US 11,927,465 B2
Flow sensor system and method for using same
Peter J. Sacchetti, North Falmouth, MA (US); and Hannu Pulli, Westboro, MA (US)
Assigned to Alcor Scientific, Inc.
Filed by Alcor Scientific, Inc., Smithfield, RI (US)
Filed on Apr. 18, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/302,731.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/332,595, filed on Apr. 19, 2022.
Prior Publication US 2023/0332937 A1, Oct. 19, 2023
Int. Cl. G01F 1/684 (2006.01)
CPC G01F 1/6847 (2013.01) [G01F 1/6842 (2013.01)] 22 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A flow sensor system for detecting the presence or absence of flow through a conduit of an enteral feeding system, comprising:
a substantially planar front portion;
a substantially U-shaped channel formed in the front portion and configured to retain the conduit therein, the channel dimensioned to maintain a round cross-sectional geometry of the conduit without compressing the conduit within the channel;
a heat source disposed at a first location at a first portion of the conduit;
a heat detector disposed at a second location at a first portion of the conduit; and
a controller configured to perform the following steps:
determining a reference temperature T1 of a liquid nutrient formula at the second location;
activating the heat source;
measuring a second temperature T2 of the liquid nutrient formula at the second location;
calculating the difference between the reference and second temperatures; and
determining from the difference between the reference and second temperatures whether a partial or complete occlusion is present in the conduit.