Light Enhanced Flow Tube

• US 20150107507A1
• Filed: 06/23/2014
• Published: 04/23/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 10/16/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Spacelabs Healthcare, Inc. (OSI Systems Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Spacelabs Healthcare LLC (OSI Systems Incorporated)
• Inventors: Bluemner, Erik J., Kosmopoulos, George P.
• Granted Patent: US 9,797,764 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 116/276
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 50/10 Furniture specially adapted for surgical or diagnostic appliances or instruments
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 12/001 Trolleys for transport of medicaments, food, linen, nursing supplies carts specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis A61B50/13; hand carts B62B3/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0051 with alarm devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/01 specially adapted for anaesthetising A61M16/104, A61M16/18 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/022 Control means therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/024 including calculation means, e.g. using a processor
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/101 using an oxygen concentrator
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/22 Carbon dioxide-absorbing devices ; Other means for removing carbon dioxidecartridges with absorbing substances for respiratory apparatus A62B19/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/584 having a color code
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/587 Lighting arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2209/084 Supporting bases, stands for equipment
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 1/22 by variable-area meters , e.g. rotameters
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 23/64 of the free float type without mechanical transmission elements

Abstract

An improved fluid flow gauging device includes a light enhanced acrylic block flow tube to optimize visualization of pressure readings. An LED or other light source is fitted to the top of the flow tube and illuminates a float or bobbin from above to provide more accurate readings, especially in low light conditions such as modern operating rooms. In addition, the light enhanced flow tube provides a mechanical backup in the case of failure of newer electronic systems and visually matches the graphical flow display, simultaneously providing a double-check of the electronic system.

Claims

1. A fluid flow gauging device comprising:

a container encasing a hollow tube having a length, a bottom and a top, wherein an inlet port is positioned proximate to the bottom of the hollow tube, wherein an opening is positioned proximate to the top of the hollow tube, and wherein an outlet port is positioned proximate to the top of the hollow tube;

a bobbin located within the hollow tube, said bobbin capable of traversing the length of the hollow tube dependent upon the amount of fluid pressure applied; and

a fiber optic pipe used to direct light from a light source through the top of said hollow tube and toward said bobbin.

2. The fluid flow gauging device of claim 1, wherein said bobbin is spherical.

3. The fluid flow gauging device of claim 2, wherein said bobbin is has a reflective quality.

4. The fluid flow gauging device of claim 1 wherein said container comprises at least one unitary piece of acrylic and wherein said unitary piece of acrylic is an acrylic block.

5. The fluid flow gauging device of claim 1 wherein said container comprises at least one beveled face.

6. The fluid flow gauging device of claim 5 wherein said container comprises a plurality of scale markings proximate to said at least one beveled face.

7. The fluid flow gauging device of claim 1 wherein said fiber optic pipe is fixedly attached to said opening positioned proximate to the top of the hollow tube.

8. The fluid flow gauging device of claim 1 wherein said light source comprises a remotely located LED.

9. The fluid flow gauging device of claim 8 wherein said LED is powered by an energy source independent of an energy source that causes a flow of fluid through said hollow tube.

10. The fluid flow gauging device of claim 1 wherein the inlet port is configured to receive pressurized gas into said hollow tube.

11. The fluid flow gauging device of claim 1 wherein the outlet port is configured to enable an exit of said pressurized gas from said hollow tube.

12. The fluid flow gauging device of claim 1 wherein said tube is cylindrical.

13. The fluid flow gauging device of claim 1 wherein a mechanism automatically switches on said light source when fluid flows.

14. The fluid flow gauging device of claim 13 wherein said mechanism comprises a pressure transducer measuring the pressure rise through the resistance of the flow meter.

15. The fluid flow gauging device of claim 13 wherein said mechanism comprises a switch on the flow control needle valve.

16. The fluid flow gauging device of claim 13 wherein, when fluid is caused to flow through said hollow tube, said fiber optic pipe illuminates a top hemisphere of said bobbin.

17. The fluid flow gauging device of claim 16 wherein said bobbin is a white alumina ceramic ball.

18. The fluid flow gauging device of claim 16 wherein said bobbin is a stainless steel ball.

19. A fluid flow gauging device comprising:

a container encasing a hollow tube having a length, a bottom and a top, wherein an inlet port is positioned proximate to the bottom of the hollow tube, wherein an opening is positioned proximate to the top of the hollow tube, and wherein an outlet port is positioned proximate to the top of the hollow tube;

a bobbin located within the hollow tube, said bobbin capable of traversing the length of the hollow tube dependent upon the amount of fluid pressure applied; and

a light emitting diode (LED) used to project light through the top of said hollow tube and toward said bobbin.

20. A fluid flow gauging device comprising:

a container encasing a hollow tube having a length, a bottom and a top, wherein an inlet port is positioned proximate to the bottom of the hollow tube, wherein an opening is positioned proximate to the top of the hollow tube, and wherein an outlet port is positioned proximate to the top of the hollow tube;

a bobbin located within the hollow tube, said bobbin capable of traversing the length of the hollow tube dependent upon the amount of fluid pressure applied; and

a light source directed through the top of said hollow tube and toward said bobbin.