US3596515A - Drop flow sensor and resilient clamp therefor - Google Patents
Drop flow sensor and resilient clamp therefor Download PDFInfo
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- US3596515A US3596515A US685928A US3596515DA US3596515A US 3596515 A US3596515 A US 3596515A US 685928 A US685928 A US 685928A US 3596515D A US3596515D A US 3596515DA US 3596515 A US3596515 A US 3596515A
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- housing
- light source
- sensing
- sleeve
- drip chamber
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- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 17
- 238000001990 intravenous administration Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 abstract description 6
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 abstract description 6
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 abstract description 3
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 8
- 241000220317 Rosa Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000008280 blood Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000004369 blood Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012937 correction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052732 germanium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000015250 liver sausages Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002991 molded plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000015097 nutrients Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06M—COUNTING MECHANISMS; COUNTING OF OBJECTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06M1/00—Design features of general application
- G06M1/08—Design features of general application for actuating the drive
- G06M1/10—Design features of general application for actuating the drive by electric or magnetic means
- G06M1/101—Design features of general application for actuating the drive by electric or magnetic means by electro-optical means
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
- A61M5/14—Infusion devices, e.g. infusing by gravity; Blood infusion; Accessories therefor
- A61M5/168—Means for controlling media flow to the body or for metering media to the body, e.g. drip meters, counters ; Monitoring media flow to the body
- A61M5/16886—Means for controlling media flow to the body or for metering media to the body, e.g. drip meters, counters ; Monitoring media flow to the body for measuring fluid flow rate, i.e. flowmeters
- A61M5/1689—Drip counters
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01P—MEASURING LINEAR OR ANGULAR SPEED, ACCELERATION, DECELERATION, OR SHOCK; INDICATING PRESENCE, ABSENCE, OR DIRECTION, OF MOVEMENT
- G01P13/00—Indicating or recording presence, absence, or direction, of movement
- G01P13/008—Indicating or recording presence, absence, or direction, of movement by using a window mounted in the fluid carrying tube
- G01P13/0086—Indicating or recording presence, absence, or direction, of movement by using a window mounted in the fluid carrying tube with photo-electric detection
Definitions
- the housing can be selectively clamped upon the drip chamber with the drip chamber positioned within the sensing gap to intercept the reference beam.
- a falling drop of fluid within the drip chamber interrupts the reference beam, and the variation in the electrical response of the photocell is communicated to an indicator to indicate the presence of a drop.
- a spring-biased sleeve clamps the housing onto any size drip chamber without altering the size of the sensing gap.
- the clamping sleeve is provided with rods which extend radially outward from opposite sides of the sleeve and, in conjunction with one end of the housing, define a syringetype grip for positioning the sleeve.
- the present invention relates generally to drop flow sensing devices and, more particularly, to a new and improved device for sensing the presence of a drop of fluid in the drip chamber of an intravenous set or the like used in medical applications.
- the intravenous set comprises a bottle of fluid, normally supported in an inverted position, and a valve mechanism which allows the fluid to drip out of the bottle at a controlled rate into a drip chamber below the bottle.
- the drip chamber serves the dual function of allowing a nurse or other attendant to observe the rate at which the fluid drips out of the bottle and also creates a reservoir for the fluid at the lower end of the chamber to insure that no air enters the main feeding tube leading to the patient.
- the present invention is directed to improvements in sensing devices for detecting the presence of a falling drop at a specified location in a drop flow system, such as an intravenous set or the like.
- a relatively narrow reference beam of light enters one side of a drip chamber or the like and strikes a photocell located on the opposite side of the chamber A drop of fluid falling through the drip chamber interrupts the reference beam, and the resultant change in the electrical response of the photocell indicates the presence of the drop.
- the light source and photocell may be mounted in two respective, axially aligned sections of a substantially tubular housing. A sensing gap between the two sections is externally bridges by a fixed member. The light source and photocell are thus maintained at a constant distance from each other. Clamping means are provided for mounting the sensing device without altering the distance between the light source and photocell, thus resulting in a uniform response characteristic for different sizes of the drip chamber.
- the clamping means may comprise a concentric sleeve surrounding one of the housing sections and spring-biased to move across the sensing gap so that the sensing device can be mounted on a drip chamber with the chamber clamped between one of the housing sections and the sleeve.
- the spatial relationship between the light source, drip chamber and photocell is such that the light source is closest to the drip chamber, so that a falling drop interrupts a relatively large part ofthe reference light beam.
- the clamping sleeve may be provided with rodlike extensions on opposite sides of the sleeve so that the overall structure resembles the conventional syringe familiar to most hospital personnel. Such personnel can thus grip the sensing device naturally for attachment to or detachment from a drip chamber.
- the present invention therefore provides a sensing device which is structurally compact, provides uniform response for any size drip chamber, can be quickly and easily installed or removed, and is naturally handled with confidence and ease by hospital personnel.
- FIG. I is a perspective view of a presently preferred embodiment of a sensing device, in accordance with the present invention, the sensing device being shown installed on a conventional intravenous set and electrically connected to an appropriate electronic indicator;
- FIG. 2 is an enlarged, end elevational view taken in the direction of the arrow 2 in FIG. I;
- FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view, taken along the line 3-3 in FIG. ll;
- FIG. 4i is a sectional view, taken along the line l-4 in FIG. 3;
- FIG. 5 is a combined block diagram and electrical schematic of a complete drop flow monitoring system utilizing the sensing device of the present invention.
- FIG. 1 a presently preferred embodiment of a sensor 10, constructed according to the present invention, is shown clamped onto a drip chamber 12 of an intravenous set M.
- a bottle l5 of the intravenous set M is suspended from a hook 16 extended from a vertical pole 18.
- An electronic indicator 20 is shown in FIG. I mounted upon the pole Ill, and an electric cable 22 connects the indicator to the sensor 10.
- the senor 110 generally comprises a tubular housing 24 constructed with a centrally located sensing gap 26 between a combined lamphouse and clamping section 23 and a coaxial transducer section 30.
- the two sections 28, 30 are supported in fixed spatial relationship by an external bridge member 32.
- the sensor 10 is adapted to be detachably secured to the drip chamber 12 by frictional engagement between the clamping section 2% and a springbiased concentric sleeve 34 slidably mounted on the transducer section 30.
- the internal end of the clamping section 28 is provided with a substantially V-shaped notch 31 defining a clamping jaw for firmly engaging the chamber 12.
- a reference beam of light from a light source 36 in the section 28 projects through the drip chamber 112 onto a photocell 38 in the transducer section 30 of the housing 24.
- the reference light beam is interrupted whenever a fluid drop 40 falls through the drip chamber 112, and this interruption is electrically communicated to the indicator 20) via the cable 22.
- a pair of finger grip rods 42 extend radially outward from opposite sides of the sleeve 34 and, in conjunction with the outer sealed end Ml of the transducer section 30 of the housing 2%, forms a syringe-type grip for selectively retracting the sleeve to enable mounting or removal of the sensor 110 with respect to the drip chamber 12.
- the housing 24 of the sensor I0 is preferably formed of molded plastic or the like An integrally formed end wall as seals the external end of the clamping. section 28.
- the bridge member 32 of the housing 2% is hollow to accommodate a pair of electrical conductors 50 for connection to the photocell 38.
- the the cavity source 36 is in a central cavity 56 provided in a mounting block 58 positioned just behind the notch 31 in the clamping section 28.
- a relatively small columnating aperture 60 extends from the cavity 56 through the block 58 and defines a relatively narrow reference light beam.
- the spatial relationship between the aperture 60, the mounting block 58 and the notch 31 is such that the reference light beam passes approximately through the center of the drip chamber 12 when it is positioned in the notch.
- the photocell 38 preferably of the germanium-type, is mounted in a close-fitting cavity 62 provided in a mounting block 64 which is positioned at the internal end of the transducer section 30 of the housing 24.
- a columnating aperture 66 extends from the cavity 62 to the outermost face of the mounting block 64.
- the light sourcev 36, columnating apertures 60, 66, and the photocell 38 are coaxially aligned to define an optical axis for the sensing system, and to minimize off axis photocell response to stray light.
- the sleeve 34 When the sensor is mounted on the drip chamber 12, the sleeve 34 is urged toward the drip chamber 12 by means of a compressed coil spring 68 in the transducer section 30 of the housing 24.
- the sleeve 34 is concentric with and slidable along the transducer section 30 of the housing 24, with clearance for the bridge member 32 being provided by means of a slot 67 in the sleeve.
- One end of the spring 68 abuts a pin 70 which passes through the section 30 and sleeve 34 and is affixed to the sleeve.
- the pin 70 travels in a pair of aligned slots 72 in opposite sides of the transducer section 30 (see FIGS. 3 and 4).
- the finger grip rods 42 are mounted on the outer ends of the pin 70 projecting beyond the external surface of the sleeve 34.
- the end of the spring 68 opposite that in abutment with the pin 70 abuts an end cap 74 which snaps over the open end 48 of the transducer section 30.
- the capped end 44 of the transducer section 30 of housing 24 and the finger grip rods 42 form a syringe-type grip familiar to most hospital personn l.
- the sensor 10 is mounted upon the drip chamber 12 by retracting the spring-biased sleeve 34, positioning the drip chamber in the sensing gap 26, and then releasing the sleeve 34 to engage the chamber.
- the light source 36 and photocell 38 are electrically connected to the indicator by means of cable 22 which enters the clamping section 28 of the housing 24.
- One conductor 76 is connected to one terminal of the light source 36 and a second conductor 78 is connected to the other terminal of the light source.
- the second conductor 78 is common to both the light source circuit and the photocell circuit and is also connected by means of one of the conductors 50 to one terminal of the photocell 38.
- the third conductor 80 in the cable is connected to the other conductor of the conductor pair 50 and is thereby electrically connected to the second terminal of the photocell 38.
- the sensing device of the present invention satisfies a longexisting need in the art for a compact, reliable, versatile, and easily utilized drop flow sensor.
- a generally oblong housing having a sensing gap therein
- said gap being adapted to receive said drip chamber
- a light source positioned in a first end of said housing
- photosensitive means positioned in a second end of said housing said photosensitive means being in the path of said reference beam;
- clamping means for detachably clamping said device to said drip chamber, said clamping means comprising a sleeve disposed around one of said first and second ends of said housing in sliding relationship therewith, said sleeve being resiliently urged across said gap, and at least one grip rod extending from said sleeve, said grip rod forming a syringe-type grip in conjunction with an external face of said one of said first and second ends of said housing;
- sensing apparatus for sensing drop flow in a fluid conduit, comprising:
- housing means for supporting said light source and said photosensitive means in fixed spatial relationship relative to each other, whereby said light source and said photosensitive means are spaced apart by a predetermined distance defining a sensing gap;
- clamping means resiliently urges clamping means adjacent said sensing gap for retaining a fluid conduit within said gap in the path of said reference beam, said clamping means including a spring biased sleeve surrounding at least a part of said housing means, and at least one grip rod extending from said sleeve to define a syringe like grip with one end of said housing means, said clamping means enabling retention of different size conduits within said sensing gap without altering the size of said gap.
- Sensing apparatus as set forth in claim 3, and further including means cooperatively associated with said light source and said clamping means for positioning a conduit closer to said light source than to said photosensitive means.
- said housing means including:
- Sensing apparatus as set forth in claim 5, wherein said spring biased sleeve surrounds and is concentric with at least one of said substantially tubular housings.
- said means for defining said reference beam includes means for defining at least one columnating aperture within at least one of said housings.
- Sensing apparatus as set forth in claim 6, including a pair of grip rods extending outwardly from said sleeve on opposite sides thereof to define a syringe-type grip with one end of said housings.
- said clamping means includes coil spring means within said housing for urging said sleeve across said sensing gap.
Abstract
Apparatus for monitoring drop flow in the drip chamber of an intravenous set and including a sensor housing containing a reference light source located a fixed distance from a photocell to define a fixed optical sensing gap therebetween, with a reference light beam normally impinging upon the photocell. The housing can be selectively clamped upon the drip chamber with the drip chamber positioned within the sensing gap to intercept the reference beam. A falling drop of fluid within the drip chamber interrupts the reference beam, and the variation in the electrical response of the photocell is communicated to an indicator to indicate the presence of a drop. A spring-biased sleeve clamps the housing onto any size drip chamber without altering the size of the sensing gap. The clamping sleeve is provided with rods which extend radially outward from opposite sides of the sleeve and, in conjunction with one end of the housing, define a syringe-type grip for positioning the sleeve.
Description
United States Patent [72] lnventor Richard A. Cramer La Jolla, Calif. [21] Appl. No. 685,928 [22] Filed Nov. 27, 1967 [4S] Patented Aug. 3, 11971 [73] Assignee lvac Corporation La Jolla, Calif.
[54] DROP FLOW SENSOR AND RESllLlll-INT C1..-illlll THEREFOR 10 Claims, 5 Drawing Figs.
[52] IU.S.1 73/1941R [51 cor 5/00 [50] 73/194; 250/435, 218, 222; 340/239; 356/39, 41
[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,150,360 9/1964 Stenzel 250/218 X 2,640,389 6/1953 Liston 356/41 3,163,176 12/1964 Darling 250/218 X 3,390.577 7/1968 Phelpsetal Primary Examiner-James J. Gill Attorney-Fulwider. Patton, Rieber, Lee and Utecht ABSTRACT: Apparatus for monitoring drop flow in the drip chamber of an intravenous set and including a sensor housing containing a reference light source located a fixed distance from a photocell to define a fixed optical sensing gap therebetween, with a reference light beam normally impinging upon the photocell. The housing can be selectively clamped upon the drip chamber with the drip chamber positioned within the sensing gap to intercept the reference beam. A falling drop of fluid within the drip chamber interrupts the reference beam, and the variation in the electrical response of the photocell is communicated to an indicator to indicate the presence of a drop. A spring-biased sleeve clamps the housing onto any size drip chamber without altering the size of the sensing gap. The clamping sleeve is provided with rods which extend radially outward from opposite sides of the sleeve and, in conjunction with one end of the housing, define a syringetype grip for positioning the sleeve.
DIRGIP FLOW SIENSOII AND IilESILIlEN'iI CLAMP TI'IIIEIREFOIIT BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to drop flow sensing devices and, more particularly, to a new and improved device for sensing the presence of a drop of fluid in the drip chamber of an intravenous set or the like used in medical applications.
The usual medical procedure for the gradual intravenous introduction of fluids into the human body, such as liquid nutrients, blood or plasma makes use of apparatus which is commonly referred to in the medical arts as an intravenous set. The intravenous set comprises a bottle of fluid, normally supported in an inverted position, and a valve mechanism which allows the fluid to drip out of the bottle at a controlled rate into a drip chamber below the bottle. The drip chamber serves the dual function of allowing a nurse or other attendant to observe the rate at which the fluid drips out of the bottle and also creates a reservoir for the fluid at the lower end of the chamber to insure that no air enters the main feeding tube leading to the patient.
While observation of the rate of drop flow via the drip chamber is a simple and effective way of controlling the amount of fluid fed to a patient over a period of time, its ultimate effectiveness requires that a relatively constant vigil be maintained on the drop flow, lest it cease due to exhaustion of the fluid supply or become a continuous stream and perhaps increase the rate of fluid introduction to the patient to a dangerous level.
In recent years, electronic monitoring systems have been developed to automatically sense and indicate drop rate, either at the feeding site or at a remote location. Such electronic devices can also activate an aural or visual alarm when a potentially dangerous condition exists, thus freeing medical personnel for other duties. While such electronic drop rate monitoring systems have generally served their purpose, they have not proven entirely satisfactory from the standpoint of compactness, ease of installation and removal, and consistency of sensing calibration for different sizes of drip chambers. The present invention obviates these difficulties.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Briefly, and in general terms, the present invention is directed to improvements in sensing devices for detecting the presence of a falling drop at a specified location in a drop flow system, such as an intravenous set or the like.
