Spiral-controlled medical fluid flow manifold

Abstract

This invention provides a fluid flow manifold assembly for use in a fluid flow device. The fluid flow manifold assembly includes a body having a main fluid channel and a reinforcing plate, the main fluid channel having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a reagent port. A flow control assembly is configured to be positioned opposite the main fluid channel from the reagent port. The flow control assembly is configured to cut off fluid flow into the main fluid channel through the reagent port when its plunger is in the closed position, and to allow incremental levels of fluid flow into the main fluid channel through the reagent port by variably retracting the plunger based on rotation of a knob on the flow control assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid flow manifold assembly for use in a fluid flow device. Background Technology

[0002] Medical fluid flow manifolds are used in the medical field to control the flow of fluids to patients, such as the flow of fluids from a pump device used for anesthesia. Typical fluid flow manifolds use a stopcock valve mechanism, which the user can turn to change the fluid flow through the corresponding manifold. While stopcock valve mechanisms can be easy to turn, their use may not be intuitive, for example, as it may be unclear which direction will result in restricted or open fluid flow. Furthermore, stopcock valve mechanisms are prone to dead space, which prevents the clean flushing of a fluid (e.g., an anesthetic drug) before introducing another fluid (e.g., a different anesthetic drug) through the same manifold. There is a desire to provide medical fluid flow manifolds with safe, consistent fluid flow control that are intuitive to use and free of dead space, thereby improving safety and reducing risk. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure provides a medical fluid flow manifold with a helical control mechanism.

[0004] In one or more embodiments, a fluid flow manifold assembly is provided. The fluid flow manifold assembly includes a body having a main fluid passage and a reinforcing plate. The fluid flow manifold assembly also includes a fluid inlet disposed at a first end of the main fluid passage, a fluid outlet disposed at a second end of the main fluid passage, and a drug port coupled to and angled toward the main fluid passage. The fluid flow manifold assembly further includes a flow control assembly coupled to the main fluid passage and opposite the drug port. The flow control assembly includes a plunger, a sealing member, a cap thread, and a knob. The flow control assembly is configured to cut off fluid flow through the drug port when the plunger is in a first position, allow maximum fluid flow through the drug port when the plunger is in a second position, and allow incremental levels of fluid flow through the drug port when the plunger is in different positions between the first and second positions, wherein the plunger position is based on rotation of the knob in one of clockwise and counterclockwise directions.

[0005] In one or more aspects, the drug port is orthogonally disposed to the main fluid channel, and the flow control assembly is axially disposed to the drug port. In one or more aspects, an inlet connector is coupled to a fluid inlet. In one or more aspects, the inlet connector is a female Luer connector. In one or more aspects, an outlet connector is connected to a fluid outlet. In one or more aspects, the outlet connector is a male Luer connector. In one or more aspects, a port connector is coupled to the drug port. In one or more aspects, the port connector is a female Luer connector. In one or more aspects, a cavity is disposed in a reinforcing plate, wherein a knob is disposed within the cavity. In one or more aspects, the cavity has a stop surface configured to prevent further counterclockwise rotation of the knob. In one or more aspects, an indicator element is disposed on the reinforcing plate. In one or more aspects, the indicator element is one of being printed on the reinforcing plate, etched onto the reinforcing plate, or formed from the material of the reinforcing plate. In one or more aspects, the fluid flow manifold assembly is configured to prevent dead space when the plunger is disposed between a first position and a second position, and in any position including the first and second positions. In one or more aspects, the fluid flow manifold assembly is configured to allow fluid flow from the fluid inlet through the main fluid passage when the plunger is in a first position and a second position, and in any position including the first and second positions.

[0006] In one or more embodiments, a fluid flow device is provided. The fluid flow device includes a fluid inlet pipe, a fluid outlet pipe, a drug delivery pipe, and a fluid flow manifold assembly. The fluid flow manifold assembly includes a body having a main fluid passage and a reinforcing plate. The fluid flow manifold assembly also includes an inlet connector disposed at a first end of the main fluid passage and coupled to the fluid inlet pipe, an outlet connector disposed at a second end of the main fluid passage and coupled to the fluid outlet pipe, and a port connector coupled to the main fluid passage and coupled to the drug delivery pipe. The fluid flow manifold assembly also includes a flow control assembly coupled to the main fluid passage and opposite the port connector, the flow control assembly including a plunger, a sealing member, a cap thread, and a knob. The flow control assembly is configured to cut off fluid flow from the drug delivery pipe to the main fluid passage when the plunger is in a first position, allow maximum fluid flow from the drug delivery pipe to the main fluid passage when the plunger is in a second position, and allow incremental levels of fluid flow from the drug delivery pipe to the main fluid passage when the plunger is in different positions between the first and second positions. The plunger position is based on rotation of the knob in one of clockwise and counterclockwise directions.

[0007] In one or more aspects, the fluid flow manifold assembly is an anesthesia manifold. In one or more aspects, the fluid flow manifold assembly includes three drug ports, each drug port being coupled to a separate port connector, and each separate port connector being coupled to a separate drug delivery tube. In one or more aspects, the fluid flow manifold assembly also includes a cavity disposed in a reinforcing plate, the cavity having a stop surface configured to prevent a knob from being released beyond a defined point. In one or more aspects, the fluid flow manifold assembly is configured to prevent dead zones when the plunger is positioned between a first position and a second position, and in any position including the first and second positions. In one or more aspects, the fluid flow manifold assembly is configured to allow fluid flow from the fluid inlet through the main fluid passage when the plunger is in any position between the first and second positions, and in any position including the first and second positions.

[0008] Additional features and advantages of this disclosure will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description or may be learned by practice of this disclosure. The objectives and other advantages of this disclosure will be realized and obtained through its written description and claims, and the structures particularly pointed out in the accompanying drawings.

[0009] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory, and are intended to provide further explanation of the claimed disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0010] The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. The drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification.

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a typical fluid flow manifold with a plug valve.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of an example medical fluid flow manifold based on some aspects of this disclosure.

[0013] Figure 3 The knob has been removed in accordance with some aspects of this disclosure. Figure 2 A perspective view of a medical fluid flow manifold.

[0014] Figure 4 Based on some aspects of this disclosure Figure 2 A cross-sectional side view of a medical fluid flow manifold, with the flow control mechanism in the closed position.

[0015] Figure 5 Based on some aspects of this disclosure Figure 2A cross-sectional side view of a medical fluid flow manifold, with the flow control mechanism in the open position.

[0016] Figure 6 Based on some aspects of this disclosure Figure 2 A top view of the main body of a medical fluid flow manifold.

[0017] Figure 7 Based on some aspects of this disclosure Figure 2 An exploded top view of a medical fluid flow manifold. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The detailed description set forth below describes various configurations of the subject matter and is not intended to represent the only configuration in which the subject matter can be practiced. For the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the subject matter, the detailed description includes specific details. Therefore, dimensions are provided for certain aspects as non-limiting examples. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject matter 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 concept of the subject matter.

[0019] It should be understood that this disclosure includes examples of the subject matter and does not limit the scope of the appended claims. Various aspects of the subject matter are now disclosed based on specific, but not limiting, examples. The various embodiments described in this disclosure can be carried out in different ways and variations, and are suited to desired applications or implementations.

[0020] Fluid flow devices (e.g., IV anesthesia devices) can be formed from any combination of fluid flow components and conduits. Typically, the fluid flow components and conduits are fixedly connected together to form a disposable fluid flow device that is used once and then discarded. The fluid flow components and conduits can be formed from any suitable material (e.g., plastic, silicone, rubber).

[0021] A typical fluid flow manifold 10 is shown in Figure 1 as a three-port anesthesia manifold. The fluid flow manifold 10 includes a saline inlet port 20, three drug inlet ports 32, 34, and 36, and an outlet port 40. Fluid flow from drug inlet ports 32, 34, and 36 is controlled by corresponding stop valves 52, 54, and 56. However, typical stop valves can be confusing in terms of which position to turn to stop fluid flow or redirect fluid to which channel. This is especially true for three-way stop valves, such as stop valves 52, 54, and 56.

[0022] For example, a quarter turn of stopcocks 52, 54, 56 can change the fluid flow from the corresponding drug inlet ports 32, 34, 36 from open to closed, while another quarter turn of stopcocks 52, 54, 56 can open or close the fluid flow from upstream (e.g., saline inlet port 20). However, the lack of clear visual cues and the non-intuitive function of stopcocks 52, 54, 56 may lead to errors in delivering the correct quantity and / or type of drug. Furthermore, after stopcocks 52, 54, 56 are turned to the closed position (e.g., dead space), excess drug may remain in the areas of the stopcocks 52, 54, 56. Therefore, when new drug is introduced into the inlet port 32, 34, 36, the residual portion of the previous drug in the dead space mixes with the new drug to be delivered.

[0023] Figure 2-7 A fluid flow manifold assembly, shown as a fluid flow manifold 100 according to some aspects of this disclosure, is illustrated. The fluid flow manifold 100 is shown herein as a three-port fluid manifold with a body 110 having a main fluid passage 112 and three cavities 114. The body 110 has a fluid inlet 120 at one end of the main fluid passage 112 and a fluid outlet 140 at the other end of the main fluid passage 112. The body 110 also includes three drug ports 130 provided for introducing drugs and / or medications into the main fluid passage 112. Here, the drug ports 130 are orthogonal to the main fluid passage 112. In some aspects of this disclosure, the drug ports 130 can be positioned at any desired angle relative to the main fluid passage 112. The body 110 also includes a reinforcing plate 118 that enhances the structure of the fluid flow manifold 100. The reinforcing plate 118 also provides a simple and intuitive surface for gripping the fluid flow manifold 100.

[0024] Port connector 135 (e.g., female Luer connector) is coupled to drug port 130, inlet connector 125 (e.g., female Luer connector) is coupled to fluid inlet 120, and outlet connector 145 (e.g., male Luer connector) is coupled to fluid outlet 140. The fluid flow manifold 100 also includes flow control components 150 coupled to the main fluid passage 112 and opposite the respective drug port 130. Each flow control component 150 includes a plunger 152, a sealing member 154, a knob 156, and a cap thread 158, wherein the knob 156 is disposed within a cavity 114. The sealing member 154 is sealingly engaged with the cap thread 158, and the plunger 152 is slidably engaged with the sealing member 154, thereby providing a barrier for the fluid and preventing fluid leakage from the flow control device 150.

[0025] Knob 156 is configured to rotate clockwise such that cap thread 158 moves plunger 152 toward medicine port 130 to engage with port connector 135 to close or block fluid flow through medicine port 130 (see [link to product details]). Figure 4 Knob 156 is also configured to turn counterclockwise, causing cap thread 158 to move plunger 152 away from medicine port 130 to open fluid flow through port connector 135 (see...). Figure 5 ).like Figure 4 As shown, when the drug port 130 is closed (e.g., sealed by plunger 152), fluid can still flow freely through the main fluid passage 112 by flowing above and below (e.g., around) the plunger 152, which is positioned across the main fluid passage 112. For example, if all three flow control components 150 are fully closed, fluid (e.g., brine) downstream of fluid inlet 120 can still flow through the main fluid passage 112 and out of fluid outlet 140. Furthermore, when the flow control components 150 are in the closed position, there is no dead space created by the plunger 152, and after the drug port 130 is closed (e.g., sealed by plunger 152), any fluid remaining in the main fluid passage 112 from the drug port 130 is flushed out by fluid from downstream of fluid inlet 120.

