Automated intravenous fluid regulating and administering apparatus

摘要

Automated dispensing apparatus is disclosed for administering intravenous fluid to a patient under gravity pressure at a controlled volumetric rate, such that deviations from a desired fluid volumetric rate are automatically corrected. In accordance with the invention the area and maximum width of each fluid drop are measured with two intersecting light beams. Apparatus, responsive to each of the light beams, generates signals representative of drop area and width, and these two parameters are combined to obtain a signal proportional to drop volume. The measured drop volume signal is compared with a rate control signal to automatically correct the fluid flow rate.