Abstract: A prewarning device for instillation of medical liquid includes a throttling cylinder having a tubular needle connected to an open top thereof. A pointed head portion of the tubular needle is inserted into a medical liquid bottle for the medical liquid to flow into the throttling cylinder via the tubular needle. A portion of the tubular needle between the head portion and the throttling cylinder is transparent for a clamp to clamp therearound. A sensor is provided on the clamp to connect to a warning unit via a wire. The tubular needle defines a downward tapered inner space to receive a float therein. When the medical liquid bottle becomes empty, the float lowers in the tubular needle and is sensed by the sensor for the latter to actuate the warning unit to sound. The lowered float also blocks up the tubular needle to stop air from passing therethrough.

Abstract: The invention describes a method and a device for determining a filling level and can be applied to the ascertainment of the simmering process of mineral oil products. The method is characterized that by means of at least two stationary sensors, a first filling level and at least a second filling level are defined and the number of drops required for reaching the first and second filling levels is recorded. By way of a further sensor the number of drops dropped in during the simmering process is counted and, by way of calculation, the partial volume at a specified location and the filling level are determined.

Abstract: A capacitive-based apparatus for measuring the volume of a fluid drop passing through an intravenous drip chamber. The apparatus includes a capacitor comprising two parallel plates that are a fixed distance apart and are positioned such that the fluid flow path in the drip chamber is between them. The fluid drop moving through the drip chamber between the plates causes the capacitance of the plates to change. This change in capacitance is measured and from it, the volume of the drop is calculated. The volumes of a series of drops are integrated to provide a measured rate of flow through the drip chamber. This measured rate of flow is compared to the programmed rate of flow and the difference is used to adjust a flow control device to obtain the desired rate of flow. The measured flow rate is also displayed.

Abstract: The automatic control-type, portable intravenous infusion apparatus includes an infusion liquid container to which an infusion liquid tube is connected, pressurize it, the infusion liquid tube being provided with a drip-monitoring tube, a connector and an infusion needle with a pressurizing bag for holding the infusion liquid container. The infusion liquid container includes an inflatable pressurizing bag and a sheet member having side ends each fixed to the side ends of the pressurizing bag. Connected to the pressurizing bag are an air tube provided with a mechanical safety valve, a selector valve and an air pump. By introducing air into the infusion liquid container, the pressurizing bag is inflated to apply substantially a constant pressure to the infusion liquid container, thereby flowing the infusion liquid from the container and keeping the dropping speed there substantially constant.

Abstract: A method and device for volumetric measurement of a drop of fluid administered in a gravity intravenous set. Radiation, preferably 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 to the receiver occurs. This relative loss is converted into a volume with the aid of a lookup table. The lookup table is created by accumulating empirical data of drops passing through various infusion sets determining a relative loss of radiation during the passing of the drop through the radiation and then weighing the drops and determining the volume of each drop in proportion to its specific gravity. The device and method is suitable for use with any IV set and is non-invasive.

Abstract: A medication delivery system delivers medication to a patient and is suitable for sterilization by a sterilization fluid. The system includes a base and a reservoir disposed about the base for storing the medication. A pump for delivering the medication to the patient is supported by the base. The pump includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet. The inlet and outlet alternate between an open and a closed state to deliver the medication. A port extends from the base. The port fluidly communicates with the reservoir and the pump during sterilization to provide access for the fluid to flow into the reservoir and the pump. An actuator is disposed in the base. The actuator operatively engages the inlet and outlet to retain them in the open state during sterilization. As such, the fluid can penetrate into the reservoir, the inlet, the housing, and the outlet to sterilize the system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an improved spinal needle. A needle hub is disposed about a proximate end of a hollow needle. The needle hub side port indicators provide visual and tactual verification by a user of the orientation of the side port on the needle. The needle hub also includes a window with a magnified view. The invention provides a stylet cap disposed about a proximate end of a stylet that freely slides inside the hollow needle and needle hub. The stylet cap forms a pressure fit with the needle hub, and can be engaged in the pressure fit from any axial orientation.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing control of infusion delivery using conventional infusion fluid bags includes an air bag which is pressurised by a pneumatic pump. A digital camera or imaging device is able to analyse drops passing through a drop chamber, by capturing an image of the drop as it passes through the drop chamber. The output of the imaging device is fed to an image processor which calculates the volume of the captured drop using the number of pixels in the image. An infra red detector detects each time a drops passes through the drop chamber, and the outputs of the both the image processor and the infra red detector are passed to a master controller. The master controller controls the fluid delivery process by counting the number of drops passing through the drop chamber and controlling a flow brake to achieve the required flow rate.

