Pressure sensor and method of use
First Claim
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1. A pressure sensor system comprising:
- a sensor for measuring the pressure inside a structure;
a movable plunger disposed in communication with the structure and the sensor, wherein the movable plunger applies a force against the sensor and is oriented so that, the magnitude of the force applied to the sensor by the movable plunger changes relative to a change in pressure inside the structure; and
a biasing mechanism which biases the sensor toward the plunger;
wherein the structure comprises tubing of an infusion set;
wherein the sensor is disposed on a pump having a pump mechanism, and wherein the tubing is positioned adjacent the sensor and the pump such that the tubing is in communication with the movable plunger and the pump mechanism.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A sensor and method of use provides for detection of an occlusion (or sudden pressure increase) in tubing during the administration of solutions to a patient. The occlusion sensor may be attached to an infusion pump using a biasing mechanism. The tubing may be positioned in contact with the occlusion sensor using a cassette. Detection of an occlusion in the tubing is accomplished by measuring the compression and expansion of the tubing. When the tubing becomes occluded pressure within the tube will increase, resulting in expansion of the tubing. Expansion of the tubing exerts a force on the sensor to trigger an alarm to alert medical personnel of the occluded tube.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A pressure sensor system comprising:
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a sensor for measuring the pressure inside a structure; a movable plunger disposed in communication with the structure and the sensor, wherein the movable plunger applies a force against the sensor and is oriented so that, the magnitude of the force applied to the sensor by the movable plunger changes relative to a change in pressure inside the structure; and a biasing mechanism which biases the sensor toward the plunger; wherein the structure comprises tubing of an infusion set; wherein the sensor is disposed on a pump having a pump mechanism, and wherein the tubing is positioned adjacent the sensor and the pump such that the tubing is in communication with the movable plunger and the pump mechanism. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. An infusion system comprising:
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a pump configured to receive tubing of an infusion set; and a sensor system disposed on the pump, the sensor system comprising a sensor and a plunger disposed to extend away from the sensor to transmit force from the tubing of the infusion set to the sensor; wherein when tubing of an infusion set is mounted on the pump, the tubing exerts a force on the sensor via the plunger, the force changing relative to the pressure in the infusion set; wherein the sensor is mounted to the pump using a mounting plate and a biasing mechanism to allow the sensor to move relative to the pump. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. An sensor system for used on a pump which pumps fluid through a tubing, the system comprising:
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a pump having a pump body; and a sensor attached to the pump body and having a biasing mechanism which biases the sensor toward tubing when tubing is mounted on the pump; wherein the system comprises a plunger disposed adjacent the sensor for transferring force to the sensor. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification