Check valve with integrated filter

Abstract

A check valve may include an upper housing defining an inlet, a lower housing defining an outlet, and a cavity interposed between and defined by the upper and lower housings for fluidly connecting the inlet and the outlet. The check valve may further include a flexible valve member mounted in the cavity to selectively permit fluid flow in a first direction, and prevent fluid backflow in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A filter member may be mounted in the upper housing, upstream of the flexible valve member. The filter member may have an elongated portion configured to maximize surface area thereof exposed to the fluid flow, and restrict passage of undesirable matter in fluid flowing through the check valve.

Description

technical field [0001] The present disclosure relates generally to check valves, and more particularly, to check valves having a filter mechanism for filtering particulate matter from fluid flowing through the check valve. Background technique [0002] Patients are typically injected with an intravenous (IV) solution that is initially provided in an IV reservoir (bottle or bag) and dripped into the patient's vein through an IV line. Typically, an injection port is provided along the IV line and is adapted to function with a syringe to allow injection fluid to be added to the IV solution. Check valves are also commonly included in IV lines to allow fluid flow in the direction of the patient only. This ensures that the infusion fluid flows downstream to the patient rather than upstream to the IV reservoir. Contents of the invention [0003] The IV check valve is usually closed when there is no fluid movement (such as infusion) through the IV set (IV set). For example, whe...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

When reverse flow is applied with trapped grit, the inlet port does not seal completely and a small leak occurs which renders the valve ineffective

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