Air Elimination Kit

By using shell and hydrophobic filter components in IV systems, the reliability of air removal in IV pipelines is solved, and continuous infusion and reduced air alarms are achieved, suitable for the application of macromolecular drugs.

CN114746137BActive Publication Date: 2024-12-13CAREFUSION 303 INC
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202080082997.3
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2019-09-30
Filing Date
2020-09-29
Publication Date
2024-12-13
Estimated Expiration
2040-09-29

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing IV configurations have reliability issues in detecting and removing air in IV lines, which cannot effectively remove air before triggering an air alarm in the line, especially when using macromolecular drugs, traditional air elimination filters may not work effectively. , increasing costs and preperfusion volume.

Method used

Using an air elimination assembly including a housing and a hydrophobic filter, the housing defines the injection flow path and allows air to pass through a hydrophobic filter medium to prevent the flow of liquid, combined with a hydrophilic filter to trap and block the air, thereby Achieve effective air removal.

Benefits of technology

Air removal during infusion operations is achieved, reducing in-line air alarms, simplifying the IV kit, reducing preperfusion volume, and supporting the use of macromolecular drugs.

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Abstract

An air elimination assembly is described herein. An air elimination assembly for eliminating air from a flow of an injection liquid includes a housing and a hydrophobic filter. The housing defines an injection liquid flow path having an inlet and an outlet, and an air flow path that is fluidly connected to the injection liquid flow path and is disposed between the inlet and the outlet of the injection liquid flow path. The hydrophobic filter is disposed in fluid communication with the air flow path, wherein the hydrophobic filter is configured to allow air from the flow of the injection liquid to pass through the hydrophobic filter medium and prevent the flow of the injection liquid from passing through the hydrophobic filter medium.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to systems for directing the flow of medical fluids, and particularly to systems for eliminating air from medical fluids. Background Art

[0002] Medical treatments often involve infusing a patient with a medical fluid (e.g., saline solution, liquid medication, lipids, blood products, etc.) from a fluid source (e.g., an IV bag or other medical fluid container). Medical fluids are often delivered by gravity or by using an IV pump. In some applications, a silicone pumping segment is used with an IV pump. In some applications, a pump cassette is used with an IV pump.

[0003] During operation, air may be introduced into the IV line from a variety of sources. Sources of air may include the use of porous tubing, vacuum in the injectable container, degassing of the medical fluid, improper or insufficient priming of the IV set, and / or ultrasonic agitation of macromolecular drugs. IV sets typically include an in-line air sensor or alarm to alert the clinician to in-line air conditions and / or stop the infusion.

[0004] In some applications, air may be introduced into the IV line, requiring the infusion to be stopped until the air is removed. Summary of the invention

[0005] In some applications, air may be introduced into the IV line during pumping or infusion operations. However, many IV configurations may not be able to remove the air in the line before the air in line alarm is triggered.

[0006] Therefore, in some applications, certain IV configurations may not be able to reliably detect and / or remove air-in-line conditions.

[0007] The disclosed subject matter relates to an air elimination assembly. In certain embodiments, an air elimination assembly for eliminating air from a flow of an injection liquid is disclosed, the air elimination assembly comprising a housing defining an injection liquid flow path having an inlet and an outlet, and an air flow path in fluid communication with the injection liquid flow path and disposed between the inlet and the outlet of the injection liquid flow path; and a hydrophobic filter disposed in fluid communication with the air flow path, wherein the hydrophobic filter is configured to allow air from the flow of the injection liquid to pass through the hydrophobic filter medium and prevent the flow of the injection liquid from passing through the hydrophobic filter medium.

[0008] In certain embodiments, an air elimination assembly for eliminating air from a flow of an injection liquid is disclosed, the air elimination assembly comprising a housing defining a fluid channel having an inlet and an outlet, and an exhaust port connected to the fluid channel fluid and disposed between the inlet and the outlet of the fluid channel; and a hydrophobic filter disposed within the fluid channel and covering the inlet of the exhaust port of the fluid channel, wherein the hydrophobic filter is configured to allow air from the flow of the injection liquid to enter the exhaust port through a hydrophobic filter medium, and to prevent the flow of the injection liquid from passing through the hydrophobic filter medium.

[0009] In certain embodiments, an air elimination assembly for eliminating air from a flow of an injection liquid is disclosed, the air elimination assembly comprising a housing defining a flow path having a main input port and an output port, and an air capture path fluidly connected to the flow path between the main input port and the output port; and a hydrophobic filter fluidly connected to the air capture path, wherein the hydrophobic filter is configured to allow air from the flow of the injection liquid to pass through the hydrophobic filter medium from the air capture path and prevent the flow of the injection liquid from passing through the hydrophobic filter medium.

[0010] It should be understood that, according to the present disclosure, the various structures of the subject technology will become clear to those skilled in the art, wherein the various structures of the subject technology are shown and described by way of illustration. As will be appreciated, the subject technology can have other and different configurations and its several details can be modified in various other aspects, all of which do not depart from the scope of the subject technology. Therefore, the summary of the invention, the description of the drawings and the specific embodiments should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in nature. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and together with the description serve to explain the principles of embodiments of the disclosure.

[0012] In the attached figure:

[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a filter assembly according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 2 According to various aspects of the present disclosure Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a filter assembly.

[0015] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge assembly according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 4 is in the first filling stage according to various aspects of the present disclosure Figure 3A cross-sectional view of a box assembly.

[0017] Figure 5 According to various aspects of the present disclosure Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the cartridge assembly at the intake stage.

[0018] Figure 6 is in the exhaust stage according to various aspects of the present disclosure Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a box assembly.

[0019] Figure 7 is in the pumping stage according to various aspects of the present disclosure Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a box assembly.

[0020] Figure 8 is in the second filling stage according to various aspects of the present disclosure Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a box assembly.

[0021] Fig. 9 is in the pressure release stage according to various aspects of the present disclosure Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a box assembly.

[0022] Fig.10 is in the third filling stage according to various aspects of the present disclosure Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a box assembly.

[0023] Fig.11 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge assembly according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0024] Fig.12 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge assembly according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0025] Fig.13 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge assembly according to various aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The disclosed air elimination assembly includes a hydrophobic filter to remove air from an injectate flowing through a flow path. The hydrophobic filter can allow air from the flow of the injectate to pass through the hydrophobic filter medium and prevent the flow of the injectate from passing through the hydrophobic filter medium. By removing air from the injectate, an infusion operation can be reliably continued without interruption and air-in-line alarms can be minimized.

[0027] The detailed description set forth below is intended to be a description of the various configurations of the subject technology, and is not intended to represent the unique configuration that can practice the subject technology. The detailed description includes specific details, so as to provide a thorough understanding of the subject technology. However, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject technology can be implemented without these specific details. In some cases, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form, so as to avoid blurring the concept of the subject technology. For ease of understanding, identical components are marked with identical element numbers. Reference numerals may be appended with letter suffixes to indicate individual instances of common elements, and are generally referred to by identical numerals without suffix letters.

[0028] Although the following description relates to removing air from an injection liquid in a flow path, it should be understood that the description is merely an example of use and does not limit the scope of the claims. The various aspects of the disclosed air elimination assembly can be used in any application that requires the removal of air from a liquid.

[0029] The disclosed air elimination assembly overcomes several challenges found about certain traditional air elimination assemblies. One challenge of certain traditional air elimination assemblies is that the traditional air elimination assembly may not eliminate the air introduced into the IV line, for example, due to the porosity of the pumping section. In addition, due to space limitations and / or the size of certain traditional air elimination filters, certain traditional air elimination filters may not be positioned before the air sensor or alarm in the pipeline. In addition, certain traditional air elimination filters may utilize small pore size filters (0.2 to 5 microns) and may not be effectively used in the case of macromolecular drugs. In addition, certain traditional air elimination filters may introduce additional components in the IV kit, thereby increasing the cost of the IV kit. In addition, certain traditional air elimination filters may require an increase in pre-infusion volume. Since traditional air elimination systems may cause false air alarms in the pipeline, may not effectively remove air, may not be used with macromolecular drugs, introduce additional components, and may require an increase in pre-infusion volume, it is not ideal to use traditional air elimination assemblies.

[0030] Thus, in accordance with the present disclosure, it is advantageous to provide an air elimination assembly as described herein that effectively eliminates air and reduces air-in-line alarms while simplifying IV sets, reducing priming volumes, and allowing for the elimination of air from macromolecular medications.

[0031] An example of an air elimination assembly that effectively eliminates air and reduces air-in-line alarms is now described.

[0032] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a filter assembly 100 according to various aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 2 According to various aspects of the present disclosure Figure 1A cross-sectional view of the filter assembly 100 is shown. Figure 1 and Figure 2 When the injection liquid flows through the filter assembly 100, the filter assembly 100 removes air from the injection liquid flow.

[0033] During operation, the injection liquid flows from the inlet 116 to the outlet 122 through the channel 114 defined in the assembly housing 110. In the example shown, the inlet 116 receives the fluid from the pump section or other suitable infusion pump or container. As shown, the conduit 120 can be disposed in or engaged with the outlet 122 to receive the fluid from the channel 114.

[0034] In the example shown, the channel 114 directs the flow of the injection solution to the outlet 122. As described herein, the hydrophobic filter 130 disposed in the channel 114 includes a hydrophobic filter medium that prevents an aqueous solution (such as an injection solution) from passing therethrough. Therefore, in some embodiments, the injection solution channel 132 formed by the hydrophobic filter 130 allows the flow of the injection solution to not pass through the hydrophobic filter medium.

[0035] During operation, the injection liquid flow passes through the hydrophilic filter 140 to prevent air from being transferred toward the outlet 122, while allowing the injection to flow out from the outlet 122 and flow to the patient via the pipeline 120. In the depicted example, the hydrophilic filter 140 is formed by a hydrophilic membrane or filter medium, which has an affinity for water and therefore adsorbs water or injection liquid. The hydrophilic filter medium can also have a high surface tension value. Due to the surface chemical properties of the hydrophilic filter medium, the hydrophilic filter 140 can be wetted by a water film or water coating on the surface. Therefore, an aqueous solution (such as an injection) will flow through the hydrophilic filter medium while preventing air from flowing through it. The hydrophilic filter medium can have a pore size of 5 microns to 100 microns or larger to allow the hydrophilic filter to be used for macromolecular drugs. In some applications, the hydrophilic filter medium can have a larger charge density than the hydrophobic filter medium.

[0036] As shown in the figure, the base of the hydrophilic filter 140 is sealed against the inner diameter of the lower fitting or pipeline 120 to prevent air from entering the pipeline 120. It should be understood that the geometry of the hydrophilic filter 140 can be changed to maximize the surface area of ​​the hydrophilic filter medium exposed to the injection liquid. Alternatively, the hydrophilic filter 140 can include bellows or pleats. In certain embodiments, the hydrophilic filter 140 can be cone, conical or cylindrical. As shown in the figure, the hydrophilic filter 140 can extend at least partially into the injection liquid channel 132 of the hydrophobic filter 130.

[0037] In the depicted example, air that is rejected or prevented from passing through the hydrophilic filter 140 may be trapped within a channel reservoir 119 formed between the hydrophilic filter 140 and the hydrophobic filter 130. During operation, the trapped air may remain within the channel reservoir 119 or may pass through the hydrophobic filter media of the hydrophobic filter 130 to be exhausted to the surrounding environment via an exhaust port 118 formed in the component housing 110. Optionally, the component housing 110 may include any suitable number of exhaust ports 118.

[0038] In some embodiments, the hydrophobic filter 130 allows air to flow through the hydrophobic filter media toward the vent 118 while preventing the injection liquid from leaving the filter assembly 100 through the vent 118. In the example shown, the hydrophobic filter 130 is formed of a hydrophobic membrane or filter media that does not absorb water or the injection liquid, causing the water or injection liquid to bead on the surface instead of adsorbing it. The hydrophobic filter media has a low surface tension value and lacks reactive groups as part of the surface chemistry that forms hydrogen bonds with water. Therefore, the hydrophobic filter media will allow air to pass through while preventing aqueous solutions (such as injection liquid) from entering its pores.

[0039] As shown, the hydrophobic filter 130 can seal or otherwise cover the vent 118 to prevent the injection fluid from leaking through the vent 118. In some embodiments, the hydrophobic filter 130 has a flared profile to continue to engage or seal against the channel 114 adjacent to the vent 118.

[0040] Optionally, the assembly housing 110 can be coupled to an upper fitting of a pump section, other infusion pumps, or other components in an IV set. In some embodiments, the assembly housing 110 can include a clamp 112 to resiliently engage an upper fitting of a pump section or other component, thereby positioning and integrating the filter assembly 100 with the other components of the IV set. The clamp 112 can be a biasing member configured to hold the assembly housing 110 until it is released by the user. Advantageously, the filter assembly 100 can be positioned before an air-in-line sensor, thereby preventing an air-in-line alarm.

[0041] Figure 3 2 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge assembly 200 according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In the example shown, the cartridge assembly 200 can facilitate pumping or delivering an infusion to a patient while removing air from the infusion using a cartridge pump or other suitable infusion pump. It should be understood that similar principles and concepts described with respect to the filter assembly 100 can also be used with the cartridge assembly 200.

[0042] As shown, the box assembly 200 can include a housing that defines an infusion flow path 220 between the main input port 202 and the output port 270. During operation, a pump 230 disposed within the flow path 220 can pump fluid from an infusion source into a patient. In some embodiments, the pump 230 can be a piston pump or other suitable pump. It should be understood that the box assembly 200 and the flow path 220 defined therein can be oriented vertically or in any suitable orientation.

[0043] As described herein, box assembly 200 may include a valve for controlling the flow of injection during pumping. For example, box assembly 200 may include an upstream valve 210 disposed upstream of pump 230 to prevent the backflow of injection toward the injection container. In addition, box assembly 200 may include a downstream valve 214 to prevent the undesirable use of injection. As described herein, upstream valve 210 and downstream valve 214 may be controlled according to the operating sequence of pump 230. Optionally, flow path 220 may include a pressure ridge to facilitate accumulation and / or balance of fluid pressure in the flow path. For example, flow path 220 may include an upstream pressure ridge 204 disposed upstream of upstream valve 210. Similarly, flow path 220 may include a downstream pressure ridge 250 disposed downstream of downstream valve 214.

[0044] In the example shown, the cartridge assembly 200 includes an air trap 208 in fluid communication with the flow path 220 to capture and remove air from the injectate flow. In some embodiments, the air trap 208 is a fluid path that allows air to be diverted away from the flow path 220. In some embodiments, the air trap 208 can be raised to allow air to flow upward and away from the injectate in the flow path 220. As described herein, the pump 230 can further direct air into the air trap 208.

[0045] In some embodiments, the air trap 208 includes a hydrophobic cap or filter 240 disposed above the secondary input port 206 at the end of the air trap 208. In the example shown, the hydrophobic filter 240 allows air to be released into the environment without leaking the injectate. In some embodiments, the pump 230 can apply positive pressure within the air trap 208 to allow air to be released through the hydrophobic filter 240, thereby reducing the in-line air condition and the associated alarm condition. In some embodiments, the cartridge assembly 200 can include an in-line air sensor 260 to monitor air in the injectate stream.

[0046] Similar to the hydrophobic filter 130, the hydrophobic filter 240 may be formed of a hydrophobic filter medium that allows air to pass through the hydrophobic filter medium but prevents the flow of the injection liquid from passing through the hydrophobic filter medium. In some embodiments, the hydrophobic filter 240 may be formed of silicone.

[0047] Optionally, the hydrophobic filter 240 may be removed to enable secondary co-current flow through the cartridge assembly 200. For example, a secondary fluid source may be coupled to the secondary input port 206 to allow the secondary flow to be introduced into the flow path 220 via the air trap 208.

[0048] In some embodiments, an air capture valve 212 disposed within the air capture chamber 208 may control flow to control the flow of the secondary flow and / or air through the air capture chamber 208 .

[0049] Figure 4-10 The different operation stages of the box assembly 200 in certain embodiments are shown. It should be understood that the various stages of operation can be modified, added or deleted as needed. In some embodiments, the box assembly 200 can be pre-filled with an injection solution before operation.

[0050] Figure 4 is in the first filling stage according to various aspects of the present disclosure Figure 3 200. As shown, the upstream valve 210 can be moved to the open position while the pumping piston of the pump 230 is retracted to draw the injection liquid into the flow path 220. It should be understood that during the filling period, air may be present in the injection liquid.

[0051] Figure 5 According to various aspects of the present disclosure, the Figure 3 2. A cross-sectional view of the cartridge assembly 200 of FIG. 2. After the filling stage, the air trapped in the flow path 220 can be transferred to the air trap 208. In the depicted example, the air is trapped in the air trap 208 by the air trap valve 212.

[0052] Figure 6 is in the exhaust stage according to various aspects of the present disclosure Figure 3 200. In the depicted example, when the pump 230 is actuated, the air trap valve 212 can move to an open position, creating a positive pressure in the air trap 208. The trapped air in the air trap 208 moves upward by the pump pressure and buoyancy. As described herein, the trapped air can be transferred through the hydrophobic filter 240 while keeping any injectate within the air trap 208.

[0053] Figure 7 is in the pumping stage according to various aspects of the present disclosure Figure 3 200. In the example shown, the downstream valve 214 is moved to the open position and the pump 230 is actuated to generate positive pressure to deliver the infusate to the patient. As the infusate is pumped toward the output port 270, the infusate may flow past the in-line air sensor 260. Optionally, the positive pressure within the air trap 208 may allow air to continue to escape through the hydrophobic filter 240.

