Expandable drip chamber

Abstract

This invention relates to an infusion chamber including an inlet, an outlet, and a chamber body. The chamber body defines a chamber volume in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet. The chamber body is movable between a contraction configuration having a first volume and an expansion configuration having a second volume. The second volume is larger than the first volume, and the chamber body is configured to move from the contraction configuration to the expansion configuration to draw medical fluid from the inlet into the chamber volume, thereby perfusing the infusion chamber.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to infusion chambers, and more particularly to expandable infusion chambers. Background Technology

[0002] Medical treatments typically involve infusing a patient with medical fluids (e.g., saline solutions or fluid medications) using an intravenous (IV) catheter. This IV catheter is connected to a fluid source, such as an IV bag, via an arrangement of flexible tubing and connectors commonly referred to as an "IV device." Prior to administration, components of the IV device can be infused with medical fluids. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In some applications, infusion chambers may require repetitive manual operations to infuse medical fluids.

[0004] The disclosed subject matter relates to an infusion chamber. In some embodiments, the infusion chamber includes an inlet, an outlet, and a chamber body. The chamber body defines a chamber volume in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet. The chamber body is movable between a contraction configuration having a first volume and an expansion configuration having a second volume. The second volume is larger than the first volume, and the chamber body is configured to move from the contraction configuration to the expansion configuration to draw medical fluid from the inlet into the chamber volume, thereby perfusing the infusion chamber.

[0005] In some embodiments, a method for perfusion infusion chamber is disclosed, the method comprising expanding the chamber body from a first volume to a second volume; and aspirating medical fluid into the chamber body during the expansion of the chamber body.

[0006] It should be understood that, based on this disclosure, those skilled in the art will readily understand various configurations of the subject matter, which are shown and described by way of illustration. As will be appreciated, the subject matter can have other and different constructions and certain details can be modified in various other aspects, all without departing from the scope of the subject matter. Therefore, the summary, drawings, and detailed descriptions are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive in nature. Attached Figure Description

[0007] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding and are incorporated in and form a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate the disclosed embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments. In the drawings:

[0008] Figure 1 This is a front view of the drip chamber in a contraction configuration according to various aspects of this disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2 It is an expanded construction based on various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 1A front view of the infusion chamber.

[0010] Figure 3 It is an expanded construction based on various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the drip chamber.

[0011] Figure 4 Based on all aspects of this disclosure Figure 3 Detailed view of the sealing assembly of the drip chamber.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a front view of the drip chamber in a contraction configuration according to various aspects of this disclosure.

[0013] Figure 6 It is an expanded construction based on various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 5 A front view of the infusion chamber.

[0014] Figure 7 It is based on various aspects of the present disclosure regarding the infusion structure. Figure 6 A front view of the infusion chamber.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a front view of the drip chamber in a contraction configuration according to various aspects of this disclosure.

[0016] Figure 9 Based on all aspects of this disclosure Figure 8 A perspective view of the infusion chamber.

[0017] Figure 10 It is an expanded construction based on various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 8 A front view of the infusion chamber.

[0018] Figure 11 Based on all aspects of this disclosure Figure 10 A perspective view of the infusion chamber. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The disclosed infusion chamber incorporates an expandable chamber to allow the infusion chamber to be infused in a single action. By infusing the infusion chamber in a single action, repetitive manual operations can be avoided.

[0020] The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of various configurations of the subject matter art, and not as representing the only configuration in which the subject matter art can be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details to provide a thorough understanding of the subject matter art. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject matter art can be practiced without these specific details. In some cases, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject matter art. For ease of understanding, identical components are labeled with the same element numbers. Reference numerals may be appended with letter suffixes to indicate individual instances of common elements, while generally referred to by the same numerals without suffixes.

[0021] While the following description pertains to the infusion of medical fluids by expanding the disclosed infusion chamber, it should be understood that this description is merely an example of use and does not limit the scope of the claims. Various aspects of the disclosed infusion chamber can be used in any application requiring an infusion flow.

[0022] The disclosed infusion chamber overcomes several challenges found with certain conventional infusion chambers. One challenge with certain conventional infusion chambers is that they may require repetitive manual operations to aspirate sufficient medical fluid to infuse the chamber. Additionally, some conventional infusion chambers may occupy excessive storage space. Because repetitive manual operations can lead to clinician fatigue and a desire to minimize storage space, the use of conventional infusion chambers is undesirable.

