A flow meter includes an image sensor, a coupler, a support member and one or more processors. The coupler is adapted to couple to a drip chamber. The support member is operatively coupled to the coupler. The image sensor has a field of view and is operatively coupled to the support member. The image sensor is positioned to view the drip chamber within the field of view. The processor receives data from the image sensor and is configured to: receive a first image from the image sensor, compare the first image to a second image, and generate a difference image based upon the comparison between the first and second images.

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.

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.

The invention concerns a dosing unit (1) with at least one dosing device (2), the dosing device (2) having at least one dosing system (3) with at least one dosing valve (4) for the delivery of a dosing material, and with at least one exchange system (5) associated with the dosing device (2). The dosing unit (1) is configured and can be controlled by a control device (6) in a manner such that, in an automated process, at least the dosing valve (4) can be detachably coupled with the dosing device (2) for the purposes of delivering dosing material via the exchange system (5) and/or in a manner such that, in an automated process, at least the dosing valve (4) can be detachably coupled with a supply device (7) via the exchange system (5).

The invention furthermore concerns an exchange system (5) for a dosing unit (1), a dosing device (2) for a dosing unit (1) and a dosing system (3) with a dosing valve (4) as well as a dosing valve (4) for a dosing system (3). Furthermore, the invention concerns a method for the automated coupling of at least one dosing valve (4) with a dosing device (2) and/or with a supply device (7).

The invention concerns a dosing unit (1) with at least one dosing device (2), the dosing device (2) having at least one dosing system (3) with at least one dosing valve (4) for the delivery of a dosing material, and with at least one exchange system (5) associated with the dosing device (2). The dosing unit (1) is configured and can be controlled by a control device (6) in a manner such that, in an automated process, at least the dosing valve (4) can be detachably coupled with the dosing device (2) for the purposes of delivering dosing material via the exchange system (5) and/or in a manner such that, in an automated process, at least the dosing valve (4) can be detachably coupled with a supply device (7) via the exchange system (5).

The invention furthermore concerns an exchange system (5) for a dosing unit (1), a dosing device (2) for a dosing unit (1) and a dosing system (3) with a dosing valve (4) as well as a dosing valve (4) for a dosing system (3). Furthermore, the invention concerns a method for the automated coupling of at least one dosing valve (4) with a dosing device (2) and/or with a supply device (7).

A flow control apparatus includes a body, a door, a drip chamber holster, and a valve. The door is pivotally coupled to the body. The drip chamber holster is coupled to one of the body or the door to retain a drip chamber. The valve is disposed within the body and is configured to receive a fluid line coupled to the drip chamber when the door is in an open position. The valve is operatively coupled to the door to secure the fluid line within the valve when the door is in a closed position.

A flow control apparatus includes a body, a door, a drip chamber holster, and a valve. The door is pivotally coupled to the body. The drip chamber holster is coupled to one of the body or the door to retain a drip chamber. The valve is disposed within the body and is configured to receive a fluid line coupled to the drip chamber when the door is in an open position. The valve is operatively coupled to the door to secure the fluid line within the valve when the door is in a closed position.