Temperature Sensing Device for Selectively Measuring Temperature at Desired Locations Along an Intravenous Fluid Line

Abstract

A temperature sensing device measures the temperature of a fluid at selected locations along an IV fluid line. The device is secured to a selected portion of the IV line and includes a temperature sensor for measuring fluid flowing within that line. The device is coupled to a temperature display device to display the measured temperature. The temperature sensing device may include: a housing with a lower cover to engage the line and a temperature sensor; a holder movable along the line and including a temperature sensor; a housing with a lower member including a tip to pierce and measure temperature of fluid within the line; a resilient member with a spiral configuration and a tip to pierce and measure temperature of fluid within the line; a ‘T’-type fitting including a temperature sensor; or a ‘Y’-type fitting including a temperature sensor in the form of a needle.

1 - 13 . (canceled) 
   
   
       14 . A temperature sensing device for measuring temperature of a fluid flowing within an intravenous fluid line at selected locations along said fluid line, said device comprising:
 a fitting including:
 first and second open ends each securable to selected portions of said fluid line; 
 a passage disposed within said fitting and extending between said first and second open ends to permit fluid flowing within said fluid line to flow through said fitting; and 
 a connection port disposed on an exterior surface of said fitting and in fluid communication with said passage; and 
   a temperature sensor disposed within said connection port to measure temperature of fluid flowing through said fitting.   
   
   
       15 - 33 . (canceled) 
   
   
       34 . A method of measuring temperature of a fluid flowing within an intravenous fluid line at selected locations along said fluid line via a temperature sensing device including a fitting including first and second open ends, a passage disposed within said fitting and extending between said first and second open ends to permit fluid flowing within said fluid line to flow through said fitting and a connection port disposed on an exterior surface of said fitting and in fluid communication with said passage, and a temperature sensor to measure temperature of fluid flowing through said fitting, said method comprising the steps of:
 (a) securing said first and second ends of said fitting to selected portions of said fluid line; and   (b) measuring a temperature of fluid flowing through said fitting via said temperature sensor.   
   
   
       35 - 58 . (canceled)