Abstract: A priming sensor for a medical fluid delivery device is disclosed. In an example, the priming sensor includes light emitters and a detector. The detector is configured to detect light emitted by the emitters that interacts with a patient tube connected to the priming sensor. A processor of a medical fluid delivery device causes the emitters to operate in a sweep pattern during a sweep period. The processor receives output data from the detector that is indicative of light detected during the sweep period. The processor creates an output waveform corresponding to the sweep period based on the output data and compares the output waveform to at least one reference waveform to determine one of (a) a no-tube state, (b) a dry tube state, or (c) a wet tube state. The processor provides an output indicative of the comparison for operation of the medical fluid delivery device.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods of removing proteins, including cytokines, from blood and blood products, the methods comprising contacting the blood or blood product with a form of carbon having high graphitic contents and slit-shaped mesopores and macropores, the pore size dimensions chosen to be comparable to the size of the proteins, wherein the contacting results in the removal of high levels of the protein from the blood or blood product in minutes or hours.

Abstract: In a blood transfusion system (a blood transfusion kit, a blood transfusion kit for emergency blood transfusion, or a method of using a blood transfusion kit), a flow path through which blood flows is formed using a tube having a channel therein. The flow path includes: a first path that connects an upstream path and a downstream path and has a leukocyte removal filter removing leukocytes at an intermediate position of the channel and a second path that connects the upstream path and the downstream path and bypasses the leukocyte removal filter.

Abstract: The present invention provides an extracorporeal dialysis apparatus which allows the automation of some operations in order to make possible a safe home treatment or to facilitate the treatment process for example the priming and/or the blood return process. Thus, the object is to automatically perform a series of processes from hemodialysis preparation to treatment completion safely, reliably and speedily, and to significantly reduce the labor and supply costs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of removing blood from an extracorporeal blood circuit following termination of a blood treatment session, wherein blood is concurrently removed both from an arterial conduit portion and from a venous conduit portion of the extracorporeal blood circuit. It further relates to a method for recognizing and/or eliminating air inclusions in or from an extracorporeal blood circuit and a treatment apparatus as well as a tube system.

Abstract: A photopheresis system (200) is disclosed, and that may be configured to execute one or more protocols. These protocols include: 1) protocols (400; 430; 460) for purging air out of a centrifuge bowl (210) used by the photopheresis system (200); 2) protocols (500; 510 550) for assessing the installation/operation of one or more pressure domes (330) used by the photopheresis system (200); and 3) protocols (580; 600; 660; 700; 740) for collecting buffy coat from blood processed by the photopheresis system (200).

Abstract: A medical device includes: a hollow body part formed in a predetermined between shape; a head part provided at a tip portion thereof with a discharge port for discharging cleaning water and detachably coupled to a front end of the body part; a connection part connected to a shower hose and a rear end of the body part and provided with a control valve for controlling water supply, a water flow rate and a water pressure; a water purification tube built in the body part and provided with leakage preventing grilles at both ends thereof; and a purified water discharge part provided inside the head part and configured to remove foreign substances in the water by using a filter.

Abstract: A trans anal irrigation device that can be used on a bed. The device includes a rectal catheter connected to an irrigation fluid supply. A waste collection bag is also connected to the catheter. The catheter may be insertable in a seat attached to a fluid supply line. A valve in one of the catheter or seat selectably allows or prevents fluid communication between the catheter and a waste collection bag. The catheter may include an inflationless cuff made of a flexible material that permits it to be inserted in the rectum to prevent leakage around the exterior of the catheter.

Abstract: An IV-line identification system to enable ready identification of an IV line and its associated fluid source and output from other IV lines with their fluid sources and outputs. The IV-line identification system includes an optical member affixed along a longitudinal length of an elongated member that transmits light when a light source provides a light to the optical member.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to devices, systems and methods for improving thrombolysis via synergetic application of thrombolytics with physical factors, such as in acute ischemic stroke patients. Vibration in the low (0.5-120 Hz) frequency range is synergistic with tissue plasminogen activators (rtPA), significantly improving the effectiveness of thrombolysis without impairing blood brain barrier permeability. Administration of low frequency vibration combined with rtPA improve acute ischemic stroke outcomes.

Abstract: An on-body medical fluid injection device with adhesive assembly includes a housing, an injection needle, a skin-facing surface that faces the skin of a patient when on the patients body, a skin adhesive carried by at least a portion of the skin facing surface and a plurality of substantially contiguous folded film segments covering the skin adhesive.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a wearable drug delivery device including a container filled at least partially with a drug including at least one of a PCSK9 (Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9) specific antibody, a granulocyte colony-stimulating factor CSF), a sclerostin antibody, or a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antibody. The wearable drug delivery device includes a needle and an insertion mechanism configured to insert the needle into a patient. A fluid pathway connector defines a sterile fluid flowpath between the container and the insertion mechanism. A cannula initially disposed about the needle is included.

Abstract: A monitoring device may include a housing, which may include a distal end, a proximal end, and a fluid pathway extending through the proximal end and distal end. The distal end may include a connector configured to couple to a catheter assembly. The monitoring device may include one or more sensors disposed within the fluid pathway. The sensors may facilitate identification of an occlusion within the catheter assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates in one aspect to a mounting adapter configured for mounting an add-on device to an injection device, the mounting adapter including a carrier, a first mount connected to the carrier and configured to connect to a housing of the injection device, a second mount connected to the carrier and configured to connect to the add-on device, and an electrical conductor arranged in or on the carrier, wherein the electrical conductor is configured to exchange at least one type of electrical signals with the add-on device.

Abstract: A portable medical data acquisition communication device stores tools necessary for personal therapy and establishing communication with at least some of the tools to read out information and/or with one or more external databases to transmit the information into the databases. The device includes a housing (100?) having a first half piece, a second half piece, a closing element, and electronics (110). The electronics include a power supply (111); a processor unit; a memory unit; at least one short-range communication device; at least one long-range communication device configured to communicate with the one or more external databases; a user interface (120); and at least one trigger signal generating element (123) configured to generate and transmit a trigger signal to the processor unit to effect wake-up or sleep of the electronics (110) when the two half pieces of said housing (100?) get into a certain distance to each other.

Abstract: An inventive drug delivery system includes a reservoir that holds a drug to be administered. A drug applicator injects or infuses the drug, and a pump generates a flow of the drug from the reservoir to the drug applicator. A control system has a pressure sensor that measures pressure signals indicative of resistance against the flow of the drug and a processor is in communication with the pressure sensor. The control system detects with the pressure sensor a pressure signal indicative of the resistance against the flow of the drug while the drug is being administered and compares the measured pressure signal to a reference value. The control system also generates display data and provides it to an output device when the measured pressure signal exceeds the reference value. The display data includes a scheduled test reminder for a glucose level test that is communicated to an output device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that provide smart alerts to users, e.g., alerts to users about diabetic states that are only provided when it makes sense to do so, e.g., when the system can predict or estimate that the user is not already cognitively aware of their current condition, e.g., particularly where the current condition is a diabetic state warranting attention. In this way, the alert or alarm is personalized and made particularly effective for that user. Such systems and methods still alert the user when action is necessary, e.g., a bolus or temporary basal rate change, or provide a response to a missed bolus or a need for correction, but do not alert when action is unnecessary, e.g., if the user is already estimated or predicted to be cognitively aware of the diabetic state warranting attention, or if corrective action was already taken.

Abstract: A novel single use auto-injector for delivering a fixed amount of medicament is described. The auto-injector may include a sealed housing rotatably held in a cover. Once the auto-injector is positioned at the injection location, the user can transition the housing from a locked to an armed position. The user can then compress the sealed housing into the cover, triggering activation mechanisms that initiate the injection. A first activation mechanism engages an interlock to prevent reuse of the auto-injector. A second activation mechanism straightens and extends a curved needle to a set the exposed needle length. A third activation mechanism pierces a sealed reservoir allowing the medicament to be forced through the injection needle. Following the injection, the auto-injector expands and interlocks, retracting the needle into the auto-injector and preventing reuse.

