Air-in-line detector for a medication infusion system.

摘要

An air-in-line detection system for use in detecting air bubbles in the fluid line of a disposable cassette mounted on a main pump unit in a medication infusion system which can accurately detect air bubbles in any type of fluid, whether clear or opaque. The system uses an optical module (670) mounted on the main pump unit to supply light (698) and to detect light (700) returned from the cassette, and an optical viewing area in the fluid flow path (138) near the outlet end of the cassette. An inverted prism in the optical viewing path reflects light back to the optical module (670) when air is contained in the fluid flow path (138) adjacent the optical viewing area, with the light not being returned if there are no air bubbles contained in the fluid flow path (138).