Abstract: An infusion bottle monitor device has an electric circuit module, a sensing module, and a wire connected to the electric circuit module and the sensing module. The electric circuit module has a microprocessing system. The sensing module has a sensing system to output a sensing signal into the microprocessing system. A micromotion control system is disposed in the electric circuit module. A hose is connected to a hollow tube. The hollow tube is connected to an infusion bottle. The sensing module is disposed on the hollow tube. A plurality of clamp devices are disposed on a lateral of the electric circuit module. An opening is formed on the lateral of the electric circuit module. A support frame is disposed on the lateral of the electric circuit module pivotally.

Abstract: The invention is a peristaltic pump having a particularly simple construction and a low axial bulk.The pump (1) includes a rotor (20) having rollers (21,22,23) which roll against a tube (14) containing the liquid to be pumped. The compression of the tube presses the rollers against the circular peripheral surface (35) of a central vibrating stator (32) in the form of a disc or ring, which guides the rollers and causes them to turn. The stator (32) is set in vibration by piezoelectric means and vibrates by extension in its radial plane following a progressive wave. The chassis (24) of the rotor is devoid of a central drive shaft.Such a peristaltic pump is notably useful in the medical domain, in machines to be worn by a patient or implanted in the body of a human being or animal.

Abstract: An infusion monitoring device including a programming console with a data input unit for inputting infusion parameters, a calculating unit for preconditioning the parameters, and an output interface for said parameters. The programming console may be used to program a large number of self-contained monitoring units each having a sensor combined with a drop-counting ampoule for sensing the presence or absence of the drop. Each monitoring unit has a housing for a timing and counting unit, a display unit, an alarm unit, a self-contained power supply, and input interface for receiving parameters preconditioned in the programming console, a memory unit for storing the parameters, and a separate calculating unit for controlling the counting/timing, in the display and the alarms.

Abstract: In apparatus for counting a succession of falling liquid drops having teardrop shape, with a downwardly convex down side, the combination that includes a beam provider for providing a beam of electromagnetic radiation to sidewardly pass into the drop at its convex lower side, to be refracted within the drop to pass out of the drop at its convex lower side, and a beam detector located to detect the refracted beam that has passed sidewardly out of the drop at its convex lower side.

Abstract: A drop monitoring unit for monitoring the rate of drop formation in an infusion set includes an attaching section at its upper end for attaching the drop monitoring unit to the inlet tube of the infusion set, and a pair of spaced parallel arms depending below the attaching section to straddle the opposite sides of the drip chamber, one of the arms including a light transmitter, and the other including a light receiver.

Abstract: A flow sensor detects drops of infusion fluid that enter the drip chamber of an infusion system and generates a drop-detection signal indicating each drop detected. A setting controller receives the drop-detection signals from the flow sensor and counts the drops detected and then determines the fluid-flow rate of infusion fluid into the drip chamber. The setting controller then sets the infusion pump so that the fluid-flow rate of the infusion pump substantially matches the fluid-flow rate of the drip chamber. A motion sensor detects drip-chamber movement and generates a motion-detection signal indicating the motion state of the drip chamber. A maintaining controller is coupled to receive the motion-detection signal from the motion sensor. The maintaining controller also stores a signal that indicates a stationary drip chamber.

