Abstract:
Apparatus for analyzing fluid supplied to it through a tube, comprising an analyzing instrument within an enclosure, a first connector attached to the tube and having an end face, a second connector, mating with the first connector and attached to the enclosure, a pair of optical fibers disposed inside the enclosure, a first end of each of the fibers is mounted in the second connector, there is a clear optical path between the end face of each of the first ends of the fibers and at least one common point on the end face. A light source is optically coupled to the second end of a first one of the pair of fibers, and a light detector optically coupled to the second end of the second one of the pair of fibers.

Description:
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention concerns a system for verifying the presence and identity of a tube connector connected to an instrument and, more particularly, an electro-optical method and device to determine whether a tube assembly has been connected to a fluid analyzing instrument and, if so, whether it belongs to a certain class of such tube assemblies. 
     The particular application for which the present invention will be described is that of a capnograph, which is an instrument for analyzing exhaled air. A capnograph is used by sampling air exhaled by a patient, by means of a small tube, also called sampling line, one end of which is, for example, connected to an air passageway of a respirator or to a cannula attached to the patient&#39;s nostrils; the tube is connected at its other end, through a special connector, to the analyzing instrument. The tube assembly, especially of the type that is the subject of the present invention, often includes a filter or other means for removing moisture and mucus; alternatively, there may be a filter built into the capnograph or supplied separately, to be connected to the tube. The complete tube assembly, including the filter and the connector, is usually of the disposable type and is replaced for every patient tested. 
     A typical connector, also referred to as a luer, is depicted in FIG. 1, which shows the two members, one male and one female, separated; each member is shown in an isometric view and in a longitudinal section. The shape of the connector, which is essentially round, as depicted in Fig. l, is standardized throughout the industry, so that tube assemblies of various manufacturers may be interchangeably used with any analyzing instrument. Thus, the manufacturer of a particular type of analyzing instrument has generally no control over which type of tube and filter will be used with his instrument in practice. For reasons of optimal functioning of the instrument, as well as for commercial reasons, the manufacturer of an analyzing instrument may want to exert such control. In particular, he may want to stipulate that only a certain class of tube assemblies be connected to, and used with, his instrument. Such a class may, for example, consist of tube assemblies that include a filter, in general, or such that are manufactured directly by him or to his specifications or under his supervision or license. in particular. 
     One way to enforce this stipulation would be to use some unique interlocking key arrangement between the connector and the instrument. Such an arrangement would, however, be incompatible with the standard connector shape being used throughout and would require of the operator, when connecting and disconnecting the tube, different motions than those to which he is used. 
     Another way of enforcing the stipulation is to have a system by which the correct tube assembly would be identified as such by the instrument, whereupon its operation would be enabled, and to disable the instrument otherwise. A side benefit of such an arrangement would be that the instrument would be prevented from operation also when no tube is connected at all or when even a correct tube is improperly connected, thus avoiding damage to sensitive parts of the instrument and also causing incorrect readings. Yet another purpose may be served by such a system, namely identifying the tube assembly as belonging to one of a number of classes and informing the instrument of the particular identity detected, so as to enable it to automatically operate differently for the different classes. 
     There are known several types of means for effecting such identification. One type is electro-mechanical, whereby the connector would have one or more protrusions or notches at its end. which would engage appropriately placed levers that activate micro-switches. This type of means is impractical, because of the small dimensions of the connector pair and the little space available at the surrounding instrument panel. Another type of means is electrical, whereby the connector would have one or more conductive paths at its end, which would complete the circuit between appropriately placed contacts. This type of means is impractical, because of the dampness prevalent in the immediate surroundings. 
     There is thus a widely recognized need for, and it would be highly advantageous to have, a fluid analysis system that includes the capability of determining that a tube assembly has been properly connected to the analyzing instrument and that the tube is of a certain class. Such a capability must be compatible with the standard shape of connectors being used, as well as with the medical environment, must be reliable and must preferably be inexpensive—at least with regard to the fabrication of the disposable tube assembly. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention successfully addresses the aforementioned needs by providing an air analysis system in which the presence and classification of a connected tube assembly can be conveniently and reliably detected. 
     The present invention discloses a novel modification of an air analysis system, whereby the presence of a tube connector of an acceptable class and its proper placement with respect to a mating connector, is ascertained by making the end of the connector appropriately reflective and by shining light thereon and detecting the light reflected thereof. 
     More specifically, the system of the present invention provides for a specularly reflective surface on the end of the tube connector of the acceptable class and for a pair of optical fibers mounted in the mating connector so that when, and only when, that tube connector is correctly positioned, a sufficient portion of light emitted from the end of one fiber is reflected into the end of the other fiber. The emitted light originates from a pulsed LED, optically coupled to the first fiber. The light reflected into the other fiber is detected by means of a photo-diode connected to a circuit that includes a comparator. The latter outputs a binary signal that can be used to enable or disable essential components of the analyzing instrument. 
     In an alternative configuration, the end of the tube connector has a fluorescent or phosphorescent material, which can be stimulated by the light emitted from the first fiber to re-emit light of spectral chareteristics different from those of the LED. A portion of the re-emitted light is collected by the second fiber and is passed through a spectrally selective filter, then detected as in the first configuration. 
     According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus for analyzing fluid supplied to it through a tube and a system for verifying the proper connection of the tube thereto and for classifying the tube, comprising: 
     an analyzing instrument within an enclosure;. 
     a first connector attached to the tube and having an end face; 
     a second connector, mating with the first connector and attached to the enclosure; 
     a pair of optical fibers disposed inside the enclosure, a first end of each of the fibers being mounted in the second connector so that, when the first connector is properly mated with the second connector, there is a clear optical path between the end face of each of the first ends of the fibers and at least one common point on the end face; 
     a light source optically coupled to the second end of a first fiber; and 
     a light detector optically coupled to the second end of the second fiber. 
     According to further features in preferred embodiments of the invention described below, the end face is essentially specularly reflective over at least an annular portion thereof, the analyzing instrument is operative only upon reception of an enabling signal and further comprises an electric circuit connected to the light detector, the circuit being configured so that only if a substantial portion of any light emitted from the first end of one of the fibers is reflected by the annular portion of the end face into the first end of the other one of the fibers, will the circuit output the enabling signal to the analyzing instrument. 
     Preferably, the light source emits light in a narrow band of wavelengths and the apparatus further includes an optical filter, essentially transmissive of the narrow band of wavelengths and disposed in the path of the light transmitted through the second fiber. According to a modification of the preferred embodiment, the reflectivity of the end face is spectrally selective and the light source emits light in a narrow band of wavelengths, or there is a spectrally selective optical filter disposed in the path of the light transmitted through the second fiber. 
     According to another configuration, the end face is coated with a fluorescent or phosphorescent material, the light source emits light in a first band of wavelengths, such that stimulate the fluorescent or phosphorescent material to emit light in a second band of wavelengths, and the apparatus further includes an optical filter, essentially transmissive of at least one wavelength of the second band and disposed in the path of the light transmitted through the second fiber. According to a modification of this configuration, the second band of wavelengths is different among a plurality of types of the material and the optical filter of a particular apparatus is transmissive of the band corresponding to only one type. 
     According to further features in the described second configuration, the light source emits light as a first train of pulses and the circuit further includes a synchronous detector that is fed with a multiplying signal formed as a second train of pulses, the two trains of pulses having equal rates and the second train being delayed with respect to the first train. 
     There is also disclosed herein a method for verifying the proper connection of a tube to a fluid analyzing instrument and for classifying the connected tube, utilizing a system essentially as disclosed herein. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is an illustration of a typical tube connector within a system that is the subject of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is an orthogonal drawing of the connector of FIG. 1, modified according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 3 is an orthogonal drawing of a connector mating with that of FIG. 2, modified according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of an electric circuit according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention is of a system for detecting the presence of a tube connector at the input of an instrument and for identifying it as belonging to a certain class, so as to affect a decision process in the instrument. 
     Specifically, the present invention can be used to verify that an acceptable type of tube assembly has been properly connected to the panel of a capnograph. 
     The principles and operation of a connector identifier according to the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description. 
     Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 2 illustrates the essential part of the female member of the tube connector, modified according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Basically, this is the standard female connector member (which will be referred to herebelow simply as a connector), as depicted in FIG.  1 ), typified by a slightly conical inner wall  11 . The modification calls for the annular face  12  of its end (which is the end closest to the instrument panel) to be specularly reflective to light. The reflectivity may be obtained, for example, by coating the surface with a suitable reflective layer  13  or by polishing the surface to a glossy finish. A preferred method is to hot-press (or stamp) a reflective foil called Foil SLNM, available from Kurz Ltd, Germany; it is particularly suitable when the connector material is made of ABS. As will be seen herebelow, the reflective surface need not extend over the entire width of end face  12 , but it must form a complete annular ring, since the luer may be connected to the panel in any angular orientation. A female connector with such a reflective annular surface on its end face will be referred to herebelow as a proper connector, and any other connector—as an improper connector. 
     FIG. 3 shows a face-on view of the essential part of the matching male connector member  14 , which is mounted on the panel  20  of the analyzing instrument  28 ; the central, slightly conical protrusion  16  fits inside the end of female connector  10  of FIG. 2 in such a manner that end face  12  of connector  10  is parallel to, and at a certain distance from, the annular surface  18  of male connector  14  that surrounds central protrusion  16 . Through the back-plate  19  of male connector  14  there have been drilled two small holes  15 , at a mutual distance of about 1.5 mm center-to-center, so that they form openings that face end face  12 . Inside each hole  15  is mounted, respectively, an end of one of two optical fibers  21  and  22  that run inside the instrument. The fibers are mounted so that their end faces are flush with, or slightly sunk behind, annular face  18  of back-plate  19 . 
     Reference is now made to FIG. 4, which is a schematic block diagram of an electronic circuit according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, for generating and processing the optical signals transmitted to, and received from the connector pair. 
     The other end of fiber  21  is optically coupled to a light-emitting diode (LED)  23 , while the other end of fiber  22  is optically coupled to a photodiode (PD)  24 . Both LED  23  and PD  24  are mounted at a convenient location inside the instrument and are, respectively, connected to electric circuits  25  and  26 . Electric circuit  25  generates a train of current pulses, at a rate of, say, approximately 1 kHz, which are driven through LED  23  and cause it to emit corresponding light pulses. The pulse train frequency is chosen so that this light can be easily discriminated from ambient light, including artificial lighting (which usually has power line frequencies and their harmonics). These light pulses are transmitted through fiber  21  and emitted at its end that is mounted in connector  14 . If a proper female connector  10  is in place, its reflective end face  12  reflects an appreciable portion of the emitted pulsed light into the adjacent end of fiber  22 , which transmits it to PD  24 . This reflected and retransmitted light is detected by PD  24 , which converts it to corresponding current pulses in circuit  26 . It is noted that, according to standards for the dimensions of the connectors, the distance between end face  12  and surface  18  may be between 0.6 and 1.8 mm and this assures proper coupling of light between the fibers by specular reflection off the end face; however, in order to assure that the distance is not less than 0.6 mm, a pair of 0.6 mm spacers  17  are appropriately mounted on surface  18 . 
     It is appreciated that the LED is provided within a preferred embodiment, but that other types of a light source may be used for coupling to fiber  21 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 4, circuit  26  includes an amplifier  31 , to whose input PD  24  is connected, followed in order by synchronous detector  32 , integrator  33  and comparator  34 . Amplifier  31 amplifies the pulses induced in PD  24 , then synchronous detector  32  multiplies them by a synchronous pulse train obtained from circuit  25 . The latter operation is advantageously done in order to distinguish between reflected light pulses and any ambient light that may penetrate into fiber  22 . The resultant signal is rectified, to produce a direct voltage. This voltage is integrated by integrator  33  over a certain time period—to yield a voltage value, which is compared in comparator  34  with a threshold value, resulting in a binary signal. This signal, which idicates whether or not light pulses have been reflected from fiber  21  into fiber  22  and, therefore—whether the proper connector is properly in place, is applied to other parts of the instrument, to accordingly enable or disable the operation of Crucial components, such as the fluid-drawing pump, and to turn a warning, or indicator, light on or off. 
