Electronic fluid flow controls with integrated manual fluid flow controls
US8997784B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 14, 2012 |
| Grant date | Apr 7, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 3, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/87507
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
In various embodiments, a flow selector of a fluid flow control system may be used to select a flow rate of a fluid. When the system is in an electronic mode, an encoder may electronically encode the fluid flow selection. A controller may receive the electronically encoded flow selection and transmit a corresponding control signal to an electronic valve to allow the fluid to flow at the selected flow rate. An engagement device, such as a clutch, may disengage the flow selector from a mechanical valve when the fluid flow control system enters a manual mode. When the system is in a manual mode, the engagement device may engage the flow selector with the mechanical valve, allowing the flow selector to directly control the flow rate of the fluid through the mechanical valve. Applications to gases and anesthesia delivery are disclosed herein. Various alternative components and embodiments are described herein.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.