US5026348A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus and method for the detection of IV catheter obstruction and extravasation
Assignee: General Hospital Corp
•
Filing: 1988-06-06
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Granted: 1991-06-25
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Expires: 2008-06-06
Abstract
Abstract An in-line fluid conduit condition analyzer which includes a chamber placed in the conduit flow path and having one wall forming a piezoceramic bender that varies the chamber volume (or pressure) according to a predetermined waveform or noise spectrum and an associated piezoceramic pressure or displacement sensor. The time derivative of the displacement or the pressure are analyzed under computer control to identify conduit abnormalities. In particular application to intravenous fluid administration to patients, the system is capable of distinguishing a number of abnormalities including cathether obstruction, catheter needle out of the vein, catheter needle into the vein, as well as fluid bubble presence or conduit disconnection.
Inventors
- 👤 Jose G. Venegas
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 17:42
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61M; A61M5/00; A61M5/14; A61M5/168; A61M5/16831; A61M5/16854; A61M5/16859; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S128/00; Y10S128/13
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 66
Claim 1
Independent Claim
103 words
An in-line fluid conduit condition analyzer comprising a chamber adapted for insertion in the flow path of a fluid conduit; means for varying the volume of the chamber in response to a predetermined drive signal; means for sensing a variation in volume or pressure in said chamber in response to the variation in volume produced by said drive signal, said sensing means including a capacitive sensor having first and second capacitor plates, one of which is a part of said varying means; and means for independently detecting each of a set of abnormalities in the flow path in response to the sensed variation.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
103 words
An in-line fluid conduit condition analyzer comprising a chamber adapted for insertion in the flow path of a fluid conduit; means for varying the volume of the chamber in response to a predetermined drive signal; means for sensing a variation in volume or pressure in said chamber in response to the variation in volume produced by said drive signal, said sensing means including a capacitive sensor having first and second capacitor plates, one of which is a part of said varying means; and means for independently detecting each of a set of abnormalities in the flow path in response to the sensed variation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
90 words
An in-line fluid conduit condition analyzer comprising: a chamber adapted for insertion in the flow path of a fluid conduit; means for varying the volume of the chamber in response to a predetermined drive signal; means for sensing a variation in volume of said chamber in response to said drive signal, said sensing means including a capacitive sensor having first and second capacitor plates, one of which is a part of said varying means; and means for detecting an abnormality in the flow path in response to the sensed variation.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
90 words
An in-line fluid conduit condition analyzer comprising: a chamber adapted for insertion in the flow path of a fluid conduit; means for varying the volume of the chamber in response to a predetermined drive signal; means for sensing a variation in volume of said chamber in response to said drive signal, said sensing means including a capacitive sensor having first and second capacitor plates, one of which is a part of said varying means; and means for detecting an abnormality in the flow path in response to the sensed variation.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
94 words
An in-line fluid conduit condition analyzer comprising: a chamber adapted for insertion in the flow path of a fluid conduit; means for varying the volume of the chamber in response to a predetermined multicycle single frequency drive signal; means for sensing a variation in a condition within said chamber in response to said drive signal, said sensing means including a capacitive sensor having first and second capacitor plates, one of which is a part of said varying means; and means for detecting an abnormality in the flow path in response to the sensed variation.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
94 words
An in-line fluid conduit condition analyzer comprising: a chamber adapted for insertion in the flow path of a fluid conduit; means for varying the volume of the chamber in response to a predetermined multicycle single frequency drive signal; means for sensing a variation in a condition within said chamber in response to said drive signal, said sensing means including a capacitive sensor having first and second capacitor plates, one of which is a part of said varying means; and means for detecting an abnormality in the flow path in response to the sensed variation.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
99 words
An in-line conduit condition analyzer comprising: a chamber adapted for insertion in the flow path of a fluid conduit; means for varying the volume of the chamber according to a predetermined multi-frequency drive signal; means for sensing a variation in a condition of a fluid in said chamber in response to the variation in volume produced by said drive signal, said sensing means including a capacitive sensor having first and second capacitor plates, one of which is a part of said varying means; and means for detecting an abnormality in the flow path in response to the sensed variation.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
99 words
An in-line conduit condition analyzer comprising: a chamber adapted for insertion in the flow path of a fluid conduit; means for varying the volume of the chamber according to a predetermined multi-frequency drive signal; means for sensing a variation in a condition of a fluid in said chamber in response to the variation in volume produced by said drive signal, said sensing means including a capacitive sensor having first and second capacitor plates, one of which is a part of said varying means; and means for detecting an abnormality in the flow path in response to the sensed variation.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
109 words
An in-line fluid conduit condition analyzer comprising: a chamber adapted for insertion in the flow path of a fluid conduit; means for varying a condition of a fluid from said conduit in said chamber according to a predetermined drive signal; means for sensing a change in a fluid parameter associated with said chamber in response to the variation in condition produced by said drive signal, said sensing means including a capacitive sensor having first and second capacitor plates, one of which is a part of said varying means; and means for independently detecting each of a plurality of abnormalities in the flow path in response to the sensed change.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
109 words
An in-line fluid conduit condition analyzer comprising: a chamber adapted for insertion in the flow path of a fluid conduit; means for varying a condition of a fluid from said conduit in said chamber according to a predetermined drive signal; means for sensing a change in a fluid parameter associated with said chamber in response to the variation in condition produced by said drive signal, said sensing means including a capacitive sensor having first and second capacitor plates, one of which is a part of said varying means; and means for independently detecting each of a plurality of abnormalities in the flow path in response to the sensed change.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
115 words
An in line fluid conduit analyzer comprising: a chamber adapted for insertion in the flow path of a fluid conduit to be filled with fluid thereby; means for applying a force to the fluid in the chamber in response to a predetermined drive signal; means for sensing a variation in pressure in said chamber in response to the force applied to the fluid in said chamber produced by said drive signal, said sensing means including a capacitive sensor having first and second capacitor plates, one of which is a part of said varying means; and means for independently detecting each of a set of abnormalities in the flow path in response to the sensed variation.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
115 words
An in line fluid conduit analyzer comprising: a chamber adapted for insertion in the flow path of a fluid conduit to be filled with fluid thereby; means for applying a force to the fluid in the chamber in response to a predetermined drive signal; means for sensing a variation in pressure in said chamber in response to the force applied to the fluid in said chamber produced by said drive signal, said sensing means including a capacitive sensor having first and second capacitor plates, one of which is a part of said varying means; and means for independently detecting each of a set of abnormalities in the flow path in response to the sensed variation.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
103 words
An in-line fluid conduit condition analyzer comprising a chamber adapted for insertion in the flow path of a fluid conduit; means for varying the volume of the chamber in response to a predetermined drive signal; means for sensing a variation in volume or pressure in said chamber in response to the variation in volume produced by said drive signal; said varying and sensing means including a common plate and a respective electric-mechanical motivator and sensor affixed to opposite sides of said plate; and means for independently detecting each of a set of abnormalities in the flow path in response to the sensed variation.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
103 words
An in-line fluid conduit condition analyzer comprising a chamber adapted for insertion in the flow path of a fluid conduit; means for varying the volume of the chamber in response to a predetermined drive signal; means for sensing a variation in volume or pressure in said chamber in response to the variation in volume produced by said drive signal; said varying and sensing means including a common plate and a respective electric-mechanical motivator and sensor affixed to opposite sides of said plate; and means for independently detecting each of a set of abnormalities in the flow path in response to the sensed variation.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
90 words
An in-line fluid conduit condition analyzer comprising: a chamber adapted for insertion in the flow path of a fluid conduit; means for varying the volume of the chamber in response to a predetermined drive signal; means for sensing a variation in volume of said chamber in response to said drive signal; said varying and sensing means including a common plate and a respective electric-mechanical motivator and sensor affixed to opposite sides of said plate; and means for detecting an abnormality in the flow path in response to the sensed variation.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
90 words
An in-line fluid conduit condition analyzer comprising: a chamber adapted for insertion in the flow path of a fluid conduit; means for varying the volume of the chamber in response to a predetermined drive signal; means for sensing a variation in volume of said chamber in response to said drive signal; said varying and sensing means including a common plate and a respective electric-mechanical motivator and sensor affixed to opposite sides of said plate; and means for detecting an abnormality in the flow path in response to the sensed variation.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
94 words
An in-line fluid conduit condition analyzer comprising: a chamber adapted for insertion in the flow path of a fluid conduit; means for varying the volume of the chamber in response to a predetermined multicycle single frequency drive signal; means for sensing a variation in a condition within said chamber in response to said drive signal; said varying and sensing means including a common plate and a respective electric-mechanical motivator and sensor affixed to opposite sides of said plate; and means for detecting an abnormality in the flow path in response to the sensed variation.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
94 words
An in-line fluid conduit condition analyzer comprising: a chamber adapted for insertion in the flow path of a fluid conduit; means for varying the volume of the chamber in response to a predetermined multicycle single frequency drive signal; means for sensing a variation in a condition within said chamber in response to said drive signal; said varying and sensing means including a common plate and a respective electric-mechanical motivator and sensor affixed to opposite sides of said plate; and means for detecting an abnormality in the flow path in response to the sensed variation.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
100 words
An in-line fluid conduit condition analyzer comprising: a chamber adapted for insertion in the flow path of a fluid conduit; means for varying the volume of the chamber according to a predetermined multi-frequency drive signal; means for sensing a variation in a condition of a fluid in said chamber in response to the variation in volume produced by said drive signal; said varying and sensing means including a common plate and a respective electric-mechanical motivator and sensor affixed to opposite sides of said plate; and means for detecting an abnormality in the flow path in response to the sensed variation.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
100 words
An in-line fluid conduit condition analyzer comprising: a chamber adapted for insertion in the flow path of a fluid conduit; means for varying the volume of the chamber according to a predetermined multi-frequency drive signal; means for sensing a variation in a condition of a fluid in said chamber in response to the variation in volume produced by said drive signal; said varying and sensing means including a common plate and a respective electric-mechanical motivator and sensor affixed to opposite sides of said plate; and means for detecting an abnormality in the flow path in response to the sensed variation.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
109 words
An in-line fluid conduit condition analyzer comprising: a chamber adapted for insertion in the flow path of a fluid conduit; means for varying a condition of a fluid from said conduit in said chamber according to a predetermined drive signal; means for sensing a change in a fluid parameter associated with said chamber in response to the variation in condition produced by said drive signal; said varying and sensing means including a common plate and a respective electric-mechanical motivator and sensor affixed to opposite sides of said plate; and means for independently detecting each of a plurality of abnormalities in the flow path in response to the sensed change.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
109 words
An in-line fluid conduit condition analyzer comprising: a chamber adapted for insertion in the flow path of a fluid conduit; means for varying a condition of a fluid from said conduit in said chamber according to a predetermined drive signal; means for sensing a change in a fluid parameter associated with said chamber in response to the variation in condition produced by said drive signal; said varying and sensing means including a common plate and a respective electric-mechanical motivator and sensor affixed to opposite sides of said plate; and means for independently detecting each of a plurality of abnormalities in the flow path in response to the sensed change.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
115 words
An in line fluid conduit analyzer comprising: a chamber adapted for insertion in the flow path of a fluid conduit to be filled with fluid thereby; means for applying a force to the fluid in the chamber in response to a predetermined drive signal; means for sensing a variation in pressure in said chamber in response to the force applied to the fluid in said chamber produced by said drive signal; said varying and sensing means including a common plate and a respective electric-mechanical motivator and sensor affixed to opposite sides of said plate; and means for independently detecting each of a set of abnormalities in the flow path in response to the sensed variation.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
115 words
An in line fluid conduit analyzer comprising: a chamber adapted for insertion in the flow path of a fluid conduit to be filled with fluid thereby; means for applying a force to the fluid in the chamber in response to a predetermined drive signal; means for sensing a variation in pressure in said chamber in response to the force applied to the fluid in said chamber produced by said drive signal; said varying and sensing means including a common plate and a respective electric-mechanical motivator and sensor affixed to opposite sides of said plate; and means for independently detecting each of a set of abnormalities in the flow path in response to the sensed variation.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
123 words
An in-line fluid conduit condition analyzer for use in a fluid flow path that includes a fluid conduit, comprising: a chamber having a volume and configured for insertion in the fluid flow path of the fluid conduit; means for generating a predetermined low frequency drive signal; a bender for varying said volume of said chamber in response to said predetermined low frequency drive signal wherein fluid flowing through said chamber is modulated by said predetermined low frequency drive signal; means for sensing variations in pressure in said chamber in response to said modulated fluid flowing therethrough; and means for detecting and distinguishing each of a set of abnormalities in the fluid flow path in response to sensed variations in pressure of said chamber.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
123 words
An in-line fluid conduit condition analyzer for use in a fluid flow path that includes a fluid conduit, comprising: a chamber having a volume and configured for insertion in the fluid flow path of the fluid conduit; means for generating a predetermined low frequency drive signal; a bender for varying said volume of said chamber in response to said predetermined low frequency drive signal wherein fluid flowing through said chamber is modulated by said predetermined low frequency drive signal; means for sensing variations in pressure in said chamber in response to said modulated fluid flowing therethrough; and means for detecting and distinguishing each of a set of abnormalities in the fluid flow path in response to sensed variations in pressure of said chamber.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
123 words
An in-line fluid conduit condition analyzer for use in a fluid flow path that includes a fluid conduit, comprising: a chamber having a volume and configured for insertion in the fluid flow path of the fluid conduit; means for generating a predetermined low frequency drive signal; a bender for varying said volume of said chamber in response to said predetermined low frequency drive signal wherein fluid flowing through said chamber is modulated by said low frequency predetermined drive signal; means for sensing variations in volume in said chamber in response to said modulated fluid flowing therethrough; and means for detecting and distinguishing each of a set of abnormalities in the fluid flow path in response to sensed variations in volume in said chamber.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
123 words
An in-line fluid conduit condition analyzer for use in a fluid flow path that includes a fluid conduit, comprising: a chamber having a volume and configured for insertion in the fluid flow path of the fluid conduit; means for generating a predetermined low frequency drive signal; a bender for varying said volume of said chamber in response to said predetermined low frequency drive signal wherein fluid flowing through said chamber is modulated by said low frequency predetermined drive signal; means for sensing variations in volume in said chamber in response to said modulated fluid flowing therethrough; and means for detecting and distinguishing each of a set of abnormalities in the fluid flow path in response to sensed variations in volume in said chamber.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
131 words
An in-line fluid conduit condition analyzer for use in a fluid flow path that includes a fluid conduit, comprising: a chamber having a volume and configured for insertion in the fluid flow path of the fluid conduit; means for generating a predetermined multicycle single low frequency drive signal; a bender for varying said volume in said chamber in response to said predetermined multicycle single low frequency drive signal wherein fluid flowing through said chamber is modulated by said predetermined multicycle single low frequency drive signal; means for sensing variations in a condition of said chamber in response to said modulated fluid flowing therethrough; and means for detecting and distinguishing each of a set of abnormalities in the fluid flow path in response to sensed variations in said condition in said chamber.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
131 words
An in-line fluid conduit condition analyzer for use in a fluid flow path that includes a fluid conduit, comprising: a chamber having a volume and configured for insertion in the fluid flow path of the fluid conduit; means for generating a predetermined multicycle single low frequency drive signal; a bender for varying said volume in said chamber in response to said predetermined multicycle single low frequency drive signal wherein fluid flowing through said chamber is modulated by said predetermined multicycle single low frequency drive signal; means for sensing variations in a condition of said chamber in response to said modulated fluid flowing therethrough; and means for detecting and distinguishing each of a set of abnormalities in the fluid flow path in response to sensed variations in said condition in said chamber.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
125 words
An in-line fluid conduit condition analyzer for use in a fluid flow path that includes a fluid conduit, comprising: a chamber having a volume and configured for insertion in the fluid flow path of the fluid conduit; means for generating a predetermined low multi-frequency drive signal; a bender for varying said volume of said chamber according to said predetermined low multi-frequency drive signal wherein fluid flowing through said chamber is modulated by said predetermined low multi-frequency drive signal; means for sensing variations in a condition of said modulated fluid flowing through said chamber; means for detecting and distinguishing each of a set of abnormalities in the fluid flow path in response to sensed variations in said condition in said modulated fluid flowing through said chamber.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
125 words
An in-line fluid conduit condition analyzer for use in a fluid flow path that includes a fluid conduit, comprising: a chamber having a volume and configured for insertion in the fluid flow path of the fluid conduit; means for generating a predetermined low multi-frequency drive signal; a bender for varying said volume of said chamber according to said predetermined low multi-frequency drive signal wherein fluid flowing through said chamber is modulated by said predetermined low multi-frequency drive signal; means for sensing variations in a condition of said modulated fluid flowing through said chamber; means for detecting and distinguishing each of a set of abnormalities in the fluid flow path in response to sensed variations in said condition in said modulated fluid flowing through said chamber.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
133 words
An in-line fluid condition analyzer for use in a fluid flow path that includes a fluid conduit, comprising: a chamber having a volume and configured for insertion in the fluid flow path of the fluid conduit; means for generating a predetermined low frequency drive signal; a bender for varying a condition of a fluid flowing through said chamber according to said predetermined low frequency drive signal wherein said fluid flowing through said chamber is modulated by said predetermined low frequency drive signal; means for sensing changes in a fluid parameter associated with said modulated fluid flowing through said chamber; means for independently detecting and distinguishing each of a plurality of abnormalities in the fluid flow path in response to sensed changes in said fluid parameter of said modulated fluid flowing through said chamber.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
133 words
An in-line fluid condition analyzer for use in a fluid flow path that includes a fluid conduit, comprising: a chamber having a volume and configured for insertion in the fluid flow path of the fluid conduit; means for generating a predetermined low frequency drive signal; a bender for varying a condition of a fluid flowing through said chamber according to said predetermined low frequency drive signal wherein said fluid flowing through said chamber is modulated by said predetermined low frequency drive signal; means for sensing changes in a fluid parameter associated with said modulated fluid flowing through said chamber; means for independently detecting and distinguishing each of a plurality of abnormalities in the fluid flow path in response to sensed changes in said fluid parameter of said modulated fluid flowing through said chamber.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
123 words
An in-line fluid conduit analyzer for use in a fluid flow path that includes a fluid conduit, comprising: a chamber configured for insertion in the fluid flow path of the fluid conduit such that fluid flows through said chamber; means for generating a predetermined low frequency drive signal; a bender for applying a force to the fluid flowing through said chamber wherein the fluid flowing through said chamber is modulated by said predetermined low frequency drive signal; means for sensing variations in pressure in said chamber in response to said modulated fluid flowing through said chamber; means for independently detecting and distinguishing each of a set of abnormalities in the fluid flow path in response to sensed variations in pressure in said chamber.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
123 words
An in-line fluid conduit analyzer for use in a fluid flow path that includes a fluid conduit, comprising: a chamber configured for insertion in the fluid flow path of the fluid conduit such that fluid flows through said chamber; means for generating a predetermined low frequency drive signal; a bender for applying a force to the fluid flowing through said chamber wherein the fluid flowing through said chamber is modulated by said predetermined low frequency drive signal; means for sensing variations in pressure in said chamber in response to said modulated fluid flowing through said chamber; means for independently detecting and distinguishing each of a set of abnormalities in the fluid flow path in response to sensed variations in pressure in said chamber.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
35 words
The analyzer of claims 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, or 18 wherein said bender includes: a conductive plate forming one wall of said chamber; and a piezoelectric crystal mounted in combination with said conductive plate.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
124 words
An in-line fluid conduit condition analyzer for use in a fluid flow path that includes a fluid conduit, comprising: a chamber having a volume and configured for insertion in the fluid flow path of the fluid conduit; means for generating a predetermined low frequency drive signal; means for varying said volume of said chamber in response to said predetermined low frequency drive signal wherein fluid flowing through said chamber is modulated by said predetermined low frequency drive signal; a crystal detector for sensing variations in pressure in said chamber in response to said modulated fluid flowing therethrough; and means for detecting and distinguishing each of a set of abnormalities in the fluid flow path in response to sensed variations in pressure of said chamber.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
124 words
An in-line fluid conduit condition analyzer for use in a fluid flow path that includes a fluid conduit, comprising: a chamber having a volume and configured for insertion in the fluid flow path of the fluid conduit; means for generating a predetermined low frequency drive signal; means for varying said volume of said chamber in response to said predetermined low frequency drive signal wherein fluid flowing through said chamber is modulated by said predetermined low frequency drive signal; a crystal detector for sensing variations in pressure in said chamber in response to said modulated fluid flowing therethrough; and means for detecting and distinguishing each of a set of abnormalities in the fluid flow path in response to sensed variations in pressure of said chamber.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
124 words
An in-line fluid conduit condition analyzer for use in a fluid flow path that includes a fluid conduit, comprising; a chamber having a volume and configured for insertion in the fluid flow path of the fluid conduit. means for generating a predetermined low frequency drive signal; means for varying said volume of said chamber in response to said predetermined low frequency drive signal wherein fluid flowing through said chamber is modulated by said low frequency predetermined drive signal; a crystal detector for sensing variations in volume in said chamber in response to said modulated fluid flowing therethrough; and means for detecting and distinguishing each of a st of abnormalities in the fluid flow path in response to sensed variations in volume in said chamber.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
124 words
An in-line fluid conduit condition analyzer for use in a fluid flow path that includes a fluid conduit, comprising; a chamber having a volume and configured for insertion in the fluid flow path of the fluid conduit. means for generating a predetermined low frequency drive signal; means for varying said volume of said chamber in response to said predetermined low frequency drive signal wherein fluid flowing through said chamber is modulated by said low frequency predetermined drive signal; a crystal detector for sensing variations in volume in said chamber in response to said modulated fluid flowing therethrough; and means for detecting and distinguishing each of a st of abnormalities in the fluid flow path in response to sensed variations in volume in said chamber.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
132 words
An in-line fluid conduit condition analyzer for use in a fluid flow path that includes a fluid conduit, comprising: a chamber having a volume and configured for insertion in the fluid flow path of the fluid conduit; means for generating a predetermined multicycle single low frequency drive signal; means for varying said volume of said chamber in response to said predetermined multicycle single low frequency drive signal wherein fluid flowing through said chamber is modulated by said predetermined multicycle single low frequency drive signal; a crystal detector for sensing variations in a condition of said chamber in response to said modulated fluid flowing therethrough; and means for detecting and distinguishing each of a set of abnormalities in the fluid flow path in response to sensed variations in said condition in said chamber.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
132 words
An in-line fluid conduit condition analyzer for use in a fluid flow path that includes a fluid conduit, comprising: a chamber having a volume and configured for insertion in the fluid flow path of the fluid conduit; means for generating a predetermined multicycle single low frequency drive signal; means for varying said volume of said chamber in response to said predetermined multicycle single low frequency drive signal wherein fluid flowing through said chamber is modulated by said predetermined multicycle single low frequency drive signal; a crystal detector for sensing variations in a condition of said chamber in response to said modulated fluid flowing therethrough; and means for detecting and distinguishing each of a set of abnormalities in the fluid flow path in response to sensed variations in said condition in said chamber.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
126 words
An in-line fluid conduit condition analyzer for use in a fluid flow path that includes a fluid conduit, comprising: a chamber having a volume and configured for insertion in the fluid flow path of the fluid conduit; means for generating a predetermined low multi-frequency drive signal; means for varying said volume of said chamber according to said predetermined low multi-frequency drive signal wherein fluid flowing through said chamber is modulated by said predetermined low multi-frequency drive signal; a crystal detector for sensing variations in a condition of said modulated fluid flowing through said chamber; means for detecting and distinguishing each of a set of abnormalities in the fluid flow path in response to sensed variations in said condition in said modulated fluid flowing through said chamber.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
126 words
An in-line fluid conduit condition analyzer for use in a fluid flow path that includes a fluid conduit, comprising: a chamber having a volume and configured for insertion in the fluid flow path of the fluid conduit; means for generating a predetermined low multi-frequency drive signal; means for varying said volume of said chamber according to said predetermined low multi-frequency drive signal wherein fluid flowing through said chamber is modulated by said predetermined low multi-frequency drive signal; a crystal detector for sensing variations in a condition of said modulated fluid flowing through said chamber; means for detecting and distinguishing each of a set of abnormalities in the fluid flow path in response to sensed variations in said condition in said modulated fluid flowing through said chamber.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
135 words
An in-line fluid conduit condition analyzer for use in a fluid flow path that includes a fluid conduit, comprising: a chamber having a volume and configured for insertion in the fluid flow path of the fluid conduit; means for generating a predetermined low frequency drive signal; means for varying a condition of a fluid flowing through said chamber according to said predetermined low frequency drive signal wherein said fluid flowing through said chamber is modulated by said predetermined low frequency drive signal; a crystal detector for sensing changes in a fluid parameter associated with said modulated fluid flowing through said chamber; means for independently detecting and distinguishing each of a plurality of abnormalities in the fluid flow path in response to sensed changes in said fluid parameter of said modulated fluid flowing through said chamber.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
135 words
An in-line fluid conduit condition analyzer for use in a fluid flow path that includes a fluid conduit, comprising: a chamber having a volume and configured for insertion in the fluid flow path of the fluid conduit; means for generating a predetermined low frequency drive signal; means for varying a condition of a fluid flowing through said chamber according to said predetermined low frequency drive signal wherein said fluid flowing through said chamber is modulated by said predetermined low frequency drive signal; a crystal detector for sensing changes in a fluid parameter associated with said modulated fluid flowing through said chamber; means for independently detecting and distinguishing each of a plurality of abnormalities in the fluid flow path in response to sensed changes in said fluid parameter of said modulated fluid flowing through said chamber.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
27 words
The analyzer of claims 20, 21, 22, 23 or 24 wherein said detector is a piezoelectric detector on a conductive plate forming a wall of said chamber.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
23 words
The analyzer of claims 20, 21, 22, 23, or 24 wherein said detector and said means for varying share a common conductive plate.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
124 words
An in-line fluid conduit analyzer for use in a fluid flow path that includes a fluid conduit, comprising: a chamber configured for insertion in the fluid flow path of the fluid conduit such that fluid flows through said chamber; means for generating a predetermined low frequency drive signal; means for applying a force to the fluid flowing through said chamber wherein the fluid flowing through said chamber is modulated by said predetermined low frequency drive signal; a crystal detector for sensing variations in pressure in said chamber in response to said modulated fluid flowing through said chamber; means for independently detecting and distinguishing each of a set of abnormalities in the fluid flow path in response to sensed variations in pressure in said chamber.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
124 words
An in-line fluid conduit analyzer for use in a fluid flow path that includes a fluid conduit, comprising: a chamber configured for insertion in the fluid flow path of the fluid conduit such that fluid flows through said chamber; means for generating a predetermined low frequency drive signal; means for applying a force to the fluid flowing through said chamber wherein the fluid flowing through said chamber is modulated by said predetermined low frequency drive signal; a crystal detector for sensing variations in pressure in said chamber in response to said modulated fluid flowing through said chamber; means for independently detecting and distinguishing each of a set of abnormalities in the fluid flow path in response to sensed variations in pressure in said chamber.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
124 words
An in-line fluid conduit condition analyzer for use in a fluid flow path that includes a fluid conduit, comprising: a chamber having a volume and configured for insertion in the fluid flow path of the fluid conduit; means for generating a predetermined low frequency drive signal; means for varying said volume of said chamber in response to said predetermined low frequency drive signal wherein fluid flowing through said chamber is modulated by said predetermined low frequency drive signal; a capacitive sensor for sensing variations in pressure in said chamber in response to said modulated fluid flowing therethrough; and means for detecting and distinguishing each of a set of abnormalities in the fluid flow path in response to sensed variations in pressure of said chamber.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
124 words
An in-line fluid conduit condition analyzer for use in a fluid flow path that includes a fluid conduit, comprising: a chamber having a volume and configured for insertion in the fluid flow path of the fluid conduit; means for generating a predetermined low frequency drive signal; means for varying said volume of said chamber in response to said predetermined low frequency drive signal wherein fluid flowing through said chamber is modulated by said predetermined low frequency drive signal; a capacitive sensor for sensing variations in pressure in said chamber in response to said modulated fluid flowing therethrough; and means for detecting and distinguishing each of a set of abnormalities in the fluid flow path in response to sensed variations in pressure of said chamber.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
124 words
An in-line fluid conduit condition analyzer for use in a fluid flow path that includes a fluid conduit, comprising: a chamber having a volume and configured for insertion in the fluid flow path of the fluid conduit; means for generating a predetermined low frequency drive signal; means for varying said volume of said chamber in response to said predetermined low frequency drive signal wherein fluid flowing through said chamber is modulated by said low frequency predetermined drive signal; a capacitive sensor for sensing variations in volume in said chamber in response to said modulated fluid flowing therethrough; and means for detecting and distinguishing each of a set of abnormalities in the fluid flow path in response to sensed variations in volume in said chamber.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
124 words
An in-line fluid conduit condition analyzer for use in a fluid flow path that includes a fluid conduit, comprising: a chamber having a volume and configured for insertion in the fluid flow path of the fluid conduit; means for generating a predetermined low frequency drive signal; means for varying said volume of said chamber in response to said predetermined low frequency drive signal wherein fluid flowing through said chamber is modulated by said low frequency predetermined drive signal; a capacitive sensor for sensing variations in volume in said chamber in response to said modulated fluid flowing therethrough; and means for detecting and distinguishing each of a set of abnormalities in the fluid flow path in response to sensed variations in volume in said chamber.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
129 words
An in-line fluid conduit condition analyzer for use in a fluid flow path that includes a fluid conduit, comprising: a chamber having a volume and configured for insertion in the fluid flow path of the fluid conduit; means for generating a predetermined multicycle single low frequency drive signal; means for varying said chamber in response to said predetermined multicycle single low frequency drive signal wherein fluid flowing through said chamber is modulated by said predetermined multicycle single low frequency drive signal; a capacitive sensor for sensing variations in a condition of said chamber in response to said modulated fluid flowing therethrough; and means for detecting and distinguishing each of a set of abnormalities in the fluid flow path in response to sensed variations in said condition in said chamber.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
129 words
An in-line fluid conduit condition analyzer for use in a fluid flow path that includes a fluid conduit, comprising: a chamber having a volume and configured for insertion in the fluid flow path of the fluid conduit; means for generating a predetermined multicycle single low frequency drive signal; means for varying said chamber in response to said predetermined multicycle single low frequency drive signal wherein fluid flowing through said chamber is modulated by said predetermined multicycle single low frequency drive signal; a capacitive sensor for sensing variations in a condition of said chamber in response to said modulated fluid flowing therethrough; and means for detecting and distinguishing each of a set of abnormalities in the fluid flow path in response to sensed variations in said condition in said chamber.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
126 words
An in-line fluid conduit condition analyzer for use in a fluid flow path that includes a fluid conduit, comprising: a chamber having a volume and configured for insertion in the fluid flow path of the fluid conduit; means for generating a predetermined low multi-frequency drive signal; means for varying said volume of said chamber according to said predetermined low multi-frequency drive signal wherein fluid flowing through said chamber is modulated by said predetermined low multi-frequency drive signal; a capacitive sensor for sensing variations in a condition of said modulated fluid flowing through said chamber; means for detecting and distinguishing each of a set of abnormalities in the fluid flow path in response to sensed variations in said condition in said modulated fluid flowing through said chamber.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
126 words
An in-line fluid conduit condition analyzer for use in a fluid flow path that includes a fluid conduit, comprising: a chamber having a volume and configured for insertion in the fluid flow path of the fluid conduit; means for generating a predetermined low multi-frequency drive signal; means for varying said volume of said chamber according to said predetermined low multi-frequency drive signal wherein fluid flowing through said chamber is modulated by said predetermined low multi-frequency drive signal; a capacitive sensor for sensing variations in a condition of said modulated fluid flowing through said chamber; means for detecting and distinguishing each of a set of abnormalities in the fluid flow path in response to sensed variations in said condition in said modulated fluid flowing through said chamber.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
135 words
An in-line fluid conduit condition analyzer for use in a fluid flow path that includes a fluid conduit, comprising: a chamber having a volume and configured for insertion in the fluid flow path of the fluid conduit; means for generating a predetermined low frequency drive signal; means for varying a condition of a fluid flowing through said chamber according to said predetermined low frequency drive signal wherein said fluid flowing through said chamber is modulated by said predetermined low frequency drive signal; a capacitive sensor for sensing changes in a fluid parameter associated with said modulated fluid flowing through said chamber; means for independently detecting and distinguishing each of a plurality of abnormalities in the fluid flow path in response to sensed changes in said fluid parameter of said modulated fluid flowing through said chamber.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
135 words
An in-line fluid conduit condition analyzer for use in a fluid flow path that includes a fluid conduit, comprising: a chamber having a volume and configured for insertion in the fluid flow path of the fluid conduit; means for generating a predetermined low frequency drive signal; means for varying a condition of a fluid flowing through said chamber according to said predetermined low frequency drive signal wherein said fluid flowing through said chamber is modulated by said predetermined low frequency drive signal; a capacitive sensor for sensing changes in a fluid parameter associated with said modulated fluid flowing through said chamber; means for independently detecting and distinguishing each of a plurality of abnormalities in the fluid flow path in response to sensed changes in said fluid parameter of said modulated fluid flowing through said chamber.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
124 words
An in-line fluid conduit analyzer for use in a fluid flow path that includes a fluid conduit, comprising: a chamber configured for insertion in the fluid flow path of the fluid conduit such that fluid flows through said chamber; means for generating a predetermined low frequency drive signal; means for applying a force to the fluid flowing through said chamber wherein the fluid flowing through said chamber is modulated by said predetermined low frequency drive signal; a capacitive sensor for sensing variations in pressure in said chamber in response to said modulated fluid flowing through said chamber; means for independently detecting and distinguishing each of a set of abnormalities in the fluid flow path in response to sensed variations in pressure in said chamber.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
124 words
An in-line fluid conduit analyzer for use in a fluid flow path that includes a fluid conduit, comprising: a chamber configured for insertion in the fluid flow path of the fluid conduit such that fluid flows through said chamber; means for generating a predetermined low frequency drive signal; means for applying a force to the fluid flowing through said chamber wherein the fluid flowing through said chamber is modulated by said predetermined low frequency drive signal; a capacitive sensor for sensing variations in pressure in said chamber in response to said modulated fluid flowing through said chamber; means for independently detecting and distinguishing each of a set of abnormalities in the fluid flow path in response to sensed variations in pressure in said chamber.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
61 words
The analyzer of claims 13-32 or 33 wherein the fluid conduit is a tube terminating in an intravenous catheter or a needle for patient vein insertion and said means for detecting and distinguishing includes means for detecting and distinguishing each abnormality from said set of abnormalities including conduit obstruction, conduit out of vein, conduit in vein, conduit disconnected and conduit bubble.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
67 words
The analyzer of claims 14, 15, 21 or 22 wherein said means for detecting and distinguishing includes means for finding the mean of the square of the sensed variations in plural, discrete, time sequential values; and means for comparing said plural, discrete time sequential values of the means of the square of the sensed variations against a preset value to identify abnormalities in the fluid flow path.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
35 words
The analyzer of claim 23 wherein said predetermined low multi-frequency drive signal generated by said means for varying is a white noise signal having an approximate bandwidth in the range of 5 to 50 Hz.
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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) | 1994-06-24 | 1994-12-24 | 1995-06-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-06-24 | 1998-12-24 | 1999-06-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-06-24 | 2002-12-24 | 2003-06-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |