#$%^&*AU2011200140B220120405.pdf#####- 25 Abstract The present invention provides a system for the removal of gas bubbles from an intravenous liquid flowing in 5 intravenous tubing. The system comprises a drip chamber having an inlet connected to intravenous tubing from an intravenous source and an outlet connected to intravenous tubing to a patient. The inlet is disposed at a higher level than the outlet, wherein the drip chamber retains 10 gas at an upper portion thereof. The system also comprises a liquid level sensor operative to sense the level of liquid in the drip chamber and a vent valve at an upper portion of the drip chamber operative to open upon a predetermined increase of gas pressure within the drip 15 chamber. In addition, the system comprises a pump upstream of the drip chamber operative to pump the intravenous liquid from the source to the patient. An occlusion valve is provided downstream of the drip chamber operative to stop liquid flow in the intravenous tubing from the drip 20 chamber to the patient. Further, a controller is in communication with the liquid level sensor and the downstream valve and operative to close the downstream valve upon detection of a specified liquid level in the drip chamber detected by the liquid level sensor, whereby 25 continued operation of the upstream pump while the downstream valve is closed causes an increase of pressure in the drip chamber sufficient to open the vent valve and release gas in the drip chamber. 30 25339241 (GHMatters) 13/01/11
