A microcomputer-based drip-feed unit

The design of a programmable instrument for monitoring and regulating the supply of plasma, drugs, or blood to a patient undergoing medical treatment is described. It is based on the use of a very simple, yet intrinsically safe electromechanical actuator for the regulation of the fluid flow. The drip rate is measured by an optical procedure. The control signal is generated by a microcomputer, which is also programmed to detect a wide range of alarm conditions.<
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