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Bubble detector

  • US 4,312,341 A
  • Filed: 12/13/1979
  • Issued: 01/26/1982
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/13/1979
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. In a flow metering apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid through an administration set of the type having transparent tubing subject to deformation from internal fluid pressure, a bubble detector comprising, in combination:

  • a light source arranged at one side of the tubing;

    a light detector generally arranged at the opposite side of the tubing opposite said light source and defining a light path through the tubing, said detector generating an output signal indicative of the intensity of light from said light source transmitted through the tubing, the intensity of said transmitted light being dependent on the presence of fluid within the lumen of the tubing and on the shape of the lumen between said source and said detector;

    control circuit means responsive to said output signal for interrupting operation of the flow metering apparatus upon the intensity of said transmitted light falling below a predetermined minimum level; and

    platen means comprising a pair of forming members engaging said tubing from opposite sides thereof about a substantial portion of the circumference of the tubing adjacent said light path for preventing deformation of the tubing and consequent changes in the intensity of said transmitted light with fluid pressure changes in the lumen of the tubing, at least one of said forming members being mounted for movement in a direction generally perpendicular to the axis of the tubing so as to be disengageable from the tubing to facilitate insertion or removal of the tubing from said platen means.

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