Flow sensor system and method for using same

A flow sensor system for detecting the presence or absence of flow through a conduit of an enteral feeding system, comprising:

• a channel configured to retain the conduit therein;
• a heat source disposed at a first location at a first portion of the conduit;
• a heat detector disposed at a second location at a second portion of the conduit;
• and
• a controller configured to use temperature data from the first and second locations to detect an occlusion in the conduit.

A flow sensor system for detecting the presence or absence of flow through a conduit of an enteral feeding system, comprising:

• a channel configured to retain the conduit therein;
• a heat source disposed at a first location at a first portion of the conduit, the heat source including an IR LED;
• a photodiode IR sensor at a location proximate the IR LED, wherein the photodiode IR sensor is configured to be illuminated by the IR LED, and whereby the photodiode IR sensor is used to detect the presence of the conduit in the channel;
• a heat detector disposed at a second location at a second portion of the conduit, the heat detector including a thermopile sensor;
• and
• a controller configured to use temperature data from the first and second locations to detect an occlusion in the conduit.