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System, Method, and Apparatus for Monitoring, Regulating, or Controlling Fluid Flow

  • US 20130310990A1
  • Filed: 03/15/2013
  • Published: 11/21/2013
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/21/2011
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A flow meter, comprising:

  • a coupler adapted to couple to a drip chamber;

    a support member operatively coupled to the coupler;

    an image sensor having a field of view and operatively coupled to the support member, wherein the image sensor is positioned to view the drip chamber within the field of view;

    a valve comprising;

    a rigid chamber operatively coupled to the drip chamber;

    a flexible tube section disposed within the rigid chamber;

    a pump operatively coupled to the rigid chamber and configured to pump fluid into and out of the rigid chamber to thereby actuate the valve; and

    an actuator coupled to the pump and configured to actuate the pump; and

    at least one processor operatively coupled to the image sensor to receive image data therefrom and to the actuator to actuate the valve, wherein the at least one processor is configured to estimate a flow of fluid through the drip chamber and to actuate the valve to control the flow of fluid through the drip chamber to achieve a target flow rate.

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