VOLUME MONITORING DEVICE UTILIZING LIGHT-BASED SYSTEMS

• US 20140288422A1
• Filed: 03/21/2014
• Published: 09/25/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 08/28/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Osprey Medical, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Osprey Medical, Inc.
• Inventors: Brady, Dale, Houfburg, Rodney L.
• Granted Patent: US 9,999,718 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/432
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/18 with alarm
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3306 Optical measuring means
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3379 Masses, volumes, levels of fluids in reservoirs, flow rates
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3389 Continuous level detection A61M2205/3393 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/007 for contrast media
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/1452 pressurised by means of pistons
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/1684 by detecting the amount of infusate remaining, e.g. signalling end of infusion
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/31568 Means keeping track of the total dose administered, e.g. since the cartridge was inserted
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/31573 Accuracy improving means

Abstract

An apparatus includes a syringe housing and a plunger slidably received within the syringe housing between a first position and a second position. The plunger has a substantially opaque portion and a substantially translucent portion. A light sensor module is disposed on the syringe housing. The light sensor module has a light sensor housing and a first sensor element and a second sensor element. The first sensor element and the second sensor element are disposed within the sensor housing. Positioning the plunger at the first position aligns the substantially translucent portion with the first sensor element and positioning the plunger at the second position aligns the substantially translucent portion with the second sensor element.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

a syringe housing;

a plunger slidably received within the syringe housing between a first position and a second position, the plunger comprising a substantially opaque portion and a substantially translucent portion; and

a light sensor module disposed on the syringe housing, wherein the light sensor module comprises a light sensor housing and a first sensor element and a second sensor element, wherein the first sensor element and the second sensor element are disposed within the sensor housing, wherein positioning the plunger at the first position aligns the substantially translucent portion with the first sensor element and positioning the plunger at the second position aligns the substantially translucent portion with the second sensor element.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a lead extending from the light sensor.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising an interface for connecting the lead to a measuring device, and wherein the measuring device displays a total volume injected and emits a warning of a critical outcome.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the light sensor housing is releasably fixed to the syringe housing.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising means for releasably securing the light sensor housing to the syringe housing.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the means comprises at least one of a clamp, a clasp, a hook and loop fastener, and a magnet.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a light emitter module disposed on the syringe housing, wherein the light emitter module comprises a light emitter housing and a first emitter element and t second emitter element, wherein the first emitter element and the second emitter element are disposed within the emitter housing.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein positioning the plunger at the first position aligns the substantially translucent portion with the first emitter element and positioning the plunger at the second position aligns the substantially translucent portion with the second emitter element.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first emitter element and the first sensor element are aligned.

10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the sensor housing is disposed on the syringe housing about 180 degrees from the sensor housing.

11. An apparatus comprising:

a syringe housing;

a plunger slidably received within the syringe housing;

a light sensor module secured to the syringe housing; and

a light emitter module secured to the syringe housing, wherein the plunger comprises a plurality of substantially translucent portions.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the plurality of substantially translucent portions comprise:

a first portion having a first translucency; and

a second portion having a second translucency less than the first translucency.

13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the plurality of substantially translucent portions comprise a gradation.

14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the light sensor module comprises a plurality of light sensors and the light emitter module comprises a plurality of light emitters.

15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the light emitter module is disposed at a location about the syringe housing at least about 90 degrees from the light sensor module.

16. A method of determining a condition of a syringe, the method comprising receiving a first signal from a first light sensor, wherein a position of the first light sensor on the syringe is known.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising determining a first position of a piston disposed within the syringe based at least in part on the received first signal.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising emitting a light signal from a light emitter disposed on the syringe.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising receiving a second signal from a second light sensor, wherein a position of the second light sensor on the syringe is known.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising determining a second position of the piston based at least in part on the received second signal.