US20100253515A1 - Method of operating a drip sensor system in an enteral pump system - Google Patents
Method of operating a drip sensor system in an enteral pump system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20100253515A1 US20100253515A1 US12/819,309 US81930910A US2010253515A1 US 20100253515 A1 US20100253515 A1 US 20100253515A1 US 81930910 A US81930910 A US 81930910A US 2010253515 A1 US2010253515 A1 US 2010253515A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- infrared beam
- fluid
- infrared
- drip
- drip chamber
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
- A61M5/14—Infusion devices, e.g. infusing by gravity; Blood infusion; Accessories therefor
- A61M5/168—Means for controlling media flow to the body or for metering media to the body, e.g. drip meters, counters ; Monitoring media flow to the body
- A61M5/16886—Means for controlling media flow to the body or for metering media to the body, e.g. drip meters, counters ; Monitoring media flow to the body for measuring fluid flow rate, i.e. flowmeters
- A61M5/1689—Drip counters
Definitions
- the present invention relates to enteral pumps for delivering liquid nutrition to patients who are unable to eat.
- Enteral feeding pumps are used to supply liquid nutrition to patients who are unable to eat.
- the pumping system generally consists of the pump and a disposable tubing set for delivery of the liquid nutrition.
- the tubing set is connected between a bag of liquid nutrition and a patient's gastric line.
- a section of the tubing set is seated on the pump housing where a rotor draws fluid through the tubing set by peristaltic action.
- a common design feature of enteral pumps is the ability to detect the presence or absence of liquid flowing through the tube set. This is typically accomplished by the detection of drops falling within a transparent drip chamber portion of the tubing set.
- the transparent drip chamber is seated within an opening in the pump housing where an infrared (IR) light source (light emitting diode—LED) and infrared detector are positioned on opposing sides of the drip chamber transverse to the liquid flow.
- IR infrared
- LED light emitting diode
- the IR beam passes through the drip chamber. When a drop of liquid falls, it interrupts the IR beam and this interruption is converted to an electronic pulse.
- the pulse presence and frequency are processed by the pump firmware, which then either allows continuing pump operation or stops the pump indicating one of several possible alarm conditions, such as occlusion or excessive flow.
- the IR beam intensity must be set to a level that is sufficient to “see” through the drip chamber walls, but not so intense that that the beam is detected through the water drops without producing a detection pulse.
- the IR beam power level is optimized for water, since excess power can cause the water to be transparent to the infrared beam, i.e. the beam is strong enough to pass right through the water drop. Liquid nutrient is more optically opaque and thus it can be detected with a wider tolerance of beam power level. Because of this, water is the “standard” for calibration of the detection power.
- the beam power level is set to a fixed value that is intended to accommodate all variations in electronics and materials used in the beam path.
- False alarms are an undesirable consequence of fixed sensitivity when the transparent wall of the drip chamber may become less transparent through the accumulation of liquid residue or droplets. These droplets are only a problem when they are located in the path of the IR beam. Given enough operating time, it is probable that a droplet will be situated in this manner. This issue is more problematic for water due to its propensity for droplet formation due to its high surface tension. Liquid nutrient has a relatively lower surface tension and droplets dissipate more readily once they impinge on the chamber wall. Water however, has a tendency to stay in place longer and thus create a blocking condition. With fixed infrared detector sensitivity, water droplets will cause false alarms.
- enteral pumps deliver only liquid nutrient to the patient.
- caregivers must also give water to the patient, as the liquid nutrient contains insufficient water for normal dietary requirements.
- a typical prior art design uses two separately programmable peristaltic pumping motors, which are activated according to a user program.
- Another method uses a single peristaltic pump, and a tubing set having an integral two-way valve. This valve is actuated by a second motor on the pump, and thus controls that liquid source. Both of these configurations are relatively high in cost because of the multiple motors.
- a less expensive enteral pump system that includes only a single motor as well as a method of operating an infrared drip sensor in an enteral pump system to reduce occurrence of false alarms. It is also desirable to provide a method of operating the infrared drip sensor that automatically adjusts the infrared beam power according to the current optical conditions. Further it is desirable to have a method of automatically adjusting the infrared beam power of an enteral pump system to accommodate water droplets and residue within the drip chamber. Even further still it is desirable to have a method of operating a drip sensor that can automatically distinguish between water flow and liquid nutrient flow.
- the present invention preserves the well known advantages of prior methods of operating an infrared drip sensor in an enteral system but, in addition, provides new advantages not found in currently available methods and overcomes many disadvantages of the currently available methods for operating an infrared drip sensor.
- the present invention also provides a method for automatic adjustment of the pumping rate of an enteral pump system according to the type of fluid flowing through the pump system, the method comprising the following steps: providing a first opaque fluid and a second clear fluid for pumping; providing an enteral tubing system that first allows flow of the first fluid and then flow of the second fluid upon exhaustion of the first fluid; providing a drip chamber; operating a pump at a first pumping rate appropriate for the first fluid to move the first fluid to the drip chamber wherein the first fluid drips through the drip chamber along a drip path; optically coupling a infrared beam emitter with an infrared beam detector along an infrared beam path that extends through said drip chamber and intersects said drip path, said infrared beam emitter emitting an infrared beam, said infrared beam detector generating an output signal responsive to the presence of the infrared beam as the first fluid drip through the drip chamber, setting an initial power level of the infrared beam; monitoring the output signal of the infrared beam
- It is a further object of the present invention is to provide a method of automatically adjusting the infrared beam power of an enteral pump system to accommodate water droplets and residue within the drip chamber.
- Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method of operating a drip sensor to distinguish between water flow and liquid nutrient flow.
- FIG. 1 is a flow chart of the method for operating an infrared drip sensor in an enteral pump system of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a drip chamber used in the method of FIG. 1 with fluid dripping there through to intersect the infrared beam path;
- FIG. 3 is an illustration of the amplitude of the pulse wave during operation of the infrared drip sensor in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is a flow chart of the method for automatic adjustment of the pumping rate of an eternal pump system according to the type of fluid flowing through the pump system;
- FIG. 5 is schematic illustration of a two-source tubing set for use in the method of FIG. 4 which provides both liquid nutrient and water.
- the present method solves a disadvantage of the prior art by providing a new and unique method 10 for operating a drip sensor system in an enteral pump system, which reduces false alarm conditions.
- an enteral pumping system generally consists of a pump system 302 and disposable tubing set for delivery of the liquid nutrition.
- the tubing set is connected between a bag of liquid nutrition and a patient's gastric line.
- a section of the tubing set is seated on the pump housing where a rotor draws fluid through the tubing set by peristaltic action.
- the pump system 302 comprises a controller 304 , pump motor 306 , power source 308 , and an infrared sensor system 350 containing an infrared beam emitter 380 and infrared beam sensor 360 . See FIG. 6 .
- the controller 304 is powered by the power source 308 and controls the pump motor 306 and the infrared sensor system 305 . More specifically, the controller 304 instructs the pump motor 306 when to switch off/on based upon an output signal received in the infrared beam sensor 360 which will be further described below.
