GB2558558A - An intravenous drip apparatus - Google Patents

An intravenous drip apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2558558A
GB2558558A GB1700059.7A GB201700059A GB2558558A GB 2558558 A GB2558558 A GB 2558558A GB 201700059 A GB201700059 A GB 201700059A GB 2558558 A GB2558558 A GB 2558558A
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Prior art keywords
sensor
drip chamber
fluid
drip
fluid container
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GB1700059.7A
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GB201700059D0 (en
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Buchanan Campbell Iain
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Priority to GB1700059.7A priority Critical patent/GB2558558A/en
Publication of GB201700059D0 publication Critical patent/GB201700059D0/en
Priority to GB1721949.4A priority patent/GB2560085B/en
Publication of GB2558558A publication Critical patent/GB2558558A/en
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Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES 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
    • A61M5/00Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
    • A61M5/14Infusion devices, e.g. infusing by gravity; Blood infusion; Accessories therefor
    • A61M5/1411Drip chambers
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES 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
    • A61M5/00Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
    • A61M5/14Infusion devices, e.g. infusing by gravity; Blood infusion; Accessories therefor
    • A61M5/168Means 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
    • A61M5/16831Monitoring, detecting, signalling or eliminating infusion flow anomalies
    • A61M5/1684Monitoring, detecting, signalling or eliminating infusion flow anomalies by detecting the amount of infusate remaining, e.g. signalling end of infusion
    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01FMEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F23/00Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
    • G01F23/22Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water
    • G01F23/28Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water by measuring the variations of parameters of electromagnetic or acoustic waves applied directly to the liquid or fluent solid material
    • G01F23/284Electromagnetic waves
    • G01F23/292Light, e.g. infrared or ultraviolet
    • G01F23/2921Light, e.g. infrared or ultraviolet for discrete levels
    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01FMEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F23/00Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
    • G01F23/22Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water
    • G01F23/28Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water by measuring the variations of parameters of electromagnetic or acoustic waves applied directly to the liquid or fluent solid material
    • G01F23/284Electromagnetic waves
    • G01F23/292Light, e.g. infrared or ultraviolet
    • G01F23/2921Light, e.g. infrared or ultraviolet for discrete levels
    • G01F23/2928Light, e.g. infrared or ultraviolet for discrete levels using light reflected on the material surface
    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01FMEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F23/00Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
    • G01F23/22Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water
    • G01F23/28Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water by measuring the variations of parameters of electromagnetic or acoustic waves applied directly to the liquid or fluent solid material
    • G01F23/296Acoustic waves
    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01FMEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F23/00Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
    • G01F23/22Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water
    • G01F23/28Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water by measuring the variations of parameters of electromagnetic or acoustic waves applied directly to the liquid or fluent solid material
    • G01F23/296Acoustic waves
    • G01F23/2961Acoustic waves for discrete levels
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES 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
    • A61M2205/00General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/33Controlling, regulating or measuring
    • A61M2205/3306Optical measuring means
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES 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
    • A61M2205/00General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/33Controlling, regulating or measuring
    • A61M2205/3375Acoustical, e.g. ultrasonic, measuring means
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES 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
    • A61M2205/00General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/33Controlling, regulating or measuring
    • A61M2205/3379Masses, volumes, levels of fluids in reservoirs, flow rates
    • A61M2205/3386Low level detectors
    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01FMEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F15/00Details of, or accessories for, apparatus of groups G01F1/00 - G01F13/00 insofar as such details or appliances are not adapted to particular types of such apparatus
    • G01F15/06Indicating or recording devices
    • G01F15/065Indicating or recording devices with transmission devices, e.g. mechanical
    • G01F15/066Indicating or recording devices with transmission devices, e.g. mechanical involving magnetic transmission devices

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Hematology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Anesthesiology (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Vascular Medicine (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Infusion, Injection, And Reservoir Apparatuses (AREA)

