Abstract: The present invention relates to a monitoring device (10) arranged to be operably connected to a medicament delivery device (12), said medicament delivery device (12) comprising a manually operated movable dose activation element (20), said monitoring device (10) comprising an electronic circuit (42), said electronic circuit (42) comprising an optical sensor (68), wherein said optical sensor (68) is positioned in relation to said dose activation element (20) so as to detect a manual operation of said dose activation element (20) from an initial position; said electronics circuit further comprising a vibration sensor (70), wherein said vibration sensor (70) is positioned in relation to said medicament delivery device so as to detect specific vibration spectra produced by the medicament delivery device when said dose activating element (20) is operated, wherein said electronic circuit (42) comprises computing elements capable of correlating the information from the optical sensor (68) with the information from

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring fluid speed by using the refraction of light is disclosed. The apparatus includes: a channel in which a passage is formed to allow the flow of a fluid; a first and a second light source that are located in any one region of an upper part and a lower part of the channel; a sensor installed in an opposite region of the region where the first and second light sources are located with respect to the channel, to receive the light emitted from the first and second light sources; a speed calculation unit that calculates the speed of the fluid by using a time point at which the intensity of the light received at the sensor changes; and an adjustment unit that is connected to the channel and configured to adjust the flow speed of the fluid based on the calculated speed of the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an infusion flow-rate regulating device capable of allowing easy attachment and detachment of a flow-rate regulator provided in an infusion solution set and of automatically adjusting a dial of the attached flow regulator such that a fluid is able to be administered at a target flow rate. To this end, the infusion flow-rate regulating device includes a main body, a dial mounting unit rotatably connected to the main body, a flow-rate regulator separation unit for preventing arbitrary separation of a flow-rate regulator mounted on the dial mounting unit, and a controller for controlling a flow rate of fluid.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to method of controlling a product contained in a container device, the method comprising, when the container device is arranged in a housing (101), receiving at least one signal from a sensor module (104), said signal representing an attribute related to the product contained in the container device, said sensor module being associated with the housing; determining if the attribute represented by the signal received from the sensor module is a warning attribute; if the attribute is a warning attribute, generating at least one trigger signal to be received by at least a warning module configured to generate a warning based on the trigger signal.

Abstract: Methods and devices for monitoring and/or controlling delivery of a fluid to a patient monitor a level of the fluid and generate an alarm and/or block flow of the fluid through a flexible delivery tube to the patient in response to detecting that the fluid level has dropped below a predetermined level. A device for monitoring and/or controlling delivery of the fluid to a patient is removeably mountable to a fluid delivery assembly having the delivery tube. When the device is configured to control delivery of the fluid, the device automatically reconfigures from a first configuration in which fluid is allowed to flow through the delivery tube to a second configuration in which the delivery tube is in a deformed state via the device to block flow of fluid through the delivery tube upon the device detecting that the fluid level is below the predetermined level.

Abstract: In one aspect, methods of determining the shape of a sessile drop are described herein. In some embodiments, a method described herein comprises measuring a first shape parameter of a sessile drop to obtain a first shape parameter value, measuring a second shape parameter of the drop to obtain a second shape parameter value, and using the first and second shape parameter values to calculate a third shape parameter value of a third shape parameter of the drop.

Abstract: A device, method, and system are provided for monitoring the delivery of fluids through a drip chamber. The device includes an electromagnetic radiation (EMR) source and an EMR detector. A device body is employed to position the source and detector about the drip chamber so that the source and detector define an optical path across the drip chamber. A processor device is employed to detect fluid drops from differences between detector signal values separated by a lag time. The flow rate is determined from a drip factor and the detection of multiple drops. In the context of delivering intravenous (IV) fluids, a battery powered handheld monitoring device that includes the source, detector, device body, and processor device may be affixed to a drip chamber included in an infusion set. The device includes a user interface, including buttons, a display, and an audio speaker, for the input and output of information.

