CA1130161A - Drip chamber with backflow ball valve - Google Patents
Drip chamber with backflow ball valveInfo
- Publication number
- CA1130161A CA1130161A CA327,623A CA327623A CA1130161A CA 1130161 A CA1130161 A CA 1130161A CA 327623 A CA327623 A CA 327623A CA 1130161 A CA1130161 A CA 1130161A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- ball
- valve seat
- drip chamber
- outlet
- downstream
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K15/00—Check valves
- F16K15/02—Check valves with guided rigid valve members
- F16K15/04—Check valves with guided rigid valve members shaped as balls
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M39/00—Tubes, tube connectors, tube couplings, valves, access sites or the like, specially adapted for medical use
- A61M39/22—Valves or arrangement of valves
- A61M39/24—Check- or non-return valves
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
- A61M5/14—Infusion devices, e.g. infusing by gravity; Blood infusion; Accessories therefor
- A61M5/1407—Infusion of two or more substances
- A61M5/1408—Infusion of two or more substances in parallel, e.g. manifolds, sequencing valves
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M39/00—Tubes, tube connectors, tube couplings, valves, access sites or the like, specially adapted for medical use
- A61M39/22—Valves or arrangement of valves
- A61M39/24—Check- or non-return valves
- A61M2039/242—Check- or non-return valves designed to open when a predetermined pressure or flow rate has been reached, e.g. check valve actuated by fluid
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M39/00—Tubes, tube connectors, tube couplings, valves, access sites or the like, specially adapted for medical use
- A61M39/22—Valves or arrangement of valves
- A61M39/24—Check- or non-return valves
- A61M2039/2473—Valve comprising a non-deformable, movable element, e.g. ball-valve, valve with movable stopper or reciprocating element
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M39/00—Tubes, tube connectors, tube couplings, valves, access sites or the like, specially adapted for medical use
- A61M39/22—Valves or arrangement of valves
- A61M39/24—Check- or non-return valves
- A61M2039/2473—Valve comprising a non-deformable, movable element, e.g. ball-valve, valve with movable stopper or reciprocating element
- A61M2039/248—Ball-valve
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
- A61M5/14—Infusion devices, e.g. infusing by gravity; Blood infusion; Accessories therefor
- A61M5/1411—Drip chambers
Abstract
DRIP CHAMBER WITH BACKFLOW BALL VALVE
Herbert Mittleman ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A flexible plastic drip chamber for use in an administration set. The lower section of the drip chamber comprises a floating pressure-sensitive ball valve. The ball valve responds to the pressure of priming and the pressure of the liquid introduced into the administration set. The ball valve includes a ball and a resilient valve seat. The valve seat has a resilient portion which extends axially inwardly gor contact with the ball and is shaped to provide substan-tially line contact along the surface of the ball with the resilient portion being peripherally free to enable inward flexing thereof.
Herbert Mittleman ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A flexible plastic drip chamber for use in an administration set. The lower section of the drip chamber comprises a floating pressure-sensitive ball valve. The ball valve responds to the pressure of priming and the pressure of the liquid introduced into the administration set. The ball valve includes a ball and a resilient valve seat. The valve seat has a resilient portion which extends axially inwardly gor contact with the ball and is shaped to provide substan-tially line contact along the surface of the ball with the resilient portion being peripherally free to enable inward flexing thereof.
Description
~3~
BACK(;ROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention concerns a novel set for the administration of parenteral liquid to a patient, and more particularly, to an improved drip chamber for use with an administration set.
~; In the prior art patent to Bobo, et al. U.S.
No. 3,886,937, issued June 3, 1975, it has been proposed to provide a check type valve along the tubing in an administration set between the drip chamber and an 1`0 injection site commonl~ referred to as a "Y" site. In one embodiment, this check type val~e is illustrated as a duckbill valve, which is positioned within a housing that is connected in series with the tubing. The present invention provides an improvement over the administration set disclosed in the Bobo, et al. patent.
.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE }NVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, an administration set is provided having a drip chamber the inlet of which is adapted for coupling to a source of parenteral liquid and the outlet of which is adapted .
for coupling via appropriate tubing to a patient~ The improvement comprises the drip chamber outlet having a housing connected at the downs~ream end thereof. The housing includes an upstream inlet portion and a down-stream outlet portion. The upstream inlet portion of the housing includes a valve seat defining a liquid passage therethrough and the downstream outlet portion comprises a wall defining a liquid passage.
A ball is located within the housing. The valve seat and wall are spaced a sufficient distance to - :
enable the ball to float within the housing when liquid is flowing in the upstream to downstream direction.
The valve seat and ball are dimensioned and cooperative to close the liquid passage when li~uid flows in the downstream to upstream direction.
The valve seat has a resilient portion which extends axially inwardly for contact with the ball and is shaped to provide substant:iall~ line contact along the surface of the ball. The resilient portion is peripherally free to enabIe inward flexing thereof.
