Medical infusion apparatus
US5211626A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 17, 1990 |
| Grant date | May 18, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 17, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S128/13
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Medical infusion apparatus comprises a housing in which a standard flexible liquid reservoir is disposed. A constant-force spring applies pressure to the reservoir to force liquid out of the reservoir and along a conduit to a patient. The spring is energized by the opening of a lid of the housing which permits replacement of the reservoir. The liquid flowing out of the reservoir passes through a molded conduit part which is configured so that it is positioned at a predetermined location with respect to a flow monitor. The flow monitor injects a pulse of heat, and detects the rate at which the heat pulse travels along the conduit. A microprocessor uses the sensed flow rate to control a stepper motor which regulates fluid flow by squeezing the conduit via a spring-biased member. The apparatus has active and standby modes in which the monitor is operated respectively more and less frequently.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.