Flow controller for intravenous tubing and intravenous set

Abstract

The present application relates to a flow controller for an intravenous tubing. The flow controller can include first and second structural members defining a cavity therebetween for a portion of the tubing, wherein the first structural member is linearly slidable along a length of the tubing to compress at least a portion of the portion of the tubing to control a flow of a medical fluid through the tubing. The flow controller can include a first ramped wedge structure, a second ramped wedge structure configured to slide over the first ramped wedge structure to compress a portion of the intravenous tubing disposed between the first ramped wedge structure and the second ramped wedge structure, a yoke having a linear slot, a wheel having a pin radially separated from a center of the wheel and slidably disposed in the linear slot, and a conversion structure coupled to the yoke and the first ramped wedge structure. The present application also relates to an intravenous set including the flow controller.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention application filed on March 20, 2019, with application number 201980020645.2 and entitled "Linear Actuated Flow Controller for Intravenous Fluid Administration". Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates primarily to intravenous (IV) fluid administration, and more particularly to a linearly actuated flow controller and intravenous injection kit for IV fluid administration. Background Technology

[0003] Intravenous (IV) administration kits (sometimes simply called IV kits) for infusing medical fluids typically include IV tubing, which connects a medical fluid container, such as an IV bag, to a patient interface, such as a catheter assembly for the patient. In some cases, gravity infusion of medical fluids uses gravity, rather than an infusion pump, to deliver the medical fluid through the IV kit. Control of the flow rate through the tubing is typically provided by roller clamps on the IV tubing. However, it may be difficult to achieve the desired flow rate using roller clamps alone. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One or more embodiments of this disclosure provide a flow controller for an intravenous (IV) catheter. The flow controller may include first and second structural members defining a lumen therebetween for a portion of the catheter, wherein the first structural member is linearly slidable along the length of the catheter to compress at least a portion of the portion of the catheter to control the flow of medical fluid through the catheter.

[0005] One or more embodiments of this disclosure provide a flow controller for an intravenous (IV) catheter. The flow controller may include: a first ramp wedge structure; a second ramp wedge structure configured to slide on the first ramp wedge structure to compress a portion of the IV catheter disposed between the first and second ramp wedge structures; a yoke having a linear groove; a wheel having a pin radially separated from the center of the wheel and slidably disposed in the linear groove; and a transition structure coupled to the yoke and the first ramp wedge structure.

[0006] One or more embodiments of this disclosure provide an intravenous (IV) kit. The IV kit may include a flow controller configured to be coupled to a medical tube. The flow controller may include first and second structural members defining a cavity therebetween for receiving a portion of the medical tube, wherein the first structural member is linearly slidable relative to the second structural member in a direction not perpendicular to the second structural member, and wherein the size of the cavity decreases as the first structural member slides relative to the second structural member.

[0007] It should be understood that other constructions of the present technology will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, in which various constructions of the present technology are shown and described by way of example. As will be appreciated, the present technology can have other and different constructions, and some of its details can be modified in various other respects, all without departing from the scope of the present technology. Accordingly, the accompanying drawings and detailed description are intended to be illustrative rather than limiting in nature. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The accompanying drawings (which are included to provide further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification) illustrate the disclosed embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments. In the drawings:

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an intravenous (IV) injection kit having a flow controller according to certain aspects of this disclosure.

[0010] Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of a flow controller in an open configuration according to certain aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0011] Figure 3 The following are examples of closed configurations according to certain aspects of this disclosure. Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of the flow controller.

[0012] Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional front view of a flow controller according to certain aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0013] Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of a flow controller with a switching mechanism according to certain aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0014] Figure 6 An alternative hard stop construction according to certain aspects of this disclosure is shown. Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of the flow controller. Detailed Implementation

[0015] The detailed description given below describes various constructions of the present technology and is not intended to represent the only constructions that can implement the present technology. To provide a thorough understanding of the present technology, the detailed description includes specific details. Accordingly, dimensions may be provided with respect to certain aspects as non-limiting examples. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present technology can be implemented 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 present technology.

