Patent ID: 8801656

Claim:
An infusion system comprising: at least one sensor; a fluid delivery line comprising an inner passage extending longitudinally within the fluid delivery line, wherein the inner passage comprises: an upstream portion; a downstream portion; and an orifice connecting the upstream portion to the downstream portion; wherein: (1) the infusion system further comprises a pump, the at least one sensor is disposed at the upstream portion, the orifice comprises an orifice inner diameter of 0.508 millimeters (0.020 inches) or smaller, and the upstream portion comprises a first volume which is at least 25 percent smaller than a second volume of fluid delivered by a stroke of the pump; (2) the at least one sensor is disposed at the upstream portion, the orifice comprises the orifice inner diameter of 0.508 millimeters (0.020 inches) or smaller, and an upstream portion inner diameter of the upstream portion is 2.286 millimeters (0.090 inches) or larger; (3) the at least one sensor is disposed at the downstream portion, and the downstream portion comprises a downstream portion inner diameter of 0.508 millimeters (0.020 inches) or smaller; or (4) the at least one sensor is disposed at the upstream portion, and a cross-section of the upstream portion comprises an elliptical shape or a prolate spheroid shape in the shape of a football.