Expandable drip chamber

Abstract

To provide a drip chamber that can be primed in a single action.SOLUTION: A drip chamber comprises an inlet, an outlet, and a chamber body. The chamber body defines a chamber volume in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet. The chamber body is movable between a collapsed configuration having a first volume and an expanded configuration having a second volume. The second volume is larger than the first volume, and the chamber body is configured to be moved from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration to draw in a medical fluid from the inlet into the chamber volume to prime the drip chamber.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Broadly speaking, the present disclosure relates to an infusion chamber, and more particularly to an expandable infusion chamber.

Background Art

[0002] In medical treatment, intravenous (IV) catheters are often used to inject a drug solution (e.g., saline or a liquid preparation) into a patient through a flexible tube and fitting configuration, generally referred to as an "IV set", which is connected to a source of infusion fluid (e.g., an IV bag). Prior to surgery, the components of the IV set can be primed with the drug solution.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] In some applications, the infusion chamber may need to be manually repeated to be primed with the drug solution.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] The disclosed subject matter relates to an infusion chamber. In certain embodiments, the infusion chamber includes an inlet, an outlet, and a chamber body. The chamber body defines a chamber volume that is in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet. The chamber body is movable between a contracted configuration having a first volume and an expanded configuration having a second volume. The second volume is larger than the first volume, and the chamber body is configured to draw a drug solution from the inlet into the chamber volume and move from the contracted configuration to the expanded configuration to prime the infusion chamber.

[0005] In certain embodiments, a method of priming an infusion chamber is disclosed, including expanding the chamber body from the first volume to the second volume and drawing a drug solution into the chamber body during the step of expanding the chamber body.

[0006] It is understood that various configurations of the subject technology will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the present disclosure in which the various configurations of the subject technology are illustrated and described. As will be understood, the subject technology is capable of other different configurations and some of its details can be varied in various other respects without departing from the scope of the subject technology. Accordingly, the summary, drawings, and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

[0007] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure and illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The disclosed drip chamber incorporates an expandable chamber to enable the drip chamber to be primed in a single operation. By priming the drip chamber in a single operation, repeated manual operations can be avoided.

[0010] The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of various configurations of the subject technology and is not intended to represent the only configuration in which the subject technology may be implemented. The detailed description includes specific details for providing a thorough understanding of the subject technology. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject technology may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject technology. For ease of understanding, like components are labeled with like reference numerals. The reference numerals may have a letter suffix to indicate separate examples of common elements, but generally are referred to by the same number without a suffix letter.

[0011] The following description is directed to priming of the medicament solution by expanding the disclosed drip chamber, but it should be understood that this description is merely an example of use and does not limit the claims. Various aspects of the disclosed drip chamber can be used in any application where it is desirable to prime the fluid flow.

[0012] The disclosed drip chamber overcomes several problems discovered with certain conventional drip chambers. One problem associated with certain conventional drip chambers is that in certain conventional drip chambers, repetitive manual operations may be required to draw in sufficient medicament solution to prime the drip chamber. Further, certain conventional drip chambers may occupy excessive storage space. Since repetitive manual operations can fatigue clinicians and it is desirable to minimize storage space, the use of conventional drip chambers is not desirable.

[0013] Accordingly, it is advantageous according to the present disclosure to provide a drip chamber as described herein that enables priming in a single operation and storage in a compact configuration. The disclosed drip chamber provides an expandable chamber body that enables single-operation priming and compact storage.

[0014] An example of a drip chamber that enables single-operation priming and compact storage will now be described.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a front view of a drip chamber 100 in a collapsed configuration according to various aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a front view of the drip chamber 100' of FIG. 1 in an expanded configuration according to various aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the drip chamber 100' of FIG. 1 in an expanded configuration according to various aspects of the present disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the drip chamber 100 provides a visual indicator of the flow rate of the medicament solution passing therethrough. Advantageously, a clinician can monitor and adjust the flow rate of the medicament solution based on the visual indicator provided by the drip chamber 100.

[0016] During operation, the medicament solution can drip or flow through the chamber volume defined by the chamber body 108. As shown, the medicament solution can enter the chamber body 108 through an inlet channel 103 in fluid communication with the chamber body 108. The fluid flow can exit the chamber body 108 through an outlet 104. When the fluid passes through the chamber body 108, the clinician can utilize the drip chamber 100 as a visual indicator to observe the dripping or flowing of the medicament solution therethrough. As can be appreciated, the chamber body 108 can be made transparent or translucent.

[0017] Optionally, the drip chamber 100 can include a spike 102 that penetrates a membrane such as an IV container membrane. In some embodiments, the inlet channel 103 can be formed through the spike 102 that extends into the chamber body 108. The spike 102 can extend from a spike base 106. The spike base 106 can be threaded or otherwise configured to receive the chamber body 108. In some embodiments, the drip chamber 100 can include a vent hole for equalizing the pressure difference between the chamber volume and the environment during operation.

[0018] In the illustrated example, the drip chamber 100 can draw in medicament solution for priming the IV system. As can be appreciated, the chamber body 108 can be filled with a desired amount of medicament solution during the priming operation. As described herein, the drip chamber 100 can be primed with a desired amount of medicament solution in a single operation. Advantageously, the clinician may be able to prime the drip chamber 100 to a desired level by using one hand.

[0019] As described herein, the drip chamber 100 can expand from a contracted or reduced volume (as shown in FIG. 1) to an expanded or increased volume (as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3), creating a vacuum within the drip chamber 100 and effectively drawing in medicament solution to prime the drip chamber 100.

[0020] In the illustrated example, the chamber body 108 can be formed from an upper chamber body 110 that defines an upper chamber volume 112 and a lower chamber body 120 that defines a lower chamber volume 122. In some embodiments, the inlet channel 103 can be in fluid communication with the upper chamber volume 112. Optionally, the inlet channel 103 can be considered to be defined by the upper chamber body 110. In some embodiments, the outlet 104 is in fluid communication with the lower chamber volume 122. Optionally, the outlet 104 is defined by the lower chamber body 120.

[0021] As described herein, the lower chamber body 120 is movable relative to the upper chamber body 110. In some embodiments, the lower chamber body 120 is axially movable relative to the upper chamber body 110. Further, the upper chamber volume 112 and the lower chamber volume 122 can cooperate to define the overall volume of the drip chamber 100.

[0022] Referring to FIG. 1, the drip chamber 100 is shown in an initial or contracted configuration. In the illustrated example, the lower chamber body 120 is at least partially disposed within the upper chamber volume 112. In some applications, the lower chamber body 120 is moved inwardly to position the lower chamber body 120 adjacent to the inlet channel 103, allowing fluid communication between the inlet channel 103 and the lower chamber volume 122. As shown in the contracted configuration, the upper edge of the lower chamber body 120 can be positioned toward the upper edge of the upper chamber body 110. In some embodiments, the upper edge of the lower chamber body 120 is disposed adjacent to the spike base 106. Advantageously, the contracted configuration of the drip chamber 100 can minimize or reduce the packaging and storage requirements of the drip chamber 100 compared to a non-contractable drip chamber.

[0023] In the illustrated example, the positioning of the lower chamber body 120 relative to the upper chamber body 110 can define the volume of the drip chamber 100 in the contracted configuration. In the contracted configuration, the reduced volume or the initial volume of the drip chamber 100 can be defined by the lower chamber volume 122. As shown, in the contracted configuration, the inlet channel 103 and the outlet 104 of the drip chamber 100 effectively define the initial volume or the reduced volume of the drip chamber 100 and are in fluid communication with the lower chamber volume 122 without considering the upper chamber volume 112.

[0024] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the drip chamber 100' can expand to an increased volume to prime the drip chamber 100'. As shown, the lower chamber body 120 can be moved downward or away from the inlet channel 103 to increase or expand the volume of the drip chamber 100'.

[0025] In the illustrated example, the lower chamber body 120 is generally moved outside the upper chamber volume 112. As described herein, the upper edge portion of the lower chamber body 120 can remain within the upper chamber volume 112. In some applications, the lower chamber body 120 is moved outward to space the lower chamber body 120 from the inlet channel 103, enabling fluid communication between the inlet channel 103, the upper chamber volume 112, and the lower chamber volume 122. As shown, in the expanded configuration, the upper edge portion of the lower chamber body 120 can be positioned toward the lower edge portion of the upper chamber body 110. In some embodiments, the upper edge portion of the lower chamber body 120 is spaced from the spike base 106.

[0026] In the illustrated example, the positioning of the lower chamber body 120 relative to the upper chamber body 110 can define the volume of the drip chamber 100' in the extended configuration. In the extended configuration, the extended volume of the drip chamber 100 can be defined by the combination of the upper chamber volume 112 and the lower chamber volume 122. As shown, in the extended configuration, the inlet channel 103 and the outlet 104 of the drip chamber 100 are in fluid communication with the upper chamber volume 112 and the lower chamber volume 122 that effectively define the extended volume of the drip chamber 100'.

[0027] In the illustrated example, when the drip chamber 100' is expanded to a larger volume, the pressure within the drip chamber 100' decreases due to the negative displacement. As can be understood, when the pressure decreases, the drip chamber 100' can draw in the chemical solution and become primed. In some embodiments, the volume difference between the contracted drip chamber 100 and the expanded drip chamber 100' can be equal to the volume of the chemical solution drawn in during the priming process. As can be understood, the volume difference between the contracted drip chamber 100 and the expanded drip chamber 100' can be configured to provide a desired amount of chemical solution during the priming process.

[0028] Optionally, the chamber body 108 can be formed from an elastic material to enable the chamber body 108 to be squeezed or compressed to draw in chemical solution for additional priming of the IV system.

[0029] Figure 4 is a detailed view of the seal assembly 130 of the drip chamber 100 of FIG. 3, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the drip chamber 100 can include a seal assembly 130 to prevent leakage between the upper chamber body 110 and the lower chamber body 120. In the contracted position, the seal assembly 130 can prevent fluid communication between the upper chamber volume 112 and the lower chamber volume 122. In the expanded position, the seal assembly 130 can prevent the chemical solution from leaking out of the chamber body 108 at the interface between the upper chamber body 110 and the lower chamber body 120.

[0030] In the illustrated example, the seal assembly 130 includes an O-ring 132 disposed between the upper chamber body 110 and the lower chamber body 120. In some embodiments, the O-ring 132 can be held by a seal groove 134. The seal groove 134 can be formed at the upper edge of the lower chamber body 120. The seal groove 134 can define a guide groove that allows the O-ring 132 to seat therein.

[0031] Optionally, the upper chamber body 110 can include a radially extending portion 136 to hold the lower chamber body 120 within the upper chamber volume 112. In the illustrated example, the radially extending portion 136 can limit the movement of the lower chamber body 120 and prevent the lower chamber body 120 from being removed from the upper chamber body 110. In some embodiments, the radially extending portion 136 can extend radially inward and engage the seal groove 134 of the lower chamber body 120. The engagement between the seal groove 134 and the radially extending portion 136 can prevent excessive movement of the lower chamber body 120.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a front view of the drip chamber 200 in a contracted configuration according to various aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a front view of the drip chamber 200' of FIG. 5 in an expanded configuration according to various aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a front view of the drip chamber 200' of FIG. 6 in a primed configuration according to various aspects of the present disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 5-7, the drip chamber 200 is an integrated drip chamber that enables priming in a single operation.

[0033] As described herein, the drip chamber 200 can expand from a contracted or reduced volume (as shown in FIG. 5) to an expanded or increased volume (as shown in FIG. 6), create a vacuum within the drip chamber 200, and effectively draw in a chemical solution to prime the drip chamber 200 (as shown in FIG. 7).

[0034] In the illustrated example, the chamber body 208 can be formed from an upper chamber body 210 that defines an upper chamber volume 212, a lower chamber body 220 that defines a lower chamber volume 222, and an intermediate chamber body 230 that defines an intermediate chamber volume 232. In some embodiments, the intermediate chamber body 230 connects or couples the upper chamber body 210 and the lower chamber body 220. In some embodiments, an inlet formed through the spike 202 can be in fluid communication with the upper chamber volume 212. Optionally, the inlet can be considered to be defined by the upper chamber body 210. In some embodiments, the outlet 204 is in fluid communication with the lower chamber volume 222. Optionally, the outlet 204 is defined by the lower chamber body 220.

[0035] As described herein, the lower chamber body 220 is slidable / movable relative to the upper chamber body 210. In some embodiments, the lower chamber body 220 is axially movable relative to the upper chamber body 210. In some embodiments, the intermediate chamber body 230 can be deformed or inverted so that the lower chamber body 220 can move relative to the upper chamber body 210. Further, the upper chamber volume 212, the lower chamber volume 222, and the intermediate chamber volume 232 can cooperate to define the overall volume of the drip chamber 200.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 5, the drip chamber 200 is shown in an initial or collapsed configuration. In the illustrated example, the upper chamber body 210 is at least partially disposed within the lower chamber volume 222. In some applications, the lower chamber body 220 is moved inwardly to position the lower chamber body 220 adjacent to the inlet, enabling fluid communication between the inlet, the upper chamber volume 212, and a portion of the lower chamber volume 222. As shown, in the collapsed configuration, the upper edge of the lower chamber body 220 can be positioned toward the upper edge of the upper chamber body 210. In some embodiments, the upper edge of the lower chamber body 220 is disposed adjacent to the spike base 206. As shown, the intermediate chamber body 230 is folded or inverted so that the lower chamber body 220 can be moved to the collapsed position. Advantageously, the collapsed configuration of the drip chamber 200 can minimize the packaging and storage requirements of the drip chamber 200.

[0037] In the illustrated example, the positioning of the lower chamber body 220 relative to the upper chamber body 210 can define the volume of the drip chamber 200 in the collapsed configuration. In the collapsed configuration, the reduced or initial volume of the drip chamber 200 can be defined by the upper chamber volume 212 and a portion of the lower chamber volume 222. As shown, in the collapsed configuration, the inlet and outlet 204 of the drip chamber 200 are in fluid communication with the upper chamber volume 212 and a portion of the lower chamber volume 222, effectively defining the initial or reduced volume of the drip chamber 200. As can be appreciated, in the collapsed configuration, the intermediate chamber body 230 does not define an intermediate chamber volume 232.

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the drip chamber 200' can expand to an increased volume to prime the drip chamber 200'. As shown, the lower chamber body 120 can move downwardly or away from the inlet channel 103 to increase or expand the volume of the drip chamber 100'.

[0039] In the illustrated example, the lower chamber body 220 is generally moved away from the upper chamber body 210. As shown, when the lower chamber body 220 moves downwardly or away from the upper chamber body 210, the intermediate chamber body 230 can be deployed, returned, or otherwise exposed to define an intermediate chamber volume 232. In some applications, the lower chamber body 220 moves outwardly to space the lower chamber body 220 from the inlet, allowing fluid communication between the inlet, the upper chamber volume 212, the intermediate chamber volume 232, and the lower chamber volume 222. As shown, in the expanded configuration, the intermediate chamber body 230 can be disposed between the upper chamber body 210 and the lower chamber body 220. In some embodiments, the upper edge of the lower chamber body 220 is spaced from the spike base 206.

[0040] In the illustrated example, the positioning of the lower chamber body 220 relative to the upper chamber body 210 can define the volume of the drip chamber 200' in the extended configuration. In the extended configuration, the extended volume of the drip chamber 200 can be defined by the combination of the upper chamber volume 212, the intermediate chamber volume 232, and the lower chamber volume 222. As shown in the figure, in the extended configuration, the inlet and outlet 204 of the drip chamber 200 are in fluid communication with the upper chamber volume 212, the intermediate chamber volume 232, and the lower chamber volume 222, effectively defining the extended volume of the drip chamber 200'.

[0041] In the illustrated example, when the drip chamber 200' is expanded to a larger volume, the pressure within the drip chamber 200' decreases due to the negative displacement. As can be understood, when the pressure decreases, the drip chamber 200' can draw in the chemical solution and prime the drip chamber 200'. In some embodiments, the volume difference between the contracted drip chamber 200 and the expanded drip chamber 200' can be equal to the volume of the chemical solution drawn in during the priming process. As can be understood, the volume difference between the contracted drip chamber 200 and the expanded drip chamber 200' can be configured to provide a desired amount of chemical solution during the priming process.

[0042] FIG. 8 is a front view of the drip chamber 300 in the contracted configuration according to various aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the drip chamber 300 of FIG. 8 according to various aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a front view of the drip chamber 300' of FIG. 8 in the extended configuration according to various aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the drip chamber 300' of FIG. 10 according to various aspects of the present disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 8-11, the drip chamber 300 is a radially expandable drip chamber that enables priming in a single operation.

[0043] As described herein, the drip chamber 300 can expand from a contracted or reduced volume (as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9) to an expanded or increased volume (as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11), creating a vacuum within the drip chamber 300 and effectively drawing in the medicament solution to prime the drip chamber 300.

[0044] In the illustrated example, the chamber body 308 can include a contractible portion 342. The contractible portion 342 can expand or contract radially to adjust the volume of the chamber volume 310. In some embodiments, the contractible portion 342 is operably coupled to a lever 340. By moving the lever 340, the contractible portion 342 can be moved from a reduced radius and volume configuration to an expanded radius and volume configuration. As shown, the contractible portion 342 is in fluid communication with the chamber volume 310, the inlet, and the outlet 304.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the drip chamber 300 is shown in an initial or contracted configuration. In the illustrated example, the contractible portion 342 has a reduced radius. In some embodiments, the contractible portion 342 is pushed into a compressed configuration. In some embodiments, the contractible portion 342 includes overlapping materials that are locked in a compressed configuration. Optionally, the lever 340 can lock to the contractible portion 342 in the compressed configuration to control the radius of the contractible portion 342. As can be appreciated, the radius of the contractible portion 342 can define the volume of the chamber volume 310. In the contracted configuration, the reduced or initial volume of the drip chamber 300 can be affected by the radius of the contractible portion 342. Optionally, the contractible portion 342 is formed from one or more shape memory materials.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the drip chamber 300' can expand to an increased volume to prime the drip chamber 300'. In the illustrated example, the collapsible portion 342 has an expanded radius. In the expanded configuration, the expanded volume of the drip chamber 300 can be affected by the radius of the collapsible portion 342. Optionally, the expansion of the drip chamber 300' can be spring-loaded or biased. For example, triggering the lever 340 can bias or propel the collapsible portion 342 to expand to a larger radius or volume. In some embodiments, the lever 340 can include notches or other protrusions that control the release or unlocking of the collapsible portion 342. By triggering the lever 340, the notches or protrusions can align with slots or structures of the collapsible portion 342 to allow the collapsible portion 342 to expand from the compressed configuration to the expanded configuration.

[0047] In the illustrated example, when the drip chamber 300' expands to a larger volume, the pressure within the drip chamber 300' decreases due to the negative displacement. As can be understood, when the pressure decreases, the drip chamber 300' can draw in the chemical solution and it becomes possible to prime the drip chamber 300'. In some embodiments, the volume difference between the housed drip chamber 300 and the expanded drip chamber 300' can be equal to the volume of the chemical solution drawn in during the priming process. As can be understood, the volume difference between the housed drip chamber 300 and the expanded drip chamber 300' can be configured to provide a desired amount of chemical solution during the priming process.

[0048] This disclosure is provided to enable those skilled in the art to implement the various aspects described herein. This disclosure provides various examples of the subject technology, and the subject technology is not limited to these examples. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other aspects.

[0049] References to elements in the singular are not meant to mean "one and only one" unless specifically stated otherwise, but rather "one or more". Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term "some" refers to one or more. Masculine pronouns (e.g., "his") include feminine and neuter forms (e.g., "her" and "its"), and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the present invention.

[0050] As used herein, the word "exemplary" is used to mean "serving as an example or illustration". Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. In one aspect, the various alternative configurations and operations described herein can be considered to be at least equivalent.

[0051] Phrases such as "aspect" do not mean that such an aspect is essential to the subject technology or that such an aspect applies to all configurations of the subject technology. The disclosure regarding one aspect can apply to all configurations or one or more configurations. One aspect can provide one or more examples. Phrases such as "one aspect" can refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa. Phrases such as "embodiment" do not mean that such an embodiment is essential to the subject technology or that such an embodiment applies to all configurations of the subject technology. The disclosure regarding one embodiment can apply to all embodiments or one or more embodiments. One embodiment can provide one or more examples. Phrases such as "one embodiment" can refer to one or more embodiments, and vice versa. Phrases such as "configuration" do not mean that such a configuration is essential to the subject technology or that such a configuration applies to all configurations of the subject technology. The disclosure regarding a configuration can apply to all configurations or one or more configurations. One configuration can provide one or more examples. Phrases such as "such a configuration" can refer to one or more configurations, and vice versa.

[0052] In one aspect, unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, evaluations, positions, sizes, dimensions, and other specifications described in this specification including the following claims are approximate and not exact. In one aspect, they are intended to have a reasonable range consistent with the functions they relate to and what is customary in the technical field they relate to.

[0053] In one aspect, terms such as "coupled" may refer to being directly coupled. In another aspect, terms such as "coupled" may refer to being indirectly coupled.

[0054] For example, terms such as "upper", "lower", "front", and "rear", when used in this disclosure, should be understood to refer to any coordinate system rather than the normal gravity coordinate system. Thus, the upper surface, lower surface, front surface, and rear surface can extend in an upward direction, a downward direction, an oblique direction, or a horizontal direction in the gravity coordinate system.

[0055] Without departing from the scope of the subject technology, various items can be arranged in different ways (e.g., arranged in a different order or divided in a different manner). All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure, whether known to those skilled in the art or later becoming known, are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed within the scope of the claims. Further, what is disclosed herein is not intended to be generally published, whether or not such disclosure is expressly recited in the claims. Claim elements should not be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase "means for" or, in the case of a method claim, the phrase "step for". Further, to the extent that terms such as "include", "have", etc. are used, such terms are intended to be inclusive in the same manner as "comprise" when construed as a transitional term in a claim.

[0056] The title, background, summary, brief description of the drawings, and abstract of the present disclosure are incorporated into the present disclosure and provided as exemplary examples of the present disclosure rather than as limiting descriptions. It is submitted with the understanding that they are not used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the detailed description, it can be seen that the description provides exemplary examples and various configurations are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of simplifying the disclosure. This method of disclosure should not be construed as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more configurations than are explicitly recited in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the following claims, the subject matter of the present invention lies in less configurations than all of the configurations of the single configuration or operation disclosed. The following claims are incorporated into the detailed description, and each claim is independent as a separately claimed subject matter.

[0057] The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but rather are given the full scope consistent with the literal claims and include all legal equivalents. Nevertheless, no claim is intended to cover, nor should be construed to cover, subject matter that fails to meet the requirements of 35 U.S.C. § 101, 102, or 103.

Claims

1. The entrance and The exit, a chamber body defining a chamber volume in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet, the chamber body movable between a contracted configuration having a first volume and an expanded configuration having a second volume, the second volume being greater than the first volume, the chamber body configured to move from the contracted configuration to the expanded configuration to draw a medicinal fluid from the inlet into the chamber volume and prime the drip chamber.

2. 10. The drip chamber of claim 1, further comprising a spike extending from a spike base, the spike base configured to receive the chamber body.

3. The drip chamber of claim 2 , wherein the spike defines the inlet.

4. The chamber body includes: an upper chamber body defining an upper chamber volume and said inlet; a lower chamber body defining a lower chamber volume and said outlet; Equipped with the lower chamber body is movable relative to the upper chamber body; In the contracted configuration, the lower chamber body is disposed at least partially within the upper chamber volume adjacent the inlet, the lower chamber volume defining the first volume between the inlet and the outlet; 2. The drip chamber of claim 1, wherein in the expanded configuration, the lower chamber body is spaced from the inlet and the upper chamber volume and the lower chamber volume collectively define a second volume between the inlet and the outlet.

5. 5. The drip chamber of claim 4, wherein the lower chamber body is axially movable relative to the upper chamber body.

6. 5. The drip chamber of claim 4, further comprising a seal assembly configured to sealingly engage the upper chamber body and the lower chamber body.

7. The seal assembly includes:

7. The drip chamber of claim 6, comprising an O-ring disposed between the lower chamber body and the upper chamber body.

8. 8. The drip chamber of claim 7, wherein the lower chamber body defines a seal groove for retaining the O-ring.

9. 9. The drip chamber of claim 8, wherein the upper chamber body defines a radial extension spaced from the inlet, the radial extension configured to engage the seal groove in the expanded configuration to limit movement of the lower chamber body relative to the upper chamber body.

10. The chamber body includes: an upper chamber body defining an upper chamber volume and said inlet; a lower chamber body defining a lower chamber volume and said outlet; Equipped with the lower chamber body is movable relative to the upper chamber body; in the contracted configuration, the upper chamber body is disposed at least partially within the lower chamber volume and adjacent the outlet, the upper chamber volume and a portion of the lower chamber volume collectively defining the first volume between the inlet and the outlet; 2. The drip chamber of claim 1, wherein in the expanded configuration, the lower chamber body is spaced from the inlet and the upper chamber volume and the lower chamber volume collectively define a second volume between the inlet and the outlet.

11. the chamber body comprises an intermediate chamber body defining an intermediate chamber volume; In the contracted configuration, the intermediate chamber body is radially disposed between the upper chamber body and the lower chamber body; 11. The drip chamber of claim 10, wherein in the expanded configuration, the intermediate chamber body is axially disposed between the upper chamber body and the lower chamber body, the upper chamber volume, the intermediate chamber volume, and the lower chamber volume collectively defining the second volume between the inlet and the outlet.

12. 12. The drip chamber of claim 11, wherein the intermediate chamber body is disposed in an inverted configuration in the retracted configuration.

13. 12. The drip chamber of claim 11, wherein the intermediate chamber body is adapted to transform between the contracted configuration and the expanded configuration.

14. 2. The drip chamber of claim 1, wherein the chamber body comprises a contractible portion, in the contracted configuration, the contractible portion defines a reduced radius, and in the expanded configuration, the contractible portion defines an expanded radius.

15. 15. The drip chamber of claim 14, further comprising a lever operably coupled to the collapsible portion, the lever being movable to configure the collapsible portion between the contracted radius and the expanded radius.

16. 15. The drip chamber of claim 14, wherein the collapsible portion comprises a biasing member for expanding the collapsible portion from the reduced radius to the expanded radius.

17. 1. A method of priming a drip chamber, comprising: expanding the chamber body from a first volume to a second volume; drawing a medical fluid into the chamber body during the expanding step; A method comprising:

18. 20. The method of claim 17, further comprising moving a lower chamber body from a contracted configuration disposed at least partially within an upper chamber body and adjacent an inlet of the upper chamber body to an expanded configuration spaced from the inlet, wherein a lower chamber volume defines a first volume in the contracted configuration and the upper chamber volume and the lower chamber volume define a second volume in the expanded configuration.

19. 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising moving a lower chamber body from a contracted configuration in which an upper chamber body is at least partially disposed within the lower chamber body and adjacent an outlet of the lower chamber body to an expanded configuration in which the lower chamber body is spaced away from an inlet of the upper chamber body, wherein an upper chamber volume and a portion of a lower chamber volume collectively define the first volume in the contracted configuration, and the upper chamber volume and the lower chamber volume collectively define the second volume in the expanded configuration.

20. 20. The method of claim 17, further comprising expanding a radius of a collapsible portion of the chamber body to expand the chamber body from the first volume to the second volume.

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