- the method 10 generally comprises the following steps as outlined below.
- a tubing system 420 and a drip chamber 320 are provided.
- the tubing system 420 A, 420 B connects at a top end 320 A and bottom end 320 B of the drip chamber 320 .
- the tubing system 420 A, 420 B is similar to those known in the prior art.
- the pump 306 As the pump 306 is operated, fluid 340 drips through the chamber 320 .
- the drip chamber 320 contains a wall 400 , which is of a thickness and color suitable for a penetration of an infrared beam. When fluid 340 flows through the chamber 320 , the fluid moves along a defined drip path DP within the drip chamber.
- the pump motor 306 has the capability of different programmed rates of pumping of different types of fluid 340 to the drip chamber 320 . For example, some fluids with higher viscosity may require a higher pump rate while other fluids, like water, may require lower pump rate settings.
- the pump motor 306 also has a run/stop switch capable of controlling the power to the motor which pumps the fluid 340 through the tubing system 420 A, 420 B.
- the pump 306 is turned on with the pump motor 306 in stop mode 20 .
- the pump motor 306 is turned on to a run mode 40 to move the fluid to the drip chamber 320 wherein the fluid drips through the drip chamber 320 along the defined drip path DP.
- the fluid drips through the drip chamber 320 at a flow rate dependent upon the viscosity of the product, the configuration of the drip chamber 320 , and the programmed pumping rate based upon the fluid flowing.
- an infrared sensor system 350 is used.
- the infrared sensor system 350 includes an infrared beam emitter 380 and an infrared beam detector 360 , which are optically coupled along an infrared beam path BP that extends transversely through the drip chamber wall 400 and intersects the drip path DP.
- the infrared beam power level is automatically stepped up to a level that penetrates the walls of the drip chamber 320 .
- the infrared level can be manually or automatically updated before each use.
- the infrared beam detector 360 When the infrared beam emitter 380 emits an infrared beam, the infrared beam detector 360 generates an output signal 430 responsive to the presence of the infrared beam as the fluid 340 drips through the drip chamber 320 . As will be explained further, a sample pulse wave of the output signal 430 is illustrated in FIG. 3 .
- the output signal of the infrared beam detector 360 is monitored 160 as the fluid 340 drips through the drip chamber 320 so as to detect pulses in the output signal level 430 .
- the pulses represent the fluid dripping through the drip chamber.
- the infrared beam emitter 380 emits an infrared beam, it establishes an output signal 430 in the infrared beam detector 360 .
- this is seen as a logic-hi 440 A, 440 B, 440 C amplitude of the output signal 430 .
- the pump 306 motor continues to operate 180 .
- the pump 306 motor continues to operate 180 .
- drops of the fluid 340 splash within the drip chamber 320 and cling to the drip chamber wall 400 . If these drops are located in the Beam Path (BP), they will block the infrared beam and cause an interruption in the pulses (constant logic-low).
- BP Beam Path
- the pump motor 306 is turned off 70 .
- the timeout may vary from greater than or less than 3 seconds.
- the infrared beam power is reset at the initial setting 60 and an infrared beam power update routine is run 80 , 160 .
- the timeout 260 will run a predetermined number of times to re-establish an output signal in the infrared beam detector 360 .
- the pump motor 306 turns off 280 and the alarm will sound 300 .
- the infrared beam power update routine 80 , 160 consists of incrementally increasing a power level 80 of the infrared beam until the power level of the infrared beam is sufficient to re-establish an output signal at the infrared beam detector 160 .
- the infrared beam power update routine 80 will cause the infrared beam power level to shift high enough to penetrate the drip chamber walls 400 and any standing water droplets formed that block the infrared beam. It should be noted the infrared beam power update routine 80 may be performed automatically and continuously by an algorithm.
- the pump motor 306 turns on 180 .
- the infrared beam detector 360 continues to monitor the output signal 430 from the infrared beam emitter 380 as the fluid drips through the drip chamber 320 so as to detect pulses 460 A, 460 B in the output signal 240 .
- the pump motor 306 is turned off 220 .
- the system After each increase of the infrared beam power level 80 and a check of the logic state, the system checks if the maximum power 90 of the infrared beam is reached. If the maximum power of the infrared beam is achieved 90 and the output signal 430 cannot be re-established after a predetermined period of time 100 , the pump motor 306 is shut off 120 and an alarm is triggered 140 . In this manner, the method 10 of operation for the infrared drip sensor system allows the pump 306 to run without interruption of false alarms using the infrared beam power update routine 80 , 160 , but yet alarm when actual alarm conditions are met 140 .
- a method 500 for operating an infrared drop sensor system in an enteral pump system provides the ability to discern the difference between water and liquid nutrient.
- This method 500 permits the pumping of both liquid nutrient and water at user-programmed rates for each liquid.
- the method 500 for operating an infrared drop sensor system contains the following steps.
- a first fluid 860 and a second fluid 840 are provided for pumping to the drip chamber 900 .
- the first fluid 860 is a liquid nutrient or nutritional supplement, which is typically opaque.
- the second fluid 840 is water or other type of clear fluid.
- An enteral tubing system 800 is also provided that first allows flow of the first fluid 860 and then flow of the second fluid 840 upon exhaustion of the first fluid 860 .
- the enteral tubing system 800 will be described further herein.
- a drip chamber 900 is provided which allows for the flow of the first fluid 860 and the second fluid 840 through the drip chamber 900 .
- the drip chamber 900 has all of the features and advantages recited for the drip chamber 320 described above.
- a pump 306 is provided which moves fluid through the enteral tubing system 800 and to the drip chamber 900 .
- the pump 306 has the capability of having different pump rates depending upon the type of fluid moving through the drip chamber 900 . For example, when the first fluid 860 is being pumped, a first pumping rate applies. When the second fluid 840 is being pumped, a second pumping rate applies. It should be noted that more than two fluids may be used with more than one programmed pumping rate for each type of fluid.
- a pumping rate is programmed at a first pumping rate 521 appropriate for the first fluid 860 to move the first fluid 860 to the drip chamber 900 wherein the first fluid 860 drips through the drip chamber 900 along a drip path DP 520 .
- a pumping rate is also programmed for the second pumping rate 522 appropriate for the second fluid 840 to move the second fluid 840 to the drip chamber 900 wherein the second fluid 840 drips through the drip chamber 900 along a drip path DP 520 .
- the run button is pressed on the pump 306 , 530 .
- the first pumping rate 521 of the motor is set for the first fluid 860 , 540 .
- an infrared sensor system similar to the infrared system 350 of FIG. 1 described above is used.
- the infrared beam detector 360 of the infrared system 350 generates an output signal 430 which is responsive to the presence of the infrared beam and generates a pulse 460 A, 460 B in the output signal 430 as the first fluid 860 drips through the drip chamber 900 640 .
- the output signal 430 of the infrared beam detector 360 is monitored as the fluid drips through the drip chamber 900 so as to detect pulses in the output signal. Note, if the first fluid 860 is opaque, the first fluid 860 will generate a pulse 460 A, 460 B in the output signal 430 as it passes through the drip chamber 900 along a DP with little to no sensitivity to the infrared beam power level. After a predetermined period of time of pumping the first fluid 860 drips through the drip chamber 900 , a timeout occurs 550 .
- the pump motor 306 If there are no pulses being detected over a predefined period of time 640 , known as a drop error, the pump motor 306 is turned off 660 and the alarm is sounded 680 . If there are pulses being detected over a predefined period of time, the pump motor 306 continues to run 540 at the predetermined rate for the first fluid 860 .
- a fluid type check routine runs to detect the type of fluid being pumped 560 , 570 , 580 , 590 , 600 , 620 .
- the fluid type check routine consists of counting a first number of pulses A over a predetermined period of time 560 .
- a timeout is provided 570 after counting the first number of pulses A.
- the power level of the infrared beam is increased by a predetermined amount 570 .
- the infrared beam power level is increased to a level sufficient for penetrating clear fluid such as water.
- a second number of pulses B over a predetermined period of time is counted 590 .
- a timeout is provided 600 after counting the second number of pulses B.
- the first number of pulses A is compared to the second number of pulses B.
- the pump motor 306 continues to operate at the first pumping rate 540 . Since the first fluid 860 is opaque fluid such as liquid nutrition, the increase in the infrared beam power level will not penetrate through the fluid drop and thus will not increase or decrease the number of pulses in the output signal. By measuring the pulses over a defined period of time for two different infrared beam power levels, and the pulses are the same, it indicates the first fluid 860 has not been exhausted and should continue to be pumped at the first pumping rate.
- the pump motor 306 switches to a second pumping rate for the second fluid 700 . Since the second fluid 840 is clear, an increase in the infrared beam power level will now penetrate the water drops and change the number of pulses in the output signal. Preferably, if the infrared beam power level is increased sufficiently to penetrate second fluid 840 such as water, the infrared beam will pass through the second fluid 840 at the higher infrared beam power level. When measuring the second number of pulses B at a higher infrared beam power level, the infrared beam passes through the second fluid 840 so that fewer or no pulses will be counted.
- the second number of pulses B for the second fluid 840 will not equal the first number of pulses A.
- the second fluid 840 is moving to the drip chamber 900 and a second pumping rate is turned on.
- the fluids, having different viscosity can be delivered at the appropriate or desired rates.
- this method 500 may include more than two fluids and more than two rates of delivery of the fluids.
- the pulses are monitored for a drop error 720 . If a drop error occurs, the pump motor 306 is turned off 660 and the alarm will sound 680 . If a drop error does not occur, and no pulses are being received by the infrared detector after a predetermined period of time, a check is run to see if the delivery of the second fluid 840 is complete 740 . If the delivery of the second fluid 840 is complete, the pump motor 306 is turned off 760 . If the delivery of the second fluid 840 is incomplete, the pump 306 continues to run at the second pumping rate.
- the pumping rate will therefore automatically adjust to the programmed value, depending on the type of fluid flow.
- a patient may receive 500 milliliters (ml) of food at 125 ml/hr, followed by 500 ml of hydrating water at 290 ml/hr.
- the improvement is realized with no hardware modifications of the standard enteral pump, i.e. no additional pumping mechanisms, and with minimally expensive tubing set.
- the method 500 for operating an infrared drop sensor system in an enteral pump system utilizes a single motor enteral pump 306 with the above-described drop sensor system 350 and the tubing set 800 with two fluids, a first fluid 860 and a second fluid 840 . Still referring to FIG. 5 , these two fluids 840 , 860 are coupled together at a Y-port 880 above the drip chamber 900 . There is a low-cracking pressure check valve 835 (one-way check valve) in the second fluid tube that prevents backflow into the second fluid supply 840 . The first fluid supply 860 is maintained at a height, which is above the top of the second fluid supply 840 . This causes the check valve 835 to remain closed as long as there is a first fluid and thus keeps the second fluid from flowing. When the first fluid supply 860 becomes empty, the second fluid supply 840 begins to flow.
- roller clamps 830 elastomeric peristaltic tube section 920 , tube adapter 940 , plastic tubing 960 , fitting for patient connection 980 , and protective cap 1000 .
- the present invention provides a method of operating an infrared drip sensor in an enteral pump system 10 .
- the method of operating an infrared drip sensor allows for a reduction in false alarms.
- the present invention also provides a method for automatically adjusting the infrared beam power to accommodate water droplets and residue within the drip chamber.
- the present invention includes a method of operating a drip sensor to distinguish between water flow and liquid nutrient flow.
Abstract
The present invention provides a method of operating an infrared drip sensor in an enteral pump system to reduce false alarm conditions. The method consists of the following steps: optically coupling a infrared beam emitter with an infrared beam detector along an infrared beam path that extends through a drip chamber and intersects the drip path; monitoring the output signal of the infrared beam detector to detect pulses; monitoring the pulses for an interruption thereof; and running an infrared beam power update routine when an interruption is detected in the pulses, the infrared beam power update routine consisting of incrementally increasing a power level of the infrared beam until the power level of the infrared beam is sufficient to re-establish an output signal at the infrared beam detector.
Description
- This application is related to and claims priority from earlier filed provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/869,386, filed Dec. 11, 2006.
- The present invention relates to enteral pumps for delivering liquid nutrition to patients who are unable to eat.
- Enteral feeding pumps are used to supply liquid nutrition to patients who are unable to eat. The pumping system generally consists of the pump and a disposable tubing set for delivery of the liquid nutrition. The tubing set is connected between a bag of liquid nutrition and a patient's gastric line. A section of the tubing set is seated on the pump housing where a rotor draws fluid through the tubing set by peristaltic action.
- A common design feature of enteral pumps is the ability to detect the presence or absence of liquid flowing through the tube set. This is typically accomplished by the detection of drops falling within a transparent drip chamber portion of the tubing set. In this regard, the transparent drip chamber is seated within an opening in the pump housing where an infrared (IR) light source (light emitting diode—LED) and infrared detector are positioned on opposing sides of the drip chamber transverse to the liquid flow. The IR beam passes through the drip chamber. When a drop of liquid falls, it interrupts the IR beam and this interruption is converted to an electronic pulse. The pulse presence and frequency are processed by the pump firmware, which then either allows continuing pump operation or stops the pump indicating one of several possible alarm conditions, such as occlusion or excessive flow.
- For the drop detection system to operate reliably, the IR beam intensity must be set to a level that is sufficient to “see” through the drip chamber walls, but not so intense that that the beam is detected through the water drops without producing a detection pulse. The IR beam power level is optimized for water, since excess power can cause the water to be transparent to the infrared beam, i.e. the beam is strong enough to pass right through the water drop. Liquid nutrient is more optically opaque and thus it can be detected with a wider tolerance of beam power level. Because of this, water is the “standard” for calibration of the detection power. For current pump design, the beam power level is set to a fixed value that is intended to accommodate all variations in electronics and materials used in the beam path.
- False alarms are an undesirable consequence of fixed sensitivity when the transparent wall of the drip chamber may become less transparent through the accumulation of liquid residue or droplets. These droplets are only a problem when they are located in the path of the IR beam. Given enough operating time, it is probable that a droplet will be situated in this manner. This issue is more problematic for water due to its propensity for droplet formation due to its high surface tension. Liquid nutrient has a relatively lower surface tension and droplets dissipate more readily once they impinge on the chamber wall. Water however, has a tendency to stay in place longer and thus create a blocking condition. With fixed infrared detector sensitivity, water droplets will cause false alarms.
- Typically, enteral pumps deliver only liquid nutrient to the patient. In addition to the liquid nutrient, caregivers must also give water to the patient, as the liquid nutrient contains insufficient water for normal dietary requirements.
- Several enteral pump manufacturers have produced pumps, which are capable of pumping both liquid nutrient and water from separate containers. A typical prior art design uses two separately programmable peristaltic pumping motors, which are activated according to a user program. Another method uses a single peristaltic pump, and a tubing set having an integral two-way valve. This valve is actuated by a second motor on the pump, and thus controls that liquid source. Both of these configurations are relatively high in cost because of the multiple motors.
- In view of the foregoing, there is a desire for a less expensive enteral pump system that includes only a single motor as well as a method of operating an infrared drip sensor in an enteral pump system to reduce occurrence of false alarms. It is also desirable to provide a method of operating the infrared drip sensor that automatically adjusts the infrared beam power according to the current optical conditions. Further it is desirable to have a method of automatically adjusting the infrared beam power of an enteral pump system to accommodate water droplets and residue within the drip chamber. Even further still it is desirable to have a method of operating a drip sensor that can automatically distinguish between water flow and liquid nutrient flow.
- The present invention preserves the well known advantages of prior methods of operating an infrared drip sensor in an enteral system but, in addition, provides new advantages not found in currently available methods and overcomes many disadvantages of the currently available methods for operating an infrared drip sensor.
- The present invention provides a method of operating an infrared drip sensor in an enteral pump system to reduce false alarm conditions. The method consists of the following steps: providing a drip chamber; operating a pump to move a fluid to the drip chamber wherein the fluid drips through the drip chamber along a drip path; optically coupling a infrared beam emitter with an infrared beam detector along an infrared beam path that extends through the drip chamber and intersects the drip path, the infrared beam emitter emitting an infrared beam, the infrared detector generating an output signal responsive to the presence of the infrared beam as the fluid drips through the drip chamber; setting an initial power level of the infrared beam; monitoring the output signal of the infrared beam detector as the fluid drips through the drip chamber so as to detect pulses in the output signal level, the pulses representing the fluid dripping through the drip chamber; monitoring the pulses for an interruption thereof; running an infrared beam power update routine when an interruption is detected in the pulses, the infrared beam power update routine consisting of incrementally increasing a power level of the infrared beam until the power level of the infrared beam is sufficient to re-establish an output signal at the infrared beam detector; shutting off the motor for pumping when the output signal cannot be reestablished after the infrared beam power update routine; and triggering an alarm when the output signal cannot be re-established after the infrared beam power update routine.
- The present invention also provides a method for automatic adjustment of the pumping rate of an enteral pump system according to the type of fluid flowing through the pump system, the method comprising the following steps: providing a first opaque fluid and a second clear fluid for pumping; providing an enteral tubing system that first allows flow of the first fluid and then flow of the second fluid upon exhaustion of the first fluid; providing a drip chamber; operating a pump at a first pumping rate appropriate for the first fluid to move the first fluid to the drip chamber wherein the first fluid drips through the drip chamber along a drip path; optically coupling a infrared beam emitter with an infrared beam detector along an infrared beam path that extends through said drip chamber and intersects said drip path, said infrared beam emitter emitting an infrared beam, said infrared beam detector generating an output signal responsive to the presence of the infrared beam as the first fluid drip through the drip chamber, setting an initial power level of the infrared beam; monitoring the output signal of the infrared beam detector as the fluid drips through the drip chamber so as to detect pulses in the output signal level, the pulses representing the first fluid dripping through the drip chamber; at predetermined time intervals, detecting the type of fluid being pumped by running a fluid type check routine consisting of: counting a first number of pulses in a predetermined period of time, increasing the power level of the infrared beam by a predetermined amount, and counting a second number of pulses in the same predetermined period of time, wherein a comparison of said number of pulses determines fluid type; operating the pump such that when the second number of pulses is equal to said first number of pulses, said first pumping rate is maintained, and further such that when the number of pulses are unequal, said first pumping rate is changed to a second pumping rate appropriate for the second fluid.
- It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method of operating an enteral pump with reduced occurrences of false alarms.
- It is a further object of the present invention is to provide a method of automatically adjusting the infrared beam power of an enteral pump system to accommodate water droplets and residue within the drip chamber.
- Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method of operating a drip sensor to distinguish between water flow and liquid nutrient flow.
- Other objects, features and advantages of the invention shall become apparent as the description thereof proceeds when considered in connection with the accompanying illustrative drawings.
- The novel features, which are characteristic of the method for operating an infrared drip sensor in an enteral system, are set forth in the appended claims. However, the method of operating an infrared drip sensor in an enteral system, together with further embodiments and attendant advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a flow chart of the method for operating an infrared drip sensor in an enteral pump system of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a drip chamber used in the method ofFIG. 1 with fluid dripping there through to intersect the infrared beam path; -
FIG. 3 is an illustration of the amplitude of the pulse wave during operation of the infrared drip sensor inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is a flow chart of the method for automatic adjustment of the pumping rate of an eternal pump system according to the type of fluid flowing through the pump system; and -
FIG. 5 is schematic illustration of a two-source tubing set for use in the method ofFIG. 4 which provides both liquid nutrient and water. - The present method solves a disadvantage of the prior art by providing a new and
unique method 10 for operating a drip sensor system in an enteral pump system, which reduces false alarm conditions. - As described in the background, an enteral pumping system generally consists of a
pump system 302 and disposable tubing set for delivery of the liquid nutrition. The tubing set is connected between a bag of liquid nutrition and a patient's gastric line. A section of the tubing set is seated on the pump housing where a rotor draws fluid through the tubing set by peristaltic action. - Generally, the
pump system 302 comprises acontroller 304,pump motor 306,power source 308, and aninfrared sensor system 350 containing aninfrared beam emitter 380 andinfrared beam sensor 360. SeeFIG. 6 . Thecontroller 304 is powered by thepower source 308 and controls thepump motor 306 and the infrared sensor system 305. More specifically, thecontroller 304 instructs thepump motor 306 when to switch off/on based upon an output signal received in theinfrared beam sensor 360 which will be further described below. - Referring to
FIG. 1 , a flow chart of amethod 10 of operation for the infrared drip sensor system in an enteral pump system is illustrated. Themethod 10 generally comprises the following steps as outlined below. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , a tubing system 420 and adrip chamber 320 are provided. Thetubing system top end 320A andbottom end 320B of thedrip chamber 320. Thetubing system pump 306 is operated, fluid 340 drips through thechamber 320. Thedrip chamber 320 contains awall 400, which is of a thickness and color suitable for a penetration of an infrared beam. When fluid 340 flows through thechamber 320, the fluid moves along a defined drip path DP within the drip chamber. - Generally, the
pump motor 306 has the capability of different programmed rates of pumping of different types offluid 340 to thedrip chamber 320. For example, some fluids with higher viscosity may require a higher pump rate while other fluids, like water, may require lower pump rate settings. Thepump motor 306 also has a run/stop switch capable of controlling the power to the motor which pumps the fluid 340 through thetubing system - To begin operation of the
pump 306, as shown in themethod 10 ofFIG. 1 , thepump 306 is turned on with thepump motor 306 instop mode 20. Next, thepump motor 306 is turned on to arun mode 40 to move the fluid to thedrip chamber 320 wherein the fluid drips through thedrip chamber 320 along the defined drip path DP. The fluid drips through thedrip chamber 320 at a flow rate dependent upon the viscosity of the product, the configuration of thedrip chamber 320, and the programmed pumping rate based upon the fluid flowing. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , to measure the rate of drops through thedrip chamber 320, aninfrared sensor system 350 is used. Theinfrared sensor system 350 includes aninfrared beam emitter 380 and aninfrared beam detector 360, which are optically coupled along an infrared beam path BP that extends transversely through thedrip chamber wall 400 and intersects the drip path DP. Referring back toFIG. 1 , initially, the infrared beam power level is automatically stepped up to a level that penetrates the walls of thedrip chamber 320. To calibrate the initial infrared beam power, the infrared level can be manually or automatically updated before each use. When theinfrared beam emitter 380 emits an infrared beam, theinfrared beam detector 360 generates anoutput signal 430 responsive to the presence of the infrared beam as the fluid 340 drips through thedrip chamber 320. As will be explained further, a sample pulse wave of theoutput signal 430 is illustrated inFIG. 3 . - After increasing an initial power level of the
infrared beam 80, the output signal of theinfrared beam detector 360 is monitored 160 as the fluid 340 drips through thedrip chamber 320 so as to detect pulses in theoutput signal level 430. The pulses represent the fluid dripping through the drip chamber. As shown inFIG. 3 , when theinfrared beam emitter 380 emits an infrared beam, it establishes anoutput signal 430 in theinfrared beam detector 360. At steady state operation, this is seen as a logic-hi output signal 430. When the fluid 340 traveling along the drip path DP intersects the infrared beam path BP, it blocks the infrared beam and interrupts theoutput signal 430 in thebeam detector 360. These interruptions are seen as a logic-low amplitude fluid 340 is dripping through thechamber 320. For each infrared sensor logic-low amplitude drip chamber 320 and intersected the beam path BP. By counting the number of sensor logic-low amplitudes fluid 340 over time can be determined. - As long as there is an
output signal 430 with apulse pump 306 motor continues to operate 180. As discussed above, there are occasions when drops of the fluid 340 splash within thedrip chamber 320 and cling to thedrip chamber wall 400. If these drops are located in the Beam Path (BP), they will block the infrared beam and cause an interruption in the pulses (constant logic-low). If there is an interruption of thepulses timeout 260 and thepump motor 306 is turned off 70. The timeout may vary from greater than or less than 3 seconds. Now, the infrared beam power is reset at theinitial setting 60 and an infrared beam power update routine is run 80,160. Note, thetimeout 260 will run a predetermined number of times to re-establish an output signal in theinfrared beam detector 360. After the predetermined number of times, thepump motor 306 turns off 280 and the alarm will sound 300. - The infrared beam
power update routine power level 80 of the infrared beam until the power level of the infrared beam is sufficient to re-establish an output signal at theinfrared beam detector 160. The infrared beampower update routine 80 will cause the infrared beam power level to shift high enough to penetrate thedrip chamber walls 400 and any standing water droplets formed that block the infrared beam. It should be noted the infrared beampower update routine 80 may be performed automatically and continuously by an algorithm. - When the
output signal 430 of theinfrared beam detector 360 is re-established after the infrared beam power update routine is run 80, 160, thepump motor 306 turns on 180. Theinfrared beam detector 360 continues to monitor theoutput signal 430 from theinfrared beam emitter 380 as the fluid drips through thedrip chamber 320 so as to detectpulses output signal 240. When the delivery of all the fluid is complete 200, thepump motor 306 is turned off 220. - After each increase of the infrared
beam power level 80 and a check of the logic state, the system checks if themaximum power 90 of the infrared beam is reached. If the maximum power of the infrared beam is achieved 90 and theoutput signal 430 cannot be re-established after a predetermined period of time 100, thepump motor 306 is shut off 120 and an alarm is triggered 140. In this manner, themethod 10 of operation for the infrared drip sensor system allows thepump 306 to run without interruption of false alarms using the infrared beampower update routine - Referring to
FIG. 4 , as a further improvement of the present invention, amethod 500 for operating an infrared drop sensor system in an enteral pump system provides the ability to discern the difference between water and liquid nutrient. Thismethod 500 permits the pumping of both liquid nutrient and water at user-programmed rates for each liquid. Themethod 500 for operating an infrared drop sensor system contains the following steps. - Referring to
FIG. 5 , afirst fluid 860 and asecond fluid 840 are provided for pumping to thedrip chamber 900. In one embodiment, thefirst fluid 860 is a liquid nutrient or nutritional supplement, which is typically opaque. Thesecond fluid 840 is water or other type of clear fluid. Anenteral tubing system 800 is also provided that first allows flow of thefirst fluid 860 and then flow of thesecond fluid 840 upon exhaustion of thefirst fluid 860. Theenteral tubing system 800 will be described further herein. - A
drip chamber 900 is provided which allows for the flow of thefirst fluid 860 and thesecond fluid 840 through thedrip chamber 900. Thedrip chamber 900 has all of the features and advantages recited for thedrip chamber 320 described above. - A
