Fluid monitoring device with disposable inner liner with sensor integration
AssigneeAlphinity, LLC
InventorsMichael C. Gagne, Steven V. Cates, Dean C. Richards
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A fluid monitoring assembly includes a segment of tubing having a wall defining a lumen through which the fluid passes and a sensor at least partially embedded within a wall of the tubing. The assembly includes a housing having first and second portions connected to one another at a hinge, the housing defining an interior portion configured to hold the segment of tubing and the sensor. The housing may be opened and closed as needed using a fastener.
Claims21
1-30. (canceled)
A method of monitoring the pressure of a fluid flowing in an unreinforced segment of polymer tubing comprising:
- providing a two-part housing having a tubing receiving portion formed between the two-parts, the two-parts connected via one or more hinges and having a pressure sensor mounted in at least one of the two-parts, the pressure sensor having a pressure sensing end;
- placing the unreinforced segment of polymer tubing into the receiving portion of the two-part housing and closing the two-part housing around the unreinforced segment of polymer tubing;
- wherein the pressure sensing end is in physical contact with an external surface of the unreinforced segment of polymer tubing;
- and
- flowing fluid through the unreinforced segment of polymer tubing and measuring the pressure of the fluid using the pressure sensor.
A method of changing tubing within a fluid monitoring assembly comprising a segment of unreinforced polymer tubing comprising a wall defining a lumen through which the fluid passes;
- a pressure sensor in contact with the wall of the tubing;
- and a housing having first and second portions connected to one another at a hinge, the housing defining an interior portion configured to hold the segment of tubing and the sensor, the method comprising:
- opening the housing;
- removing the segment of unreinforced polymer tubing;
- inserting a second segment of unreinforced polymer tubing into the housing;
- and
- closing the housing, wherein closing of the housing contacts with a wall of the second segment of unreinforced polymer tubing.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.