Patents Examined by Manuel Mendaz
  • Patent number: 5803917
    Abstract: Flow parameters in a fluid delivery assembly are determined by monitoring pressure responses and processing those responses along with information regarding the fluid flow. In one aspect, a processor controls the pump to pump flow quantities in accordance with a pseudorandom code. Portions of the resulting pressure signal sensed are then decoded in accordance with the pseudorandom code. An estimate of the equilibrium pressure is generated from the decoded pressure values, while a summation of the pressure samples is generated from the undecoded pressure signals. The resistance to fluid flow of the system is determined from the estimated equilibrium pressure and pressure summation. For low flow rates, a processor controls the pump to pump fluid in a series of fluid boluses, with each fluid bolus delivered in the beginning of a separate timeslot. The equilibrium pressure is measured at the end of each timeslot, and a summation of the pressure samples is generated from the pressure signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Alaris Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Butterfield, Allen Farquhar