Drip chamber with integrated optics.

DRIP CHAMBER WITH INTEGRATED OPTICS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a rectangular drip chamber for an infusion tube with integrated optics, in particular, integrated lenses on one or more drip chamber walls. The present invention relates to an optical imaging system that includes the rectangular drip chamber for the infusion tube with integrated optics.

Background of the Invention

It is well known to use lenses, separated from a cylindrical drip chamber, as part of an optical imaging system for an infusion tube. The light source and the image formation light must pass through the cylindrical wall of the drip chamber when it enters and leaves the drip chamber, respectively, which greatly complicates the optical design of the sub-systems of lighting and imaging (lenses, image sensors, etc.).

Brief Description of the Invention

In accordance with the aspects illustrated herein, a drip chamber is provided for an infusion tube, which includes a first end arranged to receive the drip tube, a second end that includes an outlet port, at least one wall that connects the first and second ends, a space enclosed by the first and second ends and at least one wall and at least one lens integrated with the at least one wall or fixed directly with at least one wall.

In accordance with the aspects illustrated herein, an optical imaging system is provided for use with an infusion device, which includes: at least one light source for emitting a first light, a drip chamber that includes at least one wall connecting the first and second ends of the drip chamber and a space enclosed at least partially by the at least a wall and the first and second ends and at least one lens integrated with at least one wall or fixed directly with at least one wall, the at least one lens is arranged to: transmit the first light to space or to receive the first light transmitted through space. The imaging system includes an optical system that includes at least one image sensor to receive the first light from at least one lens and transmit data characterizing the first light received from the at least one lens, and at least less a programmed processor specially configured to generate, using the data, at least one image of the space.

In accordance with the aspects illustrated herein, a drip chamber is provided for an infusion tube, which includes: a first end arranged to receive a drip tube, a second end including an outlet port and first, second, third and fourth walls that connect the first and second ends. In a cross section orthogonal to a longitudinal axis for the drip tube, the first, second, third and fourth walls form a rectangle that encloses a space.

'Μ

In accordance with the aspects illustrated herein, a method of forming a drip chamber for an infusion tube is provided, which includes: forming a first end arranged to receive a drip tube; forming a second end that includes an exit port; connect the first and second ends with at least one wall, which encloses a space with the first and second ends and the at least one wall; and integrating at least one lens into at least one wall, or directly fixing at least one lens with at least one wall.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Several embodiments are described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, where the corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic side view of an optical formation system with a rectangular drip chamber.

Figure 2 is a schematic top view of an optical formation system with a square drip chamber.

Figure 3 is a schematic side view of an optical forming system with a drip chamber that includes at least one directly integrated or fixed lens.

Figure 4 is a schematic top view of an optical formation system with a drip chamber that includes an integrated or fixed lens directly.

Figure 5 is a schematic side view of an optical forming system with a drip chamber that includes at least one directly integrated or fixed lens; Y

Figure 6 is a schematic top view of an optical forming system that includes at least one directly integrated or fixed lens.

Detailed description of the invention

To begin, it should be appreciated that the equal numbers of the drawings in the different views identify similar structural elements or of similar functionality of the invention. It should be understood that the invention, as claimed, is not limited to the aspects described.

In addition, it should be understood that this description is not limited to the particular methodology, materials or modifications described and as such, may vary. It should also be understood that the terminology used here is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

Unless otherwise defined, all the technical and scientific terms used here have the same meaning as that used by persons skilled in the art to which the invention belongs. It should be understood that any method, device or material similar or equivalent to those described can be used in practice or when testing the invention.

Figure 1 is a schematic side view of an imaging system 100 with a square drip chamber 102.