[0023] Therefore, according to this disclosure, it is advantageous to provide an infusion chamber as described herein, which allows for single-action infusion and storage in a compact configuration. The disclosed infusion chamber provides an expandable chamber body that allows for single-action infusion and compact storage.

[0024] An example of a drip chamber that allows for single-action infusion and compact storage will now be described.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a front view of the drip chamber 100 in a contracted configuration according to various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 2 It is an expanded construction based on various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 1 A front view of the 100' drip chamber. Figure 3 It is an expanded construction based on various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the 100' drip chamber. (Refer to...) Figure 1-3 The infusion chamber 100 provides a visual indicator of the flow rate of the medical fluid passing through it. Advantageously, clinicians can monitor and adjust the flow rate of the medical fluid based on the visual indicator provided by the infusion chamber 100.

[0026] During operation, medical fluids may drip or otherwise flow through a chamber volume defined by the chamber body 108. As shown, medical fluids enter the chamber body 108 through an inlet channel 103 in fluid communication with it. Fluid flow exits the chamber body 108 through an outlet 104. As fluid flows through the chamber body 108, clinicians can observe the dripping or flow of medical fluid within the infusion chamber 100, which serves as a visual indicator. It is understood that the chamber body 108 may be transparent or translucent.

[0027] Optionally, the infusion chamber 100 may include a needle 102 that punctures a membrane (e.g., an intravenous container membrane). In some embodiments, the inlet passage 103 may be formed by the needle 102 extending into the chamber body 108. The needle 102 may extend from a needle base 106. The needle base 106 may be threaded or otherwise configured to receive the chamber body 108. In some embodiments, the infusion chamber 100 may include a vent to balance the pressure difference between the chamber volume and the environment during operation.

[0028] In the described example, the infusion chamber 100 can aspirate medical fluid for perfusion of an intravenous injection system. It is understood that during the perfusion procedure, the chamber body 108 can be filled with a desired volume of medical fluid. As described herein, the infusion chamber 100 can be perfused with a desired volume of medical fluid in a single action. Advantageously, clinicians can use one hand to infuse the infusion chamber 100 to the desired level.

[0029] As described herein, the infusion chamber 100 can be dispensed from a shrinking or reduced volume (e.g. Figure 1 (As shown) expand to an expanded or increased volume (e.g.) Figure 2 and 3 (as shown), thereby creating a vacuum within the infusion chamber 100 and effectively drawing in medical fluid to perfuse the infusion chamber 100.

[0030] In the depicted example, chamber body 108 may be formed by an upper chamber body 110 defining an upper chamber volume 112 and a lower chamber body 120 defining a lower chamber volume 122. In some embodiments, inlet passage 103 may be in fluid communication with the upper chamber volume 112. Optionally, inlet passage 103 may be considered to be defined by the upper chamber body 110. In some embodiments, outlet 104 is in fluid communication with the lower chamber volume 122. Optionally, outlet 104 is defined by the lower chamber body 120.

[0031] As described herein, the lower chamber body 120 is movable relative to the upper chamber body 110. In some embodiments, the lower chamber body 120 is axially movable relative to the upper chamber body 110. Furthermore, the upper chamber volume 112 and the lower chamber volume 122 may together define the total volume of the infusion chamber 100.

[0032] Reference Figure 1 The infusion chamber 100 is shown in either an initial or contracted configuration. In the depicted example, the lower chamber body 120 is at least partially disposed within the upper chamber volume 112. In some applications, the lower chamber body 120 is moved inward to position it adjacent to the inlet channel 103, thereby allowing fluid communication between the inlet channel 103 and the lower chamber volume 122. As shown in the contracted configuration, the upper edge of the lower chamber body 120 may be positioned toward the upper edge of the upper chamber body 110. In some embodiments, the upper edge of the lower chamber body 120 is disposed adjacent to the needle base 106. Advantageously, due to the contracted configuration of the infusion chamber 100, the packaging and storage requirements of the infusion chamber 100 can be minimized or reduced compared to a non-contractable infusion chamber.

[0033] In the depicted example, the positioning of the lower chamber body 120 relative to the upper chamber body 110 defines the volume of the drip chamber 100 in the contraction configuration. In the contraction configuration, the reduced or initial volume of the drip chamber 100 can be defined by the lower chamber volume 122. As shown, in the contraction configuration, the inlet passage 103 and outlet 104 of the drip chamber 100 are in fluid communication with the lower chamber volume 122, thereby effectively defining the initial or reduced volume of the drip chamber 100 and bypassing the upper chamber volume 112.

[0034] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The drip chamber 100' can be expanded to increase its volume to fill the drip chamber 100'. As shown, the lower chamber body 120 can move downward or away from the inlet channel 103 to increase or expand the volume of the drip chamber 100'.

[0035] In the depicted example, the lower chamber body 120 is typically moved out of the upper chamber volume 112. As described herein, the upper edge portion of the lower chamber body 120 may remain within the upper chamber volume 112. In some applications, the lower chamber body 120 is moved outward to space the lower chamber body 120 from the inlet channel 103, thereby allowing fluid communication between the inlet channel 103, the upper chamber volume 112, and the lower chamber volume 122. As shown, in an expansion configuration, the upper edge of the lower chamber body 120 may be positioned toward the lower edge of the upper chamber body 110. In some embodiments, the upper edge of the lower chamber body 120 is spaced apart from the needle base 106.

[0036] In the described example, the positioning of the lower chamber body 120 relative to the upper chamber body 110 defines the volume of the drip chamber 100' in the expansion configuration. In the expansion configuration, the expansion volume of the drip chamber 100 can be defined by a combination of the upper chamber volume 112 and the lower chamber volume 122. As shown, in the expansion configuration, the inlet passage 103 and outlet 104 of the drip chamber 100 are in fluid communication with the upper chamber volume 112 and the lower chamber volume 122, thereby effectively defining the expansion volume of the drip chamber 100'.

[0037] In the described example, as the infusion chamber 100' expands to a larger volume, the pressure within the infusion chamber 100' decreases due to negative displacement. It is understood that the reduced pressure allows the infusion chamber 100' to draw in medical fluid, thereby perfusing the infusion chamber 100'. In some embodiments, the volume difference between the contracted infusion chamber 100 and the expanded infusion chamber 100' can be equal to the volume of medical fluid drawn in during perfusion. It is understood that the volume difference between the contracted infusion chamber 100 and the expanded infusion chamber 100' can be configured to provide the required amount of medical fluid during perfusion.

[0038] Optionally, the chamber body 108 may be formed of an elastic material to allow the chamber body 108 to be squeezed or compressed to draw in medical fluid for additional perfusion of the intravenous injection system.

[0039] Figure 4 Based on all aspects of this disclosure Figure 3 A detailed view of the sealing assembly 130 of the infusion chamber 100. In some embodiments, the infusion chamber 100 may include a sealing assembly 130 for preventing leakage between the upper chamber body 110 and the lower chamber body 120. In the constricted position, the sealing assembly 130 prevents fluid communication between the upper chamber volume 112 and the lower chamber volume 122. In the expanded position, the sealing assembly 130 prevents medical fluid from leaving the chamber body 108 at the interface between the upper chamber body 110 and the lower chamber body 120.

[0040] In the depicted example, the sealing assembly 130 includes an O-ring 132 disposed between the upper chamber body 110 and the lower chamber body 120. In some embodiments, the O-ring 132 may be held by a sealing groove 134. The sealing groove 134 may be formed at the upper edge of the lower chamber body 120. The sealing groove 134 may define a seat ring that allows the O-ring 132 to be mounted therein.

[0041] Optionally, the upper chamber body 110 includes a radial extension 136 for retaining the lower chamber body 120 within the upper chamber volume 112. In the depicted example, the radial extension 136 may restrict the travel of the lower chamber body 120 to prevent removal of the lower chamber body 120 from the upper chamber body 110. In some embodiments, the radial extension 136 may extend radially inward to engage with a sealing groove 134 of the lower chamber body 120. The engagement of the sealing groove 134 and the radial extension 136 may prevent excessive travel of the lower chamber body 120.

[0042] Figure 5 This is a front view of the drip chamber 200 in a contracted configuration according to various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 6 It is an expanded construction based on various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 5 A front view of the 200' drip chamber. Figure 7 Based on all aspects of this disclosure Figure 6 The drip chamber 200' is shown in the front view of the infusion structure. (Refer to...) Figure 5-7 The drip chamber 200 is a single-piece drip chamber that allows for infusion with a single action.

[0043] As described herein, the infusion chamber 200 can be dispensed from a shrinking or reduced volume (e.g. Figure 5 (as shown) expand to an expanded or increased volume (e.g.) Figure 6 (as shown), thereby creating a vacuum within the infusion chamber 200 and effectively drawing in medical fluid to perfuse the infusion chamber 200 (as shown). Figure 7 (As shown).

[0044] In the depicted example, chamber body 208 may be formed by an upper chamber body 210 defining an upper chamber volume 212, a lower chamber body 220 defining a lower chamber volume 222, and an intermediate chamber body 230 defining an intermediate chamber volume 232. In some embodiments, the intermediate chamber body 230 connects or links the upper chamber body 210 and the lower chamber body 220. In some embodiments, an inlet formed through the needle 202 may be in fluid communication with the upper chamber volume 212. Optionally, the inlet may be considered to be defined by the upper chamber body 210. In some embodiments, outlet 204 is in fluid communication with the lower chamber volume 222. Optionally, outlet 204 is defined by the lower chamber body 220.

[0045] As described herein, the lower chamber body 220 is slidable / movable relative to the upper chamber body 210. In some embodiments, the lower chamber body 220 is axially movable relative to the upper chamber body 210. In some embodiments, the intermediate chamber body 230 may be deformable or inverted to allow the lower chamber body 220 to move relative to the upper chamber body 210. Furthermore, the upper chamber volume 212, the lower chamber volume 222, and the intermediate chamber volume 232 may collectively define the total volume of the infusion chamber 200.

[0046] Reference Figure 5 The infusion chamber 200 is shown in either an initial or contracted configuration. In the depicted example, the upper chamber body 210 is at least partially disposed within the lower chamber volume 222. In some applications, the lower chamber body 220 is moved inward to position it adjacent to the inlet, thereby allowing fluid communication between the inlet, the upper chamber volume 212, and a portion of the lower chamber volume 222. As shown, in the contracted configuration, the upper edge of the lower chamber body 220 may be positioned toward the upper edge of the upper chamber body 210. In some embodiments, the upper edge of the lower chamber body 220 is disposed adjacent to the needle base 206. As shown, the intermediate chamber body 230 is folded or inverted to allow the lower chamber body 220 to move to the contracted position. Advantageously, due to the contracted configuration of the infusion chamber 200, the packaging and storage requirements of the infusion chamber 200 can be minimized.

[0047] In the depicted example, the positioning of the lower chamber body 220 relative to the upper chamber body 210 defines the volume of the drip chamber 200 in the contraction configuration. In the contraction configuration, the reduced or initial volume of the drip chamber 200 can be defined by a portion of the upper chamber volume 212 and the lower chamber volume 222. As shown, in the contraction configuration, the inlet and outlet 204 of the drip chamber 200 are in fluid communication with a portion of the upper chamber volume 212 and the lower chamber volume 222, thereby effectively defining the initial or reduced volume of the drip chamber 200. It is understood that in the contraction configuration, the intermediate chamber body 230 does not define the intermediate chamber volume 232.

[0048] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The drip chamber 200' can be expanded to an increased volume to infuse the drip chamber 200'. As shown, the lower chamber body 120 can move downward or away from the inlet channel 103 to increase or expand the volume of the drip chamber 100'.

[0049] In the depicted example, the lower chamber body 220 typically moves away from the upper chamber body 210. As the lower chamber body 220 moves downward or away from the upper chamber body 210, the intermediate chamber body 230 can unfold, return to its original position, or otherwise expose itself, thereby defining the intermediate chamber volume 232. In some applications, the lower chamber body 220 moves outward to space itself from the inlet, thereby allowing fluid communication between the inlet, the upper chamber volume 212, the intermediate chamber volume 232, and the lower chamber volume 222. As shown, in an expansion configuration, the intermediate chamber body 230 may be positioned between the upper chamber body 210 and the lower chamber body 220. In some embodiments, the upper edge of the lower chamber body 220 is spaced apart from the needle base 206.

[0050] In the described example, the positioning of the lower chamber body 220 relative to the upper chamber body 210 defines the volume of the drip chamber 200' in the expansion configuration. In the expansion configuration, the expanded volume of the drip chamber 200 can be defined by a combination of the upper chamber volume 212, the intermediate chamber volume 232, and the lower chamber volume 222. As shown, in the expansion configuration, the inlet and outlet 204 of the drip chamber 200 are in fluid communication with the upper chamber volume 212, the intermediate chamber volume 232, and the lower chamber volume 222, thereby effectively defining the expanded volume of the drip chamber 200'.

[0051] In the described example, as the infusion chamber 200' expands to a larger volume, the pressure within the infusion chamber 200' decreases due to negative displacement. It is understood that the reduced pressure allows the infusion chamber 200' to draw in medical fluid, thereby perfusing the infusion chamber 200'. In some embodiments, the volume difference between the contracted infusion chamber 200 and the expanded infusion chamber 200' can be equal to the volume of medical fluid drawn in during perfusion. It is understood that the volume difference between the contracted infusion chamber 200 and the expanded infusion chamber 200' can be configured to provide the required amount of medical fluid during perfusion.

[0052] Figure 8 This is a front view of the drip chamber 300 in a contracted configuration according to various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 9 Based on all aspects of this disclosure Figure 8 A perspective view of the 300-meter infusion chamber. Figure 10 It is an expanded construction based on various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 8 A front view of the 300' drip chamber. Figure 11 Based on all aspects of this disclosure Figure 10 A perspective view of the 300' drip chamber. (Refer to...) Figure 8-11 The drip chamber 300 is a radially expanding drip chamber that allows for infusion by a single action.

[0053] As described in this article, the infusion chamber 300 can be dispensed from a shrinking or reduced volume (e.g. Figure 8 and 9 (as shown) expand to an expanded or increased volume (e.g.) Figure 10 and 11 (as shown), thereby creating a vacuum within the infusion chamber 300 and effectively drawing in medical fluid to perfuse the infusion chamber 300.

[0054] In the depicted example, the chamber body 308 may include a retractable portion 342. The retractable portion 342 can expand or contract radially to adjust the volume of the chamber volume 310. In some embodiments, the retractable portion 342 is operatively coupled to a control lever 340. By moving the control lever 340, the retractable portion 342 can move from a reduced radius and volume configuration to an expanded radius and volume configuration. As shown, the retractable portion 342 is in fluid communication with the chamber volume 310, the inlet, and the outlet 304.

[0055] Reference Figure 8 and 9 The infusion chamber 300 is shown in an initial or contracted configuration. In the depicted example, the retractable portion 342 has a reduced radius. In some embodiments, the retractable portion 342 is pressed into a compressed configuration. In some embodiments, the retractable portion 342 includes overlapping material locked into the compressed configuration. Optionally, a control lever 340 may be locked in the retractable portion 342 in the compressed configuration to control the radius of the retractable portion 342. It is understood that the radius of the retractable portion 342 may define the volume of the chamber volume 310. In the contracted configuration, the reduced or initial volume of the infusion chamber 300 may be affected by the radius of the retractable portion 342. Optionally, the retractable portion 342 is formed of one or more shape memory materials.

[0056] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 The infusion chamber 300' can expand to an increased volume to infuse the infusion chamber 300'. In the depicted example, the retractable portion 342 has an expanded radius. In the expanded configuration, the expanded volume of the infusion chamber 300 can be influenced by the radius of the retractable portion 342. Optionally, the expansion of the infusion chamber 300' can be spring-loaded or biased. For example, when the control lever 340 is triggered, the retractable portion 342 can be biased or pushed to expand to a larger radius or volume. In some embodiments, the control lever 340 may include a notch or other protrusion controlling the release or unlocking of the retractable portion 342. By triggering the control lever 340, the notch or protrusion can be aligned with a slot or feature in the retractable portion 342 to allow the retractable portion 342 to expand from a compressed configuration to an expanded configuration.

[0057] In the described example, as the infusion chamber 300' expands to a larger volume, the pressure within the infusion chamber 300' decreases due to negative displacement. It is understood that the reduced pressure allows the infusion chamber 300' to draw in medical fluid, thereby perfusing the infusion chamber 300'. In some embodiments, the volumetric difference between the contracted and expanded infusion chamber 300' can be equal to the volume of medical fluid drawn in during perfusion. It is understood that the volumetric difference between the contracted and expanded infusion chamber 300' can be configured to provide the required amount of medical fluid during perfusion.

