Volumetric drop detector
First Claim
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1. A volumetric drop detector 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 measurement tubing;
optoelectronic means operatively positioned with respect to said measurement tubing to determine the length of said drop;
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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Abstract
A device for measuring the volume of flow in a liquid conveying apparatus wherein drops of the liquid are formed and directed into a length of measurement tubing having a known internal diameter. As the drop is passed through the measurement tubing its length is determined by a combined optoelectronic mechanism including drop length sensors. The drop forming portion and measurement tubing can be manufactured from inexpensive resinous materials making these portions disposable and particularly adaptable to intravenous administration.
49 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A volumetric drop detector 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 measurement tubing; optoelectronic means operatively positioned with respect to said measurement tubing to determine the length of said drop; 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)
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7. A volumetric drop detector 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; optoelectronic means including two operatively positioned drop length sensors operatively positioned with respect to said measurement tubing to determine the length of said drop; 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 (8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A disposable device for monitoring or controlling liquid flow having first and second flow paths, said device for use with an optoelectronic device to determine the length of a drop of liquid flowing therein comprising:
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liquid drop forming means; a length of measurement tubing have a known internal diameter; 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 (13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification