Flow control system
US4681563A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 26, 1985 |
| Grant date | Jul 21, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 26, 2005 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/7761
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A dual controller for an IV infusion system comprises a microprocessor to concurrently control the rate of infusion through two IV units. The control of the rate of infusion is provided by a stepper motor driven regulator which is selectively positionable for compressibly engaging the IV tubing. A flow sensor employs a case of infrared transparent material which mounts to a drip chamber of the infusion unit. The flow sensor provides an output pulse to the microprocessor in response to a drop of fluid in the drip chamber interrupting a light path extending from an array of light emitting diodes and a photo transistor. The light emitting diodes are pulsed between energized and non-energized states so that changes in the ambient light level do not adversely effect the sensed drop rate.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.