SE1451239A1 - Cylindrical valve with push-turn switching mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT The present invention discloses a valve comprising an internal rotor (100) being shaped as a cylinder, an outer body (200) having a cylindrical hollow space for encompassing at least a part of the internal rotor (100) and adapted to provide an essentially fluid and gaseous tight seal between an outer area of the internal rotor (100) and an inner area of the outer body (200), and a spring element (300) for the provision of a longitudinal biasing force between the internal rotor (100) and the outer body (200) to force the outer body (200) in a direction towards the proximal end of the internal rotor (100). The internal rotor (100) comprises at least one inner channel (160, 170) adapted to provide fluid or gaseous connection between at least one central inner opening (140, 150), at least one proximal opening (130, 133) or at least one distal opening (135) and at least one central inner opening (140, 150). The outer body (200) comprises at least one central outer opening (240, 250, 255) being in fluid or gaseous connection with a part of the inner area of the outer body (200). To be published with Fig. 4.

Description

19 ABSTRACT The present invention discloses a valve comprising an internal rotor (100) being shaped as a cylinder, an outer body (200) having a cylindrical hollow space for encompassing at least a part of the internal rotor (100) and adapted to provide an essentially fluid and gaseous tight seal between an outer area of the internal rotor (100) and an inner area of the outer body (200), and a spring element (300) for the provision of a longitudinal biasing force between the internal rotor (100) and the outer body (200) to force the outer body (200) in a direction towards the proximal end of the internal rotor (100). The internal rotor (100) comprises at least one inner channel (160, 170) adapted to provide fluid or gaseous connection between at least one central inner opening (140, 150), at least one proximal opening (130, 133) or at least one distal opening (135) and at least one central inner opening (140, 150). The outer body (200) comprises at least one central outer opening (240, 250, 255) being in fluid or gaseous connection with a part of the inner area of the outer body (200).

To be published with Fig. 4. 1 CYLINDRICAL VALVE WITH PUSH-TURN SWITCHING MECHANISM TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a cylindrical valve with push-turn switching mechanism, in particular for medical applications such as gastrointestinal feeding.

BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal feeding of a patient is performed by the provision of liquid nutrients through a feeding tube exiting within the patient's gastrointestinal system. The rate by which the provided liquid nutrients are absorbed is often less than the rate of delivery, whereby a potentially dangerous accumulation of liquid nutrients in the gastrointestinal system may result. A common practice for the monitoring of such an accumulation is periodic sampling of detained liquid nutrients. This is often performed by temporarily stopping the feeding, followed by connection of a syringe to the feeding tube and withdrawal of detained liquid nutrients. If no detained liquid nutrients are detected, the syringe may be detached and the feeding continued. If, however, a relatively large amount of detained liquid nutrients are present, multiple syringes may have to be used to collect the detained liquid nutrients. When feeding is to be continued after such an event, local medical regulations state that the patient initially has to be fed with the collected liquid nutrients, before continuation of feeding with the normal source of liquid nutrients.

Disadvantages of above described procedure include the necessity to repeatedly engage and disengage one or several syringes from the feeding system, implicating an increased risk of the spread of contaminations derived from the gastrointestinal content as well as of incorrect re-connection of the feeding system.

Hence, improved systems for gastrointestinal feeding are needed SUMMARY It is an object of the invention, considering the disadvantages mentioned above, to provide an improved valve that enables a closed system delivery and withdrawal to and from a syringe, to and from multiple channels of which one is a patient undergoing gastrointestinal feeding.

It is another object of the invention, to provide such a valve which is highly user friendly and self-instructive.

It is yet another object of the invention, to provide such a valve which is designed to be cost-effectively produced and thereby allow for single-use applications.

These and other objects, which will appear from the following description, have now been achieved by a valve comprising an internal rotor being shaped as a cylinder, an outer body having a cylindrical hollow space for encompassing at least a part of the internal rotor 2 and adapted to provide an essentially fluid and gaseous tight seal between an outer area of the internal rotor and an inner area of the outer body, and a spring element for the provision of a longitudinal biasing force between the internal rotor and the outer body to force the outer body in a direction towards the proximal end of the internal rotor, wherein the valve exists in a state selected from the group of states consisting of a plurality of operating states, in which the outer body is maximally pushed in a proximal direction relative the internal rotor by the longitudinal biasing force and being prevented from being fully rotatable around its central axis and relative the internal rotor by mechanical interaction between a proximal irregularity and a distal irregularity, a switching state, in which the outer body is pushed in a distal direction relative the internal rotor by an external force counteracting the longitudinal biasing force and being fully rotatable around its central axis and relative the internal rotor, and an intermediate state, in which the outer body is pushed in a distal direction relative the internal rotor by an external force counteracting the longitudinal biasing force and being prevented from being fully rotatable around its central axis and relative the internal rotor by mechanical interaction between the proximal irregularity and the distal irregularity; the internal rotor comprises at least one inner channel adapted to provide fluid or gaseous connection between at least one central inner opening, at least one proximal opening or at least one distal opening and at least one central inner opening; the outer body comprises at least one central outer opening being in fluid or gaseous connection with a part of the inner area of the outer body; and at least one of the at least one proximal opening, the at least one distal opening and the at least one central outer opening being in fluid and gaseous connection with another thereof in at least one of the plurality of operating states; for user controlled variation of fluid or gaseous connection between the at least one proximal opening, the at least one central outer opening or the at least one distal opening and the at least one central outer opening by change of operating state to engage or disengage fluid or gaseous connection between the at least one central inner opening and the at least one central outer opening.

Further features of the invention and its embodiments are set forth in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other aspects, features and advantages of which the invention is capable will be apparent and elucidated from the following description of non-limiting embodiments, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 shows a 3-position-4-port version of the present valve in a first operating state, in which liquid nutrients may flow from first container 420 via third tube 412 to enter and exit the valve via distal opening 135 and first central outer opening 240, respectively, to reach patient 440 via first tube 410, the valve being further connected at a second central outer opening 250 via second tube 411 to a second container 430 and at a first proximal opening 130 to a syringe 400, according to one embodiment; 3 Fig. 2A is a view of the valve of Fig. 1 in a third operating position, in which the first proximal opening 130 is in liquid connection with the first central outer opening 240, comprising an internal rotor 100, a spring element 300 in the form of a spring located around the distal part of the internal rotor 100 and fastened thereto at attachment point 310, an outer 5 body 200 surrounding the internal rotor 100 and being pushed in the proximal direction by spring element 300 whereby its proximal edge serves as a distal supporting element 210 to rest against a corresponding proximal supporting element 110, according to one embodiment; Fig. 2B is a view of the valve of Fig. 1 in a second operating state, in which the first proximal opening 130 is in liquid connection with the second central outer opening 250, showing how the distorted square shaped proximal irregularity 120, with a slightly narrower distal end as compared to its proximal base, is docking to a corresponding receiving distal irregularity 220 in the form of a distorted square slot, whereby rotation of the outer body 200 relative the internal rotor 100 is prevented, according to one embodiment; Fig. 2C is a view of the valve of Fig. 1 in a stable switching state, in which all openings of the valve are blocked from liquid connection with each other, showing how the outer body 200 has been pushed in a distal direction relative the internal rotor 100, to counteract the force of spring element 300, and slightly rotated to stably align the distal supporting element 210 on top of the distal edge of the proximal irregularity 120, according to one embodiment; Fig. 2D is a view of the valve of Fig. 1 in a first operating state; Fig. 3 is a demounted view of the internal rotor 100 and the outer body 200 of the valve of Fig. 1, comprising a first central inner opening 140 being connected to the distal opening 135 via a first inner channel 160, and a second central inner opening 150 being connected to the first proximal opening 130 via a second inner channel 170. according to one 25 embodiment; Fig. 4 is a demounted view of a 3-position-4-port version of the present valve, comprising an elliptically or sinus shaped proximal irregularity 120 and three corresponding distal inegularities 220, a distal thread 190 located at the distal part of the internal rotor 100 and adapted for the screw-nut 320, serving as distal support for spring element 300 when 30 mounted, a proximal circular shield 180 extending in a proximal direction from the proximal end of the internal rotor 100, according to one embodiment; Figs. 5A-D are perspective, side views (A and B) and cut-through views (B and D) of a 3-position-4-port version of the present valve with the same function as the valve of Fig. 1, showing a circular shaped screw-nut 320, a spring element 300 covered by a hollow cylinder shaped extension in the distal direction of the outer body 200, a distal irregularity 330 in the form of a cylinder shaped extension of the outer body 200, a visually detectable proximal marking and visually detectable distal markings 291, according to one embodiment; Figs. 6A-B are views of the valve of Figs. 5A-D in the third operating state with the outlet of a syringe 400 securely mounted to the first proximal opening 130 by a luer fitting 340, 40 according to one embodiment; 4 Figs. 6C-D are views of the valve of Figs. 6A-B in a non-stable switching state in which the valve will automatically transition to the third operating state unless subjected to an external force which pushes the outer body in a distal direction relative the internal rotor 100, showing a broken connection between the first central opening 240 and the second inner channel 170 due to a non-overlay of the former with the second central inner opening 150, according to one embodiment; Figs. 6E-F are views of the valve of Figs. 6A-B in the second operating state, according to one embodiment; Figs. 6G-H are views of the valve of Figs. 6A-B in the first operating state, according 10 to one embodiment; Fig. 7 is a demounted view of the valve of Figs. 6A-H, showing proximal irregularities 120 in the form of partly cut cylinder shaped slots, adapted to encompass the proximal part of a press-nut 330 serving as a cylinder shaped distal irregularity 220, and a proximal supporting element 110 in the form of a surface extending perpendicular to the central axis of the valve onto which the proximal end of the press-nut 330 may rest in ant stable switching state, according to one embodiment; Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the monolithic part comprising the internal rotor 100 of the valve of Figs. 6A-H, showing three proximal irregularities 120, a proximal marking 191, distal thread 190, proximal circular shield 180, first inner channel 160 and second inner 20 channel 170, according to one embodiment; Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the outer body 200 of the valve of Figs. 6A-H, showing a slot into which press-nut 330 may be placed and three distal markings 291, according to one embodiment; Figs. 10A-C are semi-schematic views of the 3-position-4-port valves of Figs. 1, 4 and 25 5A-D in which a surrounding segment of the internal rotor 100 and the outer body 200 has been cut out and rolled out in the plane, showing the third operating state (A), in which out/inlets P2 and P5 are connected, the second operating state (B), in which out/inlets P1 and P5 are connected, and the first operating state (C), in which out/inlets P2 and P4 are connected, according to one embodiment; Figs. 11A-C are semi-schematic views of a 3-position-5-port valve of the invention comprising a first proximal opening 130, a second proximal opening 133 and a third central outer opening 255, in which a surrounding segment of the internal rotor 100 and the outer body 200 has been cut out and rolled out in the plane, showing a first operating state (A), in which out/inlets P1 and P2 are connected to P4 and P5, respectively, a second operating state (B), in which out/inlets P3 and P1 are connected to P4 and P5, respectively, and a third operating state (C), in which out/inlets P3 and P5 are connected, according to one embodiment; Figs. 12A-B are semi-schematic views of a 2-position-3-port valve of the invention comprising a first proximal opening 130, a first central outer opening 240 and a second central outer opening 250, in which a surrounding segment of the internal rotor 100 and the outer body 200 has been cut out and rolled out in the plane, showing a first operating state (A), in which out/inlets P1 and P3 are connected, and a second operating state (B), in which out/inlets P1 and P3 are connected, according to one embodiment; Figs. 13A1-D2 are schematic views of the mechanic interaction between the proximal irregularity 120 and the distal irregularity 220 of various geometries in an intermediate state (Al, Bl, Cl, D1) and in a switching state (A2, B2, C2, D2), showing a square shaped geometry (Al, A2), a sinus shaped geometry (B1, B2), a square shaped geometry in which the proximally protruding distal irregularity 220 is narrower as compared to the proximally grooving proximal irregularity 120 whereby a partial rotation of the internal rotor 100 around its central axis is allowed in the corresponding operating state (Cl, C2) and a triangular 10 geometry (D1, D2), according to different embodiments; and Figs. 14A-C are schematic views of the proximal irregularity 120 and the distal irregularity 220 of Figs. 13C1-C2(bottom) and the corresponding interaction between an elliptic first central outer opening (240) and a prism-shaped first central inner opening 140 in the corresponding operating state (top) wherein the overlapping area through which flow is permitted is indicated by vertical lines, showing a maximal rotation of the outer body 200 toward one limiting angle in which a minimal flow is permitted (A), a medium rotation of the outer body 200 in between two limiting angles in which a medium flow is permitted (B) and a maximal rotation of the outer body 200 toward another limiting angle in which a maximal flow is permitted (C).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings (Figs. 1 to 14) in order for those skilled in the art to be able to carry out the invention. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The embodiments do not limit the invention, but the invention is only limited by the appended patent claims. Furthermore, the terminology used in the detailed description of the particular embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings is not intended to be limiting of the invention.