Abstract: An enteral fluid infusion system wherein fluid is pumped through a conduit from a fluid supply source to a patient by a rotary peristaltic pump operating in an intermittent duty cycle mode which includes a free flow detector. The free flow detector includes a sensor for the operation of the peristaltic pump, as for example by the rotation of the rotor and/or motor; a sensor for the flow of fluid in the conduit. The free flow detector compares the sensed operation of the pump with the sensed flow against predetermined criteria. During operation of the fluid infusion system, if flow is sensed when the pump is not operating, as determined by the fact that no rotation is occurring, an alarm will be initiated to indicate that a free flow condition exists.

Abstract: Liquid supply apparatus is disclosed for controlling the supply of liquid to humidifier apparatus. The liquid supply apparatus has a chamber with an inlet through which a liquid such as water is supplied to the chamber. The chamber has a flow detector to detect liquid entering the chamber and a level detector near the base of the chamber in a narrow portion of the chamber which, in conjunction with a calibrated orifice at the chamber outlet, provides an indication of the rate of liquid flow from the chamber. Control of supply of liquid is performed by a magnetically activated valve member.

Abstract: A drop detector circuit and method are provided for a drop detector of the type including a drop chamber and an electro-optical sensor. A detector detects drops passing through the drop detector in an optical sensing path between the detector and at least one light source. In response to the detection of a drop passing through the optical path, the detector produces an output signal. A capacitor is connected between the detector and an amplifier to block the DC component of the output signal. After amplification, the signal is passed through a low pass filter to further block signals caused by undesirable factors. The cutoff frequency of the low pass filter is controlled by a microprocessor that controls the pump that pumps liquid from the drop chamber. The detector and light source or sources are arranged to detect drops falling in the drop chamber at virtually any angle and in virtually any ambient light condition.

Abstract: Optical components and methods for an I.V. flow detector providing complete coverage of a drip chamber through the use of a single emitter and receiver. The optical components take the light of a single emitter and spread it uniformly across the entire drip chamber. Furthermore, the light is collimated as it passes through the chamber. In addition, the optics collimates the light at some point in its path from the emitter to the drip chamber. Similarly, it collimates the beam of radiation at some point in its path from the drip chamber to the receiver. Further, the optics creates a plane of symmetry for the light path passing through the center of the drip chamber and lies perpendicular to the path of the light. The design specifically takes into account the optical characteristics of the drip chamber itself.

Abstract: A drop detector for intravenous systems in which an infrared emitter is pulsed at 10 kHz. The pulsed radiation passes through a drip chamber and then to a detector. The detector circuit determines the amplitude modulation of the 10 kHz. carrier frequency. This provides an indication of when the drop falling through the drip chamber has interrupted the light beam. An automatic gain control circuit maintains the output of the detector, on a long time constant basis, at a constant level to eliminate the vagaries of drip chambers with different optical characteristics and the like. When the AGC circuit lacks the ability to maintain the output of the detector circuitry at a constant level, a fault detector provides an alarm to indicate that the circuitry has exceeded its operational range.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the rate of dripping of an intravenous fluid, comprising (i) a drip-detecting device for detecting that an intravenous fluid has dripped into a drip-feed bottle, (ii) a clock for measuring time and indicating the current time, (iii) a constricting arrangement connected to a fluid-supply pipe extending from the drip-feed bottle in a downstream direction, for constricting the supply tube, and (iv) a flow controller for controlling the amount of constriction of the supply pipe by the constricting arrangement, based on a signal from the drip-detecting device indicating detection of a drip and a time signal from the clock. The apparatus enables one to accurately control the interval of time at which an intravenous fluid drips into the drip-feed bottle and, hence, to administer the fluid to a patient at a desired rate.

Abstract: An apparatus for liquid flow detection especially adapted for use with an IV administration set includes an energy beam emitter device and an energy beam detector device. A drip chamber is connected in flow communication with a fluid reservoir of the IV administration set. Fluid flow is directed through a drop forming orifice into the drip chamber and thence into a supply tube for the IV administration set. The energy beam emitter device produces a pair of parallel spaced beams which are directed across the free fall path of the fluid drops and to the energy beam detector device. As the drops enter and exit the energy beams, signals are generated by the detector device as a function of time and are fed to a microprocessor. Using this data and relationships developed with conventional mathematics, the diameter of each drop can be extrapolated. From the drop diameter, the drop volume can then be calculated and used with the time measurements to provide extrapolated outputs of flow-rate and total volume.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus for counting and recording a number of drops of fluid. The preferred embodiment of the invention is configured as a molded receptacle housing for receiving a commercially available eyedrop bottle in which the cap has been replaced by the housing. The invention includes a detection device that detects the separation of drops from a fluid supply bottle, and counts and records the number of such drops in a preset time period. Optionally, a real-time clock time stamps the stream of drop count data so that the absolute time period during which drops are released is also ascertained and recorded. Optionally, a reminder signal or indication is given to a patient as to the dosage and appropriate time for each eyedrop administration, or an alarm is given if over or under medication is occurring. An alternative application is disclosed in which the drop detection and counting features of the invention are used in a feedback loop to control the flow of fluid in a drop metering system.

Abstract: An intravenous alert system that uses CMOS circuitry. An infrared transmitter and receiver detects drops as they fall through a drip chamber. Each passing drop retriggers a counter. If the counter is not retriggered after a certain set delay time an alarm signal is sent out. The device uses both audio and visual alarms. A special adjustable housing contains all of the electronic components of the alert system.

Abstract: A portable, self contained, infusion monitor is disclosed which can be easily and quickly attached to the drip chamber of an IV set. The monitor detects each drop of liquid falling through the drip chamber and calculates the volumetric flow rate of liquid passing through the IV set. A display for visually recording the flow rate is provided on the monitor along with an adjustable control member for calibrating the monitor for use with any IV set employing tubing having any drop factor.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus for counting and recording a number of drops of fluid. The preferred embodiment of the invention is configured as a molded receptacle housing for receiving a commercially available eyedrop bottle in which the cap has been replaced by the housing. The invention includes a detection means that detects the separation of drops from a fluid supply bottle, and counts and records the number of such drops in a preset time period. Optionally, a real-time clock time stamps the stream of drop count data so that the absolute time period during which drops are released is also ascertained and recorded. Optionally, a reminder signal or indication is given to a patient as to the dosage and appropriate time for each eyedrop administration, or an alarm is given if over or under medication is occurring. An alternative application is disclosed in which the drop detection and counting features of the invention are used in a feedback loop to control the flow of fluid in a drop metering system.

Abstract: A rate meter for use with an IV fluid administration system having a vertical transparent drip chamber, the rate meter having an elongated housing having a notch therein for receiving the drip chamber, and a spring bias moveable portion which engages the drip chamber so that the housing is held to the drip chamber in a horizontal manner, the housing having two light emitters positioned on one side of the drip chamber and a photodetector on the other side, the light path between the light emitters and the photodetector being affected by passages of drops of fluid through the drip chamber, circuitry for computing a volumetric flow rate based on the frequency of detected drops, an indicator for displaying the detected flow rate and a self-contained battery. The two light emitters are arranged to provide equal light intensity on the photodetector.

Abstract: A liquid drop images sensor for determining the volume of liquid drops comprises a light source and an array of optical sensors which receive light energy from the source. The array is positioned relative to the source to establish a passageway therebetween through which drops can fall. Electronic structure connected to the array sequentially activates the array for discrete episodes during the passage of a drop through the passageway. The electronic structure also generates signals which indicate the proportion of the array affected by the shadow of the drop during each episode. Additionally, the liquid drop image sensor includes structure which accumulates the signals and uses them to calculate the volume of the liquid drop.

Abstract: A drip chamber for an enteral nutrition system having an optical drip detector is provided with an opaque upper portion to reduce the amount of ambient light entering the optical sensor for the drip detector.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the flow of an infusion fluid in an infusion system with a drip chamber and a deformable tube, is provided with a sensor for detecting the drops of infusion fluid falling in the drip chamber, means for seting a desired flow rate, pinch clamp means for pinching off the deformable tube and a processing unit for controlling the pinch clamp means is dependence of the set desired flow rate and the signal of the sensor. The pinch clamp means is movable with a variable speed between a rest position in which the tube is fully released, and a closed position in which the tube is fully closed. The speed in a controlling range preceding the closed position is substantially lower than the speed adjacent the rest position.

Abstract: A device for accurately monitoring the flow and flow rate of liquids that are released slowly so as to form drops. The drops fall from the tip of a drop funnel 13 onto a surface of liquid at the top of a reaction cell 16. Consequently, the height through which each drop falls is constant. The liquid volume of each drop is measured and the flow and flow rate are calculated by transducer 19 and flow meter processing electronics 22.

Abstract: A liquid dropping control device holds a bendable tube between a stationary klemmen and a movable klemmen, and adjusts a throttling amount of the tube by the movable klemmen, and comprises a means for detecting dropping of a liquid staying in a dropping tube, to be connected to said tube; a means for moving at high speed the movable klemmen to a direction of opening said tube so as to rapidly start dropping of the liquid staying in the dropping tube; a means for, after detecting start of the liquid dropping, moving the movable klemmen in a direction of throttling the tube and stopping it; and a means for, after detecting subsequent droppings, moving the movable klemmen at low speed so as to control said subsequent droppings at a determined speed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring the volume of a drop, and with a series of drops the volumetric flow rate of a fluid utilizing a vertically oriented, transparent drop chamber through which the fluid is directed in drop form. A plurality of drop sensors positioned adjacent to the drop chamber in vertically spaced relation to each other emit signals in response to the detection of the entrance and exit of each drop to and from separate sensor fields preferably established by light emitting sources. The drop sensors are connected to control circuitry incorporating an electronic processor programmed to determine volumetric flow rate in response to drop dimension and drop rate signals received from the drop sensors. The drop size in terms of the vertical dimension of each drop in the direction of gravity flow through the drop chamber is determined by measuring the time it takes a drop to pass through each and both of the two sensor fields.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for detecting the presence of drops in a fluid drop path, such as that in a medical infusion system, and for discriminating between signals resulting from true drops and signals resulting from aberrant fluid flow. A transducer generates a drop signal related to the presence of a drop in a fluid drop path. Also generated is a reference quantity related to the value of the drop signal in the absence of a drop. The deviation of the drop signal from the reference quantity is calculated, and is compared with first and second threshold values. The results of these two comparisons are then used to determined the presence or absence of a true drop.

Abstract: An infusion device is provided with an injection molded drip chamber, a drop sensor, such as a light barrier (26,28) or a piezoelectric crystal. An evaluation circuit processes the output signals furnished by the drop sensor and an optical display means (24) indicates the same to the operator. Recesses are formed integrally in or at the drip chamber to take up the drop sensor (26,28) the evaluation circuit, and the power source as this not only makes it possible to produce the infusion device at low cost but also permits the operator to have a look into the drip chamber, while the dripping rate is displayed optically at the same time. In a preferred modification there is complete control of the dripping rate by means of a control clamp (60) the flow cross section of which is adjustable by a drive means (64).

Abstract: A flow controller is provided that detects intervals between successive drops and responds to detection of intervals which are too long by shutting down operation of the administration set if the abnormal flow causing the long interval cannot be corrected. In response to detection of abnormal flow which is not clearly a high flow condition and/or an empty container, the flow controller sequentially opens, closes, re-opens and again closes the clamp of the controller in an attempt to restore normal flow. If normal flow is restarted before the sequence is completed, the controller returns to normal control of the fluid flow. Otherwise, completion of the sequence results in a shutdown of the system and activation of an alarm. In keeping with the invention, indicia are provided in connection with the drop chambers of the administration sets which are sensed by sensing means mounted to the drop detector of the flow controller in order to indicate to the controller the size of the orifice in the drop chamber.

