摘要 |
The present invention is a flow metering system for accurately metering and regulating the flow rate of fluid in a gravity fed intravenous fluid delivery system. The fluid flow is directed through a flow path guide that is suspended at an angle from one end. As the fluid flows through the flow path guide, the flow path guide bends due to the weight of the fluid. A drop of fluid forms at the end of the flow path guide then falls off, thereby releasing the flow path guide, which springs back it its original position. The sequence of drops and springing back continues throughout the fluid delivery procedure, and is monitored by sensors. The resultant data is used by a processor to determine the flow rate of the fluid. The flow rate may be adjusted as needed by a flow regulator that is responsive to an adjustment actuator that is controlled by the processor.
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