The present valve enables novel and advantageous user controlled variation, by a push-turn switching operation, of fluid or gaseous connection between at least one of a singularity or plurality of outer holes of an outer body 200 of the valve, e.g. a first central outer opening 240, a second central outer opening 250 and/or a third central outer opening 255, with at least one of the holes selected from the group of holes consisting of outer holes of the outer body 200 and one or several externally accessible openings of the internal rotor 100 of the valve, such as e.g. a first proximal opening 130, a second proximal opening 133 and/or a distal opening 135, by change of operating state to engage or disengage fluid or gaseous connection 6 between one or several central inner openings of the internal rotor 100, e.g. a first central inner opening 140 or a second central inner opening 150 and outer holes of the outer body 200.

The valve essentially comprises a cylindrical internal rotor 100 and an outer body 200 with a cylindrical space for enclosure of the internal rotor therein. The fit between the internal 5 rotor 100 and the outer body 200 is preferably loose enough to allow manual movement between these in a longitudinal direction and to, simultaneously, allow manual rotation of these relative each other. The fit is, however, tight enough to prevent or, at least, minimize leakage between the contacting surfaces under normal operating conditions.

A spring element 300, such as e.g. a multi-turn cylindrical spring or any other suitable 10 resilient arrangement known in the art, is appropriately mounted to force the outer body 200 with a biasing force toward a maximum proximal, i.e., backward, position relative the internal rotor 100. The outer body 200 is prevented from further movement in the proximal direction by mechanical interaction between a part or extension thereof, i.e., a distal supporting element 210, and a corresponding part or extension of the internal rotor 100, i.e., a proximal supporting 15 element 110. The biasing force provided may be low enough to be easily counteracted by a human upon operation of the valve, but high enough to minimize the risk of involuntary movement of the internal rotor 100 relative the outer body 200. A suitable biasing force may be in the range from 0.1 to 100 N, such as e.g. 0.1 to 50 N, 1 to 30 N or, preferably 5 to 20 N.

The outer body 200 is provided with one or several outer holes accessible from the outside of the valve, such as e.g. a first central outer opening 240, a second central outer opening 250 and/or a third central outer opening 255, serving as, but not restricted to, inlets or outlets for liquid transfer through the valve. These holes are each in fluid or gaseous connection with a corresponding hole of the inner area, i.e., with a part of the inner area, of the outer body 200. The outer holes and the corresponding holes of the inner area may be of the same geometry, such as e.g. circular, and centered versus an imaginary axis extending in a perpendicular direction relative the central axis of the outer body 200.

The internal rotor 100 is provided with at least one inner channel, such as e.g. a first inner channel 160 and/or a second inner channel 170. Such an inner channel may provide fluid connection between two holes located on the outer surface of the internal rotor 100, such as between e.g. a first central inner opening 140 and a second central inner opening 150. Such an inner channel may also provide fluid connection between one hole located on the outer surface of the internal rotor 100, such as e.g. a first central inner opening 140 or a second central inner opening 150, and another opening of the internal rotor 100 which is externally accessible. such as e.g. a first proximal opening 130, a second proximal opening 133 and/or a distal opening 135.

The valve may exist in one of a plurality of operating states at a given moment. In any operating state, the outer body 200 is maximally pushed in a proximal direction relative said internal rotor 100 by the longitudinal biasing force provided by the spring element 300. In any operating state, the outer body 200 is prevented from being fully rotatable around its central axis and relative the internal rotor 100 by mechanical interaction between corresponding irregularities, e.g. a proximal irregularity 120 and a distal irregularity 220. Hence, the outer body 200 may be partly rotatable within limits or fully prevented from any essential rotation at all. The corresponding irregularities may be any suitable combination between any type of suitable extension of the internal rotor 100 or the outer body 200 and any type of suitable groove or slot of the internal rotor 100 or the outer body 200, which combination provides a mechanical restriction against full rotation of the outer body 200 relative the internal rotor 100 in the longitudinal arrangement, of the current operating state, of the outer body 200 relative the internal rotor 100. Examples of such combinations include e.g. a square shaped extension with a slightly narrower distal end as compared to its proximal base and a correspondingly shaped slot (see for example Figs. 1-3), a sinus shaped extension and a correspondingly shaped slot (see for example Fig. 4 and Figs. 13B1-B2), a cylinder shaped extension and a correspondingly shaped slot (see for example Figs. 5-9). a square shaped extension and a correspondingly shaped slot (see for example Figs. 10-12 and Figs. 13A1-A2, Figs. 13C1-C2 and Fig. 14) and a triangle shaped extension and a correspondingly shaped slot (see for example Figs. 13D1-D2). Furthermore, in at least one operating state, at least one of outer holes of the outer body 200, e.g. the first central outer opening 240, the second central outer opening 250 and/or the third central outer opening 255, is in fluid connection with at least one of the holes selected from the group of holes consisting of outer holes of the outer body 200 and one or several externally accessible openings of the internal rotor 100, such as e.g. the first 20 proximal opening 130, the second proximal opening 133 and/or the distal opening 135.

The valve may exist in one of a plurality of switching states at a given moment. In any switching state, the outer body 200 is pushed and moved in a distal, i.e., forward, direction relative said internal rotor 100 by a force strong enough to exceed the longitudinal biasing force provided by the spring element 300. Typically, the outer body 200 may be pushed and 25 moved by normal force by the hand of a user. In any switching state, the outer body 200 is fully rotatable around its central axis and relative the internal rotor 100. The mechanical interaction between corresponding irregularities, e.g. a proximal irregularity 120 and a distal irregularity 220, being active in any operating state, is thus disabled in any switching state.

The valve may exist in one of a plurality of intermediate states at a given moment. An intermediate state is equivalent to any state not being an operating state or a switching state. In any intermediate state, the outer body 200 is pushed in a distal direction relative the internal rotor 100 by an external force counteracting the longitudinal biasing force of the spring element 300. The outer body 200 is prevented from being fully rotatable around its central axis and relative the internal rotor 100 by mechanical interaction between the proximal irregularity 120 and the distal irregularity 220. The rotatability of the outer body 200 relative the internal rotor 100, in the intermediate state, may be equal to or greater than the corresponding rotatability, in the operating state, as determined by the geometries of the proximal irregularity 120 and the distal irregularity 220. Examples of combinations of geometries which result in equal rotatability in the intermediate state as compared to the operating state include e.g. a square shaped extension and a correspondingly shaped slot (see for example Figs. 10-12 and 8 Figs. 13A1-A2, Figs. 13C1-C2 and Fig. 14), and cylinder shaped extension and a correspondingly shaped slot (see for example Figs. 5-9). Examples of combinations of geometries which result in greater rotatability in the intermediate state as compared to the operating state include e.g. a square shaped extension with a slightly narrower distal end as compared to its proximal base and a correspondingly shaped slot (see for example Figs. 1-3), a sinus shaped extension and a correspondingly shaped slot (see for example Fig. 4 and Figs. 13B1-B2), and a triangle shaped extension and a correspondingly shaped slot (see for example Figs. 13D1-D2).

Example] — Gastrointestinal feeding In order to aid the understanding of the present valve to the skilled person, a non-limiting exemplary chain of events on how the valve according to Fig. 1 may be used, is given herein below: A nurse (N) connects a 20 to 100 cc plastic syringe 400 securely to the first proximal opening 130, the first tube 410 to the first central outer opening 240 and the second tube 411 to the second central outer opening. The patient 440 and the second container 430 is thereby connected to the system.