[0016] It should be understood that this disclosure includes examples of the present technology and does not limit the scope of the claims. Various aspects of the present technology will now be disclosed based on specific, but not limiting, examples. The various embodiments described in this disclosure may be implemented in different ways and variations and according to the desired application or implementation.

[0017] Numerous specific details are set forth in the following detailed description to provide a thorough understanding of this disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that embodiments of this disclosure may be practiced without some of these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure this disclosure.

[0018] According to various aspects of this disclosure, a clamp-type flow controller is provided. The flow controller may be an interlocking wedge-on-wedge IV tube clamp, wherein a pair of wedge-shaped structures form a cavity for the IV tube, and one of the wedge-shaped structures is linearly slidable along the length of the tube to compress the tube between the wedge-shaped structures. In some examples, to provide the user with a continuous experience of operating roller clamps, while providing fine control and improved flow maintenance relative to roller clamps, a rotary or rotational control structure may be included in the flow controller. The rotary control structure may be coupled to a conversion mechanism that transforms the rotational motion of the rotary control structure into linear motion of one of the wedge-shaped structures.

[0019] Figure 1 An example intravenous (IV) kit is shown, which may include a flow controller as described herein with reference to the various examples. However, it should be understood that the flow controllers described herein may be used in other IV kits or medical tubing.

[0020] exist Figure 1 In the example, the intravenous infusion kit 100 includes a tube 102 coupled between a connector 104 for a medical fluid container and a connector 112 for a patient interface (such as a catheter assembly). The connector 104 may include a puncture pin 108 (e.g., a sharp pin for puncturing a rubber stopper or a round, blunt pin for insertion into a pouch). The puncture pin 108 may include one or more channels, such as a channel for fluid and optionally a second channel for ventilation. The connector 104 may include a drip chamber, as shown, coupled to the puncture pin 108 via a drip generator 110. The connector 104 may include a vent, such as a vent 106, to allow airflow into the IV fluid container. The vent may be provided with a bacterial filter to prevent bacteria from entering the intravenous infusion kit.

[0021] A drop generator 110 can be positioned at the top of the drop chamber to allow the formation of medical fluid droplets of the desired size from a connected container, such as an IV bag. The droplets from the drop generator 110 fall into the drop chamber, partially filling it with liquid. This prevents air bubbles from entering the tube 102. A particulate filter can be positioned at the lower orifice of the drop chamber.

[0022] When connector 112 is attached to a patient interface, such as a catheter, and the patient interface is attached to a patient, tube 102 connects the drip chamber to the patient. Tube 102 may have a length of, for example, approximately 150 cm, and may be made of a polymer material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Tube 102 in Figure 1 The text is shortened for clarity.

[0023] Connector 112 may be, for example, a Luer connector, for connection to a corresponding patient interface having a standard Luer cone. Connector 112 may be fitted to a catheter assembly and / or a hypodermic needle for injecting medical fluids into a patient's circulatory system (e.g., into a patient's vein).

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, the intravenous infusion kit 100 includes a flow controller 114 attached to the tube 102 at a location between connectors 104 and 112. The flow controller 114 may include structural members 116 and 118. Although in Figure 1 Not visible in the middle, structural members 116 and 118 define a cavity therebetween, which receives a portion of the tube 102. Structural member 118 is linearly slidable along the length of the tube 102 (e.g., relative to structural member 116) to compress at least a portion of the portion of the tube 102 disposed therebetween, to control the flow of medical fluid through the tube. Figure 1 As shown, the flow controller 114 may optionally include a rotation control structure 120 (sometimes referred to as a rotation control member) that drives the structural member 118 to slide linearly when rotated. However, this is merely illustrative, and the structural member 118 can be slid by direct pressure on the structural member 118 (e.g., by a user's finger).

[0025] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the flow controller 114 is shown, revealing more details of the flow controller. Structural member 118 is linearly slidable relative to structural member 116 (e.g., along a track to which the joint portion of both structural members 116 and 118 is mounted). Structural member 118 can be configured to respond to pressure from a user's finger directly on the outer surface 210 of the structural member, or to a rotational control mechanism (e.g., ...). Figure 1 The rotation of the rotation control structure 120) is controlled by sliding relative to the structural member 116.

