Drop controller
Patent 4460353 Issued on July 17, 1984. Estimated Expiration Date: 
July 17, 2001. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
July 17, 2001. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent References 3609379 3623052 Automatic low throughput metering apparatus for selecting and controlling the flow rate of liquids Liquid flow control apparatus Automated intravenous fluid regulating and administering apparatus System for controlling the flow of intravenous fluids to a patient Apparatus for controlling the flow of intravenous fluid to a patient Drop controller Patent #: 4314567 InventorsAssigneeApplicationNo. 06/185378 filed on 09/08/1980US Classes:604/31, By self-acting means or condition responsive sensor604/34, Deformable occluding tube valve604/67Sensor controls pump, motor, or pressure driven meansExaminersPrimary: Kamm, William E.Assistant: Hanley, John C. Attorney, Agent or FirmInternational ClassesA61M 5/168 (20060101)G01F 1/704 (20060101) G01F 1/708 (20060101) G01F 25/00 (20060101) G01F 13/00 (20060101) AbstractApparatus controls the rate of passage of fluid drops through a drip controller in accordance with a preset rate. When the rate of passage of the fluid drops is less than the preset rate, a stepper motor is incrementally operated at progressive instants of time to open the drip chamber until the measured rate is equal to the preset rate. When the rate of passage of the fluid drops is greater than the preset rate, the stepper motor is operated instantaneously to close the passage through a number of increments corresponding to the difference in the measured and preset rates.An alarm is energized when the stepper motor is positioned to provide for a maximum flow of fluid and the rate is still below the preset rate. An alarm is also energized when the passage is closed and the preset rate indicates a desired flow of fluid.An emergency motor is also provided to control the opening in the passage. Before the operation of the apparatus is instituted, the stepper motor is operated to close the drip chamber. The emergency motor is then operated to open the drip chamber and thereafter close the drip chamber. The emergency motor may thereafter be operated to close the passage when the drop controller fails to meet certain standards. | |
