Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates generally to identifying devices and, in some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, to systems, devices, products, apparatus, and/or methods for identifying devices that are being or have been connected to device connectors.

Existing systems in the medical field may detect when two devices are connected with each other by employing RFID technology or electrical connections between the two devices. However, these existing systems may not identify a type of medical device that is connected without detecting identification numbers of the medical devices. For example, RFID tags may store identification numbers or barcode readers may be used to read barcodes including the identification numbers associated with medical devices. In this way, communications between devices, readers, and/or tags may be needed and/or medical devices without RFID tags or barcodes (or with incompatible tags or barcodes) may not be identified. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for improving identification of devices connected to device connectors. <CIT> describes a method and a system for determining information related to a drug reservoir using an electronic sensor. <CIT> describes a universal adapter for a medical injector and a syringe identification system. <CIT> discloses a cartridge and a medical delivery system accommodating such cartridge. <CIT> discloses a syringe adapter for front-loading medical injector. <CIT> discloses connectors with electrical elements.

Claim <NUM> relates to a sensor assembly and claim <NUM> relates to a system comprising the sensor assembly of claim <NUM>.

According to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, provided is a sensor assembly including: a sensor surrounding a connector of a medical device, wherein the sensor is configured to detect a dimension of an end of another connector of another medical device when the another connector of the another medical device is connected to the connector of the medical device.

According to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, provided is a system including: a sensor surrounding a connector of a medical device, wherein the sensor is configured to detect a dimension of an end of another connector of another medical device when the another connector of the another medical device is connected to the connector of the medical device; and one or more processors programmed and/or configured to determine a type of the another medical device based on the detected dimension.

According to some further aspects that are not claimed, but are useful for understanding the invention, provided is a method including: detecting, with a sensor surrounding a connector of a medical device, a dimension of an end of another connector of another medical device when the another connector of the another medical device is connected to the connector of the medical device; and determining, with at least one processor, a type of the another medical device based on the detected dimension.

According to some further aspects that are not claimed, but are useful for understanding the invention, provided is a computer program product including at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium including program instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least on processor to: control a sensor surrounding a connector of a medical device to detect a dimension of an end of another connector of another medical device when the another connector of the another medical device is connected to the connector of the medical device; and determine a type of the another medical device based on the detected dimension.

These and other features and characteristics of the present disclosure, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structures and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of limits. As used in the specification and the claims, the singular form of "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Additional advantages and details of embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure are explained in greater detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying schematic figures, in which:.

It is to be understood that the present disclosure may assume various alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary and non-limiting embodiments or aspects. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments or aspects disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.

For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms "end," "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "lateral," "longitudinal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the present disclosure as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the present disclosure may assume various alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments or aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting unless otherwise indicated.

No aspect, component, element, structure, act, step, function, instruction, and/or the like used herein should be construed as critical or essential unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the articles "a" and "an" are intended to include one or more items, and may be used interchangeably with "one or more" and "at least one. " Furthermore, as used herein, the term "set" is intended to include one or more items (e.g., related items, unrelated items, a combination of related and unrelated items, etc.) and may be used interchangeably with "one or more" or "at least one. " Where only one item is intended, the term "one" or similar language is used. Also, as used herein, the terms "has," "have," "having," or the like are intended to be open-ended terms. Further, the phrase "based on" is intended to mean "based at least in partially on" unless explicitly stated otherwise.

As used herein, the terms "communication" and "communicate" refer to the receipt or transfer of one or more signals, messages, commands, or other type of data. For one unit (e.g., any device, system, or component thereof) to be in communication with another unit means that the one unit is able to directly or indirectly receive data from and/or transmit data to the other unit. This may refer to a direct or indirect connection that is wired and/or wireless in nature. Additionally, two units may be in communication with each other even though the data transmitted may be modified, processed, relayed, and/or routed between the first and second unit. For example, a first unit may be in communication with a second unit even though the first unit passively receives data and does not actively transmit data to the second unit. As another example, a first unit may be in communication with a second unit if an intermediary unit processes data from one unit and transmits processed data to the second unit. It will be appreciated that numerous other arrangements are possible.

It will be apparent that systems and/or methods, described herein, can be implemented in different forms of hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. Thus, the operation and behavior of the systems and/or methods are described herein without reference to specific software code, it being understood that software and hardware can be designed to implement the systems and/or methods based on the description herein.

