United States Patent [19] [ii] Patent Number: 4,681,563
Deckert et al. [45] Date of Patent: Jul. 21, 1987
[54] FLOW CONTROL SYSTEM
[75] Inventors: Clinton Deckert; Larry L. Wilson,
both of Poway, Calif.
[73] Assignee: Centaur Sciences, Inc., Stamford,
Conn.
[21] Appl. No.: 727,840
[22] Filed: Apr. 26, 1985
[51] Int. CI.4 A61F2/00
[52] U.S. CI 604/67; 128/DIG. 13;
137/487.5; 340/619
[58] Field of Search 604/65-67,
604/245; 128/DIG. 13; 340/619; 137/487.5,
486
[56] References Cited
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
3,655,095 4/1972 Kienitz 604/65
4,094,318 6/1978 Burke et al 128/DIG. 13
4,372,304 2/1983 Avakian 137/486
4,504,263 3/1985 Steuer et al 604/65
4,509,943 4/1985 Hanzawa 604/67
4,570,639 2/1986 Miodounik 604/65
Primary Examiner—Carroll B. Dority, Jr.
Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Chilton, Alix & Van Kirk
[57] ABSTRACT
A dual controller for an IV infusion system comprises a microprocessor to concurrently control the rate of infusion through two IV units. The control of the rate of infusion is provided by a stepper motor driven regulator which is selectively positionable for compressibly engaging the IV tubing. A flow sensor employs a case of infrared transparent material which mounts to a drip chamber of the infusion unit. The flow sensor provides an output pulse to the microprocessor in response to a drop of fluid in the drip chamber interrupting a light path extending from an array of light emitting diodes and a photo transistor. The light emitting diodes are pulsed between energized and non-energized states so that changes in the ambient light leveL do not adversely effect the sensed drop rate.
8 Claims, 11 Drawing Figures
