Patent US4476877A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4476877A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fluid temperature sensor
Assignee: Becton Dickinson Critical Care Systems Pte Ltd
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Filing: 1982-08-16
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Granted: 1984-10-16
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Expires: 2002-08-16
Abstract
Abstract A temperature sensing device for use in a fluid flow system for accurately sensing the temperature of fluid delivered through a lumen of a housing of the device. A temperature sensor element is isolated from the fluid in the lumen by its reception in an enclosure extending through a portion of the wall of the housing into the lumen. The temperature sensor is provided in association with a connector including suitable leads for transferring the electrically generated signal from the sensor to a cable connected to a computer for use in making thermodilution determinations. By permitting the expensive temperature sensor structure to be reusable without the need for repeated sterilization thereof while permitting the flow-through housing to be disposable, long, troublefree life at low cost is provided.
Inventors
- 👤 John M. Barker
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 11:31
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B5/00; A61B5/02; A61B5/026; A61B5/0275; A61B5/028
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 19
Claim 1
Independent Claim
132 words
For use in a flow system such as a cardiovascular flow measuring system wherein a cold injectate fluid is delivered in a known amount from a supply through a catheter into a patient's blood vessel and the resultant change in the temperature of the patient's blood is sensed to determine the circulatory blood flow rate, an improved injectate fluid temperature sensor comprising: a disposable housing defining a through lumen for conducting injectate fluid therethrough; a disposable thermally conductive enclosure hermetically sealingly joined to the housing and projecting transversely into said lumen to be in heat transfer association with injectate fluid conducted through said lumen; and a reusable temperature sensor removably installed in said enclosure, said sensor providing a signal corresponding accurately to the temperature of the injectate fluid conducted through said lumen.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
132 words
For use in a flow system such as a cardiovascular flow measuring system wherein a cold injectate fluid is delivered in a known amount from a supply through a catheter into a patient's blood vessel and the resultant change in the temperature of the patient's blood is sensed to determine the circulatory blood flow rate, an improved injectate fluid temperature sensor comprising: a disposable housing defining a through lumen for conducting injectate fluid therethrough; a disposable thermally conductive enclosure hermetically sealingly joined to the housing and projecting transversely into said lumen to be in heat transfer association with injectate fluid conducted through said lumen; and a reusable temperature sensor removably installed in said enclosure, said sensor providing a signal corresponding accurately to the temperature of the injectate fluid conducted through said lumen.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The temperature sensor of claim 1 wherein the sensor is snugly fitted in the enclosure.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The temperature sensor of claim 1 wherein said sensor is potted within a thermally conductive jacket.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
The temperature sensor of claim 1 wherein said sensor is potted within a thermally conductive jacket carried on the end of an electrically conductive cable, said cable transmitting the sensed temperature signal.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The temperature sensor of claim 1 further including a retractable protective cover surrounding the temperature sensor, said cover protecting the sensor when separated from the enclosure.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The temperature sensor of claim 1 wherein said enclosure is bonded to the housing.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
The temperature sensor of claim 1 wherein said enclosure comprises a separately formed element secured to said housing.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
36 words
The temperature sensor of claim 1 wherein said housing defines a threaded connector coaxially of said enclosure and said sensor is provided in a cover having a threaded connector removably connected to said housing threaded connector.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The temperature sensor of claim 1 including means for resiliently urging the sensor into said enclosure.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
The temperature sensor of claim 1 wherein said sensor has an external configuration complementary to said enclosure and is resiliently urged into a snug fit therein.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
The temperature sensor of claim 1 wherein said housing is formed of a molded synthetic resin.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
14 words
The temperature sensor of claim 1 wherein said enclosure is formed of stainless steel.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
15 words
The temperature sensor of claim 1 wherein said sensor is mounted in a probe tube.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
25 words
The temperature sensor of claim 1 wherein said sensor is mounted in a probe tube secured in a support base formed of a synthetic resin.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
36 words
The temperature sensor of claim 1 wherein said sensor is mounted in a probe tube, lead wires being connected to said sensor and extending outwardly through said probe tube for connection to an electrical conductor cable.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
12 words
The temperature sensor of claim 1 wherein said sensor comprises a thermistor.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
26 words
The temperature sensor of claim 1 wherein said sensor is disposed in a probe tube and a retractable cover is yieldably disposed about the probe tube.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
15 words
The temperature sensor of claim 1 wherein said enclosure extends substantially fully across said lumen.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-10-16 | 1988-04-16 | 1988-10-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-10-16 | 1992-04-16 | 1992-10-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-10-16 | 1996-04-16 | 1996-10-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |