Infusion system using optical imager for controlling flow and method thereof
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A flow meter apparatus comprising:
- a drip chamber including an optically clear wall configured to connect to an output tube;
a drip tube having a first end connected to a source of fluid and a second end disposed in the drip chamber, the second end configured to suspend a drop of fluid from the source of fluid;
an illumination system including a light source configured to transmit light through the wall of the drip chamber;
a pattern configured such that the pattern, when illuminated by the illumination system, is viewable in relation to the drop of fluid; and
an optical system configured to;
receive light transmitted through the wall of the drip chamber, wherein the transmitted light provides pattern data related to the pattern in relation to the drop of fluid, andtransmit the pattern data regarding the received light; and
a first microprocessor configured to;
receive the pattern data from the optical system;
generate, using the pattern data, one or more images of the drop of fluid; and
calculate a volume of the drop of fluid based on the one or more images of the drop of fluid.
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Abstract
A method of operating an infusion pump includes transmitting light through or around a drop of fluid suspended from an end of a drip tube for the infusion pump, the end of the drip tube located in a drip chamber for the infusion pump, wherein the drip tube is configured for connection to a source of the fluid; receiving, using an optical system for the pump, light transmitted through or around the drop; transmitting, to a specially programmed microprocessor and using the optical system, data regarding the received light; and, using the microprocessor to calculate a volume of the drop using the data.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A flow meter apparatus comprising:
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a drip chamber including an optically clear wall configured to connect to an output tube; a drip tube having a first end connected to a source of fluid and a second end disposed in the drip chamber, the second end configured to suspend a drop of fluid from the source of fluid; an illumination system including a light source configured to transmit light through the wall of the drip chamber; a pattern configured such that the pattern, when illuminated by the illumination system, is viewable in relation to the drop of fluid; and an optical system configured to; receive light transmitted through the wall of the drip chamber, wherein the transmitted light provides pattern data related to the pattern in relation to the drop of fluid, and transmit the pattern data regarding the received light; and a first microprocessor configured to; receive the pattern data from the optical system; generate, using the pattern data, one or more images of the drop of fluid; and calculate a volume of the drop of fluid based on the one or more images of the drop of fluid. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method for operating a flow meter, comprising:
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suspending a drop of fluid from a second end of a drip tube disposed in a drip chamber, wherein the drip tube has a first end connected to a source of fluid; transmitting light, using an illumination system, through a wall of the drip chamber to the drop of fluid suspended from the second end of the drip tube; receiving, using an optical system having a sensor, light transmitted through the drop of fluid, wherein the transmitted light provides pattern data related to a pattern in relation to the drop of fluid, and the pattern is configured such that the pattern is viewable in relation to the drop of fluid; and transmitting, to a first microprocessor, pattern data regarding the received light; and calculating, using the first microprocessor, a volume of the drop of fluid suspended from the second end of the drip tube. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A flow meter apparatus, comprising:
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a drip chamber including an optically clear wall configured to connect to an output tube; a drip tube having a first end connected to a source of fluid and a second end disposed in the drip chamber; an illumination system including a light source configured to transmit light through the optically clear wall of the drip chamber past or through a drop of fluid suspended from the second end of the drip tube; a pattern configured such that the pattern is viewable in relation to the drop of fluid; a microprocessor; and an optical system configured to; receive the light transmitted past or through the drop of fluid; and transmit, to the microprocessor, pattern data regarding the received light, wherein the microprocessor is configured to; generate, using the pattern data, one or more images of the drop of fluid suspended from the second end of the drip tube; and calculate a volume of the drop of fluid based on the one or more images of the drop of fluid.
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Specification