[0026] like Figure 3 As shown, the reinforcing plate 118 has a stop surface 116 with a cavity 114, which can be configured as a hard stop for the knob 156, thereby preventing further rotation of the knob 156 in the counterclockwise direction. For example, the stop surface 116 can prevent the knob 156 from being removed from the fluid flow manifold 100 or from being fully unscrewed from the plunger 152. This fully open position can be configured to withdraw the plunger 152 from the main fluid passage 112 a defined distance. For example, the plunger 152 can be withdrawn from the main fluid passage 112, such as... Figure 5 As shown in the diagram. As another example, the fully open position can be configured to completely withdraw the plunger 152 from the main fluid passage 112. The withdrawal position of the plunger 152 can be determined by the dimensions of the cavity 114, and consequently by the position of the stop surface 116.

[0027] The body 110 may also include one or more indicator elements 160 to provide visual indication of the operation of the flow control assembly 150. In some aspects, the indicator element 160 may be printed or etched onto the body 110, or formed / embedded within the material of the body 110. Thus, in addition to intuitively rotating the knob 156 clockwise / counterclockwise to open and close the flow control assembly 150, the indicator element 160 is configured to further indicate the appropriate direction of rotation of the knob 156 to open or close the drug port 130.

[0028] The body 110 can be formed of an elastic material, such as plastic or silicone rubber. The plunger 152 and the outlet connector 145 can be formed of a metallic material, such as stainless steel or titanium. The inlet connector 125, the port connector 135, the cap thread 158, and the knob 156 can be formed of a material that is generally inelastic, such as hard plastic or silicone. All of the above materials can be biocompatible.

[0029] The size and shape of the drug port 130 can be configured to receive any type of port connector 135, such as any type of pinless connector. For example, the size and shape of the drug port 130 can be configured to conform to the dimensions of standard tubing used in IV devices. Similarly, the size and shape of the fluid inlet 120 and fluid outlet 140 can be configured to receive any type of inlet and outlet connector (e.g., female Luer connector, male Luer connector). For example, the size and shape of the fluid inlet 120 and fluid outlet 140 can be configured to conform to the dimensions of standard tubing used in IV devices. Therefore, each of the fluid inlet 120, drug port 130, and fluid outlet 140 can be configured to connect to standard IV device components.

[0030] The fluid flow manifold 100 can be configured for any type of fluid flow application. For example, the fluid flow manifold 100 can be configured as an anesthetic manifold for delivering anesthetic drugs and fluids. As another example, the fluid flow manifold 100 can be configured for use in IV infusion devices, such as gravity IV devices and pump infusion IV devices. The fluid flow manifold 100 is shown as having three drug ports 130, but it can be configured with any number of drug ports 130, including more than one.

[0031] The helical mechanism of the flow control assembly 150 provides incremental flow control of the drug port 130. For example, when the knob 156 is loosened and the plunger retracts accordingly from the port connector 135, the amount or rate of fluid flow from the drug port 130 increases incrementally as the plunger 152 retracts further until the knob 156 reaches the stop surface 116 and the fluid flow from the drug port 130 is maximized. In contrast, a stopcock valve mechanism is typically on / off control, in which fluid flow is fully opened or closed without incremental transitions.

[0032] The fluid flow manifold 100 can be manufactured as a complete assembly, including any or all of the inlet connector 125, port connector(s) 135, and outlet connector 145, any one of which can be further covered with a protective cap that can be removed for use. Similarly, any or all of the inlet port 120, port 130, and outlet port 140 can be covered with a protective cap that can be removed for insertion of the corresponding inlet connector 125, port connector 135, and outlet connector 145. Thus, each fluid entry or exit point of the main fluid channel 112 can be protected from contamination until its use and during its operation.

[0033] The fluid flow manifold 100 is configured to be intuitive to use, safe to use, and free of dead space, and has particle / incremental flow control for each drug port 130. According to some aspects of this disclosure, the fluid flow manifold 100 can be configured for use with liquid fluid flow. According to some aspects of this disclosure, the fluid flow manifold 100 can be configured for use with gaseous fluid flow.

[0034] It should be understood that any particular order or hierarchy of blocks in the disclosed process is illustrative. Based on design or implementation preferences, it should be understood that a particular order or hierarchy of blocks in the process may be rearranged, or all blocks shown may be executed. In some implementations, any blocks may be executed concurrently.

[0035] This disclosure is provided to enable anyone skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. This disclosure provides various examples of the subject matter, and the subject matter is not limited to these examples. Various 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.

[0036] Unless otherwise specified, references to singular elements are 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 neuter pronouns (e.g., her and its), and vice versa. Titles and subtitles, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the invention.

[0037] The term “exemplary” as used herein means “serving as an example or illustration.” Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as being superior or more advantageous than other aspects or designs. In one aspect, the various alternative configurations and operations described herein may be considered at least equivalent.

[0038] As used herein, the phrase "at least one" preceding a series of terms, separated by the term "or" for any entry, modifies the list as a whole, rather than for each entry in the list. The phrase "at least one" does not require the selection of at least one entry; rather, it allows for the meaning of including at least one of any one entry, and / or at least one of any combination of entries, and / or at least one of each entry. For example, the phrase "at least one of A, B, or C" can refer to: only A, only B, or only C; or any combination of A, B, and C.

[0039] For example, phrases such as "aspect" do not imply that such an aspect is necessary for the subject matter art, or that such an aspect is applicable to all configurations of the subject matter art. Disclosure associated with an aspect may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. An aspect may provide one or more examples. For example, phrases such as "aspect" may refer to one or more aspects, or vice versa. For example, phrases such as "embodiment" do not imply that such an embodiment is necessary for the subject matter art, or that such an embodiment is applicable to all configurations of the subject matter art. Disclosure associated with an embodiment may apply to all embodiments, or one or more embodiments. An embodiment may provide one or more examples. For example, phrases such as "embodiment" may refer to one or more embodiments, or vice versa. For example, phrases such as "configuration" do not imply that such a configuration is necessary for the subject matter art, or that such a configuration is applicable to all configurations of the subject matter art. Disclosure associated with a configuration may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. A configuration may provide one or more examples. For example, phrases such as "configuration" may refer to one or more configurations, or vice versa.

[0040] In one aspect, unless otherwise stated, all measurements, numerical values, ratings, positions, sizes, dimensions, and other specifications set forth in this specification (including in the following claims) are approximate, not precise. In one aspect, they are intended to have a reasonable range consistent with the function they pertain to and with the custom of the art to which they belong.

[0041] It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of the disclosed steps, operations, or processes is an illustrative example. Based on design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps, operations, or processes can be rearranged. Some steps, operations, or processes may be performed simultaneously. Some or all steps, operations, or processes may be performed automatically without user intervention. The appended method claims (if any) present the elements of various steps, operations, or processes in a sample order and are not intended to limit one to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0042] All structural and functional equivalents of elements throughout the various aspects described herein, known or to be known by one of ordinary skill in the art, are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be included in the claims. Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein is intended for public use, whether or not such disclosure is expressly stated in the claims. No claim element shall be construed under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless the element is expressly stated using the phrase “means for…” or, in the case of a method claim, using the phrase “steps for…”. Furthermore, with regard to the use of terms such as “comprising,” “having,” etc., such terms are intended to be included in a manner similar to how the term “comprising” is interpreted when used as a transitional word in a claim.

[0043] The title, background, overview, brief description of the drawings, and abstract of this disclosure are thus incorporated into this disclosure 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, it will be apparent from the detailed description that it provides illustrative examples, and various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of simplification. The method disclosed should not be construed as reflecting an intention to require 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 disclosure configuration or operation. The following claims are thus incorporated into the detailed description, each claim existing independently as a separate claimed subject matter.

[0044] The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but rather conform to the full scope consistent with the language claims and include all legal equivalents. Nevertheless, none of the claims are intended to cover subject matter that fails to meet the requirements of Sections 101, 102, or 103 of Title 35 of the United States Code, nor should they be interpreted in this manner.

