Color change and pressure sensing check valve

Abstract

A check valve includes an upper housing defining an inlet of the check valve and a lower housing having a support portion and defining an outlet of the check valve. The check valve further includes a chamber interposed between and defined by the upper and lower housings for fluidly connecting the inlet and the outlet, and a flexible diaphragm mounted in the chamber. The flexible diaphragm selectively permits fluid flow in a first direction and prevents fluid backflow in a second direction opposite the first direction. The flexible diaphragm includes a color changing material, and the flexible diaphragm exhibits a color change when the flexible diaphragm is disposed on the support portion and bends due to a force of a fluid flowing in the first direction.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application filed on September 28, 2021, with application number 202111146500.2 and invention title "Check Valve with Color Change and Pressure Sensing". Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to check valves, and more specifically, to a valve component of a check valve that, when subjected to pressure from fluid flow, changes color to visually indicate unobstructed flow. Background Technology

[0003] Infusion IV (intravenous injection) devices are commonly used in infusion therapy to deliver medications from a pre-filled container (e.g., an IV bottle or bag containing the desired medication) to a patient. Typically, an IV fitting is attached to a catheter and inserted into the local area to be treated.

[0004] Patients are typically given an IV solution, which is initially set in an IV bottle or bag and dripped into the patient's vein through an IV line. Typically, the injection port is positioned along the IV line and is adapted to work with a syringe to allow the injectable to be added to the IV solution. A check valve is also usually included in the IV line to allow fluid to flow only in the direction of the patient. This ensures that the injectable flows downstream toward the patient, and not upstream toward the IV container.

[0005] To check the patency of the conventional check valve, the IV line must now be opened to allow access and inspection of the check valve.

[0006] The descriptions provided in the Background section should not be considered prior art simply because they are mentioned in or associated with the Background section. The Background section may include information describing one or more aspects of the subject matter art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, a check valve may include an upper housing defining an inlet of the check valve; a lower housing including a support portion and defining an outlet of the check valve; and a chamber between and defined by the upper and lower housings for fluidly connecting the inlet and outlet. The check valve may further include a flexible diaphragm mounted in the chamber to selectively allow fluid to flow in a first direction and prevent backflow of fluid in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The flexible diaphragm may include a color-changing material, wherein the flexible diaphragm exhibits a color change when disposed on the support portion and bent due to the force of the fluid flowing in the first direction.

[0008] According to various aspects of this disclosure, a check valve may include a valve chamber including an inlet port at an inlet end, an outlet port at an outlet end, and an internal surface defining a top plate and convex-shaped sidewalls of the chamber. The check valve may further include a flexible diaphragm supported within the valve chamber. The flexible diaphragm may include a multilayer transparent material that changes color when the flexible diaphragm is disposed in the valve chamber and bends due to the force of fluid flowing from the inlet port to the outlet port.

[0009] It should be understood that other constructions of the subject matter will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein various constructions of the subject matter are shown and described by way of illustration. As will be appreciated, the subject matter can have other and different constructions, and certain details thereof can be modified in various other respects, all without departing from the scope of the subject matter. Therefore, the accompanying drawings and detailed description are to be considered illustrative in nature, rather than limiting. Attached Figure Description

[0010] The following figures are included to illustrate certain aspects of the embodiments and should not be considered as exclusive embodiments. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure, the disclosed subject matter is capable of considerable modifications, alterations, combinations, and equivalents in form and function.

[0011] Figure 1 An IV extension device including a check valve is shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a check valve in the open state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0013] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a check valve connected to a male Luer joint according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0014] Figure 4 Some embodiments according to this disclosure are shown. Figure 3 The check valve is shown in a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4.

[0015] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a check valve in a closed state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The detailed description below illustrates various constructions of the subject matter and is not intended to represent the only construction that can be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details intended to provide a thorough understanding of the subject matter. Therefore, dimensions regarding certain aspects may be provided as non-limiting examples. However, it will be clear 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.

[0017] 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 will now be disclosed based on specific, but not limiting, examples. The various embodiments described in this disclosure can be implemented in different ways and variations and according to the desired application or implementation.

[0018] This specification relates generally to check valves, and more specifically, for example, but not limited to, to check valves that can change color to visually indicate that they are open when subjected to pressure from fluid flow.

