Flow switch device for medical applications
US5445622A · kind A · utility
90Cited by
4References
10Claims
0Family size
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 20, 1994 |
| Grant date | Aug 29, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 20, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S128/13
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An intravenous system for monitoring the flow of IV fluids to a patient is embodied in a wristwatch sized unit for placement on the patient. The device includes a flow indicator switch capable of detecting when flow starts or stops. In one embodiment, the range of flow rates which may trigger a signal is increased using a plurality of sensor elements. The flow indicator switch uses a conical chamber with a movable flow element which reacts to the motion of the IV fluid. A light emitter-sensor arrangement provides a means for converting physical displacement into an electrical signal indicating displacement of the movable member.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.