Infusion pump with means for measuring the tube internal diameter

Abstract

An infusion pump system comprising means for measuring internal diameter of an associated pump supply tube formed from a flexible material, such as plastic or rubber. The means for measuring internal diameter may comprise an ultrasound system including at least one transmiter and one receiver, as well as an evaluation unit. Alternatively, a mechanical system may be employed in the form of a counterpressure unit arranged perpendicular to the axis of the supply tube and including a movable plunger and an abutment surface for compression of the supply tube to be measured. A measurement and evaluation unit associated with the counterpressure unit determines the distance traversed by the movable plunger. The internal diameter of the tube may be determined by generating a force-displacement diagram. In accordance with one embodiment, the movable plunger is a pumping rod of a linear peristaltic pump.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.