Medical stopcock assembly with position detection

Abstract

A medical stopcock assembly with position detection includes a medical stopcock and a sensor. The medical stopcock includes a main body and a valve body. The valve body defines a valve passage and can be movable relative to the main body between a first position in which a first input port and an output port are in fluid communication through the valve passage, a second position in which a second input port and an output port are in fluid communication through the valve passage, and a third position in which the second input port and the first input port are in fluid communication through the valve passage. An exterior surface of the valve body can include positioning structure. The sensor can be configured to determine whether the valve body is in the first position, the second position, or the third position.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to medical stopcocks and, in some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, to medical stopcock smart valve assemblies that include valve position detection. [Background technology]

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 046,334, filed June 30, 2020, entitled "Medical Stopcock Assembly with Position Detection," the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] A stopcock, such as a three-way stopcock, includes two input ports and one output port. In some configurations, a handle of the stopcock can be manipulated by a medical professional to place the stopcock in three positions, including a position where the first input port is in fluid communication with the output port, a position where the second input port is in fluid communication with the output port, and a position where the first input port is in fluid communication with the second input port. A medical professional can manually update a log that tracks the status of the stopcock handle. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Thus, an improved system, device, product, apparatus and / or method for stopcock position detection is provided.

[0005] According to certain non-limiting embodiments or aspects, there is provided a medical stopcock assembly with position detection, the medical stopcock assembly including a main body and a valve body, the valve body defining a valve passage and movable relative to the main body between a first position in which a first input port and an output port are in fluid communication via the valve passage, a second position in which a second input port and an output port are in fluid communication via the valve passage, and a third position in which the second input port and the first input port are in fluid communication via the valve passage, an exterior surface of the valve body including at least one position structure; and at least one sensor configured to sense the at least one position structure to determine whether the valve body is in the first position, the second position, or the third position.

[0006] According to certain non-limiting embodiments or aspects, a medical stopcock is provided, the medical stopcock including a main body and a valve body, the valve body defining a valve passage and movable between a first position in which a first input port and an output port are in fluid communication through the valve passage, a second position in which a second input port and an output port are in fluid communication through the valve passage, and a third position in which the second input port and the first input port are in fluid communication through the valve passage, and an exterior surface of the valve body including at least one positioning structure.

[0007] Further embodiments or aspects are described in the following numbered paragraphs.

[0008] Item 1. A medical stopcock assembly with position detection, comprising: a main body; a valve body defining a valve passage and movable relative to the main body between a first position in which a first input port and an output port are in fluid communication through the valve passage, a second position in which a second input port and the output port are in fluid communication through the valve passage, and a third position in which the second input port and the first input port are in fluid communication through the valve passage, an exterior surface of the valve body including at least one position structure; and at least one sensor configured to sense the at least one position structure to determine whether the valve body is in the first position, the second position, or the third position.

[0009] Clause 2. A portion of the valve body extends from an upper portion of the main body, the portion of the valve body extending from the upper portion of the main body includes a handle, and the at least one positioning structure includes at least one concave portion of the handle. 1 Medical stopcock assembly.

[0010] Item 3. The medical stopcock assembly of any of items 1 and 2, wherein at least one concave portion of the handle includes a first concave portion and a second concave portion, the first concave portion and the second concave portion being arranged in the same radial plane of the valve body and spaced apart around the circumference of the valve body.

[0011] Item 4. The medical stopcock assembly of any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the first concave portion and the second concave portion are arranged 90 degrees apart around the circumference of the valve body.

[0012] Item 5. The medical stopcock assembly of any of items 1 to 4, wherein the at least one sensor includes a first sensor and a second sensor, and the first sensor and the second sensor are within the same radial plane of the valve body and within the same tangential plane of the valve body.

[0013] Item 6. The medical stopcock assembly of any of items 1 to 5, wherein a first portion of the valve body extends from a top of the main body, the first portion of the valve body extending from the top of the main body including a handle, and a second portion of the valve body extends from a bottom of the main body opposite the top of the main body, the second portion of the valve body including at least one positioning structure, and the at least one positioning structure including at least one concave portion of the valve body.

[0014] Item 7. The medical stopcock assembly of any one of Items 1 to 6, wherein the at least one concave portion includes a first concave portion and a second concave portion, and the first concave portion and the second concave portion are arranged around the circumference of the valve body and spaced apart in the axial direction of the valve body.

[0015] Item 8. The medical stopcock assembly of any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the first concave portion and the second concave portion are arranged 90 degrees apart around the circumference of the valve body.

[0016] Item 9. The at least one sensor includes a first sensor and a second sensor, 2 The sensor is positioned in the same tangent plane of the valve body in the axial direction of the valve body. 1 The medical stopcock assembly according to any one of items 1 to 8, which is disposed above the sensor.

[0017] Item 10. The medical stopcock assembly of any one of items 1 to 9, wherein the at least one concave portion includes a single concave portion.

[0018] Item 11. The medical stopcock assembly of any of items 1 to 10, wherein the at least one sensor includes a first sensor and a second sensor, and the first sensor and the second sensor are arranged in the same radial plane of the valve body and spaced apart around the circumference of the valve body.

[0019] Item 12. The medical stopcock assembly of any one of items 1 to 11, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are positioned in the same radial plane of the valve body and spaced 90 degrees apart around the circumference of the valve body.

[0020] Item 13. The medical stopcock assembly of any of items 1 to 12, wherein a first portion of the valve body extends from a top of the main body, the first portion of the valve body extending from the top of the main body including a handle, a second portion of the valve body extends from a bottom of the main body opposite the top of the main body, an end of the second portion of the valve body opposite the bottom of the main body includes a disk, a surface of the disk facing in a direction opposite to the direction toward the top of the main body includes at least one positioning structure, and the at least one positioning structure includes at least one concave portion of the disk.

[0021] Item 14. The medical stopcock assembly of any one of items 1 to 13, further comprising a circuit board including a surface opposite to the surface of the disk facing in a direction opposite to the direction toward the top of the main body, the surface of the circuit board including at least one sensor.

[0022] Item 15. The medical stopcock assembly of any one of items 1 to 14, wherein the at least one sensor includes a first sensor and a second sensor, and the first sensor and the second sensor are arranged 90 degrees apart on a plane of the circuit board.

[0023] Item 16. The medical stopcock assembly of any of items 1 to 15, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to determine a distance to an exterior surface of the valve body to determine whether the valve body is in a first position, a second position, or a third position.

[0024] Item 17. The medical stopcock assembly of any of items 1 to 6, wherein the at least one sensor includes at least one of a proximity detector, an image sensor, a TOF sensor, or any combination thereof.

[0025] Item 18. The medical stopcock assembly of any of items 1 to 17, further comprising a housing containing at least one sensor, the housing holding the at least one sensor in a fixed position as the valve body moves relative to the main body.

[0026] Item 19. The medical stopcock assembly of any one of items 1 to 18, wherein the housing is attached to the main body.

[0027] Item 20. The medical stopcock assembly of any of items 1 to 19, wherein the housing includes a wireless communication device configured to communicate sensor data sensed by the at least one sensor to a computing device.

[0028] Item 21. A medical stopcock comprising a main body and a valve body, the valve body defining a valve passage and movable relative to the main body between a first position in which a first input port and an output port are in fluid communication through the valve passage, a second position in which a second input port and an output port are in fluid communication through the valve passage, and a third position in which the second input port and the first input port are in fluid communication through the valve passage, the outer surface of the valve body including at least one position structure.

[0029] Item 22. The medical stopcock of item 21, which is equipped with any one of the medical stopcocks of items 1 to 20.

[0030] These and other features and characteristics of the present disclosure, as well as the method of operation and function of associated elements of construction and combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent from a consideration of the following description and appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, in which like reference numerals indicate corresponding parts in the various views. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the figures are for purposes of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of limitation. As used in this specification and claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] Additional advantages and details of embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure are explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying schematic drawings.

[0032] [Figure 1A] 10A-10C are cross-sectional views of non-limiting embodiments or aspects of a stopcock showing one orientation of a movable valve body relative to a main body. [Figure 1B] 10A-10C are cross-sectional views of non-limiting embodiments or aspects of a stopcock illustrating alternative orientations of the movable valve body relative to the main body. [Figure 1C] 10A-10C are cross-sectional views of non-limiting embodiments or aspects of a stopcock illustrating alternative orientations of the movable valve body relative to the main body. [Figure 1D] 10A-10C are cross-sectional views of non-limiting embodiments or aspects of a stopcock illustrating alternative orientations of the movable valve body relative to the main body. [Figure 2] 1A-1C are diagrams of non-limiting embodiments or aspects of components of a housing. [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 is a side view of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of a medical stopcock assembly. [Figure 3B] FIG. 1 is a top view of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of a medical stopcock assembly. [Figure 3C] FIG. 1 is a top cutaway view of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of a medical stopcock assembly. [Figure 3D] FIG. 10 is another top cutaway view of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of a medical stopcock assembly. [Figure 4A] FIG. 1 is a side view of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of a medical stopcock assembly. [Figure 4B] FIG. 10 is a bottom cutaway view of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of a medical stopcock assembly. [Figure 4C] FIG. 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of a medical stopcock assembly. [Figure 4D] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of a medical stopcock assembly. [Figure 5A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of a medical stopcock assembly. [Figure 5B] FIG. 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of a medical stopcock assembly. [Figure 5C] FIG. 10 is a bottom cutaway view of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of a medical stopcock assembly. [Figure 6A] FIG. 1 is a partially exploded side view of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of a medical stopcock assembly. [Figure 6B] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of a medical stopcock assembly. [Figure 6C] FIG. 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of a medical stopcock assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] It is to be understood that the present disclosure may contemplate various alternative variations and step sequences unless expressly specified otherwise. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the accompanying figures, and described in the following specification, are merely exemplary, non-limiting embodiments or aspects. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments or aspects disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting.

[0034] For purposes of the following description, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "lateral," "longitudinal," and derivatives thereof shall refer to the present invention as oriented in the figures. However, it should be understood that the present invention contemplates various alternative modifications unless expressly specified otherwise. It should also be understood that the specific devices illustrated in the accompanying figures and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting. All numbers and ranges used in the specification and claims shall be understood to be modified in all instances by the term "about." "About" means plus or minus 25 percent of the stated value, such as plus or minus 10 percent of the stated value. However, this should not be considered as a limitation on any analysis of values ​​under the doctrine of equivalents.

[0035] Unless otherwise indicated, all ranges or ratios disclosed herein shall be understood to encompass the starting and ending values, and any and all subranges or subratios therein. For example, a stated range or ratio of "1 to 10" shall be considered to include any and all subranges or subratios between a minimum value of 1 and a maximum value of 10 (inclusive), i.e., all subranges or subratios beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less. Ranges and / or ratios disclosed herein represent average values ​​across the specified ranges and / or ratios.

[0036] The terms "first," "second," etc. are not intended to refer to any particular order or chronology, but rather to various states, properties, or elements.

[0037] As used herein, aspects, components, elements, structures, operations, steps, functions, instructions, and / or the like should not be construed as critical or essential unless expressly described as such. Also, as used herein, the articles "a" and "an" are intended to include one or more items and may be used interchangeably with "one or more" and "at least one." Furthermore, as used herein, the term "set" is intended to include one or more items (e.g., related items, unrelated items, combinations of related and unrelated items, etc.) and may be used interchangeably with "one or more" or "at least one." When only one item is intended, the term "one" or similar language is used. Also, as used herein, the terms "has," "have," "having," and the like are intended to be open-ended terms. Furthermore, the phrase "based on" is intended to mean "based at least in part on," unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0038] As used herein, the terms “communication” and “communicating” refer to receiving or transferring one or more signals, messages, commands, or other types of data. For one unit (e.g., any device, system, or component thereof) to communicate with another unit means that the one unit can directly or indirectly receive and / or transmit data to and from the other unit. This can refer to a direct or indirect connection that is wired and / or wireless in nature. Furthermore, two units can be in communication with each other even if the transmitted data may be modified, processed, relayed, and / or routed between the first and second units. For example, a first unit can be in communication with a second unit even if the first unit passively receives data and does not actively transmit data to the second unit. As another example, a first unit can be in communication with a second unit if an intermediate unit processes data from one unit and transmits the processed data to the second unit. It will be understood that numerous other arrangements are possible.

[0039] It will be apparent that the systems and / or methods described herein can be implemented in various forms of hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. The actual specific control hardware or software code used to implement these systems and / or methods is not a limitation of the implementation. Thus, the operation and behavior of the systems and / or methods are described herein without reference to specific software code, and it will be understood that software and hardware can be designed to implement the systems and / or methods based on the description herein.

[0040] Some non-limiting embodiments or aspects are described herein in relation to a threshold value. As used herein, meeting a threshold refers to a value being greater than the threshold, above the threshold, higher than the threshold, equal to or greater than the threshold, less than the threshold, less than the threshold, lower than the threshold, equal to or less than the threshold, etc.

[0041] As used herein, the terms “computing device” or “computer device” can refer to one or more electronic devices configured to communicate directly or indirectly with or through one or more networks. A computing device may be a mobile device, a desktop computer, etc. Furthermore, the term “computer” can refer to any computing device that includes the necessary components for receiving, processing, and outputting data, typically including a display, a processor, memory, input devices, and a network interface. An “application” or “application program interface” (API) refers to computer code or other data organized on a computer-readable medium that can be executed by a processor to facilitate interaction between software components, such as a client-side front end and / or a server-side back end for receiving data from a client. An “interface” refers to one or more authored displays, such as graphical user interfaces (GUIs), with which a user can interact directly or indirectly (e.g., through a keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, etc.).

[0042] 1A-1D, 2, 3A-3D, 4A-4D, 5A-5C, and 6A-6C, a medical stopcock assembly 100 can include a medical stopcock 101 and / or a sensor 120. The medical stopcock 101 can include a main body 102 and / or a valve body 104. The valve body 104 defines a valve passage 106 and can be movable relative to the main body 102 between a first position (FIG. 1A) in which a first input port 108 and an output port 110 are in fluid communication via the valve passage 106, a second position (FIG. 1B) in which a second input port 112 and an output port 110 are in fluid communication via the valve passage 106, and / or a third position (FIG. 1C) in which the second input port 112 and the first input port 108 are in fluid communication via the valve passage 106. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the valve body 104 can be movable between a first position (FIG. 1A), a second position (FIG. 1B), a third position (FIG. 1C), and / or a fourth position (FIG. 1D) in which the first input port 108, the output port 110, and the second input port 112 are each in fluid communication via the valve passage 106.

[0043] The main body 102 can define a valve opening between a top 103 a of the main body 102 and a bottom 103 b of the main body 102, and the valve body 104 can be received within the valve opening. For example, the valve opening of the main body 102 can include a cylindrical opening, and the valve body 104may have a cylindrical shape configured to be received within a cylindrical opening in the main body 102. As one example, the valve body 104 and the valve opening in the main body 102 may be a tight fit, which may require a user to move the valve body 104 using the handle 114. As another example, the valve body 104 and the valve opening in the main body 102 may be a loose fit. A portion of the valve body 104 may extend from the top 103 a of the main body 102, and the portion of the valve body 104 extending from the top 103 a of the main body 102 may include the handle 114. Rotation of the handle 114 may be configured to move the valve body 104 relative to the main body 102. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the second input port 112 may include a syringe port configured to connect to a syringe. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the medical stopcock assembly 100 may be utilized in connection with a flow sensor system, such as the flow sensor system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,970,794, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0044] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the main body 102 can include a first input port 108, an output port 110, and a second input port 112. For example, Figures 1A-1D, 3A-3D, 4A-4D, 5A-5C, and 6A-6C show the first input port 108, the output port 110, and the second input port 112, respectively, extending from the main body 102. However, non-limiting embodiments or aspects are not so limited, and in some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the main body 102 can include the first input port 108 and the output port 110, and the valve body 104 can include the second input port 112. For example, the medical stopcock 101 may include a medical stopcock such as that disclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 966,086, filed January 27, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, where rotation of the syringe port is configured to move the valve body relative to the main body.

[0045] The exterior surface 116 of the valve body 104 may include a location structure 118. For example, the location structure 118 may be 104 The position structure 118 may include at least one recessed portion (e.g., a recess, opening, pocket, depression, indentation, etc.) of the valve body 104. By way of example, the position structure 118 may act as a flag or shutter that can be sensed by an external sensor or mechanism to determine the position of the valve body 104. In such an example, the exterior surface 116 may be located outside the valve body 104 and / or valve passage 106, external to the main body 102. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the position structure 118 may include at least one structure other than a recessed portion, such as an extension (e.g., a ridge, protrusion, etc.), a coloring and / or pattern that differs from the coloring of the exterior surface 116 of the valve body 104.

[0046] The sensor 120 may be configured to sense the position structure 118 to determine whether the valve body 104 is in the first position, the second position, or the third position (or the fourth position). In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the sensor 120 determines a distance to the exterior surface 116 of the valve body 104 to determine whether the valve body 104 is in the first position, the second position, or the third position (or the fourth position). FourthFor example, the sensors 120 (e.g., sensor 120, first sensor 120a, second sensor 120b, etc.) may include at least one of a proximity detector, an image sensor, a time-of-flight (TOF) sensor, or any combination thereof. In such an example, the sensors 120 may determine a location of the position structure 118 (e.g., the location of the position structure 118 relative to the sensors 120 and / or the main body 102, whether the position structure 118 is detected by the sensors 120, etc.) based on the detected distance to the exterior surface 116 of the valve body 104, and may determine whether the valve body 104 is in a first position, a second position, or a third position (or a fourth position) based on the determined (or detected) location of the position structure 118. As an example, as described in more detail herein below, each of the first, second, and third positions of the valve body 104 may be associated with or correspond to a different determined location (or combination of detections) of the position structure 118.

[0047] The medical stopcock assembly 100 can include a housing 122 containing the sensor 120. For example, the housing 122 can house and / or hold the sensor 120 in a fixed position as the valve body 104 moves relative to the main body 102. By way of example, the housing 122 can be attached to (e.g., removably attached to, integral with, etc.) the main body 102 such that the valve body 104 moves relative to the main body 102 and the housing 122. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the housing 122 (and / or the sensor 120) can be a reusable housing / sensor configured to be attached to and used with a first stopcock, removed from the first stopcock after use, and then attached to and used with a different stopcock. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the housing 122 (and / or the sensor 120) can be a disposable housing / sensor configured to be disposed of along with the stopcock after use of that single stopcock.

[0048] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the housing 122 can include, be integrated with, and / or be formed by a flow sensor and / or a flow sensor base of a flow sensor system, such as the flow sensor system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,970,794, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. For example, the flow sensor can be a disposable and / or consumable device that can be spliced ​​in-line with an IV flow path. As an example, the flow sensor housing can include a medical stopcock 101 that is retained and / or housed within the flow sensor housing and / or mounted in-line within the IV flow path. For example, a compatible flow sensor base can include and / or house a reading device having a sensor 120 configured for stopcock position detection, and when the flow sensor is attached to the flow sensor base, the positioning structure 118 can be held in a desired and / or predetermined position relative to the sensor 120 (e.g., within its field of view, etc.). As one example, the flow sensor base can hold the sensor 120 in a fixed position relative to the flow sensor housing and / or the medical stopcock 101 (e.g., a fixed position as the valve body 104 moves relative to the main body 102). In one such example, the housing of the flow sensor base can include one or more printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs), the sensor 120 can be assembled on the one or more PCBAs, and the one or more PCBAs can be mounted within the housing of the flow sensor base along with other components such as a battery, a barcode scanner, a microprocessor, and / or the like. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the housing of the flow sensor base can be a portable device that includes an enclosure (e.g., a plastic enclosure, etc.) that holds its components therein.The housing of the flow sensor base may include a transparent window (e.g., a glass window, a transparent plastic opening, etc.) positioned relative to the sensor 120 (e.g., if the sensor includes an optical sensor, etc.) to provide the sensor 120 with a view of the medical stopcock 101 when the flow sensor is attached to the flow sensor base.

[0049] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the housing 122 may further include a processor 124 , a wireless communication device 126 , a user feedback device 128 , a power source 130 , and / or a memory 132 .

[0050] The processor 124 may be programmed and / or configured to determine whether the valve body 104 is in a first position, a second position, or a third position (or a fourth position) based on the received signals or sensor data from the sensor 120. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the processor 124 may include a low-power microcontroller unit (MCU). The processor 124 may store information regarding the position of the valve body 104 in the memory 132.

[0051] The wireless communication device 126 may be configured to communicate wirelessly with an external computing device (not shown). For example, the wireless communication device 126 may be configured to communicate information regarding the position of the valve body 104 to the external computing device. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the wireless communication device 126 includes one or more computing devices, chips, contactless transmitters, contactless transceivers, NFC transmitters, RFID transmitters, contact transmitters, Bluetooth transceivers, and / or wireless communication devices 126 that enable receiving information directly from and / or communicating information directly to the external computing device via a short-range wireless communication connection (e.g., a communication connection using an NFC protocol, a communication connection using radio frequency identification (RFID), a communication connection using the Bluetooth wireless technology standard, and / or the like).

[0052] The user feedback device 128 may be configured to provide an indication to the user regarding the position of the valve body 104. For example, the user feedback device 128 may include at least one of a display, a light emitting diode (LED), an audio output device (e.g., a buzzer, a speaker, etc.), or any combination thereof.

[0053] The power supply 130 may power the sensor 120, the processor 124, the wireless communication device 126, the user feedback device 128, and / or the memory. 132 For example, power supply 130 may include a battery (e.g., a rechargeable battery, a disposable battery, etc.).

[0054] memory 132 The memory may be configured to store information regarding the position of the valve body 104. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the memory 132can store an identifier associated with the stopcock 101, which identifier can be associated with information regarding the position of the valve body 104. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the memory 132 may log the current position of the valve body 104 and / or the position of the valve body 104 over a period of time.

[0055] Next, Figure 3A~ 3D Referring to the drawings, in some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, a portion of the valve body 104 extends from the upper portion 103a of the main body 102, the portion of the valve body 104 extending from the upper portion 103a of the main body 102 includes a handle 114, and the positioning structure 118 includes at least one concave portion of the handle 114. For example, the at least one concave portion of the handle 114 can include a first concave portion 118a and a second concave portion 118b. As an example, the first concave portion 118a and the second concave portion 118b can be disposed in the same radial plane of the valve body 104 and spaced apart around the circumference of the valve body 104. In such an example, the first concave portion 118a and the second concave portion 118b can be disposed 90 degrees apart around the circumference of the valve body 104. In such an example, the sensor 120 can be disposed in a position corresponding to the first sensor. 120a and a second sensor 120b. For example, the first sensor 120a and the second sensor 120b may be in the same radial plane of the valve body 104 and in the same tangential plane of the valve body 104.

[0056] Depending on the position of the valve body 104 relative to the main body 102, the first sensor 120a can detect the first concave portion 118a, the second concave portion 118b, or a portion of the outer surface 116 of the valve body 104 that has no concave portion, and the second sensor 120b can detect the first concave portion 118a, the second concave portion 118b, or a portion of the outer surface 116 of the valve body 104 that has no concave portion. For example, a unique combination of detection by the first sensor 120a and the second sensor 120b of the first concave portion 118a, the second concave portion 118b, and / or a portion of the exterior surface 116 of the valve body 104 that does not have a concave portion may be associated with or correspond to a first position, a second position, or a third position (or a fourth position) of the valve body 104 (e.g., FIG. 3C may show the concave portions 118a and 118b in a position corresponding to the second position described herein), and the first sensor 120a and the second sensor 120b (and / or the processor 124, and / or an external computing device) may determine the position of the valve body 104 in the first position, the second position, or the third position (or the fourth position) based on the detected unique combination.

[0057] 4A-4D , in some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, a first portion of the valve body 104 extends from the top 103 a of the main body 102, the first portion of the valve body 104 extending from the top 103 a of the main body 102 includes a handle 114, a second portion of the valve body 104 extends from the bottom 103 b of the main body 102 opposite the top 103 a of the main body 102, the second portion of the valve body 104 includes a positioning structure 118, the positioning structure 118 includes at least one recessed portion of the valve body 104, the at least one recessed portion including a first recessed portion 118 a and a second recessed portion 118 b, and / or the first recessed portion 118 a and the second recessed portion 118 b can be spaced apart around the circumference of the valve body 104 and in the axial direction of the valve body 104. For example, the first and second recessed portions 118a, 118b are positioned 90 degrees apart around the circumference of the valve body 104. In such an example, the sensors 120 can include a first sensor 120a and a second sensor 120b, and the second sensor 120b can be located above the first sensor 120a in the axial direction of the valve body 104 and in the same tangent plane of the valve body 104.

[0058] Depending on the position of the valve body 104 relative to the main body 102, the first sensor 120a can detect either the first concave portion 118a or a portion of the exterior surface 116 of the valve body 104 that does not have a concave portion, and the second sensor 120b can detect either the second concave portion 118b or a portion of the exterior surface 116 of the valve body 104 that does not have a concave portion. For example, a unique combination of detection by the first sensor 120a and the second sensor 120b of the first concave portion 118a, the second concave portion 118b, and / or a portion of the exterior surface 116 of the valve body 104 that does not have a concave portion may be associated with or correspond to a first position, a second position, or a third position (or a fourth position) of the valve body 104 (e.g., FIG. 4A may show the concave portions 118a and 118b in a position corresponding to the second position described herein), and the first sensor 120a and the second sensor 120b (and / or the processor 124, and / or an external computing device) may determine the position of the valve body 104 in the first position, the second position, or the third position (or the fourth position) based on the detected unique combination.

[0059] Next, Figure 5A~ 5CReferring to Figure 1, in some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, a first portion of the valve body 104 extends from the top 103a of the main body 102, the first portion of the valve body 104 extending from the top 103a of the main body 102 includes the handle 114, a second portion of the valve body 104 extends from the bottom 103b of the main body 102 opposite the top 103a of the main body 102, the second portion of the valve body 104 includes a positioning structure 118, the positioning structure 118 includes at least one recessed portion of the valve body 104, and / or the at least one recessed portion includes a single recessed portion 118c. In such examples, the sensor 120 can include a first sensor 120a and a second sensor 120b, and the first sensor 120a and the second sensor 120b can be positioned spaced apart around the circumference of the valve body 104 in the same radial plane of the valve body 104. For example, the first sensor 120a and the second sensor 120b may be positioned in the same radial plane of the valve body 104 and spaced 90 degrees apart around the circumference of the valve body 104.

[0060] Depending on the position of the valve body 104 relative to the main body 102, the first sensor 120a can detect a portion of the exterior surface 116 of the valve body 104 that has either a single recessed portion 118c or no recessed portion, and the second sensor 120b can detect a portion of the exterior surface 116 of the valve body 104 that has either a single recessed portion 118c or no recessed portion. For example, a unique combination of detection by the first sensor 120a and the second sensor 120b of the single concave portion 118c and / or a portion of the exterior surface 116 of the valve body 104 that does not have a concave portion may be associated with or correspond to a first position, a second position, or a third position (or a fourth position) of the valve body 104 (e.g., FIG. 5B may show the single concave portion 118c in a position corresponding to the first position described herein), and the first sensor 120a and the second sensor 120b (and / or the processor 124, and / or an external computing device) may determine the position of the valve body 104 in the first position, the second position, or the third position (or the fourth position) based on the detected unique combination.

[0061] Next, Figure 6A~ 6C Referring to FIG. 1, in some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, a first portion of the valve body 104 extends from the top 103 a of the main body 102, the first portion of the valve body 104 extending from the top 103 a of the main body 102 includes the handle 114, a second portion of the valve body 104 extends from the bottom 103 b of the main body 102 opposite the top 103 a of the main body 102, an end of the second portion of the valve body 104 opposite the bottom 103 b of the main body 102 includes the disk 140, a face of the disk 140 facing away from the direction toward the top 103 a of the main body 102 includes the positioning structure 118, and / or the positioning structure 118 includes at least one concave portion of the disk 140. For example, the at least one concave portion of the disk 140 can include a single concave portion 118 c.

[0062] The medical stopcock assembly 100 can further include a circuit board 142 (e.g., a printed circuit board, etc.) including a surface opposing the surface of the disk 140 facing away from the direction toward the top 13a of the main body 102, and the surface of the circuit board 142 can include the sensor 120. As an example, the sensor 120 can include a first sensor 120a and a second sensor 120b, and the first sensor 120a and the second sensor 120b can be positioned 90 degrees apart on the plane of the circuit board 142. In such an example, a cover 144 (e.g., a transparent cover, a glass cover, a cover including openings for the first sensor 120a and the second sensor 120b, etc.) can be provided on the circuit board 142. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the housing 122 can house the circuit board 142 and the cover 144. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the circuit board 142 and the cover 144 can form all or a portion of the housing 122 .

[0063] Depending on the position of the valve body 104 relative to the main body 102, the first sensor 120a can detect either a single recessed portion 118c or a portion of the outer surface 116 of the valve body 104 that does not have a recessed portion (e.g., the bottom of the disk 140), and the second sensor 120b can detect either a single recessed portion 118c or a portion of the outer surface 116 of the valve body 104 that does not have a recessed portion (e.g., the bottom of the disk 140). For example, a unique combination of detection by the first sensor 120a and the second sensor 120b of the single concave portion 118c and / or a portion of the exterior surface 116 of the valve body 104 that does not have a concave portion may be associated with or correspond to a first position, a second position, or a third position (or a fourth position) of the valve body 104 (e.g., FIG. 6C may show a single concave portion 118c in a position corresponding to the second position described herein), and the first sensor 120a and the second sensor 120b (and / or the processor 124, and / or an external computing device) may determine the position of the valve body 104 in the first position, the second position, or the third position (or the fourth position) based on the detected unique combination.

[0064] While embodiments or aspects have been described in detail for purposes of illustration and explanation, it should be understood that such detail is for that purpose only and that the embodiments or aspects are not limited to the disclosed embodiments or aspects, but on the contrary, are intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it should be understood that the present disclosure contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment or aspect can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment or aspect. Indeed, any of these features may be combined in ways not specifically recited in the claims and / or disclosed herein. Although each dependent claim listed below may depend directly on only one claim, the disclosure of possible implementations includes the combination of each dependent claim with all other claims in the claim set.

Claims

1. 1. A medical stopcock assembly with position detection, comprising: A medical stopcock, The main body and a valve body defining a valve passage and movable relative to the main body between a first position in which a first input port and an output port are in fluid communication through the valve passage, a second position in which a second input port and the output port are in fluid communication through the valve passage, and a third position in which the second input port and the first input port are in fluid communication through the valve passage; a medical stopcock comprising: a valve body, an exterior surface of the valve body including at least one location feature, a portion of the valve body extending from a top of the main body; at least one sensor configured to sense the at least one position structure to determine whether the valve body is in the first position, the second position, or the third position; a housing external to the main body, the housing being attached to the main body and containing the at least one sensor; Equipped with the housing holds the at least one sensor in a fixed position as the valve body moves relative to the main body; the at least one sensor is configured to determine a distance to an exterior surface of the valve body to determine whether the valve body is in the first position, the second position, or the third position.

2. 2. The medical stopcock assembly of claim 1, wherein the portion of the valve body extending from the top of the main body includes a handle, and the at least one location feature includes at least one recessed portion of the handle.

3. 3. The medical stopcock assembly of claim 2, wherein the at least one concave portion of the handle includes a first concave portion and a second concave portion, the first concave portion and the second concave portion being positioned in the same radial plane of the valve body and spaced apart around the circumference of the valve body.

4. 4. The medical stopcock assembly of claim 3, wherein the first and second recessed portions are positioned 90 degrees apart around the circumference of the valve body.

5. 4. The medical stopcock assembly of claim 3, wherein the at least one sensor includes a first sensor and a second sensor, the first sensor and the second sensor being in the same radial plane of the valve body and in the same tangential plane of the valve body.

6. 10. The medical stopcock assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor includes at least one of a proximity detector, an image sensor, a time-of-flight (TOF) sensor, or any combination thereof.

7. The medical stopcock assembly of claim 1 , wherein the housing includes a wireless communication device configured to communicate sensor data sensed by the at least one sensor to a computing device.

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