Patent Application
20100225494
The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for monitoring intravenous drips and more specifically to an intravenous fluid outage warning device. However, the device in different sizes serves the same functions for any fluid flow process when a low or empty level exists.
In the infusion of intravenous fluid to a patient for medication or saline for prevention of dehydration, a bag containing the fluid is utilized wherein it is attached to a filter chamber leading to a reservoir having a piece of tubing extending therefrom. The fluid from the tubing is fed into the vein of the patient through a needle provided thereof. During the process, the attending nurse usually conducts frequent monitoring of the fluid level to prevent the possibility of the air in the injection tube entering the blood vessel of the patient when the fluid supply runs dry. Failure to conduct such a routine may result in an air embolism, medical complications or endanger the life of the patient. The monitoring routine, however, consumes a lot of the nurse's time and adds pressure to the his/her usually hectic work schedule.
To solve the aforesaid problem, costly electronic devices for monitoring the rate and duration of intravenous drip have been employed for such purpose. One of these monitoring devices is the flow rate monitor and totalizing count display apparatus disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,321,461. Said U.S Patent describes a flow rate monitor and totalizing count display apparatus that utilizes a pulsed infrared light source and receiver and include alarm means for signaling a no-drop condition and if a preselected count is reached. While this apparatus works effectively in its intended purpose, however its structure is too complicated, difficult and time consuming to operate.
One monitoring device that is quite simpler than the aforementioned is disclosed in Taiwan Patent No. 381494. Said patent includes a housing having a point bar whose top end is inserted into the solution bottle and its outlet communicating with a solution tube. A float being fitted inside the pointed bar being capable of automatically activating a buzzer when lowered at a certain liquid level therein through conductivity of magnets provided at the structure. The problem with this device is that the float and the magnet do not react sensitively with each other due to insufficient buoyancy and magnetic force, such that its function is not precise. The cost of such other devices has limited their use and therefore most patients are left at risk as well as such other devices require electricity to work and leaves field hospital patients at risk.
It is therefore the primary object of the present invention to provide an intravenous fluid outage warning device that can remedy the above drawbacks of the prior art.
Another object is to provide a device wherein a float means is provided in an intravenous fluid chamber, being disposed thereof in a manner wherein it is capable of settling into the mouth of the fluid outlet when the fluid is already consumed. The disposition of the float means on the fluid outlet mouth prevents air from flowing into the patient's vein. Furthermore, the downward movement of the float means with respect to the decreasing level of the fluid in the chamber facilitates movement of a pivoting member thereby completing an electric circuit capable of activating an alerting means provided in the nurse station.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an intravenous fluid outage warning device which is very simple in structure which operates without electricity and therefore can be manufactured at a much lower expense: thereby providing the medical field with the ability to protect all patients receiving intravenous fluids.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention can be fully appreciated upon reading the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
Referring to the drawings, there is shown an intravenous fluid outage warning device generally designated as 10 comprising a hollow body 11 having a fluid chamber 11a in connection with a fluid inlet 12 and fluid outlet 13 provided thereof. Said fluid inlet 12 is being made such that it is capable of connecting with an intravenous fluid containing member IV, and to fluid outlet 13 which is capable of attachment to a standard drip administering means consisting of a drip rate control mechanism M and infusing means N. Said drip rate control mechanism facilitates the flow of drip fluid to the patient's vein through said infusing needle N. Hollow body 11 is preferably provided with a thickened lower portion 14 wherein the upper portion of fluid outlet 13 is passing through. Fluid outlet 13 is preferably cylindrical in shape such that the mouth communicating with the fluid chamber defines a round concave seat S. A float means 15 disposed within fluid chamber 11a being made such that it is capable of floating when there is liquid in the fluid chamber or settles into seat S and plugs the mouth of the fluid outlet once the fluid is already depleted. Float means is preferably made of light floatable material that includes styrofoam and the like. Said float means may be coated with soft foam rubber to provide an airtight seal when it fits with the mouth of the fluid outlet. The foam rubber may be coated with non stickable coating, such as teflon, to prevent the float means from sticking to the fluid outlet surface. Further provided on said hollow body 11 is a tiltable activating member 16 having its inner portion disposed within the fluid chamber and its outer portion capable of communication with an electrical assembly 17 mounted on the hollow body which in turn is capable of transmitting alarm signals to an attendant's station. Said activating member is preferably an elongated piece being held in a sealed manner in the hollow body by a flexible piece 18 such that tilting movement can be facilitated. The activating member 16 is being made such that its outer portion is heavier than the inner portion, such that it assumes an initially tilted position when fluid is contained in the fluid chamber. Such initial tilting position is formed in a manner wherein the outer portion of the activating member is spaced from the electric terminals of the electrical contacts assembly 17 and the inner portion disposed below the float means 15. The gradual depletion of fluid in the fluid chamber shall result in the float means moving down and to be in contact with the inner portion of the activating member, thus causing gradual inverse tilting of the activating member. When the fluid is totally depleted, the float means will be in a position wherein it is resting in seat S with its underside plugging the mouth of the fluid outlet and totally air-sealing it. Also in this position, the activating member is in a totally inversed tilted position wherein its outer portion is in contact with the terminals of the electrical assembly and its inner portion disposed in a downwardly directed manner and abutting the float means. In this position, the alerting means A in the attendant station is activated thereby giving signals to the nurse that the fluid in the fluid containing member is already depleted.
To prevent blocking of the fluid inlet by the float means, a stopper member 19 is provided below the fluid inlet 12 and fixedly held within the hollow body. Electrical assembly 17 is further provided with housing H to prevent dust from coming in and for safety purposes.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61147085 | Jan 2009 | US |
