Roller clamp control mechanism

Abstract

A roller clamp control mechanism is provided that adapts to a roller clamp, controls the position of the roller clamp, and adjusts the flow rate of fluid in the connecting tube of an infusion set. The mechanism may include a roller clamp, a roller wheel, a control unit, a rotating bearing, a main body fixture, and a linear drive, and controls the position of the roller wheel on the connecting tube. Various assemblies of the roller clamp control mechanism are shown and described, all of which allow the clamp pressure on the connecting tube to be changed using the control unit. Furthermore, a method for adjusting the infusion set and the fluid flow rate is also provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a flow control device for a gravity intravenous (IV) set or an infusion pump, and particularly to a high-precision roller clamp control mechanism.

Background Art

[0002] Flow controllers in the form of roller clamps are used in the medical field for intravenous (IV) applications. A typical roller clamp controls the flow rate through the tube by clamping the IV tube between a roller wheel and a housing. This approach has a limited flow control range because the roller wheel is inherently too sensitive in that a slight movement or dimensional change of the roller wheel causes a large change in the flow rate of the fluid through the tube. Thus, the relatively coarse flow rate changes provided by typical roller clamps make it difficult to provide precise flow control.

[0003] Also, typical roller clamps have a flow rate drift problem based on the slipping of the roller wheel, such as when the fluid pressure in the tube causes the roller wheel to retreat from the adjusted position. Further, typical roller clamps are sized to fit specific IV set tube dimensions and require different sizes of roller clamps for use with various IV set tube dimensions.

[0004] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a high-precision roller wheel assembly that can accommodate multiple IV tube sizes, provide rapid coarse flow rate adjustment and fine flow rate adjustment, eliminate or minimize roller wheel slippage, and be a machine controlled by a control unit in a gravity IV set.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] One or more embodiments provide a roller clamp control mechanism assembly. The roller clamp assembly includes a housing configured to receive a portion of the connecting tubing of an infusion set. The housing may include two opposing side walls spaced apart from each other, each side wall having opposing guide grooves arranged longitudinally on its inner surface; a guide wall positioned between the side walls, the guide wall narrowing along its longitudinal direction toward the position of the guide grooves; a roller wheel having two axial projections slidably mounted in the guide grooves, the roller configured to move along the longitudinal axis of the housing as the projections slide within the guide grooves, the distance between the guide wall and the roller wheel decreasing along the longitudinal direction of the guide wall; and a roller clamp control mechanism adapted to the roller clamp to control the position of the roller clamp.

[0006] In some embodiments, the roller clamp control mechanism may include a control unit, two rotary bearings fixed to the housing of the control unit, and a main fixture mounted on the roller clamp and located within the control unit and connected to a linear drive. In some embodiments, the roller clamp is located within the housing of the control unit such that the roller wheel is between the two rotary bearings, and when the linear drive is actuated, the main fixture is driven forward or backward while the roller wheel remains stationary relative to the control unit, thereby changing the clamping pressure on the connecting tube. In some embodiments, the main fixture may be attached to the roller clamp body by mechanical interlocks or surface friction. In some embodiments, the roller wheel sliding in a direction that reduces the gap between the guide wall and the roller wheel is configured to press the roller wheel against the connecting tube to a gradually increasing degree, thereby reducing the flow rate of fluid through the connecting tube.

[0007] In some embodiments, the roller clamp control mechanism includes a control unit and two rotating bearings fixed within a bearing housing. In some embodiments, the bearing housing is connected to a linear drive, and when the linear drive is actuated, the bearing housing moves back and forth as desired, thereby adjusting the position of the roller wheel on the connecting tube. In some embodiments, the body fixture may be attached to the roller clamp body by mechanical interlocks or surface friction. In some embodiments, the roller wheel is pressed against the connecting tube by sliding in a direction that reduces the gap between the guide wall and the roller wheel, thereby increasing the pressure of the roller wheel against the connecting tube, and the flow rate of fluid through the connecting tube is reduced as a result of the increasing pressure of the roller wheel against the connecting tube.

[0008] In some embodiments, the roller clamp control mechanism includes two rotary bearings, each fixed within a bearing arm, which pivot about a fixed axis of the bearing arm, and a bearing clearance path for the rotary bearings to slide. In some embodiments, the bearing clearance path allows the bearing arm of each rotary bearing to rotate inward but not outward. In some embodiments, the roller clamp assembly is capable of sliding on a roller wheel and adjusting the position of the roller wheel. In some embodiments, the roller wheel is configured to slide in a direction that reduces the gap between the guide wall and the roller wheel, thereby pressing the roller wheel against the connecting tube to a gradually increasing degree, and the increasing pressure of the roller wheel against the connecting tube reduces the flow rate of fluid through the connecting tube.