Abstract

An intravenous drip assembly comprises a fluid container - i.e. a saline bag - a drip chamber 3 and a sensor 1 arranged to clamp onto or over the drip chamber 3 to monitor its fluid level. The sensor 1 is preferably provided as a refracted light sensor making use of a photosensitive emitter and receiver, or an ultrasonic level sensor making use of an ultrasonic emitter and receiver. The sensor 1 further preferably makes use of a flexible attachment or closure mechanism 4 to allow for its attachment to a wide array of drip chambers 3. A remote alert device (200, Fig 7a) for alerting a user to anomalous flow conditions may also be provided. It is also taught in the application that a secondary fluid container preferably a syringe (30, Fig 12) or a secondary drip chamber (333, Fig 14) may be included in the IV line. The secondary fluid container providing a secondary, emergency supply of fluid; thus ensuring that a constant supply of fluid is available to the patient when the primary fluid container is being replaced.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):
lain Buchanan Campbell
Shaftesbury Avenue, Timperley, Altrincham,
Greater Manchester, WA15 7NW, United Kingdom (72) Inventor(s):
lain Buchanan Campbell (56) Documents Cited:
EP 0370604 A1 JP 2003088583 A US 20060030822 A1 (58) Field of Search:
INT CL A61M, G01F Other: WPI, EPODOC
WO 2015/132676 A2 US 20080252472 A1 (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:
Neville Walker ipconsult, 21A Commercial Road, SWANAGE, BH19 1DF, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: An intravenous drip apparatus Abstract Title: A fill sensor for a drip chamber (57) An intravenous drip assembly comprises a fluid container - i.e. a saline bag - a drip chamber 3 and a sensor 1 arranged to clamp onto or over the drip chamber 3 to monitor its fluid level. The sensor 1 is preferably provided as a refracted light sensor making use of a photosensitive emitter and receiver, or an ultrasonic level sensor making use of an ultrasonic emitter and receiver. The sensor 1 further preferably makes use of a flexible attachment or closure mechanism 4 to allow for its attachment to a wide array of drip chambers 3. A remote alert device (200, Fig 7a) for alerting a user to anomalous flow conditions may also be provided. It is also taught in the application that a secondary fluid container - preferably a syringe (30, Fig 12) or a secondary drip chamber (333, Fig 14) - may be included in the IV line. The secondary fluid container providing a secondary, emergency supply of fluid; thus ensuring that a constant supply of fluid is available to the patient when the primary fluid container is being replaced.
Figure GB2558558A_D0001
fig. 1 / 14
Figure GB2558558A_D0002
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Figure GB2558558A_D0003
3/14
Figure GB2558558A_D0004
fig. 3
4/14
Figure GB2558558A_D0005
5/14
Figure GB2558558A_D0006
Figure GB2558558A_D0007
7/ 14 fig.7a
Figure GB2558558A_D0008
/14
Figure GB2558558A_D0009
9/14
Figure GB2558558A_D0010
10/14
Figure GB2558558A_D0011
11/14
Figure GB2558558A_D0012
fig. 11c /1 /14
Figure GB2558558A_D0013
Figure GB2558558A_D0014
30
13/ 14
Figure GB2558558A_D0015
fig. 13
14/ 14 t
Figure GB2558558A_D0016
AN INTRAVENOUS DRIP APPARATUS
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an intravenous drip apparatus, in particular an intravenous drip apparatus for monitoring fluid levels in an intravenous drip.
Background
Increasing improvements in many medical fields in many societies have led to more hospital treatment.
Many hospital treatments involve intravenous drips. These drips can be problematic to monitor, in particular with reference to exhaustion of the contents of any container of fluid used for the drip. Exhaustion of fluid within a drip could be fatal.
Prior Art
CN 101 881 643 (XIANGFA) discloses a drip liquid level monitoring alarm device which can be applied to various drip bottles and comprises a drip bottle and a detector to be arranged on the drip bottle, for detecting the liquid level in the drip bottle. The device is characterized in that the detector comprises a liquid level detector and a remote control plate, wherein the liquid level detector can detect the liquid level in the drip bottle, the remote control plate is wirelessly connected with the liquid level detector and can realize the receiving, the decoding and the alarming of a multi-bit detection signal, the remote control plate is provided with a display screen capable of displaying numbers of transfusion beds to be processed. The drip liquid level monitoring alarm device can improve the working efficiency when the medical care personnel puts a patient on an intravenous drip, can realize the wireless connection and has simple structure.
US 2010 134 303 (PERKINS) discloses a fluid level sensing assembly including a clamp that securely clamps a fluid level detector in place on a rigid walled infusion container, to minimize movement during use of the infusion container and fluid level detector. The fluid level detector includes a light sensor array and a light source, with the light sensor array positioned vertically relative to a side wall to sense light at various points vertically along the light sensor array. The light source is positioned vertically relative to the side wall and projects light linearly through a vertical portion of the side wall such that a light beam emitted by the light source is reflected when a transmission path of the light beam intersects either a side wall/fluid interface or a side wall/air interface. Accordingly, when infusion fluid is absent in a vertical location of the container, the light sensor array outputs a signal based on a presence or absence of light at a sensor location adjacent the vertical location and corresponds to whether there is a presence or absence of infusion fluid at the vertical location, to indicate the level of infusion fluid within the container.
