Abstract: A priming indicator for a fluid infusion system includes a luer cap or other component of the infusion system having an indicator surface covered by a membrane. The membrane exhibits a first visual characteristic, such as being opaque, when dry and exhibits a second characteristic, such as becoming less opaque, when wet. Once the membrane becomes wet, indicia on the surface, which may be provided on a rod at least partially covered by the membrane, becomes visible, thereby indicating an intravenous tube to which the luer cap is secured has been primed or is nearly primed. The indicator may alternately be employed at an upstream end of an infusion set, such as at the port of a medical bag providing a supply of fluid, to indicate a low level of fluid in the medical bag.

Abstract: The present invention includes systems and methods for determining the viscosity of a fluid within a fluid flow path. Such method may comprise flowing fluid through the fluid flow path and past a fixed flow restriction therein. The method may also comprise first sensing of a fluid pressure within the fluid flow path at a selected location upstream of the flow restriction. The method may also include limiting fluid flow in the fluid flow path upstream of such selected location. The method may further comprise second sensing of a fluid pressure within the fluid flow path at such selected location after such limiting. Such method includes determining the viscosity of the fluid based, at least in part, on any pressure difference from such first and second sensing.

Abstract: A priming indicator for a fluid infusion system includes a luer cap or other component of the infusion system having an indicator surface covered by a membrane. The membrane exhibits a first visual characteristic, such as being opaque, when dry and exhibits a second characteristic, such as becoming less opaque, when wet. Once the membrane becomes wet, indicia on the surface, which may be provided on a rod at least partially covered by the membrane, becomes visible, thereby indicating an intravenous tube to which the luer cap is secured has been primed or is nearly primed. The indicator may alternately be employed at an upstream end of an infusion set, such as at the port of a medical bag providing a supply of fluid, to indicate a low level of fluid in the medical bag.

Abstract: The present invention includes systems and methods for medical fluid delivery. Such system may comprise a fluid flow path for communication between a fluid source and a patient. A flow valve is operatively associated with the path and movable between a first position, which allows fluid flow through the path, and a second position, which limits fluid flow through the path. A control module is operatively associated with the valve to move the valve between the first and second positions in response to a measured actual fluid flow rate in the path. Such method may comprise flowing a fluid through a fluid flow path between a portable fluid source and a patient; determining an actual fluid flow rate through the path; and changing the actual fluid flow rate in response to a difference between the actual fluid flow rate and a desired fluid flow rate. Such method may further include a plurality of settings for a desired flow rate according to a sensed pain level of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention includes systems and methods for determining the viscosity of a fluid within a fluid flow path. Such method may comprise flowing fluid through the fluid flow path and past a fixed flow restriction therein. The method may also comprise first sensing of a fluid pressure within the fluid flow path at a selected location upstream of the flow restriction. The method may also include limiting fluid flow in the fluid flow path upstream of such selected location. The method may further comprise second sensing of a fluid pressure within the fluid flow path at such selected location after such limiting. Such method includes determining the viscosity of the fluid based, at least in part, on any pressure difference from such first and second sensing.

Abstract: The present invention includes an ambulatory medical fluid delivery system, which may comprise a fluid flow path for communicating between a source and a patient. The system may also comprise a reusable controller, which may be operable to control fluid flow in the path and include a module interface station, and a disposable fluid flow delivery set, which may include a flow control module adapted to be removably received by the module interface station. Such flow control module may include a flow valve which is operably associated with the path. Such valve may be operably controlled by the reusable controller in response to sensed flow rates of fluid flow in such path. The present invention may alternatively include an ambulatory reusable controller that is provided for use with a disposable medical fluid flow delivery set. The present invention may further alternatively include a differential pressure sensing device.