Flow sensing device and method
AssigneeNvention Ltd.
InventorPaul James Lingane
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Embodiments of the invention provide a device and method of action for a device that abuts the outside of infusion or effusion tubing and uses thermal mass-flow techniques to determine if fluid is flowing or stopped within the tubing. The device includes a housing which carries a heater and temperature sensor arranged such that, when the housing is coupled to the tubing, the heater and temperature sensor are at opposite sides of the tubing wall, in facing relationship. They are for example approximately diametrically opposed, permitting the device to contact the tubing at only one point and so be very compact.
Claims18
A device for sensing a fluid flow through an infusion or effusion tubing line, comprising:
- a housing adapted to removably couple to an outside wall of the tubing line;
- the housing accommodating a heating element and a first temperature sensor;
- and
- a controller operatively coupled to the heating element and the first temperature sensor;
- wherein the housing is adapted to hold the heating element in contact with an outside wall of the tubing line at a first contact area when the housing is coupled to the tubing line, and hold the first temperature sensor in contact with the outside wall of the tubing line at a second contact area when the housing is coupled to the tubing line, the second contact area substantially radially opposite the first contact area across the lumen of the tubing line when the housing is coupled to the tubing line, and
- wherein the controller is adapted to simultaneously:
- control the heating element to dissipate a substantially constant heating power;
- and
- detect a flow parameter or condition based on an output from the first temperature sensor.
A method for sensing fluid flow through an infusion or effusion tubing line, comprising:
- holding a heating element in contact with an outside wall of the tubing line at a first contact area;
- simultaneously holding a first temperature sensor in contact with the outside wall of the tubing line at a second contact area, wherein the second contact area is substantially radially opposite the first contact area across the lumen of the tubing line;
- controlling the heating element such that the heating element dissipates a substantially constant heating power;
- sensing a temperature output from the first temperature sensor while the heating element is active;
- and
- detecting a flow parameter or condition of fluid in the tubing line based on an output from the first temperature sensor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.