In the illustrative embodiment, the hausing includes a top portion and a bottom portion. Means are provided for ~ealing the top portion to the bottom portion. The drip chamber includes a flexible plastic casing which surrounds the ~op portion and is coupled to the sealing means.
In the illustrative embodiment, the valve seat comprises a symmetrical resilient member having a central bore forming the liquid passage. The resilient member also includes an annular ring facing the ball for sealing engagement therewith. The resilient member is formed 1n a unitar~, integral construction. The valve seat and ball are cooperatively dimensioned so that the resilient portion which contacts the ball circumscribes a segment of the ball defining an arc of about ~0.
In the illustrative embodiment, tubing is connected between the outward liquid passage of the drip chamber and one of the inlets of an injection site having two inlets and an outlet. Tubing is also con-nected between the injection site outlet and an inlet of a second injection site having two inlets and an ., . . , , ~ ... .. . . . ..
outlet. In this manner, s`econdary liquids can be sequen~
tially and automatically provided to the patient.
A more detailed explanation of the invention is provided in the following description and claims, and is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
. ..
FIGURE 1 is a view of an administration set constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;
FIGURE 2 is an enlarged~ fragmentary cross-sectional view of a drip chamber constructed in accor-dance with the principles of the present invention;
FIGURE 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the plane of the line 3-3 of FIGURE 2;
- FIGURE 4 is a greatly enlarged cross-sectional view, taken along the plane o~ the line 4-4 of FIGURE 4;
FiGURE 5 is a view of the administration set of FIGURE 1 with the fluid containers connected thereto and the set being hung for use with a patient;
FIGURE 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a valve seat used in the FIGURE 2 drip chamber;
FIGURE 7 is a bottom plan view of the valve seat of FIGURE 6; and : FIGURE 8 is a view showing the cooperation of the valve seat of FIGURE 6 with the ball.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT
. _ . ~
Referring first to FIGURE 1, an a~ministration set 10 is shown therein, including a drip chamber 12, the inlet 14 of which is connacted by a suitable spike to a plastic or glass container 16 containing parenteral ~ -4-.
~3 3C~6~
solution. A backflow check valve 18, which is described in more detail below, forms the out:Let of drip chamber 12. Tubing 20 is connected between drip chamber 12 and inlet 22 of an injection site 24. Injection site 24 is preferably of the type disclosed in Mittleman U.S. Patent No. 4,048,995, issued September 20, 1977, having two inlets and an outlet. While tubing 20 is connected to inl~t 22, a secondary liquid may be connected to the other inlet 26. The outlet 28 of injection site 24 is coupled to a tube 80 which is connected to the inlet 32 of a second injection site 34. Another secondary, or tertiary, source of liquid may be connected to the other inlet 36 of injection site 34, and the outlet 38 of injection site 34 is coupled to tubing 40 which is connected to a needle adapter 42 having a needle 44 coupled thereto. A regulator clamp 46 may be positioned along tubing 40.
Administration s~t 10 is formed of plastic materials and is disposable in accordance with conven-tional practice. Needle 44 is coupled to a patient so that the parenteral fluid from bag or bottle 16 will flow to the patientO
Referring now to FIGURE 2, drip chamber 12 is shown in more detail therein. The main body 48 of drip chamber 12 comprises a flexible cylindrical elongated plastic member, the top or upstream end of which is heat sealed to a prong member in the conventional manner, and .. . .. . . . ...
the bottom of which comprises a housing(50~. Housing 50 t includes a top portion 52 and a bottom portion 54. Top portion 52 :includes a central member 56 defining an opening 58 and a downwardly depending member 60 which cooperates with central member 58 to receive a resilient .
~, 13~;,!~, valve sea-t 62, preferably formed of rubber.
Valve seat 62 is formed in an in-tegral, unitary construction and defines a central bore 64.
The valve seat has a downwardly depending annular por-tion 66 forming a ring 67 which faces a spherical ball 68 for cooperation therewith. Ball 68 is preferably for~ed of polypropylene so as to have a specific gravity that is less than 1.0, thereby enabling the ball 68 to float, as will be described.
In prior art ball valve constructions, the proper sealing of a spherical ball has often been a serious problemL Prior art ball valves typically utilize a valve seat which contacts the ball to circum-scribe a segment of the ball defining an arc of about 45. I have discovered, however, that a more efficient seal is provided when the valve seat and ball are cooperatively dimensioned so that a resilient portion of the ~alve seat will contact the ball and circumscribe a:segment of the ball defining an arc of about 60. I
have also discovered that a more effective seal can be provided when the valve seat maintains a line contact with the ball, thereby providing optimum pressure against the ball. To this end, valve seat 62 includes an upper portion 62a for coupling to a recess portion within the housing carrying the valve seat, and a resilient portion 62b which extends downwardly and axially inwardly to form ring 67 which is adapted for contact witll the ball. As shown in FIGURE 2, resilient portion 62 is peripherally free to enable inward flexing thereof. ~y shaping the valve seat with an undercut 62c, as illustrated most clearly in FIGURE 6, a relatively flexible system is provided, giving the resilient portion 62 .: . ~ . ~
the ability to roll inwardly as the ball moves upwardly under the liquid force. By utilizing an unsupported external wall with the undercut as just described; the resilient portion 62, which is preferably formed of rubber, will roll up as the ball pushes into the valve seat and will maintain a line contact between the valve seat and the ball.