GB 2 226 879 (CHOU) discloses a warning device for a drip bottle used for intravenous injection and comprises a photoelectric level sensor connected electrically by means of a flexible bus cable to an alarm. The photoelectric sensor is attached by adhesive to the outer lower end of the bottle and comprises an infra-red source and sensor in separate compartments, wherein the amount of light reflected to the sensor depending on the presence or absence of liquid.
The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing devices.
Summary of the Invention
According to the present invention there is provided an intravenous drip apparatus, comprising a fluid container, a drip chamber, and an elongate tube; and a refracted light sensor, wherein the sensor is arranged to clamp onto or over the drip chamber and monitor fluid level in the drip chamber..
In some embodiments the sensor may be arranged to sense output from the drip chamber and/or the drip chamber contents.
In some embodiments the fluid container comprises a bag, or more particularly a saline fluid bag, as commonly known in the field of intravenous drips.
In some embodiments the sensor is included in a discrete device which device may be applied to, or arranged on, an independently provided drip chamber. Such a discrete device may comprise a housing for the sensor, so as to allow the device to be attached to a drip chamber so that the sensor is directed into the drip chamber, for example. In some embodiments the sensor comprises a fluid container, for example a secondary fluid container, which container may comprise a backup or primary fluid container in various constructions of the apparatus in use.
In some embodiments the apparatus is arranged with a light source, which light source is directed at the sensor. Such light source may be arranged on or in the device.
Such light source may be directed predominantly or typically in use through fluid in the drip chamber, so as to be configured to recognise fluid level variation in the drip chamber.
Ideally an angle of refraction of a beam of light may be accommodated between the light source and sensor so as to normalise a light beam trajectory or link between the light source and sensor, wherein variation in the fluid or fluid level is liable to alter the trajectory and angle of refraction of the light beam.
The sensor may comprise a photoelectric sensor, for example an infrared sensor.
For example in some embodiments an infrared LED (light emitting diode) light source sends light through the drip chamber to an LED receiver sensor. When the drip chamber is at an adequate level, containing the appropriate quantity of the appropriate fluid, which link remains unbroken so that the apparatus registers the fluid level as acceptable.
However where the fluid level drops below a safe limit the light beam reflects from the surface of the fluid and consequently breaks the link to the sensor. Upon this happening, an alarm may be sounded or transmitted.
In some embodiments the apparatus may comprise at least one remote module. Such remote module may enable remote monitoring and/or control of the device or apparatus. The remote module and apparatus may comprise wireless connectivity or wireless communication facilities. For example the connection to the remote module might include a Bluetooth (RTM) device or other intermachine connectivity means, which may be wired or wireless.
In some embodiments the alarm comprises an audible alert and a visual alert. In this way maximal attention may be drawn, and/or an alert may be suspended or operated as required.
In some embodiments the discrete device comprises an attachment mechanism. In some embodiments this attachment mechanism may comprise a means to attach the device to a standard or known intravenous drip equipment, wherein the apparatus of the present invention comprises an aftermarket modification.
For example in some embodiments the apparatus comprises a device with a clamp attachment mechanism. Such clamp mechanism may comprise a mechanism to clamp the sensor onto or in a fixed position with reference to the drip chamber.
In such embodiments a basal level for the drip chamber is arranged to be monitored by the sensor and light source arrangement
In some embodiments the sensor the apparatus may be arranged to use a refracted light source as a basal arrangement, for example when liquid in the drip chamber exceeds a level, a beam from the light source may be refracted by the liquid and air, and converge within a range of a prescribed angle against the incident direction, and the sensor is arranged to register this as a basal level. When the liquid level is below this the refraction will differ and since the sensor is outside of the range of the subsequent angle, the light cannot be detected at the sensor. Subsequently, when said liquid is above the level, the sensor is within a range for receiving a diffused/ scattered light and the existence of the liquid can be detected.
In this way the apparatus provides a combination which works together to alert hospital staff as to when a saline fluid bag is nearly empty and ready to change.
In some embodiments the apparatus may also include a back-up fluid delivery and/or storage, which may comprise a back-up syringe. This delivery or storage may be located above the drip chamber so as to provide extra time to change over the bag fluid container whilst maintaining consistent fluid delivery.
The back-up syringe may be activated using an activation control means, which activation control means may allow activation when the user requires, and comprise a manual or mechanical activation means, for example a 3 way tap, operating with a vacuum effect that draws extra saline from the syringe.
