Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha Corporation

Baxter International Inc.

Eiichi Sakai

George A Bowman

Edmund D D'Silva

An air detector according to the present invention utilizes a unitary type sensor for detecting air bubbles or columns in an infusion solution flowing through a tube. Because of a unique design for a tube-receiving groove and a cooperating abutting member, the difficulty in loading a tube heretofore encountered with the use of unitary type sensor is obviated. Thus, the tube can be loaded in the air detector easily with good reliability.

Air detector for use in infusion pump

A medical fluid injection system comprises a flexible conduit, a supply device, a movable element, and a blocking condition detection device. The supply device supplies a pressurized medical fluid through the flexible conduit. The movable element is moved for forcing the flexible conduit in a stressing direction to cause creep in the flexible conduit. The blocking condition detection device detects whether or not the flexible conduit is forced in an anti-stressing direction opposed to the stressing direction. In a specific form of the present invention, a monitor may be provided for monitoring whether the movable element is exactly moved or not.

Blocking condition detection device in a fluid injection system

A medical fluid injection system which includes a flexible conduit and a rotor for supplying a pressurized medical fluid to the human body through the flexible conduit. A blocking condition detection unit is provided for detecting an abnormal blocking condition of the flexible conduit. The blocking condition detection unit includes a supporting member for supporting the flexible conduit in a manner that the section of the flexible conduit is forced to show a rectangular configuration. A rod is slidably disposed through the supporting member so that one end of the rod makes contact with the flexible conduit. When an abnormal blocking condition occurs in the flexible conduit, the flexible conduit held by the supporting member expands to depress and shift the rod. The thus created movement of the rod is detected by a mcroswitch, whereby the rotation of the rotor is interrupted.

Growing community of inventors

Nara, Japan

Eiichi Sakai