pump 306 is provided which moves fluid through theenteral tubing system 800 and to thedrip chamber 900. Thepump 306 has the capability of having different pump rates depending upon the type of fluid moving through thedrip chamber 900. For example, when thefirst fluid 860 is being pumped, a first pumping rate applies. When thesecond fluid 840 is being pumped, a second pumping rate applies. It should be noted that more than two fluids may be used with more than one programmed pumping rate for each type of fluid. - To begin operating the
pump 306, as shown in thepresent method 500 ofFIG. 4 , thepump 306 is turned on with thepump motor 306 instop mode 510. Next, a pumping rate is programmed at afirst pumping rate 521 appropriate for thefirst fluid 860 to move thefirst fluid 860 to thedrip chamber 900 wherein thefirst fluid 860 drips through thedrip chamber 900 along adrip path DP 520. In addition, a pumping rate is also programmed for thesecond pumping rate 522 appropriate for thesecond fluid 840 to move thesecond fluid 840 to thedrip chamber 900 wherein thesecond fluid 840 drips through thedrip chamber 900 along adrip path DP 520. - Next, to begin operating the
pump motor 306, the run button is pressed on thepump first pumping rate 521 of the motor is set for thefirst fluid drip chamber 900, an infrared sensor system similar to theinfrared system 350 ofFIG. 1 described above is used. Theinfrared beam detector 360 of theinfrared system 350 generates anoutput signal 430 which is responsive to the presence of the infrared beam and generates apulse output signal 430 as thefirst fluid 860 drips through thedrip chamber 900 640. - Similar to the
infrared system 350 ofFIG. 1 , after setting an initial power level of the infrared beam, theoutput signal 430 of theinfrared beam detector 360 is monitored as the fluid drips through thedrip chamber 900 so as to detect pulses in the output signal. Note, if thefirst fluid 860 is opaque, thefirst fluid 860 will generate apulse output signal 430 as it passes through thedrip chamber 900 along a DP with little to no sensitivity to the infrared beam power level. After a predetermined period of time of pumping thefirst fluid 860 drips through thedrip chamber 900, a timeout occurs 550. If there are no pulses being detected over a predefined period oftime 640, known as a drop error, thepump motor 306 is turned off 660 and the alarm is sounded 680. If there are pulses being detected over a predefined period of time, thepump motor 306 continues to run 540 at the predetermined rate for thefirst fluid 860. - At
predetermined timeouts 550, a fluid type check routine runs to detect the type of fluid being pumped 560, 570, 580, 590, 600, 620. The fluid type check routine consists of counting a first number of pulses A over a predetermined period oftime 560. At predetermined time intervals, a timeout is provided 570 after counting the first number of pulses A. Atpredetermined timeouts 570, the power level of the infrared beam is increased by apredetermined amount 570. In a preferred embodiment, the infrared beam power level is increased to a level sufficient for penetrating clear fluid such as water. At the increased power beam level, a second number of pulses B over a predetermined period of time is counted 590. At predetermined time intervals, a timeout is provided 600 after counting the second number of pulses B. Atpredetermined timeout 600, the first number of pulses A is compared to the second number of pulses B. - If the first number of pulses A is equal to the second number of pulses B, and there is no
drop error 640, thepump motor 306 continues to operate at thefirst pumping rate 540. Since thefirst fluid 860 is opaque fluid such as liquid nutrition, the increase in the infrared beam power level will not penetrate through the fluid drop and thus will not increase or decrease the number of pulses in the output signal. By measuring the pulses over a defined period of time for two different infrared beam power levels, and the pulses are the same, it indicates thefirst fluid 860 has not been exhausted and should continue to be pumped at the first pumping rate. - If the first number of pulses A is unequal to the second number of pulses, the
pump motor 306 switches to a second pumping rate for thesecond fluid 700. Since thesecond fluid 840 is clear, an increase in the infrared beam power level will now penetrate the water drops and change the number of pulses in the output signal. Preferably, if the infrared beam power level is increased sufficiently to penetratesecond fluid 840 such as water, the infrared beam will pass through thesecond fluid 840 at the higher infrared beam power level. When measuring the second number of pulses B at a higher infrared beam power level, the infrared beam passes through thesecond fluid 840 so that fewer or no pulses will be counted. As a result, the second number of pulses B for thesecond fluid 840 will not equal the first number of pulses A. When A is not equal to B, thesecond fluid 840 is moving to thedrip chamber 900 and a second pumping rate is turned on. By using a first pumping rate for the first fluid and a second pumping rate for the second fluid, the fluids, having different viscosity, can be delivered at the appropriate or desired rates. Of course, thismethod 500 may include more than two fluids and more than two rates of delivery of the fluids. - After the second pumping rate of the
pump motor 306 is turned on for thesecond fluid 840, the pulses are monitored for adrop error 720. If a drop error occurs, thepump motor 306 is turned off 660 and the alarm will sound 680. If a drop error does not occur, and no pulses are being received by the infrared detector after a predetermined period of time, a check is run to see if the delivery of thesecond fluid 840 is complete 740. If the delivery of thesecond fluid 840 is complete, thepump motor 306 is turned off 760. If the delivery of thesecond fluid 840 is incomplete, thepump 306 continues to run at the second pumping rate. - The pumping rate will therefore automatically adjust to the programmed value, depending on the type of fluid flow. Thus, a patient may receive 500 milliliters (ml) of food at 125 ml/hr, followed by 500 ml of hydrating water at 290 ml/hr. The improvement is realized with no hardware modifications of the standard enteral pump, i.e. no additional pumping mechanisms, and with minimally expensive tubing set.
- Referring to
FIG. 5 , themethod 500 for operating an infrared drop sensor system in an enteral pump system utilizes a single motorenteral pump 306 with the above-describeddrop sensor system 350 and the tubing set 800 with two fluids, afirst fluid 860 and asecond fluid 840. Still referring toFIG. 5 , these twofluids port 880 above thedrip chamber 900. There is a low-cracking pressure check valve 835 (one-way check valve) in the second fluid tube that prevents backflow into thesecond fluid supply 840. Thefirst fluid supply 860 is maintained at a height, which is above the top of thesecond fluid supply 840. This causes thecheck valve 835 to remain closed as long as there is a first fluid and thus keeps the second fluid from flowing. When thefirst fluid supply 860 becomes empty, thesecond fluid supply 840 begins to flow. - In addition to the components listed above for the
tubing system 800, the following components are also part of the tubing system: roller clamps 830, elastomericperistaltic tube section 920,tube adapter 940,plastic tubing 960, fitting forpatient connection 980, andprotective cap 1000. - Therefore, the present invention provides a method of operating an infrared drip sensor in an
enteral pump system 10. The method of operating an infrared drip sensor allows for a reduction in false alarms. The present invention also provides a method for automatically adjusting the infrared beam power to accommodate water droplets and residue within the drip chamber. In addition, the present invention includes a method of operating a drip sensor to distinguish between water flow and liquid nutrient flow. - It would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to the illustrated embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention. All such modifications and changes are intended to be covered by the appended claims and the present invention.
Claims (4)
1-4. (canceled)
5. A method of operating an infrared drip sensor in an enteral pump system to reduce false alarm conditions, said method comprising the steps of:
(a) providing a drip chamber;
(b) operating a pump to move a fluid to said drip chamber wherein said fluid drips through said drip chamber along a drip path;
(c) optically coupling an infrared beam emitter with variable output power with an infrared beam detector with fixed sensitivity along an infrared beam path that extends through said drip chamber and intersects said drip path,
said variable infrared beam emitter emitting an infrared beam, said infrared beam detector generating an output signal responsive to the absence of said variable infrared beam when power of infrared beam is sufficient to be detected by infrared beam detector when fluid is not dripping,
(d) setting an initial power level of said infrared beam sufficient to be detected;
(e) monitoring said output signal of said infrared beam detector as said fluid drips through said drip chamber so as to detect pulses in said output signal level, said pulses representing said fluid dripping through said drip chamber;
(f) monitoring said pulses for an interruption thereof; and
(g) running an infrared beam power update routine when an interruption is detected in said pulses, said infrared beam power update routine comprising the steps of incrementally increasing a power level of said infrared beam until said power level of said infrared beam is sufficient to re-establish an output signal at said infrared beam detector.
