Modular system, particularly for biomedical applications, addressable unit and a communication system for use therein

• US 5,901,150 A
• Filed: 08/06/1997
• Issued: 05/04/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 12/19/1995
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Fresenius AG (Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA)
• Original Assignee: Fresenius AG (Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA)
• Inventors: Dupouy, Jean-Michel, Jhuboo, Abel Nasser
• Primary Examiner(s): ZIMMERMAN, BRIAN A
• Application Number:
  US08/908,468
• Time in Patent Office: 636 Days
• Field of Search: 340/825.52, 340/825.73, 395/829, 370/475, 370/449
• US Class Current: 370/475
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2209/086 Docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/1413 Modular systems comprising interconnecting elements
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/1452 pressurised by means of pistons
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/16827 controlling delivery of multiple fluids, e.g. sequencing, mixing or via separate flow-paths infusion of multiple fluids without using a controller A61M5/1407
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 439/928 Modular electrically interengaging parts, e.g. stove with replaceable heating elements formed on coupling parts

Abstract

A modular system (10) for use, e.g. in infusion systems. The system includes a base unit (20) and one or more modules (30). A mechanical/electrical connecting system (21 to 24) is disclosed enabling safe connection of the various units in the system while enabling easy disconnection of any of the modules (30). A signal processing arrangement enables the number of modules (30) in the system to be sensed by the base unit (20). (FIG. 2).

Claims

1. A communication system for use in a modular system (10) including a plurality of units (20, 30), characterised in that:

at least one (20) of said units includes a generator (μ

P) for generating a signal having a given frequency (T1);

a common communication line (100) is provided ensuring cascaded connection of the other units (30) in the system for receiving said signal having a given frequency (T1) generated by said at least one (20) of said units;

each of said other units (30) includes a frequency divider circuit (103) for dividing the frequency of said signal as received over said common communication line (100) and sending said signal with a respective divided frequency over said common communication line (100) towards a respective cascaded other unit (30) possibly present in the system, whereby the lowest respective divided frequency present in the system is indicative of the number of said other units (30);

said at least one unit (20) includes a sensing means (SURCH) for sensing said lowest respective divided frequency present in the system.

2. A system according to claim 1, characterised in that said frequency divider circuit (103) divides the frequency of said signal as received over said common communication line (100) by two.

3. A communication system according to claim 1, characterised in that said common communication line (100) includes a connecting lead (102) connecting the divider circuits (103) of said other units (30) in a daisy-chain arrangement.

4. A communication system according to claim 1, characterised in that said common communication line (100) includes a sensing lead (101) by means of which at least one of said signal as received over said common communication line (100) and said signal with a respective divided frequency is sent by each of said other units (30) to said sensing means (SURCH) in said at least one unit (20).

5. A communication system according to claim 4, characterised in that said other units (30) are connected to said sensing lead (101) in an open collector arrangement, whereby said sensing lead implements a logical AND function on the signals sent by said other units (30) to said sensing means (SURCH).

6. A communication system according to claim 1, characterised in that said sensing means include a time threshold function (SURCH) detecting said lowest respective divided frequency reaching a lowest limit, thus indicating that a maximum number of said other units (30) is being connected to the system.

7. A communication system according to claim 1, characterised in that the frequency of said signal as received over said communication line (100) determines the physical address of the respective of said other units (30) as used by the communication protocol between said units (20, 30) in the system.