Drip chamber and fluid level sensing mechanism for a fluid delivery system

• US 8,808,253 B2
• Filed: 04/02/2012
• Issued: 08/19/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 04/16/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Bayer Healthcare LLC (Bayer AG)
• Original Assignee: Bayer Medical Care Inc. (Bayer AG)
• Inventors: Spohn, Michael A., Joyce, Thomas P., Ehrenberger, Michael J., Dedig, James Albert, Haury, John A., Felix, Susan Lynn, Callan, Gerald W., Shearer, John D. Jr., Speicher, Jonathan R., Scutt, Christopher M., Kopacko, Ralph E., Barlow, William D., Stokes, Jerry A. Jr., Critchlow, Richard G., Zelenski, Karen M., Hussain, Mirza Hyder, O'Meara, Linda M., Beaulieu, Roderick H., Kwo, Jennie, Pedraza, Luis A., Grubic, Herb
• Primary Examiner(s): GILBERT, ANDREW M
• Application Number:
  US13/437,143
• Publication Number:
  US 20120253271A1
• Time in Patent Office: 869 Days
• Field of Search: 604533-538, 604251-256
• US Class Current: 604/251
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/0503 Holders, support devices for receptacles, e.g. for drainage or urine bags hanging-up devices for infusion A61M5/1414
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2005/1402 Priming
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2005/14553 comprising a pressure jacket
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2005/3128 Incorporating one-way valves, e.g. pressure-relief or non-return valves
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/0009 Assemblies therefor designed for particular applications, e.g. contrast or saline injection, suction or irrigation
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/1033 Swivel nut connectors, e.g. threaded connectors, bayonet-connectors
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/11 with means for preventing cross-contamination when used for multiple patients
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 39/10 Tube connectors; Tube couplings A61M39/02 takes precedence; connecting needles to syringes or hubs A61M5/34; connecting catheter tubes to hubs A61M25/0014
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/007 for contrast media
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/1413 Modular systems comprising interconnecting elements
• 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 5/1424 Manually operated pumps
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/16881 Regulating valves on-off valves, e.g. clamps A61M39/28
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/31 Details
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/36 with means for eliminating or preventing injection or infusion of air into body dialysis systems, blood oxygenators A61M1/14; haemofiltration equipment A61M1/34; automatic tube cut-off A61M39/281

Abstract

The fluid injector system includes a source of injection fluid, a pump device, and a fluid path set in fluid connection with the source of injection fluid and the pump device. The fluid path set includes a drip chamber including an elongated body having a raised projection from substantially a top end to substantially a bottom end, the elongated body configured to receive and contain the injection fluid. A fluid level sensing mechanism is operably associated with a fluid control device, and includes a support for the drip chamber body, wherein the support is adapted such that the raised projection is in operational contact with a fluid level sensor associated with the support. The fluid level sensing mechanism is operable to transmit ultrasonic or light energy through the raised projection to be sensed by the fluid level sensor for sensing the injection fluid level in the drip chamber.

Claims

1. A fluid path set to establish fluid connection between a source of injection fluid and a pump device, comprising:

a multi-position valve comprising multiple ports;

a drip chamber fluidly connected to a first port of the multiple ports of the multi-position valve, the drip chamber comprising an elongated body having a top end, a bottom end, and a raised projection extending longitudinally along the elongated body substantially from the top end to substantially the bottom end, the elongated body configured to receive and contain the injection fluid;

an inlet line connected to a second port of the multiple ports of the multi-position valve; and

an outlet line connected to a third port of the multiple ports of the multi-position valve;

wherein a connector is disposed on an end of each of the inlet line and the outlet line, each connector comprising an annular outer member and a luer member coaxially disposed and recessed within the annular outer member and separated therefrom by an annular space.

2. The fluid path set of claim 1, wherein the raised projection is substantially rectangular in shape.

3. The fluid path set of claim 2, wherein the raised projection extends longitudinally along the elongated body from the top end terminating adjacent to the bottom end.

4. The fluid path set of claim 1, wherein the multi-position valve is a stopcock valve.

5. The fluid path set of claim 1, further comprising circumferentially raised structures on an outer surface of the annular outer member of the connector.