Air bubble detector for blood transfusion unit - with IR rays passed through catheter tube by air bubble to be picked up by detector which actuates alarm and cuts off blood supply

Abstract

Abstract The detector is fitted to a blood transfusion unit to detect an air bubble passing through the catheter tube. It comprises a source emitting infra-red rays which are focused onto the catheter. When blood is passing only, these rays are blocked and not directed onto a detector cell on the opposite side. If air passes, the rays activate the cell and a signal is transmitted through an inverter and into a voltage comparator. This closes another switch which is held by a thyristor until manually released. Simultaneously, visual and audible alarms are energised and the blood supply is cut off.

Inventors

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