Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
259 words
In a flow metering apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid through a tubing segment of an administration set, a bubble detector comprising: an alternating light source arranged at one side of the tubing segment; detector means including a light detector generally arranged at the opposite side of the tubing segment for generating an output signal having direct and alternating current components, said alternating current component being dependent on the intensity of light from said light source transmitted through said tubing segment, the intensity of said transmitted light being dependent on the presence of fluid within the lumen of said tubing segment; said detector means including circuit means for applying operating bias to said light detector, said direct current component being dependent on the level of said operating bias; a power source for driving said light source; a first control channel including a threshold trigger device responsive to said alternating component of said light detector output signal for generating a first control signal when the light transmitted through said tubing segment falls below a predetermined minimum level; a second control channel responsive to said direct current component of said light detector output signal for generating a second control signal dependent on said operating bias applied to said light detector; and output circuit means including a logic OR gate having inputs connected to and responsive to said first and second control signals for generating an alarm signal upon generation of said first control signal, or upon the failure of said circuit means to apply operating bias to said light delector.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
259 words
In a flow metering apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid through a tubing segment of an administration set, a bubble detector comprising: an alternating light source arranged at one side of the tubing segment; detector means including a light detector generally arranged at the opposite side of the tubing segment for generating an output signal having direct and alternating current components, said alternating current component being dependent on the intensity of light from said light source transmitted through said tubing segment, the intensity of said transmitted light being dependent on the presence of fluid within the lumen of said tubing segment; said detector means including circuit means for applying operating bias to said light detector, said direct current component being dependent on the level of said operating bias; a power source for driving said light source; a first control channel including a threshold trigger device responsive to said alternating component of said light detector output signal for generating a first control signal when the light transmitted through said tubing segment falls below a predetermined minimum level; a second control channel responsive to said direct current component of said light detector output signal for generating a second control signal dependent on said operating bias applied to said light detector; and output circuit means including a logic OR gate having inputs connected to and responsive to said first and second control signals for generating an alarm signal upon generation of said first control signal, or upon the failure of said circuit means to apply operating bias to said light delector.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
61 words
A bubble detector as defined in claim 1 wherein said first control channel includes alternating current detector means for converting said light detector output signal to a direct current signal, said threshold trigger device is responsive to said direct current signal, and said second control channel comprises filter means for converting said light detector output signal to said second control signal.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
A bubble detector as defined in claim 2 wherein said threshold trigger device comprises a Schmitt trigger.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
53 words
A bubble detector as defined in claim 2 wherein said threshold trigger device comprises a pair of Schmitt trigger devices, said alternating current detector means comprise a pair of alternating current detector circuits independently associated with respective ones of said Schmitt trigger devices are connected in parallel to generate said first control signal.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
48 words
A bubble detector as defined in claim 1 wherein said output circuit means comprise a logic OR gate having a first input connected to said control signal output of said first control channel, and a second input connected to said control signal output of said second control channel.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
63 words
A bubble detector as defined in claim 1 wherein said first channel is subject to being rendered non-responsive to said alternating current component upon failure of said bias circuit, and said second control channel is responsive to said direct current component to actuate said output circuit to provide an alarm signal upon failure of said bias circuit notwithstanding failure of said first control.