipe and infrared reflection sensor, described infrared Line reflection sensor includes infra-red light emitter and infrared light detector.Feed pipe can be combined as a part for box, Described box can be attached to the pump installation of enteral feed system.

Described method also include by towards with the adapter transmission infrared ray of feed fluid communication use infrared The infrared ray of thread detector such as based on reflection and/or the light of refraction amount detection reflection detects the air in feed pipe. If air being detected in feed pipe, then pump installation can such as stop in the enteral feed cycle.

Unique adapter is combined, in order to can determine intestinal by applicant with air borne sensor system in pipeline The adapter of interior feed system and/or pipe are containing fluid or air.It is intended, however, that use above-mentioned physical principle this to implement In pipeline, air borne sensor is not easily accomplished for enteral feed pump.Consequently, it is possible to applicants have recognized that following potential Complexity: the (i) actual/physical size of pump does not allow bigger reflecting surface；(ii) the cost of sensor should not limit its commercialization Change；(iii) light source can not be collimating X-ray, therefore considers secondary optics phenomenon；It not the most that all of light is all reflected in pump Or refraction, it is also contemplated that absorption and the scattering of light；(v) ambient light can affect optical sensor reading；(vi) some foods show High viscosity and be not homogenizing, this may produce cleaning problems of pipe；(vii) there are most of food materials of high cleanliness all There is low-down refractive index, causing combination/bonding and slippage with pipe interface；(viii) optics and lens Forming ability is unanimously difficult；(ix) irregular (spread) of the optical electrical parameter of optical component is the biggest；And (x) The aging sensitivity that can affect sensor of optical component.

By overcoming the difficulty of air borne sensor in the pipeline realizing the present invention, applicant is capable of in the pipeline improved Air borne sensor, it provides lot of advantages for air borne sensor of the prior art.Such as, in the pipeline of the present invention Air borne sensor is the reliable scheme of the low cost worked in multiple operating environments.No matter manage and whether block, the pipe of the present invention In line, air borne sensor all works on, and need not any reflection or light absorbing plate.In the pipeline of the present invention, air passes Sensor is also used together with number of types of food, and not aging and relevant by be usually present in similar optical system The impact of problem.

The multiple change and the modification that should be appreciated that preferred embodiment described herein will be for a person skilled in the art Obviously.Without departing substantially from the spirit and scope of present subject matter and in the case of not reducing its expection advantage, can make Described change and modification.The most described change and modification are intended to be covered by appended claims.

Claims

1. an adapter apparatus (60), its be constructed to be permeable to by one pipe (28) with another manage (76) be connected, including:

Limit the first cylindrical part (62) and second cylindrical part (64) of fluid flowing passage, this first cylindrical portion Dividing (62) to include two neighbouring wedge-shaped projection portions (68), each wedge-shaped projection portion (68) is that energy transmission is infrared at least partially Line, each jut (68) limits outer surface and inner surface, and wherein said two neighbouring wedge-shaped projection portions (68) are bases In basis triangular shaped, between the wedge-shaped projection portion that said two is neighbouring, limit substantially triangular recess (70), The inwall (72) of described first cylindrical part (62) is used as this adapter apparatus (60) and flowing by this adapter apparatus (60) the dielectric separates face between content, wherein the inwall (72) of this first cylindrical part (62) be basically perpendicular to through Extend and be divided equally into by this adapter apparatus (60) line of two identical halfbodies in the middle of described recess (70).

Adapter apparatus the most according to claim 1 (60), it is characterised in that described fluid flowing passage extends through institute State the first cylindrical part (62) and the second cylindrical part (64).

Adapter apparatus the most according to claim 2 (60), it is characterised in that the inwall of described adapter apparatus (60) (72) be can reflect ultrared.

Adapter apparatus the most according to claim 2 (60), it is characterised in that the inwall of described adapter apparatus (60) (72) it is that energy transmission is ultrared.

Adapter apparatus the most according to claim 1 (60), it is characterised in that described adapter apparatus (60) is by polypropylene Make.

6. a box (20), including:

Rigid frame；

Pipe；With

It is suitable at least one adapter being connected by a pipe (28) with another pipe (76) of the part not being described box (20) Device (60), this adapter apparatus includes the first cylindrical part (62) and the second cylindrical portion limiting fluid flowing passage Dividing (64), this first cylindrical part (62) includes two neighbouring wedge-shaped projection portions, at least of each wedge-shaped projection portion Dividing is that energy transmission is ultrared, and each jut limits outer surface and inner surface, wherein said two neighbouring wedge-shaped projection Portion (68) is the most triangular shaped, limits substantially triangular between the wedge-shaped projection portion that said two is neighbouring Recess (70), the inwall (72) of described first cylindrical part (62) is used as this adapter apparatus (60) and flowing by this adaptation Dielectric separates face between the content of device device (60), wherein the inwall (72) of this first cylindrical part (62) is substantially vertical In the line extending and being divided equally into by this adapter apparatus (60) two identical halfbodies in the middle of described recess (70).

Box the most according to claim 6 (20), it is characterised in that described at least one adapter apparatus (60) is positioned at described On the end of box (20), wherein said end is by the rigid frame of the pipe (22) of the part for described box (20) Yu described box (20) The intersection of frame limits.

Box the most according to claim 6 (20), it is characterised in that the first cylindrical part of described adapter apparatus (60) (62) it is constructed and arranged to the described pipe (22) with the part as described box (20) coordinate.

Box the most according to claim 6 (20), it is characterised in that the second cylindrical part of described adapter apparatus (60) (64) it is constructed and arranged to another pipe (76) described with the part not being box (20) coordinate.

Box the most according to claim 6 (20), it is characterised in that described box (20) includes the first adapter apparatus and Two adapter apparatus (60), described first adapter apparatus (60) is positioned on the first end of described box (20), and described second fits Orchestration device (60) is positioned on the second end of described box (20), and wherein said first end and the second end are respectively by for described The pipe of a part for box (20) limits with the intersection of the rigid frame of described box (20).

11. 1 kinds of sensing systems, including:

Pump installation (30), this pump installation includes having infra-red light emitter (42,52) and infrared detector (44,54) extremely A few infrared reflection sensor (40,50)；With

Being detachably attached to the box (20) of described pump installation (30), this box includes rigid frame, pipe (22) and at least one is suitable Orchestration device (60), this adapter apparatus is configured to described pipe (22) and another pipe of a part not being described box (20) (76) it is connected and includes limiting the first cylindrical part (62) and the second cylindrical part (64), the institute of fluid flowing passage State the first cylindrical part (62) and include the first neighbouring wedge-shaped projection portion and the second wedge-shaped projection portion (68), each wedge-shaped projection Portion (68) is that energy transmission is ultrared at least partially, and each jut (68) limits outer surface and inner surface, Qi Zhongsuo It is the most triangular shaped for stating the first wedge-shaped projection portion and the second wedge-shaped projection portion (68), in described first wedge-shaped projection portion With second limit substantially triangular recess (70), the inwall of described first cylindrical part (62) between wedge-shaped projection portion (72) it is used as this adapter apparatus (60) and flows by the dielectric separates face between the content of this adapter apparatus (60), its In the inwall (72) of this first cylindrical part (62) be basically perpendicular in the middle of described recess (70) extend and this fitted Orchestration device (60) is divided equally into the line of two identical halfbodies,

Wherein, described infrared reflection sensor (40,50) is arranged so that infrared ray was transmissive to described first wedge shape The outer surface of jut (68), and the inwall (72) by described first cylindrical part (62) of the most described infrared ray is anti- The part penetrated can be detected by described infrared detector (44,54).

12. sensing systems according to claim 11, it is characterised in that described pump installation (30) is enteral feed pump.

13. sensing systems according to claim 11, it is characterised in that described infra-red light emitter (42,52) and Described infrared detector (44,54) is arranged on the same side in described pump installation (30).

14. sensing systems according to claim 11, it is characterised in that described infra-red light emitter (42,52) and Described infrared detector (44,54) is positioned in the interior bottom portion part of described pump installation (30) so that described infrared ray is sent out Emitter (42,52) launches infrared ray in the upward direction.

15. sensing systems according to claim 14, it is characterised in that described at least one adapter apparatus (60) position On the end of described box, wherein said end is by the rigidity of the pipe (22) of the part for described box (20) Yu described box (20) The intersection of framework limits, and at least one adapter apparatus described (60) is configured so that described neighbouring first and the Two wedge-shaped projection portions (68) orientations downwards with described infra-red light emitter (42,52) and described infrared detector (44, 54) connection.