Pressure regulator for infusor
First Claim
1. An ambulatory infusion device for dispensing a fluid at a predetermined fluid flow rate, comprising:
- an elastic bladder having an interior volume for storing the fluid under pressure and an opening for dispensing the fluid;
a pressure regulator in fluid communication with the opening of the bladder, the pressure regulator including an inlet for receiving fluid from the bladder at an inlet pressure, an outlet for discharging the fluid at a predetermined outlet pressure, a valve at the inlet having a hemispheric-shaped head adapted to cooperate with a frustoconic-shaped seat to promote uniform fluid flow therebetween, a movable diaphragm connected to the valve, and a valve plate opposite the diaphragm having channels or texturing therein for receiving fluid flowing through the valve, the diaphragm and the valve being movable in response to fluid pressure to maintain the outlet pressure within a predetermined range of pressures so that the fluid flow rate is substantially constant during fluid flow.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An improved ambulatory infusion device for dispensing a fluid into a patient includes a flexible bladder enclosure having a first open end a closed second end. The closed second end of the sheath is free to conform to the body of the patient so that the device is comfortable when worn. In other aspects, a pressure regulator of the device is adapted to maintain the outlet pressure within a predetermined range of pressures so that the fluid flow rate is substantially constant during fluid flow. A flow restrictor of the device is formed of flexible tubing.
An ambulatory infusion device for dispensing a fluid at a predetermined fluid flow rate includes an elastic bladder having an interior volume for storing the fluid under pressure and an opening for dispensing the fluid. A pressure regulator is in fluid communication with the opening of the bladder and includes an inlet for receiving fluid from the bladder at an inlet pressure and an outlet for discharging the fluid at a predetermined outlet pressure. A valve at the inlet has a hemispheric-shaped head adapted to cooperate with a frustoconic-shaped seat to promote uniform fluid flow therebetween. A movable diaphragm is connected to the valve, and a valve plate opposite a surface of the diaphragm has channels or texture therein. The diaphragm and the valve are movable in response to the fluid pressure acting on the diaphragm surface.
72 Citations
11 Claims
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1. An ambulatory infusion device for dispensing a fluid at a predetermined fluid flow rate, comprising:
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an elastic bladder having an interior volume for storing the fluid under pressure and an opening for dispensing the fluid;
a pressure regulator in fluid communication with the opening of the bladder, the pressure regulator including an inlet for receiving fluid from the bladder at an inlet pressure, an outlet for discharging the fluid at a predetermined outlet pressure, a valve at the inlet having a hemispheric-shaped head adapted to cooperate with a frustoconic-shaped seat to promote uniform fluid flow therebetween, a movable diaphragm connected to the valve, and a valve plate opposite the diaphragm having channels or texturing therein for receiving fluid flowing through the valve, the diaphragm and the valve being movable in response to fluid pressure to maintain the outlet pressure within a predetermined range of pressures so that the fluid flow rate is substantially constant during fluid flow. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. An ambulatory infusion device for dispensing a fluid at a predetermined fluid flow rate, comprising:
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an elastic bladder having an interior volume for storing the fluid under pressure and an opening for dispensing the fluid;
a pressure regulator in fluid communication with the opening of the bladder, the pressure regulator including an inlet for receiving fluid from the bladder at an inlet pressure, an outlet for discharging the fluid at an outlet pressure, a valve plate, and a valve at the inlet including a hemispheric-shaped head at one end adapted to cooperate with a frustoconic-shaped seat of the valve plate and a valve stem extending from the head through a movable diaphragm and through a diaphragm backing plate, the valve stem terminating at an opposite end of the valve from the head, the opposite end being supported by the backing plate such that movement of the backing plate away from the valve plate is substantially transmitted directly to the valve and to allow the valve stem and head to pivot for centering of the head relative to the seat during fluid flow.
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Specification