[0019] According to some embodiments, the check valve includes an upper housing defining an inlet of the check valve; a lower housing defining an outlet of the check valve; and a chamber located between and defined by the upper and lower housings for fluidly connecting the inlet and outlet. A flexible diaphragm may be installed in the chamber to selectively allow fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet and prevent backflow (reverse flow) of fluid from the outlet to the inlet.

[0020] In some embodiments, the flexible diaphragm may be in the form of a disc or any other circular plate and may be formed of a color-changing material. The flexible diaphragm can change color when it is placed on a support portion of the lower housing and bends or buckles due to the pressure of fluid flowing from the inlet to the outlet. Structurally, the flexible diaphragm may be formed of multiple stacked layers of transparent material. When the flexible diaphragm is exposed to upstream pressure (i.e., pressure exerted by the fluid flowing from the inlet to the outlet), the flexible diaphragm bends, buckles, or otherwise deforms such that light is reflected from each interface between adjacent layers of the flexible diaphragm. The reflected light produces a color in the visible spectrum on the flexible diaphragm, which the user / caregiver can observe as an indicator of fluid flow, thus indicating the patency of the check valve.

[0021] In some embodiments, the upper housing includes an inner surface of a sidewall defining a chamber. The sidewall may have a convex shape, which acts as a magnifying lens and allows the color changes of the flexible diaphragm to be magnified and made more visible.

[0022] Advantageously, due to the convex shape of the inner wall of the upper housing, which forms a magnifying lens, the color change of the flexible diaphragm can be easily observed from the outside without opening the fluid line. The color change indicates the patency of the check valve and confirms to the user or caregiver that fluid is indeed flowing through the check valve as expected. Further advantageously, the user or caregiver can confirm the presence of net upstream pressure (thus indicating flow through the check valve) simply by observing the visual color change of the flexible diaphragm. Therefore, a separate pressure sensor is no longer needed to confirm fluid flow.

[0023] Figure 1 An IV extension device including a check valve 100 is shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the IV device 1 includes a main fluid system 11 and an auxiliary fluid system 25. An IV pump (not shown) receives fluid from the main fluid system 11 and the auxiliary fluid system 25 via a main IV line 5 and can control and dispense fluid from the main fluid system and the auxiliary fluid system to the patient 50.

[0024] In some embodiments, the main fluid system 11 may include a main fluid source (such as a main fluid bag 10) that may include or contain a saline solution or other medical fluid or medication to be administered to the patient 50. As shown, the main IV line 5 delivers the main fluid from the infusion chamber 13 to the check valve 100. As will be further described with reference to the following figures, the check valve 100 may be disposed in the main IV line 5 and allow fluid to flow from the main fluid bag 10 to the IV pump (not shown) while preventing reverse flow (backflow) of fluid from the auxiliary fluid system 25 toward the main fluid bag 10. According to some embodiments, the auxiliary fluid system 25 includes an auxiliary fluid source (such as an auxiliary fluid bag 20) that may contain medication or other auxiliary fluid to be supplied to the patient 50 for treatment. As shown, the IV device 1 may further include an auxiliary IV line 7 that delivers flow from the infusion chamber 22 to the check valve 100.

[0025] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a check valve in the open state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Reference Figure 2The check valve 100 may include a body 101 extending axially along a central longitudinal axis X. In some embodiments, the body 101 may be formed of a chemically resistant material that may have amplifying properties. The body 101 may be formed of a material capable of providing excellent light transmittance and transparency. For example, in some embodiments, the body material may be formed of an acrylic polymer. The body 101 may be a generally cylindrical (or tubular) structure and may include an upper housing 10 and a lower housing 15. The upper housing 10 may include a first end portion 12 and an axially opposed second end portion 14. As shown, the radial extension length of the upper housing 10 at the second end portion 14 may be greater than its radial extension length at the first end portion 12. The lower housing 15 may include an upstream inner surface 16, and the second end portion 14 and the upstream inner surface 16 of the lower housing 15 may be in axial contact with each other to collectively form a chamber 30 of the check valve 100.

[0026] In some embodiments, the upper housing 10 may include an inlet 20 of the check valve 100 at a first end 12, and the lower housing 15 may include an outlet 25 of the check valve 100. The body 101 may define an internal flow passage 18 extending axially between the inlet 20 and the outlet 25 and in fluid communication with both the inlet and outlet. As understood, the check valve 100 may allow fluid to flow from the inlet 20 to the outlet 25 (e.g., Figure 2 (as indicated by the arrow in the image), and minimize or otherwise restrict the fluid flow from outlet 25 to inlet 20 (e.g., Figure 5 (As indicated by the arrow in the figure). As shown, the upper housing 10 and the lower housing 15 can define a chamber 30 for fluidly connecting the inlet 20 and the outlet 25.