Figure 2 is a schematic top view of a 100 * ν imaging system with a square drip chamber 102. The following should be considered in the light of Figures 1 and 2. The drip chamber 102 includes an end 104 arranged to receive a drip tube 116 and an end 108 includes an outlet port 110. Chamber 102 includes walls 112, 114, 116 and 118 that connect ends 104 and 108 and enclose a space 120. In a cross section orthogonal to the longitudinal axis LA for the drip tube 106, as shown in Figure 2 for example, the walls 112, 114, 116 and 118 form an enclosed rectangular space 120. In an exemplary embodiment, the rectangle is a square.

System 100 includes a light source 122, and an optical system 123 with at least one lens 124 and at least one image sensor 126. In the example of Figures 1 and 2, the system 123 includes a lens 124A and 124B and image sensors 126A and 126B. The light source is arranged to emit light 130, which is transmitted through space 120 and is received by lenses 124A and 124B. Lens 124A and 124B focus and transmit the light for image sensors 126A and 126B, respectively. Image sensors 126A and 126B receive light from lenses 124A and 124B, respectively, and generate and transmit data 132 that characterize the light received from lenses 124A and 124B, respectively. In the example of Figures 1 and 2, sensors 126A and 126B generate and transmit data 132A and 132B, respectively. Memory element 133 is configured to store instructions 134 executable by computer. Processor 135 is configured to generate instructions, in order to generate, with the use of data

132, at least one image 136 of space 120. In the example of Figures 1 and 2, the processor generates images 136A and 136B of space 120 from data 132A and 132B, respectively.

The term "characterize" refers to the respective data describe or quantify the light, for example, by providing parameters that allow the generation of an image with the use of the respective data. The term "emit light" refers to the fact that the element in question generates light. The term "transmitted by" refers to the light passing through the element in question, for example, the light emitted by the light source 122 passes through the space 120.

In an exemplary embodiment, end E1 of drip tube 106 is located in space 120 and image 136A includes end E1. The processor 135 is configured to execute instructions 134 to analyze the image 136A to determine whether the drop 138 is hanging at the end E1 and to determine the periods 140 of time where the drop 138 is or not hanging at the end E1. Periods of time 140 can be used to identify when a source of fluid, such as a mechanism bag 141 is empty. In an exemplary embodiment, image 136A includes an image of drop 138 pending from end E1 and processor 135 is configured to execute instructions 134 to calculate volume 142 of drop 138 pending, for example, to be used to control flow through the drip chamber 102.

In an exemplary embodiment, the meniscus 144 for the fluid

146 in the drip chamber 102 they are located in space 120 and are included in image 136B. The processor 135 is configured to execute instructions 134 to calculate, from image 136B, the position 148 of the meniscus 144 within the drip chamber 102. Position 148 can be used to control the flow through the drip chamber 102, or when it is determined that the meniscus 144 are absent, indicating a possible air-in-the-line fault condition, the flow through of the drip chamber 102 can be stopped.

In the example of Figures 1 and 2, two lenses and two image sensors are used. It should be understood that only one or the other of the pairs of lenses / image sensors 124A / 126A or 124B / 126B can be used in system 100. It should also be understood that two separate light sources can be used.

Figure 3 is a schematic side view of an optical imaging system 300 with a drip chamber 302 that includes at least one directly integrated or fixed lens.

Figure 4 is a schematic top view of an optical imaging system 300 with a drip chamber 202 that includes at least one directly integrated or fixed lens. The following can be found in Figures 3 and 4. The chamber 202 includes an end 204 arranged to receive the drip tube 206 and an end 208 which includes an outlet port 210. The chamber 202 includes walls 212, 214, 216 and 218 that connect the second ends 204 and 208 and enclose a space 220. In a cross section orthogonal to the longitudinal axis LA for the drip tube 206, for example, as shown in Figure 4, the walls 212, 214, 216 and 218 form a rectangle that encloses a space

220. In an exemplary embodiment, the rectangle is a square. The drip chamber 202 includes at least one lens 221 integrated with at least one of the walls 212, 214, 216 or 218, or is fixed directly with at least one of the walls 212, 214, 216 or 218, as It is described later.

System 300 includes a light source 222 and an optical system 223 with at least one lens 224 and at least one image sensor 226. In the example of Figures 3 and 4, system 223 includes lenses 224A and 224B and image sensors 226A and 226B. The light source is arranged to emit light 230, which is transmitted through space 220 and is received by lenses 224A and 224B. Lenses 224A and 224B focus and transmit the light to image sensors 226A and 226B, respectively. Image sensors 226A and 226B receive light from lenses 224A and 224B, respectively, and generate and transmit 232 data that characterize the light received from lenses 224A and 224B. In the example of Figures 3 and 4, sensors 226A and 226B generate and transmit data 232A and 232B, respectively. Memory element 233 is configured to store instructions 234 executable by computer. Processor 235 is configured to execute instructions 234 to generate, with the use of data 232, at least one image 236 of space 220. In the example of Figures 3 and 4, the processor generates images 236A and 236B of space 220 from data 232A and 232B, respectively.

In Figures 3 and 4, at least one lens 221 is integrated or directly fixed with the wall 212 or 216, for example, and performs other • χ functions in addition to those described above. At least one lens 221 is arranged to transmit light 230 to space 220 or to receive light 230 transmitted through space 220 and to transmit light 230 to lens 224. In the example of Figures 3 and 4, the lens 221A and 221B are placed on the wall 216 and are arranged to receive the light 230 transmitted through the space 220 and focus and transmit the light received to the lenses 224A and 224B, respectively .

In an exemplary embodiment, end E1 of drip tube 206 is located in space 220 and image 236A includes end E1. The processor 235 is configured to execute instructions 234 to analyze the image 236A to determine whether the drop 238 is hanging at the end E1 and to determine the periods 240 of time where the drop 238 is or is not pending at the end E1. Periods 240 of time can be used to identify when the source of fluid, such as a medicine bag 241, is empty. In an exemplary embodiment, the image 236A includes an image of the drop 238 hanging from the end E1 and the processor 235 is configured to execute instructions 234 to calculate the volume 242 of the drop 238 pending, for example, for use in controlling the flow through the drip chamber 202.

In an exemplary embodiment, meniscus 244 for fluid 246 in drip chamber 202 are located in space 220 and are included in image 236B. The processor 235 is configured to execute instructions 234 to calculate, from image 236B, the position 248 of the menisci 244 within the drip chamber 202. The . - e * position 248 can be used to control the flow through the drip chamber 202, or when it is determined that the meniscus 244 are absent, indicating a possible air-in-line fault condition, the flow through the drip chamber 202 can be stopped.

In the example of Figures 3 and 4, two lenses 224 and two image sensors are used. It should be understood that only one or the other of the pairs of lenses / image sensors 224A / 226A or 224B / 226B can be used in system 100. It should also be understood that two separate light sources can be used. In the example of Figures 3 and 4, the lenses 221A and 221B are shown, however, it should be understood that the drip chamber 202 may be equipped with only one or the other of the lenses 221A or 221B.

In an exemplary embodiment, the portion of the wall with which lenses 221A and 221B are integrated or coupled, for example, portions 216A and 216B of wall 216 are flat. For example, the wall 216 includes the outer surface 250 with flat portions 216A and 216B and the lenses 221A or 221B are integrated with the flat portions 216A and 216B or are fixed directly with the flat portions 216A and 216B. In an exemplary embodiment, walls 212 and 216 are flat, essentially parallel to each other and are confronted in directions D1 and D2, respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, the portions 216A and 216B and at least the portions of the walls 212 aligned with the portions 216A and 216B, orthogonal to the longitudinal axis LA for the drip chamber, are flat and essentially parallel to each other, for example, a along the longitudinal axis LA. That is, the light 230 passing through • χ through the lenses 221A and 221B passes through the flat and essentially parallel portions of the wall 212.

Although walls 214 and 218 are shown as flat, forming a square with walls 212 and 216 in Figure 4, it should be understood that walls 214 and 218 are not required to have any particular shape or to form any particular shape of space. 220. It should be understood that although walls 212 and 216 are shown as flat, wall portion 216 does not include portions 216A and 216B, and portions of walls 212 not aligned with portions 216A and 216B orthogonal to the longitudinal axis LA, do not they are required to have no particular form.

It should be understood that lenses 221A and / or 221B can be placed on wall 212, in which case, the above description with respect to wall 216 and wall 212 with portions 216A and 216B and lenses 221A and 221B can be apply on wall 212 and wall 216 that have the lenses and flat portions. It should be understood that only one of the lenses 221A or 221B can be placed in the drip chamber 202, either on the wall 212 or on the wall 216. The single lens 221 can be placed to transmit the light to form an image of the drip tube or transmit the light to form an image of the menisci.

Figure 5 is a schematic side view of an optical imaging system 300 with a drip chamber 302 that includes at least one directly integrated or fixed lens.

Figure 6 is a schematic top view of an optical imaging system 300 with a drip chamber 302 that includes

<img file="MX363759B_D0001.tif" />

at least one integrated or fixed lens directly. The following can be found in Figures 5 and 6. The chamber 302 includes an end 304 arranged to receive the drip tube 306 and an end 308 that includes an outlet port 310. Chamber 302 includes walls 312, 314, 316 and 318 that connect the second ends 304 and 308 and enclose a space 320. In a cross section orthogonal to the longitudinal axis LA for the drip tube 306, for example, as shown in Figure 6, the walls 312, 314, 316 and 318 form a rectangle that encloses a space 320. In an exemplary embodiment, The rectangle is a square. The drip chamber 302 includes at least one lens 321 integrated with at least one of the walls 312 and 318, or is fixed directly with at least one of the walls 312 and 318, as described below. In general, the lenses 321 are in pairs (one on side 312 and the other on side 316) aligned with a line orthogonal to the LA axis. In Figures 5 and 6, two pairs of 321A / C and 321B / D lenses are shown.

System 300 includes a light source 322 and an optical system 323 with at least one lens 324 and at least one image sensor 326. In the example of Figures 5 and 6, system 323 includes 324A and 324B lenses and 326A and 326B image sensors. The light source is arranged to emit light 330, which is transmitted through space 320 and is received by lenses 324A and 324B. The 324A and 324B lenses focus and transmit the light to the image sensors 326A and 326B, respectively. Image sensors 326A and 326B receive light from lenses 324A and 324B, respectively and generate and transmit data 332 that characterize the light received from lenses 324A and 324B.

In the example of Figures 5 and 6, sensors 326A and 326B generate and transmit data 332A and 332B, respectively. Memory element 333 is configured to store instructions 334 executable by computer. The processor 335 is configured to execute instructions 334 to generate, with the use of data 332, at least one image 336 of space 320. In the example of Figures 5 and 6, the processor generates 336A and 336B images of space 320 from data 332A and 332B, respectively.

In Figures 5 and 6, the lenses 321 are integrated or directly fixed with the wall 312 and 316 and perform other functions in addition to those described above. The pair of lenses 321 is arranged to transmit light 330 to space 320 and to receive light 330 transmitted through space 320. In the example of Figures 5 and 6, the lenses 321A and 321C are arranged to receive the light 330 from the source 322 and transmit the light 330 through the space 320 and the lenses 321B and 321D are arranged to receive the transmitted light 330 through space 320 and focus and transmit the received light 320. Thus, lenses 321A and 321C form a pair (the same light passes through both lenses) and lenses 321B and 321D form a pair (the same light passes through both lenses). As shown in Figure 6, the LA axis is located between lenses 321A and 321C and lenses 321B and 321D along plane 337 orthogonal to the LA axis.

In an exemplary embodiment, end E1 of drip tube 306 is located in space 320 and image 336A includes end

E1. Processor 335 is configured to execute instructions 334 to analyze image 336A to determine whether drop 338 is pending at end E1 and to determine periods 340 of time where drop 338 is pending at end E1. Periods 340 of time can be used to identify when the source of fluid, such as a medicine bag 341, is empty. In an exemplary embodiment, the image 336A includes an image of the hanging drop 338 from the end E1 and the processor 335 is configured to execute instructions 334 to calculate the volume 342 of the pending drop 338, for example, for use in controlling the flow through the drip chamber 302.

In an exemplary embodiment, the meniscus 344 for the fluid 346 in the drip chamber 302 are located in space 320 and are included in image 336B. The processor 335 is configured to execute instructions 334 to calculate, from image 336B, the position 348 of the meniscus 344 within the drip chamber 302. Position 348 can be used to control the flow through the drip chamber 302, or when it is determined that the meniscus 344 is absent, indicating a possible air-in-line fault condition, the flow through of the drip chamber 302 can be stopped.

In the example of Figures 5 and 6, two lenses 324 and two image sensors are used. It should be understood that only one or the other of the pairs of lenses / image sensors 324A / 326A or 324B / 326B can be used in the 300 system. It should also be understood that two separate light sources can be used to emit light. In the example of Figures 5 and 6, lenses 321A-D are shown, however, it should be understood that the drip chamber 302 may be equipped with only one or the other pair of lenses 321A / C or 321B / D.

In an exemplary embodiment, the portions of the walls with which lenses 321A-D are integrated or coupled, for example, portions 312A and 312B of the wall 312 are flat. For example, walls 312 and 316 include exterior surfaces 350 with portions 312A and 312B and flat portions 316A and 316B, respectively. Lenses 321A and 321B are integrated with portions 312A and 312B or are fixed directly with portions 312A and 312B, respectively, and lenses 321C and 321D are integrated with portions 316A and 316B or directly fixed with portions 316A and 316B, respectively. Portions 312A and 312B are essentially parallel to each other and portions 312B and 316B are essentially parallel to each other. In an exemplary embodiment, walls 312 and 316 are flat and face in directions D1 and D2, respectively. In the exemplary embodiment, the walls 312 and 316 are flat and are essentially parallel to each other, for example, essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis LA for the drip chamber. Although walls 314 and 318 are shown as flat and form a square with walls 312 and 316 in Figure 6, it should be understood that walls 314 and 318 are not required to have any particular shape or to form any particular shape of the 320 space. It should be understood that although walls 312 and 316 are shown as flat, portions of wall 312 do not include portions 312A and 312B, and portions of wall 316 that do not include portions 316A and 316B are not required to have a particular way

Conveniently, the flat walls for the drip chamber 101, 202 or 302, for example, the flat walls 112 and 116 for the drip chamber 102 eliminate the problem mentioned before the light source and the imaging with light which passes through the cylindrical wall of the drip chamber when it enters and leaves the drip chamber. Thus, the optical design of both lighting systems, for example, light sources 122, 222 or 322 and the optical system, such as system 123, 223 or 323, include components such as lenses 124, 224 or 324 and / or image formers 126, 226 or 326 can be simplified, which reduces the complexity and cost of systems 100, 200 and 300. For example, the drip chamber 302 with portions 312A / 316A and 312B / 316B essentially parallel reduces optical aberrations, such as distortion, astigmatism and comma.

Integrally molding the lens or lenses 221/321 with the drip tubes 206/306 or by attaching the lens or lenses 221/321 directly with the drip tubes 206/306 with advantage, allow higher speeds for the lens or lenses 221/321, without compromising the operation of the lens or lenses 221/321 or attaching the lens or lenses 221/321 directly to the 206/306 drip tubes also reduces the parts count, cost and complexity of the systems 200 / 300. In addition, the lens or lenses 221/321 allow a reduction in the distance between the backlight, such as sources 222/323 and an image sensor, such as 226/326, advantageously reduces the size of the pump infusion that includes drip chamber 202 or 302.

Installing the lens or lenses 221/321 provides an additional degree of freedom in the design of the lighting for the 200/300 system, for example, allows greater control over the spatial and angular flow incident in a drop pending to be illuminated .

It should be understood that any combination of drip chamber configurations, shown in Figures 1 through 6, can be used in a single drip chamber. For example, the drip chamber 202 or 302 may include a pair of lens / sensor 221A / 224A / 226A and a group of lenses / sensors 321B / 321D / 324B / 326B. For example, the drip chamber 200 or 300 may include a lens / sensor group 221B / 225B / 226B and the lens / sensor pair 321A / 321C / 324A / 326A.

The light sources 122, 222 and 322 can be different from each other and can be any light source known in the art, including, without limiting a light emitting diode (LED), a group of LEDs, a laser diode, a lamp incandescent or a fluorescent lamp.

Further details are given below with respect to drip chambers 102, 202 and 302 and / or lenses 221/321. The lenses 221/321 can be any combination of positive or negative, spherical or non-spherical, rotationally symmetric or non-symmetric, or cylindrical. The lens or lenses 221/321 may be a Fresnel lens. The lens or lenses 221/321 may have an optical diffraction element installed thereon or may be replaced by an optical diffraction element. The drip chamber 202/302 with the integrated lens or lenses 221/321 can be manufactured by injection molding. The drip chamber 202/302 with the integrated lens or lenses 221/321 can be made of polymer, such as acrylic, polycarbonate or polystyrene. The cross section of the drip chambers 102, 202 or 302 can be circular, elliptical, rectangular, square or rectangular with radius corners.

In an exemplary embodiment, the drip chamber 202 or 302 includes an installation feature 252 so that the drip chamber can be installed in an infusion pump in a desired manner, for example, so that the lens or lenses 221 or 321 remain properly aligned. In an exemplary embodiment, the drip chamber 202 or 302 includes an alignment feature to ensure that when installed, the optical axis of the drip chamber is co-linear with the axis of the lens or lenses, such as the lens or lenses. 221 or 321, and / or the axis of the light source, such as the 222 or 322 light source. Installation and alignment features can be combined.

The lens or lenses 221 or 321 may be partially recessed within the walls of the drip chamber 202 or 302 so that the overall thickness of the walls does not increase significantly, as well as the thickest part of the lens or lenses 221 or 321. Such a configuration can avoid "sinks" and improves the surface figure of the lens in question.

In an exemplary embodiment, the drip chamber 202 includes installation features, such as features 252A and / or 252B. Features 252A and 252B are used to accurately position lenses 221A and 221B, respectively, on a respective optical axis. The size, shape and location of features 252A and / or 252B are for illustrative purposes only, other sizes, shapes and locations are possible. The above description can also be applied in the drip chamber 302.

The lens or lenses 221 or 321 can be produced as part of the molding process for the drip chamber 202 or 302, or they can be manufactured in separate molding processes and then joined with the drip chamber 202 or 302. The bonding can be done with adhesive or by an ultrasonic or thermal bonding process. The respective prescriptions of the lens or lenses 221 or 321 may be different, resulting in different amplifications of the imager. The different amplifications can be matched with various configurations of the chamber 202 or 302 to improve the operations of imaging droplets of the dropping tube 208 or 308. The interlock type characteristics can be molded onto the drip chamber 202 or 302, which can be detected by the infusion pump, which causes the pump to use different calibrations of constant flow rate in accordance with the amplification detected. A bi-dimensional barcode, such as a QR code, can be installed on the surface of the drip chamber 202 or 302, within the field of view of the imager (but does not block the view of areas of interest, such as drip tube 208 or 308). The code may include information regarding the drip chamber 202 or 302, such as the manufacturer, the date of manufacture, the authentication information, the amplification, the nominal drip rate of the nozzle.

It should be appreciated that the different features and functions described above or alternatives thereof can be combined, conveniently in other systems or applications. Various alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements not foreseen or anticipated by persons skilled in the art can be made, and are also intended to be within the scope of the attached claims.