Volume monitoring device utilizing light-based systems

• US 9,999,718 B2
• Filed: 03/21/2014
• Issued: 06/19/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 08/28/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Osprey Medical, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Osprey Medical, Inc.
• Inventors: Brady, Dale, Kasel, Dustin, Houfburg, Rodney L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Osinski, Bradley J
• Assistant Examiner(s): Shah, Nilay
• Application Number:
  US14/222,331
• Publication Number:
  US 20140288422A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,551 Days
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/18 with alarm
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3306 Optical measuring means
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3379 Masses, volumes, levels of fluids in reservoirs, flow rates
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3389 Continuous level detection A61M2205/3393 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/007 for contrast media
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/1452 pressurised by means of pistons
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/1684 by detecting the amount of infusate remaining, e.g. signalling end of infusion
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/31568 Means keeping track of the total dose administered, e.g. since the cartridge was inserted
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/31573 Accuracy improving means

Abstract

An apparatus includes a syringe housing and a plunger slidably received within the syringe housing between a first position and a second position. The plunger has a substantially opaque portion and a substantially translucent portion. A light sensor module is disposed on the syringe housing. The light sensor module has a light sensor housing and a first sensor element and a second sensor element. The first sensor element and the second sensor element are disposed within the sensor housing. Positioning the plunger at the first position aligns the substantially translucent portion with the first sensor element and positioning the plunger at the second position aligns the substantially translucent portion with the second sensor element.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

a syringe housing;

a plunger comprising a longitudinal axis along a length of the plunger and slidably received within the syringe housing between a first position and a second position, the plunger comprising a substantially opaque portion and a substantially translucent portion, and wherein the substantially translucent portion is substantially translucent through the axis of the plunger;

a light sensor module disposed on the syringe housing, wherein the light sensor module comprises a light sensor housing having at least a first sensor element and a second sensor element; and

a light emitter module having a first light emitter and disposed on the syringe housing on a side of the axis opposite the light sensor module, wherein positioning the plunger at the first position aligns the substantially translucent portion with the first sensor element and positioning the plunger at the second position aligns the substantially translucent portion with the second sensor element, and wherein light emitted from the light emitter module passes through the syringe housing and the substantially translucent portion of the plunger as the plunger slides within the syringe housing.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a lead extending from the light sensor module.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising an interface for connecting the lead to a measuring device, and wherein the measuring device displays a total volume injected and emits a warning of a critical outcome.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the light sensor housing is releasably fixed to the syringe housing.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising a securement element for releasably securing the light sensor housing to the syringe housing.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the securement element comprises at least one of a clamp, a clasp, a hook and loop fastener, and a magnet.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the light emitter module further comprises a light emitter housing and a second emitter element, wherein the first emitter element and the second emitter element are disposed within the emitter housing.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein positioning the plunger at the first position aligns the substantially translucent portion with the first emitter element and positioning the plunger at the second position aligns the substantially translucent portion with the second emitter element.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first emitter element and the first sensor element are aligned.

10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the light sensor housing is disposed on the syringe housing such that light emitted from the light emitter housing passes through the syringe housing and into the light sensor housing.