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Intravenous set flow control device

  • US 4,525,163 A
  • Filed: 08/06/1982
  • Issued: 06/25/1985
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/06/1982
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A flow control device for use with an intravenous set comprising a drip chamber, a volumetric chamber having a predetermined volume connected to the drip chamber, and externally actuated means for selectively interrupting fluid flow into the volumetric chamber, said flow control device comprising:

  • means for measuring a drop rate indicative of the rate of drop formation in the drip chamber;

    means for designating a selected volumetric flow rate;

    means for designating a selected drop rate;

    means for storing the selected volumetric flow rate;

    means for automatically controlling fluid flow out of the drip chamber to cause the measured drop rate in the drip chamber to approach the selected drop rate;

    means for automatically actuating the interrupting means to cause the volumetric chamber to fill and empty repeatedly such that said volumetric chamber repeatedly dispenses said predetermined volume; and

    means for automatically and repeatedly measuring the rate at which the volumetric chamber empties to determine a parameter indicative of the volumetric flow rate of fluid out of the volumetric chamber and for automatically modifying the selected drop rate in response to said parameter to cause the volumetric flow rate of fluid out of the drip chamber to approach the selected volumetric flow rate.

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