Fluid monitoring assembly with sensor functionality

A fluid monitoring assembly comprising:

• a segment of replaceable, flexible conduit comprising a wall defining a lumen through which the fluid passes;
• a sensor mount integrally formed with the wall of the segment of replaceable, flexible conduit and extending generally transverse with respect to a longitudinal axis of the segment of replaceable, flexible conduit, the sensor mount including an aperture having a seat formed therein and extending through the sensor mount and into the lumen of the segment of replaceable, flexible conduit, the aperture defining a female shaped inner recess;
• a sensor configured to be removably secured within the sensor mount, the sensor having an elongate body terminating at one end thereof in a sensing portion, the elongate body having a male projection on a portion thereof and configured to rest within the female shaped inner recess when secured within the sensor mount, the elongate body further comprising a flange that rests on the seat and wherein the sensing portion is exposed to the lumen of the segment of replaceable, flexible conduit;
• a housing having first and second portions, wherein an interior portion of the first and second portions are configured to encapsulate the segment of replaceable, flexible conduit, the elongate body of the sensor including the flange, and the sensor mount;
• and
• one or more pinch valves disposed on the housing and configured to pinch the segment of replaceable, flexible conduit.

A method of changing a fluid monitoring assembly comprising a segment of replaceable, flexible conduit comprising a wall defining a lumen through which the fluid passes, a sensor mount integrally formed with the wall of the segment of replaceable, flexible conduit and extending generally transverse with respect to a longitudinal axis of the segment of replaceable, flexible conduit, the sensor mount including an aperture having a seat formed therein and defining female shaped inner surface extending through the sensor mount to the lumen, a sensor configured to be removably secured within the sensor mount, the sensor having an elongate body terminating at one end thereof in a sensing portion, the elongate body having a male projection on a portion thereof and configured to rest within the female shaped inner surface when secured within the sensor mount, the elongate body further comprising a flange that rests on the seat and wherein the sensing portion is exposed to the lumen of the segment of replaceable, flexible conduit, the fluid monitoring assembly further comprising a housing configured to encapsulate the segment of replaceable, flexible conduit, the elongate body of the sensor including the flange, and the sensor mount, the method comprising:

• opening the housing;
• removing at least one of the sensor and the segment of replaceable, flexible conduit;
• inserting a replacement for the removed sensor and/or segment of replaceable, flexible conduit;
• and
• closing the housing.