Pressure sensor seal and method of use
AssigneeZevex, Inc.
InventorsKent Beck, Philip Eggers
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A pressure sensor and method of use provides for the detection of a sudden increase or decrease of pressure within tubing during the administration of solutions to a patient. Detection of an occlusion, partial or other significant pressure change in the tubing is accomplished by measuring the compression and/or expansion of the tubing. Transfer of the change in force within the tubing is communicated from the tubing to a sensor by a transfer rod which as a membrane attached thereto to provide a seal thereabout.
Claims23
A pressure sensor system comprising:
- a sensor for determining pressure;
- a movable transfer rod disposed in communication with the sensor for applying force to the sensor, the transfer rod having a first end and a second end;
- and
- a flexible membrane connected to the transfer rod between the first end and the second end;
- wherein the pump is configured for pumping fluid through tubing, the pump having a pump body and wherein the pressure sensor system is attached to a pump body, the pump body having wall defining an opening and wherein the transfer rod is disposed in the opening and the flexible membrane is configured to form a seal in the opening between the transfer rod and the wall.
An infusion pump comprising:
- a pump body, the pump body having a mounting plate for selectively receiving tubing of an infusion set;
- and
- a pressure sensor system comprising a sensor, a transfer rod for conveying pressure from a position adjacent the mounting plate to the sensor, and a flexible membrane attached to mounting plate and the transfer rod to form a seal around the transfer rod.
A method of manufacturing a pressure sensor system, the method comprising the steps of:
- selecting a transfer rod having a first end and a second end;
- selecting a pump having an inner surface and an outer surface;
- connecting the transfer rod to the pump with a flexible membrane so as to form a contamination barrier between the inner and outer surfaces of the pump, the membrane attaching to the transfer rod between the first end and the second end;
- and
- wherein the first end of the transfer rod is oriented to directly contact tubing of an infusion set, and wherein the second end of the transfer rod is disposed adjacent a pressure sensor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.