[0009] One or more embodiments provide a gravity-feed infusion set. The infusion set may include a puncture spike, a drip chamber, a connecting tube, a fitting, and a roller clamp assembly. The roller clamp assembly may include a housing configured to receive a portion of the connecting tube of the infusion set. The housing includes two opposing side walls spaced apart from each other, each side wall having opposing guide grooves arranged longitudinally on its inner surface, and a guide wall positioned between the side walls, the guide wall narrowing along its longitudinal direction toward the position of the guide groove. The roller clamp assembly also includes a roller wheel having two axial projections slidably mounted in the guide groove, the roller being configured to move along the longitudinal axis of the housing so that the projections slide within the guide groove, and the distance between the guide wall and the roller wheel decreasing along the longitudinal direction of the guide wall. The gravity-feed infusion set may include a roller clamp control mechanism adapted to the roller clamp to control the position of the roller clamp.

[0010] One or more embodiments provide a method for adjusting the flow rate of a fluid through a connecting tube connected to a fluid source. The method includes the steps of inserting the connecting tube through a housing of a roller clamp assembly having a roller wheel and a roller clamp control mechanism, and controlling the roller clamp control mechanism using a control unit to compress the connecting tube by pressing to generate an adjustment that causes a change in the flow rate of the fluid through the connecting tube.

[0011] The aforementioned features, aspects, and advantages of the embodiments of this disclosure, as well as other features, aspects, and advantages, will become further apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0012] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of this disclosure, are incorporated into and constitute part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of this disclosure, and, together with the description, illustrate the principles of this disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1A] This is a perspective view of an example of an infusion set with a typical roller clamp. [Figure 1B] This is a perspective view of an example of an infusion set having a roller clamp control mechanism according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of an example of a roller clamp according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a side view of a high-precision roller clamp control mechanism. [Figure 4] This is a side view of a high-precision roller clamp control mechanism. [Figure 5] This is a side view of a high-precision roller clamp control mechanism. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the high-precision roller clamp control mechanism. [Figure 7] Figure 5 is a front view of the high-precision roller clamp control mechanism. [Figure 8] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the high-precision roller clamp control mechanism. [Figure 9] Figure 5 is a side view of the high-precision roller clamp control mechanism. [Figure 10] Figure 5 is a side view of the high-precision roller clamp control mechanism. [Figure 11] Figure 5 is a side view of the high-precision roller clamp control mechanism. [Figure 12] Figure 5 is a side view of the high-precision roller clamp control mechanism. [Figure 13] Figure 5 is a side view of the high-precision roller clamp control mechanism. [Figure 14] Figure 5 is a side view of the high-precision roller clamp control mechanism. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] The following detailed description is to explain various configurations of the subject technology and is not intended to show the only configuration by which the subject technology can be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details to provide a thorough understanding of the subject technology. Thus, dimensions are provided with respect to specific embodiments as non-limiting examples. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject technology can be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form so as not to obscure the concepts of the subject technology.

[0015] It should be understood that this disclosure includes examples of the subject technology and is not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. Various aspects of the subject technology are disclosed below according to specific but non-limiting examples. The various embodiments described in this disclosure may be implemented in different ways and variations according to the desired application or implementation.

[0016] This disclosure relates to a roller clamp, and particularly to a mechanically controllable roller clamp control mechanism for use with a roller clamp in a gravity IV set. The roller clamp adjusts the flow rate of a medical fluid (e.g., a solution of a drug to be administered to a patient or blood) flowing through a tube. A standard infusion set may be used to inject the fluid. An example of a standard infusion set is shown in FIG. 1A.

[0017] The infusion set may include a piercing spike 20, which may be a sharp spike for piercing a rubber stopper or a rounded blunt spike for insertion into a bag. The spike contains one flow path for the fluid and optionally a second flow path for ventilation. A vent hole 21 may be present near the piercing spike to allow air to flow into the drip chamber 22. A bacteria filter may be provided in the vent hole 21 to prevent bacteria from entering the device.

[0018] The dropping chamber 22 has a dropping generator 23 for generating droplets of a certain size at the upper part of the dropping chamber 22. The droplets from the dropping generator 23 fall into the dropping chamber 22, and the dropping chamber 22 is partially filled with liquid. This prevents air bubbles harmful to the patient from entering the connection tube 24. The particle filter may be provided at the lower opening of the dropping chamber 22.

[0019] In some embodiments, the connection tube 24 connects the dropping chamber 22 to the patient. The connection tube 24 may be about 150 cm in length and may be manufactured from PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride). The tube 24 is shown shortened in FIG. 1A for clarity. The connection tube 24 typically has a continuous diameter throughout the length of the tube.

[0020] At the end of the connection tube 24 there is a luer fitting 25, which is standardized for connection to all other parts of the device having a standard luer cone. Those skilled in the art will understand that the luer fitting 25 can be attached to a hypodermic needle (not shown) for injecting a medical fluid into the patient's circulatory system (e.g., vein). Engaging the connection tube 24 between the dropping chamber 22 and the luer fitting 25 is a roller clamp 26.

[0021] The roller clamp mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be used with the gravity IV infusion set shown in FIG. 1B. In some embodiments, the standard infusion set includes the dropping chamber 22, the roller clamp 26, and the connection tube 24 as described above, and a control unit 27. The control unit 27 may control the roller clamp according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0022] A non-limiting example of the roller clamp assembly 26 is shown in Figure 2 and may be used in conjunction with the roller clamp control mechanism described herein. The roller clamp assembly 26 may have two opposing side walls 44 and 45 having a pair of guide grooves 41 that are aligned with and facing each other. The flow rate adjustment roller 28 may be provided with axial projection shafts 42 that protrude from the center of each side of the roller 28. The projection shafts 42 of the roller 28 are captured and mounted in the guide grooves 41, and the roller 28 can move up and down within the guide grooves 41.

[0023] In some embodiments, the roller clamp 26 as a whole has four walls (see Figure 2) of a box-like structure with open ends, and is sized and configured to receive a connecting tube. When in use, the tube 24 passes through the roller clamp 26 and between two opposing side walls 44 and 45, the roller 28 and the guide wall 31 opposite the roller 28.

[0024] In some embodiments, the surface of the guide wall 31 in the roller clamp 26 may narrow along its longitudinal direction toward the guide groove 30 toward the position of the guide groove 42. This causes the connecting tube 24 to be pressed toward the guide groove 30, i.e. toward the roller 28, within the roller clamp 26.

[0025] Therefore, the roller 28 is pressed against the connecting tube 24 by rolling it downward along the guide groove 30 in the direction of the guide wall 31, which is gradually approaching in the direction of the arrow. When the roller 28 presses against the tube 24, the tube 24 is compressed because it is made of a flexible material such as PVC, and thus the lumen of the infusion tube 24 becomes smaller. In this way, the flow rate of the fluid passing through the connecting tube 24 can be adjusted by narrowing the lumen.

[0026] Therefore, the roller clamp 26 controls the flow rate through the infusion tube 24 by clamping the tube 24 between the roller 28 and the guide wall 31. As mentioned above, even slight movement of the roller 28 causes a large change in the flow rate of the fluid through the tube 24, thus resulting in flow rate changes. For example, if the roller 28 is in a wide-open position that does not press against the tube 24, the fluid flow rate may be around 2,000 ml to 8,000 ml per hour (ml / hour). Since the maximum flow rate for counting drops may be 250 ml per hour, this flow rate may be too fast to count drops in the drop chamber (e.g., drop chamber 22).

[0027] Furthermore, the force of the fluid inside the tube 24 exerts a biasing force on the roller 28, which often causes the roller 28 to slip from its adjustment position (for example, to retract). In addition, since the roller 28 needs to be sized to match the dimensions of the tube 24, if tubes of different sizes (e.g., diameter) are used, rollers of different sizes must also be used.

[0028] Referring to Figures 3 to 14, an example of a roller clamp assembly control mechanism is shown, which enables precise control of the roller clamp 26 by the control unit 27.

[0029] The roller clamp control mechanism assembly 300 shown in Figure 3 may have a main body fixture 302 having two opposing side walls, and the roller clamp 26 may be mounted within the main body fixture. In some embodiments, the roller clamp 26 includes a roller wheel 301. In some embodiments, two rotary bearings 304 and 305 may be fixed to the housing of the control unit (the control unit 27 is not shown in Figure 3 for simplicity). In some embodiments, the rotary bearings 304 and 305 have smooth surfaces. In some embodiments, the rotary bearings 304 and 305 may have gear patterns on their surfaces and interlock with gear patterns on the roller wheel 301. In some embodiments, the main body fixture 302 is mounted to the roller clamp and located within the control unit 27 connected to a linear drive 306 by a spring pin 307. The roller clamp 26 may be located within the housing of the control unit 27 such that the roller wheel 301 is between the two rotary bearings 304 and 305. In some embodiments, when the linear drive 306 is activated, the main body fixture 302 is driven forward or backward, while the roller wheel 301 remains stationary relative to the control unit 27, thereby changing the clamping pressure on the connecting tube 303. This change in clamping pressure closes or opens the flow. Thus, the roller clamp control mechanism assembly 300 controlled by the control unit 27 effectively restricts the flow through the connecting tube 303 to a desired flow rate.

[0030] In some embodiments, the main body fixing device 302 is attached to the roller clamp 26 by mechanical interlocks or surface friction (for example, rubber pads that securely grip and prevent slippage of the roller body housing under sufficient spring preload).

[0031] When the roller wheel 301 moves to the fully engaged position, the fluid flow rate may be rapidly adjusted by the control unit 27 to a completely blocked flow rate of 0 ml / hour (e.g., rapid blockage) or any other desired flow rate from 250 ml / hour to 0 ml / hour (e.g., 50 ml / hour, 125 ml / hour). Thus, the roller wheel 301 may be configured substantially as a binary flow switch (e.g., an on / off switch), in which the flow rate can be adjusted, for example, to a widely open flow rate, to a specific flow rate such as 250 ml / hour, or to a completely blocked flow rate of 0 ml / hour.

[0032] The roller clamp control mechanism assembly 400 shown in Figure 4 may have a main body fixture 402 having two opposing side walls, and the roller clamp 26 may be mounted within the main body fixture 402. In some embodiments, the roller clamp 26 includes a roller wheel 401. In some embodiments, two rotary bearings 404 and 405 are fixed within a bearing housing 406, which is connected to a linear drive. In some embodiments, the rotary bearings 404 and 405 have smooth surfaces. In some embodiments, the rotary bearings 404 and 405 may have gear patterns on their surfaces and interlock with gear patterns on the surface of the roller wheel 401. In some embodiments, the roller clamp 402 is fixed and held to a control unit 27 (not shown in Figure 4 for brevity) by mechanical interlock or surface friction (e.g., rubber pads that securely grip and prevent slippage of the roller body housing under sufficient spring preload). When the linear drive is actuated, the bearing housing 406 moves back and forth as desired, thereby adjusting the position of the roller wheel 401 on the connecting tube 403. This change in clamp pressure causes the flow to be closed or opened. Thus, the roller clamp control mechanism assembly 400, controlled by the control unit 27, effectively restricts the flow through the connecting tube 403 to a desired flow rate.

[0033] When the roller wheel 401 moves to the fully engaged position, the fluid flow rate may be rapidly adjusted by the control unit 27 to a completely blocked flow rate of 0 ml / hour (e.g., rapid blockage) or any other desired flow rate from 250 ml / hour to 0 ml / hour (e.g., 50 ml / hour, 125 ml / hour). Thus, the roller wheel 401 may be configured substantially as a binary flow switch (e.g., an on / off switch), in which the flow rate can be adjusted, for example, to a widely open flow rate, to a specific flow rate such as 250 ml / hour, or to a completely blocked flow rate of 0 ml / hour.

[0034] The roller clamp control mechanism assembly 500 shown in Figures 5 to 14 may have a main body fixture 502 having two opposing side walls, and the roller clamp 26 may be mounted within the main body fixture 502. In some embodiments, the roller clamp 26 includes a roller wheel 501. In some embodiments, two rotating bearings 504 and 505 are each fixed within their own bearing arms 507, and the bearing arms can pivot around a bearing arm fixing axis 55808. In some embodiments, the rotating bearings 504 and 505 have smooth surfaces. In some embodiments, the rotating bearings 504 and 505 may have gear patterns on their surfaces and interlock with gear patterns on the surface of the roller wheel 501. In some embodiments, as the bearing arm 507 rotates, the bearings 504 and 505 can slide through a bearing clearance path 509. In some embodiments, the bearing clearance path 509 allows the bearing arm 507 to rotate in one direction (e.g., inward) but not in the opposite direction (e.g., outward). In some embodiments, the entire bearing assembly slides on the roller wheel 501, thereby snapping into position on the roller wheel 501 as shown in Figures 9 to 14. As the bearing assembly slides, the bearing housing 506 moves back and forth as desired, thereby adjusting the position of the roller wheel 501 on the connecting tube. This change in clamp pressure closes or opens the flow. Thus, the roller clamp control mechanism assembly 500, controlled by the control unit 27, effectively restricts the flow through the connecting tube to a desired flow rate.

[0035] When the roller wheel 501 moves to the fully engaged position, the fluid flow rate may be rapidly adjusted by the control unit 27 to a completely blocked flow rate of 0 ml / hour (e.g., rapid blockage) or any other desired flow rate from 250 ml / hour to 0 ml / hour (e.g., 50 ml / hour, 125 ml / hour). Thus, the roller wheel 501 may be configured substantially as a binary flow switch (e.g., an on / off switch), in which the flow rate can be adjusted, for example, to a widely open flow rate, to a specific flow rate such as 250 ml / hour, or to a completely blocked flow rate of 0 ml / hour.

[0036] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for adjusting the flow rate of a fluid through a connecting tube connected to a fluid source. The method may include the steps of inserting the connecting tube through a housing of a roller clamp assembly having a roller wheel and a roller clamp control mechanism adapted to the roller clamp for controlling the position of the roller clamp, and controlling the roller clamp control mechanism using a control unit to compress the connecting tube with the roller wheel to generate an adjustment that causes a change in the flow rate of the fluid through the connecting tube.

[0037] In some embodiments, the roller clamp control mechanism may include a control unit, two rotary bearings fixed to the housing of the control unit, and a body fixture mounted on the roller clamp and located within the control unit and connected to a linear drive. The roller clamp may be located within the housing of the control unit such that the roller wheel is between the two rotary bearings. In some embodiments, when the linear drive is actuated, the body fixture is driven forward or backward, while the roller wheel remains stationary relative to the control unit. This results in a change in the clamp pressure on the connecting tube.

[0038] In some embodiments, the roller clamp control mechanism includes a control unit and two rotary bearings fixed within a bearing housing. In some embodiments, the bearing housing is connected to a linear drive, and when the linear drive is actuated, the bearing housing moves back and forth as desired, thereby adjusting the position of the roller wheel on the connecting tube.

[0039] In some embodiments, the roller clamp control mechanism includes two rotating bearings, each fixed within a bearing arm, which pivot about a fixed axis of the bearing arm, and a bearing clearance path for the rotating bearings to slide. In some embodiments, the bearing clearance path allows the bearing arm of each rotating bearing to rotate inward but not outward. The roller clamp assembly can then slide over the roller wheel, allowing for adjustment of the roller wheel's position.

[0040] Any particular order or hierarchy of blocks in the disclosed method or process is understood to be an example of an exemplary technique. Based on design or implementation preferences, any particular order or hierarchy of blocks in the process may be rearranged, and all illustrated blocks may be executed. In some implementations, any blocks may be executed simultaneously.

[0041] This disclosure is provided so that any person skilled in the art can practice the various embodiments described herein. This disclosure provides various examples of the subject art, but the subject art is not limited to these examples. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may also apply to other embodiments.

[0042] References to singular elements mean "one or more" unless otherwise specified, and not "one and only one." Unless otherwise specified, 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, where present, are for convenience only and do not limit the invention.

[0043] The term "exemplary" is used here to mean "serving as an example or illustration." Any embodiment or design described herein as "exemplary" should not necessarily be interpreted as being preferable or advantageous to other embodiments or designs. In one embodiment, the various alternative configurations and operations described herein may be considered at least equivalent.

[0044] As used here, the term "or" is used to separate each item, and the phrase "at least one of" placed before a series of items modifies the entire list, not each individual item in the list. The phrase "at least one" does not require the selection of at least one item, but rather allows for the inclusion of at least one of any items 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, and C" may refer to A only, B only, or C only, or to any combination of A, B, and C.

[0045] For example, a phrase such as "aspect" does not mean that the aspect is essential to the subject art, or that the aspect applies to all configurations of the subject art. Disclosures relating to aspects may apply to all configurations or one or more configurations. An aspect may provide one or more examples. For example, a phrase such as "aspect" may refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa. For example, a phrase such as "embodiment" does not mean that the embodiment is essential to the subject art, or that the embodiment applies to all configurations of the subject art. Disclosures relating to embodiments may apply to all embodiments or one or more embodiments. An embodiment may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as "embodiment" may refer to one or more embodiments, and vice versa. For example, a phrase such as "configuration" does not mean that the configuration is essential to the subject art, or that the configuration applies to all configurations of the subject art. Disclosures relating to configurations may apply to all configurations or one or more configurations. A configuration may provide one or more examples. The term "composition" can refer to one or more compositions, and vice versa.

[0046] In one embodiment, unless otherwise specified, all measurements, numerical values, ratings, locations, strengths, sizes, and other specifications described herein, including the claims set forth below, are approximate and not precise. In one embodiment, they are intended to have a reasonable range that is consistent with the functions to which they relate and with those that are customary in the art to which they belong.

[0047] The specific sequence or hierarchy of steps, operations, or processes disclosed is understood to be an example of an exemplary method. Based on design preferences, the specific sequence or hierarchy of steps, operations, or processes may be rearranged. Some steps, operations, or processes may be performed simultaneously. Some or all steps, operations, or processes may be performed automatically without user intervention. Where applicable, appended method claims present elements of various steps, operations, or processes in an exemplary sequence and do not imply that they are limited to the specific sequence or hierarchy presented.

[0048] All structural and functional equivalents to the various aspects of the elements described herein, known or hereafter known to those skilled in the art, are expressly incorporated by reference and intended to be included in the claims. Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be attributed to the public, whether or not this disclosure is expressly included in the claims. No element of the claims shall be construed under Section 112(f) of the U.S. Patent Act unless the element is expressly described using the phrase “means for” or, in a method claim, uses the phrase “step for.” Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “include,” “have,” or similar terms are used, the terms are intended to be inclusive, as the term “comprise” is construed when used as a transitional term in a claim.

[0049] The “Title of the Invention,” “Background Art,” “Summary of the Invention,” “Brief Description of the Drawings,” and “Abstract” of this Disclosure are incorporated into this Disclosure and provided as illustrated examples of this Disclosure, and are not intended to provide an exclusive description. They are submitted with the understanding that they are not used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, in the “Modes for Carrying Out the Invention,” it is found that the description provides illustrated examples and various features are grouped into various embodiments for the purpose of simplifying the disclosure. This method of disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the subject matter described in the claims requires more features than those explicitly stated in each claim. Rather, as the following claims demonstrate, the subject matter of the invention consists of fewer features than all the features of a single disclosed configuration or operation. The following claims are incorporated here into the “Modes for Carrying Out the Invention,” and each claim stands independently as the subject matter described in the claims.

[0050] The claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments described herein, but are given the full scope consistent with the language of the claims and to encompass all legal equivalents. However, no claim is intended, nor should it be construed, to encompass subject matter that does not meet the requirements of Sections 101, 102, or 103 of the U.S. Patent Act.

Claims

1. The housing is configured to receive a portion of the connecting tubing of an infusion set, and the housing is Two opposing side walls spaced apart from each other, each side wall having opposing guide grooves arranged longitudinally on its inner surface, A guide wall disposed between the aforementioned side walls, wherein the guide wall narrows along its longitudinal direction toward the position of the guide groove, A roller wheel having two axial projections slidably mounted within the guide groove, wherein the roller is configured to move along the longitudinal axis of the housing as the projections slide within the guide groove, and the distance between the guide wall and the roller wheel decreases along the length of the guide wall. A roller clamp control mechanism adapted to the roller clamp is provided to control the position of the roller clamp, A roller clamp control mechanism assembly, including the roller clamp control mechanism.

2. The roller clamp control mechanism, Control unit and Two rotating bearings fixed to the housing of the control unit, Includes a main body fixing device attached to the roller clamp and located within the control unit connected to the linear drive, The roller clamp is positioned within the housing of the control unit such that the roller wheel is between the two rotating bearings. The roller clamp assembly according to claim 1, wherein when the linear drive is activated, the main body fixing device is driven forward or backward, while the roller wheel remains stationary relative to the control unit, thereby changing the clamp pressure on the connecting tube.

3. The roller clamp assembly according to claim 2, wherein the main body fixing device is attached to the roller clamp body by mechanical interlock or surface friction.

4. The roller clamp assembly according to claim 2, wherein the roller wheel slides in a direction that decreases the distance between the guide wall and the roller wheel, thereby pressing the roller wheel against the connecting tube to an increasingly large extent, and the increased pressure of the roller wheel against the connecting tube reduces the flow rate of the fluid passing through the connecting tube.

5. The roller clamp control mechanism, Control unit and It includes two rotating bearings fixed within the bearing housing, The bearing housing is connected to a linear drive, The roller clamp assembly according to claim 1, wherein when the linear drive is operated, the bearing housing moves back and forth as desired, thereby adjusting the position of the roller wheel on the connecting tube.

6. The roller clamp assembly according to claim 5, wherein the main body fixing device is attached to the roller clamp body by mechanical interlock or surface friction.

7. The roller clamp assembly according to claim 5, wherein the roller wheel slides in a direction that decreases the distance between the guide wall and the roller wheel, thereby pressing the roller wheel against the connecting tube to an increasingly large extent, and the flow rate of the fluid passing through the connecting tube is reduced as the pressure of the roller wheel against the connecting tube increases.

8. The roller clamp control mechanism is Each of the two rotating bearings is fixed within a bearing arm, and the two rotating bearings rotate around the fixed axis of the bearing arm, A bearing clearance path for the aforementioned rotating bearing to slide, Includes, The bearing clearance path allows the bearing arm of each rotating bearing to rotate inward but not outward. The roller clamp assembly according to claim 1, wherein the roller clamp assembly slides on the roller wheel and is capable of adjusting the position of the roller wheel.

9. The roller clamp assembly according to claim 8, wherein the roller wheel slides in a direction that decreases the distance between the guide wall and the roller wheel, thereby pressing the roller wheel against the connecting tube to an increasingly large extent, and the flow rate of the fluid passing through the connecting tube is reduced as the pressure of the roller wheel against the connecting tube increases.

10. A gravity-feed infusion set comprising a puncture spike, a drip chamber, a connecting tube, a fitting, and a roller clamp assembly, wherein the roller clamp assembly is The housing includes a housing configured to receive a portion of the connecting tubing of an infusion set, and the housing is Two opposing side walls spaced apart from each other, each side wall having opposing guide grooves arranged longitudinally on its inner surface, A guide wall disposed between the aforementioned side walls, wherein the guide wall narrows along its longitudinal direction toward the position of the guide groove, A roller wheel having two axial projections slidably mounted within the guide groove, wherein the roller is configured to move along the longitudinal axis of the housing such that the projections slide within the guide groove, and the distance between the guide wall and the roller wheel decreases along the length of the guide wall. A roller clamp control mechanism adapted to the roller clamp is provided to control the position of the roller clamp, A gravity-feed infusion set, including the set itself.

11. A method for adjusting the flow rate of a fluid passing through a connecting tube connected to a fluid source, wherein the method is: The steps include inserting the connecting tube through the housing of a roller clamp assembly having a roller wheel and a roller clamp control mechanism adapted to the roller clamp for controlling the position of the roller clamp, The steps include: controlling the roller clamp control mechanism using a control unit, compressing the connecting tube with the roller wheel, and generating an adjustment that causes a change in the flow rate of the fluid passing through the connecting tube; Methods that include...

12. The roller clamp control mechanism, Control unit and Two rotating bearings fixed to the housing of the control unit, Includes a main body fixing device attached to the roller clamp and located within the control unit connected to the linear drive, The roller clamp is positioned within the housing of the control unit such that the roller wheel is between the two rotating bearings. The method according to claim 11, wherein when the linear drive is activated, the main body fixing device is driven forward or backward, while the roller wheel remains stationary relative to the control unit, thereby changing the clamping pressure on the connecting tube.

13. The roller clamp control mechanism is Control unit and Two rotating bearings fixed inside the bearing housing, Includes, The bearing housing is connected to a linear drive, The method according to claim 11, wherein when the linear drive is operated, the bearing housing moves back and forth as desired, thereby adjusting the position of the roller wheel on the connecting tube.

14. The roller clamp control mechanism is Two rotating bearings, each fixed within a bearing arm, which pivot around the fixed axis of the bearing arm, A bearing clearance path for the aforementioned rotating bearing to slide, Includes, The bearing clearance path allows the bearing arm of each rotating bearing to rotate inward but not outward. The method according to claim 11, wherein the roller clamp assembly is capable of sliding on the roller wheel to adjust the position of the roller wheel.

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