Method and Device for Regulating Fluid Pump Pressures
First Claim
1. A method for estimating the relative elevation between a first location and a second location, the method comprising:
- placing a fluid flow control device at the first location, the fluid flow control device having a membrane pump in valved communication with the second location, the membrane pump having a pressure transducer;
isolating the membrane pump from the second location;
calibrating the pressure transducer;
establishing communication between the membrane pump and the second location;
measuring the pressure in the membrane pump with the pressure transducer; and
estimating the relative elevation based on the pressure.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method is provided for regulating fluid pump pressures by detecting an elevation differential between a fluid flow control device and the distal end of a fluid line in communication with the fluid flow control device. A fluid flow control device, for instance a peritoneal dialysis device, is at a first height, a distal end of a fluid line is at a second height, and a valved outlet, when open, affords communication between the fluid flow control device and the distal end of the fluid line. The elevation differential is correlatable with a pressure measurable during a calibration procedure provided as a part of the methodology.
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Citations
9 Claims
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1. A method for estimating the relative elevation between a first location and a second location, the method comprising:
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placing a fluid flow control device at the first location, the fluid flow control device having a membrane pump in valved communication with the second location, the membrane pump having a pressure transducer; isolating the membrane pump from the second location; calibrating the pressure transducer; establishing communication between the membrane pump and the second location;
measuring the pressure in the membrane pump with the pressure transducer; andestimating the relative elevation based on the pressure. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. A fluid flow control device for detecting an elevation differential between a first location and a second location, wherein the device is located at the first location, the fluid flow control device comprising:
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at least one liquid volume; a fluid line in valved pressure communication with the liquid volume, the fluid line having a distal end located at the second location; at least one transducer for measuring pressure associated with the liquid volume; and a processor for; reading and storing pressure values; computing and identifying a correlation between the pressure values; calculating pressure values based on the identified correlations; and estimating the elevation differential based upon the calculated pressures. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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Specification