Abstract: A humidifier has a supply of water suspended on a pole above a patient which supplies water through a removable drop counter of magnetically actuated ball valve to a microporous tube mounted in but mechanically separated from a ventilating line between a ventilator and the patient. The water is heated in the microporous tube to create a vapor pressure sufficient to cause water vapor but substantially no liquid water to pass through the tube into the ventilating line. Electrically energized controls are provided to obviate maloperation and to maintain safe operating conditions including maintaining safe temperature conditions, and prevention of excess water entering the ventilation line by counting the drops of water passing through the bold valve, and closing the ball valve if the count rate is outside desired count rates and power or the monitoring equipment fails.

Abstract: An improved optical flow sensor for optically detecting and measuring the flow of a fluid through a drip chamber assembly. The sensor comprises an optical energy-emitting chip sealed within a first lens block having a refracting lens in one surface and an optical energy detecting chip sealed within a second lens block having a refracting lens in one surface. The two lens blocks are positioned on the two parallel arms of a "U"-shaped base with their lens surfaces facing each other across the open space between the arms of the "U". The drip chamber assembly has transparent walls defining a drip chamber, and the lenses compensate for the refractive effects of the walls of the drip chamber assembly on the optical energy passing through. As drops of fluid fall through the chamber, they intersect the optical energy passing through the chamber and produce a corresponding output signal from the detector.

Abstract: A rate meter for use with an IV fluid administration system having a vertical transparent drip chamber, the rate meter having an elongated housing having a notch therein for receiving the drip chamber, and a spring bias moveable portion which engages the drip chamber so that the housing is held to the drip chamber in a horizontal manner, the housing having two light emitters positioned on one side of the drip chamber and a photodetector on the other side, the light path between the light emitters and the photodetector being affected by passages of drops of fluid through the drip chamber, circuitry for computing a volumetric flow rate based on the frequency of detected drops, an indicator for displaying the detected flow rate and a self-contained battery. The two light emitters are arranged to provide equal light intensity on the photodetector.

Abstract: A system detecting the presence of successive drops of fluid in a fluid path has a system input for connection to a photoelectric transducer so situated as to have a change in electrical output on the presence of a drop in the fluid drop path. The system includes an arrangement for storing a quantity related to the value of the photoelectric transducer output in the absence of a drop. The quantity stored can then be compared with the present value of the output of the photoelectric transducer, and in the event of a sufficient difference, an output may be provided. In a preferred embodiment, the output signal itself may be used to disconnect the storage system from receiving input information that pertains to the presence rather than the absence of a drop.

Abstract: An arrangement for improving the detection of drops in a drip chamber has a mirror element configured to focus light from a source to a detector in such a manner that a falling drop occludes a significant portion of the light reflected to the detector. In a preferred embodiment the mirror is located slightly below the drop forming orifice of the drip chamber and is shaped like an arcuate band of a curved surface. In a further preferred embodiment, a rotary motor with an eccentric weight is briefly energized to vibrationally clear any accumulation of droplets from the chamber wall. Other embodiments utilize a plurality of mirror elements to define an optical path from the source to detector which traverses the region throught which a drop falls 3 or more times.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an improved system for mounting a drop sensor onto a drip chamber having laterally projecting wing-like or flange-like extensions. A pair of mounting members, one fixed, one laterally movable, are provided on the drop sensor housing. The mounting members have inclined guiding surfaces which cradle both ends of the lateral extensions on the drip chamber during the initial stages of mounting the drop sensor to the drip chamber and guide drop sensor movement with respect to the drip chamber to its final mounted position thereon. The mounting system is particularly adapted to dedicated IV set and drop sensor combinations.