N makes sure that the valve is set in the first operating state, in which the first proximal opening 135 is in connection with the gastrointestinal tract of the patient 440 via the 20 valve, and none of the syringe 400 and the second container 430 are in connection with anything else via the valve.

N connects the second container 420, containing liquid nutrients, to the distal opening 135 via the third tube 412. Upon hanging the second container 420 at a level higher than the level of the patient 440, liquid nutrients are fed to the patient 440 by gravity induced 25 flow.

After an appropriate period, e.g. about an hour, N desires to check for detained liquid nutrients. Hence, N pushes the outer body 200 straight forward by hand to disengage the distal irregularity 220 from the proximal irregularity 120 to set the valve in a switching state, via the transition over an intermediate state. In this switching state, none of the externally accessible openings of the valve are in connection with any other externally accessible openings thereof due to the fact that none of the holes/openings of the internal rotor 100 overlap internally with any hole/opening of the outer body 200. N then slightly rotates the outer body 200 relative the internal rotor 100 until the valve is in a switching state which corresponds to the third operating state, should release of the forwardly applied push occur. N 35 may be guided by visual marks, such as e.g. a proximal marking 191 and/or a distal marking 291, on the valve to know when the desired third operating state has been reached. N then releases the forward push, whereby the valve transitions into the third operating state and the syringe 400 is brought in connection with the gastrointestinal tract of the patient 440, at the same time as the first container 420 and the second container 430 are blocked from connection with all other channels of the valve. 9 (v): N pulls the piston of the syringe 400 to withdraw detained liquid nutrients from the patient 440 and to fill the syringe 400 with the same. (vi) N then, in analogy to the procedure of step (iv), sets the valve in the second operating state, whereby syringe 400 is brought in connection with the second container 430. N then pushes the piston of the syringe 400 forwards to transfer the content thereof into the second container 430. At this point, N has carried out one cycle of liquid transfer from the patient to the second container 430, via the syringe 400. N may repeat this cycle as many times as necessary and, at the same time, keep track of the total volume transferred by summing up the volumes filled in the syringe 400 each cycle. (vii) In accordance with local medical regulations, N sets the valve to the second operating state and transfers an appropriate volume from the second container to the syringe 400. Upon switching to the third operating state, N then transfers this volume back to the patient. (viii) N sets the valve to the first operating state, after appropriate regulation of the rate of flow from the first container 420 to match the patient's individual rate of absorption of nutrients by regulating its height over the patient 440, whereby the patient is fed from the first container 420.

According to one embodiment, all of the holes of the outer body 200, e.g. the first central outer opening 240, the second central outer opening 250 and the third central outer opening 255, may be disconnected from any and all of the holes located on the outer surface of the internal rotor 100, e.g. the first central inner opening 140 and the second central inner opening 150, in any and all of the switching states. This may be achieved by appropriate design of the proximal supporting element 110, proximal irregularity 120, the distal supporting element 210 and the distal irregularity 220, as readily understood by the skilled person and as exemplified by e.g. the valve according to Figs. 5-7. Advantages of valves adapted accordingly include a minimized risk of undesired liquid transfer between channels of the valve during the transition from one operating state to another.

According to one embodiment, in one, several or all of the operating states, the outer 30 body 200 may be prevented from essentially any degree of rotation around its central axis and relative the internal rotor 100 by mechanical interaction between the proximal irregularity 120 and the distal irregularity 220. Advantages of valves adapted accordingly include a minimized risk of undesired partial overlap between a hole located on the outer surface of the internal rotor 100 and the corresponding opening on the inner surface of the outer body 200 connected to a corresponding hole of the outer body 200, e.g. the first central outer opening 240, the second central outer opening 250 and the third central outer opening 255. Such a partial overlap may otherwise result in an undesired restriction of flow through the valve.

According to one embodiment, in one, several or all of the operating states, the outer body 200 may be rotatable to some degree around its central axis and relative the internal rotor 100 by mechanical interaction between the proximal irregularity 120 and the distal irregularity 220. For example, the outer body 200 may be rotatable within the range of 1 to 2700, such as e.g. 1 to 180°, 1 to 90°, 1 to 45°, 1 to 0, 1 to 10° or 1 to 5°, around its central axis and relative the internal rotor 100. Advantages of valves adapted accordingly include a possibility to achieve a partial overlap between a hole located on the outer surface of the internal rotor 100 and the corresponding opening on the inner surface of the outer body 200 connected to a corresponding hole of the outer body 200, e.g. the first central outer opening 240, the second central outer opening 250 and the third central outer opening 255. Accordingly, the holes, which may have a suitable shape such as described elsewhere herein, may be arranged so that a partial overlap is accomplished at a first rotation, and another partial overlap at a second rotation within the limits. The surface area through which the flow is passing is thus different at different degrees of rotation, whereby the rate of flow becomes adjustable by varying the degree of rotation.

According to one embodiment, the planar projection of at least one of the parts of the inner area of the outer body 200, which is being in fluid or gaseous connection with a central outer opening, may be circular.

According to one embodiment, the planar projection of at least one of the central outer openings, e.g. the first central outer opening 240, the second central outer opening 250 and the third central outer opening 255, may be circular.

According to one embodiment, the planar projection of at least one of the central inner openings, e.g. the first central inner opening 140 and the second central inner opening 150, may be circular.

According to one embodiment, the planar projection of at least one of the proximal openings and the distal openings of the internal rotor, e.g. the first proximal opening 130, the second proximal opening 133 and distal opening 135, may be circular.

Advantages of circular openings, serving as channels for input and/or output to/from the valve, include a facile way of production, e.g. by drilling using a circular drill towards the central part of the valve, e.g. towards the central axis from the side or along the central axis from the distal or proximal ends.

According to one embodiment, a central outer opening, e.g. the first central outer opening 240, the second central outer opening 250 or the third central outer opening 255, may have the same shape. e.g. circular or elliptic, as the corresponding hole of the inner area of the outer body 200, which is being in fluid or gaseous connection with that central outer opening.

According to one embodiment, all openings of the valve which are accessible from the outside and serving as channels for input and/or output to/from the valve, may be circular.

According to one embodiment, the planar projection of at least one of the parts of the inner area of the outer body 200, which is being in fluid or gaseous connection with a central outer opening, may be non-circular. Examples of non-circular openings include, but is not limited to, elliptic openings and polygonal openings, e.g. triangular shaped or square shaped openings. 11 According to one embodiment, the planar projection of at least one of the central inner openings, e.g. the first central inner opening 140 and the second central inner opening 150, may be non-circular.

According to one embodiment, the planar projection of at least one of the central inner openings, e.g. the first central inner opening 140 and the second central inner opening 150, and the planar projection of at least one of the parts of the inner area of the outer body 200, which is being in fluid or gaseous connection with a central outer opening, may be non-circular. According to one embodiment, in one, several or all of the operating states, the outer body 200 may be rotatable to some degree around its central axis and relative the internal rotor 100 by mechanical interaction between the proximal irregularity 120 and the distal irregularity 220. Such a valve may be combined with features in which the planar projection of at least one of the central inner openings, e.g. the first central inner opening 140 and the second central inner opening 150, or the planar projection of at least one of the parts of the inner area of the outer body 200, which is being in fluid or gaseous connection with a central outer opening, may be non-circular. Advantages of valves adapted accordingly include increased possibility of adjustability of the flow there through, as compared to the corresponding valves in which the planar projection of overlapping and partly overlapping openings are circular. The skilled person will readily understand how different shapes may be combined to achieve the desired profile of adjustability.

According to one embodiment, the spring element 300 may be a circular spring surrounding and being in contact with, at its distal end, the internal rotor 100 or any extension thereof, and being in contact with, at its proximal end, the outer body 200 or any extension thereof. Advantages of circular springs as the spring element 300 include e.g. a readily availability and low cost thereof.

According to one embodiment, the spring element 300 may be a suitable combination of one or several magnets, e.g. electromagnets or permanent magnets, and other magnetic parts, e.g. magnetically active metallic parts.

According to one embodiment, the valve may comprise one or several electromagnets adapted to accomplish transition from one operating state to another operating state upon receiving an electrical signal. Advantages of valves adapted accordingly include increased applicability. Such a valve may e.g. be used in applications where it can only with difficulty be reached be the operator's hand, by remote control.

According to one embodiment, the valve may comprise a proximal circular shield 180. Such a shield 180 may extend from the proximal end of the internal rotor 100 and be adapted to fully or partly house a syringe in its inner space. Advantages of such a shield 180 include a decreased risk of unintentional disconnection of the syringe 400 from the valve. The operator may, for example, hold around the shield 180 with one hand while maneuvering the outer body 200 with the other.

According to one embodiment, the valve may comprise a screw-nut 320. The screw- nut 320 may be adapted to be fastened to the distal end of the internal rotor 100, or any 12 extension thereof. The screw-nut 320 may provide mechanical support for the spring element 300. Advantages of valves adapted accordingly include a facile production by mounting the spring element 300, such as e.g. a circular spring, around the internal rotor 100, prior to assembly of the screw-nut 300.

According to one embodiment, the internal rotor 100 and the syringe 400, the piston thereof excluded, may be produced as one monolithically integrated part, e.g. by molding of a thermoplastic material, e.g. polypropylene or any other suitable thermoplastic material as known in the art.

According to one embodiment, the internal rotor 100, the outer body 200 and the spring element 300 may be made of a polymeric material. Suitable polymerics are such that may be molded and are of a medically accepted grade, as well known in the art, e.g. polypropylene or PEEK.

According to one embodiment, the valve may comprise visual markings, such as e.g. proximal marking 191 and/or distal marking 291, to indicate the current state of the valve.

Such visual markings may include text or symbols, to facilitate the users operation of the valve and/or to minimize the risk of setting the valve in an unintentional operating state.

