Microvalve

Details Microvalve Microvalve

1998-09-15

2000-08-15

Polutta, Mark O.

Surgery

Means for introducing or removing material from body for...

Treating material introduced into or removed from body...

251 11, 137 67, A61M 580

Patent

active

061028975

DESCRIPTION:

BRIEF SUMMARY
The invention relates to a microvalve for disposable use for use in analytical chemistry or medical technology and to one use of such a microvalve.
Particularly in the sector of intravenous infusion therapy and in medication applications, but also for diagnostic measures requiring the taking of blood samples, disposable systems are used almost exclusively for hygienic reasons. All active valves used here are still quite predominantly operated manually and are designed as three-way cocks singularly or multiply as cock valves. In addition, manually operable pinch clamps are still used as valves. Only in the sector of heart-lung machines and dialysers are sophisticated electromechanical valves used; however almost exclusively designed as hose pinch valves. It would therefore be desirable from the point of view of the physician, nurse or of hygiene to replace these labour-intensive manipulations which encourage operating errors with an automated valve control also for infusion therapy and diagnostic measures. However, this requires the possibility of using special very cost-favourable, electrically controllable valves.
The object of the invention described below was to provide simple, safe, cheap, small valves with a low dead spot which can be triggered electrically for analytical chemistry, but particularly for medical technology and here in particular for infusion therapy.
In accordance with the invention, this object is solved by means of a microvalve for disposable use with a casing with at least one valve seat and a closing element which fuses under the application of heat to open and/or close the microvalve with electrical heating elements to serve the heat application being provided.
In accordance with the invention, a microvalve is provided here with sample means which can be opened or closed once as required by the application of electrical energy.
Preferred embodiments of the microvalve in accordance with the invention are produced by the dependent claims following on from the main claim. Particularly advantageous is the use of a microvalve in accordance with the invention in an automatic, programmable infusion medication application apparatus.
Details and advantages of the invention are shown by means of the embodiments presented in the drawing.
FIG. 1 shows as exploded drawing one simple embodiment of the electrical disposable microvalve.
FIG. 2 shows the electrical disposable microvalve of FIG. 1 in section (section plane I . . . I).
FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show schematically the function of a disposable microvalve (closer) at rest and after electrical actuation.
FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 show schematically the function of a disposable microvalve (opener) at rest and after electrical actuation.
FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 show as another example the function of a disposable microvalve (closer) which uses a wax plug with an open central channel in combination with a perforated plate as the closing elements, at rest and after electrical actuation.
FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 show as another example a microvalve as an opener which uses only a simple wax plug as the fusible closer, at rest and after electrical actuation.
FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 show as an example a microvalve as an opener which uses as its closing element an easily fusible membrane with an SMD resistor or resistance wire being forced against it, at rest and after electrical actuation.
FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 finally show as an example another microvalve as an opener where the electrical resistance element is fitted directly to the easily thermally fusible valve closing membrane together with the electrical connection leads.
FIG. 15 shows as an application example from medical technology for disposable microvalves a programmable infusion medication application apparatus in a schematic view.
FIG. 16 shows in perspective view the infusion medication application apparatus with Parts A for disposable use and B, C and D for multiple use.
FIG. 17 shows in perspective view Part B, the syringe holding apparatus with spring transmission elements.
FIG. 18 shows in perspective view Part

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