It is desirable that ring 67 be smoothly rounded.
- Thus if the val~e seat 62 is formed in a unitary, molded, one-piece constxuction, it is important that the parting ;~ line be above ring 67 so that there is no flash at the ring. In this manner, the contact o ring 67 with the spherical ball will be line contact as is desirable.
Referring to FIGU~E 8, it is seen that when the ball 68 contacts ball valve 62, ring 67 will circum-scribe a segment of the ball defining an arc of 60.
As stated previously, this 60~ arc has been found to be optimum in providing an effective seal.
Although no limitation is intended, as a specific example of parameters which could be utilized in forming ~he valve seat illustrated in FIGURE 6, the following dimensions are given with respect to the : .
FIGURE 6 embodiment:
Reference Letter (FIG. 6) Example Dimension a .48 inch b .275 inch c .15 inch d .115 inch e .325 inch f .145 inch g .055 inch h .087 inch ~L b L6~
Reference Letter ~FIG._5) Exam~le Dimension i .02 inch j .1 inch k .01 inch 1 .36 inch m .219 inch n .005 inch radius o .03 inch x 45 chamfer Top portion 52 also includes an external radial flange 70 which asfines a groove 72 enabling the fit of main portion 48 of drip chamber 12 into groove 72. The external diameter of top portion 52 is substantially equal to the internal diameter of main portion 48 of drip chamber 12, thereby providing a frictional fit - between main portion 48 and top portion 52.
Bottom portion 54 of housing 50 is shaped generally complementary to top portion 52 and includes a mating portion 74 which cooperates with flange 70, enabling a sonic weld between the top portion 52 and bottom portion 54. Bottom portion 54 has a bottom wall 76 wXich defines a central opening 78 and carries a plurality of ribs 80 (see FIGURES 3 and 4) which ribs prevent ball 68 from engaging and closing opening 78.
An outlet tube connector member 82 is formed integrally with bottom portion 54 for connecting the plastic 1 tubing 20 to member 82.
i, In the operation o the device, the spike from the drip chalmber inlet is pierced into an IV solution container c~r the like. ~he drip chamber is then squeezed by the operator to prime the set. ~hen the drip chamber is released, the llquid will enter from the top with the ' : :
.
`' :~131.3~;! 3.631L
drip chamber being approximately one-third to one-half full.
The valve seat 62, ball 68 and ribs 80 are spaced so that the liquid will flow through the ball valve, around the ball and through outlet 78. The ball will, of course, float within the liquid. In this manner, the administration set, when coupled to a patient, will operate to feed the primary liquid to the patient.
FIGURE S shows an embodiment in which two secondary administration sets are also couplsd to the patient. Referring to FIGURE 5, it can be seen that a secondary solution 90 is coupled to inlet 36 and another secondary solution g2 is coupled to inlet 26. Solution 90 is at a higher level than solution 92 and solution 92 is at a higher leval than primary solution 16. Solution 90 is connected to inLet 36 by means of plastic tubing 94 which extends from a drip chamber 96. Solution 92 i3 connected to inlet 26 via plastic tubing 98 which extends from a drip chamber 12'. Drip chamber 12' is identical in construction to drip chamber 12 described above, and includes the ball check valve outlet described above.
By utilizing the system illustrated in FIGURE 5, - a sequential administration system is achieved. Thus secondary so:Lution from container 90 will flow to the patient and because secondary solution 90 is at a higher level than s~condary solution 92 and primary solution 16, the balls in the check valves of drip chambers 12' and 12 will be urged upwardly against the valve seats thereby preventing flow from secondary container 92 and primary container 16. Once secondary container 90 is empty, the _g ~.
.
3~
ball in the check valve of drip chamber 12' will drop thereby allowing flow from secondary container 92 to the patient. However, the ball in the check valve of drip chamber 12 will continue to be urged upwardly against the valve seat, thereby preventing ~low of the primary liquid to the patient. Once secondary container 92 is empty, however, the ball of drip chamber 12 will drop thereby allowing the primary solution from container 16 to flow to the patient.
By utilizing a ball valve as described, it is not necessary to provide a four-way heat seal (for example as illustrated in U.S. Patent No. 2,702,036) between the outlet o the drip chamber and the tubing connected thereto. It has been found that the ball valve operates as a very effective connector between the drip chamber and the outlet tubing.
It is preferred that housing 50 be transparent and b~ll 68 have a distinctive color, so that tha operator can notice the position of the ball with respect to the housing. It has been found desirable to have the ability to view the operation of the check valve during use.
Although an illustrative embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, it is to be understood that various modifications and substitutions may be made by those skilled in the art without departing ! from the novel spirit and scope of the present invention.
BACK(;ROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention concerns a novel set for the administration of parenteral liquid to a patient, and more particularly, to an improved drip chamber for use with an administration set.
~; In the prior art patent to Bobo, et al. U.S.
No. 3,886,937, issued June 3, 1975, it has been proposed to provide a check type valve along the tubing in an administration set between the drip chamber and an 1`0 injection site commonl~ referred to as a "Y" site. In one embodiment, this check type val~e is illustrated as a duckbill valve, which is positioned within a housing that is connected in series with the tubing. The present invention provides an improvement over the administration set disclosed in the Bobo, et al. patent.
.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE }NVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, an administration set is provided having a drip chamber the inlet of which is adapted for coupling to a source of parenteral liquid and the outlet of which is adapted .
for coupling via appropriate tubing to a patient~ The improvement comprises the drip chamber outlet having a housing connected at the downs~ream end thereof. The housing includes an upstream inlet portion and a down-stream outlet portion. The upstream inlet portion of the housing includes a valve seat defining a liquid passage therethrough and the downstream outlet portion comprises a wall defining a liquid passage.
A ball is located within the housing. The valve seat and wall are spaced a sufficient distance to - :
enable the ball to float within the housing when liquid is flowing in the upstream to downstream direction.
The valve seat and ball are dimensioned and cooperative to close the liquid passage when li~uid flows in the downstream to upstream direction.
The valve seat has a resilient portion which extends axially inwardly for contact with the ball and is shaped to provide substant:iall~ line contact along the surface of the ball. The resilient portion is peripherally free to enabIe inward flexing thereof.
In the illustrative embodiment, the hausing includes a top portion and a bottom portion. Means are provided for ~ealing the top portion to the bottom portion. The drip chamber includes a flexible plastic casing which surrounds the ~op portion and is coupled to the sealing means.
In the illustrative embodiment, the valve seat comprises a symmetrical resilient member having a central bore forming the liquid passage. The resilient member also includes an annular ring facing the ball for sealing engagement therewith. The resilient member is formed 1n a unitar~, integral construction. The valve seat and ball are cooperatively dimensioned so that the resilient portion which contacts the ball circumscribes a segment of the ball defining an arc of about ~0.
In the illustrative embodiment, tubing is connected between the outward liquid passage of the drip chamber and one of the inlets of an injection site having two inlets and an outlet. Tubing is also con-nected between the injection site outlet and an inlet of a second injection site having two inlets and an ., . . , , ~ ... .. . . . ..
outlet. In this manner, s`econdary liquids can be sequen~
tially and automatically provided to the patient.
A more detailed explanation of the invention is provided in the following description and claims, and is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
. ..
FIGURE 1 is a view of an administration set constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;
FIGURE 2 is an enlarged~ fragmentary cross-sectional view of a drip chamber constructed in accor-dance with the principles of the present invention;
FIGURE 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the plane of the line 3-3 of FIGURE 2;
- FIGURE 4 is a greatly enlarged cross-sectional view, taken along the plane o~ the line 4-4 of FIGURE 4;
FiGURE 5 is a view of the administration set of FIGURE 1 with the fluid containers connected thereto and the set being hung for use with a patient;
FIGURE 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a valve seat used in the FIGURE 2 drip chamber;
FIGURE 7 is a bottom plan view of the valve seat of FIGURE 6; and : FIGURE 8 is a view showing the cooperation of the valve seat of FIGURE 6 with the ball.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT
. _ . ~
Referring first to FIGURE 1, an a~ministration set 10 is shown therein, including a drip chamber 12, the inlet 14 of which is connacted by a suitable spike to a plastic or glass container 16 containing parenteral ~ -4-.
~3 3C~6~
solution. A backflow check valve 18, which is described in more detail below, forms the out:Let of drip chamber 12. Tubing 20 is connected between drip chamber 12 and inlet 22 of an injection site 24. Injection site 24 is preferably of the type disclosed in Mittleman U.S. Patent No. 4,048,995, issued September 20, 1977, having two inlets and an outlet. While tubing 20 is connected to inl~t 22, a secondary liquid may be connected to the other inlet 26. The outlet 28 of injection site 24 is coupled to a tube 80 which is connected to the inlet 32 of a second injection site 34. Another secondary, or tertiary, source of liquid may be connected to the other inlet 36 of injection site 34, and the outlet 38 of injection site 34 is coupled to tubing 40 which is connected to a needle adapter 42 having a needle 44 coupled thereto. A regulator clamp 46 may be positioned along tubing 40.