Abstract: According to the invention, an auto-injector for administering a dose of a liquid medicament (M) comprises of a substantially cylindrical housing arranged to contain a pre-filled syringe filled with the medicament (M), a needle shroud slibably arranged with respect to the housing and adapted to rest on the skin of a patient receiving an injection, a releasable drive means arranged within the housing that is capable of, upon release, translating the needle shroud in a proximal direction (P) towards a safe position (PS) and a rotating collar rotatably arranged within the housing. The needle shroud in the safe position (PS) surrounds the injection needle after the injection has been carried out. The rotating collar engages the needle shroud in a manner that forces the rotating collar to rotate within the housing when the needle shroud is translated in the proximal direction (P).

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, an actuator, a lock mechanism, and a medicament container. The lock mechanism selectively engages a portion of the housing such that (1) the lock mechanism is maintained in a substantially fixed position when the housing is in a first orientation and (2) the lock mechanism is removable from the housing when the housing is in a second orientation. The medicament container is moved in a proximal direction when the lock mechanism is removed from the housing to mix a first medicament portion contained within the medicament container with a second medicament portion contained within the medicament container. The actuator can be moved from a first position to a second position when the lock mechanism is removed from the housing to release energy stored within an energy storage member such that the medicament container is moved in a distal direction.

Abstract: A needleless injector assembly can have a spring injector and an ampule. The spring injector can include a housing having a first housing portion and a second housing portion defining a bore and having a casing located in the bore and fixed relative to the first housing portion but the second housing portion can be rotatable relative to the casing. The casing can have a threaded receiving end at an end to threadedly receive a threaded end of an ampule. A pin having an end can project from the second housing portion and into an opening of the first housing portion and wherein the pin is retractable away from the first portion before the second housing portion is rotatable relative to the casing.

Abstract: An injection guide globally aligns an injector to an angle selected for consistent subcutaneous delivery of an injectate, while locally aligning a patient's skin normal to the injection path at the location where the injection pierces the skin. This arrangement advantageously maintains controlled contact between an injector and a subject's skin in order to deliver the full, intended volume of injectate into the patient's subcutaneous layer while avoiding misdelivery into adjacent layers such as the patient's dermis or muscle.

Abstract: A needleless injector is provided. The needleless injector includes a loading lever having a working arm part having a lever shaft, a towing member inserted inside the cylinder housing, a link having one end portion pin-coupled to the working arm part and the other end portion pin-coupled to the towing member, an inner cylinder inserted inside the cylinder housing, a spring inserted into the inner cylinder, an actuating head inserted into the inner cylinder in front of the spring and having a catching protrusion configured to be inserted into the slit, and a trigger means having a stopper head part configured to be able to be inserted into the slit of the inner cylinder and detached from the slit. Accordingly, the needleless injector can achieve a reduction in size and thickness by having a simple structure even with a lever for reloading integrally formed therein.

Abstract: An injection device, method, and system for drug delivery includes a primary container for storing a drug, the container having a stopper movably disposed in the container for expelling the drug, an injection drive mechanism comprising a plunger for acting on the stopper and an energy source for exerting a force on the plunger to cause the plunger to act on the stopper to expel the drug, the force causing the plunger to accelerate to a velocity prior to acting on the stopper, and a damping mechanism for reducing the velocity of the plunger prior to acting on the stopper. The damping mechanism can include a dashpot or an energy absorbing material associated with the plunger. Alternatively or additionally, the damping mechanisms can include absorbing material disposed between support members of an outer casing of the injection device and the primary container.

Abstract: An exchangeable cartridge for an injection device is disclosed. The cartridge (3) comprises a container (4) and a plunger (10) connectable with a plunger rod (9). The container receives the plunger rod from its rear end. The plunger comprises a rod connector (12) connectable with a front portion (13), and the rod connector has a base portion (24), an outer wall section (15), an inner wall section (16), and a rod stop portion (17) encircled by the inner wall section. The inner wall section comprises several tongues (22) protruding rearwards from the base portion and defining an entrance opening (18) for the plunger rod. The inner wall section receives a front portion (13) of the plunger rod through the entrance, and the tongues are provided with retaining portions arranged to retain the front end portion during retraction of the plunger rod within the housing.

Abstract: Described are applicators having a plunger with a plunger body, and a tube having a receptacle end for insertion of the plunger, and a connector end formed of flexible plastic material having a bull-nose shape. As an example, the plunger body can include a viewing window. As another example, the connector end has an internal surface that is free of threaded connectors. The connector end can also have a snap-fit coupling design to couple to a snap-fit nozzle. The snap-fit nozzle can be connected to an adaptor cap or an administering tool of a metering dispenser.

Abstract: A button for setting and dispensing a dose of a drug from a drug delivery device is described. The button comprises a plastic component and a metal component, wherein the plastic component is at least partly received by the metal component, and wherein the metal component is configured to be manipulated by a user for setting and dispensing the dose. Furthermore, a method for assembling a button for a drug delivery device and a drug delivery device comprising the button are described.

Abstract: An injector (10) for injecting a medicament into a patient. The injector includes a container (18) defining a first chamber (22), which contains a fluid therein, and a second chamber (23). The injector also includes an injection conduit (126) configured for directing the fluid fired from the container into the patient. A transfer mechanism is operable by a user to transfer the fluid from the first chamber to the second chamber in a first stage of operation, and a firing mechanism is operable by the user for firing the fluid from the second chamber through the injection conduit in a second stage of operation. An energy source (62) is in powering association with the firing mechanism to drive firing mechanism in the first and second stages.

Abstract: A cap assembly for a drug delivery device is described comprising a cap, and a clip element which is configured to be attached to the cap, the clip element comprising a first component, and a second component, wherein the first component is at least partly received by the second component, wherein the first component and the second component are firmly connected to one another, and wherein the connection between the first component and the second component is the means by which the second component is attached to the cap. Moreover, a method for assembling a cap assembly is described.

Abstract: The invention relates to an injection device. Exemplary embodiments of the invention comprise an application element, an injection needle, an injection needle housing, a drive system for the injection movement, and a retraction system. In exemplary embodiments, a substance is injected during the retraction movement of the injection needle.

Abstract: A system of needles having rudders or keels is provided having perforations, such as kerfs, to allow the needles to be bent by the manipulations of wires imbedded within the needle body. The pulling or pushing of the embedded wires, or stylets, causes the needle tip to be bent, while within the body, to allow the needle to be steered past impediments towards the target necessitating treatment. Wires can be pulled or pushed and in some instances both a push and pull wire are provided to give the needle precision steerability. The needles are provided with a keel or rudder, or can be shaped such as with a teardrop cross-section, to give a degree of stabilization to the course the needle, and attendant tubing, takes within the patient. The kerf cut section of the needle, which can be on one side, two sides or all about the circumference of the needle, allows the needle to be bent one way and then, as needed, another way to allow the needle to be steered within the body.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a syringe to provide a safety syringe, the apparatus including: a sheath deployable for at least partially covering a needle of the syringe; a sheath actuator for deploying the sheath; and a ratioed mechanism linking the sheath and the sheath actuator and configured such that a magnitude of movement of the sheath is greater than a magnitude of movement of the sheath actuator during deployment of the sheath.

Abstract: A needle removing device includes a seat, a driving assembly, a removal assembly and a lift assembly. The driving assembly is disposed on the seat. The removal assembly has one end thereof connected to one end of the driving assembly away from the seat, and includes a needle winding member and a pressing member. The needle winding member is located on one end of the removal assembly away from the driving assembly. The pressing member is connected to the needle winding member. The lift assembly is disposed on the seat. The driving assembly and the removal assembly are movable relative to the seat via the lift assembly. The needle winding member includes a first rod and a second rod, wherein the first rod and the second rod are adjacently spaced to form a disassembly space. The pressing member includes a first elastic element and a second elastic element.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a catheter, an inner needle, and a deflection suppression mechanism that suppresses a deflection of the inner needle. A side flow path structure having at least one liquid passage is provided on a circumferential wall of the catheter. The deflection suppression mechanism has a sliding contact support portion that can support the catheter while sliding against the catheter when the catheter is advanced with respect to the inner needle. In an initial state, the sliding contact support portion is located to be closer to a proximal side than a liquid passage located on a most distal side in the side flow path structure.

