Self-inflating cuff for use with IV set

Abstract

A self-inflating cuff and a method of using the self-inflating cuff are provided. The self-inflating cuff includes a first compartment and a second compartment formed therein and containing respective substances. The first and second compartments are configured to rupture in response to a force applied to the exterior surface of the self-inflating cuff, thereby combining the respective substances to undergo a chemical reaction and creating a counterforce on the interior surface of the self-inflating cuff that expands the self-inflating cuff. The self-inflating cuff is further configured to expand such that a first opening at a first end of the self-inflating cuff and a second opening at a second end opposite the first end of the self-inflating cuff expand sufficiently to receive a container through the first opening and a tube of the container through the second opening.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 418,900, filed October 24, 2022, entitled "SELF-INFLATING CUFF FOR USE WITH IV SET".

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to medical fluid distribution systems, and more particularly to a self-inflating cuff for dispensing medical fluid from an IV bag.

Background Art

[0003] Medical procedures often involve injecting a patient with a medical fluid (e.g., saline or a drug) from an intravenous (IV) bag using an infusion pump. When an infusion pump is not available, healthcare providers use their hands to compress or otherwise squeeze the IV bag to administer the medical fluid. Manual compression of the IV bag causes hand fatigue and can be a significant inconvenience to healthcare providers.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a device and method of using the same that can dispense medical fluid from an intravenous (IV) bag to a patient without fatiguing the healthcare provider.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] The disclosed subject relates to a self-inflating cuff used with an IV bag. In some implementations, the self-inflating cuff includes an outer surface and an inner surface (e.g., an inflatable body). The inner surface includes a first membrane layer formed within and along the inner surface at a first location, and a second membrane layer formed within and along the inner surface at a second location. The first membrane layer forms a first compartment configured to contain a first substance, and the second membrane layer forms a second compartment separate from the first compartment, configured to contain a second substance isolated from the first substance. The first membrane layer is configured to rupture in response to a force applied to the outer surface of the self-inflating cuff, and the second membrane layer is also configured to rupture in response to a force applied to the outer surface of the self-inflating cuff. The self-inflating cuff is configured such that, in response to a force applied to its outer surface, a chemical reaction occurs when the first and second compartments burst, combining the first and second materials and generating a reactionary force on the inner surface of the self-inflating cuff that causes it to expand. The self-inflating cuff is further configured to expand such that a first opening at the first end of the self-inflating cuff and a second opening at the second end opposite the first end of the self-inflating cuff expand to a degree sufficient to receive a container through the first opening and the tube of the container through the second opening. In some implementations, the container and the tube of the container are received through the first and second ends of the self-inflating cuff, respectively, and after the reaction force applied to the inner surface of the self-inflating cuff is removed upon completion of the chemical reaction, the self-inflating cuff is configured to self-contract and compress the container so that the fluid flowing from the container is accelerated as it flows.

[0006] In some implementations, the first compartment is adjacent to the second compartment within the self-inflating cuff. Alternatively, in some implementations, the first compartment is formed within a first portion adjacent to the first end of the self-inflating cuff, and the second compartment is formed within a second portion opposite the first portion of the self-inflating cuff at the second end, and vice versa.

[0007] In some implementations, the force applied to the outer surface of the self-inflating cuff is a compressive force applied to the first and second ends of the self-inflating cuff. Alternatively, in some implementations, the force applied to the outer surface of the self-inflating cuff is a tension applied to the first and second ends of the self-inflating cuff. In some implementations, the first compartment is configured to rupture before the second compartment when a force is applied to the outer surface of the self-inflating cuff. In some implementations, the first compartment contains a first predetermined amount of a first substance, and the second compartment contains a second predetermined amount of a second substance, where the first predetermined amount of the first substance and the second predetermined amount of the second substance are based on the volume of the self-inflating cuff. In some implementations, the self-inflating cuff contains an elastic material so that the self-inflating cuff self-contracts at a predetermined rate after it has expanded until it returns to a non-inflated state.

[0008] In another embodiment, a method for inflating a self-inflating cuff is disclosed. The method includes providing a self-inflating cuff having a first membrane layer formed in and along the inner surface at a first location, and a second membrane layer formed in and along the inner surface at a second location. The first membrane layer forms a first compartment configured to contain a first substance, and the second membrane layer forms a second compartment separate from the first compartment, configured to contain a second substance isolated from the first substance. The method includes applying a force to the outer surface of the self-inflating cuff, the force causing the first and second membrane layers to rupture, thereby allowing the first and second substances to bond together. The method also includes causing a chemical reaction based on the bonding of a first substance and a second substance, generating a reaction force on the inner surface of the self-inflating cuff such that a first opening at the first end of the self-inflating cuff and a second opening at the second end opposite the first end of the self-inflating cuff expand to a degree sufficient to receive a container through the first opening and the tube of the container through the second opening. The method further includes receiving the container and the tube of the container through the first and second ends of the self-inflating cuff. In some embodiments, the method includes initiating the self-contraction of the self-inflating cuff and the compression of the container such that the container and the tube of the container are received through the first and second ends of the self-inflating cuff, respectively, and the reaction force applied to the inner surface of the self-inflating cuff is removed upon completion of the chemical reaction, so that the fluid flowing from the container is accelerated as it flows.

[0009] In some implementations, the self-inflating cuff includes an elastic material so that it self-contracts at a predetermined rate after it has expanded until it returns to its uninflated state. In some implementations, the force applied to the outer surface of the self-inflating cuff is a compressive force applied to the first and second ends of the self-inflating cuff. Alternatively, in some implementations, the force applied to the outer surface of the self-inflating cuff is a tension applied to the first and second ends of the self-inflating cuff.