In this way for example additional fluid, which is activated by turning the 3 way tap, shutting off the bag above and allowing flow from the back-up syringe into the drip chamber.
The back-up fluid device may be made up of Off the shelf’ components found in hospitals, but providing a way of combining these components to provide the user with extra time to change over the saline bag, container or equivalent.
In some embodiments a backup syringe may be located above the drip chamber to provide extra time to change over the container.
Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:
Brief Description of Figures
Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a first embodiment of apparatus according to the present invention;
Figures 2 show reverse isometric views of the apparatus shown in Figure 1, in two different clamp positions;
Figure 3 shows a sectional view of the apparatus as shown in Figure 1;
Figure 4 shows an exploded isometric view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1;
Figures 5 show plan views of the apparatus as shown in Figures 2, respectively;
Figure 6 shows a second isometric exploded view of the apparatus as shown in Figure 4;
[Figures 7a and 9 to 13show sketches subject to later formalisation or removal as appropriate]
Figures 7 show views of a second embodiment of apparatus according to the present invention;
Figures 8 show views of a third embodiment of apparatus according to the present invention;
Figure 9a show views of a fourth embodiment of apparatus according to the present invention;
Figure 9b shows an isometric exploded view of the embodiment of apparatus shown in Figure 9a;
Figures 10 show isometric views of a fifth embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention;
Figures 11 show isometric views of a sixth embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention;
Figure 12 shows an exploded isometric view of a seventh embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention;
Figure 13 shows an exploded view of an eighth embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention; and
Figure 14 shows an isometric view of a ninth embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention.
Detailed Description of Figures
With reference to the figures there is shown an embodiment of the apparatus which in use comprises a fluid container, which is not shown, but in use is located above a drip chamber 5 and into which the drip chambers’ connector 2, and an elongate tube, which is not shown but in use is located below the drip chamber’s exit tube 5; and a sensor 1, wherein the sensor 1 is arranged to monitor contents of the drip chamber.
The sensor comprises a monolithic unit 1 formed with an outer housing 37, which housing 37 extends laterally around the drip chamber 3 in use.
The drip chamber 3 is substantially cylindrical, and the housing 37 comprises an attachment mechanism 5 which in the pictured embodiment comprises a substantially semicircular entrance 40 arranged vertically in the housing 37, into which the drip chamber 3 may be pushed.
In order to accommodate a plurality of diameters of drip chamber the sensor 1 and entrance 40 thereof is provided with a closure mechanism 4 for accommodating and gripping the drip chamber 3 within the attachment mechanism 5. This closure mechanism 4 comprises a displaceable pad 43, which pad 43 extends into the entrance 40, and a closure control mechanism.
The pad 43 is connected to and controlled by the control, which control comprises a screw thread member 45 joining the pad 43 to a dial 44 through the end of the housing
37. The member 45 includes a compression spring 46.
The housing 37 substantially comprises an elongated cuboid comprising the entrance 40 a third along from one end, which end comprises the dial 44, and the receiver 76 and PCB 75, which is connected at a connector 74 at one end of a wire (not shown) to the other side of the entrance 40, where are housed further internal electronics and the sensor’s infrared light emitting diode (LED) 49.
As shown in Figures 4 and 6 the housing internally comprises:
Bluetooth (RTM) module 86
Sensor LED deflector 50 arranged to deflect the beam of the Infrared LED sensor 49 Sensor and main PCB 363 which features:
Infrared LED sensor 49
Speaker module 48
Status indicator right angle LED 63
2X tact switches 36 with silicone cover
Barrel connector 51 to connect the apparatus to mains electricity
Pico spox connectors 366 to connect the sensor PCB 363 to the receiver PCB 636, and to the backup battery 47 Sensor receiver 76
The sensor beam deflector 50 is an easily replaceable part, so as to vary angle regarding dangerously low fluid level.
The IR receiver 76 has a 120 degree field of view so as to accommodate changes in deflector 50.
The control mechanism 44,43 comprises a compression spring 46 to ensure the housing is always secure on the drip chamber 3.
The tact switches 36 provide On/Off and pairing with the remote device, and sit between the top and bottom housing, with a light indicator 63 centrally.
The housing 37 is bipartite wherein a bottom housing comprises female slots to receive snap hooks on the top housing and internal ribbing supports and locates the electronic assembly and battery 47.
The top housing houses the reflector 50 and the On/Off switch. The top housing further comprises two translucent shields, for the light sensor 49 and receiver 76.
The apparatus further includes a remote device 200 which can be positioned within the Bluetooth (RTM) so as to connect to the sensor unit. The remote device 200 is mains powered, however like the sensor 100 it includes a back-up battery 57 should the power fail.