[0058] This disclosure is provided to enable those skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. This disclosure provides various examples of the subject matter, but the subject matter is not limited to these examples. Numerous modifications to these aspects will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other aspects.

[0059] Unless otherwise stated, the use of the singular to refer to an element is not intended to mean "one and only one," but rather "one or more." Unless otherwise specified, the term "some" refers to one or more. Masculine pronouns (e.g., his) include feminine and neutral genders (e.g., her and its), and vice versa. The use of titles and subtitles (if any) is for convenience only and does not limit the invention.

[0060] The term “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example or illustration.” Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” should not be construed as preferred or advantageous to other aspects or designs. In one respect, the various alternative constructions and operations described herein may be considered at least equivalent.

[0061] Phrases such as “aspect” do not imply that such an aspect is essential to the present subject matter, or that such an aspect applies to all constructions of the present subject matter. Disclosure relating to an aspect may apply to all constructions or one or more constructions. An aspect may provide one or more examples. Phrases such as “one aspect” may refer to one or more aspects, or vice versa. Phrases such as “embodiment” do not imply that such an embodiment is essential to the present subject matter, or that such an embodiment applies to all constructions of the present subject matter. Disclosure relating to an embodiment may apply to all embodiments or one or more embodiments. An embodiment may provide one or more examples. Phrases such as “embodiment” may refer to one or more embodiments, or vice versa. Phrases such as “construction” do not imply that such a construction is essential to the present subject matter, or that such a construction applies to all constructions of the present subject matter. Disclosure relating to a construction may apply to all constructions or one or more constructions. A construction may provide one or more examples. Phrases such as “such a construction” may refer to one or more constructions, or vice versa.

[0062] In one respect, unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, sizes, dimensions, and other specifications set forth in this specification, including in the following claims, are approximate, not precise. In another respect, they are intended to have a reasonable range consistent with the functions they pertain to and with the custom of the art to which they belong.

[0063] In one respect, the term "linkage" can refer to a direct connection. In another respect, the term "linkage" can refer to an indirect connection.

[0064] Terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” and “rear” as used in this disclosure should be understood to refer to any frame of reference rather than a general gravitational frame of reference. Therefore, the top surface, bottom surface, front surface, and rear surface can extend upwards, downwards, diagonally, or horizontally in a gravitational frame of reference.

[0065] Various items may be arranged differently (e.g., in different orders or divided in different ways) without departing from the scope of the subject matter. All structural and functional equivalents of the elements throughout the various aspects described in this disclosure are known to or will be known hereafter to those skilled in the art, expressly incorporated herein by reference and intended to be covered by the claims. Furthermore, regardless of whether such disclosure is expressly recited in the claims, the disclosure herein is not intended for the public. Under paragraph 6 of 35 U.S.SC §112(f), elements of a claim will not be interpreted unless the element is clearly stated using the phrase “means for…” or, in the case of a method claim, the phrase “steps for…”. Moreover, the scope of terms such as “comprising,” “having,” etc., is intended to refer to inclusiveness in a manner similar to the term “including,” as interpreted when “comprising” is used as a transitional term in a claim.

[0066] The title, background, summary, description of the drawings, and abstract of this disclosure are incorporated herein and are provided as illustrative examples rather than limiting descriptions. This application is filed on the understanding that they are not intended to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, in the detailed description, it will be apparent that the description provides illustrative examples, and various features are combined in various embodiments to simplify the disclosure. This disclosure approach should not be construed as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than expressly stated in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the following claims, the inventive subject matter lies in all features of fewer than those in a single disclosed construction or operation. The following claims are thus incorporated into the detailed description, each claim being an independent, separately claimed subject matter.

[0067] The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but rather to conform to the full scope consistent with the language claims and to include all legal equivalents. Nevertheless, none of the claims are intended to include subject matter that fails to satisfy the requirements of 35 U.S.SC § 101, 102, or 103, nor should they be interpreted in this manner.

Claims

1. A drip chamber, characterized in that, includes: an inlet; an outlet; and a chamber body defining a chamber volume in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet, wherein the chamber body is movable between a collapsed configuration having a first volume and an expanded configuration having a second volume greater than the first volume, and the chamber body is configured to move from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration to draw medical fluid from the inlet into the chamber volume to prime the drip chamber, wherein the chamber body is formed of a resilient material to allow the chamber body to be compressed to draw in medical fluid for additional priming of the drip chamber, and the chamber body includes an upper chamber body and a lower chamber body, and the upper chamber body defines an upper chamber volume and the inlet, and the lower chamber body defines a lower chamber volume and the outlet, wherein the lower chamber body is movable relative to the upper chamber body such that in the collapsed configuration the lower chamber body is at least partially disposed within the upper chamber volume and adjacent the inlet, and the lower chamber volume defines the first volume between the inlet and outlet, and in the expanded configuration the lower chamber body is spaced apart from the inlet, and the upper chamber volume and lower chamber volume collectively define the second volume between the inlet and outlet. further includes a lancet extending from a lancet base, wherein the lancet base is configured to receive the chamber body.

2. The drip chamber of claim 1, wherein, the lancet defines the inlet.

3. The drip chamber of claim 2, wherein, the lower chamber body is axially movable relative to the upper chamber body.

4. The drip chamber of claim 1, wherein, further includes:

5. The drip chamber of claim 1, wherein, a seal assembly configured to sealingly engage the upper chamber body and lower chamber body. the seal assembly includes:

6. The drip chamber of claim 5, wherein, an O-ring disposed between the lower chamber body and upper chamber body. the lower chamber body defines a seal groove for retaining the O-ring.

7. The drip chamber of claim 6, wherein, the upper chamber body defines a radial extension spaced apart from the inlet, the radial extension configured to engage the seal groove in the expanded configuration to limit travel of the lower chamber body relative to the upper chamber body.

8. The drip chamber of claim 7, wherein, the drip chamber includes:

9. A drip chamber characterized by, an inlet; an outlet; and a chamber body defining a chamber volume in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet, wherein the chamber body is movable between a collapsed configuration having a first volume and an expanded configuration having a second volume greater than the first volume, and the chamber body is configured to move from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration to draw medical fluid from the inlet into the chamber volume to prime the drip chamber, wherein the chamber body is formed of a resilient material to allow the chamber body to be compressed to draw in medical fluid for additional priming of the drip chamber, and the chamber body includes an upper chamber body and a lower chamber body, and the upper chamber body defines an upper chamber volume and the inlet, and the lower chamber body defines a lower chamber volume and the outlet, wherein the lower chamber body is movable relative to the upper chamber body, ​ such that, in the contracted configuration, the upper chamber body is disposed at least partially within the lower chamber volume and adjacent the outlet, and a portion of the lower chamber volume and the upper chamber volume collectively define a first volume between the inlet and outlet, and, in the expanded configuration, the lower chamber body is spaced apart from the inlet, and the upper chamber volume and lower chamber volume collectively define a second volume between the inlet and outlet.

10. The drip chamber of claim 9, wherein, The chamber body includes an intermediate chamber body defining an intermediate chamber volume, wherein, in the contracted configuration, the intermediate chamber body is disposed radially between the upper chamber body and the lower chamber body, and wherein, in the expanded configuration, the intermediate chamber body is disposed axially between the upper chamber body and the lower chamber body, and the upper chamber volume, intermediate chamber volume, and lower chamber volume collectively define a second volume between the inlet and outlet.

11. The drip chamber of claim 10, wherein, The intermediate chamber body is disposed in an inverted arrangement in the contracted configuration.

12. The drip chamber of claim 10, wherein, The intermediate chamber body is deformed between the contracted configuration and the expanded configuration.

13. The drip chamber of claim 10, wherein, The chamber body includes a collapsible portion, wherein, in the contracted configuration, the collapsible portion defines a reduced radius, and, in the expanded configuration, the collapsible portion defines an expanded radius.

14. The drip chamber of claim 13, wherein, further comprising: a control rod operatively coupled to the collapsible portion, wherein the control rod is movable to configure the collapsible portion between the reduced radius and the expanded radius.

15. The drip chamber of claim 13, wherein, The collapsible portion includes a biasing member for expanding the collapsible portion from the reduced radius to the expanded radius. The collapsible portion includes a biasing member for expanding the collapsible portion from the reduced radius to the expanded radius.

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