[0026] exist Figure 2 In the example, the flow controller is shown in an open configuration, where structural member 118 is positioned in the open position, in which the tube is not compressed. Figure 3 It is shown that structural member 118 has been removed from Figure 2 The figure shows a cross-sectional side view of the flow controller 114 after it has linearly slid from the open position to the closed position, in which portion 200 of the pipe 102 is completely compressed between structural members 116 and 118, and fluid flow is prevented from passing through the pipe 102.

[0027] like Figure 2 and 3 As shown, structural member 118 has a first surface that forms part of a cavity on a first side of tube 102, and structural member 116 has a second surface that forms part of a cavity on a second side of tube. Figure 2 and 3 In the example, structural member 116 is a ramp wedge structure, wherein the surface of the contact tube 102 of structural member 116 is a ramp surface 204. Figure 2 and 3 In the example, structural member 118 is a ramp wedge structure, wherein the surface of the contact tube 102 of structural member 118 is also a ramp surface 202, which is parallel to the ramp surface 204 of structural member 116 (e.g., at all locations of the linearly slidable structural member 118).

[0028] Linear sliding structural member 118 can be Figure 2 The tube 102 moves linearly (e.g., slides) between the open position (where tube 102 is not compressed within the cavity between structures 116 and 118) and the closed position, the closed position being linearly separated from the open position and Figure 3 As shown, a portion 200 of the tube 102 is compressed between the ramp surface 202 and the ramp surface 204 to prevent the flow of medical fluid through the tube.

[0029] Linear sliding structural member 118 in Figure 2 The opening position and Figure 3 The linearly sliding structural member 118 is continuously slidable between the open and closed positions. Each intermediate position of the linearly sliding structural member 118 between the open and closed positions is associated with an intermediate compression of a portion 200 of the pipe 102 between the ramp surface 202 and the ramp surface 204, to set the corresponding intermediate flow rate through the pipe.

[0030] In some embodiments, member 118 may have a flat surface 206 instead of a sloping surface 202. In these embodiments, instead of structural member 118 from... Figure 2 The opening position towards Figure 3 As the closed position moves, a portion 200 of the tube 102 is gradually compressed between ramp surfaces 202 and 204, covering substantially the entire length. The leading edge of the structural member 118 gradually clamps a portion of the portion 200 at or near the leading edge 300 of the ramp surface 204. In another embodiment, the structural member 116 may be provided with a flat surface (instead of the ramp surface 204) that engages with the ramp surface 202 to compress the tube 102 at the rear end of the member 116 in the closed position.

[0031] In some embodiments, the flow controller 114 may include a third structural member. For example, the third structural member may be formed on one of surfaces 202 or 204 to reduce friction between that surface and the tube 102 and / or with the other of surfaces 202 and 204. For example, to help ensure that the tube 102 remains fixed between structural members 116 and 118 while the structural member 118 slides relative to the structural member 116 to compress the tube, surface 202 may be provided with a friction-reducing material (e.g., grease, oil, smooth plastic slider, one or more wheels, or the like), and surface 204 may be provided with friction-increasing features, such as a roughened surface or roughened surface cavity interface component between structural member 116 and at least a portion of the cavity defined by structural members 116 and 118. In this way, the flow controller 114 can provide low friction on one side of the tube 102 after the tube is set, and high friction on the other side of the tube 102 to maintain the tube's position in the flow controller.

[0032] Figure 2 and 3 It is also shown how the flow controller 114 can include a hard stop 208 to limit the movement of the structural member 118 relative to the structural member 116. Figure 2 and 3 In the example, the hard stop 208 includes a protrusion on the ramp wedge structure 118 that contacts a corresponding portion of the ramp wedge structure 116 when the ramp wedge structure 118 reaches the closed position.

[0033] The hard stop 208 can be configured to restrict the movement of structure 118 relative to structure 116 to provide a sense of arrival for structure 118. Figure 3 A tactile indication of the closed position, and / or to lock or hold structure 118 in the closed position until an opening force or pressure is applied. Although the hard stop 208 is... Figure 2 and 3The example is shown as including a protrusion on structure 118, but the hard stop can be located in other places or use other structural forms. For example, hard stop 208 may include a protrusion located on or within structural member 116 or on a rotation control structure for actuating structure 118. As another example, hard stop 208 may have complementary structures implemented on structural members 116 and 118 that interact (e.g., engage, abut, and / or otherwise interact) to prevent movement of structure 118 and lock controller 114 in a closed configuration.

[0034] Figure 4 A front (e.g., front) view of the flow controller 114 is shown, illustrating how the cavity or channel 400 for the pipe 102 is formed by structural members 116 and 118. (As shown) Figure 4 As shown, structures 116 and 118 are interlocked by interlocking feature 402 to establish a channel 400 for tube 102 and to keep tube 102 centered between structures 116 and 118. Interlocking feature 402 may engage with and / or form a track to hold and guide structural member 118 relative to structural member 116. Figure 4 It is also shown how the surface 202 of structural member 118 defines a portion of cavity 400 on the first side of tube 102 and how the surface 204 of structural member 116 defines a portion of cavity 400 on the second side of tube.

[0035] As noted above, in some embodiments, a rotary control member may be provided to convert rotary user-controlled motion into linear motion of structural member 118. Various rotary-to-linear motion conversion mechanisms may be provided, including, for example, linkage mechanisms, rack and pinion mechanisms, or mechanisms including anti-rotation yoke mechanisms, such as… Figure 5 As shown in the image.

[0036] exist Figure 5 In the example, the flow controller 114 includes a yoke 502 having a linear groove 504 and a wheel 120. The wheel 120 includes a pin 500 radially separated from the center 509 of the wheel 120 and slidably disposed in the linear groove 504. Figure 5 In one example, the flow controller 114 also includes a switching structure 506 (e.g., a piston) that is coupled at a first end to a yoke 502 and at a second end to a structure 118 (e.g., directly or via a transfer member 510).

[0037] The yoke 502 is configured to convert the rotation 507 of the wheel 120 into a linear actuation 508 of the conversion structure 506 to linearly slide the structure 118 on the structure 116. The resulting linear motion of the structure 118 on the structure 116 causes the ramp surface 202 to press down on the pipe 102 in the direction 512 to compress the pipe and control the flow of fluid passing through it.

[0038] In this way, the rotating component of the yoke mechanism can be manually actuated by a nurse or other user (e.g., using a finger or thumb), thereby generating a linear movement within the clamping body of the flow controller 114, which causes the upper wedge to slide and clamp downward onto the intravenous catheter. The generated linear movement will allow or create flow in the intravenous catheter, ranging from fully open flow (e.g., as...) Figure 2 (as in the middle) to complete closure of the assembly (e.g., as in the middle) Figure 3 (like in the middle).

[0039] As the sliding clamp 114 reaches... Figure 3 In the closed or fully closed position shown, the hard stop 516 is engaged, which not only provides a tactile indication that the tube 102 is now fully closed, but also ensures that the tube 102 remains closed until the wheel 120 is actuated by the user in the opposite direction.

[0040] The center 509 of wheel 120 may include, for example, a wheel axle bearing having a certain coefficient of static friction, which allows wheel 120 to be in the open position for structure 118 without external force on the wheel (see, for example, see...). Figure 2 ) and closing position (e.g., see Figure 3 The structure 118 remains in place relative to the structure 116 at any position between the two points. In this way, constant and adjustable control of the fluid flow through the intravenous infusion tube 102 can be provided throughout the entire range of motion of the structure 118.

[0041] exist Figure 5 In the example, the hard stop of the flow controller 114 includes a protrusion 514 on structure 116 and a corresponding recess 516 in structure 118. The hard stop structures 514 and 516 also prevent the flow controller 114 from drifting from a fully closed position. In some embodiments, the hard stop for the flow controller 114 is located within an anti-rotation yoke mechanism (e.g., to indicate and hold structural member 118 in the closed position). In other embodiments, the hard stop may be omitted, and the range of motion of structural member 118 may be controlled by the shape and size of yoke 502.

