I.V. Administration flow rate gauge
First Claim
1. An apparatus for the measurement of the rate of flow of medical liquids within a gravitational flow system for the sequential administration of said liquids to a patient comprising:
- a primary tube having its distal end in fluid communication with the source of said medical liquid, said primary tube being disposed substantially downwardly therefrom;
a secondary tube having its proximal end in fluid communication with said primary tube;
constrictor means reducing the inside diameter of said primary tube at a selected point and thereby impeding the flow of liquid therethrough;
pressure gauge means for measuring the relative difference in pressure between said secondary tube and said primary tube whereby the rate of flow of said medical liquid may be determined, said pressure gauge means comprising a pressure transducer attached to said secondary tube; and
electrically activated valve means for controlling the rate of flow of liquid through said primary tube.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus for measuring the flow of medical liquids within an intravenous solution administration set comprises a primary tube, a secondary tube and a tertiary tube. A constricter mechanism is positioned in the primary tube proximate the opening to the tertiary tube in order to restrict the flow of liquid therethrough. As a result a pressure differential is created between the secondary tube and the tertiary tube when liquid flows through the primary tube. At least a portion of the secondary or tertiary tubes are transparent in order to determine the relative position of liquid in the tube. A series of markings on the tubes represent designated rates of flow. Consequently, the relative position of the liquid is used to display the rate of flow within the system.
16 Citations
7 Claims
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1. An apparatus for the measurement of the rate of flow of medical liquids within a gravitational flow system for the sequential administration of said liquids to a patient comprising:
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a primary tube having its distal end in fluid communication with the source of said medical liquid, said primary tube being disposed substantially downwardly therefrom; a secondary tube having its proximal end in fluid communication with said primary tube; constrictor means reducing the inside diameter of said primary tube at a selected point and thereby impeding the flow of liquid therethrough; pressure gauge means for measuring the relative difference in pressure between said secondary tube and said primary tube whereby the rate of flow of said medical liquid may be determined, said pressure gauge means comprising a pressure transducer attached to said secondary tube; and electrically activated valve means for controlling the rate of flow of liquid through said primary tube. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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Specification