Flow condition sensor assembly for patient infusion device
AssigneeInsulet Corporation
InventorJ. Christopher Flaherty
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A device for delivering fluid to a patient including an exit port assembly adapted to connect to a transcutaneous patient access tool, a flow path extending from the exit port assembly, and a flow condition sensor assembly including a resilient diaphragm having opposing first and second surfaces. The first surface of the diaphragm is positioned against the flow path, and a chamber wall is positioned adjacent the second surface of the diaphragm and defines a sensor chamber against the second surface of the diaphragm. At least one sensor is arranged to provide a threshold signal when the second surface of the diaphragm expands into the chamber in response to at least one predetermined fluid flow condition occurring in the flow path.
Claims97
A device for delivering fluid to a patient, comprising:
- A) an exit port assembly adapted to connect to a transcutaneous patient access tool;
- B) a flow path extending from the exit port assembly;
- and
- C) a flow condition sensor assembly including,
- a resilient diaphragm having opposing first and second surfaces, with the first surface positioned against the flow path,
- a chamber wall positioned adjacent the second surface of the diaphragm and defining a sensor chamber adjacent the second surface of the diaphragm, and
- at least one sensor arranged to provide a threshold signal when the second surface of the diaphragm expands into the chamber in response to at least one predetermined fluid flow condition occurring in the flow path.
A device for delivering fluid to a patient, comprising:
- A) a flow path extending from the exit port assembly;
- B) a flow condition sensor assembly including,
- a resilient diaphragm having opposing first and second surfaces, with the first surface positioned against the flow path,
- a chamber wall positioned adjacent the second surface of the diaphragm and defining a sensor chamber adjacent the second surface of the diaphragm, and
- at least one sensor arranged to provide a threshold signal when the second surface of the diaphragm expands into the chamber by a predetermined amount;
- and
- C) a processor connected to the sensor and programmed to provide a signal indicative of an undesired flow condition upon receiving the threshold signal from the sensor for more than a predetermined maximum period or for less than a predetermined minimum period.
A method for determining a fluid flow condition in a flow path, comprising:
- positioning a first side of a resilient diaphragm against the flow path;
- positioning a chamber wall adjacent a second surface of the diaphragm, the chamber wall defining a sensor chamber adjacent the second surface of the diaphragm;
- providing a threshold signal when the second surface of the diaphragm expands into the chamber by a predetermined amount;
- timing the duration of the threshold signal;
- and
- providing a signal indicative of a predetermined flow condition if the duration of the threshold signal is greater than a predetermined maximum period or less than a predetermined minimum period.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.