Automatic detection device for intravenous (IV) drip index, system including the same, and method of use thereof

Abstract

A device for detecting a drip coefficient identifier of an intravenous (IV) tubing set includes a housing having a recess, a drip coefficient sensor, and a drip rate sensor. The recess of the housing is configured to couple the device to a spike of the IV tubing set. The recess is further configured to receive a portion of a drip chamber connected to the spike while the device is coupled to the spike. The drip coefficient sensor is configured to detect the drip coefficient identifier of the IV tubing set while coupled to the spike via the recess, the drip coefficient identifier indicating a drip coefficient of the IV tubing set. The drip rate sensor is configured to detect the drip rate of the IV tubing set while coupled to the spike via the recess.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] For generations, medical facilities have relied on intravenous (IV) therapy to administer hydration, nutrition, and medications to patients around the world. IV therapy requires little more than fluid bags, an intravenous (IV) tubing set, and a catheter. Nevertheless, despite its simplicity, problems exist with IV therapy.

[0002] In many cases, IV therapy requires the administration of IV fluids at a specific flow rate. Without an electronic infusion pump to administer IV fluids according to a programmed therapy, achieving a specific flow rate requires determining the drip factor of the intravenous (IV) tubing set, determining the drip rate of the intravenous (IV) tubing set, and performing on-the-fly calculations. Furthermore, repeated checking of the intravenous (IV) tubing set is required to ensure IV therapy continues at the required flow rate.

[0003] These requirements introduce the potential for human error into IV therapy, especially considering that it is performed in a high-pressure medical environment. Therefore, there is a need for a device capable of determining drip coefficients, drip rates, and flow rates for intravenous (IV) tubing sets. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to various aspects of the technology, a device for detecting a drip coefficient identifier of an intravenous (IV) tubing set includes a housing having a recess, a drip coefficient sensor, and a drip rate sensor. The recess is configured to couple the device to a spike of the intravenous (IV) tubing set. The recess is also configured to receive a portion of a drip chamber connected to the spike while the device is coupled to the spike. The drip coefficient sensor is configured to detect a drip coefficient identifier of the intravenous (IV) tubing set while the device is coupled to the spike via the recess, the drip coefficient identifier indicating a drip coefficient of the intravenous (IV) tubing set. And the drip rate sensor is configured to detect a drip rate of the intravenous (IV) tubing set while the device is coupled to the spike via the recess.

[0005] In accordance with various aspects of the present technology, a system for monitoring the flow rate of an intravenous (IV) tubing set includes a device and a display. The device includes a housing having a recess, a drip coefficient sensor, and a drip rate sensor. The recess is configured to couple the device to a spike of the intravenous (IV) tubing set and to receive a portion of a drip chamber connected to the spike while the device is coupled to the spike. The drip coefficient sensor is configured to detect a drip coefficient identifier of the intravenous (IV) tubing set, the drip coefficient identifier indicating a drip coefficient of the intravenous (IV) tubing set. And the drip rate sensor is configured to detect a drip rate of the intravenous (IV) tubing set. The display is configured to display a flow rate of the intravenous (IV) tubing set, the flow rate being based on the drip coefficient and the drip rate.

[0006] According to various aspects of the present technology, a method of manufacturing a device for detecting a drip coefficient identifier of an intravenous (IV) tubing set includes coupling the device to a spike of the intravenous (IV) tubing set and providing a housing having a recess configured to receive a portion of a drip chamber connected to the spike while the device is coupled to the spike. The method also includes providing a drip coefficient sensor configured to detect a drip coefficient identifier of the intravenous (IV) tubing set while the device is coupled to the spike via the recess, the drip coefficient identifier indicating a drip coefficient of the intravenous (IV) tubing set. The method further includes providing a drip rate sensor configured to detect a drip rate of the intravenous (IV) tubing set while the device is coupled to the spike via the recess.

[0007] It is understood that other configurations of the present technology will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. Various configurations of the present technology are shown and described for purposes of illustration. As will be understood, the present technology is capable of other different configurations and its several details can be modified in various respects without departing from the scope of the present technology. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are illustrative in nature and should not be interpreted as limiting. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] For a better understanding of various embodiments, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings and description. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary device for detecting a drip coefficient identifier and drip rate for an intravenous (IV) tubing set, in accordance with aspects of the present technology. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 illustrates the exemplary device coupled to an exemplary intravenous (IV) tubing set including a spike and drip chamber, in accordance with aspects of the present technology. [Figure 2B]FIG. 1 illustrates the exemplary device coupled to an exemplary intravenous (IV) tubing set including a spike and drip chamber, in accordance with aspects of the present technology. [Figure 2C] FIG. 1 illustrates the exemplary device coupled to an exemplary intravenous (IV) tubing set including a spike and drip chamber, in accordance with aspects of the present technology. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary system for monitoring flow rates of a first intravenous (IV) tubing set and a second intravenous (IV) tubing set, in accordance with aspects of the present technology. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an exemplary electronic system for detecting a drip coefficient identifier of an intravenous (IV) tubing set or monitoring the flow rate of an intravenous (IV) tubing set, in accordance with aspects of the present technology. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009]

[0023] Several embodiments are described, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of various embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, circuits, and networks have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.

[0010] As discussed above, there is a need for devices capable of determining drip coefficients, drip rates, and flow rates for intravenous (IV) tubing sets. The present invention describes devices and systems capable of determining these measurements at a price significantly less than the price of an infusion pump. The present invention also describes methods of using and manufacturing such devices and systems.

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary device 100 that detects a drip coefficient identifier (e.g., drip coefficient identifier 214 of FIGS. 2A-2C ) and a drip rate of an intravenous (IV) tubing set (e.g., intravenous (IV) tubing set 200 of FIGS. 2A-2C ) in accordance with aspects of the present technology. In some embodiments, device 100 can also determine a drip coefficient of the intravenous (IV) tubing set based on the drip coefficient identifier. For example, device 100 may include a processor configured to determine a drip coefficient of the intravenous (IV) tubing set. Additionally, in some embodiments, device 100 can determine a flow rate of the intravenous (IV) tubing set based on the drip coefficient and the drip rate.

[0012] For a given intravenous (IV) tubing set, the "drip factor" refers to the number of drops that must pass through the IV drip chamber to produce 1 mL of IV fluid. For example, if the intravenous (IV) tubing set has a drip factor of 20 drops / mL, each drop that passes through the drip chamber is 1 / 20 mL (i.e., 0.05 mL). Common drip factors include 10, 15, 20, and 60 drops / mL. Furthermore, the drip factor of an intravenous (IV) tubing set can be used in combination with the drip rate of the IV tubing set to determine its flow rate. For example, the following formula may be used to determine the flow rate of an IV tubing set based on dividing the drip rate by the drip factor:

number

[0013] As shown, device 100 includes a housing 101 having a recess 102 formed therein. In some embodiments, recess 102 is configured to couple device 100 to an intravenous (IV) tubing set. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2C , device 100 can be coupled to spike 202 of intravenous (IV) tubing set 200 via recess 102 of device 100. To enhance the coupling between device 100 and the intravenous (IV) tubing set, recess 102 may include a ledge 108. In some embodiments, ledge 108 is configured to rest on a generally horizontal portion of the intravenous (IV) tubing set while device 100 is coupled to the IV tubing set. In some embodiments, the ledge, along with recess 102, is formed from (e.g., as part of) housing 101. An example of this is shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, where the shelf 108 is located above the base of the spike 202 of an intravenous (IV) tubing set 200.

[0014] In addition to recess 102 and its shelf 108, the present invention contemplates other components for coupling device 100 to an intravenous (IV) tubing set. For example, device 100 may include an adhesive or a magnet (e.g., disposed within housing 101 and / or recess 102) for coupling device 100 to an intravenous (IV) tubing set. As another example, device 100 may include a high-friction member (e.g., a rubber pad disposed within recess 102) for coupling device 100 to an intravenous (IV) tubing set.

[0015] Recess 102 is semi-cylindrical and includes a first side 112 and an opposing second side 114. First side 112 includes a drip factor sensor 104 disposed therein. In some embodiments, drip factor sensor 104 is configured to detect a drip factor identifier (e.g., drip factor identifier 214, FIGS. 2A-2C ) of an intravenous (IV) tubing set (e.g., intravenous (IV) tubing set 200, FIG. 2A ) while device 100 is coupled to the IV tubing set. For example, the drip factor identifier may be attached to a portion of the IV tubing set that is received by recess 102 of device 100. In some embodiments, device 100 may be configured (e.g., via a look-up table) to determine the drip factor of the IV tubing set based on the drip factor identifier.

[0016] In some embodiments, device 100 includes an on-board display. For example, the on-board display may be configured to display the drip factor of the intravenous (IV) tubing set (e.g., as determined based on the drip factor identifier) ​​and prompt the clinician to indicate whether the displayed drip factor is correct (e.g., whether it matches the actual drip factor of the intravenous (IV) tubing set). As another example, the on-board display may be configured to display the flow rate of the intravenous (IV) tubing set (e.g., after receiving confirmation that the displayed drip factor is correct). In some embodiments, device 100 is connected to an external display, such as display device 308, described below with respect to FIG. 3.

[0017] The first side 112 of the recess 102 also includes a transmitter 106a disposed therein. The transmitter 106a is positioned opposite a receiver 106b disposed on the second side 114 of the recess 102. The transmitter 106a and the receiver 106b together comprise drip rate sensors 106a-b. In some embodiments, the drip rate sensors 106a-b are configured to detect the drip rate of an intravenous (IV) tubing set (e.g., the intravenous (IV) tubing set 200) while the device 100 is coupled to the IV tubing set. The functionality of the drip rate sensors, as well as the functionality of the drip factor sensors described above, are described in further detail below with respect to the drip rate sensors 106a-b (see FIG. 2C).

[0018] The exemplary device 100 also includes holes 110a-110c. Each of holes 110a-110c is associated with one of the drop factor sensor 104, the transmitter 106a, and the receiver 106b. In some embodiments, hole 110a allows the drop factor sensor 104 to view or otherwise access a portion of the intravenous (IV) tubing set through hole 110a. In some embodiments, hole 110a allows the drop factor sensor 104 to send and receive signals (e.g., Near Field Communication (NFC) signals) to or from the intravenous (IV) tubing set. In some embodiments, holes 110b-110c allow signals from transmitter 106a to reach receiver 106b without obstruction.

[0019] The present invention recognizes that holes 110a-110c may not be necessary. For example, holes 110a-110c may not be necessary if drip factor sensor 104 or drip rate sensors 106a-b are located on an outward-facing portion of recess 102. As another example, holes 110a-110c may not be necessary if drip factor sensor 104 or drip rate sensors 106a-b can transmit and receive their respective signals through the housing of device 100.

[0020] 2A-2C show an exemplary device 100 coupled to an exemplary intravenous (IV) tubing set 200 including a spike 202 and a drip chamber 204, in accordance with aspects of the present technology. In the illustrated embodiment, recess 102 of device 100 is configured to couple device 100 to spike 202 of intravenous (IV) tubing set 200. Coupling device 100 to intravenous (IV) tubing set 200 (e.g., spike 202 of intravenous (IV) tubing set 200) includes, for example, contacting device 100 with intravenous (IV) tubing set 200 such that intravenous (IV) tubing set 200 is received in recess 102 of device 100, as indicated by arrows 290 and 292.

[0021] 2B , device 100 is coupled to intravenous (IV) tubing set 200 via recess 102. While device 100 is coupled to intravenous (IV) tubing set 200, recess 102 surrounds a portion of drip chamber 204, and ledge 108 is located above the base of spike 202. The ledge may function, for example, to strengthen the coupling between device 100 and intravenous (IV) tubing set 200. Additionally or alternatively, the coupling may be strengthened by narrowing recess 102 so that the width of recess 102 is smaller than the diameter of spike 202 or the diameter of drip chamber 204. In this manner, recess 102 may be configured to grip spike 202 or drip chamber 204 while device 100 is coupled to intravenous (IV) tubing set 200. Additionally, as mentioned above, high friction pads (eg, rubber pads) may be added to recesses 102 to improve the connection between device 100 and intravenous (IV) tubing set 200 .

[0022] 2B also shows an IV bag 206 containing IV fluid (e.g., water, medication). Spike 202 of intravenous (IV) tubing set 200 is connected to IV bag 206, for example, by inserting spike 202 into IV bag 206. While spike 202 is connected to IV bag 206, IV fluid can flow downward through spike 202 and drip into drip chamber 204.

[0023] 2C, a cross-sectional view of device 100 and intravenous (IV) tubing set 200 highlights the functionality of drip factor sensor 104 and drip rate sensors 106a-b. As mentioned above, in some embodiments, drip factor sensor 104 is configured to detect the drip factor of intravenous (IV) tubing set 200 while device 100 is coupled to intravenous (IV) tubing set 200. This is illustrated by beam 212 emanating from drip factor sensor 104 toward intravenous (IV) tubing set 200. However, it should be noted that drip factor sensor 104 does not need to emit a beam to detect the drip factor of intravenous (IV) tubing set 200.

[0024] For example, drip factor identifier 214 may be a visual identifier (e.g., printed on intravenous (IV) tubing set 200), a magnetic identifier (e.g., embedded in intravenous (IV) tubing set 200), or a wireless identifier. Thus, in embodiments in which drip factor identifier 214 is a visual identifier (e.g., a color, shape, symbol, or coded glyph such as a QR code), drip factor sensor may include an optical sensor configured to detect a characteristic of the visual identifier. In embodiments in which drip factor identifier 214 is a magnetic identifier (e.g., a metal piece attached to or embedded within a portion of the drip chamber), drip factor sensor may include a magnetic sensor configured to detect a characteristic of a magnetic field in proximity to the magnetic identifier. And, in embodiments in which drip factor identifier 214 is a wireless identifier (e.g., a Near Field Communication (NFC) tag), drip factor sensor may include a wireless sensor configured to detect a characteristic of the wireless identifier (e.g., a signal transmitted by the wireless identifier).

[0025] 1, drip factor identifier 214 may be used to determine a drip factor for intravenous (IV) tubing set 200. For example, a look-up table (e.g., stored in memory) may be used to determine the drip factor using drip factor identifier 214 as an index into the look-up table. As another example, drip factor identifier 214 may be provided to a server or database that returns a corresponding drip factor in response.

[0026] Similar to drip coefficient sensor 104, in some embodiments, drip rate sensors 106a-b may be configured to detect the drip rate of intravenous (IV) tubing set 200 while device 100 is coupled to the IV tubing set 200. This is illustrated by signal path 208 and droplet 210 of IV fluid between transmitter 106a and receiver 106b of drip rate sensors 106a-b. As shown, as droplet 210 of IV fluid falls through drip chamber 204, it crosses and temporarily blocks signal path 208. Drip rate sensors 106a-b can then detect the blockage caused by droplet 210 of IV fluid.

[0027] In this manner, drip rate sensors 106a-b are configured to detect drops of IV fluid falling through drip chamber 204. As described above, the drop data obtained by drip rate sensors 106a-b can be used to determine the drip rate of the intravenous (IV) tubing set by dividing the number of drops detected by the time the drops were detected (e.g., 60 drops / minute).

[0028] 3 illustrates an exemplary system 300 for monitoring the flow rates of a first intravenous (IV) tubing set 304 and a second intravenous (IV) tubing set 306 in accordance with aspects of the present technology. System 300 includes a first device 310 (e.g., device 100 of FIGS. 1-2C) coupled to first intravenous (IV) tubing set 304 (e.g., intravenous (IV) tubing set 200 of FIGS. 2A-2C) and a second device 312 coupled to second intravenous (IV) tubing set 306. As shown, both first intravenous (IV) tubing set 304 and second intravenous (IV) tubing set 306 are connected to IV bags 320 and 322, respectively, which are suspended from an IV pole 302.

[0029] In some embodiments, first and second devices 310 and 312 are coupled to first and second intravenous (IV) tubing sets 304 and 306, respectively, as described above with respect to device 100 and intravenous (IV) tubing set 200 (see FIGS. 2A-2C). Additionally, in some embodiments, first and second devices 310 and 312 each include a drip factor sensor and a drip rate sensor, such as drip factor sensor 104 and drip rate sensors 106a-b described above. Accordingly, first and second devices 310 and 312 can be configured to detect a drip factor identifier (e.g., drip factor identifier 214 in FIGS. 2A-2C) and a drip rate of first and second intravenous (IV) tubing sets 304 and 306, respectively.

[0030] In addition to the first and second devices 310 and 312, the system 300 includes a display device 308. The display device 308 of the exemplary system 300 is coupled to the first and second devices 310 and 312 via first and second wired connections 314 and 316, respectively. The display device 308 is further coupled to the IV pole 302. In this manner, the display device 308 can transmit data to and receive data from the first and second devices 310 and 312 via the first and second wired connections 314 and 316. The display device 308 can also display data related to therapies administered via the first and second intravenous (IV) tubing sets 304 and 306, such as their flow rates.

[0031] For example, the display device 308 may receive a drip factor identifier and a drip rate for the first intravenous (IV) tubing set 304 from the first apparatus 310. In this example, after receiving the drip factor identifier from the first apparatus 310, the display device 308 may determine a drip factor for the first intravenous (IV) tubing set 304 based on the drip factor identifier (e.g., via a lookup table). The display device 308 may then determine a flow rate for the first intravenous (IV) tubing set 304 based on the drip factor and the drip rate.

[0032] As another example, the display device 308 can receive a drip factor and drip rate for the second intravenous (IV) tubing set 306 from the second device 312. In this second example, the display device 308 can determine a flow rate for the second intravenous (IV) tubing set 306 based on the drip factor and drip rate.

[0033] In some embodiments, display device 308 comprises an electronic device that is not coupled to IV pole 302. For example, display device 308 may be a mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet computer, or laptop computer. As another example, display device 308 may be a desktop computer. Accordingly, in some embodiments, display device 308 is configured to wirelessly communicate (e.g., via Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi®) with first and second devices 310 and 312. In this manner, display device 308 can receive information regarding first and second intravenous (IV) tubing sets 304 and 306 without being physically connected to first and second devices 310 and 312 via first and second wired connections 314 and 316.

[0034] Additionally, in some embodiments, the display device 308 includes an input interface (e.g., a touch screen, physical buttons) that allows a clinician to input information into the display device 308. For example, the display device 308 may determine that the drip factor for the first intravenous (IV) tubing set 304 is 60 drops / mL. The display device 308 may then prompt the clinician to confirm whether the determined drip factor is correct by entering confirmation via the input interface.

[0035] As another example, the input interface of display device 308 may allow a clinician to input a desired flow rate (e.g., 100 mL / hr) and a tolerance for deviation from the flow rate (e.g., ±5%). In some embodiments, display device 308 or first or second devices 310 and 312 may be configured to alert the clinician if the determined flow rate of the respective intravenous (IV) tubing set (e.g., first or second intravenous (IV) tubing set 304 or 306) deviates from the desired flow rate (e.g., deviates by more than an input deviation threshold).

[0036] Similarly, in some embodiments, the first device 310, the second device 312, or the display device 308 may be configured to determine a starting flow rate (e.g., after receiving confirmation of an infusion and after the first device 310 or the second device 312 is coupled to the first or second intravenous (IV) tubing set 304 or 306, respectively). Additionally, in some embodiments, the first device 310, the second device 312, or the display device 308 may be configured to determine a current flow rate and activate an alarm if the difference between the current flow rate and the starting flow rate is determined to meet a deviation threshold.

[0037] In some embodiments, the first device 310, the second device 312, or the display device 308 may be configured to periodically determine (e.g., redetermine) the current flow rate. The frequency at which the current flow rate is determined may be based on the current flow rate of the intravenous (IV) tubing set. For example, if the flow rate is high, the current flow rate may be determined more frequently. As another example, if the flow rate is low, the current flow rate may be determined less frequently. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first device 310, the second device 312, or the display device 308 may be configured to periodically determine (e.g., redetermine) whether the difference between the current flow rate and a target flow rate (e.g., a starting flow rate or a demand flow rate) meets a deviation threshold.

[0038] 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an exemplary electronic system 400 that detects a drip factor identifier (e.g., drip factor identifier 214 of FIGS. 2A-2C) or drip rate of an intravenous (IV) tubing set (e.g., intravenous (IV) tubing set 200 of FIGS. 2A-2C) in accordance with aspects of the present technology. In some embodiments, electronic system 400 can also determine a drip factor and flow rate of the intravenous (IV) tubing set based on the drip factor identifier and drip rate of the IV tubing set.

[0039] 1-3. In this regard, electronic system 400 may include apparatus 100 or display device 308. Electronic system 400 may also include a specially configured personal computer, or an injectable mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet computer, laptop, PDA, augmented reality device, wearable such as a watch, band, or eyeglasses, or a combination thereof, or other touchscreen or television with one or more processors embedded therein or connected thereto, or other type of computer-related electronic device with network connectivity.

[0040] Additionally, electronic system 400 may include various types of computer-readable media and interfaces for various other types of computer-readable media. In the illustrated example, electronic system 400 includes a bus 408, a processing unit 412, a system memory 404, a read-only memory (ROM) 410, persistent storage 402, an input device interface 414, an output device interface 406, and a network interface 416. In some embodiments, electronic system 400 may include or be integrated with other computing devices or circuits to operate the various components and methods described above.

[0041] Bus 408 collectively represents all system, peripheral, and chipset buses that communicatively connect the various internal devices of electronic system 400. For example, bus 408 communicatively connects processing unit 412 with ROM 410, system memory 404, and persistent storage 402.

[0042] From these various memory units, processing unit 412 retrieves instructions and processes data to perform the processes of the present invention. Processing unit 412 may be a single processor or a multi-core processor, depending on the embodiment.

[0043] ROM 410 stores static data and instructions needed by processing unit 412 and other modules of the electronic system. Persistent storage 402, on the other hand, is a read-and-write memory device. This device is a non-volatile memory unit that stores instructions and data even when electronic system 400 is powered off. In some embodiments of the invention, persistent storage 402 uses mass storage devices (e.g., magnetic or optical disks and corresponding disk drives). In other embodiments, persistent storage 402 uses removable storage devices (e.g., floppy disks or flash drives and corresponding disk drives).

[0044] Like persistent storage 402, system memory 404 is a read-and-write memory device. However, unlike storage 402, system memory 404 is a volatile read-and-write memory, such as random access memory (RAM). System memory 404 stores some of the instructions and data needed by the processor at runtime. In some embodiments, the processes of the present invention are stored in system memory 404, persistent storage 402, and / or ROM 410. From these various memory units, processing unit 412 retrieves instructions and processes data in order to perform the processes of some embodiments.

[0045] The bus 408 is also connected to an input device interface 414 and an output device interface 406. The input device interface 414 allows a user to communicate information and select commands to the electronic system. Input devices used with the input device interface 414 include, for example, an alphanumeric keyboard and a pointing device (also called a "cursor control device"). The output device interface 406 allows, for example, images generated by the electronic system 400 to be displayed. Output devices used with the output device interface 406 include, for example, a printer and a display device (such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) or a liquid crystal display (LCD)). Some embodiments include devices that function as both input and output devices (e.g., a touch screen).

[0046] Additionally, bus 408 connects electronic system 400 to a network (not shown) via network interface 416. Network interface 416 may include, for example, a wireless access point or radio circuitry for connecting to a wireless access point (such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi). Network interface 416 may also include hardware (e.g., Ethernet hardware) for connecting the computer to a portion of a network, such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wireless LAN, an intranet, or the Internet. Any or all components of electronic system 400 may be used in connection with the present invention when specifically configured for one or more of the described features of the present invention.

[0047] The functions described above can be implemented in computer software, firmware, or hardware. These techniques can be implemented using one or more computer program products. The programmable processor and computer may be embedded in or packaged as a mobile device. The processes and logic flows can be executed by one or more programmable processors and programmable logic circuits. General-purpose and special-purpose computing devices and storage devices can be interconnected via a communication network.

[0048] Some embodiments include electronic components such as microprocessors, storage devices, and memories that store computer program instructions on machine-readable or computer-readable media (also referred to as computer-readable storage media, machine-readable media, or machine-readable storage media). Examples of such computer-readable media include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), read-only compact discs (CD-ROMs), recordable compact discs (CD-Rs), rewritable compact discs (CD-RWs), read-only digital versatile discs (e.g., DVD-ROMs, dual-layer DVD-ROMs), various recordable / rewritable DVDs (e.g., DVD-RAMs, DVD-RWs, DVD+RWs, etc.), flash memory (e.g., SD cards, mini-SD cards, micro-SD cards, etc.), magnetic and / or solid-state hard drives, read-only and recordable Blu-Ray® discs, ultra-high density optical discs, other optical or magnetic media, and floppy disks. The computer-readable media can store a computer program executable by at least one processing unit, the computer program including a set of instructions for performing various operations. Examples of computer programs or computer code include machine code produced by a compiler, and files containing higher level code that are executed by a computer, electronic component or microprocessor using an interpreter.

[0049] While the above discussion primarily refers to microprocessors or multi-core processors executing software, some embodiments are performed by one or more integrated circuits, such as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). In some embodiments, such integrated circuits execute instructions stored on the circuit itself.

[0050] As used herein and in the claims of this application, the terms "computer," "server," "processor," and "memory" all refer to electronic or other technological devices specially configured with one or more of the features described above. These terms do not include a person or group of people. As used herein, the terms "display" or "displaying" mean displaying on an electronic device. As used herein and in the claims of this application, the terms "computer-readable medium" and "computer-readable storage medium" are strictly limited to tangible physical objects that store information in a form readable by a computer. These terms do not include wireless signals, wired download signals, and other transitory signals.

[0051] To enable user interaction, embodiments of the subject matter described herein can be implemented on a computer having a display device (e.g., a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) monitor) to display information to the user, and a keyboard and pointing device (e.g., a mouse or trackball) to allow the user to provide input to the computer. Other types of devices can also be used to enable user interaction. For example, feedback provided to the user can be in any form, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback, and input from the user can be received in the form of acoustic input, voice input, gesture input, or tactile input. Additionally, the computer can interact with the user by sending documents to or receiving documents from a device used by the user (e.g., a web browser on the user's client device) (e.g., by sending web pages to the web browser in response to a request received from the web browser).

[0052] Embodiments of the subject matter described herein can be implemented in a specially configured computing system, which may include a back-end component (e.g., a data server), a specially configured middleware component (e.g., an application server), or a specially configured front-end component (e.g., a client computer having a graphical user interface or a web browser through which a user can interact with embodiments of the subject matter described herein), or one or more combinations thereof. The components of the system may be interconnected by one or more forms or media of digital data communication, such as a communications network. Examples of communications networks include local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs), internetworks (e.g., the Internet), and peer-to-peer networks (e.g., ad-hoc peer-to-peer networks).

[0053] A computing system may include specially configured clients and servers. Clients and servers are typically remote from each other and may interact through a communications network. The relationship of client and server arises by virtue of computer programs running on the respective computers and having a client-server relationship to each other. In some embodiments, a server sends data (e.g., HTML pages) to a client device (e.g., for the purpose of displaying the data to a user and receiving input from a user interacting with the client device). Data generated at the client device (e.g., a result of a user interaction) may be received from the client device at the server.

[0054] Those skilled in the art will understand that the various illustrative blocks, modules, elements, components, methods, and algorithms described herein can be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination thereof. To illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, the various illustrative blocks, modules, elements, components, methods, and algorithms have been described generally in terms of their functionality. Whether a function is implemented as hardware or software depends on the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. The described functions may be implemented in a variety of ways depending on each particular application. The various components and blocks may be arranged in a different order or divided in a different way, without departing from the scope of the present technology.

[0055] It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes disclosed represents example approaches. Based on design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes may be rearranged. Some steps may be performed simultaneously. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various processes in a sample order, and are not intended to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0056] Examples of the terms of this technology:

[0057] Examples of various aspects of the present invention are described as numbered clauses (1, 2, 3, etc.) for convenience. These are provided as examples and not as limitations on the technology. Figures and reference numeral identification are provided below for purposes of illustration and description only, and these clauses are not intended to be limited by such identification.

[0058] Clause 1. A housing having a recess configured to couple the device to a spike of an intravenous (IV) tubing set and to receive a portion of a drip chamber connected to the spike while the device is coupled to the spike; a drip coefficient sensor configured to detect a drip coefficient identifier of the intravenous (IV) tubing set while the device is coupled to the spike via the recess, the drip coefficient identifier indicating a drip coefficient of the IV tubing set; and a drip rate sensor configured to detect a drip rate of the intravenous (IV) tubing set while the device is coupled to the spike via the recess; 1. An apparatus for detecting a drip coefficient identifier of an intravenous (IV) tubing set, comprising:

[0059] Clause 2. The drip chamber is cylindrical; 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the recess is configured to surround at least half of the portion of the drip chamber when receiving the portion of the drip chamber.

[0060] Clause 3. The recess includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side; 3. The device of any of clauses 1 or 2, wherein the drip rate sensor includes a transmitter disposed on a first side of the recess and a receiver disposed on a second side of the recess, whereby a signal path between the transmitter and the receiver passes through the drip chamber.

[0061] Clause 4. The device of any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the recess includes a shelf configured to rest on the base of the spike while the device is coupled to the spike.

[0062] Clause 5. The device of any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the device is configured to determine the flow rate of the intravenous (IV) tubing set based on dividing the drip rate by a drip coefficient.

[0063] Clause 6. The apparatus of clause 5, wherein the apparatus further comprises an on-board display, and wherein the apparatus is configured to display the flow rate via the on-board display.

[0064] Clause 7. The apparatus of clause 6, wherein said apparatus is configured as follows: Displaying the drip coefficient via the on-board display; The apparatus is configured to receive confirmation of the drip coefficient before displaying the flow rate via the on-board display.

[0065] Clause 8. The device of any one of clauses 5 to 7, further comprising a processor configured to determine a starting flow rate at a first time point, determine a current flow rate at a second time point (a time point after the first time point), and activate an alert if it is determined that a difference between the current flow rate and the starting flow rate meets a deviation threshold.

[0066] Clause 9. The device of clause 8, wherein the processor is further configured to periodically determine a current flow rate at a frequency based on a starting flow rate, and determine whether a difference between the current flow rate and the starting flow rate satisfies an excursion threshold.

[0067] Clause 10. The device of any one of clauses 8 or 9, wherein the device is configured to receive confirmation of injection before determining the starting flow rate at the first time.

[0068] Clause 11. The device of any one of clauses 1 to 10, wherein the drip coefficient sensor includes an optical sensor, the drip coefficient identifier includes a visual identifier, detecting the drip coefficient identifier includes activating the optical sensor to detect a characteristic of the visual identifier, and the visual identifier includes at least one of a color, a shape, a symbol, or a coded glyph attached to a portion of the drip chamber.

[0069] Clause 12. The device of any one of clauses 1 to 10, wherein the drip coefficient sensor includes a magnetic sensor, the drip coefficient identifier includes a magnetic identifier, detecting the drip coefficient identifier includes activating the magnetic sensor to detect a characteristic of a magnetic field proximate to the magnetic identifier, and the magnetic identifier includes a formed metal attached to or embedded in a portion of the drip chamber.

[0070] Clause 13. A system for monitoring flow rate of an intravenous (IV) tubing set, comprising: An apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a housing, the housing having a recess configured to couple the device to a spike of the IV tubing set and to receive a portion of a drip chamber connected to the spike while the device is coupled to the spike; a drip factor sensor configured to detect a drip factor identifier of the IV tubing set, the drip factor identifier indicating a drip factor of the IV tubing set; a drip rate sensor configured to detect a drip rate of the IV tubing set; the device, including a processor communicatively coupled to the device and configured to determine a flow rate for the IV tubing set based at least in part on the drip coefficient identifier and the drip rate; and a display device communicatively coupled to the processor, configured to receive the flow rate from the processor, and to display the flow rate. A system comprising:

[0071] Clause 14. The system of clause 13, wherein the processor is configured to determine the drip coefficient based on the drip coefficient identifier, determine the flow rate based on dividing the drip rate by the drip coefficient, and provide the flow rate to the display device.

[0072] Clause 15. The system described in Clause 13 or 14, wherein the device is a first device and the system further comprises a second device, the second device comprising: a second recess configured to connect the second device to another spike of another IV tubing set and to receive a portion of another drip chamber connected to the other spike while the second device is connected to the other spike; a second drip coefficient sensor configured to detect another drip coefficient identifier of the other IV tubing set via the second recess while the second device is connected to the other spike, wherein the other drip coefficient identifier indicates another drip coefficient of the other IV tubing set; and a second drip rate sensor configured to detect another drip rate of the other IV tubing set.

[0073] Clause 16. The system described in Clause 15, wherein the second device is configured to determine a different flow rate for the different IV tubing set based on dividing the different drip rate by the different drip coefficient and provide the different flow rate for display on the display device.

[0074] Clause 17. The system of clause 13, wherein the processor is configured to display the drip factor via the display device or an on-board display of the device, and to receive confirmation of the drip factor before displaying the flow rate via the display device or the on-board display.

[0075] Clause 18. The system of clause 17, wherein the processor is configured to determine a starting flow rate at a first time point, determine a current flow rate at a second time point after the first time point, and trigger an alert according to a determination that a difference between the current flow rate and the starting flow rate satisfies a deviation threshold.

[0076] Clause 19. The system of clause 18, wherein the processor is configured to periodically determine a current flow rate at a frequency based on a starting flow rate, and to determine whether a difference between the current flow rate and the starting flow rate satisfies a deviation threshold.

[0077] Clause 20. The system of any one of clauses 18 or 19, wherein the processor is configured to receive confirmation of the injection before determining the starting flow rate at the first time point.

[0078] Further considerations:

[0079] It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes disclosed is an example of a sample approach. Based on design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes can be rearranged. Some steps can be performed simultaneously. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0080] The foregoing description is provided to enable one skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. The foregoing description illustrates various examples of the invention, but the invention is not limited to these examples. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects.

[0081] Accordingly, the claims should not be limited to the forms set forth herein, but should be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims. For example, when an element is referred to in the singular, it means "one or more" unless expressly stated as "one and only one." Further, the term "some" refers to "one or more" unless expressly stated otherwise. Masculine pronouns (e.g., his) include feminine and neuter forms (e.g., her and its), and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, if present, are for convenience only and do not limit the invention.

[0082] The terms "configured to," "operable to," and "programmed to" do not imply any specific tangible or intangible modification of the subject matter and are intended to be used interchangeably. For example, if a processor is configured to monitor and control an operation or component, it may mean that the processor is programmed to monitor and control the operation or is capable of monitoring and controlling the operation. Similarly, a processor configured to execute code may be interpreted as being programmed to execute code or capable of executing code.

[0083] As used herein, the term "automatic" may include being performed by a computer or machine without user intervention, for example, by instructions in response to a prior action or other initiation mechanism by the computer or machine. The term "example" is used herein to mean "serving as an example or illustration." Any aspect or design described herein as "example" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs.

[0084] The use of a phrase such as "an embodiment" does not imply that the embodiment is essential to the technology or that the embodiment applies to all configurations of the technology. The disclosure of a certain embodiment may apply to all configurations, or may apply to one or more configurations. The embodiment may provide one or more examples. The phrase "an embodiment" may refer to one or more embodiments, and vice versa. The use of a phrase such as "embodiment" does not imply that the embodiment is essential to the technology or that the embodiment applies to all configurations of the technology. The disclosure of a certain embodiment may apply to all embodiments, or may apply to one or more embodiments. The embodiment may provide one or more examples. The phrase "embodiment" may refer to one or more embodiments, and vice versa. The use of a phrase such as "configuration" does not imply that the configuration is essential to the technology or that the configuration applies to all configurations of the technology. The disclosure of a certain configuration may apply to all configurations, or may apply to one or more configurations. The configuration may provide one or more examples. The phrase "configuration" may refer to one or more configurations, and vice versa.

[0085] As used herein, a "user interface" (also referred to as an interactive user interface, graphical user interface, or UI) may refer to a network-based interface that includes data fields and other control elements for receiving input signals, providing electronic information, or providing information to a user in response to received input signals. Control elements include dials, buttons, icons, selectable areas, and other perceptible indicia presented via the UI that, when manipulated (e.g., clicked, touched, selected, etc.), initiate data exchange with the device presenting the UI. The UI may be implemented in whole or in part using technologies such as HTML (HyperText Markup Language), JAVA, .NET, C, C++, Web Services, or RSS (Rich Site Summary). In some embodiments, the UI may be incorporated into a stand-alone client, such as a thick interface thick client, configured to communicate (e.g., send and receive data) according to one or more of the described aspects. The communication may occur with a medical device or a server communicating therewith.

[0086] As used herein, the terms "determining" or "determining" encompass a wide range of actions. For example, "determining" can include calculating, computing, processing, deriving, generating, obtaining, querying (e.g., querying in a table, database, or other data structure), checking, etc., performed via a hardware element without user intervention. Also, "determining" can include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in a memory), etc., performed via a hardware element without user intervention. Furthermore, "determining" can include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, etc., performed via a hardware element without user intervention.

[0087] As used herein, the terms "providing" or "providing" encompass a wide range of actions. For example, "providing" may include storing a value in a predetermined location on a memory device for later retrieval, transmitting a value directly to a recipient via at least one wired or wireless communication medium, transmitting or storing a reference to a value, etc. "Providing" may also include encoding, decoding, encryption, decryption, verification, validation, etc., performed via a hardware element.

[0088] As used herein, the term "message" encompasses a variety of formats for communicating (e.g., sending or receiving) information. A message may include an Extensible Markup Language (XML) document, a fixed-field message, a comma-separated message, a JavaScript Object Notation (JSON), a custom mode, or similar machine-readable collection of information. In some embodiments, a message may include a signal used to transmit one or more representations of information. Although described in the singular, it is understood that a message may be created, sent, stored, received, etc., in multiple parts.

[0089] The terms "selectively" or "selectively" as used herein may encompass a variety of actions. For example, a "selective" process may include determining one option from multiple options. A "selective" process may include one or more dynamically determined, preset, or user-initiated inputs for making the decision. In some embodiments, an n-input switch may be included to provide the selective function, where n is the number of inputs used to make the selection.

[0090] The term "corresponding" or "correspondence" as used herein may encompass a structural, functional, quantitative and / or qualitative correlation or relationship between two or more objects, data sets, information, etc., preferably one that can be used to transform one or more of said two or more objects, data sets, information, etc. so that they appear to be the same or equivalent. Correspondence may be assessed using one or more of thresholds, value ranges, fuzzy logic, pattern matching, machine learning assessment models, or combinations thereof.

[0091] In some embodiments, generated or detected data may be transferred to a “remote” device or location. “Remote” refers to a location or device other than the location or device where the program is executed. For example, a remote location may be another location within the same city (e.g., an office, a lab, etc.), another location within a different city, another location within a different state, another location within a different country, etc. Thus, when an item is described as “remote” from another item, it is meant that the two items may be separated within the same room, or may be in at least different rooms or different buildings, separated by at least 1 mile, 10 miles, or at least 100 miles. “Communicating” information refers to transmitting data representing the information as electrical signals over an appropriate communications channel (e.g., a private or public network). “Transferring” an item refers to any means of moving the item from one location to the next, possibly including physical movement of the item or other means, and at least in the case of data, including physically moving a medium carrying the data or communicating the data. Examples of communication media include radio or infrared transmission channels, network connections to other computers or network devices, the Internet (including email transmissions and information stored on websites, etc.).

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus for detecting a drip index identifier of an intravenous (IV) tubing set, comprising: a housing having a recess configured to couple the device to the spike of the IV tubing set and to receive a portion of a drip chamber connected to the spike while the device is coupled to the spike; a drip factor sensor configured to detect a drip factor identifier of the IV tubing set while the device is coupled to the spike via the recess, the drip factor identifier being indicative of a drip factor of the IV tubing set; an infusion rate sensor configured to detect an infusion rate of the IV tubing set while the device is coupled to the spike via the recess; An apparatus comprising:

2. the drip chamber is cylindrical; 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the recess is configured to surround at least half of the portion of the drip chamber when receiving the portion of the drip chamber.

3. the recess includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side; 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the drip rate sensor comprises a transmitter disposed on the first side of the recess and a receiver disposed on the second side of the recess, the signal path between the transmitter and the receiver being configured to pass through the drip chamber.

4. 4. The device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the recess comprises a ledge configured to rest on the base of the spike while the device is coupled to the spike.

5. 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is configured to determine a flow rate for the IV tubing set based on dividing a drip rate for the IV tubing set by a drip factor for the IV tubing set.

6. The device of claim 5 , wherein the device further comprises an on-board display, the device configured to display the flow rate via the on-board display.

7. the device displays the drip factor via the on-board display; and The apparatus of claim 6 , configured to receive confirmation of the drip factor before displaying the flow rate via the on-board display.

8. 8. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a processor configured to determine a starting flow rate at a first time point, determine a current flow rate at a second time point after the first time point, and trigger an alarm according to a determination that a difference between the current flow rate and the starting flow rate satisfies a deviation threshold.

9. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the processor is further configured to periodically determine, at a frequency based on the starting flow rate, whether the current flow rate and a difference between the current flow rate and the starting flow rate meet the deviation threshold.

10. 10. The apparatus of claim 8 or 9, configured to receive confirmation of injection before determining the starting flow rate at the first time point.

11. 11. The device of claim 1, wherein the drip factor sensor comprises an optical sensor, and the drip factor identifier comprises a visual identifier, and detecting the drip factor identifier comprises activating the optical sensor to detect a characteristic of the visual identifier, and the visual identifier comprises at least one of a color, a shape, a symbol, or a coded glyph applied to the portion of the drip chamber.

12. 11. The device of claim 1, wherein the drip coefficient sensor comprises a magnetic sensor, the drip coefficient identifier comprises a magnetic identifier, and detecting the drip coefficient identifier comprises activating the magnetic sensor to detect a characteristic of a magnetic field in a vicinity of the magnetic identifier, and the magnetic identifier comprises a formed metal affixed to or embedded within the portion of the drip chamber.

13. 1. A system for monitoring flow rate in an IV tubing set, comprising: a housing having a recess configured to couple the device to the spike of the IV tubing set and to receive a portion of a drip chamber connected to the spike while the device is coupled to the spike; a drip factor sensor configured to detect a drip factor identifier of the IV tubing set, the drip factor identifier indicating a drip factor of the IV tubing set; and an infusion rate sensor configured to detect an infusion rate of the IV tubing set; a processor communicatively coupled to the device and configured to determine a flow rate for the IV tubing set based at least in part on the drip coefficient identifier and the drip rate; a display device communicatively coupled to the processor and configured to receive the flow rate from the processor and display the flow rate; An apparatus comprising: A system comprising:

14. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the processor is configured to determine the drip factor based on the drip factor identifier, determine the flow rate based on dividing the drip rate by the drip factor, and provide the flow rate to the display device.

15. the device is a first device; a second recess configured to couple the second device to another spike of another IV tubing set and to receive a portion of another drip chamber connected to the other spike while the second device is coupled to the other spike; a second drip factor sensor configured to detect another drip factor identifier of the other IV tubing set while coupled to the other spike via the second recess, the other drip factor identifier indicating another drip factor of the other IV tubing set; and a second drip rate sensor configured to detect another drip rate of the other IV tubing set; A second device comprising:

15. The system of claim 13 or 14, further comprising:

16. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the second device is configured to determine a different flow rate for the different IV tubing set based on dividing the different drip rate by the different drip factor, and provide the different flow rate for display on the display device.

17. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the processor is configured to display the drip factor via the display device or an on-board display of the apparatus and to receive confirmation of the drip factor before displaying the flow rate via the display device or the on-board display.

18. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the processor is configured to determine a starting flow rate at a first time point, determine a current flow rate at a second time point after the first time point, and trigger an alarm according to a determination that a difference between the current flow rate and the starting flow rate meets a deviation threshold.

19. 20. The system of claim 18, wherein the processor is further configured to periodically determine, at a frequency based on the starting flow rate, whether the current flow rate and a difference between the current flow rate and the starting flow rate meet the deviation threshold.

20. 20. The system of claim 18 or 19, wherein the processor is configured to receive confirmation of injection before determining the starting flow rate at the first time point.

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