Liquid level sensing and monitoring system for medical fluid infusion systems
First Claim
1. A fluid level monitoring system for a liquid container, said system comprising:
- a pressure sensor operatively connected to an outlet of a liquid container, said pressure sensor receiving pressure exerted by liquid in said container and producing a signal indicative of a pressure levels;
an alarm responsive to said signal for providing at least one of a visual and an audible indication of said pressure level; and
a spike having a first tube connecting a first inlet port to a first outlet port, said pressure sensor being operatively connected to said first outlet port.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A liquid level sensing and monitoring system for a medical fluid infusion system has an IV spike with a pressure sensor which contacts fluid in an infusion container such as an IV bag or bottle. When an adequate amount of fluid is in the container, the resulting pressure on the sensor is at a relatively high level; however, when the fluid reservoir is nearly depleted, the pressure on the sensor falls to a low level, thereby activating the sensor and associated control circuitry which operates an alarm or warning indicator. In lieu of the pressure sensor, the device may use a resistive or capacitive sensor. When the liquid level falls below the electrical sensor, its state changes, and the alarm circuitry is activated.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A fluid level monitoring system for a liquid container, said system comprising:
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a pressure sensor operatively connected to an outlet of a liquid container, said pressure sensor receiving pressure exerted by liquid in said container and producing a signal indicative of a pressure levels; an alarm responsive to said signal for providing at least one of a visual and an audible indication of said pressure level; and a spike having a first tube connecting a first inlet port to a first outlet port, said pressure sensor being operatively connected to said first outlet port. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A fluid level monitoring system comprising:
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a sensor connectable to an outlet of a liquid container which, said sensor operating in a first operating state if a level of said liquid in said container is at or exceeds a minimal threshold and in a second operating state if said level of said liquid drops below said minimal threshold, said sensor detecting said level of said liquid based on a characteristic of said liquid in said container and produces a signal indicative of said operating state; an alarm responsive to said signal which provides at least one of a visual and an audible indication of said characteristic if said sensor enters said second operating state; a spike having a first tube connecting a first inlet port to a first outlet port, wherein said sensor is disposed on said spike and immersible in said liquid to sense said liquid characteristic; and a spike holder having a substantially cylindrically curved surface longitudinally extending along one side, said surface defining a recess for accommodating a portion of said spike, wherein said alarm is disposed within said spike holder. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18)
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Specification