Abstract: A device includes a pre-sample reservoir, an actuator mechanism, and a diverter. The pre-sample reservoir can be fluidically coupled to a delivery member to receive and isolate a predetermined volume of bodily-fluid withdrawn from a patient. The actuator mechanism is operably coupled to the pre-sample reservoir such that, when actuated, a negative pressure is formed in the pre-sample reservoir that urges the bodily-fluid to flow into the pre-sample reservoir. The diverter can selectively control fluid flow between the delivery member and the pre-sample reservoir. The diverter includes a flow control mechanism that defines a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path. The diverter is movable between a first configuration in which the bodily-fluid flows through the first fluid flow path to the pre-sample reservoir, and a second configuration in which the bodily-fluid flows through the second fluid flow path to a sample reservoir coupled to the diverter.

Abstract: A device, method, and system are provided for monitoring the delivery of fluids through a drip chamber. The device includes an electromagnetic radiation (EMR) source and an EMR detector. A device body is employed to position the source and detector about the drip chamber so that the source and detector define an optical path across the drip chamber. A processor device is employed to detect fluid drops from differences between detector signal values separated by a lag time. The flow rate is determined from a drip factor and the detection of multiple drops. In the context of delivering intravenous (IV) fluids, a battery powered handheld monitoring device that includes the source, detector, device body, and processor device may be affixed to a drip chamber included in an infusion set. The device includes a user interface, including buttons, a display, and an audio speaker, for the input and output of information.

Abstract: An intravenous infusion system that shows infusion flow rate, volume of medication infused, and alarming during malfunction. User intervention to adjust flow rates deviation is possible, using the data already stored in the system prior to the onset of making the adjustment. The system detects flow rate by measuring temperature dynamics in a section of the fluid path, unlike other systems that measures the electromechanical output of the pumping source if the counting of drops is not possible. This fundamental difference allows the invention to be used in any system that has a pumping source that provides a continuous fluid path as it measures actual flow of fluid in a segment of the fluid path, independent of pumping mechanism design.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pressure infusion and temperature control of infused liquids including an infrared sensing device mounted proximate a drip chamber to ascertain drip count. The infrared sensing device having particular features such as emission and detection window shapes, arrangement of emission and detection windows and different numbers of emitters and detectors.

Abstract: There is provided a combination of a drip chamber for use in a drip infusion set of the type comprising a liquid supply connected to said drip chamber upstream thereof and an injection needle connected through a tube to said drip chamber downstream thereof, and a drop sensor adapted for being arranged adjacent said drip chamber for sensing the passage of drops through said drip chamber.

Abstract: A drip chamber for an infusion tube, including: a first end including a drip tube; a second end including an exit port; and a wall connecting the first and second ends and including an interior surface with a hydrophobic portion. The drip chamber includes a space enclosed by the interior wall and the first and second ends. The hydrophobic portion of the interior surface repels liquid contacting the hydrophobic coating. The hydrophobic portion of the interior surface enables light to refract through the hydrophobic portion and the wall in the same manner as is the case when the hydrophobic portion is not present on the interior surface.

Abstract: Detection of fluid conditions in an administration set. A light source is positioned to transmit an infrared light through administration set tubing and any fluid therein. A light sensor senses the infrared light transmitted through the tubing and generates an output signal. A frequency of the output signal is a function of an intensity of the light transmitted through the tubing. A processor receives and determines the frequency of the output signal, and compares the determined frequency to threshold frequency values to determine whether fluid is in the tubing. The processor also monitors the generated output signal to determine if the frequency of the output signal changes over time, and determines whether fluid is flowing in the tubing as a function of the determined change in frequency.

Abstract: Disclosed is an infusion flow regulator, in which a reference point is set within a manipulating range of a manipulation unit for regulating a flow rate in the infusion flow regulator, so that a manipulating point of the manipulation unit can be tuned with reference to the ratio of a flow rate measured at the reference point in relation to a prescribed injection flow rate, whereby the flow rate can be quickly and accurately tuned to the prescribed flow rate. The disclosure also includes an infusion flow regulating set including the infusion flow regulator, and an infusion flow regulating method using the same.

