OPTICAL SENSOR FOR DETECTING INFUSION PUMP CASSETTE
First Claim
1. A system for detecting loading of a cassette in an infusion pump, the system comprising:
- an optical emitter mounted to the pump, the optical emitter being arranged to emit a light beam directed along an optical axis;
a photosensitive detector mounted to the pump and arranged to receive the light beam along the optical axis, wherein the photosensitive detector generates a detector signal representing an intensity of light received thereby; and
a tab carried by the cassette, the tab blocking at least a portion of the light beam from reaching the photosensitive detector when the cassette is properly loaded in the pump.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An infusion pump has an optical detection system for determining whether or not a cassette of an administration tubing set is properly loaded in the pump. Operation of the pump may be enabled or disabled based on a determination of the cassette detection system. The optical cassette detection system includes a light emitter directing a light beam along an optical axis to a corresponding light detector aligned on the optical axis. The cassette detection system also includes a tab carried by the cassette and arranged such that when the cassette is properly loaded in the pump, the tab intersects the optical axis and blocks at least a portion of the light beam from reaching the detector. The detector signal is evaluated by signal evaluation electronics to determine if the detector signal level is below a predetermined threshold, indicating presence of the cassette.
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Citations
8 Claims
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1. A system for detecting loading of a cassette in an infusion pump, the system comprising:
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an optical emitter mounted to the pump, the optical emitter being arranged to emit a light beam directed along an optical axis; a photosensitive detector mounted to the pump and arranged to receive the light beam along the optical axis, wherein the photosensitive detector generates a detector signal representing an intensity of light received thereby; and a tab carried by the cassette, the tab blocking at least a portion of the light beam from reaching the photosensitive detector when the cassette is properly loaded in the pump. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. An infusion pump comprising:
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an optical emitter arranged to emit a light beam directed along an optical axis; and a photosensitive detector arranged to receive the light beam along the optical axis, wherein the photosensitive detector generates a detector signal representing an intensity of light received thereby; wherein the detector signal level is decreased from a level above a predetermined threshold to a level below the predetermined threshold by properly loading a cassette in the infusion pump. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8)
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Specification