In a presently preferred embodiment of the sensing device of the present invention, a relatively narrow reference beam of light enters one side of a drip chamber or the like and strikes a photocell located on the opposite side of the chamber A drop of fluid falling through the drip chamber interrupts the reference beam, and the resultant change in the electrical response of the photocell indicates the presence of the drop.
The light source and photocell may be mounted in two respective, axially aligned sections of a substantially tubular housing. A sensing gap between the two sections is externally bridges by a fixed member. The light source and photocell are thus maintained at a constant distance from each other. Clamping means are provided for mounting the sensing device without altering the distance between the light source and photocell, thus resulting in a uniform response characteristic for different sizes of the drip chamber.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention the clamping means may comprise a concentric sleeve surrounding one of the housing sections and spring-biased to move across the sensing gap so that the sensing device can be mounted on a drip chamber with the chamber clamped between one of the housing sections and the sleeve.
The spatial relationship between the light source, drip chamber and photocell is such that the light source is closest to the drip chamber, so that a falling drop interrupts a relatively large part ofthe reference light beam.
The clamping sleeve may be provided with rodlike extensions on opposite sides of the sleeve so that the overall structure resembles the conventional syringe familiar to most hospital personnel. Such personnel can thus grip the sensing device naturally for attachment to or detachment from a drip chamber.
The present invention therefore provides a sensing device which is structurally compact, provides uniform response for any size drip chamber, can be quickly and easily installed or removed, and is naturally handled with confidence and ease by hospital personnel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. I is a perspective view of a presently preferred embodiment of a sensing device, in accordance with the present invention, the sensing device being shown installed on a conventional intravenous set and electrically connected to an appropriate electronic indicator;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged, end elevational view taken in the direction of the arrow 2 in FIG. I;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view, taken along the line 3-3 in FIG. ll;
FIG. 4i is a sectional view, taken along the line l-4 in FIG. 3; and
FIG. 5 is a combined block diagram and electrical schematic of a complete drop flow monitoring system utilizing the sensing device of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to the drawing, and particularly to FIG. 1 thereof, a presently preferred embodiment of a sensor 10, constructed according to the present invention, is shown clamped onto a drip chamber 12 of an intravenous set M. In operation, a bottle l5 of the intravenous set M is suspended from a hook 16 extended from a vertical pole 18. An electronic indicator 20 is shown in FIG. I mounted upon the pole Ill, and an electric cable 22 connects the indicator to the sensor 10.
While the sensor is illustrated and described in connection with its application in a monitoring system for intravenous feeding, it is to be understood that this is only by way of example, and the sensor 10 may be utilized :in any drop flow sensing application without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
As best observed in FIGS. 3 and 4, the sensor 110 generally comprises a tubular housing 24 constructed with a centrally located sensing gap 26 between a combined lamphouse and clamping section 23 and a coaxial transducer section 30. The two sections 28, 30 are supported in fixed spatial relationship by an external bridge member 32. The sensor 10 is adapted to be detachably secured to the drip chamber 12 by frictional engagement between the clamping section 2% and a springbiased concentric sleeve 34 slidably mounted on the transducer section 30. The internal end of the clamping section 28 is provided with a substantially V-shaped notch 31 defining a clamping jaw for firmly engaging the chamber 12.
A reference beam of light from a light source 36 in the section 28 projects through the drip chamber 112 onto a photocell 38 in the transducer section 30 of the housing 24. The reference light beam is interrupted whenever a fluid drop 40 falls through the drip chamber 112, and this interruption is electrically communicated to the indicator 20) via the cable 22.
A pair of finger grip rods 42 extend radially outward from opposite sides of the sleeve 34 and, in conjunction with the outer sealed end Ml of the transducer section 30 of the housing 2%, forms a syringe-type grip for selectively retracting the sleeve to enable mounting or removal of the sensor 110 with respect to the drip chamber 12.
The housing 24 of the sensor I0 is preferably formed of molded plastic or the like An integrally formed end wall as seals the external end of the clamping. section 28. As best observed in FIG. 3, the bridge member 32 of the housing 2% is hollow to accommodate a pair of electrical conductors 50 for connection to the photocell 38.
The the cavity source 36 is in a central cavity 56 provided in a mounting block 58 positioned just behind the notch 31 in the clamping section 28. A relatively small columnating aperture 60 extends from the cavity 56 through the block 58 and defines a relatively narrow reference light beam. The spatial relationship between the aperture 60, the mounting block 58 and the notch 31 is such that the reference light beam passes approximately through the center of the drip chamber 12 when it is positioned in the notch.
The photocell 38, preferably of the germanium-type, is mounted in a close-fitting cavity 62 provided in a mounting block 64 which is positioned at the internal end of the transducer section 30 of the housing 24. A columnating aperture 66 extends from the cavity 62 to the outermost face of the mounting block 64. The light sourcev 36, columnating apertures 60, 66, and the photocell 38 are coaxially aligned to define an optical axis for the sensing system, and to minimize off axis photocell response to stray light.
When the sensor is mounted on the drip chamber 12, the sleeve 34 is urged toward the drip chamber 12 by means of a compressed coil spring 68 in the transducer section 30 of the housing 24. The sleeve 34 is concentric with and slidable along the transducer section 30 of the housing 24, with clearance for the bridge member 32 being provided by means of a slot 67 in the sleeve.
