Intravenous flow control system
Abstract
Abstract THE PRESENT INVENTION DEALS WITH AN IMPROVED METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING FLOW IN AN INTRAVENOUS FEEDING SYST EM OR OTHER FLUID FLOW SYSTEM CHARACTERIZED BY ITS LOW FLOW RATE. THE INVENTION UTILIZES THE TRANSIT TIME OR OSCILLATORY FREQUENCY OF A BALL OF FLOAT WHICH MOVES ALONG THE DIRECTION OF FLUID FLOW AND IS RETURNED TO ITS ORIGINAL POSITION BY ACTUATING A MAGNETIC RETURN SYSTEM AS ITS BREAKS A LIGHT BEAM OR OTHER SENSING SYSTEM. THE CYCLE IS REPEATED, WITH THE TRANSIT TIME OR OSCILLATORY FREQUENCY BEING RELATED TO RATE OR FLUID FLOW, AND THUS SERVING TO INDICATE SAME FOR CONTROL PURPOSES. THE FLOW TUBE BALL MEASURING UNIT PREFERABLY TAKES THE FORM OF A DISPOSABLE AND PREFERABLY STERILE INSERT INTO AN INTERVENOUS FEEDING SYSTEM.
Inventors
- 👤 Jordan L Spencer
Bibliographic Details
Claims Analysis
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-09-19 | 1975-03-21 | 1975-09-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-09-19 | 1979-03-21 | 1979-09-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-09-19 | 1983-03-21 | 1983-09-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |