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Method and apparatus for monitoring intravenous drips

  • US 6,736,801 B1
  • Filed: 10/23/2000
  • Issued: 05/18/2004
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/18/1998
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
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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