     The threshold value is chosen to be such that would discriminate between integrated voltage values that result from specular reflection of light pulses from fiber  21  into fiber  22 , as effected by end face  12  of a proper female connector  10  (that is, one that has been treated according to the present invention) properly placed, on the one hand, and values that result from diffuse reflection, such as may be effected by the uncoated and untreated end face of any other female connector (which is, therefore, considered to be an improper connector), or from an improperly placed proper connector, on the other hand. 
     It is appreciated that circuit  25  can also generate current waveforms other than pulses and that circuit  26  can detect resultant signals in a manner similar to that described hereabove or in any other manner known in the art. According to a refinement of the apparatus disclosed herein, there is placed an optical filter  27 , which selectively transmits the band of wavelengths emitted by LED  23 , either in front of fiber  22  within corresponding hole  15 , or between fiber  22  and PD  24 ; this filter  27  is further instrumental in distinguishing between reflected light and ambient light. 
     According to an alternative configuration of the present invention, the reflective coating on end face  12  of female connector  10  is made to be spectrally selective, that is, it is made to reflect light of certain wavelengths or within a certain bandwidth. This can be achieved, for example, by having the reflective material itself contain dyes or pigments, or by coating the reflective layer with a suitable spectral filter. This configuration may be advantageously applied, for example, to discriminate between several subclasses of tube assemblies and matching each subclass to a corresponding type of analyzing instrument. For such an application, each type of instrument is provided with a light source having a unique spectral charcteristic and the reflection spectrum of each subclass of the tube assembly is made to match. Alternatively, the spectral bandwidth of the light source is broad and identical in all the types of instruments, but a filter in the path of the reflected light (as described above) is given a unique spectral charcteristic; according to one practical embodiment, this filter may be identical to the one placed over the reflective surface of the end face (as suggested above). 
     According to another alternative configuration of the present invention, end face  12  of female connector  10  is coated with a fluorescent or phosphorescent material, which is not necessarily specularly reflective. LED  23  is of a type that emits wavelengths short enough to stimulate fluorescence or phosphorescence in the material. There is placed an optical filter  27  either in front of fiber  22  within corresponding hole  15 , or between fiber  22  and PD  24 . The optical filter  27  selectively transmits the strongest wavelengths emitted by the fluorescent or phosphorescent material, while substantially attenuating wavelengths emitted by LED  23 . The rest of the apparatus is as described hereabove. Although this configuration involves generally higher costs for treating the end of the connector than does the first configuration, it has two advantages: 
     (a) There is a high degree of discrimination between light reflected from a proper connector and light reflected from any other connector, since the optical filter  27  can be made to greatly attenuate the wavelength band emitted by LED  23  (which is the only band present in light reflected by improper connectors). 
     (b) Different types of fluorescent or phosphorescent materials, having different spectral emission characteristics (or spectral profile), can be chosen; these can be assigned to different classes of connectors for discrimination therebetween. 
     The second advantage can be realized, for example, by choosing for a particular instrument an optical filter  27  such that transmits one or more wavelengths at which the corresponding type of material emits strongly or strongest, while substantially attenuating those wavelengths at which all other types strongly emit. By properly adjusting the threshold level, this would result in an enabling signal being output by the comparator only when a connector of the corresponding class is properly connected to the instrument. 
     The fluorescent or phosphorescent material, rather than coated, or painted on the end face, may also be imbedded in the material of which the end face (or the entire connector) is formed. Another way of applying it to the end face is to bond or stamp (e.g. by hot-pressing) to the end face a foil or a film that contains such fluorescent or phosphorescent material. 
     According to a refinement of the alternative configuration, applicable in the case of phosphorescent materials, there is introduced a certain time delay between the train of current pulses applied to LED  23  and the synchronous pulse train obtained from circuit  25  and applied to the multiplier in circuit  26 . The delay time is just greater than the duration of a pulse. The effect of the delay is that the detected light is only that which is emitted by the phosphorescence, excluding, in particular, directly reflected light. This feature further helps to discriminate between a proper connector and any other connector and may be used in addition to, or alternatively to, the above mentioned optical filter. 
     While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated that many variations, modifications and other applications of the invention may be made.