System, method, and apparatus for monitoring, regulating, or controlling fluid flow
US9435455B2 · kind B2 · utility
168Cited by
200References
9Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 14, 2014 |
| Grant date | Sep 6, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 27, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/7287
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus, system and method for regulating fluid flow are disclosed. The apparatus includes a flow rate sensor and a valve. The flow rate sensor uses images to estimate flow through a drip chamber and then controls the valve based on the estimated flow rate. The valve comprises a rigid housing disposed around the tube in which fluid flow is being controlled. Increasing the pressure in the housing controls the size of the lumen within the tube by deforming the tube, therefore controlling flow through the tube.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.