Some non-limiting embodiments or aspects are described herein in connection with thresholds. As used herein, satisfying a threshold may refer to a value being greater than the threshold, more than the threshold, higher than the threshold, greater than or equal to the threshold, less than the threshold, fewer than the threshold, lower than the threshold, less than or equal to the threshold, equal to the threshold, etc..

As used herein, the term "computing device" or "computer device" may refer to one or more electronic devices that are configured to directly or indirectly communicate with or over one or more networks. The computing device may be a mobile device, a desktop computer, or the like. Furthermore, the term "computer" may refer to any computing device that includes the necessary components to receive, process, and output data, and normally includes a display, a processor, a memory, an input device, and a network interface. An "application" or "application program interface" (API) refers to computer code or other data sorted on a computer-readable medium that may be executed by a processor to facilitate the interaction between software components, such as a client-side front-end and/or server-side back-end for receiving data from the client. An "interface" refers to a generated display, such as one or more graphical user interfaces (GUIs) with which a user may interact, either directly or indirectly (e.g., through a keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, etc.).

As used herein, the term "server" may refer to or include one or more processors or computers, storage devices, or similar computer arrangements that are operated by or facilitate communication and processing for multiple parties in a network environment, such as the Internet, although it will be appreciated that communication may be facilitated over one or more public or private network environments and that various other arrangements are possible. Further, multiple computers, e.g., servers, or other computerized devices, such as POS devices, directly or indirectly communicating in the network environment may constitute a "system," such as a merchant's POS system. As used herein, the term "data center" may include one or more servers, or other computing devices, and/or databases.

As used herein, the term "mobile device" may refer to one or more portable electronic devices configured to communicate with one or more networks. As an example, a mobile device may include a cellular phone (e.g., a smartphone or standard cellular phone), a portable computer (e.g., a tablet computer, a laptop computer, etc.), a wearable device (e.g., a watch, pair of glasses, lens, clothing, and/or the like), a personal digital assistant (PDA), and/or other like devices. The terms "client device" and "user device," as used herein, refer to any electronic device that is configured to communicate with one or more servers or remote devices and/or systems. A client device or user device may include a mobile device, a network-enabled appliance (e.g., a network-enabled television, refrigerator, thermostat, and/or the like), a computer, and/or any other device or system capable of communicating with a network.

As used herein, the term "application" or "application program interface" (API) refers to computer code, a set of rules, or other data sorted on a computer-readable medium that may be executed by a processor to facilitate interaction between software components, such as a client-side front-end and/or server-side back-end for receiving data from the client. An "interface" refers to a generated display, such as one or more graphical user interfaces (GUIs) with which a user may interact, either directly or indirectly (e.g., through a keyboard, mouse, etc.).

Non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a sensor assembly including a sensor surrounding a connector of a medical device, wherein the sensor is configured to detect a dimension of an end of another connector of another medical device when the another connector of the another medical device is connected to the connector of the medical device. In this way, a lower cost sensor for medical device connectors that enables detecting attached devices and identifying the attached devices based on dimensions of the ends of connectors of such devices may be provided.

Non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure are directed to systems, methods, and computer program products that detect, with a sensor surrounding a connector of a medical device, a dimension of an end of another connector of another medical device when the another connector of the another medical device is connected to the connector of the medical device; and determine a type of the another medical device based on the detected dimension. In this way, devices may be identified without using communications between devices, readers, and/or tags and/or without relying on RFID tags or barcodes to provide identification numbers of the devices.

Referring to <FIG>, non-limiting embodiments or aspects of an environment <NUM> in which systems, devices, products, apparatus, and/or methods, as described herein, may be implemented is shown. As shown in <FIG>, environment <NUM> may include medical device <NUM>, another medical device <NUM>, sensor assembly <NUM>, communication network <NUM>, and/or remote computing device <NUM>.

Medical device <NUM> and another medical device <NUM> may be configured to physically connect to each other as described in more detail herein. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, a medical device (e.g., medical device <NUM>, another medical device <NUM>, etc.) may include a syringe, a catheter, a disinfecting cap, and/or the like. For example, a type of a medical device may include at least one of: a syringe, a syringe size, catheter, a disinfecting cap, or any combination thereof. Further details regarding non-limiting embodiments or aspects of a medical device are provided below with regard to <FIG>.

Sensor assembly <NUM> may be attached to (e.g., removably attached to, permanently attached to, etc.) or integrally formed with medical device <NUM> as described in more detail herein. Sensor assembly <NUM> may include may include one or more devices capable of receiving information and/or data from remote computing device <NUM> and/or another sensor assembly <NUM> (e.g., via communication network <NUM>, etc.) and/or communicating information and/or data to remote computing device <NUM> and/or another sensor assembly <NUM> (e.g., via communication network <NUM>, etc.). In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, sensor assembly <NUM> includes one or more computing devices, chips, contactless transmitters, contactless transceivers, NFC transmitters, RFID transmitters, contact based transmitters, and/or the like. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, sensor assembly <NUM> can include one or more devices capable of transmitting information to remote computing system <NUM> and/or another sensor assembly <NUM> via a short range wireless communication connection (e.g., a communication connection that uses NFC protocol, a communication connection that uses Radio-frequency identification (RFID), a communication connection that uses a Bluetooth® wireless technology standard, and/or the like). In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, sensor assembly <NUM> includes an integrated power source (not shown), such as a battery, and/or the like. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, sensor assembly <NUM> receives power via a wirelessly transmitted power source, such as via an RF transmission from another sensor assembly <NUM> and/or remote computing device <NUM>, and/or the like. Further details regarding non-limiting embodiments or aspects of sensor assembly <NUM> are provided below with regard to <FIG>.

Communication network <NUM> may include one or more wired and/or wireless networks. For example, communication network <NUM> may include a cellular network (e.g., a long-term evolution (LTE) network, a third generation (<NUM>) network, a fourth generation (<NUM>) network, a fifth generation network (<NUM>) network, a code division multiple access (CDMA) network, etc.), a public land mobile network (PLMN), a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a telephone network (e.g., the public switched telephone network (PSTN)), a private network, an ad hoc network, an intranet, the Internet, a fiber optic-based network, a cloud computing network, and/or the like, and/or a combination of these or other types of networks.

Remote computing device <NUM> may include one or more devices capable of receiving information and/or data from sensor assembly <NUM> and/or another remote computing network <NUM> (e.g., via communication network <NUM>, etc.) and/or communicating information and/or data to sensor assembly <NUM> and/or another remote computing network <NUM> (e.g., via communication network <NUM>, etc.). For example, remote computing device <NUM> may include a computing device, a server, a group of servers, a mobile device, a group of mobile devices, and/or the like. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, remote computing device <NUM> includes one or more computing devices, chips, contactless transmitters, contactless transceivers, NFC transmitters, RFID transmitters, contact based transmitters, and/or the like that enables remote computing device <NUM> to receive information directly from and/or communicate information directly to sensor assembly <NUM> via a short range wireless communication connection (e.g., a communication connection that uses NFC protocol, a communication connection that uses Radio-frequency identification (RFID), a communication connection that uses a Bluetooth® wireless technology standard, and/or the like). In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, remote computing device <NUM> may be implemented within sensor assembly <NUM>. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, remote computing device <NUM> is configured as a bedside unit that is capable of being located in a vicinity of a patient. For example, the bedside unit can be connected to a wall of a room of the patient, an IV pole, and/or a carrier held in place by a bed of the patient (e.g., between mattresses) near a side of the patient or the bed. The bedside device can display audio and/or visual warnings and/or indications, as described in more detail herein.

The number and arrangement of devices and systems shown in <FIG> is provided as an example. There may be additional devices and/or systems, fewer devices and/or systems, different devices and/or systems, or differently arranged devices and/or systems than those shown in <FIG>. Furthermore, two or more devices and/or systems shown in <FIG> may be implemented within a single device and/or system, or a single device and/or system shown in <FIG> may be implemented as multiple, distributed devices and/or systems. Additionally, or alternatively, a set of devices and/or systems (e.g., one or more devices or systems) of environment <NUM> may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of devices and/or systems of environment <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG> is a diagram of example components of a device <NUM>. Device <NUM> may correspond to sensor assembly <NUM> and/or remote computing device <NUM>. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, sensor assembly <NUM> and/or remote computing device <NUM> may include at least one device <NUM> and/or at least one component of device <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, device <NUM> may include bus <NUM>, processor <NUM>, memory <NUM>, storage component <NUM>, input component <NUM>, output component <NUM>, and/or communication interface <NUM>.

Bus <NUM> may include a component that permits communication among the components of device <NUM>. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, processor <NUM> may be implemented in hardware, firmware, or a combination of hardware and software. For example, processor <NUM> may include a processor (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an accelerated processing unit (APU), etc.), a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and/or any processing component (e.g., a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.), and/or the like, which can be programmed to perform a function. Memory <NUM> may include a random-access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), and/or another type of dynamic or static storage device (e.g., a flash memory, a magnetic memory, an optical memory, etc.) that stores information and/or instructions for use by processor <NUM>.

Input component <NUM> may include a component that permits device <NUM> to receive information, such as via user input (e.g., a touch screen display, a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a button, a switch, a microphone, etc.). Additionally, or alternatively, input component <NUM> may include a sensor for sensing information (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS) component, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, an actuator, etc.). Output component <NUM> may include a component that provides output information from device <NUM> (e.g., a display, a speaker, one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs), etc.).

Communication interface <NUM> may include a transceiver-like component (e.g., a transceiver, a separate receiver and transmission source, etc.) that enables device <NUM> to communicate with other devices, such as via a wired connection, a wireless connection, or a combination of wired and wireless connections. Communication interface <NUM> may permit device <NUM> to receive information from another device and/or provide information to another device. For example, communication interface <NUM> may include an Ethernet interface, an optical interface, a coaxial interface, an infrared interface, a radio frequency (RF) interface, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a Wi-Fi interface, a cellular network interface, and/or the like.

Device <NUM> may perform one or more processes described herein. Device <NUM> may perform these processes based on processor <NUM> executing software instructions stored by a computer-readable medium, such as memory <NUM> and/or storage component <NUM>. A computer-readable medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable medium) is defined herein as a non-transitory memory device. A memory device includes memory space located inside of a single physical storage device or memory space spread across multiple physical storage devices.

Thus, embodiments or aspects described herein are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software.

Memory <NUM> and/or storage component <NUM> may include data storage or one or more data structures (e.g., a database, etc.). Device <NUM> may be capable of receiving information from, storing information in, communicating information to, or searching information stored in the data storage or one or more data structures in memory <NUM> and/or storage component <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG> is a diagram of example components of medical device <NUM> (and/or medical device <NUM>). For example, medical device <NUM> may include body <NUM>, connector <NUM>, connector tip <NUM>, and connector end <NUM>. Connector end <NUM> may be located at a distal end of connector tip <NUM> of connector <NUM> opposite of connector body <NUM>. A center C of connector <NUM> (e.g., a center C of a cross sectional area A defined by connector end <NUM>, etc.) may correspond to the longitudinal axis of connector <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, in a case of a sensor assembly <NUM> that completely surrounds connector <NUM> of medical device <NUM>, a center C of sensor assembly <NUM> (e.g., a center C of a cross sectional area A defined by a distal end of sensor assembly <NUM>, etc.) may correspond to the longitudinal axis of sensor assembly <NUM> and/or connector <NUM>. Connector <NUM> of medical device <NUM> may be configured to physically connect (e.g., mate, attach, lock, press-fit, etc.) to a complementary connector <NUM> of another medical device <NUM>. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, connector <NUM> includes a needleless connector (e.g., the BD MaxZero™ connector, etc.), a Luer connector, a catheter end connection, and/or the like.

As further shown in <FIG>, sensor assembly <NUM> may surround connector <NUM> of medical device <NUM>. For example, sensor assembly <NUM> may surround connector <NUM> of medical device <NUM> at connector tip <NUM> (e.g., at a distal end of connector <NUM> proximate connector end <NUM>). In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, sensor assembly <NUM> may completely surround connector <NUM> of medical device <NUM>. For example, sensor assembly <NUM> may have a ring shape as shown in <FIG>. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, sensor assembly <NUM> may only partially surround connector <NUM> of medical device <NUM>. For example, sensor assembly <NUM> may have a C-shape. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, sensor assembly <NUM> may be removably attached to connector <NUM> (e.g., removably attached to connector tip <NUM>, etc.). In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, sensor assembly <NUM> may be integrally formed with connector <NUM> (e.g., integrally formed with connector tip <NUM>, etc.).

In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, medical device <NUM> (and/or medical device <NUM>) may include additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than those shown in <FIG>.

Referring now to <FIG> is a diagram of example components of sensor assembly <NUM>. Sensor assembly <NUM> may include connection sensor <NUM>, indicator <NUM>, and/or wireless communication device <NUM>.

Connection sensor <NUM> may be configured to detect a dimension of an end of another connector <NUM> of another medical device <NUM> when the another connector <NUM> of the another medical device <NUM> is connected to connector <NUM> of medical device <NUM>. For example, the detected dimension may include at least one of (i) a distance of an outer edge of end <NUM> of the another connector <NUM> of the another medical device <NUM> from the center C of the connector <NUM> of medical device <NUM> and (ii) the cross sectional area A of the end <NUM> of the another connector <NUM> of the another medical device <NUM>. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, connection sensor <NUM> may be configured to detect a connection and/or a disconnection of medical device <NUM> from another medical device <NUM>. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, connection sensor <NUM> may include a force sensor and/or an optical sensor.

Indicator <NUM> may be configured to provide at least one of an audio indication and a visual indication associated with the dimension of the end <NUM> of the another connector <NUM> of the another medical device <NUM>. For example, indicator <NUM> may include an LED, a vibrating element, a speaker, and/or the like. As an example, indicator <NUM> may output different colors of LED light and/or different sounds to indicate different dimensions or types of the another medical device <NUM>. In such an example, a first output of indicator <NUM> (e.g., a blue light, etc.) may correspond to a first type of medical device (e.g., a syringe, a particular syringe size, etc.) associated with the detected dimension, a second output of indicator <NUM> (e.g., a green light, etc.) may correspond to a second type of medical device different than the first type of medical device (e.g., a disinfecting cap, a different sized syringe, etc.) associated with the detected dimension, and/or an nth output of indicator <NUM> (e.g., a red light, etc.) may correspond to an nth type of medical device different than the first type and second types of medical device (e.g., a catheter, a further different sized syringe, etc.) associated with the detected dimension.

Wireless communication device <NUM> may be configured to communicate information associated with the dimension of the end <NUM> of the another connector <NUM> of the another medical device <NUM> (and/or the type of the another medical device <NUM>) to remote computing device <NUM>. For example, wireless communication device <NUM> may communicate an indication of the dimension of the end <NUM> of the another connector <NUM> of the another medical device <NUM> and/or an indication of a type of the another medical device <NUM>. As an example, wireless communication device <NUM> may communicate an indication of a connection of another medical device <NUM> to medical device <NUM> and/or a time associated therewith and/or an indication of a disconnection of another medical device <NUM> from medical device <NUM> and/or a time associated therewith. In some non-limiting embodiments, wireless communication device <NUM> is configured to communicate the information continuously, periodically, and/or in response to at least one of the following: receiving a polling signal from remote computing device <NUM> and/or another sensor assembly <NUM>, actuation of connection sensor <NUM>, or any combination thereof.

In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, connection sensor <NUM>, indicator <NUM>, and/or wireless communication device <NUM> are sealed from the environment and/or self-contained. For example, connection sensor <NUM>, indicator <NUM>, and/or wireless communication device <NUM> may be sealed within and/or integrally formed within a water-impermeable coating (e.g., within a polyimide washer, etc.). In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, connection sensor <NUM>, indicator <NUM>, and/or wireless communication device <NUM> are sealed within and/or integrally formed within medical device <NUM>.

In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, sensor assembly <NUM> may include additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than those shown in <FIG>. Additionally, or alternatively, a set of components (e.g., one or more components) of sensor assembly <NUM> may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of components of device <NUM>.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of an implementation <NUM> relating to sensor assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, sensor assembly <NUM> may be the same as or similar to sensor assembly <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, sensor assembly <NUM> may include a force sensor <NUM>. Force sensor <NUM> may include a plurality of switches <NUM> and/or a water impermeable coating <NUM>. The plurality of switches <NUM> may be arranged at different distances from the center C of connector <NUM> of medical device <NUM>. Each switch of the plurality of switches <NUM> may be configured to be actuated in response to a physical force applied to that switch to connect and/or break a flow of electricity through that switch.

The plurality of switches <NUM> may include a plurality of conductive circuits <NUM> surrounding connector <NUM> of medical device <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the plurality of conductive circuits may include a plurality of concentric rings 506a (e.g., copper rings, etc.) on a flexible circuit board 506b.

The plurality of switches <NUM> may include a flexible layer of conductive or semi-conductive material <NUM> on the plurality of conductive circuits <NUM>. For example, the flexible layer of conductive or semi-conductive material <NUM> may include a force-sensing resistor or a carbon and/or graphite infused polymer. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the flexible layer of conductive or semi-conductive material <NUM> may include a flexible copper layer, a flexible silver powder coating, and/or the like. The flexible layer of conductive or semi-conductive material <NUM> may, in response to a physical pressure applied thereto, open or close one or more of the plurality of conductive circuits <NUM> to actuate one or more of the plurality of switches <NUM> to connect or break a flow of electricity through those switches. For example, application of a physical pressure to the flexible layer of conductive or semi-conductive material <NUM> above (e.g., immediately above, etc.) a conductive circuit <NUM> may actuate a switch <NUM> corresponding to that conductive circuit <NUM>, whereas a lack of a physical pressure applied to the flexible layer of conductive or semi-conductive material <NUM> above the conductive circuit <NUM> may not actuate the switch <NUM> corresponding to that conductive circuit <NUM>. As an example, the plurality of conductive circuits <NUM> arranged at different distances from the center C of connector <NUM> of medical device <NUM> (e.g., as concentric ring circuits, etc.) enable the flexible layer of conductive or semi-conductive material <NUM> to open or close different ones of those conductive circuits <NUM> in response to the application of a physical pressure from ends <NUM> of connectors <NUM> of another medical devices <NUM> having different dimensions (e.g., different distances of outer edges of the ends <NUM> of another connectors <NUM> of another medical devices <NUM> from the center C of the connector <NUM> of medical device <NUM>, different cross sectional areas A of ends <NUM> of another connectors <NUM> of another medical devices <NUM>, etc.). In such an example, actuation of a furthest switch of the plurality of switches <NUM> from the center C of the connector <NUM> of the medical device <NUM> may be associated with the dimension of the end <NUM> of the another connector <NUM> of the another medical device <NUM>.

The plurality of switches <NUM> may include a plurality of conductive circuits <NUM> surrounding connector <NUM> of medical device <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the plurality of conductive circuits may include a plurality of concentric rings 606a (e.g., copper rings, etc.) on a flexible circuit board 606b.

The plurality of switches <NUM> may include one or more spring loaded metallic rings <NUM> on the plurality of conductive circuits. The one or more spring loaded metallic rings <NUM> may, in response to a physical pressure applied thereto, open or close one or more of the plurality of conductive circuits <NUM> to actuate one or more of the plurality of switches <NUM> to connect or break a flow of electricity through those switches. For example, application of a physical pressure to a spring loaded metallic ring <NUM> above (e.g., immediately above, etc.) a conductive circuit <NUM> may actuate a switch <NUM> corresponding to that conductive circuit <NUM>, whereas a lack of a physical pressure applied to a spring loaded metallic ring <NUM> above the conductive circuit <NUM> may not actuate the switch <NUM> corresponding to that conductive circuit <NUM>. As an example, the plurality of conductive circuits <NUM> arranged at different distances from the center C of connector <NUM> of medical device <NUM> (e.g., as concentric ring circuits, etc.) enable one or more spring loaded metallic rings <NUM> to open or close different ones of those conductive circuits <NUM> in response to the application of a physical pressure from ends <NUM> of connectors <NUM> of another medical devices <NUM> having different dimensions (e.g., different distances of outer edges of ends <NUM> of another connectors <NUM> of another medical devices <NUM> from the center C of the connector <NUM> of medical device <NUM>, different cross sectional areas A of ends <NUM> of another connectors <NUM> of another medical devices <NUM>, etc.). In such an example, actuation of a furthest switch of the plurality of switches <NUM> from the center C of the connector <NUM> of the medical device <NUM> may be associated with the dimension of the end <NUM> of the another connector <NUM> of the another medical device <NUM>.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of an implementation <NUM> relating to sensor assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, sensor assembly <NUM> may be the same as or similar to sensor assembly <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, sensor assembly <NUM> may include a force sensor <NUM>. Force sensor <NUM> may include a plurality of switches <NUM> and/or a water impermeable coating <NUM>. The plurality of switches <NUM> may include a plurality of conductive circuits <NUM> surrounding connector <NUM> of medical device <NUM>. The plurality of switches <NUM> may include a flexible layer <NUM> on the plurality of conductive circuits <NUM> (e.g., a flexible layer of conductive or semi-conductive material on the plurality of conductive circuits <NUM>, one or more spring loaded metallic rings on the plurality of conductive circuits <NUM>, etc.). In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, force sensor <NUM> may be the same as or similar to force sensor <NUM> or force sensor <NUM>. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the plurality of switches <NUM> may be the same as or similar to the plurality of switches <NUM> or the plurality of switches <NUM>. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, water impermeable coating <NUM> may be the same as or similar to water impermeable coating <NUM> or water impermeable coating <NUM>. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the plurality of conductive circuits <NUM> may be the same as or similar to the plurality of conductive circuits <NUM> or the plurality of conductive circuits <NUM>. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, flexible layer <NUM> may be the same as or similar to flexible layer of conductive or semi-conductive material <NUM> on the plurality of conductive circuits <NUM>, one or more spring loaded metallic rings <NUM> on the plurality of conductive circuits <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, force sensor <NUM> may include a layer of anisotropic elastic material <NUM> on flexible layer <NUM>. For example, the layer of anisotropic elastic material <NUM> may have an orientation of stress transmission such that a force applied to the layer of anisotropic elastic material <NUM> in a direction along the longitudinal axis of medical device <NUM> is transmitted by the layer of anisotropic elastic material <NUM> to flexible layer <NUM>, which may enable a physical force to be transmitted through a distance to flexible layer <NUM>. As an example, the layer of anisotropic elastic material <NUM> may include an extruded material including polymer chains oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of medical device <NUM> (e.g., oriented along an axis orthogonal to a distal surface of flexible layer <NUM>). In such an example, the layer of anisotropic elastic material <NUM> may protect the flexible layer <NUM> when devices are attached to medical device <NUM> and transmit forces uniaxially from the attached devices to appropriate portions of the flexible layer <NUM>. For example, preferred material properties may be such that when an device of certain geometry and cross section is attached to the needleless connector, the layer of anisotropic elastic material <NUM> faithfully transmits the approximate pressure distribution, which is impressed on the flexible layer <NUM>.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of an implementation <NUM> relating to sensor assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, sensor assembly <NUM> may be the same as or similar to sensor assembly <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, sensor assembly <NUM> may include an optical sensor <NUM> and/or a water impermeable coating <NUM>. For example, optical sensor <NUM> may be configured to detect at least one of (i) a distance of an outer edge of the end of the another connector of the another medical device from a center of the connector of the medical device and (ii) a cross sectional area of the end of the another connector of the another medical device. As an example, optical sensor <NUM> may detect attachment of objects of interest based on reflection of an interrogation optical beam from the object of interest. As an example, optical sensor <NUM> may include a light sensor, a camera, a color sensor, and/or the like. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, sensor assembly <NUM> may include optical sensor <NUM> and force sensor <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, a process <NUM> is shown for identifying device connections in a connection area. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, one or more of the steps of process <NUM> may be performed (e.g., completely, partially, etc.) by sensor assembly <NUM> and/or remote computing device <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, at step <NUM>, process <NUM> includes detecting a dimension of an end of a connector of a medical device. For example, sensor assembly <NUM> may detect a dimension of an end of a connector of a medical device. As an example, sensor assembly <NUM> may detect, with connection sensor <NUM> surrounding connector <NUM> of medical device <NUM>, a dimension of an end <NUM> of another connector <NUM> of another medical device <NUM> when the another connector <NUM> of the another medical device <NUM> is connected to the connector <NUM> of the medical device <NUM> (e.g., when the another connector <NUM> of the another medical device <NUM> is connected to the connector <NUM> of the medical device <NUM>, when the another connector <NUM> of the another medical device <NUM> is being connected to the connector <NUM> of the medical device <NUM>, etc.).

As shown in <FIG>, at step <NUM>, process <NUM> includes determining a type of medical device based on a detected dimension. For example, sensor assembly <NUM> and/or remote computing device <NUM> may determine a type of medical device based on a detected dimension. As an example, sensor assembly <NUM> and/or remote computing device <NUM> may determine a type of the another medical device <NUM> based on the detected dimension. In such an example, sensor assembly <NUM> and/or remote computing device <NUM> may access a look-up table that correlates dimensions of ends <NUM> of connectors <NUM> of medical devices <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g., distances of outer edges of the ends of connectors of medical devices from a center of the connector of the medical device, cross sectional areas of ends of connectors of medical devices, one or more actuated switches, etc.) to types of medical devices associated with those dimensions.

As shown in <FIG>, at step <NUM>, process <NUM> includes providing an indication of a type of a medical device. For example, sensor assembly <NUM> and/or remote computing device <NUM> may provide an indication of a type of a medical device. As an example, sensor assembly <NUM> and/or remote computing device <NUM> may provide at least one of an audio indication and a visual indication associated with the dimension of the end of the another connector of the another medical device.

As shown in <FIG>, at step <NUM>, process <NUM> includes communicating information associated with a detected dimension. For example, sensor assembly <NUM> and/or remote computing device <NUM> may communicate information associated with a detected dimension. As an example, sensor assembly <NUM> and/or remote computing device <NUM> may communicate, with a wireless communication device, to a remote computing device <NUM>, information associated with at least one of (i) the dimension of the end of the another connector of the another medical device and (ii) a connection or a disconnection of the medical device <NUM> to or from the another medical device <NUM>. In such an example, the information associated with a detected dimension may indicate a connection state of medical device <NUM> and another medical device <NUM>. For example, information can indicate a connected state, a disconnected state, a level of connection of between medical device <NUM> and another medical device <NUM>, and/or a time associated therewith.

It is noted herein that in addition to the detection of various states of connection/disconnection, the system can also be utilized to monitor preparation and/or maintenance of a fluid path. For example, other events that can be captured include disinfection of a device of the system, capping/decapping of a device of the system, and monitoring placement of a device into or out of the system (such as monitoring placement of a catheter securement device). It is also contemplated herein that the system can detect additional disinfection processes, such as the preparation of an IV site with an antimicrobial agent.

As shown in <FIG>, at step <NUM>, process <NUM> includes monitoring and/or controlling one or more medical devices based on information associated with a detected dimension. For example, remote computing device <NUM> may monitor and/or control one or more medical devices based on information associated with a detected dimension.

In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, remote computing device <NUM> may control a flow of a fluid in a fluid flow path including medical device <NUM> and another medical device <NUM> based on the information associated with the detected dimension. For example, remote computing device <NUM> can issue an alert and/or control one or more devices in the fluid flow path to stop the fluid flow and/or adjust the fluid flow, e.g., using one or more electronically controlled valves, based on the information associated with the detected dimension (e.g., in response to information indicating that medical device <NUM> and another medical device <NUM> in the fluid flow path have been disconnected, in response to information that an incompatible medical device <NUM> has been connected to medical device <NUM>, etc.).

In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, remote computing device <NUM> may receive a patient identifier associated with a patient, receive a medication identifier of a medication to be delivered to the patient via a fluid flow path including medical device <NUM> and/or another medical device <NUM>, associate the patient identifier and the medication identifier with medical device <NUM> and/or another medical device <NUM> in the fluid flow path, and control the flow of the fluid in the fluid flow path based at least partially on the patient identifier, the medication identifier, and/or the information associated with the detected dimension. As an example, remote computing device <NUM> may determine at least one of the following: a connection state at a point of entry of a fluid flow path, a volume of fluid in the fluid flow path and/or at a point of entry based on a determined device type, a type of fluid or medication in the fluid flow path and/or at the point of entry, a flow rate of fluid in the fluid flow path and/or at a point of entry based on the determined device type and/or medication type, or any combination thereof. For example, remote computing device <NUM> may compare medication, medication dosage, medication delivery route, and/or medication delivery time determined based on the patient identifier, the medication identifier, and/or the information associated with the detected dimension to an approved patient, approved medication, approved medication dosage, approved medication delivery route, and/or approved medication delivery time associated with the patient identifier and/or the medication identifier to reduce medication administration errors. The remote computing device <NUM> can issue an alert and/or control one or more devices in the flow path to stop fluid flow and/or adjust fluid flow based on the patient identifier, the medication identifier, and/or the information associated with the detected dimension. For example, if a medication sensed at a point of entry in the fluid flow path is determined to be an improper medication for the patient, an improper dosage for the patient and/or medication, an improper medication delivery route for the patient and/or medication (e.g., improper point of entry to the fluid flow path), and/or an improper medication delivery time for the patient and/or medication, the remote computing device <NUM> can issue an alert and/or control one or more devices in the flow path to stop the fluid flow.

Claim 1:
A sensor assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
a sensor which, in use, surrounds a connector (<NUM>) of a medical device (<NUM>), wherein the sensor is configured to detect a dimension of an end (<NUM>) of another connector (<NUM>) of another medical device (<NUM>) when the another connector (<NUM>) of the another medical device (<NUM>) is connected to the connector (<NUM>) of the medical device (<NUM>), characterized in that the sensor includes a force sensor (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), the force sensor (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) including a plurality of switches (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) arranged at different distances from a center (C) of the connector (<NUM>) of the medical device (<NUM>), each switch of the plurality of switches (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) being configured to be actuated in response to a physical force applied to that switch, the plurality of switches (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) including a plurality of conductive circuits (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) surrounding the connector (<NUM>) of the medical device (<NUM>), the plurality of conductive circuits (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) including a plurality of concentric rings (506a, 606a), the plurality of switches (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) including a flexible layer of conductive or semi-conductive material (<NUM>) on the plurality of conductive circuits (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), and wherein the detected dimension includes at least one of (i) a distance of an outer edge of the end (<NUM>) of the another connector (<NUM>) of the another medical device (<NUM>) from a center (C) of the connector (<NUM>) of the medical device (<NUM>) and (ii) a cross sectional area of the end (<NUM>) of the another connector (<NUM>) of the another medical device (<NUM>).