Claims

1. A fluid flow manifold assembly, characterized in that, include: The main body has a main fluid channel and reinforcing plates; The fluid inlet is located at the first end of the main fluid channel; The fluid outlet is located at the second end of the main fluid channel; The drug port is connected to the main fluid channel and is set at a certain angle to the main fluid channel; as well as A flow control assembly, coupled to the main fluid channel and opposite the drug port, includes: plunger; Sealing components; Cover thread; and Knob The flow control component is configured to: cut off fluid flow through the drug port when the plunger is positioned in a first position, allow maximum fluid flow through the drug port when the plunger is positioned in a second position, and allow incremental levels of fluid flow through the drug port when the plunger is positioned in different positions between the first and second positions, wherein the plunger position is based on rotation of the knob in one of clockwise and counterclockwise directions. When the drug port is closed, fluid can still flow freely through the main fluid channel by flowing above and below the plunger arranged across the main fluid channel, and after the drug port is closed, any fluid remaining in the main fluid channel from the drug port is flushed by fluid from downstream of the fluid inlet.

2. The fluid flow manifold assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drug port is orthogonally arranged to the main fluid channel, and the flow control component is axially arranged to the drug port.

3. The fluid flow manifold assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an inlet connector that connects to the fluid inlet.

4. The fluid flow manifold assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The inlet connector is a female Luer connector.

5. The fluid flow manifold assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an outlet connector that connects to the fluid outlet.

6. The fluid flow manifold assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The outlet connector is a Luer connector.

7. The fluid flow manifold assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a port connector that connects to the drug port.

8. The fluid flow manifold assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The port connector is a female Luer connector.

9. The fluid flow manifold assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a cavity disposed in the reinforcing plate, wherein the knob is disposed within the cavity.

10. The fluid flow manifold assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The cavity has a stop surface configured to prevent the knob from rotating further counterclockwise.

11. The fluid flow manifold assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an indicator element disposed on the reinforcing plate.

12. The fluid flow manifold assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that, The indicator element is one of the following: printed on the reinforcing plate, etched on the reinforcing plate, or formed from the material of the reinforcing plate.

13. The fluid flow manifold assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fluid flow manifold assembly is configured to prevent dead space when the plunger is positioned between the first position and the second position, and in any position including the first position and the second position.

14. The fluid flow manifold assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fluid flow manifold assembly is configured to allow fluid flow from the fluid inlet through the main fluid channel when the plunger is in any position between and including the first and second positions.

15. A fluid flow device, characterized in that, include: Fluid inlet pipe; Fluid outlet pipe; Drug delivery tube; as well as The fluid flow manifold assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: An inlet connector is disposed at the first end of the main fluid channel and connected to the fluid inlet pipe; An outlet connector, which is disposed at the second end of the main fluid channel and connected to the fluid outlet pipe; and A port connector that connects to the main fluid channel and to the drug delivery tube.

16. The fluid flow device according to claim 15, characterized in that, The fluid flow manifold assembly is an anesthesia manifold.

17. The fluid flow device according to claim 15, characterized in that, The fluid flow manifold assembly includes three drug ports, each connected to a separate port connector, and each separate port connector connected to a separate drug delivery tube.

18. The fluid flow device according to claim 15, characterized in that, The fluid flow manifold assembly also includes a cavity disposed in the reinforcing plate, the cavity having a stop surface configured to prevent the knob from being released beyond a predetermined point.

19. The fluid flow device according to claim 15, characterized in that, The fluid flow manifold assembly is configured to prevent dead space when the plunger is positioned between the first position and the second position, and in any position including the first position and the second position.

20. The fluid flow device according to claim 15, characterized in that, The fluid flow manifold assembly is configured to allow fluid flow from the fluid inlet through the main fluid channel when the plunger is in any position between and including the first and second positions.

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