IV membrane attachment systems and methods

A method for manufacturing a drip unit for an intravenous delivery system, the method comprising:

• providing an exterior wall shaped to at least partially define a drip chamber capable of receiving a liquid from a liquid source, the exterior wall comprising a seat;
• providing an anti-run-dry membrane comprising a plurality of pores that are permeable to the liquid, wherein the anti-run-dry membrane is formed of a hydrophilic material configured to resist passage of air through the pores, the anti-run-dry membrane comprising a weld surface;
• positioning the anti-run-dry membrane within the drip chamber such that the weld surface is in contact with the seat;
• with a laser, directing coherent light to a laser impingement area proximate a juncture between the seat and the weld surface;
• moving the laser impingement area along the juncture, in a closed pathway such that the weld surface adheres to the seat along the pathway;
• and
• in response to motion of the laser impingement area along the juncture, causing the weld surface to adhere to the seat along the pathway to provide a seal between the seat and the weld surface, wherein the seal is positioned to cause fluid flowing from an upper part of the drip chamber to a lower part of the drip chamber to flow through the anti-run-dry membrane.

A method for manufacturing a drip unit for an intravenous delivery system, the method comprising:

• providing an exterior wall shaped to at least partially define a drip chamber capable of receiving a liquid from a liquid source, the exterior wall comprising a seat;
• providing an anti-run-dry membrane comprising a plurality of pores that are permeable to the liquid, wherein the anti-run-dry membrane is formed of a hydrophilic material configured to resist passage of air through the pores, the anti-run-dry membrane comprising a weld surface;
• positioning the anti-run-dry membrane within the drip chamber such that the weld surface is in contact with the seat;
• moving an ultrasonic welding horn into contact with at least one of the anti-run-dry membrane and the exterior wall;
• and
• with the ultrasonic welding horn, applying vibration to at least one of the seat and the weld surface;
• in response to application of the vibration, causing the weld surface to adhere to the seat.