Apparatus and method for preventing free flow in an infusion line

• US 7,150,727 B2
• Filed: 12/11/2002
• Issued: 12/19/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 05/11/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Zevex (Moog Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Zevex (Moog Incorporated)
• Inventors: Beck, Kent F., McNally, David J., Cise, David
• Primary Examiner(s): Sirmons, Kevin
• Assistant Examiner(s): GILBERT, ANDREW M
• Application Number:
  US10/317,027
• Publication Number:
  US 20030125674A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,469 Days
• Field of Search: 604118- 9, 604/119, 604/249, 604254-256, 604 30- 1, 604/48, 604245- 9, 137/192, 137/455, 137/843, 137/853, 222/556
• US Class Current: 604/246
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/242 designed to open when a predetermined pressure or flow rate has been reached, e.g. check valve actuated by fluid
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/2473 Valve comprising a non-deformable, movable element, e.g. ball-valve, valve with movable stopper or reciprocating element
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/2486 Guided stem, e.g. reciprocating stopper
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 39/22 Valves or arrangement of valves A61M39/02, A61M39/0247, A61M39/16 take precedence; regulating valves in infusion systems A61M5/16881; in devices worn by the patient for the reception of urine, faeces, catamenial or other discharge, or in colostomy devices A61F5/4405
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 39/24 Check- or non-return valves
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 39/281 Automatic tube cut-off devices, e.g. squeezing tube on detection of air
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14 Infusion devices, e.g. infusing by gravity; Blood infusion; Accessories therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/142 Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14228 with linear peristaltic action, i.e. comprising at least three pressurising members or a helical member
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14232 Roller pumps

Abstract

An apparatus and method for preventing free flow through an infusion set utilizes an occluder disposed within the infusion set to selectively prevent flow therethrough. The occluder may be responsive to a pressure differential within the infusion set or may respond to compression of the infusion set. When a pair of occluders are used in sequence, an in-line pump may be formed.

Claims

1. An occluder for use in an infusion set, the occluder comprising:

a body having a proximal section configured for disposition in a piece of tubing of an infusion set;

a stop configured for positioning within the tubing of the infusion set;

wherein fluid flow is accomplished by radial expansion of the tubing from fluid pressure in at least one portion of the tubing to enable flow around the stop;

wherein the body has a channel therethrough for passing fluid and wherein the stop is attached to the body by at least one arm, the arm being disposed out of alignment with the channel; and

wherein the at least one arm comprises a pair of arms spaced apart from each other and disposed generally opposite one another

wherein the stop includes an inner portion and an outer layer attached to the inner portion.

2. An occluder for preventing fluid flow through a tube, the occluder comprising:

a stop configured for disposal in the tubing, the stop comprising a sealing portion for engaging the tubing to prevent fluid flow between the stop and tubing until the tubing expands radially, wherein the sealing portion further comprises at least one projection extending from the sealing portion for sealing against the tubing; and

a body having a channel formed therein for passing fluid therethrough, the body being attached to the stop by at least one arm disposed out of alignment with the channel in the body.

3. The occluder according to claim 2, wherein the sealing portion comprises a generally annular channel.

4. The occluder according to claim 2, wherein the sealing portion comprises at least one projection for sealing against the tubing which has a rounded shape.

5. The occluder according to claim 2, wherein the at least one projection comprises at least one annular bevel.

6. The occluder according to claim 2, wherein the at least one projection comprises a pair of spaced apart annular bevels.

7. The occluder according to claim 2, wherein the at least one projection comprises at least one annular rib.

8. The occluder according to claim 2, wherein the at least one projection comprises a pair of spaced apart annular ribs.

9. An occluder for use in an infusion set, the occluder comprising:

a body having a proximal section configured for disposition in a piece of tubing of an infusion set;

a stop configured for positioning within the tubing of the infusion set, the stop having at least one generally annular rib disposed thereon configured for engaging the piece of tubing to form a seal; and

wherein fluid flow is accomplished by radial expansion of the tubing from fluid pressure in at least one portion of the tubing to enable flow past the stop and between the generally annular rib and the tubing.

10. The occluder according to claim 9, wherein the at least one generally annular rib comprises an annular bevel.

11. The occluder according to claim 10, wherein the at least one generally annular rib comprises a pair of bevels.

12. The occluder according to claim 11, wherein the bevels are separated by a generally annular channel.

13. The occluder according to claim 9, further comprising a first generally annular rib and a second generally annular rib.

14. The occluder according to claim 13, wherein the first generally annular rib and the second generally annular rib are spaced apart.

15. The occluder according to claim 13, wherein the first generally annular rib and the second generally annular rib extend radially outwardly to different degrees.

16. The occluder according to claim 13, wherein the first generally annular rib and the second generally annular rib extend radially outwardly substantially to the same extent.

17. An occluder for use in an infusion set, the occluder comprising:

a body having a proximal section configured for disposition in a piece of tubing of an infusion set;

a stop configured for positioning within the tubing of the infusion set, the stop having at least one generally annular rib disposed thereon configured for engaging the piece of tubing to form a seal;

wherein fluid flow is accomplished by radial expansion of the tubing from fluid pressure in at least one portion of the tubing to enable flow between the generally annular rib and the tubing; and

wherein the body has a channel therethrough for passing fluid and wherein the stop is attached to the body by at least one arm, the arm being disposed out of alignment with a channel through the body.

18. The occluder according to claim 17, wherein the at least one generally annular rib comprises two generally annular ribs.

19. The occluder according to claim 18, wherein the two generally annular ribs define a channel therebetween.

20. The occluder according to claim 17, wherein the portion of the stop proximal of the generally annular rib is tapered.

21. The occluder according to claim 17, wherein the proximal end of the stop defines a substantially planar surface disposes generally perpendicular to the long axis of the occluder.