[0042] Despite Figure 5Not explicitly shown, the flow controller 114 may include one or more pawl features between the structural member 118 and the straight portion 506 of the anti-rotation yoke mechanism, the pawl features providing coarse linear control of the position of the structural member 118, and the wheel 120 providing fine linear control of the position of the structural member 118 between the positions of the pawl features.

[0043] Despite Figure 5 Only a single rotation-to-linear motion conversion mechanism (e.g., wheel 120) is shown in this embodiment, but in other embodiments, one or more additional rotation-to-linear motion conversion mechanisms (e.g., one or more additional anti-rotation yokes coupled to conversion structure 506, one or more additional connecting rod mechanisms, rack and pinion mechanisms, or completely separate additional anti-rotation yoke mechanisms) may be provided to actuate structural member 118 relative to structural member 116. In one example, a second wheel (having a larger diameter than wheel 120) is coupled to conversion structure 506 to provide overall and fine linear control of the position of structural member 118. In another example, a third rotary actuator, such as a rack and pinion actuator, may also be coupled to structural member 118.

[0044] It should also be understood that although the linear motion of the conversion structure 506 has been described as applying linear motion to the structure 118, in other embodiments the linear motion of the conversion structure 506 may also apply non-linear movement of the structure 118 by, for example, a hinged connection to the structure 118 and non-linear guidance for the movement of the structure 118 (e.g., a ramp or curved path or track). Such non-linear guidance may also be used to partially or completely guide the non-linear movement of the structure 118 in response to direct pressure from a user on the structure 118 (e.g., in the absence of a rotational control structure).

[0045] It should also be understood that, Figure 2 , 3 The hard stop feature of 5 is illustrative, and other constructions are conceivable. For example, Figure 6 An example flow controller 114 is shown, in which a hard stop 208 is positioned in front of the leading edge of the ramp surface 204. In this configuration, the hard stop 208 is used to reach the structure 118. Figure 6 When the closed position is shown, the folded tube 102 is bent to block the flow of medical fluid and prevent the movement of structure 118.

[0046] In one or more embodiments, a flow controller includes: first and second structural members defining a cavity therebetween for a portion of the tube, wherein the first structural member is linearly slidable along the length of the tube to compress at least a portion of the portion of the tube to control the flow of medical fluid through the tube.

[0047] In one or more embodiments, the flow controller includes: a first structural member having a first surface that defines a portion of the cavity on a first side of the tube, a second structural member having a second surface that defines a portion of the cavity on a second side of the tube, and wherein the second surface is a ramp surface.

[0048] In one or more embodiments, the flow controller includes: wherein the first surface is a ramp surface that is parallel to the ramp-shaped second surface of the second structural member at all locations of the linearly slidable first structural member.

[0049] In one or more embodiments, the flow controller includes: wherein the linearly slidable first structural member has an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position the tube is not compressed within the cavity, and the closed position is linearly separated from the open position, wherein a portion of the tube is compressed between a ramp-shaped first surface and a ramp-shaped second surface to prevent the flow of medical fluid through the tube.

[0050] In one or more embodiments, the flow controller includes: wherein the linearly slidable first structural member is continuously slidable between the open position and the closed position, and wherein each intermediate position of the linearly slidable first structural member between the open position and the closed position is associated with an intermediate compression of the portion of the pipe between the ramp-shaped first surface and the ramp-shaped second surface to set a corresponding intermediate flow rate through the pipe.

[0051] In one or more embodiments, the flow controller includes: wherein the linearly slidable first structural member is configured to slide relative to a second structural member along a track in response to pressure from a user's finger on the outer surface of the first structural member.

[0052] In one or more embodiments, the flow controller includes a rotation control member coupled to a first structural member such that rotation of the rotation control member causes the first structural member to slide linearly along a track relative to a second structural member.

[0053] In one or more embodiments, the flow controller includes: wherein the rotation control member includes a wheel for an anti-rotation yoke mechanism coupled to a first structural member.

