Patent ID: 6599282
Filing Date: 2003-07-29
Classification: A61M,Y10S

Abstract:
A method for calculating a volume delivered through an intravenous set with a drip chamber configured for the flow of the fluid substantially along the drip chamber's axis, method comprising the steps of:(a) passing radiation from the exterior of the drip chamber through the drip chamber via a path generally perpendicular to the drip chamber axis to a sensor positioned on an opposite position on the exterior of the drip chamber; (b) detecting and quantifying a background radiation value passing through the drip chamber; (c) detecting and quantifying a radiation value passing through a drop falling through the drip chamber in order to obtain data indicative of a radiation loss due to said drop passing though said radiation path; and (d) deriving a volume measurement for said drop using a lookup table, said lookup table formed by accumulating empirical data.