Abstract: An automated intravenous (IV) monitoring device is provided comprising a sensor for sensing drips passing through an IV drip chamber, a processing unit for calculating the total infused volume over a predetermined period of time, and a display for displaying the total infused volume. The IV monitoring device preferably also calculates and displays the flow rate of the drips. Additionally, an alarm can be activated if the flow rate drops below a predetermined value. A method of providing data pertaining to IV drips being infused into a body is also disclosed.

Abstract: An exemplary IV system can be provided which can include a drip chamber having a movable arrangement configured to mechanically move due to an impact thereof by at least one drop. The movable arrangement can include a spinning arrangement which is configured to spin due to the impact. The spinning arrangement can include a center portion having a plurality of protrusions, and can be mounted to the drip chamber using a mounting mechanism.

Abstract: An infusion pump, including: a microprocessor; a drip chamber; a drip tube with an end in the drip chamber; and an illumination system: with a light source for transmitting light through the drip chamber to a drop of fluid suspended from the drip tube; and for controlling illumination properties of the light transmitted to the drop. The pump includes an optical system for: receiving light transmitted through the drop; and transmitting, to the microprocessor, data regarding the received light. The microprocessor: generates, using the data, an image of the drop; locates, using the image, an outer edge of the drop to define a boundary of the drop; integrates an area enclosed by the boundary; and calculates a volume of revolution for the drop with respect to an axis for the drop that intersects the end of the drip tube, assuming symmetry of the drop with respect to the axis.

Abstract: An external infusion device that infuses a fluid into an individual's body includes a housing, a reservoir, a drive system, a power supply, electrical elements, and a tab. The reservoir contains the fluid, and the drive system forces the fluid from the reservoir. The electrical elements control the power to the drive system to regulate the rate that fluid is forced from the reservoir. The tab mates with the housing, and contains at least one electrical element. The tab is removable, and may be replaced with a different tab. The different tab may change the rate fluid is forced from the reservoir. A tab may be removed from one external infusion device and installed in a different external infusion device. The tab may be limited to use in a predetermined number of external infusion devices and may include a power supply.

Abstract: A pump set for use in a liquid delivery pump of the type for delivering liquid to a patient, having an infrared radiation detector for detecting infrared radiation, and providing an indication that the pump set is properly loaded on the pump. The pump set comprises a conduit for the liquid and a safety interlock member which is carried by the conduit. The safety interlock member is formed of a material that transmits infrared radiation and blocks visible light.

Abstract: A flow control system includes a drip chamber having lower and upper wall sections and a collapsible wall extending between the lower and upper wall sections, a downwardly depending valve seat attached to the lower wall section, and a valve member disposed in the drip chamber, attached to the upper wall section and having a valve surface engageable with the valve seat. The system also includes a driver rotatably engaged to the lower and upper wall sections. Upon rotation of the driver in a first direction, the collapsible wall of the drip chamber moves between a collapsed condition in which the valve seat is sealingly engaged with the valve surface and an extended condition in which the valve seat is sufficiently spaced from the valve surface to form a flow passageway between the valve surface and the valve seat and permit flow through the opening of the drip chamber.

Abstract: A system to minimize fluid turbulence inside a tissue cavity during endoscopic procedures. A body tissue cavity of a subject is distended by continuous flow irrigation using a solenoid operated pump on the inflow side and a positive displacement pump, such as a peristaltic pump, on the outflow side, such that the amplitude of the pressure pulsations created by the outflow positive displacement pump inside the said tissue cavity is substantially dampened to almost negligible levels. The present invention also provides a method for accurately determining the rate of fluid loss into the subject's body system during any endoscopic procedure without utilizing any deficit weight or fluid volume calculation, the same being accomplished by using two fluid flow rate sensors. The present invention also provides a system of creating and maintaining any desired pressure in a body tissue cavity for any desired cavity outflow rate.