6. The method of operating an infrared drip sensor in an enteral pump system of claim 5 further comprising the step of:
(h) shutting off motor for pump when said output signal cannot be reestablished after said infrared beam power update routine.
7. The method of operating a drip sensor in an enteral pump system of claim 6 further comprising the step of:
(i) triggering an alarm when said output signal cannot be reestablished after said infrared beam power update routine.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/819,309 US20100253515A1 (en) | 2006-12-11 | 2010-06-21 | Method of operating a drip sensor system in an enteral pump system |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US86938606P | 2006-12-11 | 2006-12-11 | |
US11/954,002 US7767991B2 (en) | 2006-12-11 | 2007-12-11 | Method of operating an infrared drip sensor in an enteral pump system to reduce false alarm conditions |
US12/819,309 US20100253515A1 (en) | 2006-12-11 | 2010-06-21 | Method of operating a drip sensor system in an enteral pump system |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/954,002 Continuation US7767991B2 (en) | 2006-12-11 | 2007-12-11 | Method of operating an infrared drip sensor in an enteral pump system to reduce false alarm conditions |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20100253515A1 true US20100253515A1 (en) | 2010-10-07 |
Family
ID=39499092
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/954,002 Active 2028-07-24 US7767991B2 (en) | 2006-12-11 | 2007-12-11 | Method of operating an infrared drip sensor in an enteral pump system to reduce false alarm conditions |
US12/819,309 Abandoned US20100253515A1 (en) | 2006-12-11 | 2010-06-21 | Method of operating a drip sensor system in an enteral pump system |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/954,002 Active 2028-07-24 US7767991B2 (en) | 2006-12-11 | 2007-12-11 | Method of operating an infrared drip sensor in an enteral pump system to reduce false alarm conditions |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US7767991B2 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN109443400A (en) * | 2018-10-18 | 2019-03-08 | 广州智颜科技有限公司 | Squeeze bottle dropping liquid condition checkout gear and its detection method |
Families Citing this family (29)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7918834B2 (en) * | 2008-03-06 | 2011-04-05 | T3M | Drop counter |
US9151646B2 (en) | 2011-12-21 | 2015-10-06 | Deka Products Limited Partnership | System, method, and apparatus for monitoring, regulating, or controlling fluid flow |
US9128051B2 (en) | 2010-10-19 | 2015-09-08 | Baxter International Inc. | Optical imaging system for air bubble and empty bag detection in an infusion tube |
US8622979B2 (en) | 2010-10-19 | 2014-01-07 | Baxter Healthcare S.A. | Infusion system using optical imager for controlling flow and method thereof |
US9476825B2 (en) | 2010-10-19 | 2016-10-25 | Baxter International Inc. | Optical imaging system with multiple imaging channel optical sensing |
US9144644B2 (en) | 2011-08-02 | 2015-09-29 | Baxter International Inc. | Infusion pump with independently controllable valves and low power operation and methods thereof |
US9746094B2 (en) | 2011-12-21 | 2017-08-29 | Deka Products Limited Partnership | Flow meter having a background pattern with first and second portions |
US9435455B2 (en) | 2011-12-21 | 2016-09-06 | Deka Products Limited Partnership | System, method, and apparatus for monitoring, regulating, or controlling fluid flow |
US9372486B2 (en) | 2011-12-21 | 2016-06-21 | Deka Products Limited Partnership | System, method, and apparatus for monitoring, regulating, or controlling fluid flow |
US10488848B2 (en) | 2011-12-21 | 2019-11-26 | Deka Products Limited Partnership | System, method, and apparatus for monitoring, regulating, or controlling fluid flow |
US10228683B2 (en) | 2011-12-21 | 2019-03-12 | Deka Products Limited Partnership | System, method, and apparatus for monitoring, regulating, or controlling fluid flow |
US9724467B2 (en) | 2011-12-21 | 2017-08-08 | Deka Products Limited Partnership | Flow meter |
US9746093B2 (en) | 2011-12-21 | 2017-08-29 | Deka Products Limited Partnership | Flow meter and related system and apparatus |
US9710610B2 (en) * | 2012-07-25 | 2017-07-18 | Covidien Lp | Enteral feeding pump with flow adjustment |
US9759343B2 (en) | 2012-12-21 | 2017-09-12 | Deka Products Limited Partnership | Flow meter using a dynamic background image |
US9352081B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2016-05-31 | Baxter International Inc. | Drip chamber with hydrophobic interior surface |
US9234850B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2016-01-12 | Baxter International Inc. | Drip chamber with integrated optics |
EP3895746A1 (en) | 2013-09-24 | 2021-10-20 | Kpr U.S., Llc | Feeding set and enteral feeding pump[ |
USD752209S1 (en) | 2013-11-06 | 2016-03-22 | Deka Products Limited Partnership | Apparatus to control fluid flow through a tube |
USD749206S1 (en) | 2013-11-06 | 2016-02-09 | Deka Products Limited Partnership | Apparatus to control fluid flow through a tube |
USD745661S1 (en) | 2013-11-06 | 2015-12-15 | Deka Products Limited Partnership | Apparatus to control fluid flow through a tube |
USD751690S1 (en) | 2013-11-06 | 2016-03-15 | Deka Products Limited Partnership | Apparatus to control fluid flow through a tube |
USD751689S1 (en) | 2013-11-06 | 2016-03-15 | Deka Products Limited Partnership | Apparatus to control fluid flow through a tube |
WO2015134651A1 (en) * | 2014-03-07 | 2015-09-11 | Carefusion 303, Inc. | Syringe flush protection valve and method |
USD905848S1 (en) | 2016-01-28 | 2020-12-22 | Deka Products Limited Partnership | Apparatus to control fluid flow through a tube |
CA3013046A1 (en) | 2016-01-28 | 2017-08-03 | Deka Products Limited Partnership | Apparatus for monitoring, regulating, or controlling fluid flow |
USD854145S1 (en) | 2016-05-25 | 2019-07-16 | Deka Products Limited Partnership | Apparatus to control fluid flow through a tube |
WO2021021596A1 (en) | 2019-07-26 | 2021-02-04 | Deka Products Limited Partnership | Apparatus for monitoring, regulating, or controlling fluid flow |
USD964563S1 (en) | 2019-07-26 | 2022-09-20 | Deka Products Limited Partnership | Medical flow clamp |
Citations (19)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3500366A (en) * | 1966-10-03 | 1970-03-10 | Gen Instrument Corp | Monitoring system for fluid flow in drop form |
US4038982A (en) * | 1975-12-03 | 1977-08-02 | Burron Medical Products, Inc. | Electrically controlled intravenous infusion set |
US4126132A (en) * | 1975-07-28 | 1978-11-21 | Andros Incorporated | Intravenous and intra arterial delivery system |
US4314484A (en) * | 1979-10-09 | 1982-02-09 | University Of Utah Research Foundation | Self-compensating optical drop count apparatus for measuring volumetric fluid flow |
US4504263A (en) * | 1982-12-22 | 1985-03-12 | Valleylab, Inc. | Flow rate monitor with optical sensing chamber |
US4608042A (en) * | 1985-09-25 | 1986-08-26 | Warner-Lambert Company | Apparatus for sequential infusion of medical solutions |
US4845487A (en) * | 1987-07-20 | 1989-07-04 | Frantz Medical Development Ltd. | Pump system for enteral/parenteral fluid control and delivery |
US5186057A (en) * | 1991-10-21 | 1993-02-16 | Everhart Howard R | Multi-beam liquid-drop size/rate detector apparatus |
US5374251A (en) * | 1993-04-14 | 1994-12-20 | Entracare | Medical fluid pump apparatus |
US5415641A (en) * | 1991-04-01 | 1995-05-16 | Sherwood Medical Company | Drop detection method and apparatus |
US5750998A (en) * | 1994-10-03 | 1998-05-12 | Baxter International, Inc. | Apparatus and method for non invasively identifying components of liquid medium within a bag |
US6118526A (en) * | 1996-08-16 | 2000-09-12 | Coors Brewing Company | Method for measurement of light transmittance |
US6120475A (en) * | 1998-02-16 | 2000-09-19 | Chen; San-Ming | Infusion bottle monitor device |
US6199603B1 (en) * | 1998-08-14 | 2001-03-13 | Baxter International Inc. | Compounding assembly for nutritional fluids |
US6599282B2 (en) * | 2001-09-05 | 2003-07-29 | Zeev Burko | Intravenous set flow volumetric measurement device |
US7169128B2 (en) * | 2003-08-04 | 2007-01-30 | Bioquiddity, Inc. | Multichannel fluid delivery device |
US20070112323A1 (en) * | 2005-10-20 | 2007-05-17 | Sherwood Services Ag | Enteral Feeding Set |
US20070142777A1 (en) * | 2005-11-29 | 2007-06-21 | Klein Medical Limited | Optical reader for syringe |
US7256888B2 (en) * | 2003-11-07 | 2007-08-14 | Cardial Health 303, Inc. | Fluid verification system and method for infusions |
-
2007
- 2007-12-11 US US11/954,002 patent/US7767991B2/en active Active
-
2010
- 2010-06-21 US US12/819,309 patent/US20100253515A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (19)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3500366A (en) * | 1966-10-03 | 1970-03-10 | Gen Instrument Corp | Monitoring system for fluid flow in drop form |
US4126132A (en) * | 1975-07-28 | 1978-11-21 | Andros Incorporated | Intravenous and intra arterial delivery system |
US4038982A (en) * | 1975-12-03 | 1977-08-02 | Burron Medical Products, Inc. | Electrically controlled intravenous infusion set |
US4314484A (en) * | 1979-10-09 | 1982-02-09 | University Of Utah Research Foundation | Self-compensating optical drop count apparatus for measuring volumetric fluid flow |
US4504263A (en) * | 1982-12-22 | 1985-03-12 | Valleylab, Inc. | Flow rate monitor with optical sensing chamber |
US4608042A (en) * | 1985-09-25 | 1986-08-26 | Warner-Lambert Company | Apparatus for sequential infusion of medical solutions |
US4845487A (en) * | 1987-07-20 | 1989-07-04 | Frantz Medical Development Ltd. | Pump system for enteral/parenteral fluid control and delivery |
US5415641A (en) * | 1991-04-01 | 1995-05-16 | Sherwood Medical Company | Drop detection method and apparatus |
US5186057A (en) * | 1991-10-21 | 1993-02-16 | Everhart Howard R | Multi-beam liquid-drop size/rate detector apparatus |
US5374251A (en) * | 1993-04-14 | 1994-12-20 | Entracare | Medical fluid pump apparatus |
US5750998A (en) * | 1994-10-03 | 1998-05-12 | Baxter International, Inc. | Apparatus and method for non invasively identifying components of liquid medium within a bag |
US6118526A (en) * | 1996-08-16 | 2000-09-12 | Coors Brewing Company | Method for measurement of light transmittance |
US6120475A (en) * | 1998-02-16 | 2000-09-19 | Chen; San-Ming | Infusion bottle monitor device |
US6199603B1 (en) * | 1998-08-14 | 2001-03-13 | Baxter International Inc. | Compounding assembly for nutritional fluids |
US6599282B2 (en) * | 2001-09-05 | 2003-07-29 | Zeev Burko | Intravenous set flow volumetric measurement device |
US7169128B2 (en) * | 2003-08-04 | 2007-01-30 | Bioquiddity, Inc. | Multichannel fluid delivery device |
US7256888B2 (en) * | 2003-11-07 | 2007-08-14 | Cardial Health 303, Inc. | Fluid verification system and method for infusions |
US20070112323A1 (en) * | 2005-10-20 | 2007-05-17 | Sherwood Services Ag | Enteral Feeding Set |
US20070142777A1 (en) * | 2005-11-29 | 2007-06-21 | Klein Medical Limited | Optical reader for syringe |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN109443400A (en) * | 2018-10-18 | 2019-03-08 | 广州智颜科技有限公司 | Squeeze bottle dropping liquid condition checkout gear and its detection method |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20080139997A1 (en) | 2008-06-12 |
US7767991B2 (en) | 2010-08-03 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US7767991B2 (en) | Method of operating an infrared drip sensor in an enteral pump system to reduce false alarm conditions | |
US9642777B2 (en) | Fluid detection in an enteral feeding set | |
US8142404B2 (en) | Controller for pumping apparatus | |
US7927304B2 (en) | Enteral feeding pump and feeding set therefor | |
EP1829574B1 (en) | Pumping apparatus with secure loading features | |
AU2010200409B2 (en) | Pump set with secure loading features | |
AU2008200049B2 (en) | Pump set for administering fluid with secure loading features and manufacture of component therefor | |
US7722562B2 (en) | Pump set with safety interlock | |
US20080135725A1 (en) | Pump set and pump with electromagnetic radiation operated interlock | |
US8154274B2 (en) | Safety interlock | |
KR20000066201A (en) | Apparatus and method for controlling an infusion |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: OST MEDICAL, INC., A RHODE ISLAND CORPORATION, RHO Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SACCHETTI, PETER J.;REEL/FRAME:024592/0551 Effective date: 20100623 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: ALCOR SCIENTIFIC, INC., RHODE ISLAND Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:OST MEDICAL, INC.;REEL/FRAME:025979/0766 Effective date: 20110302 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |