An apparatus, system and method for regulating fluid flow are disclosed. The apparatus includes a flow rate sensor and a valve. The flow rate sensor uses images to estimate flow through a drip chamber and then controls the valve based on the estimated flow rate. The valve comprises a rigid housing disposed around the tube in which fluid flow is being controlled. Increasing the pressure in the housing controls the size of the lumen within the tube by deforming the tube, therefore controlling flow through the tube.

An apparatus, system and method for regulating fluid flow are disclosed. The apparatus includes a flow rate sensor and a valve. The flow rate sensor uses images to estimate flow through a drip chamber and then controls the valve based on the estimated flow rate. The valve comprises a rigid housing disposed around the tube in which fluid flow is being controlled. Increasing the pressure in the housing controls the size of the lumen within the tube by deforming the tube, therefore controlling flow through the tube.

A system for regulating fluid flow having a processor configured to reduce image noise is provided. The system includes an image sensor to capture an image of the drip chamber and a valve to regulate the fluid flowing from the drip chamber to a patient. The processor captures the image of the drip chamber using the image sensor, performs an edge detection on the image to generate a first processed image, and performs an AND-operation on a pixel on a first side of an axis of the first processed image with a corresponding mirror pixel on a second side of the axis of the first processed image to generate a second processed image.

A system for regulating fluid flow having a processor configured to reduce image noise is provided. The system includes an image sensor to capture an image of the drip chamber and a valve to regulate the fluid flowing from the drip chamber to a patient. The processor captures the image of the drip chamber using the image sensor, performs an edge detection on the image to generate a first processed image, and performs an AND-operation on a pixel on a first side of an axis of the first processed image with a corresponding mirror pixel on a second side of the axis of the first processed image to generate a second processed image.

A dispenser (1) for discharging an amount of a substance to be discharged includes a container (4) with a discharge opening (6), and a metering device (14). The metering device (14) is mounted movably relative to the discharge opening (6) and has at least one recess (16) for conveying the substance to be discharged through the discharge opening (6) and out of the container (4). The metering device (14) is connected to a drive element, particularly to a spring element (13), and the drive element is configured to accelerate an amount of the substance that is received in the recess (16) of the metering device (14), as the amount leaves the dispenser (1).

A dispenser (1) for discharging an amount of a substance to be discharged includes a container (4) with a discharge opening (6), and a metering device (14). The metering device (14) is mounted movably relative to the discharge opening (6) and has at least one recess (16) for conveying the substance to be discharged through the discharge opening (6) and out of the container (4). The metering device (14) is connected to a drive element, particularly to a spring element (13), and the drive element is configured to accelerate an amount of the substance that is received in the recess (16) of the metering device (14), as the amount leaves the dispenser (1).

A flow meter, and related method, include a coupler adapted to couple to a drip chamber, a support member operatively coupled to the coupler, an image sensor and a backlight. The image sensor has a field of view and is operatively coupled to the support member. The backlight is adapted to illuminate the image sensor to expose the image sensor such that the field of view of the image sensor at least partially images at least a portion of the drip chamber. A processor receives image data from the image sensor to select a region of interest of the image sensor, determine whether a pixel of the image sensor is within the region of interest, activate the at least one light of the backlight when the pixel of the image sensor is within the region of interest, and expose the pixel of the image sensor.

A temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of a surface of the heat exchanger of a motor vehicle air conditioning system. The sensor includes a sensor housing constructed for assembly in an opening of a heat exchanger housing and having a sensor head constructed for thermal contact with a heat exchanger surface. The sensor head is configured to have thermal contact only with the outer ends of cooling ribs of the heat exchanger or only with a thermally conductive plate which connects cooling ribs.

A flow meter, and related method, include a coupler adapted to couple to a drip chamber, a support member operatively coupled to the coupler, an image sensor and a backlight. The image sensor has a field of view and is operatively coupled to the support member. The backlight is adapted to illuminate the image sensor to expose the image sensor such that the field of view of the image sensor at least partially images at least a portion of the drip chamber. A processor receives image data from the image sensor to select a region of interest of the image sensor, determine whether a pixel of the image sensor is within the region of interest, activate the at least one light of the backlight when the pixel of the image sensor is within the region of interest, and expose the pixel of the image sensor.

A dispenser (1) for discharging an amount of a substance to be discharged includes a container (4) with a discharge opening (6), and a metering device (14). The metering device (14) is mounted movably relative to the discharge opening (6) and has at least one recess (16) for conveying the substance to be discharged through the discharge opening (6) and out of the container (4). The metering device (14) is connected to a drive element, particularly to a spring element (13), and the drive element is configured to accelerate an amount of the substance that is received in the recess (16) of the metering device (14), as the amount leaves the dispenser (1).