Administration s~t 10 is formed of plastic materials and is disposable in accordance with conven-tional practice. Needle 44 is coupled to a patient so that the parenteral fluid from bag or bottle 16 will flow to the patientO
Referring now to FIGURE 2, drip chamber 12 is shown in more detail therein. The main body 48 of drip chamber 12 comprises a flexible cylindrical elongated plastic member, the top or upstream end of which is heat sealed to a prong member in the conventional manner, and .. . .. . . . ...
the bottom of which comprises a housing(50~. Housing 50 t includes a top portion 52 and a bottom portion 54. Top portion 52 :includes a central member 56 defining an opening 58 and a downwardly depending member 60 which cooperates with central member 58 to receive a resilient .
~, 13~;,!~, valve sea-t 62, preferably formed of rubber.
Valve seat 62 is formed in an in-tegral, unitary construction and defines a central bore 64.
The valve seat has a downwardly depending annular por-tion 66 forming a ring 67 which faces a spherical ball 68 for cooperation therewith. Ball 68 is preferably for~ed of polypropylene so as to have a specific gravity that is less than 1.0, thereby enabling the ball 68 to float, as will be described.
In prior art ball valve constructions, the proper sealing of a spherical ball has often been a serious problemL Prior art ball valves typically utilize a valve seat which contacts the ball to circum-scribe a segment of the ball defining an arc of about 45. I have discovered, however, that a more efficient seal is provided when the valve seat and ball are cooperatively dimensioned so that a resilient portion of the ~alve seat will contact the ball and circumscribe a:segment of the ball defining an arc of about 60. I
have also discovered that a more effective seal can be provided when the valve seat maintains a line contact with the ball, thereby providing optimum pressure against the ball. To this end, valve seat 62 includes an upper portion 62a for coupling to a recess portion within the housing carrying the valve seat, and a resilient portion 62b which extends downwardly and axially inwardly to form ring 67 which is adapted for contact witll the ball. As shown in FIGURE 2, resilient portion 62 is peripherally free to enable inward flexing thereof. ~y shaping the valve seat with an undercut 62c, as illustrated most clearly in FIGURE 6, a relatively flexible system is provided, giving the resilient portion 62 .: . ~ . ~
the ability to roll inwardly as the ball moves upwardly under the liquid force. By utilizing an unsupported external wall with the undercut as just described; the resilient portion 62, which is preferably formed of rubber, will roll up as the ball pushes into the valve seat and will maintain a line contact between the valve seat and the ball.
It is desirable that ring 67 be smoothly rounded.
- Thus if the val~e seat 62 is formed in a unitary, molded, one-piece constxuction, it is important that the parting ;~ line be above ring 67 so that there is no flash at the ring. In this manner, the contact o ring 67 with the spherical ball will be line contact as is desirable.
Referring to FIGU~E 8, it is seen that when the ball 68 contacts ball valve 62, ring 67 will circum-scribe a segment of the ball defining an arc of 60.
As stated previously, this 60~ arc has been found to be optimum in providing an effective seal.
Although no limitation is intended, as a specific example of parameters which could be utilized in forming ~he valve seat illustrated in FIGURE 6, the following dimensions are given with respect to the : .
FIGURE 6 embodiment:
Reference Letter (FIG. 6) Example Dimension a .48 inch b .275 inch c .15 inch d .115 inch e .325 inch f .145 inch g .055 inch h .087 inch ~L b L6~
Reference Letter ~FIG._5) Exam~le Dimension i .02 inch j .1 inch k .01 inch 1 .36 inch m .219 inch n .005 inch radius o .03 inch x 45 chamfer Top portion 52 also includes an external radial flange 70 which asfines a groove 72 enabling the fit of main portion 48 of drip chamber 12 into groove 72. The external diameter of top portion 52 is substantially equal to the internal diameter of main portion 48 of drip chamber 12, thereby providing a frictional fit - between main portion 48 and top portion 52.
Bottom portion 54 of housing 50 is shaped generally complementary to top portion 52 and includes a mating portion 74 which cooperates with flange 70, enabling a sonic weld between the top portion 52 and bottom portion 54. Bottom portion 54 has a bottom wall 76 wXich defines a central opening 78 and carries a plurality of ribs 80 (see FIGURES 3 and 4) which ribs prevent ball 68 from engaging and closing opening 78.
An outlet tube connector member 82 is formed integrally with bottom portion 54 for connecting the plastic 1 tubing 20 to member 82.
i, In the operation o the device, the spike from the drip chalmber inlet is pierced into an IV solution container c~r the like. ~he drip chamber is then squeezed by the operator to prime the set. ~hen the drip chamber is released, the llquid will enter from the top with the ' : :
.
`' :~131.3~;! 3.631L
drip chamber being approximately one-third to one-half full.
The valve seat 62, ball 68 and ribs 80 are spaced so that the liquid will flow through the ball valve, around the ball and through outlet 78. The ball will, of course, float within the liquid. In this manner, the administration set, when coupled to a patient, will operate to feed the primary liquid to the patient.
FIGURE S shows an embodiment in which two secondary administration sets are also couplsd to the patient. Referring to FIGURE 5, it can be seen that a secondary solution 90 is coupled to inlet 36 and another secondary solution g2 is coupled to inlet 26. Solution 90 is at a higher level than solution 92 and solution 92 is at a higher leval than primary solution 16. Solution 90 is connected to inLet 36 by means of plastic tubing 94 which extends from a drip chamber 96. Solution 92 i3 connected to inlet 26 via plastic tubing 98 which extends from a drip chamber 12'. Drip chamber 12' is identical in construction to drip chamber 12 described above, and includes the ball check valve outlet described above.
By utilizing the system illustrated in FIGURE 5, - a sequential administration system is achieved. Thus secondary so:Lution from container 90 will flow to the patient and because secondary solution 90 is at a higher level than s~condary solution 92 and primary solution 16, the balls in the check valves of drip chambers 12' and 12 will be urged upwardly against the valve seats thereby preventing flow from secondary container 92 and primary container 16. Once secondary container 90 is empty, the _g ~.
.
3~
ball in the check valve of drip chamber 12' will drop thereby allowing flow from secondary container 92 to the patient. However, the ball in the check valve of drip chamber 12 will continue to be urged upwardly against the valve seat, thereby preventing ~low of the primary liquid to the patient. Once secondary container 92 is empty, however, the ball of drip chamber 12 will drop thereby allowing the primary solution from container 16 to flow to the patient.
By utilizing a ball valve as described, it is not necessary to provide a four-way heat seal (for example as illustrated in U.S. Patent No. 2,702,036) between the outlet o the drip chamber and the tubing connected thereto. It has been found that the ball valve operates as a very effective connector between the drip chamber and the outlet tubing.
It is preferred that housing 50 be transparent and b~ll 68 have a distinctive color, so that tha operator can notice the position of the ball with respect to the housing. It has been found desirable to have the ability to view the operation of the check valve during use.
Although an illustrative embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, it is to be understood that various modifications and substitutions may be made by those skilled in the art without departing ! from the novel spirit and scope of the present invention.
Claims (12)
1. In an administration set having a drip chamber the inlet of which is adapted for coupling to a source of parenteral liquid and the outlet of which is adapted for coupling via appropriate tubing to a patient, the improvement comprising, in combination:
said drip chamber outlet comprising a housing connected at the downstream end of the drip chamber, said housing including an upstream inlet portion and a downstream outlet portion, said upstream inlet por-tion including a valve seat defining a liquid passage therethrough and said downstream outlet portion com-prising a wall defining a liquid passage;
a ball located within said housing;
said valve seat and wall being spaced a sufficient distance to enable said ball to be spaced from said valve seat when liquid is flowing in the upstream to downstream direction;
said valve seat and ball being dimensioned and cooperative to close said liquid passage when liquid flow is in the downstream to upstream direction; and said valve seat having a resilient portion which extends axially inwardly for contact with said ball and being shaped to provide substantially line contact along tha surface of the ball with the resilient portion being peripherally free to enable inward flexing thereof.
said drip chamber outlet comprising a housing connected at the downstream end of the drip chamber, said housing including an upstream inlet portion and a downstream outlet portion, said upstream inlet por-tion including a valve seat defining a liquid passage therethrough and said downstream outlet portion com-prising a wall defining a liquid passage;
a ball located within said housing;
said valve seat and wall being spaced a sufficient distance to enable said ball to be spaced from said valve seat when liquid is flowing in the upstream to downstream direction;
said valve seat and ball being dimensioned and cooperative to close said liquid passage when liquid flow is in the downstream to upstream direction; and said valve seat having a resilient portion which extends axially inwardly for contact with said ball and being shaped to provide substantially line contact along tha surface of the ball with the resilient portion being peripherally free to enable inward flexing thereof.
2. The device described in Claim 1, said valve seat and ball being cooperatively dimensioned so that the resilient portion which contacts the ball circumscribes a segment of the ball defining an arc of about 60°.
3. The device described in Claim 1, said housing including a top portion and a bottom portion;
means sealing said top portion to said bottom portion;
said drip chamber including a flexible plastic casing which surrounds said top portion and is coupled to said sealing means.
means sealing said top portion to said bottom portion;
said drip chamber including a flexible plastic casing which surrounds said top portion and is coupled to said sealing means.
4. A device as described in Claim 1, said valve seat comprising a symmetrical resilient member having a central bore forming the liquid passage, and including an annular ring facing said ball for sealing engagement therewith, said resilient member being formed in a unitary, integral construction.
5. A device as described in Claim 1, said wall carrying a plurality of ribs for spacing said ball from said downstream liquid passage.
