Volumetric drop detector
First Claim
1. A volumetric measuring device for use with a liquid conveying apparatus including the usual first and second flow paths comprising:
- liquid drop forming means;
a length of measurement tubing having a known internal diameter;
means operatively associated with said drop forming means to direct liquid drops into said measurement tubing to form a liquid column;
first and second liquid sensor means operatively positioned with respect to said measurement tubing;
electronic means operatively associated with said first and second liquid sensor means to measure the velocity and length of said liquid column;
collecting means positioned from said measurement tubing to receive said measured drops; and
connector means operatively associated with said drop forming means and said collecting means for connection with said first and second flow paths.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A device for measuring the volume of flow in a liquid conveying apparatus wherein the length and velocity of a liquid column are measured. Drops of the liquid are formed and directed into a length of measurement tubing having a known internal diameter. As the liquid column is passed through the measurement tubing its length is determined by two spaced apart liquid sensors. The actual length is determined by calculating the time elapsed for the leading edge of the liquid column to interrupt the two liquid sensors. The time for the trailing edge to pass the first sensor is proportioned to the length of the column and the quotient of the two values will give the actual length. Accordingly, accurate volume determinations can be made irrespective of velocity change such as due to viscosity, surface tension or back pressure. The device of this invention is especially adapted to be used in conjunction with an intravenous administration set.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A volumetric measuring device for use with a liquid conveying apparatus including the usual first and second flow paths comprising:
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liquid drop forming means; a length of measurement tubing having a known internal diameter; means operatively associated with said drop forming means to direct liquid drops into said measurement tubing to form a liquid column; first and second liquid sensor means operatively positioned with respect to said measurement tubing; electronic means operatively associated with said first and second liquid sensor means to measure the velocity and length of said liquid column; collecting means positioned from said measurement tubing to receive said measured drops; and connector means operatively associated with said drop forming means and said collecting means for connection with said first and second flow paths. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A volumetric measuring device for use with an intravenous administration apparatus including the usual first and second lengths of flexible tubing comprising:
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liquid drop forming means; a length of measurement tubing having a known internal diameter; means operatively associated with said drop forming means to direct liquid drops into said measurement tubing to form a liquid column; first and second liquid sensor means including two pairs of operatively positioned drop length sensors operatively positioned with respect to said measurement tubing; electronic means operatively associated with said first and second liquid sensor means to measure the velocity and length of said liquid column; collecting means positioned from said measurement tubing to receive said measured drops; and tubing connector means operatively associated with said drop forming means and said collecting means for connection with said first and second lengths of flexible tubing. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A disposable device for monitoring or controlling liquid flow having first and second flow paths, said device for use with an optoelectronic device having at least two spaced apart electronic means to determine the length of a drop of liquid flowing therein comprising:
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liquid forming means; a length of measurement tubing having a known internal diameter and a length of sufficient dimension to accommodate said electronic means when positioned in oppositely disposed pairs; means operatively associated with said drop forming means to direct liquid drops into said measurement tubing; collecting means positioned from said measurement tubing to receive said measured drops; and connector means operatively associated with said drop forming means and said collecting means for connection with said first and second flow paths. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification