Abstract: A system and method for detecting a flow rate using ultrasound is disclosed. A flow rate detector includes a disposable conduit section and a reusable sensor chassis, the chassis configured to fit over an outer surface of the conduit section, the chassis configured to attach along a length of the of the disposable conduit section, and including first and second transducers configured to, when the reusable chassis is attached to the conduit section, measure a flow rate of a fluid passing through the conduit section by measuring an ultrasonic transmission between the first and second transducers through the fluid. The ultrasonic transmission is reflected at least once off of the inner surface of the disposable conduit before being received at the second transducer.

Abstract: A method of detecting a fault condition in an infusion process, the method includes receiving a programmed flow rate pertaining to a fluid infusion provided by an infusion device; determining, a first weight of an infusion container associated with the fluid infusion provided by the infusion device at a first time; determining a second weight of the infusion container at a second time; determining based on the first weight and the second weight, a determined flow rate of the fluid infusion provided by the infusion device between the first time and the second time. The method includes determining a difference between the determined flow rate and the programmed flow rate. When a magnitude of the difference between the determined flow rate and the programmed flow rate satisfies a predetermined threshold, by the processor: causing an output of the infusion device or the weight sensor to indicate the fault condition.