According to one embodiment, the valve may comprise one proximal opening, one distal opening 135, one first central inner opening 140, one first inner channel 160, one second central inner opening 150, one second inner channel 170, one first central outer opening 2 20 and one second central outer opening 250. The valve may be adapted to attain one operating state selected from a first operating state, a second operating state and a third operating state. The distal opening 135 may be in fluid and gaseous connection with the first central outer opening 240 via the first inner channel 160, while none of the proximal opening and the second central outer opening 250 are in fluid and gaseous connection with any other opening, in the first operating state. The proximal opening may be in fluid and gaseous connection with the second central outer opening 250 via the second inner channel 170, while none of the distal opening 135 and the first central outer opening 240 are in fluid and gaseous connection with any other opening, in the second operating state. The proximal opening may be in fluid and gaseous connection with the first central outer opening 240 via the second inner channel 170, 30 while none of the distal opening 135 and the second central outer opening 250 are in fluid and gaseous connection with any other opening, in the third operating state. Valves adapted accordingly may be suitable for employment in gastrointestinal feeding applications.

According to one embodiment, the valve may comprise a sealing element, such as e.g. an 0-ring seal, or any other appropriate sealing element known in the art. The sealing element 35 may be arranged around an opening of the inner area of the outer body 200 or around an opening of the outer area of the internal rotor 100. The intended openings are such openings that may overlap or disengage upon switching operating states of the valve. Advantages of such a sealing element include a minimized risk of leakage from the valve via a space between the inside of the outer element 200 and the outside of the internal rotor 100. 13 According to one embodiment, there is provided a system for gastrointestinal feeding, comprising a valve according to the invention, such as a 3-stage-4-port valve, a syringe 400, for connection to a proximal opening of the valve, a first central outer opening 240 of the valve and a first tube 410, for providing fluid connection to a patient 440, a second central outer opening 250 of the valve, a second tube 411 and a second container 430, for providing fluid connection between the former and the latter, and a distal opening 135 of the valve, a third tube 412 and a first container 420, for providing fluid connection between the former and the latter.

According to one embodiment, the shape of the proximal irregularity 120 and the distal irregularity 220 may be sinusoid, e.g. as exemplified in Figs. 13B1-B2. Transition from one operating state to another may be accomplished by rotation of the outer element 200 relative the internal rotor 100 without any, or with only a minor, forward push by the operator of the outer element 200. The force applied for rotation may result in a partial distal/forward push by the sinusoid geometric combination. Furthermore, this geometric combination minimizes the risk for unintentional arrest in a stable switching state since this geometric combination may give rice to only unstable switching states. The outer element 200 may be pushed in the proximal direction by the spring element 300 to exit in the nearest available operating state from the current unstable switching state, without the need of any externally applied rotational force.

According to one embodiment, the shape of the proximal irregularity 120 and the distal irregularity 220 may be square shaped, e.g. as exemplified in Figs. 2, 3, 10-12, 13A1-A2, 13C1-C2 and 14. This geometric combination results in the possibility of stable switching states, which may be advantageous in several applications.

According to one embodiment, the shape of the proximal irregularity 120 and the distal irregularity 220 may be triangular shaped, e.g. as exemplified in Figs. 13D1-D2. This geometric combination results in the possibility of unstable switching states, which may be advantageous in several applications.

According to one embodiment, two openings on the central circular surface of the internal rotor 100, e.g. a first central inner opening 140 and a second central inner opening 150, may be connected by an inner channel, e.g. a first inner channel 160, of the internal rotor 100.

Such connectivity of the openings of the internal rotor 100 allows for valves in which the connectivity of the outer openings of the outer body 200 is changed upon transition from one operating state to another, without any need of connectivity to a distal or proximal opening of the internal rotor 100.

According to one embodiment, the internal rotor 100 may be provided with openings on the central circular surface, e.g. a first central inner opening 140 and a second central inner opening 150, which are located in different planes extending perpendicular from the central axis and arranged at different longitudinal positions, of the internal rotor 100. Advantages of valves arranged accordingly include a minimized risk for cross-contamination of liquid between different passages through the valve. 14 In the claims, the term "comprises/comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps. Additionally, although individual features may be included in different claims, these may possibly advantageously be combined, and the inclusion in different claims does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and/or advantageous. In addition, singular references do not exclude a plurality. The terms "a", "an", "first", "second" etc do not preclude a plurality. Reference signs in the claims are provided merely as a clarifying example and shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims in any way.

Claims (15)

1. Valve comprising an internal rotor (100) being shaped as a cylinder, an outer body (200) having a cylindrical hollow space for encompassing at least a part of said internal rotor (100) and adapted to provide an essentially fluid and gaseous tight seal between an outer area of said internal rotor (100) and an inner area of said outer body (200), and a spring element (300) for the provision of a longitudinal biasing force between said internal rotor (100) and said outer body (200) to force said outer body (200) in a direction towards the proximal end of said internal rotor (100), wherein said valve exists in a state selected from the group of states consisting of a plurality of operating states, in which said outer body (200) is maximally pushed in a proximal direction relative said internal rotor (100) by said longitudinal biasing force and being prevented from being fully rotatable around its central axis and relative said internal rotor (100) by mechanical interaction between a proximal irregularity (120) and a distal irregularity (220), a switching state, in which said outer body (200) is pushed in a distal direction relative said internal rotor (100) by an external force counteracting said longitudinal biasing force and being fully rotatable around its central axis and relative said internal rotor (100), and an intermediate state, in which said outer body (200) is pushed in a distal direction relative said internal rotor (100) by an external force counteracting said longitudinal biasing force and being prevented from being fully rotatable around its central axis and relative said internal rotor (100) by mechanical interaction between said proximal irregularity (120) and said distal irregularity (220); said internal rotor (100) comprises at least one inner channel (160, 170) adapted to provide fluid or gaseous connection between at least one central inner opening (140, 150), at least one proximal opening (130, 133) or at least one distal opening (135) and at least one central inner opening (140, 150); said outer body (200) comprises at least one central outer opening (240, 250, 255) being in fluid or gaseous connection with a part of said inner area of said outer body (200); and at least one of said at least one proximal opening (130, 133), said at least one distal opening (135) and said at least one central outer opening (240, 250, 255) being in fluid and gaseous connection with another thereof in at least one of said plurality of operating states; for user controlled variation of fluid or gaseous connection between said at least one proximal opening (130, 133), said at least one central outer opening (240, 250, 255) or said at least one distal opening (135) and said at least one central outer opening (240, 250, 255) by change of 16 operating state to engage or disengage fluid or gaseous connection between said at least one central inner opening (140, 150) and said at least one central outer opening (240, 250, 255). 2. Valve according to claim 1, wherein all of said at least one proximal opening (130, 133), said at least one distal opening (135) and said at least one central outer opening (240, 250, 255) are prevented from fluid and gaseous connection with any another thereof, in said switching state. 3. Valve according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said outer body (200) is prevented from essentially any degree of rotation around its central axis and relative said internal rotor (100) by mechanical interaction between said proximal irregularity (120) and said distal inegularity (220), in at least one of said plurality of operating states. 4. Valve according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said outer body (200) is partly rotatable around its central axis and relative said internal rotor (100) by mechanical interaction between said proximal irregularity (120) and said distal irregularity (220) in at least one of said plurality of operating states, for enabling operator controlled regulation of the rate of flow through said valve. 5. Valve according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the planar projection of at least one of said parts of said inner area of said outer body (200), which is being in fluid or gaseous connection with said at least one central outer opening (240. 250, 255), or the planar projection of at least one of said at least one central inner openings (140, 150), is circular. 6. Valve according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the planar projection of at least one of said parts of said inner area of said outer body (200), which is being in fluid or gaseous connection with said at least one central outer opening (240. 250, 255), or the planar projection of at least one of said at least one central inner openings (140, 150), is non-circular. 7. Valve according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transition from one of said plurality of operating states to said switching state is accomplished by application of an external force in the range of 0.1 to 50 N, to counteract said longitudinal biasing force sufficiently. 17 8. Valve according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said spring element (300) is a circular spring surrounding and being in contact with, at its distal end, said internal rotor (100) or any extension thereof, and being in contact with, at its proximal end, said outer body (200) or any extension thereof. 9. Valve according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a proximal circular shield (180) extending from the proximal end of said internal rotor (100), said proximal circular shield (180) being adapted to fully or partly house a syringe in its inner space. 10. Valve according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a screw-nut (320) adapted to be fastened to the distal end of said internal rotor (100), or any extension thereof, and to provide mechanical support for said spring element (300). 11. Valve according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said internal rotor (100) is provided with said proximal opening (130, 133), said internal rotor (100) being monolithically integrated with a syringe (400), the inner space of said syringe (400) being in fluid and gaseous connection with said proximal opening (130, 133). 12. Valve according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein all of said internal rotor (100), said outer body (200) and said spring element (300) are made of a polymeric material. 13. Valve according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a proximal marking (191) or a distal marking (291), for the provision of a visually detectable signal of said state. 14. Valve according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising one proximal opening (130, 133), one distal opening (135), one first central inner opening (140), one first inner channel (160), one second central inner opening (150), one second inner channel (170), one first central outer opening (240) and one second central outer opening (250), wherein said valve is adapted to attain one operating state selected from a first operating state, a second operating state and a third operating state; said distal opening (135) being in fluid and gaseous connection with said first central outer opening (240) via said first inner channel (160) and none of said proximal opening (130, 133) and said second central outer opening (250) being in fluid and gaseous connection with any other opening, in said first operating state; 18 said proximal opening (130, 133) being in fluid and gaseous connection with said second central outer opening (250) via said second inner channel (170) and none of said distal opening (135) and said first central outer opening (240) being in fluid and gaseous connection with any other opening, in said second operating state; and said proximal opening (130, 133) being in fluid and gaseous connection with said first central outer opening (240) via said second inner channel (170) and none of said distal opening (135) and said second central outer opening (250) being in fluid and gaseous connection with any other opening, in said third operating state. 15. System for gastrointestinal feeding, comprising a valve according to any one of claims 1 to 14; a syringe (400), for connection to a proximal opening (130, 133) of said valve; a first central outer opening (240) of said valve and a first tube (410), for providing fluid connection to a patient (440); a second central outer opening (250) of said valve, a second tube (411) and a second container (430), for providing fluid connection between the former and the latter; and a distal opening (135) of said valve, a third tube (412) and a first container (420), for providing fluid connection between the former and the latter. FIGURES 1/6 1 1 130. A 3 100300 3 100300 3 100300 3 2 200 2 2 120. 1 200 2 1 110. 2 200 250. 2

2. 1 Fg. 2 1