[0027] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a check valve connected to a male Luer joint according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 4 Some embodiments according to this disclosure are shown. Figure 3 The check valve is shown in a cross-sectional view along line 4-4. Depending on the intended purpose, the check valve 100 of the various embodiments described herein can be positioned at different locations on the IV device 1. For example, in some embodiments, the check valve 100 can be positioned below the infusion chamber 13 to prevent any potential backflow into the main IV line 5. In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the check valve 100 can be integrated into the connector or otherwise connected to the connector, such as the male Luer connector 23 at the end of the IV device closer to the patient 50. When connected to connector 23, the check valve 100 can be used to prevent the patient's blood from flowing back into the IV device 1.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, a flexible diaphragm 35 may be installed in the chamber 30 to selectively allow fluid flow from the inlet 20 to the outlet 25 and prevent fluid backflow (reverse flow) from the outlet 25 to the inlet 20.

[0029] According to some embodiments, the flexible diaphragm 35 can be in the form of a disc or any other circular plate. As shown, the flexible diaphragm 35 can be mounted on the support portion 28 of the lower housing 14. In particular, the support portion 28 may include a central hole 44 and a plurality of axially extending slots 46, through which fluid flowing from the inlet 20 into the cavity 30 can enter the outlet 25 when the check valve 100 is open.

[0030] As shown, the flexible diaphragm 35 can be formed of a color-changing material. As mentioned herein, a color-changing material is defined as a material that, when subjected to an axial load, reflects light to exhibit a bright color in the visible spectrum. Therefore, when the flexible diaphragm 35 is positioned on the support portion 28 and bends due to the force of fluid flowing in the direction from the inlet 20 to the outlet 25, the flexible diaphragm 35 changes color or otherwise exhibits color. In particular, in some embodiments, the flexible diaphragm 35 can be formed of multiple layers of transparent material. For example, the flexible diaphragm 35 can be formed of multiple ultrathin layers of transparent material, which can be periodically stacked to form a disk-shaped flexible diaphragm 35. In some embodiments, the thickness of each layer of transparent material within the disk-shaped flexible diaphragm can be approximately several hundred nanometers. In some embodiments, the transparent material can be a transparent rubber material or any other similar material capable of bending or otherwise deforming under load.

[0031] In some embodiments, the flexible diaphragm 35 may be formed of a resistive pressure sensing material having a hollow spherical microstructure, such as, but not limited to, a conductive polymer thin film material with an elastic microstructure.

[0032] In some embodiments, the flexible diaphragm 35 may be formed of a tactile pressure-indicating sensor membrane. In other embodiments, the flexible diaphragm 35 may be formed of a material having hollow spheres in its structure, wherein the hollow spheres can be pressed together under pressure, causing the flexible diaphragm 35 to change color.

[0033] In some embodiments, the upper housing 10 includes an inner surface having a first portion of a top plate 40 defining a chamber 30 and a second portion of a sidewall 42 defining the chamber. As shown, the portion of the inner surface defining the sidewall 42 may have a convex shape. Additionally, in some embodiments, the sidewall 42 is formed of a transparent material to allow for visual observation of color changes. Advantageously, the convex shape of the sidewall 42 acts as a magnifying lens, allowing the color changes of the flexible diaphragm 35 to be magnified and more easily observed.

[0034] In operation, when the flexible diaphragm 35, formed of multiple transparent layers, is exposed to upstream fluid pressure (i.e., pressure exerted by the fluid flowing from inlet 20 to outlet 25), the flexible diaphragm 35 can bend, buckle, or otherwise deform such that light is reflected from each interface between adjacent layers of the flexible diaphragm. The reflected light produces colors in the visible spectrum on the flexible diaphragm 35, which may depend on the geometry and material composition of the transparent layers of the flexible diaphragm 35. For example, for layers of uniform thickness, light reflected from the interfaces between adjacent layers of the flexible diaphragm 35 can interact to enhance some colors in the visible spectrum, such as red, while reducing the brightness of other colors. Therefore, when bent due to upstream fluid pressure, the flexible diaphragm 35, formed of transparent layers, can reveal or otherwise exhibit specific colors depending on the thickness of the layers within the flexible diaphragm 35.

[0035] According to various embodiments, the flexible diaphragm 35 can be formed of a pressure-sensing material. For example, the flexible diaphragm 35 can be made of multiple layers of pressure-sensing photonic fibers, such that when subjected to upstream pressure, the fibers of the flexible diaphragm 35 can reflect easily distinguishable colors for a specific desired pressure. For this purpose, the flexible diaphragm 35 can be designed such that when a fluid flow from the inlet port to the outlet port applies a pressure orthogonal to the flexible diaphragm (this pressure being greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold pressure), the flexible diaphragm changes color.

[0036] Therefore, various embodiments of this disclosure provide a check valve 100 having a flexible diaphragm 35 that changes color when bent, buckled, or otherwise deformed due to upstream fluid pressure substantially perpendicular or orthogonal to the orientation of the flexible diaphragm 35. The upstream pressure causes the flexible diaphragm 35 to bend or buckle outward toward the outlet 25. As shown, the flexible diaphragm 35 may buckle outward most at its central portion, where the fluid pressure is most concentrated or strongest. When positioned on a support portion 28, once the flexible diaphragm 35 bends or buckles, light is reflected from each interface between adjacent layers of the flexible diaphragm 35. The reflected light produces colors in the visible spectrum on the flexible diaphragm 35.

[0037] In some embodiments, as shown in the figure, the color change may be most intense at the central portion of the flexible diaphragm, where the fluid pressure is most concentrated, and become less intense towards the outer periphery of the flexible diaphragm 35. For example, caregivers may see different intensities of color depending on the magnitude of the upstream fluid pressure.

[0038] Advantageously, due to the convex shape of the inner wall 42 of the upper housing 10, which forms a magnifying lens, the color change of the flexible diaphragm 35 can be easily observed from the outside without opening the fluid line. The color change indicates the patency of the check valve 100 and confirms to the user or caregiver that fluid is indeed flowing through the check valve 100 as expected. More advantageously, the user or caregiver can confirm the presence of net upstream pressure (thus indicating the presence of flow through the check valve 100) simply by observing the visual color change of the flexible diaphragm 35. Therefore, a separate pressure sensor is not required to confirm fluid flow.

[0039] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a check valve 100 in a closed state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. As shown, and as described above, the upper housing 10 may include an internal surface having a first portion of a top plate 40 defining a chamber 30 and a second portion of a sidewall 42 defining the chamber. In some embodiments, the top plate 40 defines a sealing surface of the check valve 100. Figure 5 As shown, with the check valve 100 closed, the flexible diaphragm 35 contacts the top plate 40. Because the flexible diaphragm 35 contacts the inner surface defining the top plate 40, it restricts or prevents the reverse flow (backflow) of fluid from the outlet 25 to the inlet 20.

[0040] During operation, when downstream pressure (i.e., the pressure exerted by the fluid flowing from outlet 25 to inlet 20) is applied to the flexible diaphragm 35, the flexible diaphragm 35 can move toward and contact the top plate 40 to prevent fluid communication between inlet 20 and chamber 30, thereby restricting the backflow of fluid from outlet 25 into inlet 20. Preventing or restricting fluid backflow is advantageous because it restricts the backflow of unwanted particulate matter (e.g., unwanted particulate matter contained in a drug dispensed from an auxiliary route) through the flexible diaphragm 35, thereby hindering the patient from receiving an appropriate drug dose concentration or impeding timely drug delivery.

[0041] In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the check valve includes an upper housing defining an inlet of the check valve; a lower housing including a support portion and defining an outlet of the check valve; a chamber between and defined by the upper and lower housings for fluidly connecting the inlet and outlet; and a flexible diaphragm mounted in the chamber to selectively allow fluid to flow in a first direction and prevent fluid backflow in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the flexible diaphragm comprising a color-changing material, wherein the flexible diaphragm exhibits a color change when it is disposed on the support portion and bent due to the force of the fluid flowing in the first direction.

[0042] In this aspect of the disclosure, the flexible diaphragm comprises a plurality of periodically stacked layers of transparent material. In this aspect of the disclosure, the upper housing includes an inner surface having a first portion of a top plate defining a chamber and a second portion of a sidewall defining the chamber; and the portion of the inner surface defining the sidewall of the chamber includes a convex shape. In this aspect of the disclosure, the sidewall with the convex shape comprises a transparent material to allow for visual observation of color changes. In this aspect of the disclosure, the convex shape of the sidewall forms a magnifying material to enhance visual observation of color changes.

[0043] In this disclosure, the flexible diaphragm includes a disk shape. In this disclosure, the flexible diaphragm includes a pressure sensor. In this disclosure, the flexible diaphragm includes pressure-sensing photonic fibers. In this disclosure, the flexible diaphragm changes color when fluid flow in a first direction has a pressure greater than or equal to a predetermined pressure. In this disclosure, the flexible diaphragm changes color when subjected to pressure substantially perpendicular to its orientation. In this disclosure, the flexible diaphragm includes a transparent rubber material.

[0044] In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the check valve includes a valve chamber including an inlet port at an inlet end, an outlet port at an outlet end, and an inner surface defining a top plate and convex-shaped sidewalls of the chamber; and a flexible diaphragm supported within the valve chamber, wherein the flexible diaphragm comprises a multilayer transparent material that exhibits a color change when the flexible diaphragm is disposed in the valve chamber and bends due to the force of fluid flowing from the inlet port to the outlet port.

[0045] In this aspect of the disclosure, the convex sidewalls include a transparent material to allow for visual observation of color changes. In this aspect of the disclosure, the convex shape of the sidewalls forms a magnifying material to enhance the visual observation of color changes. In this aspect of the disclosure, the flexible diaphragm includes a disk shape. In this aspect of the disclosure, the flexible diaphragm includes a pressure sensor. In this aspect of the disclosure, the flexible diaphragm includes pressure-sensing photonic fibers. In this aspect of the disclosure, the flexible diaphragm changes color when fluid flow from the inlet port to the outlet port is greater than or equal to a predetermined pressure. In this aspect of the disclosure, the flexible diaphragm changes color when subjected to a fluid force orthogonal to the orientation of the flexible diaphragm. In this aspect of the disclosure, the transparent material includes a transparent rubber material.

[0046] This disclosure is provided to enable any person 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.

[0047] Unless otherwise specified, elements involving the singular form 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.

[0048] 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 being superior or more advantageous than other aspects or designs. In one respect, the various alternative constructions and operations described herein may be considered at least equivalent.

[0049] As used herein, the phrase "at least one" preceding a series of items, separated by the term "or," modifies the list as a whole, rather than each item in the list. The phrase "at least one" does not require the selection of at least one item; rather, it allows for the inclusion of at least one of any one item, and / or at least one of any combination of items, and / or at least one of each item. 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.

[0050] For example, the phrase "aspect" does not imply that such an aspect is necessary for the present subject matter, or that such an aspect applies to all constructions of the present subject matter. Disclosure related to an aspect may apply to all constructions, or one or more constructions. An aspect may provide one or more examples. For example, the phrase "aspect" may refer to one or more aspects, or vice versa. For example, phrases like "embodiment" do not imply that such an embodiment is necessary for the present subject matter, or that such an embodiment applies to all constructions of the present subject matter. Disclosure related to an embodiment may apply to all embodiments, or one or more embodiments. An embodiment may provide one or more examples. For example, the phrase "an embodiment" may refer to one or more embodiments, or vice versa. For example, phrases like "construction" do not imply that such a construction is necessary for the present subject matter, or that such a construction applies to all constructions of the present subject matter. Disclosure related to a construction may apply to all constructions, or one or more constructions. A construction may provide one or more examples. The phrase "such a construction" may refer to one or more constructions, or vice versa.

[0051] In one aspect, unless otherwise stated, all measurements, numerical values, ratings, positions, sizes, dimensions, and other specifications set forth in this specification, including those in the following claims, are approximate rather than precise. In another aspect, they are intended to have a reasonable range that is consistent with the functions they address and with the conventions of the field to which they belong.

[0052] 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 method. Depending on implementation preferences or scenarios, it should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps, operations, or processes can be rearranged. Some steps, operations, or processes can be performed simultaneously. In some implementation preferences or scenarios, certain operations may or may not be performed. Some or all steps, operations, or processes can be performed automatically without user intervention. The appended method claims present elements of various steps, operations, or processes in an exemplary order and are not intended to limit one to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0053] All structural and functional equivalents of elements throughout the various aspects described in this disclosure, 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, regardless of whether such disclosure is expressly stated in the claims, the contents of this disclosure are not intended for public use. Under 35 U.S.SC §112(f), elements of a claim will not be interpreted unless the element is expressly stated using the phrase “means” or, in the case of a method claim, using the phrase “for the step of…”. Furthermore, with regard to the scope of terms such as “comprising,” “having,” etc., such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising,” as interpreted when “comprising” is used as a transitional word in a claim.

[0054] The title, background, overview, drawings, brief description, and abstract of this disclosure are incorporated herein and provided as illustrative examples rather than as limiting descriptions. This filing is based on the understanding that they will not be used 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 combined in various embodiments to simplify this disclosure. The approach of this disclosure should not be construed as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than those expressly stated in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the following claims, the inventive subject matter lies in all features of fewer than those in a single disclosed construction or operation. The following claims are thus incorporated into the detailed description, each claim being an independent, separately claimed subject matter.

[0055] The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but rather to conform to the full scope consistent with the language of the claims and to cover all legal equivalents. Nevertheless, none of the claims are intended to include subject matter that fails to satisfy the requirements of 35 U.S.SC § 101, 102, or 103, nor should they be interpreted in this manner.

Claims

1. A check valve, comprising: a body defining a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and having an interior surface, wherein a portion of the body is transparent, the interior surface including: a first portion defining a ceiling; and a second portion defining sidewalls of a chamber fluidly connecting the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, each sidewall having a convex shape; and a flexible diaphragm disposed in the chamber, the flexible diaphragm including a color changing material configured to exhibit a color change when one of bent, flexed, and deformed by a fluid flow from the fluid inlet.

2. The check valve of claim 1, wherein, the flexible diaphragm includes a plurality of periodically stacked layers of transparent material.

3. The check valve of claim 2, wherein, when the flexible diaphragm is one of bent, flexed, and deformed, light reflects from each interface between adjacent layers of the flexible diaphragm to produce a color in the visible spectrum on the flexible diaphragm based on geometric properties and material composition of the transparent layers.

4. The check valve of claim 1, wherein, the flexible diaphragm includes a transparent rubber material.

5. The check valve of claim 1, wherein, the flexible diaphragm includes a pressure sensing photonic fiber.

6. The check valve of claim 1, wherein, the flexible diaphragm includes a resistive pressure sensing material.

7. The check valve of claim 6, wherein, the resistive pressure sensing material includes a material of hollow spheres.

8. The check valve of claim 6, wherein, the resistive pressure sensing material includes an electrically conductive polymer thin film material of an elastic microstructure.

9. The check valve of claim 1, wherein, the flexible diaphragm includes a tactile pressure indicating sensor film.

10. The check valve of claim 1, wherein, the flexible diaphragm includes a material having hollow spheres that cause the flexible diaphragm to change color when the hollow spheres are pressed together under pressure.

11. The check valve of claim 1, wherein, the flexible diaphragm is configured to change color when a fluid flow contacting the flexible diaphragm has a pressure greater than or equal to a predetermined pressure.

12. The check valve of claim 1, wherein, the flexible diaphragm is configured to change color when subjected to a pressure oriented substantially perpendicular to the flexible diaphragm.

13. The check valve of claim 1, wherein, the flexible diaphragm is configured to display a first intensity of a color at a first portion of the flexible diaphragm and a second intensity of the color at a second portion of the flexible diaphragm based on different fluid pressures on each of the first and second portions of the flexible diaphragm.

14. The check valve of claim 1, wherein, the sidewalls include a transparent material configured to provide an external visual observation of the color change.

15. The check valve of claim 14, wherein, the convex shape of the sidewalls includes a magnifying material configured to provide an enhanced visual observation of the color change.

16. The check valve of claim 1, wherein, the ceiling defines a sealing surface, and wherein, in a closed state of the check valve, the flexible diaphragm is configured to contact the sealing surface to limit and prevent one of fluid flow from the fluid outlet through the fluid inlet.

17. The check valve of claim 1, further comprising: a lower housing defining the fluid outlet and including a support portion, wherein the flexible diaphragm is configured to rest on the support portion.

18. The check valve of claim 17, wherein, the support portion includes: a central aperture; and a plurality of axially extending slots, wherein, in an open state of the check valve, fluid from the fluid inlet is configured to flow through the slots and into the fluid outlet.

19. An intravenous device, comprising: a drip chamber configured to be fluidly coupled to a fluid source; and the check valve of claim 1 fluidly connected to the drip chamber.

20. An intravenous device, comprising: a main fluid system; a first drip chamber coupled to the primary fluid system; a secondary fluid system; a second drip chamber coupled to the secondary fluid system; and a check valve according to claim 1 coupled to the first drip chamber and the second drip chamber.

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