A universal air-bubble detector for infusion pumps

A universal air-bubble detector has been developed for use with drip-controlled infusion pumps. Variations in the peak intensity of modulated infra-red radiation transmitted through the infusion line are used to detect the passage of an air gap or bubble. The device is unique in that bubbles in clear and opaque fluids are detected in most of the standard solution administration sets. The bubble detector is small and light and is an inexpensive way of upgrading an infusion pump to provide an air-in-line alarm facility.