Expandable drip chamber

Abstract

A drip chamber is described herein. The drip chamber includes 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 contracted configuration having a first volume and an expanded configuration having a second volume. The second volume is greater than the first volume, and the chamber body is configured to move from the contracted configuration to the expanded configuration to draw medicinal fluid from the inlet into the chamber volume and prime the drip chamber.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to drip chambers, and more particularly to expandable drip chambers. [Background technology]

[0002] Medical procedures often involve infusing a patient with a medical fluid (e.g., saline or liquid medication) using an intravenous (IV) catheter connected to a source of fluid (e.g., an IV bag) via a flexible tubing and fitting arrangement commonly referred to as an "IV set." Prior to surgery, the components of the IV set can be primed with the medical fluid. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] In some applications, the drip chamber may require repeated manual priming with the medical fluid. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] The disclosed subject matter relates to a drip chamber. In certain embodiments, the drip chamber includes 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 contracted configuration having a first volume and an expanded configuration having a second volume. The second volume is greater than the first volume, and the chamber body is configured to move from the contracted configuration to the expanded configuration to draw medicinal fluid from the inlet into the chamber volume and prime the drip chamber.

[0005] In certain embodiments, a method of priming a drip chamber is disclosed that includes expanding a chamber body from a first volume to a second volume and drawing a medicinal fluid into the chamber body during the expanding the chamber body step.

[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 various configurations of the subject technology have been shown and described. As will be understood, the subject technology is capable of other different configurations, and its several details can be modified in other various respects, all 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 included to provide a further understanding, and which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate disclosed embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a drip chamber in a retracted configuration, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the drip chamber of FIG. 1 in an expanded configuration, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the drip chamber of FIG. 1 in an expanded configuration, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a detailed view of a seal assembly of the drip chamber of FIG. 3 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a front view of a drip chamber in a retracted configuration, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front view of the drip chamber of FIG. 5 in an expanded configuration, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a front view of the drip chamber of FIG. 6 in a primed configuration according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a front view of a drip chamber in a retracted configuration, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the drip chamber of FIG. 8 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 9 is a front view of the drip chamber of FIG. 8 in an expanded configuration, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the drip chamber of FIG. 10 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The disclosed drip chamber incorporates an expandable chamber to allow the drip chamber to be primed in a single motion. Priming the drip chamber in a single motion can avoid repetitive manual steps.

[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 configurations in which the subject technology may be practiced. 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 can be practiced without these specific details. In some cases, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject technology. For ease of understanding, similar components are labeled with the same reference numerals. The reference numerals may have a letter suffix added to indicate separate instances of common elements, but are generally referred to by the same number without the suffix.

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

[0012] The disclosed drip chamber overcomes several challenges found with certain conventional drip chambers. One challenge with certain conventional drip chambers is that they may require repetitive manual steps to draw in enough medicinal fluid to prime the drip chamber. Additionally, certain conventional drip chambers may take up excessive storage space. Because repetitive manual steps can be tiring for clinicians and because it is desirable to minimize storage space, the use of conventional drip chambers is undesirable.

[0013] Therefore, in accordance with the present disclosure, it would be advantageous to provide a drip chamber as described herein that allows for priming in a single action and storage in a compact configuration. The disclosed drip chamber provides an expandable chamber body that allows for single action priming and compact storage.

[0014] Described herein are examples of drip chambers that allow for single action priming and compact storage.

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

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

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

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

[0019] As described herein, 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 drip chamber 100 and effectively drawing in medicinal fluid to prime drip chamber 100.

[0020] In the illustrated example, the chamber body 108 can be formed from an upper chamber body 110, which defines an upper chamber volume 112, and a lower chamber body 120, which 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, lower chamber body 120 is movable relative to upper chamber body 110. In some embodiments, lower chamber body 120 is axially movable relative to upper chamber body 110. Additionally, upper chamber volume 112 and lower chamber volume 122 can cooperatively define an overall volume of drip chamber 100.

[0022] With reference 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 inward to position the lower chamber body 120 adjacent 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 the spike base 106. Advantageously, the contracted configuration of the drip chamber 100 can minimize or reduce packaging and storage requirements for the drip chamber 100 as compared to a non-contractible drip chamber.

[0023] In the illustrated example, the positioning of lower chamber body 120 relative to upper chamber body 110 may define the volume of drip chamber 100 in the retracted configuration. In the retracted configuration, the reduced or initial volume of drip chamber 100 may be defined by lower chamber volume 122. As shown, in the retracted configuration, inlet channel 103 and outlet 104 of drip chamber 100 are in fluid communication with lower chamber volume 122, which effectively defines the initial or reduced volume of drip chamber 100, not taking into account upper chamber volume 112.

[0024] 2 and 3, the drip chamber 100' can be expanded 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 out of the upper chamber volume 112. As described herein, an 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, allowing 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 of the lower chamber body 120 can be positioned toward the lower edge of the upper chamber body 110. In some embodiments, the upper edge of the lower chamber body 120 is spaced from the spike base 106.

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

[0027] In the illustrated example, as drip chamber 100' expands to a larger volume, the pressure within drip chamber 100' decreases due to the negative displacement. As can be appreciated, the reduced pressure allows drip chamber 100' to draw in medicinal fluid, priming drip chamber 100'. In some embodiments, the difference in volume between the contracted drip chamber 100 and the expanded drip chamber 100' can be equal to the volume of medicinal fluid drawn during the priming process. As can be appreciated, the difference in volume between the contracted drip chamber 100 and the expanded drip chamber 100' can be configured to provide a desired amount of medicinal fluid during the priming process.

[0028] Optionally, the chamber body 108 can be formed from a resilient material to allow the chamber body 108 to be squeezed or compressed to draw in medical fluid for additional priming of the IV system.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a detailed view of the seal assembly 130 of the drip chamber 100 of FIG. 3 in accordance with 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 a contracted position, the seal assembly 130 can prevent fluid communication between the upper chamber volume 112 and the lower chamber volume 122. In an expanded position, the seal assembly 130 can prevent the medicinal fluid 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 retained by a seal groove 134. The seal groove 134 can be formed in an upper edge of the lower chamber body 120. The seal groove 134 can define a guide groove that allows the O-ring 132 to be seated therein.

[0031] Optionally, the upper chamber body 110 includes a radial extension 136 to retain the lower chamber body 120 within the upper chamber volume 112. In the illustrated example, the radial extension 136 can limit movement of the lower chamber body 120 to prevent the lower chamber body 120 from being removed from the upper chamber body 110. In some embodiments, the radial extension 136 can extend radially inward to engage a seal groove 134 in the lower chamber body 120. Engagement of the seal groove 134 with the radial extension 136 can prevent excessive movement of the lower chamber body 120.

[0032] FIGURE 5 is a front view of drip chamber 200 in a contracted configuration, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIGURE 6 is a front view of drip chamber 200' of FIGURE 5 in an expanded configuration, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIGURE 7 is a front view of drip chamber 200' of FIGURE 6 in a primed configuration, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. With reference to FIGURES 5-7, drip chamber 200 is a one-piece drip chamber that allows for priming in a single motion.

[0033] As described herein, 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), creating a vacuum within drip chamber 200 and effectively drawing in medicinal fluid to prime 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, lower chamber body 220 is slidable / movable relative to upper chamber body 210. In some embodiments, lower chamber body 220 is axially movable relative to upper chamber body 210. In some embodiments, middle chamber body 230 can deform or invert to allow lower chamber body 220 to move relative to upper chamber body 210. Additionally, upper chamber volume 212, lower chamber volume 222, and middle chamber volume 232 can cooperatively define an overall volume of drip chamber 200.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 5, the drip chamber 200 is shown in an initial or retracted 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 inward to position the lower chamber body 220 adjacent the inlet, allowing fluid communication between the inlet, the upper chamber volume 212, and a portion of the lower chamber volume 222. As illustrated, in the retracted 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 the spike base 206. As illustrated, the intermediate chamber body 230 is folded or inverted to allow the lower chamber body 220 to be moved to the retracted position. Advantageously, the retracted configuration of the drip chamber 200 can minimize packaging and storage requirements for the drip chamber 200.

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

[0038] 6 and 7, the drip chamber 200' can be expanded to an increased volume to prime the drip chamber 200'. 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'.

[0039] In the illustrated example, the lower chamber body 220 is generally moved away from the upper chamber body 210. As illustrated, as the lower chamber body 220 moves downward or away from the upper chamber body 210, the intermediate chamber body 230 can be deployed, returned, or otherwise exposed, defining the intermediate chamber volume 232. In some applications, the lower chamber body 220 moves outward to move the lower chamber body 220 away from the inlet and allow fluid communication between the inlet, the upper chamber volume 212, the intermediate chamber volume 232, and the lower chamber volume 222. As illustrated, 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 top edge of the lower chamber body 220 is spaced away from the spike base 206.

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

[0041] In the illustrated example, as drip chamber 200' expands to a larger volume, the pressure within drip chamber 200' decreases due to the negative displacement. As can be appreciated, the reduced pressure allows drip chamber 200' to draw in medicinal fluid, priming drip chamber 200'. In some embodiments, the difference in volume between the contracted drip chamber 200 and the expanded drip chamber 200' can be equal to the volume of medicinal fluid drawn during the priming process. As can be appreciated, the difference in volume between the contracted drip chamber 200 and the expanded drip chamber 200' can be configured to provide a desired amount of medicinal fluid during the priming process.

[0042] FIGURE 8 is a front view of drip chamber 300 in a contracted configuration according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIGURE 9 is a perspective view of drip chamber 300 of FIGURE 8 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIGURE 10 is a front view of drip chamber 300' of FIGURE 8 in an expanded configuration according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIGURE 11 is a perspective view of drip chamber 300' of FIGURE 10 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. With reference to FIGURES 8-11, drip chamber 300 is a radially expanding drip chamber that allows for priming in a single motion.

[0043] As described herein, 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 drip chamber 300 and effectively drawing in medicinal fluid to prime drip chamber 300.

[0044] In the illustrated example, the chamber body 308 can include a contractible portion 342. The contractible portion 342 can radially expand or contract to adjust the volume of the chamber volume 310. In some embodiments, the contractible portion 342 is operably coupled to a lever 340. Moving the lever 340 can move the contractible portion 342 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] 8 and 9, drip chamber 300 is shown in an initial or contracted configuration. In the illustrated example, contractible portion 342 has a reduced radius. In some embodiments, contractible portion 342 is pressed into a compressed configuration. In some embodiments, contractible portion 342 includes overlapping material that is locked in the compressed configuration. Optionally, lever 340 can be locked to contractible portion 342 in the compressed configuration to control the radius of contractible portion 342. As can be appreciated, the radius of contractible portion 342 can define the volume of chamber volume 310. In the contracted configuration, the reduced or initial volume of drip chamber 300 can be affected by the radius of contractible portion 342. Optionally, contractible portion 342 is formed from one or more shape memory materials.

[0046] 8 and 9, drip chamber 300' can be expanded to an increased volume to prime drip chamber 300'. In the illustrated example, contractible portion 342 has an expanded radius. In the expanded configuration, the expanded volume of drip chamber 300 can be affected by the radius of contractible portion 342. Optionally, the expansion of drip chamber 300' can be spring loaded or biased. For example, upon triggering lever 340, contractible portion 342 can be biased or urged to expand to a larger radius or volume. In some embodiments, lever 340 can include a notch or other protrusion that controls the release or unlocking of contractible portion 342. By triggering lever 340, the notch or protrusion can align with a slot or structure in contractible portion 342 to allow contractible portion 342 to expand from a compressed configuration to an expanded configuration.

[0047] In the illustrated example, as drip chamber 300' expands to a larger volume, the pressure within drip chamber 300' decreases due to the negative displacement. As can be appreciated, the reduced pressure allows drip chamber 300' to draw in medicinal fluid, priming drip chamber 300'. In some embodiments, the difference in volume between the retracted drip chamber 300 and the expanded drip chamber 300' can be equal to the volume of medicinal fluid drawn during the priming process. As can be appreciated, the difference in volume between the retracted drip chamber 300 and the expanded drip chamber 300' can be configured to provide a desired amount of medicinal fluid during the priming process.

[0048] 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. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects.

[0049] Reference to a singular element does not mean "one and only one" unless otherwise specified, but rather "one or more." The term "several" refers to one or more, unless otherwise specified. Masculine pronouns (e.g., his) include feminine and neuter pronouns (e.g., her and its), and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0050] 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, various alternative configurations and operations described herein can be regarded as at least equivalent.

[0051] The use of a phrase such as "aspect" does not imply that such aspect is essential to the subject technology or that such aspect applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosure regarding an aspect may apply to all configurations, or to one or more configurations. An aspect may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as an aspect may refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa. A phrase such as "embodiment" does not imply that such embodiment is essential to the subject technology or that such embodiment applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosure regarding an embodiment may apply to all embodiments, or to one or more embodiments. An embodiment may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as an embodiment may refer to one or more embodiments, and vice versa. A phrase such as "configuration" does not imply that such configuration is essential to the subject technology or that such configuration applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosure regarding a configuration may apply to all configurations, or to one or more configurations. An embodiment may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as an embodiment may refer to one or more configurations, and vice versa.

[0052] In one aspect, unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, locations, dimensions, sizes, and other specifications set forth herein, including the following claims, are approximate and not exact, and in one aspect, they are intended to have a reasonable range consistent with the function to which they relate and that which is customary in the art to which they pertain.

[0053] In one aspect, the term "coupled" or the like may refer to being directly coupled. In another aspect, the term "coupled" or the like may refer to being indirectly coupled.

[0054] For example, terms such as "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", etc., as used in this disclosure, should be understood to refer to any coordinate system, rather than the typical gravitational coordinate system. Thus, upper, lower, front, and rear surfaces can extend upward, downward, diagonally, or horizontally in the gravitational coordinate system.

[0055] Various items may be arranged in different ways (e.g., placed in a different order or divided in a different manner) without all departing from the scope of the subject technology. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various embodiments described throughout this disclosure that are known or that later become known to those of skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be made available to the public, regardless of whether such disclosure is expressly set forth in the claims. A claim element is not to be construed under the provisions of 35 USC § 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase "means for" or, in the case of a method claim, using the phrase "step for." Moreover, to the extent that terms such as "include," "have," and the like are used, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to "comprise" when "comprise" is interpreted when employed as a transitional term in the claims.

[0056] The title, background, summary, brief description of the drawings, and abstract of the present disclosure are incorporated into this disclosure and are provided as illustrative examples of the present disclosure, not as a limiting description. They are submitted with the understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. It will also be seen that in the detailed description, the description provides illustrative examples, and various configurations are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of simplifying the disclosure. This method of disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more configurations than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, the subject matter of the present invention lies in less than all configurations of a single disclosed configuration or operation. The following claims are incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as separately claimed subject matter.

[0057] The claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments described herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the claims language, including all legal equivalents. Nonetheless, no claim is intended, and should be construed, to cover subject matter that does not comply with the requirements of 35 USC §§ 101, 102, or 103.

Claims

1. A drip chamber comprising: 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 medical fluid from the inlet into the chamber volume and prime the drip chamber; In the drip chamber comprising: 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; 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.

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. 10. The drip chamber of claim 1, wherein the lower chamber body is axially movable relative to the upper chamber body.

5. 10. The drip chamber of claim 1, further comprising a seal assembly configured to sealingly engage the upper chamber body and the lower chamber body.

6. The seal assembly includes:

6. The drip chamber of claim 5, comprising an O-ring disposed between the lower chamber body and the upper chamber body.

7. 7. The drip chamber of claim 6, wherein the lower chamber body defines a seal groove for retaining the O-ring.

8. 8. The drip chamber of claim 7, 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.

9. A method of priming a drip chamber, the drip chamber comprising: a chamber body, the chamber body comprising: an upper chamber body defining an upper chamber volume and an inlet to said drip chamber; a lower chamber body defining a lower chamber volume and an outlet of said drip chamber; The method comprising: expanding the chamber body from a first volume to a second volume; moving the lower chamber body from a contracted configuration disposed at least partially within the upper chamber body and adjacent an inlet of the upper chamber body to an expanded configuration spaced from the inlet, the lower chamber volume defining a first volume in the contracted configuration and the upper chamber volume and the lower chamber volume defining a second volume in an expanded configuration; drawing a medical fluid into the chamber body during the expanding step; A method comprising:

10. A drip chamber comprising: 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 medical fluid from the inlet into the chamber volume and prime the drip chamber; The drip chamber comprising: 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; 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. 1. A method of priming a drip chamber, the drip chamber comprising: an upper chamber body defining an upper chamber volume and an inlet to said drip chamber; a lower chamber body defining a lower chamber volume and an outlet of said drip chamber; The method comprising: expanding the chamber body from a first volume to a second volume; moving the lower chamber body from a contracted configuration in which the upper chamber body is at least partially disposed within the lower chamber body and the upper chamber body is adjacent an outlet of the lower chamber body to an expanded configuration in which the lower chamber body is spaced apart from an inlet of the upper chamber body, wherein the upper chamber volume and a portion of the 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; drawing a medical fluid into the chamber body during the expanding step; A method comprising:

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