System for detecting and reporting fluid levels in an infusion device

Abstract

This disclosure addresses a monitoring device for an infusion system. The device is typically used with an infusion device utilizing a clear reservoir bag holding the supplied fluid. The device uses light sources and sensors to accurately determine the level of the fluid, the amount of fluid being supplied, and when replenishment of the fluid is required. In addition, the device may utilize ultrasound sources and sensors as backups to the light system. The device further includes a data processing module that gathers, stores, and reports data relative to the fluid flow properties of the infusion device.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system adapted to monitor a fluid level in an infusion bag, comprising:
 an infusion bag that holds a fluid to be supplied to a patient,   at least one light source positioned on a first side of the infusion bag,   at least two light sensors positioned on a second side of the infusion bag,   a control system including means to trigger the at least one light source, to receive signals from the light sensors, and to transmit information to reporting and warning modules; wherein
 when fluid is present in a line of travel of light from the first light source, the light is diffracted and detected by a first one of the light sensors, and 
 when fluid is not present in the line of travel of light from the first light source, the light is not diffracted and is detected by a second one of the light sensors, the system thereby detecting a level of the fluid in the infusion bag. 
   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the light sources and the light sensors are configured as a stationary array.   
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the control system is in communication with a reporting / warning module.   
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein:
 the reporting / warning module generates reports regarding the overall system performance, and triggers warnings for personnel monitoring the system when predetermined conditions occur.   
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the control system is in communication with a noise management module.   
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein:
 the noise management module mitigates difficulties caused by extraneous factors such as movement or vibration of the infusion bag.   
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein:
 the noise management module analyzes a signal from an accelerometer to determine if the infusion bag is moving.   
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein:
 the noise management module analyzes signals from the light sensors to determine if a vibration has affected the detection of the fluid level.   
     
     
         9 . A system adapted to monitor a fluid level in an infusion bag, comprising:
 an infusion bag that holds a fluid to be supplied to a patient,   at least one light source positioned on a first side of the infusion bag,   at least two light sensors positioned on a second side of the infusion bag, 
 a control system including means to trigger the at least one light source, to receive signals from the light sensors, and to transmit information to reporting and warning modules; wherein
 when fluid is present in a line of travel of light from the first light source, the light is diffracted and detected by a first one of the light sensors, and 
 when fluid is not present in the line of travel of light from the first light source, the light is not diffracted and is detected by a second one of the light sensors, the system thereby detecting a level of the fluid in the infusion bag. 
 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein:
 the light sources and the light sensors are configured as a stationary array.   
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein:
 the reporting / warning module generates reports regarding the overall system performance, and triggers warnings for personnel monitoring the system when predetermined conditions occur.   
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein:
 the control system is in communication with a noise management module.   
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein:
 the noise management module mitigates difficulties caused by extraneous factors such as movement or vibration of the infusion bag.   
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein:
 the noise management module analyzes a signal from an accelerometer to determine if the infusion bag is moving.   
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein:
 the noise management module analyzes signals from the light sensors to determine if a vibration has affected the detection of the fluid level.