[0054] In one or more embodiments, the flow controller includes: a wheel for the anti-rotation yoke mechanism including a first wheel for the anti-rotation yoke mechanism and having a first diameter, and wherein the flow controller further includes a second wheel having a second diameter greater than the first diameter to provide overall and fine linear control over the position of the first structural member.

[0055] In one or more embodiments, the flow controller includes an additional rotary actuator coupled to a first structural member.

[0056] In one or more embodiments, the flow controller includes: a plurality of pawl features located between the first structural member and the straight portion of the anti-rotation yoke, the pawl features providing coarse linear control over the position of the first structural member, and the wheelset providing fine linear control over the position of the first structural member between the positions of the pawl features.

[0057] In one or more embodiments, the flow controller includes a hard stop located within the anti-rotation yoke mechanism to indicate and hold the first structural member in the closed position.

[0058] In one or more embodiments, the flow controller includes a hard stop located on a second structural member to indicate and hold the first structural member in a closed position.

[0059] In one or more embodiments, an intravenous (IV) kit includes: a tube for delivering medical fluid from a container to a catheter assembly; and any of the flow controller features discussed above.

[0060] In one or more embodiments, a flow controller for an intravenous (IV) catheter includes: a first ramp wedge structure; a second ramp wedge structure configured to slide on the first ramp wedge structure to compress a portion of the IV catheter disposed between the first ramp wedge structure and the second ramp wedge structure; a yoke having a linear groove; a wheel having a pin radially separated from the center of the wheel and slidably disposed in the linear groove; and a transition structure coupled to the yoke and the first ramp wedge structure.

[0061] In one or more embodiments, the flow controller for an intravenous catheter further includes: wherein the yoke is configured to convert rotation of the wheel into linear actuation of the conversion structure to linearly slide a second ramp wedge structure on a first ramp wedge structure.

[0062] In one or more embodiments, the flow controller for the intravenous injection tube further includes: a first ramp wedge structure having a first ramp surface, a second ramp wedge structure having a second ramp surface parallel to the first ramp surface, and wherein the distance between the first ramp surface and the second ramp surface is controllable by linear sliding of the second ramp wedge structure to controllably compress the portion of the intravenous injection tube.

[0063] In one or more embodiments, the flow controller for an intravenous infusion tube further includes a hard stop feature on a first ramp wedge structure that restricts movement of a second ramp wedge structure.

[0064] In one or more embodiments, the flow controller for the intravenous injection tube further includes an interlocking interface between the first ramp wedge structure and the second ramp wedge structure.

[0065] In one or more embodiments, the flow controller for the intravenous infusion tube further includes: wherein the wheel is configured to hold the second ramp wedge structure in place relative to the first ramp wedge structure at any position between an open position for the second ramp wedge structure and a closed position for the second ramp wedge structure, in the absence of external force on the wheel, so as to constantly and adjustably control the fluid flow through the intravenous infusion tube.

[0066] In one or more embodiments, an intravenous (IV) kit includes: a flow controller configured to be coupled to a medical tube, wherein the flow controller includes first and second structural members defining a cavity therebetween for receiving a portion of the medical tube, wherein the first structural member is linearly slidable relative to the second structural member in a direction not perpendicular to the second structural member, and wherein the size of the cavity decreases as the first structural member slides relative to the second structural member.

[0067] In one or more embodiments, the intravenous infusion kit further includes a third structural member coupled between the cavity and one of the first or second structural members, the third structural member including a friction-reducing surface for at least a portion of the cavity.

[0068] In one or more embodiments, the intravenous infusion kit further includes a friction-increasing feature located on another of the first or second structural members.

[0069] For example, the present technology is illustrated according to the foregoing aspects. This disclosure is provided to allow any person skilled in the art to implement the aspects described herein. This disclosure provides various examples of the present technology, and the present technology 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 may be applied to other aspects.

[0070] Referring to an element in the singular does not imply "one and only one," unless specifically stated otherwise, but rather "one or more." Unless otherwise specified, the term "some" refers to one or more. Pronouns for the masculine (e.g., his) include those for the feminine and neutral genders (e.g., her and its), and vice versa. Titles and subtitles (if any) are for convenience only and do not limit the invention.

[0071] The term "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 respect, various alternative constructions and operations described herein may be considered at least equivalent.

[0072] As used herein, the phrase "at least one of" following a series of items (each separated by the term "or") modifies the list as a whole, not each item in the list. The phrase "at least one of" does not require selection of at least one item; rather, it allows for the meaning of including at least one of any one of the items, and / or at least one of any combination of the items, and / or at least one of each of the items. For example, the phrase "at least one of A, B, or C" could refer to: only A, only B, or only C; or any combination of A, B, and C.

[0073] For example, phrases such as "aspect" do not imply that such aspect is essential to the present technology or that such aspect is applicable to all constructions of the present technology. Disclosure relating to an aspect may apply to all constructions, or one or more constructions. An aspect may provide one or more examples. For example, phrases such as "aspect" may refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa. For example, phrases such as "embodiment" do not imply that such embodiment is essential to the present technology or that such embodiment is applicable to all constructions of the present technology. Disclosure relating to 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, and vice versa. For example, phrases such as "construction" do not imply that such construction is essential to the present technology or that such construction is applicable to all constructions of the present technology. Disclosure relating to a construction may apply to all constructions, or one or more constructions. A construction may provide one or more examples. For example, phrases such as "construction" may refer to one or more constructions, and vice versa.

[0074] In one aspect, unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, sizes, dimensions, and other specifications given in this specification (including in the claims below) are approximate, not precise. In another aspect, they are intended to have a reasonable range consistent with the functions they relate to and with the custom in the field to which they belong.

[0075] It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps or operations in the disclosed process or method is an illustration of an exemplary scheme. Depending on implementation preferences or scenarios, it should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps, operations, or processes can be reconfigured. Some steps, operations, or processes may be performed simultaneously. In some implementation preferences or scenarios, certain operations may or may not be performed. Some or all of the steps, operations, or processes may be performed automatically without user intervention. Method claims may be provided to present the elements of the various steps, operations, or processes in a sample order and are not intended to limit one to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0076] All structural and functional equivalents of elements throughout the various aspects described herein that are well known to those skilled in the art or will become known hereafter are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be included in the claims. Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be offered to the public, whether or not such disclosure is expressly stated in the claims. Claims shall not be construed in accordance with 35 U.S.SC §112(f) unless the element is expressly stated using the phrase “device for XX”, or, in the case of a method, the element is stated using the phrase “step for XX.” Furthermore, with respect to the use of terms such as “comprising,” “having,” etc., such terms are intended to be inclusive, in a manner similar to the term “including,” as interpreted when “including” is used as a transitional term in a claim.

[0077] The title, background, summary, and accompanying drawings of this disclosure are incorporated herein by reference and are provided as illustrative examples rather than as limiting descriptions. It is understood 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 that various features are combined in different embodiments to make the disclosure flow smoothly. This method of disclosure should not be construed as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than expressly listed in any claim. Rather, as reflected in the following claims, the inventive subject matter is contained within fewer than all features of a single disclosed construction or operation.

[0078] The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but should be given the full scope consistent with the language of the claims and to cover all legal equivalents. Nevertheless, none of the claims are intended to include subject matter that does not satisfy the requirements of 35 U.S.SC § 101, 102, or 103, nor should they be interpreted in this manner.

Claims

1. A flow controller for an intravenous injection tubing, the flow controller comprising: A first structural member includes a first outer surface and a first inner surface disposed at an angle relative to the first outer surface; The second structural member includes a second outer surface parallel to the first outer surface and a second continuous inner surface parallel to the first inner surface; and A third structural member is disposed on one of the first or second structural members, the third structural member including a friction-reducing surface for at least a portion of a cavity disposed between the first and second structural members. The first structural member is linearly slidable along the length of the intravenous infusion tubing disposed in the cavity to compress a portion of the intravenous infusion tubing to control the flow of medical fluid through the intravenous infusion tubing. The flow controller further includes a rotation control member coupled to a first structural member, such that rotation of the rotation control member causes the first structural member to slide linearly on a second structural member. The rotation control component includes a wheel for an anti-rotation yoke mechanism coupled to the first structural component.

2. The flow controller as described in claim 1, wherein, The first inner surface defines a portion of the cavity on a first side of the intravenous injection tube, and the second continuous inner surface defines a portion of the cavity on a second side of the intravenous injection tube.

3. The flow controller as described in claim 1, wherein, The first inner surface is a ramp-shaped first surface and the second continuous inner surface is a ramp-shaped second surface, wherein the ramp-shaped first surface is parallel to the ramp-shaped second surface at all positions of the linearly slidable first structural member relative to the second structural member.

4. The flow controller as described in claim 3, wherein, The linearly slidable first structural member has an open position and a closed position, in which the intravenous infusion tube is not compressed within the cavity, and the closed position is linearly separated from the open position, wherein a portion of the intravenous infusion tube is compressed between a ramp-shaped first surface and a ramp-shaped second surface to prevent the flow of medical fluid through the intravenous infusion tube.

5. The flow controller as described in claim 3, wherein, The linearly slidable first structural member is continuously slidable between an open, uncompressed position and a closed, compressed position, and wherein each intermediate position of the linearly slidable first structural member between the open and closed positions is associated with an intermediate compression of the portion of the intravenous catheter between the ramp-shaped first surface and the ramp-shaped second surface to set a corresponding intermediate flow rate through the intravenous catheter.

6. The flow controller as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The linearly slidable first structural member is configured to slide relative to the second structural member along a track in response to pressure from a user's finger on the outer surface of the first structural member, wherein the joint portion of both the first and second structural members is mounted to the track.

7. The flow controller as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The wheel for the anti-rotation yoke mechanism includes a first wheel having a first diameter for the anti-rotation yoke mechanism, and wherein the flow controller further includes a second wheel having a second diameter greater than the first diameter to provide overall and fine linear control over the position of the first structural member.

8. The flow controller of claim 7, further comprising: An additional rotary actuator is attached to the first structural member.

9. The flow controller of claim 1, further comprising: A hard stop has complementary structures implemented on the first and second structural members, which interact with each other to indicate and hold the first structural member in the closed position.

10. The flow controller as claimed in claim 9, wherein, The rigid stop includes a protrusion on one of the first and second structural members and a corresponding groove on the other of the first and second structural members.

11. The flow controller of claim 1, further comprising: The friction-increasing feature is provided on another of the first or second structural members.

12. A flow controller for an intravenous injection tubing, the flow controller comprising: The first ramp wedge structure has a first inner surface and a first outer surface; The second ramp wedge structure has a continuous second inner surface parallel to the first inner surface and a second outer surface parallel to the first outer surface. The second ramp wedge structure is configured to slide relative to the first ramp wedge structure to compress a portion of the intravenous injection tube disposed in the cavity between the first ramp wedge structure and the second ramp wedge structure. and A structural member comprising a friction-reducing surface for at least a portion of the cavity. The flow controller further includes: The yoke has a linear groove; A wheel having a pin radially separated from the center of the wheel and slidably disposed in the linear groove; and A transition structure, which connects to the yoke and the first ramp wedge structure. The yoke is configured to convert the rotation of the wheel into linear actuation of the conversion structure to linearly slide the second ramp wedge structure on the first ramp wedge structure.

13. The flow controller as claimed in claim 12, wherein, The first inner surface is a first sloping surface, wherein the second inner surface is a second sloping surface parallel to the first sloping surface, and wherein the distance between the first sloping surface and the second sloping surface is controllable by linear sliding of the second sloping wedge structure to controllably compress the portion of the intravenous infusion tube.

14. The flow controller of claim 12, further comprising: The rigid stop feature on the first slope wedge structure restricts the movement of the second slope wedge structure.

15. The flow controller of claim 12, further comprising: The interlocking interface between the first slope wedge structure and the second slope wedge structure.

16. An intravenous injection kit, comprising: Intravenous injection tube; and A flow controller connected to the intravenous infusion tubing, the flow controller being the flow controller as described in any one of claims 1-15.

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