[0054] Figure 8 is in the second filling stage according to various aspects of the present disclosure Figure 3 200. As shown, the upstream valve 210 can be moved to an open position while the pumping piston of the pump 230 is retracted to draw the injection fluid into the flow path 220.

[0055] Fig. 9 is in the pressure release stage according to various aspects of the present disclosure Figure 3 200. Optionally, the air trap valve 212 and the upstream valve 210 can be moved to an open position to release pressure within the air trap 208 and the flow path 220, as desired.

[0056] Fig.10 is in the third filling stage according to various aspects of the present disclosure Figure 3 200. After the pressure release phase, the box assembly 200 can be placed in the filling phase again. As shown, the upstream valve 210 can be moved to the open position, and the pumping piston of the pump 230 is retracted to draw the injection liquid into the flow path 220.

[0057] Fig.11 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge assembly 300 according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In the example shown, cartridge assembly 300 may include similar features and elements to cartridge assembly 200, and thus similar elements may be denoted by similar reference numerals. In some embodiments, cartridge assembly 300 may be disposed horizontally.

[0058] Fig.12 4 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge assembly 400 according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In the example shown, the cartridge assembly 400 can include similar features and elements as the cartridge assembly 200, and thus similar elements may be represented by similar reference numerals. In the example shown, the cartridge assembly 400 can include a silicone pumping section 430 disposed within the flow path 420. During operation, the silicone pumping section 430 can be extended and retracted to apply positive and negative pressures as desired.

[0059] Fig.135 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge assembly 500 according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In the example shown, cartridge assembly 500 may include similar features and elements as cartridge assembly 400, and thus similar elements may be denoted by similar reference numerals. In some embodiments, cartridge assembly 500 may be disposed horizontally.

[0060] The present disclosure is provided to enable those skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. The present disclosure provides various examples of the subject technology, and the subject technology is not limited to these examples. Multiple modifications to these aspects are apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other aspects.

[0061] Unless otherwise specified, reference to an element in the singular 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. Pronouns in the masculine (e.g., his) include the feminine and neuter genders (e.g., her and its) and vice versa. Headings and sub-headings, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the invention.

[0062] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example or illustration." Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. In one aspect, the various alternative configurations and operations described herein may be considered to be at least equivalent.

[0063] Phrases such as "aspects" do not mean that such aspects are essential to the subject technology, or that such aspects apply to all configurations of the subject technology. The disclosure associated with an aspect may apply to all configurations or one or more configurations. An aspect may provide one or more examples. Phrases such as "on one hand" may refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa. Phrases such as "embodiments" do not mean that such embodiments are essential to the subject technology, or that such embodiments apply to all configurations of the subject technology. The disclosure associated with an embodiment may apply to all embodiments or one or more embodiments. An embodiment may provide one or more examples. Phrases such as "an embodiment" may refer to one or more embodiments, and vice versa. Phrases such as "constructions" do not mean that such constructions are essential to the subject technology, or that such constructions apply to all configurations of the subject technology. The disclosure associated with a construction may apply to all configurations or one or more constructions. A construction may provide one or more examples. Phrases such as "constructions" may refer to one or more constructions, and vice versa.

[0064] In one aspect, unless otherwise indicated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, sizes, dimensions, and other specifications in this specification, including those set forth in the claims that follow, are approximate and not exact. In one aspect, they are intended to have a reasonable range consistent with the functions to which they are related and with the customary practices in the art to which they belong.

[0065] In one aspect, the term "coupled" or the like may refer to a direct coupling. In another aspect, the term "coupled" or the like may refer to an indirect coupling.

[0066] Terms such as "top", "bottom", "front", "rear", etc. used in this disclosure should be understood to refer to an arbitrary reference frame other than the common gravitational reference frame. Thus, the top surface, bottom surface, front surface, and rear surface may extend upward, downward, diagonally, or horizontally in the gravitational reference frame.

[0067] Without departing from the scope of the subject technology, various items may be arranged differently (e.g., arranged in a different order, or divided in a different manner). All structural and functional equivalents of the elements of the various aspects described throughout the present disclosure are known to or will be known to those of ordinary skill in the art in the future, and are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be covered by the claims. In addition, regardless of whether such disclosures are explicitly recited in the claims, the contents disclosed herein are not intended to be committed to the public. Under the terms of the sixth paragraph of 35 U.S.C. §112 (f), the elements of the claims will not be interpreted unless the phrase "means" is used to clearly recite the element, or in the case of a method claim, the phrase "step for..." is used to recite the element. In addition, for the scope of the terms "including", "having", etc. used, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "including", as interpreted when "including" is used as a transitional word in the claims.

[0068] The title, background technology, content, description of the drawings and abstract of the present disclosure are incorporated into the present disclosure and are provided as illustrative examples of the present disclosure, rather than restrictive descriptions. The submission of this application is based on the understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the specific embodiments, it can be seen that the description provides illustrative examples, and in order to simplify the present disclosure, various features are combined together in various embodiments. This disclosure method should not be interpreted as reflecting the intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than those explicitly stated in each claim. On the contrary, as reflected in the following claims, the subject matter of the invention lies in less than all the features of a single disclosed construction or operation. The claims below are thus incorporated into the detailed description, and each claim is independently a subject matter claimed separately.

[0069] The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims and including all legal equivalents. Nevertheless, no claim is intended to encompass subject matter that fails to satisfy the requirements of 35 U.S.C. §101, 102, or 103, nor should they be interpreted in such a manner.

Claims

1. An air elimination assembly for eliminating air from a flow of an injection liquid, the air elimination assembly comprising: a housing defining a fluid passage having an inlet and an outlet and an exhaust port in fluid communication with the fluid passage and disposed between the inlet and the outlet of the fluid passage; a hydrophobic filter disposed within the fluid passage and covering an inlet of the vent from the fluid passage, wherein the hydrophobic filter defines an injection liquid passage through a hydrophobic filter medium to allow a flow of injection liquid to pass through the fluid passage via the injection liquid passage, the hydrophobic filter being configured to allow air from the flow of injection liquid to enter the vent through the hydrophobic filter medium and to prevent the flow of injection liquid from passing through the hydrophobic filter medium; as well as A hydrophilic filter, the hydrophilic filter is fluidly connected to the fluid channel, wherein the hydrophilic filter includes a tapered portion extending partially within the fluid channel into the injection liquid channel of the hydrophobic filter, and the hydrophilic filter is configured to allow the flow of injection liquid to flow through the hydrophilic filter medium to the outlet and prevent air from flowing through the hydrophilic filter medium.

2. The air elimination assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The hydrophobic filter includes a flared portion covering an inlet of the exhaust port.

3. The air elimination assembly of claim 1, comprising a conduit in fluid communication with an outlet of the fluid passage, wherein: The conduit is configured to receive a flow of injection fluid from the hydrophilic filter.

4. The air elimination assembly according to claim 3, wherein: A portion of the hydrophilic filter covers the pipe inlet of the pipe.

5. The air elimination assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The housing includes a clamping portion.

6. An air elimination assembly for eliminating air from a flow of an injection liquid, the air elimination assembly comprising: a housing defining a flow path having a primary input port and an output port and an air capture path defining a secondary input port in fluid communication with the flow path between the primary input port and the output port, wherein the secondary input port is elevated relative to the flow path; as well as a hydrophobic filter disposed above the elevated secondary input port and in fluid communication with the air capture path, wherein the hydrophobic filter is configured to allow air from the flow of the injection liquid from the air capture path to pass through the hydrophobic filter medium and prevent the flow of the injection liquid from passing through the hydrophobic filter medium, wherein the hydrophobic filter is disposed around the secondary input port of the air capture path, the secondary input port being disposed away from the flow path.

7. The air elimination assembly of claim 6, wherein: The hydrophobic filter includes silicone.

8. The air elimination assembly of claim 6, further comprising a pump in fluid communication with the flow path and configured to direct air toward the air capture path.

9. The air elimination assembly of claim 8, further comprising an air capture valve disposed within the air capture path and configured to, in a closed position, prevent the infusate from flowing toward the hydrophobic filter.

10. The air elimination assembly of claim 8, further comprising an upstream valve disposed within the flow path and configured to prevent air flow to the primary input port in a closed position.

11. The air elimination assembly of claim 8, further comprising a downstream valve disposed within the flow path and configured to prevent air from flowing toward the output port in a closed position.

12. The air elimination assembly of claim 8, wherein: The pump comprises a piston pump.

13. The air elimination assembly of claim 8, wherein: The pump includes a silicone pumping section.

14. The air elimination assembly of claim 6, wherein: The flow path includes a pressure ridge.