Abstract: An infusion pump, including: a microprocessor; a drip chamber; a drip tube with an end in the drip chamber; and an illumination system: with a light source for transmitting light through the drip chamber to a drop of fluid suspended from the drip tube; and for controlling illumination properties of the light transmitted to the drop. The pump includes an optical system for: receiving light transmitted through the drop; and transmitting, to the microprocessor, data regarding the received light. The microprocessor: generates, using the data, an image of the drop; locates, using the image, an outer edge of the drop to define a boundary of the drop; integrates an area enclosed by the boundary; and calculates a volume of revolution for the drop with respect to an axis for the drop that intersects the end of the drip tube, assuming symmetry of the drop with respect to the axis.

Abstract: A controller for closed loop control of infusion devices is described. A variety of infusion systems are described that use the closed loop control architecture. In some embodiments the closed loop control may be adapted to current commonly used infusion means such as a gravity feed intravenous system. Other embodiments describe infusion pump system that use biasing or drive mechanisms of springs, elastomers, rotary and linear motors.

Abstract: A circuitry for counting drips and monitoring a rate of infusion is incorporated into an IV administration set. The circuitry includes a pair of leads that are positioned in the pathway of fluid droplets, such that each droplet simultaneously contacts both leads. As such, the leads act as a virtual switch that is closed by the presence of a droplet. This event is then displayed on a drip signaling device to aid a user in adjusting the infusion rate of the IV administration set.

Abstract: A pump set for use in a liquid delivery pump of the type for delivering liquid to a patient, having an infrared radiation detector for detecting infrared radiation, and providing an indication that the pump set is properly loaded on the pump. The pump set comprises a conduit for the liquid and a safety interlock member which is carried by the conduit. The safety interlock member is formed of a material that transmits infrared radiation and blocks visible light.

Abstract: A drip detector for a tube with multiple symmetric sensors and signal transmission utilizes a ZigBee network and includes a monitoring display host, a drip detector, a stopper and a base. The detector generates signals and alarms through the ZigBee network when it detects changes in drip speed or drip quantity.

Abstract: A portable infusion monitoring system detects the liquid level and flow rate during infusion process, as well as gives an alarm for patents and nurses in hospital as the medical liquid in an IV bottle drops to a predetermined low level. This system comprises a set of liquid level sensor, a microprocessor, and a monitor terminal. The liquid level sensor generates an electric signal related to the liquid level inside the IV bottle. The microprocessor statistically analyzes the electric parameters detected from the electric signal, and obtains the liquid level data including both the liquid level and liquid flow rate. The liquid level data are sent to the monitor terminal for display, and an alarm is activated when the medical liquid inside the IV bottle drops to a predetermined low lever. Further functions of the monitor terminal includes an automatic switch to cut off the IV feeding process and send the alarm signal to a nurse station through signal network by wire or wirelessly.

Abstract: The present invention provides an intravenous drip monitoring method and related intravenous drip monitoring system. The intravenous drip monitoring method comprises: providing a background color as a background of a flow regulating device of an intravenous drip; obtaining a plurality of frames in the flow regulating device of the intravenous drip in accordance of a frame rate; performing an image processing operation on the plurality of frames to obtain brightness variations generated by motion drips in the flow regulating device; utilizing the brightness variations generated by the motion drips in the flow regulating device to detect a dropping frequency of the intravenous drip in a first detecting area of the flow regulating device; and utilizing the brightness variations generated by the motion drips in the flow regulating device to detect a liquid horizontal height of the flow regulating device in a second detecting area of the flow regulating device.

