Instilling chamber

Abstract

An instillation chamber includes: a housing receiving a fluid, the housing receiving the fluid at a distal end and discharging the fluid at a proximal end, the housing including a reference marker; a flow controller rotatably coupled to the housing, the flow controller including an aperture extending therethrough; rotating the flow controller relative to the housing such that the aperture prevents fluid from traveling therethrough; and measuring the time elapsed until the fluid reaches the reference mark in the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to drip chambers, and more particularly to a method of calculating an infusion rate using a drip chamber. Background Art

[0002] Medical treatments often include the infusion of medical fluids (e.g., saline solution or liquid medication) into a patient using an intravenous (IV) set, which typically includes a connector for connecting to a fluid reservoir or IV bag, a drip chamber for determining the infusion rate of fluid from the fluid reservoir, an IV fluid line for providing a connection between the fluid reservoir and the patient, and a catheter that can be positioned within a vein in the patient's body.

[0003] The drip chamber is usually designed to cause the liquid entering the drip chamber to form drops that drip toward the bottom of the drip chamber. By forming drops, the caregiver can determine the flow rate of the liquid through the IV set by counting the number of drops falling over a period of time. However, if the height of the liquid exceeds the operable liquid height of the drip chamber, the flow rate of the liquid through the IV set may be difficult or impossible to determine. In order to facilitate counting the drops and allow the drip chamber to be filled with liquid to an operable liquid height, the drip chamber is usually made of transparent flexible plastic. However, the drop size may vary depending on the size of the hole through which the fluid enters the drip chamber. Therefore, determining the type of drip chamber (macro or micro drip) is a prerequisite.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for an IV set that allows accurate calculation of the infusion rate within a drip chamber regardless of the size of the drip. Utility Model Content

[0005] In one embodiment, there is a method for calculating an infusion rate in a drip chamber, the method comprising providing a housing for receiving a fluid, the housing being configured to receive the fluid at a distal end and discharge the fluid at a proximal end, the housing including a reference mark, housing a flow controller at the proximal end of the housing, the flow controller being rotatably coupled to the housing, the flow controller including an aperture extending therethrough, rotating the flow controller relative to the housing so that the aperture prevents fluid from traveling therethrough, and determining the infusion rate by measuring the time elapsed until the fluid reaches the reference mark in the housing.

[0006] In some embodiments, the flow controller includes an inner member and an outer member, the inner member is fixed relative to the housing, and the outer member is rotatable relative to the inner member. In some embodiments, the outer member and the inner member each include a hole extending through it. In some embodiments, the rotation of the outer member relative to the inner member causes the hole to be misaligned, thereby preventing the fluid from traveling through the flow controller.

[0007] In some embodiments, the volume at the reference mark of the housing is known. In some embodiments, determining the infusion rate includes dividing the volume by the time until the fluid reaches the reference mark. In some embodiments, the housing includes more than one reference mark. In some embodiments, the method also includes receiving a tubing configured to receive the fluid at the proximal end of the flow controller. In some embodiments, the flow controller includes more than one hole.

[0008] In one embodiment, there is a method for calculating an infusion rate in a drip chamber, the method comprising: providing a shell for receiving a fluid, the shell being configured to receive the fluid at a distal end and discharge the fluid at a proximal end; accommodating a flow collector in the shell; and determining the infusion rate by measuring the time elapsed until the fluid fills the flow collector.

[0009] In some embodiments, the flow collector includes a diaphragm at its proximal end. In some embodiments, a radial force acting on the flow collector opens the diaphragm, thereby establishing a fluid path therethrough. In some embodiments, the volume of the flow collector is known. In some embodiments, determining the infusion rate includes dividing the volume by the time elapsed until the fluid fills the flow collector. In some embodiments, the diameter of the flow collector is less than the diameter of the housing.

[0010] In some embodiments, the method further includes receiving a tubing configured to receive fluid at a proximal end of the housing. In some embodiments, the flow collector is coupled to the housing by at least one arm. In some embodiments, the flow collector is received at a center of the housing. In some embodiments, the flow collector is fixed relative to the housing. In some embodiments, the flow collector allows continuous use of the drip chamber when the flow collector is full of fluid.