Abstract: For use independent of a stand, a monolithic, miniaturized gravity infusion regulating apparatus comprises a single casing (6) housing the photoelectric drop detector (7), the electronics with controls (8) and the regulating mechanism and which can be fitted to the drop chamber (1) of an infusion instrument (FIG. 2).

Abstract: A light source to project a light beam along an axis to a receiver means intermediate the source and the receiver to cause the light to refract so that the light reaching the receiver is substantially reduced; means to periodically introduce a quantity of liquid into the area where the light is refracted, the liquid changing the amount of refraction whereby the light reaching said receiver is substantially increased; and means to detect each said change in light at said receiver and count same.

Abstract: An apparatus for the registration of drops in an infusion device has a drip chamber from which fluid is supplied from a reservoir through a tube to a patient, with a drop sensor disposed in the region of the drip chamber. The drop sensor is divided into at least two levels, each level having a processing channel allocated thereto including an amplifier, a comparator and a memory. The outputs of each channel are supplied to a logic unit. As long as signals are supplied by each channel to the logic unit, normal and proper operation is assumed, however, a discriminator unit triggers a fault display or an alarm when a signal from only one channel is present within a predetermined time.

Abstract: The present invention provides an accurate method and apparatus for monitoring the drop flow rate from a fluid source. The drops are indirectly sensed by piezoelectric means mounted on a drip chamber when the drops impinge on a fluid surface in the chamber. The chamber can include a second differential piezoelectric sensing element, which provides a noise reference signal which can be subtracted from the drop sensing signal. The volume of the fluid drops sensed can be determined. The sensing element can be incorporated in open and closed loop disposable chamber modules which can include both monitoring and occlusion valving functions integral therewith.

Abstract: A dual parenteral solution apparatus for delivering predetermined volumes of two solutions at predetermined flow rates with increased accuracy. The apparatus has a shut-off valve in the supplementary solution supply system which is immediately activated when the supplemental solution supply is depleted.

Abstract: A parenteral solution delivery control system for housing a drip chamber and detecting drops falling therethrough. One or more light sources are employed to provide light beam transverse to the drip chamber axis and covering the cross-section of the drip chamber so that drops falling therethrough, even when the drip chamber is tilted, break a light beam. A retention bar is provided to maintain the drip chamber in proper position and to break a light beam when the drip chamber is in position, thereby preventing operation of the device when not properly assembled. A liquid level control monitor is configured to provide an energized signal when the area of the drip chamber occupied by liquid during normal operation is filled with air as a consequence of the liquid level falling to an abnormal level.

Abstract: A monitor is described for use with an intravenous injection system of the type that includes an accumulator (18) located between the pump (14) and the needle (28) that connects to the patient's vein. The monitor generates an alarm when there is infiltration (no resistance to outflow, as when the needle withdraws from a vein) or occlusion (the needle is blocked). The monitor includes a pressure sensor (32) coupled to the accumulator, and a circuit (34) which responds to the rate of change of the pressure to operate an alarm when the rate of change exceeds a predetermined amount such as 5 mm Hg, but only when it exceeds that value over a particular time period such as 10 seconds or one minute.

Abstract: A drop sensing unit and associated, disposable drip chamber for dedicated use with the sensing unit in an IV fluid administration system, the sensing unit being adapted for convenient installation on and removal from the drip chamber, with cooperable engaging means on the sensing unit and chamber serving to locate and retain them in the desired relative position during use. Such engaging means provide for contact between the sensing unit and chamber at vertically spaced locations for effective retention, and are constructed and arranged to aid in preventing use of the sensing unit on drip chambers which differ from the specially designed chamber.

Abstract: A dual parenteral solution apparatus for delivering predetermined volumes of two solutions at predetermined flow rates with increased accuracy. The apparatus has a shut-off valve in the supplementary solution supply system which is immediately activated when the supplemental solution supply is depleted.