Abstract: A liquid flow control system for use with infusion sets of the type comprising a liquid supply, a drip chamber 8 downstream of the liquid supply for forming liquid drops and a flexible tube 7 connecting the drip chamber with an injection needle, the system comprising a drop sensor 4 adapted for being arranged adjacent the drip chamber for sensing the passage of drops through the drip chamber, a valve 19 adapted for controlling the flow of the liquid through the tube, valve activating means for activating the valve, electrical circuits for registering the rate of drop formation and controlling the valve activating means, and a battery for powering the drop sensor, the electrical circuits and the valve activating means, the drop sensor, the valve, the valve activating means, the electrical circuits and the battery being mounted on or in a common housing having housing attachment means for releasably attaching the housing to the flexible tube.

Abstract: A circuitry for counting drips and monitoring a rate of infusion is incorporated into an IV administration set. The circuitry includes a pair of leads that are positioned in the pathway of fluid droplets, such that each droplet simultaneously contacts both leads. As such, the leads act as a virtual switch that is closed by the presence of a droplet. This event is then displayed on a drip signaling device to aid a user in adjusting the infusion rate of the IV administration set.

Abstract: Bioactive agents are dosed by a jet dispenser using inkjet technology, such as that used in printing devices. A controller may control delivery of one or more drugs, timing of drug administration, or change drug regimens in response to a changing medical condition of a patient or information received from other nodes in a healthcare system. In a healthcare system, smart devices coupled to healthcare nodes can be in communication with the controller for controlling the administration of bioactive compositions from the jet dispenser.

Abstract: A fluid medication delivery system comprises a primary medication reservoir, a secondary medication reservoir, an infusion pump, a first valve assembly, a second valve assembly, a first y-site, and a fluid flow sensor assembly. The primary medication reservoir has a first fluid. The secondary medication reservoir has a second fluid. The infusion pump pumps fluid from at least one of the primary medication reservoir and the secondary medication reservoir. The first valve assembly controls the flow of fluid from the primary medication reservoir in a first fluid line segment. The second valve assembly controls the flow of fluid from the secondary medication reservoir in a second fluid line segment. The fluid flow sensor assembly determines the flow rate of a fluid from the secondary medication reservoir in the second fluid line segment.

Abstract: Detection of fluid conditions in an administration set. A light source is positioned to transmit an infrared light through administration set tubing and any fluid therein. A light sensor senses the infrared light transmitted through the tubing and generates an output signal. A frequency of the output signal is a function of an intensity of the light transmitted through the tubing. A processor receives and determines the frequency of the output signal, and compares the determined frequency to threshold frequency values to determine whether fluid is in the tubing. The processor also monitors the generated output signal to determine if the frequency of the output signal changes over time, and determines whether fluid is flowing in the tubing as a function of the determined change in frequency.

Abstract: A liquid flow control system for use with infusion sets of the type comprising a liquid supply, a drip chamber 8 downstream of the liquid supply for forming liquid drops and a flexible tube 7 connecting the drip chamber with an injection needle, the system comprising a drop sensor 4 adapted for being arranged adjacent the drip chamber for sensing the passage of drops through the drip chamber, a valve 19 adapted for controlling the flow of the liquid through the tube, valve activating means for activating the valve, electrical circuits for registering the rate of drop formation and controlling the valve activating means, and a battery for powering the drop sensor, the electrical circuits and the valve activating means, the drop sensor, the valve, the valve activating means, the electrical circuits and the battery being mounted on or in a common housing having housing attachment means for releasably attaching the housing to the flexible tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pressure infusion and temperature control of infused liquids includes a receptacle for receiving a liquid-filled bag containing intravenous solution or other liquid and an inflatable pressure device. The inflatable pressure device is disposed within a pressure device bag and is positioned proximate the liquid-filled bag in the receptacle. The inflatable pressure device expands within the pressure device bag upon inflation and exerts pressure on the liquid-filled bag. A heating element may be disposed on the inflatable pressure device bag to heat the liquid-filled bag to a desired temperature. The liquid may alternatively be maintained at a desired temperature, while flowing to a patient via a heating assembly disposed along a tube. The heating assembly includes a sleeve having a slot for receiving the tube and a plurality of individually controlled heaters.

Abstract: A drop sensing device for monitoring intravenous (IV) fluid flow is provided. The device comprises a U-shaped clip mountable on a drip chamber of an IV infusion set. The clip has a light source provided at one side for emitting radiation and a hollow cylinder provided in a through hole on the side opposite the light source. The cylinder includes an aperture of a diameter smaller than an average diameter of fluid drops passing the drip chamber, and an optical sensor mounted on a rear end of the cylinder opposite the aperture, so as to substantially enhance sensitivity of light ray receiving.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device to monitor the administration of a fluid through a conduit, such as intravenous fluid, and detect the completion of fluid delivery by monitoring the fluid level inside a chamber. The device will monitor, through an optical fluid sensor comprising a radiation source, two sensors, a logic means, and an indicating means, the bottom half of any “user supplied” drip chamber that is normally full during the administration of fluids. When the fluid level in the chamber drops below a predetermined level, the indicating means will initiate an electromechanical device that releases a pinching device to occlude the conduit. The pinching device is a rotary pincher that derives its force from a torsion spring and is held in the open position by the electromechanical device.

Abstract: A liquid storage and dispensing system, and methods for its use in the storage, shipping, and accurate dispensing by manual or automated methods, of, for example, precious biologic samples such as protein, DNA or RNA, with minimal contamination, oxidation, and evaporation, the system having: an essentially cylindrical storage barrel with a flange at its open end and a port and delivery tip at the closed end; a piston with a seal, where the piston closely matches the shape of the closed end of the barrel to minimize dead volume; and a cover to seal the delivery tip during storage such as cryostorage.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the drip rate of an infusion fluid being administered by an intravenous infusion set comprising a housing, drop sensor, alarm and processor. The housing is attachable to a drip chamber, and the drop sensor is positioned in the housing to detect drops of the infusion fluid being administered by the intravenous infusion set. The processor determines a first amount of time required for the drop sensor to detect a first set of drops of infusion fluid having a predetermined number of drops, determines a second amount of time required for the drop sensor to detect a second set of drops of infusion fluid having the predetermined number of drops, compares the second amount of time to a range of time having a minimum that is less than the first amount of time and a maximum that is greater than the first amount of time, and activates the alarm if the second period of time is not within the range of time.

Abstract: A single intravenous drip components illumination device containing a source of light that can illuminate IV bags or bottles, drip chambers and tubing. The directed light of the light source provides adequate lighting for use of the invention in unlit or dimly lit settings with minimum lateral scattering. The invention is powered by an external AC or DC power supply and/or by batteries mounted internally to the base of the invention.

Abstract: Bioactive agents are dosed by a jet dispenser using inkjet technology, such as that used in printing devices. The jet dispenser dispenses precise amounts of bioactive agent into a fluid manifold, in which the bioactive agent can be mixed with an infusion liquid for infusing into a patient. A controller may control delivery of one or more drugs, timing of drug administration, or change drug regimens in response to a changing medical condition of a patient. A drop detector can be used to detect various characteristics of the droplets of the bioactive agent dispensed by the jet dispenser and provide a feedback signal to the controller to determine whether a detected characteristic satisfies a predetermined condition. Methods for administering bioactive agents using a jet dispenser also are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pressure infusion and temperature control of infused liquids includes a receptacle for receiving a liquid-filled bag containing intravenous solution or other liquid and an inflatable pressure device. The inflatable pressure device is disposed within a pressure device bag and is positioned proximate the liquid-filled bag in the receptacle. The inflatable pressure device expands within the pressure device bag upon inflation and exerts pressure on the liquid-filled bag. A heating element may be disposed on the inflatable pressure device bag to heat the liquid-filled bag to a desired temperature. The liquid may alternatively be maintained at a desired temperature, while flowing to a patient via a heating assembly disposed along a tube. The heating assembly includes a sleeve having a slot for receiving the tube and a plurality of individually controlled heaters.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the drip rate of an infusion fluid being administered by an intravenous infusion set comprising a housing, drop sensor, alarm and processor. The housing is attachable to a drip chamber, and the drop sensor is positioned in the housing to detect drops of the infusion fluid being administered by the intravenous infusion set. The processor determines a first amount of time required for the drop sensor to detect a first set of drops of infusion fluid having a predetermined number of drops, determines a second amount of time required for the drop sensor to detect a second set of drops of infusion fluid having the predetermined number of drops, compares the second amount of time to a range of time having a minimum that is less than the first amount of time and a maximum that is greater than the first amount of time, and activates the alarm if the second period of time is not within the range of time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring intravenous drips by the transmission and detection of a signal, for example a red light, through a fluid flow passage whereby detection of a signal of a given intensity activates an audible or visual indicator. A bracket is attached around a fluid flow passage of the intravenous drip and a signal is transmitted across the passage via optical fibers. The intensity of the signal is detected by a sensor contained within a remote housing.

Abstract: A rapid infusion system for the intravenous delivery of fluids at standard and rapid flow rates. The system includes a pump assembly, a drive assembly to power the pump, and a fluid containment system that keeps the infused fluid out of direct contact with the pump assembly and that is preferably disposable and removable. In one embodiment the drive assembly includes a differential drive that interacts with more than one motor. In one embodiment, the pump assembly includes a roller pump and the pump chamber is a collapsible, preformed tube that is preferably attached to a pump cartridge frame. Optionally, the system includes a self-leveling drip chamber and the fluid containment system is disposable and includes a pump cartridge containing the drip chamber and the pump chamber, I.V. tubing, outlet infusion tubing, and a heater cartridge.

Abstract: The present invention is a flow metering system for accurately metering and regulating the flow rate of fluid in a gravity fed intravenous fluid delivery system. The fluid flow is directed through a flow path guide that is suspended at an angle from one end. As the fluid flows through the flow path guide, the flow path guide bends due to the weight of the fluid. A drop of fluid forms at the end of the flow path guide then falls off, thereby releasing the flow path guide, which springs back it its original position. The sequence of drops and springing back continues throughout the fluid delivery procedure, and is monitored by sensors. The resultant data is used by a processor to determine the flow rate of the fluid. The flow rate may be adjusted as needed by a flow regulator that is responsive to an adjustment actuator that is controlled by the processor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nonreturn warning device for an intravenous drip infusion which includes a top member and a bottom member both of which forms an accommodation which has an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe at the top and bottom thereof. The outlet pipe includes a flange around which a recess is provided. A conic valve with a middle hole is arranged onto the flange. A float with a cylindrical stopper is received in the accommodation formed after connection of the top member and the bottom member. The middle section of the float contains a magnetic element, and a warning device is fitted beside the top member. Besides, a magnetic reed switch is installed in the warning device. As the float sinks with the fluid surface in the accommodation, the magnetic element approaches the magnetic reed switch and the magnetic force of the float will activate a buzzer for giving out a warning sound which is transmitted through a headphone jack or a radio transmitter to the nurses' call station.

Abstract: A method and device for volumetric measurement of a drop of fluid administered in a gravity intravenous set. Radiation, preferable infrared light is passed through from the exterior of the drip chamber of the intravenous set and is detected and quantified by a receiver on the other exterior side of the chamber. The radiation passing through the chamber when a drop is not passing through the radiation path is taken as the background radiation level. When a drop passes through the chamber, a loss in radiation passing through the receiver occurs. This relative loss is converted into volume with the aid of a lookup table.

Abstract: A medical fluid control system (10) is in the form of a medical line-set adapted to deliver a medication from a container (20) to a patient. The line-set has a tubing (12) having a MEMS element (14) attached thereto. In a preferred embodiment, the MEMS element (14) is a MEMS pump (14). The tubing (12) has a first end (16) that is connected to the container (20) and a second end (18) that is connected to the patient. The MEMS pump (14) can be controlled by an external controller (38) that is operably connected to the MEMS pump (14) to deliver medication from the container (20), through the tubing (12), and to the patient.