Red and green LEDs 52 provide the status of the sensor 100 and remote device 200 and combine with a speaker 55 to alert users when the fluid container needs replacing. A moulded LED light reflector separates subordinate red and green LEDs.
The remote device comprises the following:
A main PCB which features:
Speaker 55,
Blue-tooth module 54,
On/Off Tact switch 56,
Barrel connector 53.
The backup battery in both the sensor and remote device are envisaged to be rechargeable 1000mAh battery.
The drip chamber 3 comprises a main cylindrical body 43, formed in translucent or transparent medical grade thermoplastics, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (abs).
The drip chamber comprises a collar 41 at the top of the body supporting an upwardly extending spike 34 for attachment to a flexible fluid bag, comprising the fluid container, said spike comprising a bore through a pointed end cylindrical extension, axially offset with respect to the body.
The drip chamber 3 further comprises a lowermost connector exit tube, which comprises a depending axial extension 38 having a smaller diameter than that of the body and a still smaller diameter end 39 for receipt of an elongate flexible tube.
Figure 9 shows an embodiment of the apparatus comprising a mains electrical wire 12, a main housing 15 and a sensor unit 10, which unit comprises a cover 17 over a coin cell battery 18, photosensitive LED cover 19, photosensitive LED 20, top housing 16 and bottom housing 15, clamp control mechanism comprising dial 21 and resiliently deformable clamp pad 22, laser diode 23 fires a laser through the drip chamber and is refracted, Bluetooth (RTM) module 24, barrel electrical connector 12. The apparatus further comprises a remote device 13.
Figures 10 shows an embodiment of the apparatus with a sensor and remote device 86, where the sensor has flexible feet that wraps around the drip chamber 84. The sensor uses an ultrasonic point sensor to track fluid levels and can be moved along the drip chamber 84 to alter when its alarm triggers indicating that fluid levels are too low.
The housing 89 has a mains electrical connection 85 and attaches using flexible arms 88 that clamp around the drip chamber, and has resiliently deformable pads 87 to be attached to several different diameters.
Figures 11 show a peg sensor and a remote device 69, wherein the sensor attaches to the drip chamber 67 and uses ultrasonic technology to determine the amount of fluid. The portable device features a visible and audible alarm which activates when fluid levels are below average.
The embodiment of the sensor includes a drip chamber attachment and transceiver. Both the sensor and device use a mains power source, have a backup battery cell and transmit information using Bluetooth (RTM). An ultrasonic level sensor is utilised to monitor fluid levels. The transceiver device includes an audible alarm and a red and green light where only the green light will show if everything in the apparatus is operating normally and the fluid is at a sufficient level.
The embodiment of the sensor comprises the following:
Compression spring 73 which allows the sensor to accommodate for different diameters of drip chambers, where the user would pinch to release the sensor from the drip chamber 67, upper housing 71 containing electronics, lower housing 70, pivoting together on a pin 7, coin cell battery 75 to be used as a backup source, Bluetooth (RTM) module 76 transmits information to controller, barrel connector 68 allows to remove power cable to feed through walls and other obstacles, ultrasonic sensor module 77.
Figure 12 shows a backup setup to provide extra saline whilst changing a bag for users who are late to alarm.
The pictured apparatus comprises an intermediate syringe 30, wherein the syringe 30 is activated by twisting a three-way tap 33, such that a vacuum effect draws extra fluid from the syringe 30. The syringe 30 may in turn hold additional fluid which is released by turning the three-way tap 33, shutting off the container above and allowing flow from the syringe into the below drip chamber.
In use the user will:
Twist the tap 33 to allow the syringe-bag flow.
Draw the plunger which fills the syringe and once full, turn the tap to close it off.
Attach the unit onto the drip chamber using the attachment means 29, which comprises a sprung handle and pad, wherein the spring secures the device in place onto a variety of sizes of drip chamber.
Attach the empty syringe 30 onto the tap and connect the spike 31 into a bag (not shown).
Insert the drip chamber (not shown) into the bottom dock.
When the container (not shown)empties such that the drip chamber (not shown)level gets too low, the IR LED on the sensor will reflect and refract differently, breaking the link to the sensor receiver, such that once this happens, both the unit and remote device alarms are activated. In response the user will:
Turn the tap to activate the syringe which will automatically feed fluid into the drip chamber and as this is happening;
Replace the empty bag with a new one and repeat the process.
Figure 14 shows a replacement for the syringe component, wherein instead of the sensor 1 attaching to the drip chamber 3 it attaches to a longer, larger volume secondary drip chamber 333 with a spike at the top and a port/socket at the bottom so as to allow attachment of the primary drip chamber 3, such that the secondary drip chamber 333 provides the monitored drip chamber, to alleviate need to manually turn a tap and manipulate a syringe.
In some embodiments the secondary drip chamber may be included as part of the sensor, wherein the sensor comprises a fluid container.
The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims, in particular but not solely combination of features of described embodiments.

Claims (12)

Claims
1. An intravenous drip apparatus, comprising a fluid container, a drip chamber, and an elongate tube; and a refracted light sensor, wherein the sensor is arranged to clamp onto or over the drip chamber and monitor fluid level in the drip chamber.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1 comprising a remote alert device and a sensor.
3. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the sensor and device communicate via a wireless link, such as Bluetooth (RTM) device.
4. Apparatus according to any preceding claim comprising one or more backup batteries.
5. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the sensor comprises a flexible attachment mechanism for the drip chamber.
6. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the sensor comprises a flexible closure mechanism onto the drip chamber.
7. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the sensor comprises a photosensitive emitter and receiver arrangement.
8. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the sensor comprises an ultrasonic emitter and receiver arrangement.
9. Apparatus comprising a sensor according to any of the preceding claims and a secondary fluid container.
10. Apparatus according comprises a syringe. to claim 9 wherein the secondary fluid container
11. Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the secondary fluid container
comprises a secondary drip chamber.
12. A sensor for use with apparatus according to any of the preceding claims.
Intellectual
Property
Office
Application No: Claims searched:
GB1700059.7A 2017-01-03 2017-01-03 An intravenous drip apparatus Withdrawn GB2558558A (en)

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GB1700059.7A GB2558558A (en) 2017-01-03 2017-01-03 An intravenous drip apparatus
GB1721949.4A GB2560085B (en) 2017-01-03 2017-12-27 A housing for an intravenous drip apparatus

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GB1700059.7A GB2558558A (en) 2017-01-03 2017-01-03 An intravenous drip apparatus

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IT202100022706A1 (en) * 2021-09-01 2023-03-01 Zobele Holding Spa REMOVABLE SIGNALING DEVICE OF THE EXHAUST OF A DISPENSER/DIFFUSER OF LIQUID ACTIVE SUBSTANCES

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GB201721949D0 (en) 2018-02-07
GB201700059D0 (en) 2017-02-15
GB2560085B (en) 2019-02-27
GB2560085A (en) 2018-08-29

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