One end of the spring 68 abuts a pin 70 which passes through the section 30 and sleeve 34 and is affixed to the sleeve. The pin 70 travels in a pair of aligned slots 72 in opposite sides of the transducer section 30 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The finger grip rods 42 are mounted on the outer ends of the pin 70 projecting beyond the external surface of the sleeve 34. The end of the spring 68 opposite that in abutment with the pin 70 abuts an end cap 74 which snaps over the open end 48 of the transducer section 30.
The capped end 44 of the transducer section 30 of housing 24 and the finger grip rods 42 form a syringe-type grip familiar to most hospital personn l. The sensor 10 is mounted upon the drip chamber 12 by retracting the spring-biased sleeve 34, positioning the drip chamber in the sensing gap 26, and then releasing the sleeve 34 to engage the chamber.
The light source 36 and photocell 38 are electrically connected to the indicator by means of cable 22 which enters the clamping section 28 of the housing 24. One conductor 76 is connected to one terminal of the light source 36 and a second conductor 78 is connected to the other terminal of the light source. The second conductor 78 is common to both the light source circuit and the photocell circuit and is also connected by means of one of the conductors 50 to one terminal of the photocell 38. The third conductor 80 in the cable is connected to the other conductor of the conductor pair 50 and is thereby electrically connected to the second terminal of the photocell 38.
The manner in which the light source 36 and photocell 38 are connected to a power source 82 and monitor 84, respectively, in the indicator 20 is illustrated schematically in H0. 5.
The sensing device of the present invention satisfies a longexisting need in the art for a compact, reliable, versatile, and easily utilized drop flow sensor.
It will be understood that, while a particular form of the invention has been illustrated and described, various modifications of design and construction can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention Hence, the invention is not to be limited except as defined by the appended claims.
lclaim:
l. A sensing device adapted to be mounted on the drip chamber of an intravenous set, said sensing device comprising:
a generally oblong housing having a sensing gap therein,
said gap being adapted to receive said drip chamber;
a light source positioned in a first end of said housing, the
light from said light source being formed into a narrow reference beam directed through said sensing gap and any drip chamber contained therein;
photosensitive means positioned in a second end of said housing said photosensitive means being in the path of said reference beam;
a hollow conduit communicating with said first end and said second end of said housing and establishing the spacing therebetween;
means within said conduit for electrically interconnecting said light source and said photosensitive means;
clamping means for detachably clamping said device to said drip chamber, said clamping means comprising a sleeve disposed around one of said first and second ends of said housing in sliding relationship therewith, said sleeve being resiliently urged across said gap, and at least one grip rod extending from said sleeve, said grip rod forming a syringe-type grip in conjunction with an external face of said one of said first and second ends of said housing; and
means for electrically connecting said photosensitive means to an indicating means.
2. The sensing device of claim 1, wherein said photosensitive means is spaced a fixed distance from said light source, said clamping means serving to detachably clamp said device to said drip chamber without altering the spacing between said light source and said photosensitive means.
3. sensing apparatus for sensing drop flow in a fluid conduit, comprising:
a light source;
photosensitive means;
housing means for supporting said light source and said photosensitive means in fixed spatial relationship relative to each other, whereby said light source and said photosensitive means are spaced apart by a predetermined distance defining a sensing gap;
means for defining a reference light beam from said light source, said reference beam being directed across said sensing gap to impinge upon said photosensitive means; and
resiliently urges clamping means adjacent said sensing gap for retaining a fluid conduit within said gap in the path of said reference beam, said clamping means including a spring biased sleeve surrounding at least a part of said housing means, and at least one grip rod extending from said sleeve to define a syringe like grip with one end of said housing means, said clamping means enabling retention of different size conduits within said sensing gap without altering the size of said gap.
4. Sensing apparatus as set forth in claim 3, and further including means cooperatively associated with said light source and said clamping means for positioning a conduit closer to said light source than to said photosensitive means.
5. Sensing apparatus as set forth in claim 3, said housing means including:
a first substantially tubular housing for said light source; and
a second substantially tubular housing for said photosensitive means.
6. Sensing apparatus as set forth in claim 5, wherein said spring biased sleeve surrounds and is concentric with at least one of said substantially tubular housings.
7. Sensing apparatus as set forth in claim 6, wherein said sleeve surrounds only said second housing.
8. Sensing apparatus as set forth in claim 6, wherein said means for defining said reference beam includes means for defining at least one columnating aperture within at least one of said housings.
9. Sensing apparatus as set forth in claim 6, including a pair of grip rods extending outwardly from said sleeve on opposite sides thereof to define a syringe-type grip with one end of said housings.
10. Sensing apparatus as in claim 3, wherein said clamping means includes coil spring means within said housing for urging said sleeve across said sensing gap.
' Po-ww UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 569 CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Pate 596 Y Dated Auaust 3t 1971- Invenc r( RICHARD A. CRAMER It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:-
Column 1, Line -53, after "chamber" insert a (period Line 60 before "by" delete "bridges" and insert therefor -bridged.
Column '2 Line 73 after "like" insert a (period) Column 3 Line 3 before "in" delete "The the cavity source 36 is" and insert therefor -'I'he light source 36 is; mounted-'--.
Line'l2 after "the" delete "germaniurh-type" and insert ther efor, ,-germanium type-.
Column 4 Line 139, after "resiliently" 'de'l'ete "urges" and insert therefor- --urg ed- Signed and sealed this rzac'hd r March i-j 972 1SEAL) Attest: u I l r I 4 I V EDWARD M.FLETCHER JRf-fl "RosE'RTswTsoHALKf- At'tes'cing Officer Gorrurrissio'r enpf Pabe-nts
Claims (10)
1. A sensing device adapted to be mounted on the drip chamber of an intravenous set, said sensing device comprising: a generally oblong housing having a sensing gap therein, said gap being adapted to receive said drip chamber; a light source positioned in a first end of said housing, the light from said light source being formed into a narrow reference beam directed through said sensing gap and any drip chamber contained therein; photosensitive means positioned in a second end of said housing said photosensitive means being in the path of said reference beam; a hollow conduit communicating with said first end and said second end of said housing and establishing the spacing therebetween; means within said conduit for electrically interconnecting said light source and said photosensitive means; clamping means for detachably clamping said device to said drip chamber, said clamping means comprising a sleeve disposed around one of said first and second ends of said housing in sliding relationship therewith, said sleeve being resiliently urged across said gap, and at least one grip rod extending from said sleeve, said grip rod forming a syringe-type grip in conjunction with an external face of said one of said first and second ends of said housing; and means for electrically connecting said photosensitive means to an indicating means.
2. The sensing device of claim 1, wherein said photosensitive means is spaced a fixed distance from said light source, said clamping means serving to detachably clamp said device to said drip chamber without altering the spacing between said light source and said photosensitive means.
3. sensing apparatus for sensing drop flow in a fluid conduit, comprising: a light source; photosensitive means; housing means for supporting said light source and said photosensitive means in fixed spatial relationship relative to each other, whereby said light source and said photosensitive means are spaced apart by a predetermined distance defining a sensing gap; means for defining a reference light beam from said light source, said reference beam being directed across said sensing gap to impinge upon said photosensitive means; and resiliently urges clamping means adjacent said sensing gap for retaining a fluid conduit within said gap in the path of said reference beam, said clamping means including a spring biased sleeve surrounding at least a part of said housing means, and at least one grip rod extending from said sleeve to define a syringe like grip with one end of said housing means, said clamping means enabling retention of different size conduits within said sensing gap without altering the size of said gap.
4. Sensing apparatus as set forth in claim 3, and further including means cooperatively associated with said light source and said clamping means for positioning a conduit closer to said light source than to said photosensitive means. Pg,16
5. Sensing apparatus as set forth in claim 3, said housing means including: a first substantially tubular housing for said light source; and a second substantially tubular housing for said photosensitive means.
6. Sensing apparatus as set forth in claim 5, wherein said spring biased sleeve surrounds and is concentric with at least one of said substantially tubular housings.
7. Sensing apparatus as set forth in claim 6, wherein said sleeve surrounds only said second housing.
8. Sensing apparatus as set forth in claim 6, wherein said means for defining said reference beam includes means for defining at least one columnating aperture within at least one of said housings.
9. Sensing apparatus as set forth in claim 6, including a pair of grip rods extending outwardly from said sleeve on opposite sides thereof to define a syringe-type grip with one end of said housings.
10. Sensing apparatus as in claim 3, wherein said clamping means includes coil spring means within said housing for urging said sleeve across said sensing gap.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US68592867A | 1967-11-27 | 1967-11-27 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US3596515A true US3596515A (en) | 1971-08-03 |
Family
ID=24754241
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US685928A Expired - Lifetime US3596515A (en) | 1967-11-27 | 1967-11-27 | Drop flow sensor and resilient clamp therefor |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US3596515A (en) |
AU (1) | AU6294269A (en) |
CH (1) | CH502106A (en) |
DE (1) | DE2123113A1 (en) |
FR (1) | FR2067126A1 (en) |
GB (1) | GB1252615A (en) |
Cited By (27)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3826137A (en) * | 1971-06-02 | 1974-07-30 | E Clarke | Method for measuring the rate of flows of liquids |
WO1982001653A1 (en) * | 1980-11-07 | 1982-05-27 | Corp Ivac | Drops sensing unit and associated drip chamber for iv fluid administration |
JPS57113148U (en) * | 1980-12-30 | 1982-07-13 | ||
US4583975A (en) * | 1983-12-23 | 1986-04-22 | Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. | Indirect piezoelectric drop counter and method |
US4673397A (en) * | 1985-08-02 | 1987-06-16 | Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. | Splash back reduction drip chamber |
US4680977A (en) * | 1985-03-06 | 1987-07-21 | Ivac Corporation | Optical flow sensor |
US4681569A (en) * | 1985-03-22 | 1987-07-21 | Coble Stephen J | IV rate meter |
US4718896A (en) * | 1986-01-10 | 1988-01-12 | Abbott Laboratories | Apparatus and method for controlling the flow of fluid through an administration set |
US4857048A (en) * | 1987-05-29 | 1989-08-15 | Hewlett-Packard Company | IV pump and disposable flow chamber with flow control |
US5154704A (en) * | 1990-10-31 | 1992-10-13 | Kent Archibald G | IV clamp with tube clip |
US5186057A (en) * | 1991-10-21 | 1993-02-16 | Everhart Howard R | Multi-beam liquid-drop size/rate detector apparatus |
USD383206S (en) * | 1990-10-22 | 1997-09-02 | Nutricare Medical Products, Inc. | Medical fluid drip container |
US5982289A (en) * | 1998-09-25 | 1999-11-09 | Dowty Aerospace Yakima | Drip counter apparatus |
US20040037935A1 (en) * | 1997-08-15 | 2004-02-26 | Penford Food Ingredients Co. | French fry formulations containing rice flour |
US6736801B1 (en) | 1998-02-18 | 2004-05-18 | George Gallagher | Method and apparatus for monitoring intravenous drips |
US20050142013A1 (en) * | 2001-12-17 | 2005-06-30 | Faries Durward I.Jr. | Method and apparatus for heating solutions within intravenous lines to desired temperatures during infusion |
US20060224123A1 (en) * | 2003-07-09 | 2006-10-05 | Kurt Friedli | Device for administering a fluid product comprising optical scanning |
US20080051732A1 (en) * | 2006-06-23 | 2008-02-28 | Thaiping Chen | Drop sensing device for monitoring intravenous fluid flow |
US20080147016A1 (en) * | 1997-03-03 | 2008-06-19 | Faries Durward I | Method and Apparatus for Pressure Infusion and Temperature Control of Infused Liquids |
US20080205481A1 (en) * | 2007-02-22 | 2008-08-28 | Faries Durward I | Method and Apparatus for Measurement and Control of Temperature for Infused Liquids |
US7740611B2 (en) | 2005-10-27 | 2010-06-22 | Patented Medical Solutions, Llc | Method and apparatus to indicate prior use of a medical item |
US8487738B2 (en) | 2006-03-20 | 2013-07-16 | Medical Solutions, Inc. | Method and apparatus for securely storing medical items within a thermal treatment system |
US8821011B2 (en) | 1999-03-30 | 2014-09-02 | Medical Solutions, Inc. | Method and apparatus for monitoring temperature of intravenously delivered fluids and other medical items |
US8845586B2 (en) | 2004-03-09 | 2014-09-30 | Patented Medical Solutions Llc | Method and apparatus for facilitating injection of medication into an intravenous fluid line while maintaining sterility of infused fluids |
US9119912B2 (en) | 2001-03-12 | 2015-09-01 | Medical Solutions, Inc. | Method and apparatus for controlling pressurized infusion and temperature of infused liquids |
US9211381B2 (en) | 2012-01-20 | 2015-12-15 | Medical Solutions, Inc. | Method and apparatus for controlling temperature of medical liquids |
US9656029B2 (en) | 2013-02-15 | 2017-05-23 | Medical Solutions, Inc. | Plural medical item warming system and method for warming a plurality of medical items to desired temperatures |
Families Citing this family (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE2624758A1 (en) * | 1975-06-11 | 1976-12-23 | British Petroleum Co | DEVICE FOR MONITORING A FLOW OF LIQUID |
FR2447200A1 (en) * | 1979-01-26 | 1980-08-22 | Etienne Rene | Medical drip feed appts. with transparent sight chamber - which is illuminated via horizontal slot to make drops clearly visible |
US4668216A (en) * | 1985-03-11 | 1987-05-26 | Ivac Corporation | System for mounting a drop sensor to a drip chamber |
JPH03231680A (en) * | 1990-02-06 | 1991-10-15 | Terumo Corp | Drip detector and drip infusion alarming apparatus with this detector and apparatus for controlling amount of drip |
GB9717139D0 (en) * | 1997-08-13 | 1997-10-22 | Smiths Industries Plc | Urine meter assemblies |
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- 1967-11-27 US US685928A patent/US3596515A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
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- 1969-10-25 GB GB5237569A patent/GB1252615A/en not_active Expired
- 1969-10-28 AU AU62942/69A patent/AU6294269A/en not_active Expired
- 1969-11-05 CH CH1647969A patent/CH502106A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1969-11-07 FR FR6938561A patent/FR2067126A1/fr not_active Withdrawn
-
1971
- 1971-05-10 DE DE19712123113 patent/DE2123113A1/en not_active Withdrawn
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US2640389A (en) * | 1950-10-31 | 1953-06-02 | Perkin Elmer Corp | Oximeter |
US3150360A (en) * | 1961-10-23 | 1964-09-22 | Waukee Eng Co | Flowmeter alarm |
US3163176A (en) * | 1962-03-14 | 1964-12-29 | Barth Engineering And Mfg Comp | Apparatus for sensing and controlling fluid flow in the form of discrete free-falling drops |
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Cited By (39)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3826137A (en) * | 1971-06-02 | 1974-07-30 | E Clarke | Method for measuring the rate of flows of liquids |
WO1982001653A1 (en) * | 1980-11-07 | 1982-05-27 | Corp Ivac | Drops sensing unit and associated drip chamber for iv fluid administration |
US4397648A (en) * | 1980-11-07 | 1983-08-09 | Ivac Corporation | Drop sensing unit and associated drip chamber for IV fluid administration |
USRE32294E (en) * | 1980-11-07 | 1986-11-25 | Ivac Corporation | Drop sensing unit and associated drip chamber for IV fluid administration |
JPS57113148U (en) * | 1980-12-30 | 1982-07-13 | ||
US4583975A (en) * | 1983-12-23 | 1986-04-22 | Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. | Indirect piezoelectric drop counter and method |
US4680977A (en) * | 1985-03-06 | 1987-07-21 | Ivac Corporation | Optical flow sensor |
US4681569A (en) * | 1985-03-22 | 1987-07-21 | Coble Stephen J | IV rate meter |
US4673397A (en) * | 1985-08-02 | 1987-06-16 | Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. | Splash back reduction drip chamber |
US4718896A (en) * | 1986-01-10 | 1988-01-12 | Abbott Laboratories | Apparatus and method for controlling the flow of fluid through an administration set |
US4857048A (en) * | 1987-05-29 | 1989-08-15 | Hewlett-Packard Company | IV pump and disposable flow chamber with flow control |
USD383206S (en) * | 1990-10-22 | 1997-09-02 | Nutricare Medical Products, Inc. | Medical fluid drip container |
US5154704A (en) * | 1990-10-31 | 1992-10-13 | Kent Archibald G | IV clamp with tube clip |
US5186057A (en) * | 1991-10-21 | 1993-02-16 | Everhart Howard R | Multi-beam liquid-drop size/rate detector apparatus |
US8920387B2 (en) | 1997-03-03 | 2014-12-30 | Medical Solutions, Inc. | Method and apparatus for pressure infusion and temperature control of infused liquids |
US7942851B2 (en) | 1997-03-03 | 2011-05-17 | Medical Solutions, Inc. | Method and apparatus for pressure infusion and temperature control of infused liquids |
US20080147016A1 (en) * | 1997-03-03 | 2008-06-19 | Faries Durward I | Method and Apparatus for Pressure Infusion and Temperature Control of Infused Liquids |
US8313462B2 (en) | 1997-03-03 | 2012-11-20 | Medical Solutions, Inc. | Method and apparatus for pressure infusion and temperature control of infused liquids |
US20040037935A1 (en) * | 1997-08-15 | 2004-02-26 | Penford Food Ingredients Co. | French fry formulations containing rice flour |
US6736801B1 (en) | 1998-02-18 | 2004-05-18 | George Gallagher | Method and apparatus for monitoring intravenous drips |
US5982289A (en) * | 1998-09-25 | 1999-11-09 | Dowty Aerospace Yakima | Drip counter apparatus |
US8821011B2 (en) | 1999-03-30 | 2014-09-02 | Medical Solutions, Inc. | Method and apparatus for monitoring temperature of intravenously delivered fluids and other medical items |
US9119912B2 (en) | 2001-03-12 | 2015-09-01 | Medical Solutions, Inc. | Method and apparatus for controlling pressurized infusion and temperature of infused liquids |
US8920372B2 (en) | 2001-12-17 | 2014-12-30 | Medical Solutions, Inc. | Method and apparatus for heating solutions within intravenous lines to desired temperatures during infusion |
US8226605B2 (en) | 2001-12-17 | 2012-07-24 | Medical Solutions, Inc. | Method and apparatus for heating solutions within intravenous lines to desired temperatures during infusion |
US9492624B2 (en) | 2001-12-17 | 2016-11-15 | Medical Solutions, Inc. | Method and apparatus for heating solutions within intravenous lines to desired temperatures during infusion |
US20050142013A1 (en) * | 2001-12-17 | 2005-06-30 | Faries Durward I.Jr. | Method and apparatus for heating solutions within intravenous lines to desired temperatures during infusion |
US20060224123A1 (en) * | 2003-07-09 | 2006-10-05 | Kurt Friedli | Device for administering a fluid product comprising optical scanning |
US8845586B2 (en) | 2004-03-09 | 2014-09-30 | Patented Medical Solutions Llc | Method and apparatus for facilitating injection of medication into an intravenous fluid line while maintaining sterility of infused fluids |
US8636691B2 (en) | 2005-10-27 | 2014-01-28 | Patented Medical Solutions, Llc | Method and apparatus to indicate prior use of a medical item |
US8444599B2 (en) | 2005-10-27 | 2013-05-21 | Patented Medical Solutions, Llc | Method and apparatus to indicate prior use of a medical item |
US7740611B2 (en) | 2005-10-27 | 2010-06-22 | Patented Medical Solutions, Llc | Method and apparatus to indicate prior use of a medical item |
US8487738B2 (en) | 2006-03-20 | 2013-07-16 | Medical Solutions, Inc. | Method and apparatus for securely storing medical items within a thermal treatment system |
US20080051732A1 (en) * | 2006-06-23 | 2008-02-28 | Thaiping Chen | Drop sensing device for monitoring intravenous fluid flow |
US8226293B2 (en) | 2007-02-22 | 2012-07-24 | Medical Solutions, Inc. | Method and apparatus for measurement and control of temperature for infused liquids |
US20080205481A1 (en) * | 2007-02-22 | 2008-08-28 | Faries Durward I | Method and Apparatus for Measurement and Control of Temperature for Infused Liquids |
US9211381B2 (en) | 2012-01-20 | 2015-12-15 | Medical Solutions, Inc. | Method and apparatus for controlling temperature of medical liquids |
US9764100B2 (en) | 2012-01-20 | 2017-09-19 | Medical Solutions, Inc. | Method and apparatus for controlling temperature of medical liquids |
US9656029B2 (en) | 2013-02-15 | 2017-05-23 | Medical Solutions, Inc. | Plural medical item warming system and method for warming a plurality of medical items to desired temperatures |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
FR2067126A1 (en) | 1971-08-20 |
GB1252615A (en) | 1971-11-10 |
CH502106A (en) | 1971-01-31 |
DE2123113A1 (en) | 1972-11-23 |
AU6294269A (en) | 1971-04-29 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: NEW IVAC, INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text: MERGER;ASSIGNOR:IVAC CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:004047/0648 Effective date: 19771130 Owner name: NEW IVAC, INC. Free format text: MERGER;ASSIGNOR:IVAC CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:004047/0648 Effective date: 19771130 |