Method for calculating infusion rate using an intravenous infusion chamber

Abstract

A method for calculating the infusion rate in an infusion chamber, comprising providing a housing for receiving fluid, the housing having a distal end into which the fluid flows and a proximal end into which the fluid discharges, and having a reference mark. At the proximal end of the housing, a flow controller is mounted, rotatably connected to the housing, and the flow controller has an opening extending inside it. The infusion rate is determined by rotating the flow controller relative to the housing so that the opening obstructs the passage of fluid, and measuring the time elapsed until the fluid reaches the reference mark inside the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to an infusion chamber. In particular, it relates to a method for calculating an infusion rate using an infusion chamber.

Background Art

[0002] Medical treatments often involve injecting a medical fluid, such as saline or a liquid drug, into a patient using an intravenous (IV) set. An IV set generally includes a connector for connecting to a fluid reservoir or infusion bag, an infusion chamber used to determine the infusion rate of the fluid from the fluid reservoir, an intravenous fluid line providing a connection between the fluid reservoir and the patient, and a catheter that can be placed within the patient's vein.

[0003] An infusion chamber is generally designed such that the liquid flowing into the infusion chamber forms droplets that fall towards the bottom of the chamber. By forming droplets, an operator can determine the flow rate of the liquid flowing through the IV set by counting the number of droplets that fall in a given time. However, if the height of the liquid exceeds the operable liquid level height of the infusion chamber, it may be difficult or impossible to determine the flow rate of the liquid within the IV set. To facilitate droplet counting and to allow the infusion chamber to be filled with liquid up to the operable liquid level height, the infusion chamber is typically constructed of a transparent, flexible plastic. However, depending on the size of the opening through which the liquid flows into the infusion chamber, the size of the droplets can vary. Therefore, it is a prerequisite to identify the type of infusion chamber (macro-drop or micro-drop).

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for an IV set that enables accurate calculation of the infusion rate within an infusion chamber regardless of the size of the droplets.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In one embodiment, a method for calculating the infusion rate in an infusion chamber is provided. The method includes providing a housing into which a fluid flows, the housing being configured such that the fluid flows in at its distal end and discharges at its proximal end, and the housing is provided with a reference mark. Furthermore, a flow controller is mounted at the proximal end of the housing, rotatably connected to the housing, and the flow controller is provided with an opening that penetrates its interior. By rotating the flow controller relative to the housing, the opening is made to block the passage of fluid, and the infusion rate is determined by measuring the elapsed time until the fluid reaches the reference mark in the housing.

[0006] In some embodiments, the flow controller comprises an internal member and an external member, the internal member being fixed to the housing and the external member being rotatable relative to the internal member. In some embodiments, the external member and the internal member each have an opening that penetrates through them. In some embodiments, the external member is rotated relative to the internal member so that the openings do not align, thereby preventing fluid from passing through the flow controller.

[0007] In some embodiments, the volume at a reference mark position in the housing is known. In some embodiments, determining the injection rate involves dividing the volume by the elapsed time until the fluid reaches the reference mark. In some embodiments, the housing has multiple reference marks. In some embodiments, the method further includes fitting a tube configured for the fluid to flow into at the proximal end of the flow controller. In some embodiments, the flow controller has multiple openings.

[0008] In one embodiment, a method for calculating the infusion rate in an infusion chamber is provided. This method includes providing a housing into which a fluid flows, configured such that the fluid flows in at the distal end and the fluid is discharged at the proximal end; installing a fluid collector in the housing; and determining the infusion rate by measuring the time elapsed until the fluid fills the fluid collector.

[0009] In some embodiments, the fluid collector is provided with a septum at its proximal end. In some embodiments, a radial force acting on the fluid collector opens the septum, thereby forming a fluid path. In some embodiments, the volume of the fluid collector is known. In some embodiments, determining the injection rate involves dividing the volume by the elapsed time until the fluid fills the fluid collector. In some embodiments, the diameter of the fluid collector is smaller than the diameter of the housing.

[0010] In some embodiments, the method further includes mounting a tube configured for fluid flow into the proximal end of the housing. In some embodiments, the fluid collector is connected to the housing by at least one arm. In some embodiments, the fluid collector is located in the center of the housing. In some embodiments, the fluid collector is fixed to the housing. In some embodiments, the fluid collector enables continuous use of the drip chamber when filled with fluid.

[0011] Various configurations of the technology disclosed herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, and it will be understood that these configurations are shown and described for illustrative purposes only. As will be understood, the technology disclosed herein may take other different configurations, and each of its details may be modified in various ways, but this will not deviate from the scope of the technology disclosed herein. Accordingly, the abstract, drawings and detailed description are essentially illustrative and should not be interpreted restrictively.

[0012] The accompanying drawings are included to provide further understanding, are incorporated into and constitute part of this specification, and illustrate the disclosed embodiments and, together with the description, illustrate the principles of the disclosed embodiments. The drawings are as follows: [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a diagram of an IV set connected to a patient according to an aspect of this disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows an IV set infusion chamber according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a top view of the flow rate controller for the IV set of drip infusion chambers in Figure 1, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] Figure 1 shows an IV set infusion chamber according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This is a top view of the fluid collector of the IV set drip chamber according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] The following detailed description includes many specific details to fully understand the technology of this disclosure. It should be understood that the technology of this disclosure can be implemented without using some of these specific details. In other cases, well-known structures and techniques are not described in detail so as not to obscure the technology of this disclosure.

[0015] Furthermore, while specific details of various embodiments are described herein, these descriptions are illustrative only and should not be interpreted restrictively in any way. In addition, even if a particular embodiment of this disclosure is disclosed or illustrated in the context of Set IV, it is assumed that such an embodiment may also be used in other fluid conveying systems. Moreover, various applications of embodiments and their variations that are readily conceivable to those skilled in the art are also included within the scope of the general concepts described herein.

[0016] In some embodiments, the disclosure encompasses various features and advantages of fluid connector assemblies comprising medical connectors that seal their respective fluid pathways when the medical connectors are separated from each other. Each medical connector comprises a compressible member that expands in response to separation, thereby automatically sealing its respective fluid pathway.

[0017] Referring here to the drawings, Figure 1 shows an IV set 1 connected to a patient 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The IV set 1 may comprise a drug bag 12, an infusion chamber 14, and a tube 22. The tube 22 may extend between the infusion chamber 14 and a fluid connector 20 of the IV set 1. To prevent the tube 16 or catheter 18 from unintentionally becoming detached or dislodged from the patient, a tape 26 is placed over the tube 16 and catheter 18 so as to engage with the tube 16, catheter 18, and patient 10.

[0018] Figure 2 shows an infusion chamber 14 comprising a housing 100 having a proximal end and a distal end. In one embodiment, a method for calculating the infusion rate of fluid in the infusion chamber 14 may include providing the housing 100. The housing 100 allows fluid to flow in from the distal end and discharge at the proximal end, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 2. The infusion chamber 14 may be configured so that fluid flowing in from the distal end moves toward the proximal end without contacting the housing 100. The infusion chamber 14 may receive fluid from, for example, a drug bag 12 or another source. The housing 100 may generally have a cylindrical cross-sectional shape. In one embodiment, it may generally have a polygonal cross-sectional shape. The housing 100 may be made of glass or plastic material. The housing 100 may be transparent to allow visibility of the fluid. In one embodiment, the housing 100 may be formed from a deformable material so that the housing 100 is deformable in response to axially acting forces. The fluid may be a solution such as glucose, saline solution, medical dyes, and liquid drugs. The distal end of housing 100 may be located above the proximal end within IV set 1.

[0019] The housing 100 may include one or more designs, such as a logo or other markings. The housing 100 may have a reference mark 102 indicating the fluid volume between the proximal end of the housing 100 and the reference mark 102. The volume of the housing 100 at the reference mark 102 may be known. In one embodiment, the reference mark 102 may indicate the fluid volume between the distal end of the housing 100 and the reference mark 102. In one embodiment, the housing 100 includes a plurality of reference marks 102. The reference marks 102 extend around the perimeter of the housing 100 and are visible from all directions. In one embodiment, the reference marks 102 extend along only a portion of the housing. The reference marks 102 may include any combination of letters and shapes. The reference marks 102 may be engraved inside the housing 100 or attached to the surface of the housing 100 by adhesive.

[0020] In some embodiments, the method may further include mounting a flow controller 104 at the proximal end of the housing 100. The flow controller 104 is generally a cylindrical member, and its diameter may be approximately the same as the diameter of the housing 100. In one embodiment, the flow controller 104 has a polygonal shape. The flow controller 104 may have a larger diameter than the housing 100. The flow controller 104 may have a smaller diameter than the housing 100. The flow controller 104 may be rotatably connected to the housing 100 and may include an opening 106 that penetrates its interior. In one embodiment, the flow controller 104 has a plurality of openings penetrating its interior. The openings 106 may be located away from the center 111 of the flow controller 104. The flow controller 104 is rotatable between an open position that allows fluid to pass through the openings 106 and a closed position that prevents fluid from passing through the openings 106. In some embodiments, the flow controller 104 can be moved between an open position and a closed position by rotating the flow controller 104 relative to the housing 100.

[0021] The flow controller 104 may comprise an internal member 108 and an external member 110. The internal member 108 may be fixed to the housing 100. The external member 110 may be rotatably connected to the internal member 108. The external member 110 may have a tube 22 attached to it. In one embodiment, the external member 110 is rotatably connected to the tube 22. In one embodiment, both the internal member 108 and the external member 110 are rotatable relative to the housing 100. Referring now to Figure 3, the internal member 108 and the external member 110 may each comprise openings 106a and 106b. In one embodiment, the openings 106a and 106b extend through the internal member 108 and the external member 110, respectively. In one embodiment, the opening 106b extends through only a portion of the external member 110. By rotating the external member 110 relative to the internal member 108 so that the openings 106a and 106b do not coincide, fluid can be prevented from passing through the flow controller 104. The external member 110 can rotate 360 ​​degrees relative to the internal member 108. In one embodiment, the external member 110 rotates less than 360 degrees relative to the internal member 108. In one embodiment, the external member 110 is permitted to rotate 180 or 90 degrees relative to the internal member 108. When the openings 106a and 106b do not coincide, the flow controller 104 is in the closed position. When the openings 106a and 106b coincide, the flow controller 104 is in the open position. In the open position, fluid at the proximal end of the housing 100 can be guided through the flow controller 104 to the tube 22. The internal member 108 may include a flow path 109 that guides fluid from the opening 106 to the tube 22.

[0022] In one embodiment, the infusion rate of the fluid in the drip chamber 14 can be determined by measuring the elapsed time from when the flow controller 104 is moved to the closed position until the fluid reaches the reference mark 102 on the housing 100. Measuring the time can include using a timer, a stopwatch, or other suitable timing means. The infusion rate is equal to the volume of fluid required to reach the reference mark 102 divided by the elapsed time until the drip chamber 14 is filled to the reference mark 102. The infusion rate can be measured in units of mL / hour. In one embodiment, the infusion rate is measured in any one of the units of, for example, L / second, mL / second, L / minute, or mL / minute.

[0023] After the flow rate is determined using the above calculation, the fluid can be made to flow into the tube 22 by rotating the flow controller 104 to the open position. In one embodiment, by rotating the flow controller 104 to the open position, the drip chamber 14 can be emptied. The flow controller 104 can be rotated to a partially open position by partially aligning the opening 106a and the opening 106b, thereby adjusting the amount of fluid discharged into the tube 22.

[0024] Figure 4 shows a drip chamber 14 comprising a housing 200 having a proximal end and a distal end. In one embodiment, a method of calculating the infusion rate of fluid within the drip chamber 14 may include providing the housing 200. The housing 200 may have fluid flowing into the distal end and discharging fluid at the proximal end, as shown by the dashed lines in FIG. 4. The drip chamber 14 may be configured such that fluid flowing in from the distal end moves towards the proximal end without contacting the housing 200. The drip chamber 14 may have fluid flowing in from, for example, a drug bag 12 or other source. The housing 200 may generally have a cylindrical cross-sectional shape. In one embodiment, the housing 200 generally has a polygonal cross-sectional shape. The housing 200 may be composed of a glass or plastic material. The housing 200 may be transparent to enable visual inspection of the fluid. In one embodiment, the housing 200 may be formed from a deformable material such that the housing 200 is deformable in response to an axially acting force. The fluid may be a solution such as glucose, saline, medical dye, and liquid medicine. The distal end of the housing 200 may be positioned above the proximal end within the IV set 1.

[0025] The drip chamber 14 may include a fluid collector 202 disposed within the housing 200. The fluid collector 202 may be fixed relative to the housing 200. The fluid collector 202 may include deformable rubber or soft plastic. The fluid collector 202 may be disposed at a central portion between the proximal and distal ends of the housing 200. In one embodiment, the fluid collector 202 is disposed in the vicinity of the proximal or distal end of the housing 200. The fluid collector 202 generally has a cylindrical shape and a diameter smaller than that of the housing 200. In one embodiment, the fluid collector 202 has approximately the same diameter as the housing 200. The fluid collector 202 may be connected to the housing 200 by an arm 204 extending from the housing 200 to the fluid collector 202. In one embodiment, a plurality of arms extend from the housing 200 to the fluid collector 202. The fluid collector 202 is generally open and may have a distal side sized to receive fluid flowing into the drip chamber 14.

[0026] The fluid collector 202 may have a closed proximal side. The proximal side of the fluid collector 202 is generally conical and may be inclined toward the center 211. The proximal side of the fluid collector 202 may have a septum 206 extending through its interior. The septum 206 may extend across the entire diameter of the fluid collector 202. In some embodiments, it extends across only a portion of the diameter of the fluid collector 202. The septum 206 may prevent fluid from passing through its interior in the closed position and allow fluid to pass through its interior in the open position. A radial force acting on the fluid collector 202 opens the septum 206, thereby forming a fluid path inside it. The radial force may reduce the cross-sectional diameter of the fluid collector 202 via an arm 204. The radial force acting on the fluid collector 202 may be generated, for example, by the inward deformation of the housing 200 by a thumb and fingers.

[0027] In one embodiment, the infusion rate of the fluid in the drip chamber 14 may be determined by measuring the time elapsed until the fluid fills the fluid collector 202. The volume of the fluid collector 202 may be known. Determining the infusion rate may involve dividing the known volume of the fluid collector 202 by the measured time elapsed until the fluid fills the fluid collector 202. Measuring the time may involve using a timer, stopwatch, or other suitable timing means. The infusion rate is equal to the value obtained by dividing the fluid volume required to fill the fluid collector 202 by the time elapsed until the fluid collector 202 is filled. The infusion rate may be measured in mL / hour. In one embodiment, the infusion rate may be measured in, for example, L / second, mL / second, L / minute, or mL / minute.

[0028] After the flow velocity is determined using the above calculation, the partition wall 206 can be opened by applying a radial force to the fluid collector 202, thereby emptying the fluid collector. The fluid collector 202 can enable continuous use of the drip chamber 14 when filled with fluid. During continuous use, the liquid may overflow from the distal end of the fluid collector 202 and be discharged into the tube 22 from the proximal end of the housing 200.

[0029] Description of this technology by clause Clause 1. A method for calculating an infusion rate in an intravenous drip chamber, the method comprising: providing a housing into which a fluid flows, the housing being configured to allow fluid to flow in at a distal end and to discharge fluid at a proximal end, and having a reference mark; mounting a flow controller rotatably connected to the housing at the proximal end of the housing, the flow controller having an opening extending inside thereof; rotating the flow controller relative to the housing so that the opening prevents the passage of the fluid; and determining the infusion rate by measuring the time elapsed until the fluid reaches the reference mark within the housing.

[0030] Clause 2. The method according to Clause 1, wherein the flow controller comprises an internal member and an external member, the internal member being fixed to the housing and the external member being rotatable relative to the internal member.

[0031] Clause 3. The method according to Clause 2, wherein the external member and the internal member each have an opening that extends inside them.

[0032] Clause 4. The method according to Clause 3, wherein the external member is rotated relative to the internal member so that the openings do not coincide, thereby preventing the fluid from passing through the flow controller.

[0033] Clause 5. The method according to Clause 1, wherein the volume of the housing at the reference mark is known.

[0034] Clause 6. The method of Clause 5, wherein determining the injection rate comprises dividing the volume by the elapsed time until the fluid reaches the reference mark.

[0035] Clause 7. The method according to Clause 1, wherein the housing comprises a plurality of reference marks.

[0036] Clause 8. The method according to Clause 1, further comprising the step of attaching a tube configured to allow the fluid to flow into the proximal end of the flow controller.

[0037] Clause 9. The method according to Clause 1, wherein the flow controller comprises a plurality of openings.

[0038] Clause 10. A method for calculating an infusion rate in an intravenous drip chamber, comprising the steps of: providing a housing into which a fluid flows, the housing being configured such that the fluid flows in at a distal end and the fluid is discharged at a proximal end; fitting a fluid collector into the housing; and determining the infusion rate by measuring the time elapsed until the fluid fills the fluid collector.

[0039] Clause 11. The method according to Clause 10, wherein the fluid collector includes a partition at its proximal end.

[0040] Clause 12. The method according to Clause 11, wherein a radial force acting on the fluid collector opens the partition wall, thereby forming a fluid path through its interior.

[0041] Clause 13. The method according to Clause 10, wherein the volume of the fluid collector is known.

[0042] Clause 14. Determining the injection rate is: The method according to clause 13, comprising the step of dividing the volume by the elapsed time until the fluid fills the fluid collector.

[0043] Clause 15. The method according to Clause 10, wherein the fluid collector has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the housing.

[0044] Clause 16. The method of Clause 10, further comprising the step of fitting a tube configured to carry the fluid into the proximal end of the housing.

[0045] Clause 17. The method according to Clause 10, wherein the fluid collector is connected to the housing by at least one arm.

[0046] Clause 18. The method according to Clause 10, wherein the fluid collector is mounted in the center of the housing.

[0047] Clause 19. The method according to Clause 10, wherein the fluid collector is fixed to the housing.

[0048] Clause 20. The method according to Clause 10, wherein the fluid collector enables continuous use of the drip chamber when filled with the fluid. Other considerations

[0049] This disclosure is provided to enable those skilled in the art to implement the various embodiments described herein. While this disclosure provides various examples of the art, the art is not limited to these examples. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may also apply to other embodiments.

[0050] Unless otherwise specified, references to singular elements mean "one or more," not "one and only one." Unless otherwise stated, the term "some" refers to "one or more." Masculine pronouns (e.g., "his") encompass feminine and neuter forms (e.g., "her" and "its"), and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, where present, are for convenience only and do not limit the invention.

[0051] As used herein, the term “exemplary” means “used as an example or for illustrative purposes.” No embodiment or configuration described herein as “exemplary” should be construed as being preferable or advantageous to any other embodiment or configuration. In one embodiment, various alternative configurations and operations described herein can be considered at least equivalent.

[0052] The term "aspect" does not mean that the aspect is essential to the Technology or that the aspect applies to all configurations of the Technology. Disclosures relating to aspects may apply to all configurations or one or more configurations. An aspect may provide one or more examples. The term "aspect" refers to one or more aspects, and vice versa. The term "embodiment" does not mean that the embodiment is essential to the Technology or that the embodiment applies to all configurations of the Technology. Disclosures relating to embodiments may apply to all embodiments or one or more embodiments. An embodiment may provide one or more examples. The term "embodiment" refers to one or more embodiments, and vice versa. The term "configuration" does not mean that the configuration is essential to the Technology or that the configuration applies to all configurations of the Technology. Disclosures relating to configurations may apply to all configurations or one or more configurations. A configuration may provide one or more examples. The term "configuration" refers to one or more configurations, and vice versa.

[0053] In one embodiment, unless otherwise explicitly stated, all measurements, numerical values, evaluation values, locations, sizes, dimensions, and other specifications described herein (including the claims described later) are approximate values, not exact values. In one embodiment, each of these values ​​is intended to have a reasonable range consistent with the function to which it relates and the conventions of the art.

[0054] In one embodiment, terms such as "coupled" may refer to direct connection. In another embodiment, terms such as "coupled" may refer to indirect connection.

[0055] Where terms such as "top," "bottom," "front," and "rear" are used herein, they should be understood not as referring to a coordinate system based on the normal direction of gravity, but as referring to an arbitrary reference frame. Therefore, the top, bottom, front, and back may extend upward, downward, obliquely, or horizontally in a gravitational coordinate system.

[0056] The various elements may be arranged in different orders or divided in different ways, and none of these arrangements shall deviate from the scope of the Art. Structural and functional equivalents of elements of each aspect described throughout this Specification, which are known to those skilled in the art or which will become known in the future, are expressly incorporated by reference and are intended to be included within the scope of the claims. Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein, whether expressly stated in the claims or not, is intended to be made public. No claim element should be construed under Section 112, Section 6 of the U.S. Patent Act, except where the phrase “means for” is used, or in a method claim, where the phrase “step for” is used. Furthermore, where the terms “include,” “have,” or similar terms are used, these terms are intended to be construed in an inclusive sense, similar to “comprise” when used as a transition word in a claim.

[0057] The “Title of the Invention,” “Background Art,” “Summary of the Invention,” “Brief Description of the Drawings,” and “Abstract” of this Disclosure are incorporated into this Disclosure and are intended to provide exemplary embodiments of the Disclosure, not to provide limiting descriptions. They are submitted with the understanding that they are not used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, in the “Modes for Carrying Out the Invention,” it is understood that the description provides exemplary embodiments, and for the purpose of concise disclosure, various features are grouped together in multiple embodiments. This method of disclosure should not be interpreted as intended to require features beyond those explicitly stated in each claim. Rather, as the following claims demonstrate, the subject matter of the invention consists of fewer features than all the features contained in a single disclosed configuration or operation. The following claims are incorporated into the “Modes for Carrying Out the Invention” of this Specification, and each constitutes an independent claim on its own.

[0058] The claims are not limited to the embodiments described herein, but are given the maximum scope consistent with the language of the claims and shall encompass all legal equivalents. However, no claim is intended, nor should it be construed, to encompass subject matter that does not meet the requirements of Section 101, 102, or 103 of the U.S. Patent Act.

Claims

1. A method for calculating the infusion rate in an intravenous drip room, A step of providing a housing into which a fluid flows, wherein the housing is configured to allow fluid inflow at its distal end and discharge fluid at its proximal end, and is provided with a reference mark. The step of mounting a flow controller rotatably connected to the housing at the proximal end of the housing, wherein the flow controller has an opening extending inside it, The steps include rotating the flow controller relative to the housing so that the opening prevents the passage of the fluid, The steps include determining the injection rate by measuring the time elapsed until the fluid reaches the reference mark within the housing, A method that includes this.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the flow controller comprises an internal member and an external member, the internal member being fixed to the housing, and the external member being rotatable relative to the internal member.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the external member and the internal member each have an opening that extends inside them.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the external member is rotated relative to the internal member so that the openings do not coincide, thereby preventing the fluid from passing through the flow controller.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the volume of the housing at the reference mark is known.

6. Determining the injection rate means The method according to claim 5, comprising dividing the volume by the elapsed time until the fluid reaches the reference mark.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a plurality of reference marks.

8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of attaching a tube configured to allow the fluid to flow into the proximal end of the flow controller.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the flow controller has a plurality of openings.

10. A method for calculating the infusion rate in an intravenous drip room, A step of providing a housing into which a fluid flows, wherein the housing is configured such that the fluid flows in at its distal end and the fluid is discharged at its proximal end. The steps include: installing a fluid collector inside the housing; The steps include determining the injection rate by measuring the time elapsed until the fluid fills the fluid collector, A method that includes this.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the fluid collector includes a partition wall at its proximal end.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein a radial force acting on the fluid collector opens the partition wall, thereby forming a fluid path through its interior.

13. The method according to claim 10, wherein the volume of the fluid collector is known.

14. Determining the injection rate means The method according to claim 13, comprising the step of dividing the volume by the elapsed time until the fluid fills the fluid collector.

15. The method according to claim 10, wherein the fluid collector has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the housing.

16. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of attaching a tube configured to allow the fluid to flow into the proximal end of the housing.

17. The method according to claim 10, wherein the fluid collector is connected to the housing by at least one arm.

18. The method according to claim 10, wherein the fluid collector is mounted in the center of the housing.

19. The method according to claim 10, wherein the fluid collector is fixed to the housing.

20. The method according to claim 10, wherein the fluid collector enables continuous use of the drip chamber when filled with the fluid.

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