Fluid handling – Systems – Multi-way valve unit
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-15
2001-08-14
Fox, John (Department: 3753)
Fluid handling
Systems
Multi-way valve unit
C137S625300
Reexamination Certificate
active
06273133
ABSTRACT:
DESCRIPTION
1. Technical Field
The present invention generally relates to devices for controlling flow rates of fluids, and in particular to providing a plurality of precise user selectable flow rates in medical fluid delivery systems.
2. Background Art
In many fluid delivery systems, it is important to carefully control the fluid flow rates. With respect to systems intended to be used in the intravenous administration of fluids, the precise control of fluid flow rates is usually a critical part of the therapy being provided to the patient. In the medical field, then, accuracy is an important feature of a flow control system. Furthermore, the intravenous administration of fluids at uncontrolled high fluid flow rates can be harmful to the patient.
Another desirable feature of a flow control system is consistency over time. In the medical field, it is impractical to expect a medical attendant to be present to monitor the fluid flow rate during the entire treatment session. A flow rate control system must therefore be capable of maintaining a stable flow rate while being unattended for relatively long periods of time. Also in the medical field, as well as other environments, yet another desirable feature for a flow control system is simplicity of operation to minimize operator error.
In some drug administration systems, a valve is used in combination with a pair of plastic flexible tubes to create a fluid rate switching device. However, the use of plastic flexible tubing fails to provide high accuracy in regulating the flow rate of a fluid, Also, the length of plastic tubing required to achieve a desired flow rate can change as a result of inconsistencies in the manufacturing process of plastic tubing. Thus, special steps must be taken if plastic tubing is to be used in regulating a fluid flow rate.
Hence, prior to the present invention, a need existed for a relatively small device having a user selectable flow rate control that is precise and stable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Generally, the switch of the present invention includes a housing having a port and a plurality of passages. Respectively disposed in each of the passages is a rigid capillary tube for regulating the flow rate of a therapeutic fluid through the passages. Further, a valve is rotatably connected to the housing for operably connecting and disconnecting the port from one or more of the passages.
Other advantages and features of the present invention will be apparent from the following description of a specific embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3276472 (1966-10-01), Jinkens et al.
patent: 3678960 (1972-07-01), Leibinsohn
patent: 3774604 (1973-11-01), Danielsson
patent: 3834372 (1974-09-01), Turney
patent: 4210178 (1980-07-01), Morse et al.
patent: 4375813 (1983-03-01), Hessel
patent: 4566480 (1986-01-01), Parham
patent: 4593717 (1986-06-01), Levasseur
patent: 4694856 (1987-09-01), Leibinsohn
patent: 4738283 (1988-04-01), Shirai et al.
patent: 4967797 (1990-11-01), Manska
patent: 5009251 (1991-04-01), Pike et al.
patent: 5427145 (1995-06-01), Grabenkort
patent: 5439452 (1995-08-01), McCarty
patent: 5443453 (1995-08-01), Walker et al.
patent: 5466228 (1995-11-01), Evans
patent: 5499968 (1996-03-01), Milijasevic et al.
patent: 5817068 (1998-10-01), Urrutia
patent: 44 19 369 A1 (1994-12-01), None
patent: 195 48 537 A1 (1996-07-01), None
patent: 0 800 837 A2 (1997-10-01), None
Translation of Cols. 9-10 of DE 44 19 369 A1.
Translation of Col. 3 of DE 195 48 537 A1.
Ariagno Scott
Williamson Mark E.
Baxter International Inc.
Buonaiuto Mark J.
Fox John
Kowalik Francis C.
Nichols Jeffrey C.
LandOfFree
Fluid flow rate switching device does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Fluid flow rate switching device, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Fluid flow rate switching device will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2442697