Abstract: An insertion mechanism for a cannula includes a cannula housing, a displaceable cannula, at least one cannula holder, an insertion spring, a triggering element, and a safety device. The safety device, in a secured state, holds the triggering element in a blocked position against a force of the insertion spring and, in a released state, releases the triggering element such that the triggering element is movable into a release position by the force of said insertion energy store and the at least one cannula holder is able to move relative to the cannula housing, driven by the insertion energy store, so as to trigger or implement an insertion movement or insertion. To reach the released state, the safety mechanism is heatable by a heating element and softened and/or weakened with respect to its mechanical carrying or holding capacity, or severed or at least partially or completely melted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for connecting a first component, in particular a lancing means, to a second component, in particular a syringe body, in order to produce a product for medical or cosmetic purposes, by means of adhesion, having the following steps: (a) providing the first and the second component; (b) tempering at least one first contact surface of the first component and/or at least one second contact surface of the second component to a temperature T1; and (c) applying an adhesive to at least one portion of the first contact surface and/or to at least one portion of the second contact surface, wherein the adhesive is at a temperature T2, wherein temperatures T1 and T2 differ only by a tolerance deviation, wherein the tolerance deviation is at most 10° C.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical system for displaying and recording injection sites of patients. After patient identification based on the patient's vein patterns, the system can retrieve and display previous injection sites (e.g., for blood draw or injection) of the patient as overlaid at actual positions of the injection sites. The system can determine potential new injection sites based on the locations of the previous injection sites. The system can also ensure workflow compliance by displaying and tracking procedures performed by the healthcare professional.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a portable nebulizer comprising a housing, a mouthpiece, a reservoir, a disk having multiple pores, and a unit that is configured to cause the disk to vibrate, wherein the vibration of the disk creates a pressure differential that causes a fluid from the reservoir to move through the disk to create an aerosol for delivery. In one embodiment, the mouthpiece may be held in place with at least one metal plate imbedded in the mouthpiece and at least one magnet imbedded in the housing. In one embodiment, the reservoir may have a non-cylindrical shape. In one embodiment, the nebulizer may comprise a battery and a USB port for charging the battery.

Abstract: A dispenser device for dispensing a fluid or powder composition, the dispenser device comprising: a dispenser head (1) that is provided with a dispenser outlet (10) that is formed at the end of a hollow sleeve (3); an air expeller (20) for generating a flow of air while the device is being actuated, said air expeller including a piston (21) that slides in an air chamber (22) between a rest position and a dispensing position, said air chamber (22) including a cylindrical body in which said piston (21) slides in airtight manner; and a reservoir (30) that contains a single dose of composition, said reservoir (30) including an air inlet (31) that is connected to said air expeller (20), and a composition outlet (32) that is connected to said dispenser outlet (10), said air inlet (31) including a composition retainer member (40) for retaining the composition in the reservoir (30) until the composition is dispensed, and said composition outlet (32) being closed by a closure element (50) that is force fitted in the c

Abstract: An aerosol delivery system has a nebulizer and a humidifier providing a gas flow to the nebulizer. A controller varies humidity level of the gas flow to the nebulizer so that if the nebulizer is not operating it has about 100% humidity and it is operating the value is less to allow for the humidification effect of the nebulizer. The control may be achieved by dynamically varying proportions of flow through a dry branch and a humidification branch.

Abstract: Insufflators and related insufflation methods. In some embodiments, an insufflator assembly may comprise a first port fluidly coupled with and configured to provide access to ambient air, a gas pump fluidly coupled with the first port, and a second port configured to deliver pressurized ambient air generated from the gas pump for delivery to a patient. The assembly may further comprise a battery configured to provide a portable energy source for delivery of electrical energy to the gas pump.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a device for monitoring patient usage of a medicament inhaler, being adapted to deliver doses of medicament. The device includes a housing, for releasable attachment to the medicament inhaler, and a sensor configured to determine when a dose of medicament has been dispensed from the medicament inhaler. The device is attachable to the medicament inhaler, and is subsequently operable without any modifications being required to be made to the medicament inhaler. The device may also include an electronic control module which is in communication with the sensor, the electronic control module being adapted to monitor and/or store data relating to patient usage of the medicament inhaler.

Abstract: A multi-dose dry powder inhaler with a blister folding device is provided. The inhaler comprises a housing containing a blister strip, and a blister opening device. The blister strip comprises a plurality of individual blisters, each blister containing a dose of medicament for inhalation by a user. The blister opening device comprising a blister support element for supporting one of said blisters, and a blister folding element co-operable with the blister support element, the blister folding element and the blister support element being movable relative to each other between a first position, permitting movement of said blister into or onto the blister support element, and a second, burst, position in which the blister folding element has co-operated with the blister support element.

Abstract: The inhalation device for medically active liquids (F) for generation of an aerosol comprises a housing (1), a reservoir (2), a pumping device with a pumping chamber (3), and a nozzle (6), wherein the interior volume of the pumping chamber (3) is changeable by means of linear relative motion of the pumping chamber to the riser pipe (5). Said linear relative motion can be effected by a relative rotation of a rotatable part (1A) which is part of, or connected to, the housing (1) with respect to a second part (1B) of said housing (1), in that said relative rotation can be transferred by means of a gear mechanism into said relative translational motion. A means for the storage of potential energy (7) is provided which is chargeable by means of said relative rotation, and wherein said energy is releasable to said pumping device when released by activation of a release means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of delivering an agent to the pulmonary system of a compromised patient, in a single breath-activated step, comprising administering a particle mass comprising an agent from an inhaler containing less than 5 milligrams of the mass, wherein at least about 50% of the mass in the receptacle is delivered to the pulmonary system of a patient. The invention also relates to receptacles containing the particle mass and the inhaler for use therein.

Abstract: An electrically operated aerosol-generating system is provided, including a main unit and a tubular aerosol-generating article. The main unit includes a heating portion disposed at an outer surface of the main unit. The heating portion includes one or more electric heaters. The tubular aerosol-generating article includes a tubular aerosol-forming substrate and an inner passage, wherein the inner passage is configured to receive the heating portion of the main unit. The one or more electric heaters of the heating portion of the main unit are arranged to heat the tubular aerosol-forming substrate when the tubular aerosol-generating article is received on the heating portion of the main unit. The aerosol-generating system further includes means to determine that the tubular aerosol-generating article is received on the heating portion of the main unit.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser device having a reservoir (10) containing fluid; a dispenser head (20) provided with a dispenser orifice (21); and a piston (45; 70) for dispensing at least a portion of the fluid through the dispenser orifice (21). The reservoir (10) is closed in leaktight manner by a closure element (25) before actuation. The device includes a passage (40) for connecting the reservoir (10) to the dispenser orifice (21) during actuation, the passage (40) including a hollow sleeve (41) that is stationary relative to the dispenser head (20), for sliding around the closure element (25) during actuation, so as to open the passage (40).

Abstract: A patient module (20) is intended for use together with a pressure source (12). The patient module (20) couples the pressure source (12) for flow to a patient interface (14) that can be connected to the airways of a patient. The patient module (20) includes at least one valve device (30), which can be controlled by means of a piezo pump, which acts as a valve drive (34) and can preferably be operated at a high frequency. The at least one valve device (30) acts as an exhalation valve (28).

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a mask, ventilation therapy equipment and a method executed based on the ventilation therapy equipment, and belongs to the field of ventilation therapy equipment. The mask comprises a mask body, acquisition units and output units, wherein the acquisition units are arranged on the mask body and are used for acquiring eye movement data of the eyes of a user; the eye movement data comprises action data of the eyes of the user; and the output units are connected with the acquisition units, and are used for outputting the eye movement data. By the mask, a ventilation therapy equipment system and the method executed based on the ventilation therapy equipment system, the operation intention expressed by the user with the eyes can be recognized so as to carry out follow-up control on the ventilation therapy equipment, and the user experience is greatly enhanced.

Abstract: A CPAP apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a housing, a hose whose one end communicates with a connection portion, a fan configured to expel air flowing in from an intake port, from another end of the hose, a motor and a motor driving unit configured to rotationally drive the fan, a control unit configured to control the motor driving unit, and a flow rate sensor. The control unit includes a command generation unit configured to generate a command value of a rotation number of the fan such that a pressure to be expelled from the other end of the hose becomes a target pressure, and a command correction unit configured to correct the command value based on a flow rate value obtained by the flow rate sensor.