6. A device as described in Claim 1, said drip chamber comprising a generally cylindrical member formed of flexible plastic material, with said housing forming the downstream end of the drip chamber, said housing including a top portion and a bottom portion, means sealing said top portion to said bottom portion, said sealing means including a radially extending flange receiving the cylindrical member thereon.
7. A device as described in Claim 1, including plastic tubing connected at the inlet of said chamber;
and a heat seal connecting said plastic tubing to said inlet.
and a heat seal connecting said plastic tubing to said inlet.
8. In an administration set having a drip chamber the inlet of which is adapted for coupling to a source of parenteral liquid and the outlet of which is adapted for coupling via appropriate tubing to a patient, the improvement comprising, in combination:
said drip chamber outlet comprising a housing connected at the downstream end of the drip chamber, said housing including a top portion and a bottom portion, means sealing said top portion to said bottom portion, said drip chamber including a flexible plastic casing which surrounds said top portion and is coupled to said sealing means;
said housing including an upstream inlet portion and a downstream outlet portion, said upstream inlet portion including a valve seat defining a liquid passage therethrough and said downstream outlet portion comprising a wall defining a liquid passage;
a ball located within said housing;
said valve seat having a resilient portion which extends axially inwardly for contact with said ball and being shaped to provide substantially line contact along the surface of the ball with the resilient portion being peripherally free to enable inward flexing thereof;
said valve seat comprising a symmetrical rubber member having a central bore forming the liquid passage, and including an annular ring facing said ball for sealing engagement therewith, said rubber member being formed in a unitary, integral construction;
said valve seat and ball being spaced a sufficient distance to enable said ball to float within the housing when liquid is flowing in the upstream to downstream direction;
said valve seat and ball being dimensioned and cooperative to close said liquid passage when liquid flows in the downstream to upstream direction; said valve seat and ball being cooperatively dimensioned so that the resilient portion which contacts the ball circumscribes a segment of the ball defining an arc of about 60°; and said wall carrying a plurality of ribs for spacing said ball from said downstream liquid passage.
said drip chamber outlet comprising a housing connected at the downstream end of the drip chamber, said housing including a top portion and a bottom portion, means sealing said top portion to said bottom portion, said drip chamber including a flexible plastic casing which surrounds said top portion and is coupled to said sealing means;
said housing including an upstream inlet portion and a downstream outlet portion, said upstream inlet portion including a valve seat defining a liquid passage therethrough and said downstream outlet portion comprising a wall defining a liquid passage;
a ball located within said housing;
said valve seat having a resilient portion which extends axially inwardly for contact with said ball and being shaped to provide substantially line contact along the surface of the ball with the resilient portion being peripherally free to enable inward flexing thereof;
said valve seat comprising a symmetrical rubber member having a central bore forming the liquid passage, and including an annular ring facing said ball for sealing engagement therewith, said rubber member being formed in a unitary, integral construction;
said valve seat and ball being spaced a sufficient distance to enable said ball to float within the housing when liquid is flowing in the upstream to downstream direction;
said valve seat and ball being dimensioned and cooperative to close said liquid passage when liquid flows in the downstream to upstream direction; said valve seat and ball being cooperatively dimensioned so that the resilient portion which contacts the ball circumscribes a segment of the ball defining an arc of about 60°; and said wall carrying a plurality of ribs for spacing said ball from said downstream liquid passage.
9. A device as described in Claim 8, including plastic tubing connected at the inlet of said drip chamber; and a heat seal connecting said plastic tubing to said inlet.
10. An administration set which comprises:
a drip chamber having an inlet and an outlet;
means for coupling said drip chamber inlet to a primary parenteral source of liquid;
said drip chamber outlet comprising a housing connected at the downstream end of the drip chamber, said housing including an upstream inlet portion and a downstream outlet portion, said upstream inlet portion including a valve seat dafining a liquid passage there-through and said downstream outlet portion comprising a wall defining a liquid passage;
a ball located within said housing;
said valve seat and wall being spaced a sufficient distance to enable said ball to float within the housing when liquid is flowing in the upstream to downstream direction;
said valve seat and ball being dimensioned and cooperative to close said liquid passage when liquid flows in the downstream to upstream direction; said valve seat having a resilient portion which extends axially inwardly for contact with said ball and being shaped to provide substantially line contact along the surface of the ball with the resilient portion being peripherally free to enable inward flexing thereof, said valve seat and ball being cooperatively dimensioned so that the resilient portion which contacts the ball circumscribes a segment of the ball defining an arc of about 60°; and tubing connected between said outlet liquid passage and one of the inlets of an injection site having two inlets and an outlet.
a drip chamber having an inlet and an outlet;
means for coupling said drip chamber inlet to a primary parenteral source of liquid;
said drip chamber outlet comprising a housing connected at the downstream end of the drip chamber, said housing including an upstream inlet portion and a downstream outlet portion, said upstream inlet portion including a valve seat dafining a liquid passage there-through and said downstream outlet portion comprising a wall defining a liquid passage;
a ball located within said housing;
said valve seat and wall being spaced a sufficient distance to enable said ball to float within the housing when liquid is flowing in the upstream to downstream direction;
said valve seat and ball being dimensioned and cooperative to close said liquid passage when liquid flows in the downstream to upstream direction; said valve seat having a resilient portion which extends axially inwardly for contact with said ball and being shaped to provide substantially line contact along the surface of the ball with the resilient portion being peripherally free to enable inward flexing thereof, said valve seat and ball being cooperatively dimensioned so that the resilient portion which contacts the ball circumscribes a segment of the ball defining an arc of about 60°; and tubing connected between said outlet liquid passage and one of the inlets of an injection site having two inlets and an outlet.