[0010] In some implementations, the first compartment is adjacent to the second compartment within the self-inflating cuff. Alternatively, in some implementations, the first compartment is formed in a first portion adjacent to the first end of the self-inflating cuff, and the second compartment is formed in a second portion opposite to the first portion of the self-inflating cuff and adjacent to the second end, and vice versa. In some implementations, the first compartment is configured to rupture before the second compartment when a force is applied to the outer surface of the self-inflating cuff. In some implementations, the first compartment contains a first predetermined amount of the first substance, and the second compartment contains a second predetermined amount of the second substance. The first predetermined amount of the first substance and the second predetermined amount of the second substance are based on the volume of the self-inflating cuff.

[0011] It should be noted that the various implementations described above can be combined with other implementations described herein (for example, maintaining the impedance of a single or group of neuromuscular signal sensors can be combined with impedance matching, thereby matching the impedance and maintaining it within a specific range of impedance values). The features and advantages described herein are not exhaustive, and further features and advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art, particularly in light of the drawings, specification, and claims. Furthermore, it should be noted that the language used herein has been selected primarily for readability and explanatory purposes.

[0012] To enable a more detailed understanding of this disclosure, more specific descriptions may be provided by referring to the features of various implementations, some of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. However, the accompanying drawings only illustrate the important features of this disclosure. Other useful features may also be described herein so that those skilled in the art can understand them when reading this disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This figure shows an IV pump used to administer medical fluids to a patient. [Figure 2A] This figure shows a self-inflating cuff in several different implementation configurations. [Figure 2B] This figure shows a self-inflating cuff in several different implementation configurations. [Figure 2C] This figure shows a self-inflating cuff in several different implementation configurations. [Figure 2D] This figure shows a self-inflating cuff in several different implementation configurations. [Figure 3] This flowchart illustrates method 300 for accelerating fluid flow from a container, using several implementation configurations. [Figure 4] This is a conceptual diagram illustrating an exemplary electronic system for controlling a pump according to an aspect of this technology. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] As is customary, the various features shown in the drawings are not depicted to scale. Therefore, the dimensions of various features may be arbitrarily enlarged or reduced for clarity. In addition, some of the drawings may not illustrate all components of a given system, method, or device. Finally, throughout the specification and drawings, similar reference numerals indicate similar features.

[0015] Many details are described herein in order to provide a complete understanding of the exemplary implementations shown in the accompanying drawings. However, some implementations may be practiced without many specific details, and the scope of the claims is limited only by the features and embodiments specifically described in the claims. Furthermore, in order to avoid obscuring the relevant embodiments of the implementations described herein, well-known processes, components, and materials are not described in comprehensive detail.

[0016] The disclosed self-inflating cuff is configured to receive an IV bag and accelerate the flow of medical fluid from the IV bag to the patient for therapeutic purposes. Specifically, the self-inflating cuff is configured to self-expand in response to a force applied to the body of the self-inflating cuff. After the force is removed from the body of the self-inflating cuff, the body of the self-inflating cuff stretches to its expanded state. In some implementations, the self-inflating cuff self-expands due to a chemical reaction caused by the mixing of at least two substances contained within the self-inflating cuff in response to a force applied to the self-inflating cuff. The self-inflating cuff is further configured to receive an IV bag and self-contract to compress the IV bag, thereby accelerating the flow of fluid from the IV bag to the patient.

[0017] Figure 1 illustrates an IV pump for administering medical fluid to a patient. The IV pump 30 includes a controller 32 and one or more pump modules 34. The IV set 20 is connected between a medical fluid container 36 (e.g., an IV bag) and the patient 5. During operation, the IV pump 30 delivers the medical fluid to the patient 5. The IV pump 30 is configured to administer the medical fluid to the patient at a predetermined uniform rate. If the IV pump 30 is unavailable or otherwise inactive, the medical fluid can be distributed to the patient 5 by applying force to the container 36 (e.g., compressing the container 36). In some implementations, a self-inflating cuff 200 (Figures 2A-2D) is used to administer the medical fluid to the patient 5 instead of the IV pump 30, as described later.

[0018] Figures 2A to 2D illustrate a self-inflating cuff in several implementation configurations. The self-inflating cuff 200 includes an inflatable body 210, a first compartment 220, and a second compartment 225. The first compartment 220 is formed within and along the inner surface of the inflatable body 210 and is configured to contain a first substance. More specifically, in some embodiments, the first compartment 220 is formed by a first membrane layer 220a formed within and along the inner surface at a first location (represented by a vertical filling pattern). The second compartment 225 is formed within and along the inflatable body 210 and is configured to contain a second substance isolated from the first substance. Similar to the first compartment 220, in some embodiments, the second compartment 225 is formed by a second membrane layer 225a formed along and within the inner surface at a second location (represented by a cross-fill pattern). As will be described in detail below, the self-inflating cuff 200 is configured such that, in response to a force applied to its outer surface, the first compartment 220 and the second compartment 225 burst, causing a chemical reaction that combines the first and second materials and generates a reaction force on the inner surface of the self-inflating cuff that causes it to expand. The self-inflating cuff 200 is further configured such that a first opening at the first end of the self-inflating cuff and a second opening at the second end opposite the first end of the self-inflating cuff 200 expand to a degree sufficient to receive the container 36 through the first opening and the tube of the container through the second opening.

[0019] In some implementations, the first compartment 220 is adjacent to the second compartment 225 within the inflatable body 210. For example, the first compartment 220 may be located above the second compartment 225, and vice versa. As described above, in some implementations, the first compartment 220 is formed in a first portion of the inflatable body 210 (e.g., by a breakable first membrane layer 220a that isolates and holds the first material), and the second compartment 225 is formed in a second portion of the inflatable body 210 opposite to the first portion (e.g., by a breakable second membrane layer 220b that isolates and holds the second material). For example, the first compartment 220 may be formed near the first end 212, and the second compartment 225 may be formed near the second end 214. In some implementations, the first and second film layers include one of foil, plastic, paper, and / or other burstable or breakable materials.

[0020] In some implementations, the first compartment 220 contains a first predetermined amount of a first substance, and the second compartment 225 contains a second predetermined amount of a second substance. When the first and second substances are mixed (combined or in contact with each other), they trigger a chemical reaction that generates at least a gas. The generated gas expands, applying a reaction force 257 (Figure 2B) to the inner surface of the expandable body 210. More specifically, the chemical reaction caused by the first and second substances generates a reaction force 257 that causes the expandable body 210 to expand. In some implementations, the first predetermined amount of the first substance and the second predetermined amount of the second substance are based on the volume of the expandable body. The first and second substances can be at least two arbitrary substances that, when mixed, produce a harmless gas. For example, the first substance can be vinegar and the second substance can be baking soda.

[0021] The first material and the second substance are released from the first compartment 220 and the second compartment 225 in response to a force 230 being applied to the outer surface 211a (Figure 2B) of the inflatable body 210. Specifically, the first membrane layer 220a and the second membrane layer 225a rupture 227, resulting in the first substance and the second substance combining and triggering a chemical reaction. As shown in Figure 2B, the chemical reaction generates a reaction force 257 applied to the inner surface 211b (Figure 2B) of the inflatable body 210, thereby expanding the inflatable body 210, and as a result, at least the first opening 250 (Figure 2B) at the first end 212 of the inflatable body 210 and the second opening 255 (Figure 2B) at the second end 214 opposite the first end 212 of the inflatable body 210 enlarge. The first end 212 is configured to receive a container, and the second end is configured to receive the tube of the container. In other words, the self-inflating cuff 200 self-inflates in response to a force 230 applied to the inflatable body 210. In some implementations, the first compartment 220 is configured to rupture before the second compartment 225 when a force 230 is applied to the inflatable body 210, or vice versa. Alternatively, in some implementations, the first and second compartments are configured to rupture simultaneously.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first opening 250 and the second opening 255 are sealed until a force 230 is applied to the outer surface 211a of the inflatable body 210 and the first membrane layer 220a and the second membrane layer 225a rupture. The first opening 250 and the second opening 255 remain substantially small (or sealed) until the inflatable body 210 reaches a predetermined size, such that the first substance and the second substance do not leak out of the inflatable body 210 and / or the chemical reaction does not terminate before completion. Substantially small means, in some embodiments, that air or fluid cannot leak through the first opening 250 and the second opening 255. In some embodiments, the predetermined size is at least three-quarters (3 / 4) of the overall size of the inflatable body 210. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the self-inflating cuff 200 is packaged in a sealed container that can expand the inflatable body in response to a force 230 being applied to the sealed container, and upon expansion, the sealed container can be ruptured and the self-inflating cuff 200 can be removed from the sealed container.

[0023] The force 230 (for example, for breaking a compartment) can be a compressive force (e.g., forces 230a and 230b) applied to the first end 212 and the second end 214 (opposite the first end 212) of the inflatable body 210. For example, a medical professional can apply compressive forces 230a and 230b by compressing (e.g., pressing) the first end 212 and the second end 214 of the inflatable body 210 between their hands, or by pressing the first end 212 or the second end 214 of the inflatable body 210 against a surface (e.g., a table, wall, etc.). Alternatively, in some implementations, the force 230 is a tension (represented by multidirectional arrows 230a and 230b) applied to the first end 212 and the second end 214 of the inflatable body 210. For example, a medical professional can pull the first end 212 and the second end 214 of the inflatable body 210 in opposite directions. In some implementations, force 230 is a lateral force that can be applied to the first end 212 and the second end 214 of the inflatable body 210. Alternatively, in some implementations, force 230 is applied to the sides 216 and 218 of the inflatable body 210. The above examples are not limiting, and any force that causes the first membrane layer 220a and the second membrane layer 225a to rupture can be used.

[0024] Returning to FIG. 2B, the expandable body 210 of the self-expanding cuff 200 expands as a result of a chemical reaction caused by the first and second substances. More specifically, the chemical reaction caused by the first and second substances generates one or more reaction forces 257a and 257b (e.g., pressure) applied to the inner surface 211b of the expandable body 210, thereby expanding the expandable body 210 so that it can receive the container 36 and the tube 213 of the container 36. Although not shown, the reaction force 257 is applied in all directions so that the expandable body expands at a faster rate. The reaction force 257 is applied to the inner surface 211b of the expandable body 210 until the chemical reaction between the first and second substances is complete. The first end 212 of the expandable body 210 includes a first opening 250 configured to receive the container 36 (when the expandable body 210 is expanded), and the second end 214 of the expandable body 210 includes a second opening 255 configured to receive the tube 213 of the container 36 (as shown in FIG. 2C). Specifically, when the expandable body 210 expands, the first opening 250 at the first end 212 of the expandable body 210 and the second opening 255 at the second end 214, opposite the first end 212 of the expandable body 210, expand so that the first end can receive the container 36 and the second end can receive the tube 213 of the container 36.

[0025] Figure 2C shows the self-inflating cuff 200 with the inflatable body 210 substantially expanded. As described above with reference to Figure 2B, a force 230 is applied to the outer surface 211a of the inflatable body 210, causing the first membrane layer 220a and the second membrane layer 225b to rupture. Then, one or more reaction forces 257a and 257b (generated by the chemical reaction when the first and second substances are combined) are applied to the inner surface 211b of the inflatable body 210, causing the inflatable body 210 to expand so that it can receive the container 36 and the tube 213 of the container 36. The inflatable body 210 continues to expand until the chemical reaction between the first and second substances is complete. When substantially expanded, the container 36 can be placed inside the inflatable body 210 of the self-inflating cuff 200. Substantially expandable means that, in some implementations, the inflatable body 210 expands to accommodate at least 70% of the container 36. As described above with reference to Figure 2B, after the inflatable body 210 has expanded, the tube 213 of the container 36 can be received by the second opening 255 of the inflatable body 210. The second opening 255 of the inflatable body 210 does not obstruct or block the flow of the medical fluid from the container 36 (to the patient). By allowing the tube 213 of the container 36 to be received by the second opening 255 without obstructing the flow of the medical fluid, the self-inflating cuff 200 becomes capable of efficiently administering the medical fluid from the container 36 to the patient without obstructing the flow of the medical fluid.

[0026] Figure 2D illustrates a container placed inside the inflatable body 210 through a first opening 250 and held inside the inflatable body 210 in a compressed state due to the self-contraction of the inflatable body 210. When the inflatable body 210 contracts, the medical fluid flowing from the container 36 is accelerated out of the container 36, if flow is permitted (i.e., the medical fluid flows from the container 36 to the patient). In some implementations, the inflatable body 210 self-contracts when the reaction force 257 is removed from the inner surface 211b of the inflatable body 210. In some implementations, the inflatable body 210 is formed of an elastic material so that after it expands (e.g., while a chemical reaction between at least the first and second substances is taking place), it self-contracts at a predetermined rate until it returns to a non-expanded state (e.g., after the chemical reaction between at least the first and second substances has finished (i.e., after the generation of non-toxic gases that cause the inflatable body 210 to expand has stopped)). The predetermined rate at which the inflatable body 210 self-contracts is at least partially based on the elastic material. In some implementations, the elastic material includes rubber, latex, silicone, polyurethane, nylon, thermoplastic elastomer, and / or other flexible materials that expand and self-contract in response to the application of force.

[0027] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing method 300 for accelerating the flow of fluid from a container in several implementation configurations. Method 300 can be performed by a self-inflating cuff 200 as described above with reference to Figures 2A to 2D. Methods conforming to this disclosure may include at least some, but not all, of the operations shown in method 300, performed in a different order. Furthermore, methods conforming to this disclosure may include at least two or more steps that are performed in overlapping or substantially simultaneously in time, as in method 300. Method 300 includes providing a self-inflating cuff (310) having an outer surface and an inner surface, comprising a first membrane layer formed in and along the inner surface at a first location, and a second membrane layer formed in and along the inner surface at a second location. The first membrane layer forms a first compartment configured to contain a first substance, and the second membrane layer forms a second compartment separate from the first compartment, configured to contain a second substance isolated from the first substance.

[0028] Method 300 includes applying a force (320) to the outer surface of a self-inflating cuff, the force causing the first and second membrane layers to rupture, thereby allowing the first and second materials to bond together. For example, as described above with reference to Figures 2A-2C, a force applied to a portion of the inflatable body 210 of the self-inflating cuff 200 causes the first section 220 and the second section 225 to rupture. In some implementations, the first section is configured to rupture before the second section, or vice versa. Alternatively, in some implementations, the first and second sections are configured to rupture simultaneously. In some implementations, the force applied to the inflatable body is a compressive force or a tensile force. In some implementations, the first section is adjacent to the second section within the inflatable body.

[0029] The method also includes causing a chemical reaction based on the bonding of a first substance and a second substance (these substances become capable of bonding when a force is applied to the outer surface of the inflatable body and the first and second compartments rupture), thereby generating a reaction force on the inner surface of the self-inflatable cuff that causes the self-inflatable cuff to expand (330) such that a first opening at the first end of the self-inflatable cuff and a second opening at the second end opposite the first end of the self-inflatable cuff expand to a degree sufficient to receive a container (e.g., an IV bag) through the first opening and a tube of the container (e.g., the tube 213 of the IV bag) through the second opening. In some implementations, the first and second openings remain sealed until the first and second membrane layers rupture. When a force is applied to the outer surface of the inflatable body, the first and second openings remain substantially small until the inflatable body reaches a predetermined size such that the chemical reaction is not interrupted. In some embodiments, the predetermined size is at least three-quarters of the overall size of the inflatable body 210.

[0030] In some embodiments, the inflatable is formed of an elastic material such that it self-contracts at a predetermined rate after expansion until it returns to a non-expanded state. In some implementations, a first compartment contains a first predetermined amount of a first substance, and a second compartment contains a second predetermined amount of a second substance. The first predetermined amount of the first substance and the second predetermined amount of the second substance are based on the volume of the inflatable. Further information regarding the first and second substances is provided above with reference to Figures 2A to 2D.

[0031] Method 300 includes receiving a container and a tube for the container via first and second ends of an inflatable body (340), and initiating the self-contraction of the self-contracting cuff and compression of the container so that the container and the tube for the container are received via first and second ends of a self-contracting cuff, respectively, and after the reaction force applied to the inner surface of the self-contracting cuff is removed upon completion of the chemical reaction, the fluid flowing from the container is accelerated as it flows (350).

[0032] Figure 4 is a conceptual diagram showing an exemplary electronic system 400 for controlling a pump according to an aspect of the present technology. The electronic system 400 may include, but is not limited to, a controller 32 for the IV pump 30, and may be a computing device specifically configured to run software related to the components and processes provided in Figures 1 to 5. The electronic system 400 may be a representative system combined with the present disclosure relating to Figures 1 to 3.

[0033] The electronic system 400 may include various types of computer-readable media and interfaces for various other types of computer-readable media. In the illustrated example, the electronic system 400 includes a bus 408, a processing unit 412, system memory 404, read-only memory (ROM) 410, persistent storage device 402, input device interface 414, output device interface 406, and one or more network interfaces 416. In some implementations, the electronic system 400 may include or be integrated with other computing devices or circuits for the operation of the various components and processes described above.

[0034] Bus 408 collectively represents all system buses, peripheral buses, and chipset buses that communicate with numerous internal devices of the electronic system 400. For example, bus 408 communicates with the processing unit 412, the ROM 410, the system memory 404, and the persistent storage device 402.

[0035] The processing unit 412 retrieves instructions to be executed and data to be processed from these various memory units in order to perform the process of this disclosure. In different implementations, the processing unit may be a single processor or a multi-core processor.

[0036] ROM 410 stores static data and instructions required by processing unit 412 and other modules of the electronic system. On the other hand, persistent storage device 402 is a read / write memory device. This device is a non-volatile memory unit that stores instructions and data even when the electronic system 400 is off. Some implementations of this disclosure use a mass storage device (such as a magnetic disk or optical disk and its corresponding disk drive) as the persistent storage device 402.

[0037] Other implementations use a removable storage device (such as a floppy disk, flash drive, and corresponding disk drive) as the persistent storage device 402. Similar to the persistent storage device 402, the system memory 404 is a read-write memory device. However, unlike the storage device 402, the system memory 404 is volatile read-write memory, such as random-access memory. The system memory 404 stores some of the instructions and data required by the processor at runtime. In some implementations, the process of this disclosure is stored in the system memory 404, the persistent storage device 402, and / or the ROM 410. From these various memory units, the processing unit 412 retrieves the instructions to be executed and the data to be processed in order to execute the process of some implementations. Such storage devices 402 and / or memory devices 404 may be representative of the memory of the controller 32.

[0038] Bus 408 also connects to an input device interface 414 and an output device interface 406. The input device interface 414 allows the user to communicate information and selected commands to the electronic system. Input devices used with the input device interface 414 include, for example, an alphanumeric keyboard and a pointing device (also called a "cursor control device"), such as the one shown in controller 32 in Figure 1. The output device interface 406 (shown as a display in controller 60 in Figure 1, for example) allows the display of images generated by the electronic system 400, for example. Output devices used with the output device interface 406 include, for example, a printer and a display device such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) or a liquid crystal display (LCD). Some implementations include devices such as a touch screen that function as both an input and an output device.

[0039] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, bus 408 also connects the electronic system 400 to a network (not shown) via a network interface 416. The network interface 416 may include, for example, a wireless access point (e.g., Bluetooth or WiFi) or a wireless circuit for connecting to a wireless access point. The network interface 416 may also include hardware (e.g., Ethernet® hardware) for connecting a computer to a network of computers such as a local area network ("LAN"), a wide area network ("WAN"), a wireless LAN, a personal area network ("PAN"), or an intranet, or to a network of networks such as the Internet. Any or all components of the electronic system 400 can be used in conjunction with this disclosure.

[0040] These functions may be implemented in computer software, firmware, or hardware. This technique can be implemented using one or more computer program products. Programmable processors and computers can be included in or packaged as mobile devices. Processes and logic flows can be executed by one or more programmable processors and one or more programmable logic circuits. General-purpose and dedicated computing devices and storage devices can be interconnected via communication networks.

[0041] Some implementations involve electronic components such as microprocessors, storage, and memory that store computer program instructions on machine-readable or computer-readable media (also called computer-readable storage media, machine-readable media, or machine-readable storage media). Some examples of such computer-readable media include RAM, ROM, read-only compact discs (CD-ROM), recordable compact discs (CD-R), rewritable compact discs (CD-RW), read-only digital versatile discs (e.g., DVD-ROM, dual-layer DVD-ROM), various recordable / rewritable DVDs (e.g., DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, etc.), flash memory (e.g., SD cards, mini-SD cards, micro-SD cards, etc.), magnetic and / or solid-state hard drives, read-only and recordable Blu-ray® discs, ultra-high-density optical discs, any other optical or magnetic media, and floppy disks. Computer-readable media can store computer programs that are executable by at least one processing unit and contain instruction sets for performing various operations. Examples of computer programs or computer code include machine code, such as that generated by a compiler, and files containing high-level code that is executed by a computer, electronic component, or microprocessor using an interpreter.

[0042] The above description primarily refers to microprocessors or multicore processors that run software, but some implementations are performed by one or more integrated circuits, such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). In some implementations, such integrated circuits execute instructions stored within the circuit itself.

[0043] As used herein and in any of the claims, the terms “computer,” “server,” “processor,” and “memory” all refer to specially configured electronic or other technical devices. These terms exclude persons or groups of persons. For the purposes of this specification, the terms “display” or “displaying” mean displaying on an electronic device. As used herein and in any of the claims, the terms “computer readable medium” and “computer readable media” are strictly limited to tangible physical objects that store information in a format readable by a computer. These terms exclude wireless signals, wired download signals, and any other transient signals.

[0044] To provide user interaction, the implementations of the subject matter described herein may be implemented on a computer having a display device for displaying information to the user, such as a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, and a keyboard and pointing device, such as a mouse or trackball, on which the user can provide input to the computer. Other types of devices may also be used to provide user interaction; for example, the feedback provided to the user may be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback, and input from the user may be received in any form, including acoustic input, voice input, or tactile input. Furthermore, the computer may interact with the user by sending and receiving documents to and from devices used by the user, for example, by sending a web page to a web browser on the user's client device in response to a request received from a web browser.

[0045] The implementations of the subject matter described herein may be implemented in a computing system that includes back-end components, such as a data server, or middleware components, such as an application server, or front-end components, such as a client computer having a graphical user interface or a web browser on which a user can interact with the implementation of the subject matter described herein, or any combination of one or more such back-end components, middleware components, or front-end components. The components of the system may be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication, such as a communication network. Examples of communication networks include local area networks ("LANs") and wide area networks ("WANs"), internetworks (e.g., the Internet), and peer-to-peer networks (e.g., ad-hoc peer-to-peer networks).

[0046] A computing system can include clients and servers. Clients and servers are generally geographically separated and may interact via a communication network. The client-server relationship arises from computer programs running on each computer that have a client-server relationship with each other. In some implementations, the server sends data (e.g., an HTML page) to the client device (for example, to display data to a user interacting with the client device and to receive user input from that user). Data generated on the client device (e.g., the results of user interaction) can be received by the server from the client device.

[0047] Those skilled in the art will understand that the various exemplary blocks, modules, elements, components, methods, and algorithms described herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. To illustrate this compatibility between hardware and software, various exemplary blocks, modules, elements, components, methods, and algorithms have been generally described above in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. The described functionality may be implemented in various ways for each specific application. Without departing entirely from the scope of this art, various components and blocks may be configured differently (for example, they may be configured in different orders or divided in different ways).

[0048] Examples of clauses in this technology: Various examples of the embodiments of this disclosure are described for convenience as numbered clauses (1, 2, 3, etc.). These are provided as examples and do not limit the technology. The identification of figures and reference numbers is provided below for illustrative purposes only and as examples, and the clauses are not limited by their identification.

[0049] Clause 1. A self-inflating cuff comprising an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface includes a first membrane layer formed within and along the inner surface at a first position, the first membrane layer forming a first compartment which contains a first substance and is configured to rupture in response to a force applied to the outer surface of the self-inflating cuff. The inner surface also includes a second membrane layer formed within and along the inner surface at a second position, the second membrane layer forming a second compartment separate from the first compartment which contains a second substance isolated from the first substance and is configured to rupture in response to a force applied to the outer surface of the self-inflating cuff. The self-inflating cuff is configured such that, in response to a force applied to its outer surface, the first and second compartments burst, causing a chemical reaction that combines the first and second materials and generates a reaction force on the inner surface of the self-inflating cuff that causes it to expand. The self-inflating cuff is further configured such that a first opening at the first end of the self-inflating cuff and a second opening at the second end opposite the first end of the self-inflating cuff expand to a degree sufficient to receive a container through the first opening and a tube of the container through the second opening.

[0050] Clause 2. The self-inflating cuff according to Clause 1, wherein the container and the tube of the container are received through a first end and a second end of the self-inflating cuff, respectively, and the self-contracting cuff compresses the container such that the fluid flowing from the container is accelerated in flow after the reaction force applied to the inner surface of the self-inflating cuff is removed upon completion of the chemical reaction.

[0051] Clause 3. A self-inflating cuff as described in Clause 1 or Clause 2, wherein the first compartment is adjacent to the second compartment within the self-inflating cuff.

[0052] Clause 4. A self-inflating cuff according to any one of Clauses 1 to 3, wherein the force applied to the outer surface of the self-inflating cuff is a compressive force applied to the first and second ends of the self-inflating cuff.

[0053] Clause 5. A self-inflating cuff according to any one of Clauses 1 to 3, wherein the force applied to the outer surface of the self-inflating cuff is the tension applied to the first and second ends of the self-inflating cuff.

[0054] Clause 6. A self-inflating cuff according to any of Clauses 1 to 5, wherein the first compartment is configured to rupture before the second compartment when a force is applied to the outer surface of the self-inflating cuff.

[0055] Clause 7. A self-inflating cuff according to any of Clauses 1 to 6, wherein the first compartment contains a first predetermined amount of the first substance, and the second compartment contains a second predetermined amount of the second substance, and the first predetermined amount of the first substance and the second predetermined amount of the second substance are based on the volume of the self-inflating cuff.

[0056] Clause 8. A self-inflating cuff according to any one of Clauses 1 to 7, wherein the self-inflating cuff includes an elastic material so that after the self-inflating cuff has expanded, the self-inflating cuff deflates at a predetermined rate until the self-inflating cuff returns to a non-inflated state.

[0057] Clause 9. A method for inflating a self-inflating cuff, the method comprising providing a self-inflating cuff having an outer surface and an inner surface, and comprising a first membrane layer formed in and along the inner surface at a first position, forming a first compartment configured to contain a first substance, and a second membrane layer formed in and along the inner surface at a second position, forming a second compartment separate from the first compartment, configured to contain a second substance isolated from the first substance. The method further includes the step of applying a force to the outer surface of a self-inflating cuff, the force causing the first and second membrane layers to burst, enabling the first and second materials to bond, and causing a chemical reaction based on the bonding of the first and second materials, which generates a reaction force on the inner surface of the self-inflating cuff that causes the self-inflating cuff to expand, such that a first opening at the first end of the self-inflating cuff and a second opening at the second end opposite the first end of the self-inflating cuff expand to a degree sufficient to receive a container through the first opening and the tube of the container through the second opening. The method also includes the step of receiving a container and the tube of the container through the first and second ends of the self-inflating cuff.

[0058] Clause 10. The method according to Clause 9, further comprising the steps of initiating the self-contraction of the self-contracting cuff and compression of the container, such that the container and the tube of the container are received through the first and second ends of a self-inflating cuff, respectively, and after the reaction force applied to the inner surface of the self-inflating cuff is removed upon completion of the chemical reaction, the fluid flowing from the container is accelerated in flow.

[0059] Clause 11. The method according to Clause 9 or Clause 10, wherein the force applied to the self-inflating cuff is a compressive force applied to the outer surfaces of the first and second ends of the self-inflating cuff.

[0060] Clause 12. The method according to Clause 9 or Clause 10, wherein the force applied to the self-inflating cuff is the tension applied to the outer surfaces of the first and second ends of the self-inflating cuff.

[0061] Clause 13. The method according to any of Clauses 9 to 12, wherein the first compartment is adjacent to the second compartment within the self-inflating cuff.

[0062] Clause 14. The method according to any of Clauses 9 to 13, wherein the first compartment is configured to rupture before the second compartment when a force is applied to the self-inflating cuff.

[0063] Clause 15. The method according to any of Clauses 9 to 14, wherein the first compartment contains a first predetermined amount of the first substance, and the second compartment contains a second predetermined amount of the second substance, and the first predetermined amount of the first substance and the second predetermined amount of the second substance are based on the volume of a self-expanding cuff.

[0064] Clause 16. The method according to any one of Clauses 9 to 15, wherein the self-inflating cuff includes an elastic material such that the self-inflating cuff self-deflates at a predetermined rate after the self-inflating cuff has expanded until the self-inflating cuff returns to a non-inflated state.

[0065] Clause 17. An injection system comprising a fluid source (e.g., a container containing a fluid), a tube connected to the fluid source, and a self-inflating cuff. The self-inflating cuff is configured such that, in response to a force applied to the outer surface of the self-inflating cuff, i) a chemical reaction is caused by a first substance and a second substance in separate compartments of the self-inflating cuff that are coupled in response to the force, and ii) a reaction force is generated on the inner surface of the self-inflating cuff that causes the self-inflating cuff to expand. The self-inflating cuff is further configured to expand such that i) it receives and connects to the fluid source, and ii) it allows the tube to pass through the opening of the self-inflating cuff so that the self-inflating cuff does not obstruct the tube.

[0066] Clause 18. The injection system according to Clause 17, wherein the self-inflating cuff is configured to self-contract and compress the fluid source such that the fluid flowing from the fluid source is accelerated in flow after the reaction force applied to the self-inflating cuff is removed upon completion of the chemical reaction.

[0067] Clause 19. An injection system according to Clause 17 or Clause 18, wherein the force applied to the outer surface of the self-inflating cuff is a compressive force.

[0068] Clause 20. An injection system according to Clause 17 or Clause 18, wherein the force applied to the outer surface of the self-inflating cuff is tension.

[0069] Clause 21. An injection system according to any of Clauses 17 to 20, wherein the self-inflating cuff is configured according to a self-inflating cuff as described in any of Clauses 1 to 8.

[0070] Further considerations: In some implementations, any of the provisions of this Specification may depend on any one of the independent provisions or any one of the dependent provisions. In one embodiment, any of the provisions (e.g., dependent or independent provisions) may be combined with any one or more other provisions (e.g., dependent or independent provisions). In one embodiment, a claim may include some or all of the words (e.g., steps, actions, means, or components) contained in a provision, sentence, phrase, or paragraph. In one embodiment, a claim may include some or all of the words contained in one or more provisions, sentences, phrases, or paragraphs. In one embodiment, some of the words within each provision, sentence, phrase, or paragraph may be deleted. In one embodiment, additional words or elements may be added to a provision, sentence, phrase, or paragraph. In one embodiment, the Art may be implemented without utilizing any of the components, elements, functions, or actions described herein. In one embodiment, the Art may be implemented using additional components, elements, functions, or actions.

[0071] This disclosure is provided to enable those skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments described herein. This disclosure provides various examples of the art, and the art is not limited to these examples. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may apply to other embodiments.

[0072] In this specification, terms such as “first,” “second,” etc., may be used to describe various elements, but it should be understood that these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one element from another. Terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” and “rear” should be understood, as used in this disclosure, to refer to any reference frame rather than the usual gravity reference frame. Thus, the top, bottom, front, and rear may extend upward, downward, obliquely, or horizontally in the gravity reference frame.

[0073] The terms used herein are for the sole purpose of describing specific implementations and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” used in the descriptions of implementations and the appended claims are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless otherwise indicated in the context. Furthermore, the terms “and / or” used herein should be understood to refer to and encompass any and all possible combinations of one or more of the related enumerated items. Additionally, the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising,” when used herein, should be understood to indicate the presence of the described features, integers, steps, actions, elements, and / or components, and not to exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, actions, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0074] As used herein, the term "when" may be interpreted, depending on the context, to mean "when it is determined" that the stated premise is true, or "at the time of such determination," or "in response to the determination," or "according to the determination," or "in response to detection." Similarly, the phrases "when it is determined that (the stated premise is true)," or "when (the stated premise is true)," or "when (the stated premise is true)" may be interpreted, depending on the context, to mean "at the time of such determination," or "in response to such determination," or "according to the determination," or "at the time of detection," or "in response to detection," that the stated premise is true.

[0075] The term “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example or illustration.” An embodiment or design described herein as “exemplary” should not necessarily be construed as being preferable or advantageous to other embodiments or designs. In one embodiment, various alternative configurations and operations described herein may be considered at least equivalent.

[0076] The terms "aspects" and similar phrases do not imply that such aspects are essential to the Technology, nor that such aspects apply to all configurations of the Technology. Disclosures relating to aspects may apply to all configurations or one or more configurations. Aspects may provide one or more examples. Terms such as "aspects" may refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa. The terms such as "examples" and similar phrases do not imply that such examples are essential to the Technology, nor that such examples apply to all configurations of the Technology. Disclosures relating to examples may apply to all implementation forms or one or more implementation forms. Examples may provide one or more examples. Terms such as "examples" may refer to one or more implementation forms, and vice versa. The terms such as "configuration" and similar phrases do not imply that such configurations are essential to the Technology, nor that such configurations apply to all configurations of the Technology. Disclosures relating to configurations may apply to all configurations or one or more configurations. Configurations may provide one or more examples. The term "composition" can refer to one or more compositions, and vice versa.

[0077] In one embodiment, unless otherwise specified, all measurements, values, ratings, locations, sizes, dimensions, and other specifications described herein, including subsequent claims, are approximate rather than precise. In one embodiment, they are intended to have a reasonable range that conforms to the function to which they relate and to the conventions of the art to which they belong.

[0078] In one aspect, terms such as "linked" may refer to direct linking. In another aspect, terms such as "linked" may refer to indirect linking.

[0079] Without departing in any way from the scope of this technology, various items may be configured differently (for example, in a different order or divided in a different way). All elements and structural and functional equivalents of various aspects described throughout this disclosure, which are known to those skilled in the art or will become known thereafter, are expressly incorporated by reference herein and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be made available to the public, whether such disclosure is expressly contained in the claims or not. Unless an element of a claim is expressly described using the phrase “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, “steps for” the elements of that element shall not be construed under Section 112, paragraph 6 of the United States Patent Act. Furthermore, to the extent that terms such as “includes” and “having” are used, such terms are intended to be as inclusive as the term “equipment,” as the term “equipment” is construed when the term “equipment” is used as a transitional term in a claim.

[0080] The title of the invention, background art, summary of the invention, brief description of the drawings, and abstract of the invention are incorporated herein by reference into the disclosure and provided as exemplary examples of the disclosure, and not as limiting descriptions. They are submitted with the understanding that they are not to be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, in the modes for carrying out the invention, it can be seen that the descriptions provide exemplary examples and that various features are grouped together in various implementations for the sake of simplification of the disclosure. This method of disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than those explicitly described in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the following claims, the subject matter of the invention lies in fewer features than all features of a single disclosed configuration or operation. The following claims are incorporated herein by reference into the modes for carrying out the invention, and each claim exists independently as individually claimed subject matter.

[0081] The scope of the patent claims is not intended to be limited to the embodiments described herein, but rather to be the entire scope as provided in the language of the claims, encompassing all legal equivalents. However, no patent claim is intended, nor should it be construed, to encompass subject matter that does not meet the requirements of Section 101, 102, or 103 of the U.S. Patent Act.

Claims

1. Outer appearance and, Inner self and A self-inflating cuff for use with an intravenous (IV) bag, wherein the inner surface is A first membrane layer formed in and along the inner surface at a first position, wherein the first membrane layer forms a first compartment which contains a first substance and is configured to rupture in response to a force applied to the outer surface of a self-inflating cuff used with an IV bag, and A second membrane layer formed in and along the inner surface at a second position, the second membrane layer forming a second compartment separate from the first compartment, which is configured to contain a second substance isolated from the first substance and to rupture in response to the force applied to the outer surface of the self-expanding cuff. Includes, When the self-inflating cuff ruptures in response to the force applied to its outer surface, The first substance and the second substance are combined to cause a chemical reaction, and the self-expanding cuff is configured to generate a reaction force on its inner surface that causes the self-expanding cuff to expand. A self-inflating cuff, wherein a first opening at a first end of the self-inflating cuff and a second opening at a second end opposite the first end of the self-inflating cuff are configured to expand to receive a container compressed by the self-inflating cuff through the first opening and to receive the tube of the container through the second opening.

2. A self-inflating cuff used with an IV bag according to claim 1, wherein the self-inflating cuff is configured to self-contract and compress the container such that the fluid flowing from the container is accelerated as it flows after the reaction force applied to the inner surface of the self-inflating cuff is removed upon completion of the chemical reaction.

3. A self-inflating cuff used with an IV bag according to claim 1, wherein the first compartment is adjacent to the second compartment within the self-inflating cuff.

4. A self-inflating cuff used with an IV bag according to claim 1, wherein the force applied to the outer surface of the self-inflating cuff is a compressive force applied to the first end and the second end of the self-inflating cuff.

5. A self-inflating cuff used with an IV bag according to claim 1, wherein the force applied to the outer surface of the self-inflating cuff is the tension applied to the first end and the second end of the self-inflating cuff.

6. A self-inflating cuff used with an IV bag according to claim 1, wherein the first compartment is configured to rupture before the second compartment when the force is applied to the outer surface of the self-inflating cuff.

7. The first compartment contains a first predetermined amount of the first substance, and the second compartment contains a second predetermined amount of the second substance. A self-inflating cuff used with an IV bag according to claim 1, wherein the first predetermined amount of the first substance and the second predetermined amount of the second substance are based on the volume of the self-inflating cuff.

8. A self-inflating cuff used with an IV bag according to claim 1, wherein the self-inflating cuff includes an elastic material such that the self-inflating cuff self-contracts at a predetermined rate until the self-inflating cuff returns to a non-inflated state after it has expanded.

9. A method for inflating a self-inflating cuff used with an intravenous (IV) bag, The step of providing a self-inflating cuff for use with an IV bag, comprising: a first membrane layer having an outer surface and an inner surface, formed in and along the inner surface at a first position, forming a first compartment configured to contain a first substance; and a second membrane layer formed in and along the inner surface at a second position, forming a second compartment separate from the first compartment, configured to contain a second substance isolated from the first substance; A step of applying a force to the outer surface of the self-inflating cuff, wherein the force causes the first and second membrane layers to rupture, enabling the first and second materials to bond, and a chemical reaction based on the bonding of the first and second materials to occur, thereby generating a reaction force on the inner surface of the self-inflating cuff such that a first opening at the first end of the self-inflating cuff and a second opening at the second end opposite the first end of the self-inflating cuff expand to receive a container compressed by the self-inflating cuff through the first opening and to receive the tube of the container through the second opening; The steps include receiving the container and the tube of the container through the first and second ends of the self-inflating cuff, and Methods that include...

10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising the steps of: the container and the tube of the container being received via the first and second ends of the self-inflating cuff, respectively, and initiating the self-contraction of the self-inflating cuff and compression of the container so that the fluid flowing from the container is accelerated in flow after the reaction force applied to the inner surface of the self-inflating cuff is removed upon completion of the chemical reaction.

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein the force applied to the self-inflating cuff is a compressive force applied to the outer surfaces of the first end and the second end of the self-inflating cuff.

12. The method according to claim 9, wherein the force applied to the self-inflating cuff is the tension applied to the outer surfaces of the first end and the second end of the self-inflating cuff.

13. The method according to claim 9, wherein the first compartment is adjacent to the second compartment within the self-inflating cuff.

14. The method according to claim 9, wherein the first compartment is configured to rupture before the second compartment when the force is applied to the self-inflating cuff.

15. The method according to claim 9, wherein the first compartment contains a first predetermined amount of the first substance, the second compartment contains a second predetermined amount of the second substance, and the first predetermined amount of the first substance and the second predetermined amount of the second substance are based on the volume of the self-expanding cuff.

16. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 15, wherein the self-inflating cuff includes an elastic material such that the self-inflating cuff self-contracts at a predetermined rate after the self-inflating cuff has expanded until the self-inflating cuff returns to a non-inflated state.

17. The self-inflating cuff used in an injection system, A fluid source and A tube connected to the fluid source and Equipped with, A self-inflating cuff for use with an IV bag according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the self-inflating cuff expands such that i) it receives and connects to the fluid source, and ii) the self-inflating cuff expands so that the tube passes through the opening of the self-inflating cuff so that the self-inflating cuff does not block the tube.

18. A self-inflating cuff used with an IV bag according to claim 17, wherein the self-inflating cuff is configured to self-contract and compress the fluid source such that the fluid flowing from the fluid source is accelerated in flow after the reaction force applied to the self-inflating cuff is removed when the chemical reaction is completed.

Images