GB2560085A

GB2560085A - A housing for an intravenous drip apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2560085A
Application number: GB1721949.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Buchanan Campbell Iain
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-01-03
Filing date: 2017-12-27
Publication date: 2018-08-29
Anticipated expiration: 2037-12-27
Also published as: GB201721949D0; GB201700059D0; GB2560085B; GB2558558A

Abstract

A housing 5 suitable for attaching to a drip chamber 3 of an intravenous drip apparatus comprising: an optical emitter 49 arranged to emit an optical signal through the drip chamber and an optical sensor 76 for receiving the optical signal; wherein when the drip chamber is filled with a fluid above a threshold level 61, the optical signal 59 passes through the fluid to the optical sensor and when the fluid in the drip chamber drops below a threshold level 60, the optical signal 58 is totally internally reflected from the surface of the fluid, such that the signal is not received by the optical sensor thereby causing an alert to be triggered. The optical sensor may have an adjustable closure mechanism 44 for attaching to differently sized drip chambers. When the fluid does not fill the drip chamber to a level above the point where the signal enters the chamber the optical signal may not be diffracted by the liquid and is not received by the sensor.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: A housing for an intravenous drip apparatus

Abstract Title: Detecting a threshold level of liquid in an intravenous drip chamber using total internal reflection using an optical emitter and sensor (57) A housing 5 suitable for attaching to a drip chamber 3 of an intravenous drip apparatus comprising: an optical emitter 49 arranged to emit an optical signal through the drip chamber and an optical sensor 76 for receiving the optical signal; wherein when the drip chamber is filled with a fluid above a threshold level 61, the optical signal 59 passes through the fluid to the optical sensor and when the fluid in the drip chamber drops below a threshold level 60, the optical signal 58 is totally internally reflected from the surface of the fluid, such that the signal is not received by the optical sensor thereby causing an alert to be triggered. The optical sensor may have an adjustable closure mechanism 44 for attaching to differently sized drip chambers. When the fluid does not fill the drip chamber to a level above the point where the signal enters the chamber the optical signal may not be diffracted by the liquid and is not received by the sensor.

At least some of the priority details shown above were added after the date of filing of the application.

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A HOUSING FOR 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.

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.

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.

JP20030885383A (TOKUMITSU) discloses a transfusion management device capable of preventing a malfunction by subtracting a noise or the like from the receiving signal of the light receiving part of a level detection part to precisely obtain noise-cancelled pure signal.

US20080252472 (SU) discloses an automatic liquid level monitoring apparatus.

WO2015132676 (HUNG) discloses methods and devices for monitoring and/or controlling delivery of a fluid.

US200160030822 (HUNG) discloses a device to monitor the administration of a fluid through a conduit.

EP0370604 (MEIJER) discloses a method and apparatus for monitoring the contents of a container in order to detect when contents are below a predetermined level.

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 a housing for attaching to a drip chamber of an intravenous drip apparatus comprises: an optical emitter arranged to emit an optical signal through the drip chamber and an optical sensor for receiving the optical signal; wherein when the drip chamber is filled with a fluid above a threshold level, the optical signal passes through the fluid to the optical sensor and when the fluid in the drip chamber drops below a threshold level, the optical signal is totally internally reflected from the surface of the fluid, such that the signal is not received by the optical sensor thereby causing an alert to be triggered.

As such the optical sensor is used to detect when the fluid level within the drip chamber falls below the threshold level and so trigger an alarm.

In some embodiments the fluid container may comprise, or may be a bag, or more particularly a saline fluid bag, as is commonly known in the field of intravenous drips.

The fluid container may feed directly into the drip chamber, which may be connected to the fluid container by a conduit such as a second tube, or a spike comprised by the drip chamber. The tube may extend from the drip chamber and may connect the drip chamber to an injection site.

In some embodiments, the intravenous drip apparatus may comprise a plurality of drip chambers which may be connected in series, for example intermediate the tube and the fluid container.

The apparatus may comprise a single housing with a sensor, which may be attached to a single drip chamber, or may comprise a plurality of housings with sensors each of which is attached to a different drip chamber.

The housing is for attaching to the drip chamber. In some embodiments, the housing may be permanently attached to the drip chamber, in other embodiments, the housing may be temporarily and/or releasably attachable to the drip chamber. In use, the housing may be supported by the drip chamber, or may be supported on or by some other means, such as stand which also supports the intravenous apparatus. The housing may comprise a clamp or grip means for attaching to the drip chamber.

In some embodiments the clamp or grip chamber may be adjustable so as to be attachable to differently sized drip chambers.

The housing may be applied to, arranged on, clamped to, or otherwise attached to an independently provided drip chamber. The housing may allow the device to be attached to a drip chamber so that the optical sensor is directed into the drip chamber.

In some embodiments the optical 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.

The optical emitter may be directed at the optical sensor, and 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.

In use, the optical signal emitted by the optical emitter may be incident upon the drip chamber at a first upwards inclination. Typically, before reaching the drip chamber, the optical signal may be travelling though air; in alternative embodiments, the optical signal may be travelling through a vacuum and/or through some other medium such as a solid transparent material.

In preferred embodiments the optical signal enters the drip chamber through a side of the drip chamber. The sides of the drip chamber may be generally or substantially vertical and may be partially or entirely transparent. The interior and exterior faces of the side walls are preferably parallel such that passing through the side wall does not cause the inclination of the beam to be altered by refraction.

Upon entering the drip chamber, the optical signal may be refracted to a different upwards inclination by the difference in refractive index between the medium exterior the drip chamber and the medium into which the optical signal passes upon entering the drip chamber. Drip chambers are typically cylindrical and formed from a transparent material such as plastic.

If the drip chamber is filled with the fluid to a level above the point where the optical signal enters the drip chamber, the optical signal may be refracted by the fluid. If the fluid is filled to a level above the threshold level, the optical signal may continue through the fluid to another side wall of the drip chamber (which may be the opposite side wall from the side wall through which the optical signal entered the drip chamber) where the signal may pass through the side wall and exit the drip chamber. This signal may then be refracted to a different upward inclination (preferably the side walls of the drip chamber are parallel such that the optical signal is refracted back to the first inclination).

If the drip chamber is filled with the fluid to a level above the point where the optical signal enters the drip chamber but below the threshold level, the optical signal may enter fluid within the drip chamber and be refracted to a second upward inclination. The optical signal may then reach the surface or meniscus of the fluid within the drip chamber at which it is totally internally reflected. The optical signal may then exit the drip chamber at a downwards inclination; the optical sensor being arranged such that it does not receive and/or detect such a downward reflected signal.

The second inclination to which the optical signal is refracted when entering the fluid within the drip chamber may be at an angle to the normal angle of the generally horizontal surface or meniscus of the fluid greater than the critical angle of the boundary between the fluid and air above the fluid. The critical angle for total internal reflection at a liquid/air interface varies depending on the type of liquid.

In preferred embodiments the optical emitter is arranged such that the optical signal emitted by the optical emitter is refracted to such a second inclination when entering the drip chamber when it is filled to a level above the point where the signal enters the drip chamber with a fluid of a specific refractive index (for example 1.335, the refractive index of a saline solution) and/or a fluid with a refractive index within a specific range (for example, 1.325 to 1.345, a range including distilled water and saline solutions).

The threshold level may be level with the point at which the optical signal exits the drip chamber when travelling at the second upward inclination it is refracted to when traveling within the fluid.

If the drip chamber is filled with the fluid to a level below the point where the optical signal enters the drip chamber the optical signal enters the air filling the empty portion of the drip chamber. Upon entering the air, the optical signal may be refracted to a third upward inclination; in some embodiments where the medium through which the optical signal passes outside the drip chamber is also air, this third inclination may be the same as the first inclination at which the optical signal was incident upon the drip chamber.

In some embodiments the optical sensor may be arranged such that an optical signal which crosses the drip chamber in the third inclination is not received and/or detected by the optical sensor. This may ensure the sensor never receives an optical signal when the drip chamber is not filled above the threshold level.

Ideally an angle of refraction of a beam of light may be accommodated between the optical emitter and the optical sensor so as to normalise a light beam trajectory or link between the light source and sensor. In some embodiments, the optical emitter may be arranged such that its optical signal is incident upon the optical sensor when passing through fluids at a specific refractive index and/or within a specific range of refractive indices; for example, the optical emitter may be arranged such that its optical signal is incident upon the optical sensor when passing through a drip chamber filled with a fluid of refractive index 1.335 (the refractive index of a saline solution), and/or between 1.325 and 1.345 (a range including both distilled water and saline solutions). In other embodiments, the position and/or orientation of the optical emitter may be adjustable so as to accommodate fluids of different refractive indices and/or drip chambers of different dimensions. Variation in the fluid or fluid level is liable to alter the trajectory and angle of refraction of the optical signal.

The optical emitter may be, or may comprise one or more LEDs, in other embodiments the optical sensor may be or may comprise one or more lasers and the optical signal may be or may comprise one or more laser beams. The optical sensor may comprise a photoelectric sensor, for example an infrared sensor. In some embodiments the housing may comprise a power source such as one or more rechargeable and/or replaceable batteries for powering the optical emitter and/or the optical sensor.

The optical emitter may emit a continuous optical signal, for example, a continuous laser beam, and the optical sensor may detect when the continuous signal is not received by the optical sensor. For example, in some embodiments an infrared LED (light emitting diode) light source sends light through the drip chamber to an optical receiver sensor. When the drip chamber is at an adequate level, containing the appropriate quantity of the appropriate fluid, the optical signal is not interrupted and is received by the optical sensor, so that the apparatus registers the fluid level as acceptable.

However, when the fluid level drops below a safe limit the optical signal may be totally internally reflected from the surface of the fluid and consequently not reach the optical sensor. Upon this happening, an alert is triggered. The alert may be audible and/or visual. For example the alert may be sounded or transmitted.

The housing may comprise one or more alarm or alert means which may be activated when an optical signal is not received by the optical sensor. The alarm or alert means may be, or may comprise, one or more sound emitting means, one or more lights such as LEDs, and/or one or more wired or wireless communications means which may transmit an alarm or alert signal indicative that the optical sensor has not received the optical signal.

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. The remote module is preferably in communication with the optical sensor and/or other components of the housing. For example, the remote module may comprise a Bluetooth (RTM) receiver or transceiver, and the housing may comprise a Bluetooth (RTM) transmitter or transceiver. Therefore a 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 alert 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 preferred embodiments the housing comprises an attachment mechanism, which may comprise a means to attach the device to a standard or known intravenous drip equipment, the apparatus of the present invention may comprise an aftermarket modification. The attachment mechanism may comprise a screw clamp or vice, and/or a spring clamp.

For example, in some embodiments the apparatus comprises a housing with a clamp attachment mechanism. Such clamp mechanism may comprise a mechanism to clamp the housing onto or in a fixed position with reference to the drip chamber.

In such embodiments a level of fluid within the drip chamber is arranged to be monitored by the optical sensor and optical emitter arrangement of the housing.

In this way the apparatus may provide 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 means, which may be, or may comprise a back-up syringe. This delivery or storage may be located above the drip chamber so as to deliver fluid while the fluid container is being replaced. This may 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 fluid such as saline from the syringe.

In this way for example additional fluid, which is activated by turning the 3-way tap, shutting off the fluid container such as the bag above and allowing flow from the back-up syringe into the drip chamber.

In alternative embodiments the activation control means may be automated and may activate the syringe to dispense fluid upon receipt of a signal from the housing and/or the optical sensor comprised thereby.

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.

Referring to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a housing for attaching to a drip chamber of an intravenous drip apparatus, the housing comprising an optical emitter arranged to emit an optical signal upwards through the drip chamber in use, and an optical sensor for receiving the optical signal; wherein when the drip chamber is filled with a fluid to above a threshold level the optical signal passes through the fluid to the optical sensor, and when the fluid fills the drip chamber to a level below the threshold level, the optical signal is totally internally reflected from the surface of the fluid, such that the signal is not received by the optical sensor.

The housing may comprise any of the features or elements described above.

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 housing according to the second aspect of the present invention attached to a drip chamber so as to define a portion of a first apparatus according to the first aspect of present invention;

Figures 2a and 2b show reverse isometric views of the first housing and drip chamber shown in Figure 1 with a clamping means comprised by the first housing in two different positions;

Figure 3 shows a sectional view of the housing and drip chamber shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows an exploded isometric view of the housing and drip chamber shown in Figure 1;

Figures 5a and 5b show plan views of the housing and drip chamber shown in Figure 1 in the arrangements shown in Figures 2a and 2b, respectively;

Figure 6 shows a second isometric exploded view of the housing and drip chamber shown in Figure 1;

Figures 7a, 7b and 7c show views of a remote device comprised by the first apparatus according to first aspect of the present invention shown in part in Figures 1 to 6;

Figures 8a and 8b show exploded isometric views of a PCBs comprised by the first apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention shown in Figures 1 to 7;

Figure 9a show views of a second housing according to the second aspect of the present invention attached to a drip chamber and in communication with a remote device so as to define elements of a second apparatus according to first aspect of the present invention;

Figure 9b shows an isometric exploded view of the second housing shown in Figure 9a;

Figures 10a and 10b show isometric views of an unclaimed housing attached to a drip chamber and a remote device;

Figures 11a, 11b, and 11c show isometric views of a third housing according to the second aspect of the present invention attached to a drip chamber and in communication with a remote device so as to define elements of a third apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention;

Figure 12 shows an exploded isometric views of a backup filling means which may optionally be comprised by an apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention;

Figure 13 shows views of components of an apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention; and

Figure 14 shows an isometric view of a fourth apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention comprising a fluid bag, a housing according to the second aspect of the present invention, two drip chambers and a tube.

Detailed Description of Figures

Referring to figures 1 to 6 there is shown a housing 5 according to the second aspect of the present invention comprised by an apparatus 1 according to the first aspect of the present invention. The apparatus comprises: a drip chamber 3; a fluid container (not shown) which is located above the drip chamber 3 and into which the drip chambers’ connector spike 2 is inserted in use; an elongate tube (not shown) which in use is located below and extending from the drip chamber’s exit tube 38, 39; and the housing 5, wherein the housing comprises an optical receiver 76 which is arranged to monitor contents of the drip chamber 3.

The housing 5 comprises a monolithic unit formed with an outer casing 37, which extends laterally around the drip chamber 3 in use. The housing 37 comprising a vertical substantially cylindrical aperture 40 extending therethrough, within which the substantially cylindrical drip chamber 3 is located in use. The aperture being open on one side. The aperture having a cross-section in the shape of the major segment of circle. In use the drip chamber 3 may be pushed into the aperture.

In order to accommodate a plurality of diameters of drip chamber the housing 5 and the aperture 40 thereof is provided with a closure mechanism 4 for accommodating and gripping the drip chamber 3 within the aperture 40. This closure mechanism 4 comprises a displaceable pad 43, which extends into the aperture 40 from a sidewall thereof.

The pad 43 is connected to and supported on the end of a screw thread member 45 comprised by the closure mechanism 4. The screw thread member 45 joins the pad 43 to a dial 44 through the end of the body of the housing. The closure mechanism 4 comprises a compression spring 46. In use the dial 44 may be rotated to rotate the screw thread member 45 and to displace the pad 43 into and out of the aperture 40.

The housing 5, is in the generally in the form of an elongate cuboid comprising the aperture 40 a third along from the which comprises the dial 44, as well as a receiver 76 and a PCB 75, which is connected at a connector 74 at one end of a wire (not shown) to the other side of the aperture 40, where further internal electronics and the sensor’s infrared light emitting diode (LED) 49 are housed.

As shown in Figures 3, 4 and 6, the housing 5 internally comprises: a Bluetooth (RTM) module 86 (Figure 6); an infrared LED emitter 49; a deflector 50 arranged to deflect the beam of the Infrared LED emitter 49; an infrared sensor receiver 76 arranged above and on the opposite side of the aperture 40 from the infrared LED emitter 49; and an emitter and main PCB 363 which comprises: the infrared LED sensor 49, a speaker module 48, a status indicator right angle LED 63, two tact switches 36 with silicone covers, a barrel connector 51 to connect the apparatus to mains electricity, pico spox (RTM) connectors 366 to connect the emitter PCB 363 to the receiver PCB 636, and to the backup battery 47.

Figure 3 includes an example of the direction travelled by the beam of light generated by the infrared LED emitter 49. Figure 3 shows two possible routes of travel.

A first route of the beam of light emitted from the infrared LED emitter 49 is shown by the solid line 58. The light beam passes through the drip chamber 3 and is totally internally reflected by the meniscus 60.

The broken line 59 shows the expected travel of the light beam if the fluid level 61 is above the threshold and therefore the light beam continues to pass through the fluid, through the other side of the drip chamber 3 and is received by the infrared light receiver 76.

The PCBs 363, 366 are shown in detail in Figures 8a and 8b.

The sensor beam deflector 50 is an easily replaceable part, so as to vary angle at which an optical signal produced by the infrared LED emitter 49 is incident upon the drip chamber 3 according to a required dangerously low fluid level to be detected.

The IR receiver 76 has a 120-degree field of view within which it is able to receive and detect IR signals emitted by the IR LED emitter 49 and reflected by the deflector 50, so as to accommodate changes in deflector 50.

In use the IR LED emitter 49 emits an optical signal which is reflected off of the deflector 50 upwards into the drip chamber 3, if the drip chamber is filled above a threshold level, the optical signal proceeds through the fluid contained therein, out of the opposite side of the drip chamber 3 and to the receiver 76. If the level of fluid within the drip chamber 3 drops below the threshold level, the optical signal hits the surface of the fluid before the opposite side of the drip chamber 3 and is totally internally reflected downwards (as indicated by line 58) such that it does not reach the receiver.

If the fluid level is lowered further below the point where the optical signal enters the drip chamber, the optical signal will not be refracted by the fluid and consequently will not be directed towards the receiver 76.

The closure mechanism 4, 44, 43 comprises a compression spring 46 to ensure the housing is always secure on the drip chamber 3.

The tact switches 36 provide the ability to turn the housing and components thereof on and off, and the ability to pair the housing with a remote device. The switches 36 sit between the top and bottom housing, with a light indicator 63 centrally located.

The casing 37 is bipartite wherein a bottom casing portion comprises female slots to receive male snap hooks comprised by the top casing portion. The casing portions further comprise internal ribbing for support and locating the electronic assembly and battery 47.

The top casing portion houses the reflector 50 and the On/Off switch. The top casing portion further comprises two translucent portions between the interior of the housing and the aperture 40, for the optical signal passing from the LED emitter 49 to the receiver 76.

The apparatus further comprises a remote device 200 which in use is in communication with the housing via a short-range radio communication protocol such as Bluetooth (RTM). The remote device 200 is mains powered, however like the housing, it includes a back-up battery 57 should the power fail. The remote device is shown in Figures 7a to 8b.

Red and green LEDs 52 provide the status of the sensor housing with which the remote device 200 is in communication and the remote device 200 itself and combine with a speaker 55 to alert users when the level of fluid within a drip chamber to which the housing is attached falls below a threshold level. A moulded LED light reflector separates subordinate red and green LEDs.

The remote device comprises the following: a main PCB which features: a speaker 55, a Bluetooth (RTM) module 54, an on/off tact switch 56, and a barrel connector 53.

The backup batteries in both the sensor and the sensor housing 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, comprised by or defining 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 a second embodiment of an apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention comprising a sensor housing 10 according to the second aspect of the invention. The housing comprising a mains electrical wire 12, a cover 17 over a coin cell battery 18, a photosensitive LED cover 19, a photosensitive LED 20, a top housing portion 16, a bottom housing portion 15, a clamp control mechanism comprising a dial 21 and a resiliently deformable clamp pad 22, a laser diode 23 which fires a laser through the drip chamber and is refracted by passing through fluid contained therein, a Bluetooth (RTM) module 24, a barrel electrical connector 12. The apparatus further comprises a remote device 13 which may communicate with the sensor unit housing 10 via Bluetooth (RTM).

Figures 10 shows an unclaimed apparatus with a sensor housing 89 attached to a drip chamber 84, and remote device 86, where the sensor housing 89 has flexible feet 87 that wrap 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 84, and has resiliently deformable pads 87 to be attached to several different diameters.

Figures 11 show a sensor housing 72 clipped onto to a drip chamber 67, as well as a remote device 69. The sensor housing 72 comprising two housing portions 70, 71 connected by a hinge 74 and a spring 73, such that the housing 72 is in the form of sprung clip such as a clothes peg. The sensor housing is in wireless communication with the remote device 69 which features a visible and audible alarm which activates when fluid level within the drip chamber falls below some threshold level.

A first housing portion 10 comprises an IR emitter (such as one or more LEDs or lasers) which emits an optical signal upwards through the drip chamber 67. The second housing portion 71 comprises an optical sensor 77 arranged to receive the optical signal when the level of fluid within the drip chamber was above a threshold level such that the optical signal did not hit the surface of the fluid. When the fluid level falls below the threshold level the optical signal hits the surface of fluid at an angle greater than the critical angle with respect to the normal to the surface (as a consequence of the orientation of the emitter with respect to the fluid surface). The signal is therefore totally internally reflected and does not reach the receiver 77 in the second housing portion 71.

Both the sensor housing 72 and remote device 68 use a mains power source, have backup battery cells and transmit information between each other using Bluetooth (RTM). The remote transceiver device 69 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 sensor housing comprises the following: a compression spring 73 which facilitates releasably attaching the housing to a drip chamber 67 and may allow the sensor to accommodate for different diameters of drip chambers 67, where the user would pinch to release the sensor from the drip chamber 67, the second housing 71 portion containing the optical receiver 77 and other electronics, the first housing portion 70 containing the optical emitter, a coin cell battery 75 within the second housing portion 71 to be used as a backup source, a Bluetooth (RTM) module 76 located within the second housing portion 71 which transmits information to the remote device 69 which acts as a controller, a barrel connector 68 for removably plugging a power cable into the second housing portion to feed through walls and other obstacles, and the optical sensor module 77.

Figure 12 shows a backup setup to provide extra saline whilst changing a bag for users who respond 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 drip chamber below the tap 33 and the syringe 30.

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); and insert the drip chamber (not shown) into the bottom dock.

When the fluid container bag (not shown) empties such that the drip chamber (not shown) is no longer being filled, the level of the fluid within the drip chamber will fall to below a threshold level, the optical signal emitted by the IR LED on the sensor housing will then be totally internally reflected from the lowered surface of the fluid and will not be received by the sensor comprised by the sensor housing. Once this happens, both the sensor housing 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; as this is happening the user will replace the empty bag with a new one and repeat the process.

Figures 13 and 14 show a replacement for the syringe component, wherein instead of the sensor housing 1 attaching to the drip chamber 3 it attaches to a longer, larger volume secondary drip chamber 333 with a spike at the top for connecting to a fluid bag and a port/socket at the bottom allowing attachment to 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.

Advantageously this arrangement allows time to replace a fluid bag, before the fluid line arranged below begins to lose volume (once the secondary chamber is emptied).

In some embodiments the secondary drip chamber may be included as part of the sensor housing, wherein the sensor housing 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 in is appreciated features of the multiple described embodiments may be combined with each other.

Claims

1. A housing for attaching to a drip chamber of an intravenous drip apparatus comprises: an optical emitter arranged to emit an optical signal through the drip chamber and an optical sensor for receiving the optical signal; wherein when the drip chamber is filled with a fluid above a threshold level, the optical signal passes through the fluid to the optical sensor and when the fluid in the drip chamber drops below a threshold level, the optical signal is totally internally reflected from the surface of the fluid, such that the signal is not received by the optical sensor thereby causing an alert to be triggered.

2. A housing according to claim 1 comprises a power supply including at least one back-up batteries.

3. A housing according to either claim 1 or 2 wherein the optical emitter is on an opposite side of the drip chamber to the optical sensor when the housing in use.

4. A housing according to any preceding claim wherein the sensor comprises an adjustable closure mechanism for attaching to differently sized drip chambers.

5. An intravenous drip apparatus comprising: a fluid container; a drip chamber; an elongate tub; and a housing according to any of claims 1 to 4.

6. An intravenous drip apparatus according to claim 5 including a remote alert device.

7. An intravenous drip apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the optical sensor and device are in communication via a wireless link.

8. An intravenous drip apparatus according to claim 7 wherein when the fluid does not fill the drip chamber to a level above the point where the optical signal enters the drip chamber, the optical signal is not refracted by the fluid and is not received by the optical sensor.

9. An intravenous drip apparatus according to claim 7 or 8 wherein the fluid is saline.

10. An intravenous drip apparatus comprising a sensor according to any of claims 5 to 9 including a secondary fluid container.

5

11. An intravenous drip apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the secondary fluid container comprises a syringe.

12. An intravenous drip apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the secondary fluid container comprises a secondary drip chamber.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB 1721949.4 Examiner: Dr Greg KrickPridgeon Claims searched: 1-12 Date of search: 21 June 2018