11. A device as described in Claim 10, includ-ing tubing connected between said injection site outlet and a needle adapter.
12. A device as described in Claim 10, includ-ing tubing connected between said injection site outlet and an inlet of a second injection site having two inlets and an outlet.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US93807978A | 1978-08-30 | 1978-08-30 | |
| US938,079 | 1978-08-30 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1130161A true CA1130161A (en) | 1982-08-24 |
Family
ID=25470840
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA327,623A Expired CA1130161A (en) | 1978-08-30 | 1979-05-15 | Drip chamber with backflow ball valve |
Country Status (11)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPS5532579A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU526185B2 (en) |
| BE (1) | BE878476A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1130161A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE2921531A1 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES483754A1 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2434625A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2028975B (en) |
| IE (1) | IE48297B1 (en) |
| IL (1) | IL57473A (en) |
| ZA (1) | ZA792558B (en) |
Families Citing this family (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4606365A (en) * | 1985-07-02 | 1986-08-19 | Siposs George G | Buoyant blood stop valve |
| JPH0634826B2 (en) * | 1989-07-04 | 1994-05-11 | テルモ株式会社 | Liquid flow valve and medical device equipped with the same |
| GB9711166D0 (en) * | 1997-05-31 | 1997-07-23 | Smiths Industries Plc | Infusion device |
| KR100578001B1 (en) * | 2004-05-03 | 2007-11-30 | (주)이화바이오메딕스 | Regulator for quantity of injection |
| CA2901012C (en) * | 2013-02-15 | 2021-07-06 | Repro-Med Systems, Inc. | Multi-flow universal tubing set |
| EP3813900A4 (en) * | 2018-06-29 | 2022-05-04 | 410 Medical, Inc. | Systems, apparatus, and methods for filtering air from a fluid line |
| US20220133983A1 (en) * | 2020-10-30 | 2022-05-05 | Carefusion 303, Inc. | Convergent-divergent drip chamber integrated with floating valve member |
| CN113018575B (en) * | 2021-03-22 | 2022-07-08 | 重庆市九龙坡区人民医院 | Paediatrics is with infusion chair with regulatory function |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NL50199C (en) * | 1900-01-01 | |||
| US3667464A (en) * | 1970-09-04 | 1972-06-06 | Lawrence M Alligood Jr | Fluid dispensing device |
| GB1373662A (en) * | 1972-02-04 | 1974-11-13 | Emi Ltd | Non-return valves |
| FR2231614A1 (en) * | 1973-05-30 | 1974-12-27 | Ieram Sarl | |
| US4103686A (en) * | 1977-03-29 | 1978-08-01 | Burron Medical Products, Inc. | Dual valve assembly |
-
1979
- 1979-05-15 CA CA327,623A patent/CA1130161A/en not_active Expired
- 1979-05-25 ZA ZA792558A patent/ZA792558B/en unknown
- 1979-05-28 DE DE19792921531 patent/DE2921531A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1979-05-31 JP JP6878079A patent/JPS5532579A/en active Pending
- 1979-06-04 IL IL57473A patent/IL57473A/en unknown
- 1979-06-26 FR FR7916356A patent/FR2434625A1/en active Pending
- 1979-07-05 AU AU48668/79A patent/AU526185B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1979-07-06 GB GB7923694A patent/GB2028975B/en not_active Expired
- 1979-08-08 IE IE1258/79A patent/IE48297B1/en unknown
- 1979-08-28 BE BE0/196916A patent/BE878476A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1979-08-30 ES ES483754A patent/ES483754A1/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPS5532579A (en) | 1980-03-07 |
| BE878476A (en) | 1979-12-17 |
| AU526185B2 (en) | 1982-12-23 |
| ES483754A1 (en) | 1980-03-01 |
| GB2028975A (en) | 1980-03-12 |
| GB2028975B (en) | 1982-09-15 |
| AU4866879A (en) | 1980-03-06 |
| FR2434625A1 (en) | 1980-03-28 |
| IL57473A (en) | 1982-07-30 |
| ZA792558B (en) | 1980-08-27 |
| IE791258L (en) | 1980-02-29 |
| IE48297B1 (en) | 1984-11-28 |
| DE2921531A1 (en) | 1980-03-06 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |