Automatic sequential fluid flow apparatus

• US 4,256,103 A
• Filed: 10/11/1978
• Issued: 03/17/1981
• Est. Priority Date: 10/11/1978
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: James Paxinos
• Original Assignee: James Paxinos
• Inventors: Mylrea, Kenneth C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Truluck, Dalton L.
• Application Number:
  US05/950,329
• Time in Patent Office: 888 Days
• Field of Search: 128/214 R, 128/214 C, 128/214 Z, 128/227, 222/145, 137/434, 137/113
• US Class Current: 604/81
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/1408 in parallel, e.g. manifolds, sequencing valves access sites A61M39/02; tube connectors A61M39/10
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/1411 Drip chambers A61M5/162, A61M5/1689, A61M5/40 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/2569 Control by depletion of source
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/7439 Float arm operated valve

Abstract

Sequential, continuous delivery of separate intravenous fluid mixtures is facilitated by a float operated valve which automatically re-starts flow from a primary solution when the selected volume of secondary fluid has been infused. The float is contained in a calibrated volumetric chamber with a drug injection port, and valved connections to primary and secondary solutions. Selected volumes of primary or secondary solution can be added to the chamber and mixed with drugs inserted through the injection port.

Fluid in the calibrated chamber raises a float which closes a valve and stops fluid flow from the primary solution source. Fluid from within the chamber flows to the patient until very little fluid remains in the chamber and the float moves downward causing the valve to the primary solution to open allowing a continuous flow of intravenous fluid to the patient.

Claims

1. In combination with an intravenous administration set having interconnected primary solution container, calibrated volumetric chamber, and drip chamber for infusion of primary solution into a patient'"'"'s body, an improvement for controlling non-mixing sequential fluid flow comprising float valve means positioned within the calibrated volumetric chamber operably controlling the primary solution entering the calibrated volumetric chamber, said float valve means defining a float element and a needle valve assembly operatively connected thereto, said needle valve assembly being connected in fluid communication with said primary solution container and being situated upstream from said float element so as to be operated by the buoyant movement of the float element, and said float element constructed to conform to the bottom and sides of the calibrated chamber, said float element so arranged with said needle valve assembly to float in close proximity to said calibrated volumetric chamber bottom;

and means introducing a secondary solution into the said chamber, said means including a secondary solution container, tubing interconnecting said secondary solution container and the calibrated chamber, and a flow valve disposed in said tubing, said float valve means operably controlled by the secondary solution in the calibrated chamber whereby the flow of the secondary solution into the calibrated chamber may be controlled by the secondary solution flow valve in order that minimum secondary solution present in the calibrated chamber operates said float, and said float valve means controls the entry of primary solution into the calibrated chamber through said needle valve assembly following termination of secondary solution with minimum mixing of solutions.

2. The improvement in automatic sequential fluid flow apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said needle valve assembly comprises an elongated cylinder, the passageway through said cylinder being a first smaller diameter passageway stepped into a second larger diameter passageway, the first passageway operably connected to the primary solution container;

and elongated shaft means, the second passageway adapted to receive said elongated shaft means, said shaft means being of diameter larger than said first passageway diameter whereby when said float element rises in the calibrated chamber, said shaft means is urged against the orifice formed at the step between the first and second passageways and the flow of the primary solution is controlled.

3. The improvement in automatic sequential fluid flow apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said shaft means first end defines a pointed end to engage the orifice formed at the step between the first and second passageway.

4. The improvement in automatic sequential fluid flow apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein said shaft means comprises flutes extending lengthwise whereby the primary solution passing the end of the shaft may travel down the flutes to the float element and into the bottom of the calibrated volumetric chamber.

5. The improvements in automatic sequential fluid flow apparatus as defined in claim 4 further comprising means introducing the primary solution into the calibrated volumetric chamber interior, said means including flow valve means whereby primary solution may be introduced into the calibrated chamber separate from the primary solution controlled by said float valve means.