Method and apparatus for monitoring intravenous drips
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for monitoring the flow of intravenous fluid passing as drops through a fluid flow passage comprising:
- a signal transmitter including a first optical fiber for transmitting a signal from said signal transmitter through said passage and said fluid passing therethrough;
a signal sensor including a second optical fiber for detecting signals so transmitted through said passage;
a monitor subassembly responsive to signals so detected by said signal sensor for monitoring the rate of flow of said fluid through said passage by detection of interruptions in transmissions of said so transmitted signal due to fluid dripping through said passage, said monitor subassembly having at least one visible or audible indicator for indicating when said rate of flow rises above or falls below a predetermined constant rate, and said monitor subassembly having an adjustable setting component for setting activation of said indicator upon achievement of said constant rate; and
a bracket associated with said signal transmitter and with said signal sensor for placement around a region of said passage and for allowing said signal transmitting and said signal detecting through said passage;
said bracket including a hinge adjustment component for transversely enlarging and contracting an interior region of said bracket thereby allowing placement of said bracket about said passage at said regon. 2.The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the said first optical fiber is terminally connected to said bracket at a first bracket location, and said second optical fiber is terminally connected to said bracket at a second bracket location, and said first and said second bracket locations are generally in opposed relationship to each other across said region whereby said signal is transmitted to and from said passage by said first and said second optical fibers.
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for monitoring intravenous drips by the transmission and detection of a signal, for example a red light, through a fluid flow passage whereby detection of a signal of a given intensity activates an audible or visual indicator. A bracket is attached around a fluid flow passage of the intravenous drip and a signal is transmitted across the passage via optical fibers. The intensity of the signal is detected by a sensor contained within a remote housing.
93 Citations
18 Claims
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1. An apparatus for monitoring the flow of intravenous fluid passing as drops through a fluid flow passage comprising:
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a signal transmitter including a first optical fiber for transmitting a signal from said signal transmitter through said passage and said fluid passing therethrough;
a signal sensor including a second optical fiber for detecting signals so transmitted through said passage;
a monitor subassembly responsive to signals so detected by said signal sensor for monitoring the rate of flow of said fluid through said passage by detection of interruptions in transmissions of said so transmitted signal due to fluid dripping through said passage, said monitor subassembly having at least one visible or audible indicator for indicating when said rate of flow rises above or falls below a predetermined constant rate, and said monitor subassembly having an adjustable setting component for setting activation of said indicator upon achievement of said constant rate; and
a bracket associated with said signal transmitter and with said signal sensor for placement around a region of said passage and for allowing said signal transmitting and said signal detecting through said passage;
said bracket including a hinge adjustment component for transversely enlarging and contracting an interior region of said bracket thereby allowing placement of said bracket about said passage at said regon. 2.The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the said first optical fiber is terminally connected to said bracket at a first bracket location, and said second optical fiber is terminally connected to said bracket at a second bracket location, and said first and said second bracket locations are generally in opposed relationship to each other across said region whereby said signal is transmitted to and from said passage by said first and said second optical fibers. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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5. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said light emitting diode flashes with each drop of said fluid which passes through said passage.
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10. Apparatus for monitoring the rate of flow of fluid that passes as sequential drops through a tubular vessel having wall portions that transmit light signals, said apparatus comprising in combination:
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(a) a bracket for disassociatable association around a region of said vessel, said bracket including a hinge adjustment component for transversely enlarging and contracting the interior region of said bracket, thereby allowing placement of said bracket about said vessel at said region;
(b) a light signal generator for emitting a light signal;
(c) a first optical fiber for conveying said light signal from said signal generator to said bracket, and said first optical fiber having a terminal fiber region associated with said bracket for transmitting said so conveyed light signal through said vessel at said region;
(d) a light signal-sensor for receiving light signals;
(e) a second optical fiber for conveying light signals from said bracket to said light signal sensor, said second optical fiber having a terminal fiber region associated with said bracket for receiving said light signals so transmitted through said vessel and said second optical fiber being for conveying said so received light signals, said respective terminal fiber regions of said first and said second optical fibers being in a light signal aligned relationship relative to each other across said region so that with said light signals so transmitted through said vessel are so received by said second optical fiber whereby said drops so passing through said vessel move through said so transmitted light signals;
(f) a monitor subassembly responsive to signals so detected by said signal sensor for monitoring the rate of flow of said fluid through said passage by detection of interruptions in transmissions of said so transmitted signal due to fluid dripping through said passage, said monitor subassembly having at least one visible or audible indicator for indicating when said rate of flow rises above or falls below a predetermined constant rate, and said monitor subassembly having an adjustable setting component for setting activation of said indicator upon achievement of said constant rate; and
(g) a housing remotely located relative to said bracket for housing said signal generator, said signal sensor, and said monitor subassembly.
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- 11. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said indicator includes a light emitting diode that emits a visible light.
- 15. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein, after said adjustable settable fluid flow rate selecting means is so set, said indicator indicates a signal if the number of drops passing therethrough is within a selected range that includes said set rate.
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16. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said selected range is within about 50% of said set rate.
Specification