Patents Assigned to Centaur Sciences, Inc.
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Patent number: 4856339Abstract: A medical infusion pump includes a housing (10), a pump assembly (30), a bubble sensor assembly (120), a pressure sensor assembly (140) and a flow control assembly (180). The pump assembly includes a ring (26) with teeth (44) and a wheel (46) mounted for eccentric rotation within the ring. The pumping action is developed by the rotation of the wheel which continuously closes a portion of tubing (36) against one or two teeth as it goes through the pumping cycle. The bubble sensor includes a pair of sensor blocks (124) defining a generally V-shaped trough for cradling a portion of the tubing. The pressure sensor assembly detects pressure variations by movement of a diaphragm (168) coupled to a magnet (162) which is operatively coupled to a Hall effect circuit (160). The flow control assembly includes a thumb wheel (196) having a cam groove (197) interacting with a valve stem (199) for controlling the fluid flow through an orifice and associated valve seat (194).Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 1988Date of Patent: August 15, 1989Assignee: Centaur Sciences, Inc.Inventor: David R. Williams
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Patent number: 4821028Abstract: A dual controller for an IV infusion system comprises a microprocessor to concurrently control the rate of infusion through two IV units. The control of the rate of infusion is provided by a stepper motor driven regulator which is selectively positionable for compressibly engaging the IV tubing. A flow sensor employs a case of infrared transparent material which mounts to a drip chamber of the infusion unit. The flow sensor provides an output pulse to the microprocessor in response to a drop of fluid in the drip chamber interrupting a light path extending from an array of light emitting diodes and a photo transistor. The light emitting diodes are pulsed between energized and non-energized states so that changes in the ambient light level do not adversely effect the sensed drop rate.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1987Date of Patent: April 11, 1989Assignee: Centaur Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Clinton Deckert, Larry L. Wilson
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Patent number: 4758228Abstract: A medical infusion pump includes a housing (10), a pump assembly (30), a bubble sensor assembly (120), a pressure sensor assembly (140) and a flow control assembly (180). The pump assembly includes a ring (26) with teeth (44) and a wheel (46) mounted for eccentric rotation within the ring. The pumping action is developed by the rotation of the wheel which continuously closes a portion of tubing (36) against one or two teeth as it goes through the pumping cycle. The bubble sensor includes a pair of sensor blocks (124) defining a generally V-shaped trough for cradling a portion of the tubing. The pressure sensor assembly detects pressure variations by movement of a diaphragm (168) coupled to a magnet (162) which is operatively coupled to a Hall effect circuit (160). The flow control assembly includes a thumb wheel (196) having a cam groove (197) interacting with a valve stem (199) for controlling the fluid flow through an orifice and associated valve seat (194).Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1986Date of Patent: July 19, 1988Assignee: Centaur Sciences, Inc.Inventor: David R. Williams
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Patent number: 4681563Abstract: A dual controller for an IV infusion system comprises a microprocessor to concurrently control the rate of infusion through two IV units. The control of the rate of infusion is provided by a stepper motor driven regulator which is selectively positionable for compressibly engaging the IV tubing. A flow sensor employs a case of infrared transparent material which mounts to a drip chamber of the infusion unit. The flow sensor provides an output pulse to the microprocessor in response to a drop of fluid in the drip chamber interrupting a light path extending from an array of light emitting diodes and a photo transistor. The light emitting diodes are pulsed between energized and non-energized states so that changes in the ambient light level do not adversely effect the sensed drop rate.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 1985Date of Patent: July 21, 1987Assignee: Centaur Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Clinton Deckert, Larry L. Wilson
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Patent number: 4372304Abstract: The rate and total quantity of a fluid being delivered intravenously to a patient are accurately controlled by a restrictor which operates under the supervision of a microprocessor. The microprocessor provides control signals to a stepping motor which, through appropriate gearing, causes movement of a plunger so as to increase or decrease the compression of a plastic tube of an IV set which is captured in a disposable adapter mounted in registration with the plunger.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1980Date of Patent: February 8, 1983Assignee: Centaur Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Emik A. Avakian, Souren Avakian