[0011] 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 without departing from the scope of the subject technology. Therefore, the utility model content, the accompanying drawings and the specific embodiments should be regarded as illustrative and non-restrictive in nature. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The accompanying drawings are included to provide further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and together with the description are used to explain the principles of the embodiments of the present disclosure. In the drawings:

[0013] Figure 1An IV set coupled to a patient is shown according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 2 According to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 1 The IV set's drip chamber;

[0015] Figure 3 According to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 1 A top view of a flow controller of a drip chamber of an IV kit;

[0016] Figure 4 According to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 1 drip chambers for IV sets; and

[0017] Figure 5 According to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 1 Top view of the flow collector of the IV kit's drip chamber. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] In the following detailed description, many specific details are set forth in order to provide a full understanding of the subject technology. It should be understood that the subject technology can be practiced without these specific details. In other cases, well-known structures and techniques are not shown in detail to avoid confusing the subject technology.

[0019] Furthermore, although the present specification sets forth specific details of various embodiments, it should be understood that the description is illustrative only and should not be construed as limiting in any way. Furthermore, it is contemplated that although specific embodiments of the present disclosure may be disclosed or illustrated in the context of an IV set, these embodiments may be used in other fluid delivery systems. Furthermore, various applications of such embodiments and modifications thereof that may occur to a person skilled in the art are also included in the general concepts described herein.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the present disclosure includes various features and advantages of a fluid connector assembly having medical connectors that seal their respective fluid paths when the medical connectors are separated from each other. The medical connectors can each include a compressible member that decompresses in response to separation, thereby providing automatic sealing of the respective fluid paths.

[0021] Now referring to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1An IV set 1 coupled to a patient 10 is shown according to aspects of the present disclosure. The IV set 1 may include a medication bag 12, a drip chamber 14, and tubing 22. The tubing 22 may extend between the drip chamber 14 and a fluid connector 20 of the IV set 1. To prevent the tubing 16 or catheter 18 from being accidentally removed or disconnected from the patient, a tape 26 is placed over the tubing 16 and catheter 18 such that the tape 26 engages the tubing 16, catheter 18, and the patient 10.

[0022] Figure 2 The drip chamber 14 is shown, which includes a housing 100 having a proximal end and a distal end. In one embodiment, a method for calculating an infusion rate of a fluid in the drip chamber 14 may include providing the housing 100. Figure 2 As shown by the dotted lines in , the housing 100 can receive fluid at the distal end and discharge fluid at the proximal end. The drip chamber 14 can be configured so that the fluid received by the distal end travels toward the proximal end without contacting the housing 100. The drip chamber 14 can receive fluid from, for example, a drug bag 12 or other source. The housing 100 can have a generally cylindrical cross-section. In one embodiment, the housing 100 has a generally polygonal cross-section. The housing 100 can include glass or plastic materials. The housing 100 can be transparent to allow observation of the fluid. In one embodiment, the housing 100 can be made of a deformable material to allow the housing 100 to deform in response to an axial force acting thereon. The fluid can be a solution, such as glucose, saline solution, medical dyes, and drugs in liquid form. The distal end of the housing 100 in the IV kit 1 can be located above the proximal end.

[0023] The housing 100 may include one or more graphics, such as a logo or other mark. The housing 100 may include a reference mark 102, which indicates the volume of fluid between the proximal end of the housing 100 and the reference mark 102. The volume of the housing 100 at the reference mark 102 may be known. In one embodiment, the reference mark 102 may indicate the volume of fluid between the distal end of the housing 100 and the reference mark 102. In one embodiment, the housing 100 includes more than one reference mark 102. The reference mark 102 may extend around the housing 100 so that it can be seen from all sides. In one embodiment, the reference mark 102 extends around a portion of the housing. The reference mark 102 may include any combination of letters and shapes. The reference mark 102 may be engraved in the housing 100, or may be coupled to the surface of the housing 100 by an adhesive.

[0024] In some embodiments, the method may further include receiving a flow controller 104 at the proximal end of the housing 100. The flow controller 104 may be a generally cylindrical member having a diameter similar to the diameter of the housing 100. In one embodiment, the flow controller is polygonal. The diameter of the flow controller 104 may be greater than the diameter of the housing 100. The diameter of the flow controller 104 may be less than the diameter of the housing 100. The flow controller 104 may be rotatably coupled to the housing 100 and may include a hole 106 extending therethrough. In one embodiment, the flow controller 104 includes more than one hole extending therethrough. The hole may be spaced apart from the center 111 of the flow controller 104. The flow controller 104 may be rotatable between an open position that allows fluid to travel through the hole 106 and a closed position that prevents fluid from traveling through the hole 106. In some embodiments, rotating the flow controller 104 relative to the housing 100 may move the flow controller 104 between the open position and the closed position.

[0025] The flow controller 104 may include an inner member 108 and an outer member 110. The inner member 108 may be fixed relative to the housing 100. The outer member 110 may be rotatably coupled to the inner member 108. The outer member 110 may receive the tubing 22. In one embodiment, the outer member 110 may be rotatably coupled to the tubing 22. In one embodiment, both the inner member 108 and the outer member 110 may be rotatable relative to the housing 100. Referring now to Figure 3 , the inner member 108 and the outer member 110 can include holes 106a and 106b, respectively. In one embodiment, the holes 106a and 106b extend through the inner member 108 and the outer member 110, respectively. In one embodiment, the hole 106b only partially extends through the outer member 110. The rotation of the outer member 110 relative to the inner member 108 causes the holes 106a and 106b to be misaligned, which can prevent the fluid from traveling through the flow controller 104. The outer member 110 can rotate 360 ​​degrees relative to the inner member 108. In one embodiment, the outer member 110 rotates less than 360 degrees relative to the inner member 108. In one embodiment, the outer member 110 is allowed to rotate 180 degrees or 90 degrees relative to the inner member 108. When the holes 106a and the holes 106b are misaligned, the flow controller 104 can be in a closed position. When the holes 106a and the holes 106b are aligned, the flow controller 104 can be in an open position. In the open position, fluid at the proximal end of the housing 100 can be directed to the tubing 22 via the flow controller 104. The inner member 108 can include a passage 109 that directs fluid from the aperture 106 to the tubing 22.

[0026] In one embodiment, the infusion rate of the fluid in the drip chamber 14 can be determined by measuring the time from the time when the flow controller 104 moves to the closed position until the fluid reaches the reference mark 102 of the housing 100. The measurement of time may include the use of a timer, a stopwatch or other suitable timing method. The infusion rate may be equal to the volume of the fluid required to reach the reference mark 102 divided by the time the drip chamber 14 is filled to the reference mark 102. The infusion rate may be measured in mL / hr. In one embodiment, the infusion rate is measured in, for example, one of L / s, mL / s, L / min, and mL / min.

[0027] After determining the flow rate using the above calculations, the flow controller 104 can be rotated to an open position to allow fluid to travel into the tubing 22. In one embodiment, rotating the flow controller 104 to the open position can empty the drip chamber 14. The flow controller 104 can be rotated to a partially open position by partially aligning the holes 106a and 106b to adjust the amount of fluid discharged into the tubing 22.

[0028] Figure 4 The drip chamber 14 is shown, which includes a housing 200 having a proximal end and a distal end. In one embodiment, a method for calculating an infusion rate of a fluid in the drip chamber 14 may include providing the housing 200. Figure 4 As shown in the dotted lines in , the housing 200 can receive fluid at the distal end and discharge fluid at the proximal end. The drip chamber 14 can be configured so that the fluid received by the distal end travels toward the proximal end without contacting the housing 200. The drip chamber 14 can receive fluid from, for example, a drug bag 12 or other source. The housing 200 can have a generally cylindrical cross-section. In one embodiment, the housing 200 has a generally polygonal cross-section. The housing 200 can include glass or plastic materials. The housing 200 can be transparent to allow observation of the fluid. In one embodiment, the housing 200 can be made of a deformable material to allow the housing 200 to deform in response to an axial force acting thereon. The fluid can be a solution, such as glucose, saline solution, medical dyes, and drugs in liquid form. The distal end of the housing 200 in the IV kit 1 can be located above the proximal end.

[0029] The drip chamber 14 may include a flow collector 202 disposed in the housing 200. The flow collector 202 may be fixed relative to the housing 200. The flow collector may include a deformable rubber or soft plastic. The flow collector 202 may be accommodated at a central portion between the proximal end and the distal end of the housing 200. In one embodiment, the flow collector 202 is disposed near the proximal end or the distal end of the housing 200. The flow collector 202 may be a generally cylindrical shape having a diameter smaller than that of the housing 200. In one embodiment, the diameter of the flow collector 202 is similar to the diameter of the housing 200. The flow collector 202 may be coupled to the housing by an arm 204 extending from the housing 200 to the flow collector 202. In one embodiment, more than one arm extends from the housing 200 to the flow collector 202. The flow collector 202 may include a distal portion that is generally open and sized to receive fluid entering the drip chamber 14.

[0030] The flow collector 202 may include a closed proximal portion. The proximal portion of the flow collector 202 may be inclined toward the center 211 and have a generally conical shape. The proximal portion of the flow collector 202 may include a diaphragm 206 extending therethrough. The diaphragm 206 may extend across the entire diameter of the flow collector 202. In some embodiments, the diaphragm 206 only partially extends across the diameter of the flow collector 202. The diaphragm 206 may prevent fluid from passing therethrough in a closed position and allow fluid to pass therethrough in an open position. A radial force acting on the flow collector 202 may open the diaphragm 206, thereby establishing a fluid passage through the diaphragm. The radial force may cause the arm 204 to reduce the cross-sectional diameter of the flow collector 202. The radial force on the flow collector 202 may be generated by the housing 200 by, for example, inward deformation of the thumb and fingers.

[0031] In one embodiment, the infusion rate of the fluid in the drip chamber 14 can be determined by measuring the time until the fluid fills the flow collector 202. The volume of the flow collector 202 can be known. Determining the infusion rate can include dividing the known volume of the flow collector 202 by the measured time until the fluid fills the flow collector 202. The measurement of time can include using a timer, a stopwatch or other suitable timing methods. The infusion rate can be equal to the volume of fluid required to fill the flow collector 202 divided by the time required until the flow collector 202 is full. The infusion rate can be measured in mL / hr. In one embodiment, the infusion rate is measured in one of, for example, L / s, mL / s, L / min, and mL / min.

[0032] After the flow rate is determined using the above calculations, a radial force can be applied to the flow collector 202 to open the septum 206 and empty the flow collector. The flow collector 202 can allow the drip chamber 14 to be used continuously while being filled with fluid. During continuous use, liquid may overflow from the distal end of the flow collector 202 and drain into the tubing 22 from the proximal end of the housing 200.

[0033] Description of this subject technology

[0034] Item 1. A method for calculating an infusion rate in an infusion chamber, the method comprising: providing a shell for receiving a fluid, the shell being configured to receive the fluid at a distal end and discharge the fluid at a proximal end, the shell including a reference mark; receiving a flow controller at the proximal end of the shell, the flow controller being rotatably connected to the shell, the flow controller including a hole extending therethrough; rotating the flow controller relative to the shell so that the hole prevents fluid from traveling therethrough; and determining the infusion rate by measuring the time elapsed until the fluid reaches the reference mark in the shell.

[0035] Clause 2. The method of clause 1, wherein the flow controller comprises an inner member and an outer member, the inner member being fixed relative to the housing, and the outer member being rotatable relative to the inner member.

[0036] Clause 3. The method of clause 2, wherein the outer member and the inner member each include a hole extending therethrough.

[0037] Clause 4. The method of clause 3, wherein rotation of the outer member relative to the inner member causes the aperture to become misaligned, thereby preventing fluid from traveling through the flow controller.

[0038] Clause 5. The method of clause 1, wherein the volume of the housing at the reference mark is known.

[0039] Clause 6. The method of clause 5, wherein determining the infusion rate comprises dividing the volume by the time elapsed until the fluid reaches the reference marker.

[0040] Clause 7. The method of clause 1, wherein the housing comprises more than one reference mark.

[0041] Clause 8. The method of clause 1, further comprising: receiving a tube configured to receive a fluid at a proximal end of the flow controller.

[0042] Clause 9. The method of clause 1, wherein the flow controller comprises more than one hole.

[0043] Item 10. A method for calculating an infusion rate in an infusion chamber, the method comprising: providing a shell for receiving a fluid, the shell being configured to receive the fluid at a distal end and discharge the fluid at a proximal end; accommodating a flow collector in the shell; and determining the infusion rate by measuring the time elapsed until the fluid fills the flow collector.

[0044] Clause 11. The method of clause 10, wherein the flow collector includes a septum at a proximal end thereof.

[0045] Clause 12. The method of clause 11, wherein a radial force acting on the flow collector opens the diaphragm, thereby establishing a fluid passage therethrough.

[0046] Clause 13. The method of clause 10, wherein the volume of the flow collector is known.

[0047] Clause 14. The method of clause 13, wherein determining the infusion rate comprises dividing the volume by the time elapsed until the fluid fills the flow collector.

[0048] Clause 15. The method of clause 10, wherein a diameter of the flow collector is smaller than a diameter of the housing.

[0049] Clause 16. The method of clause 10, further comprising: receiving a tube configured to receive a fluid at a proximal end of the housing.

[0050] Clause 17. The method of clause 10, wherein the flow collector is coupled to the housing by at least one arm.

[0051] Clause 18. The method of clause 10, wherein the flow collector is received at a center of the housing.

[0052] Clause 19. The method of clause 10, wherein the flow collector is fixed relative to the housing.

[0053] Clause 20. The method of clause 10, wherein the flow collector allows continued use of the drip chamber when the flow collector is full of fluid.

[0054] Additional considerations

[0055] 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 very clear to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other aspects.

[0056] 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 subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the disclosure.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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 "an aspect" 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 constructions may refer to one or more constructions, and vice versa.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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 disclosure is explicitly stated in the claims, the content disclosed herein is not intended to be committed to the public. According to the provisions of the sixth paragraph of 35 U.S.C. §112, the elements of the claims will not be interpreted unless the phrase "means" is used to clearly state the element, or in the case of a method claim, the phrase "step for..." is used to state 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 explained when "including" is used as a transitional word in the claims.

[0063] The title, background technology, utility model content, figure description and abstract of the present disclosure are incorporated into the present disclosure hereby, 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 implementation, 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 subject matter claimed for protection requires more features than those explicitly stated in each claim. On the contrary, as reflected in the following claims, the utility model subject matter lies in less than all the features of a single disclosed construction or operation. The claims below are therefore incorporated into the detailed description, and each claim is independently a subject matter claimed for protection.

[0064] 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. A drip chamber, characterized in that: It includes: a housing defining a volume configured to receive a fluid, the housing having a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end, a reference mark defined on the housing between the proximal end and the distal end; as well as a flow controller having a bore extending therethrough, the flow controller coupled to the proximal end of the housing, the flow controller being rotatable between an open position and a closed position; Wherein the orifice of the flow controller prevents fluid from traveling therethrough in a closed position, and the orifice of the flow controller allows fluid to travel therethrough in an open position.

2. The drip chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that The flow controller includes an inner member and an outer member, the inner member being fixed relative to the housing and the outer member being rotatable relative to the inner member.

3. The drip chamber according to claim 2, characterized in that The outer member includes an outer bore extending therethrough, and the inner member includes an inner bore extending therethrough.

4. The drip chamber according to claim 3, characterized in that Rotation of the outer member relative to the inner member causes the outer aperture to be out of alignment with the inner aperture, thereby preventing fluid from traveling through the flow controller.

5. The drip chamber according to claim 4, characterized in that When the outer aperture is not aligned with the inner aperture, the flow controller is in a closed position.

6. The drip chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that The housing includes more than one reference mark.

7. The drip chamber according to claim 3, characterized in that Rotation of the outer member relative to the inner member aligns the outer aperture with the inner aperture, thereby allowing fluid to travel through the flow controller.

8. The drip chamber according to claim 7, characterized in that It further includes: A tube is coupled to the flow controller, the tube being configured to receive fluid when the flow controller is in an open position.

9. The drip chamber according to claim 2, characterized in that: The inner and outer members each have one or more apertures extending therethrough.

10. A drip chamber, characterized in that: It includes: a housing defining a volume configured to receive a fluid, the housing having a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end, a flow collector disposed in the volume of the housing between the proximal end and the distal end, the flow collector being movable between an open position and a closed position, Wherein, the flow collector is movable from a closed position to an open position in response to deformation of the housing proximate to the flow controller.

11. The drip chamber according to claim 10, characterized in that The flow collector includes a septum at a proximal end thereof.

12. The drip chamber according to claim 11, characterized in that The flow collector is in a closed position when the diaphragm is closed, and is in an open position when the diaphragm is open.

13. The drip chamber according to claim 12, characterized in that A radial force acting on the flow collector moves the flow collector to an open position, thereby establishing a fluid passage therethrough.

14. The drip chamber according to claim 10, characterized in that The diameter of the flow collector is smaller than the diameter of the housing.

15. The drip chamber according to claim 10, characterized in that It further includes: A tube is coupled to the proximal end, the tube being configured to receive a fluid.

16. The drip chamber according to claim 10, characterized in that The flow collector is coupled to the housing by at least one arm.

17. The drip chamber according to claim 10, characterized in that The flow collector is housed in the center of the housing between the proximal and distal ends.

18. The drip chamber according to claim 10, characterized in that The flow collector is fixed relative to the housing.

19. The drip chamber according to claim 10, characterized in that The flow collector allows continued use of the drip chamber when the flow collector is filled with fluid.

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