Patent attributes
The concentration of air in a fluid delivery line is determined by monitoring output signals corresponding to the amount of air detected in the fluid and processing those signals along with information as to the time or total volume of fluid dispensed since each signal was produced. The processor determines an air concentration value based on the received signal values, with the air concentration value determined by giving greater weight to more recent signal values. Where the air concentration value exceeds a predetermined value, an alarm signal may be activated or fluid delivery may be stopped. The processor also may determine a secondary air concentration value, which may be determined from the raw signal values instead of the weighted signal values. Where the secondary air concentration value exceeds a second predetermined threshold, an alarm signal may be activated or fluid delivery may be stopped.
