Converging-diverging drip chamber with integrated floating valve component

Abstract

The drip chamber device can include a housing including an inlet portion and an outlet portion disposed downstream of the inlet portion, and a chamber defined by an inner circumferential surface of the housing. The chamber can fluidly connect the inlet portion with the outlet portion. A valve member can be disposed within the chamber to move between (i) a closed state and (ii) an open state based on a fluid level in the chamber, wherein the closed state blocks fluid communication between the inlet portion and the chamber, and the open state does not block fluid communication between the inlet portion and the chamber.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to medical fluid connectors, and more particularly to a flow control drip chamber connector having a valve member that can prevent under-infusion in an intravenous (IV) set with a secondary line and can also prevent backflow of a secondary drug into a primary IV fluid bag.

Background Art

[0002] Infusion IV sets are generally used in infusion therapy to deliver medication from a pre-filled container (e.g., an IV bottle or bag containing the desired medication) to a patient. Generally, the IV tubing is connected to a catheter and inserted into the local area to be treated. In some cases, there is a need to deliver multiple medications to a patient at potentially different dosages, thereby creating a need for an IV extension set having multiple branches of tubing or fluid lines through which the multiple medications can be dispensed to the patient.

[0003] Medical infusion therapy involves the administration of medications through a needle or catheter. The medications can be administered using intravenous techniques, intramuscular techniques, or epidural techniques. Typically, infusion therapy involves a fluid supply source connected to a patient's intravenous needle or catheter through tubing. The fluid (which can include a medication or any other fluid) is typically dripped from the fluid supply source through a fluid path into the patient. Typically, a primary fluid supply source and one or more secondary fluid supply sources can be joined to the fluid path between the supply source and the patient.

[0004] Primary and secondary fluid sources can be joined in the fluid path so that the secondary fluid can be delivered simultaneously with the primary fluid. Alternatively, the flow of the primary fluid can be stopped when the pressure head at the secondary fluid source exceeds the pressure head at the secondary fluid source, thereby enabling the delivery of the secondary fluid. The delivery of the primary fluid can then be resumed after the flow of the secondary fluid has stopped.

[0005] During IV infusion, the secondary drug supply may flow back into the primary IV line, potentially leading to insufficient secondary drug delivery. Check valves can be positioned within the primary line to prevent backflow, but check valves are prone to failure. Some common reasons for check valve failure are due to debris present in the infusion and the minimum pressure difference at the check valve, which affects its performance.

[0006] Descriptions provided in the background art chapter should not be considered prior art simply because they are mentioned in or associated with the background art chapter. The background art chapter may contain information describing one or more aspects of the subject art. [Overview of the project] [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a drip chamber device may include a housing including an inlet and an outlet disposed downstream of the inlet, and a chamber defined by the inner circumferential surface of the housing. The chamber may be fluidly connected at the inlet to the outlet. A valve member may be disposed within the chamber to move between (i) a closed state and (ii) an open state based on the fluid level in the chamber, in the closed state, fluid communication between the inlet and the chamber is blocked, and in the open state, fluid communication between the inlet and the chamber is not blocked.

[0008] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the drip chamber device may include a housing having an upper end including an inlet for receiving a primary fluid, an opposing bottom end including an outlet for dispensing fluid from the housing, an intermediate section between the upper and bottom ends, and a side wall, the side wall having (i) a first portion extending radially outward from the upper end to the intermediate section of the housing, and (ii) a second portion extending radially inward from the intermediate section to the bottom end of the housing. The inner circumferential surface of the side wall may define a chamber. The drip chamber device may further include a sealing ring circumferentially disposed along the inner circumferential surface and a valve member movably disposed within the chamber. The valve member may be displaced proximally into the sealing ring by buoyancy when the fluid level in the chamber exceeds a predetermined level.

[0009] Other configurations of the subject art will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, and it will be understood that in the detailed description, various configurations of the subject art are shown and described as examples. As will be recognized, other and different configurations of the subject art are possible, and some of its details can be modified in various other respects, all without deviating from the scope of the subject art. Therefore, the drawings and detailed description should be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in nature.

[0010] The following figures are included to illustrate specific aspects of the embodiments and should not be viewed as exclusive embodiments. The disclosed subject matter is subject to considerable modification, substitution, combination, and equivalents in terms of form and function, as will be conceivable to those skilled in the art who are interested in this disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This figure illustrates an IV extension set including a drip chamber device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2A] This is a perspective view of a drip chamber device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2B] Figure 2A is a front view of a drip chamber device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2C] This is a perspective view of the base plate of the drip chamber device shown in Figure 2A, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2D] This is a cross-sectional view of the base plate of Figure 2C along line 2D-2D according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3A] This figure illustrates the operating state of a drip chamber device when a primary fluid flows into the drip chamber device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] This figure illustrates the operating state of a drip chamber device when a secondary fluid flows back into the drip chamber device from the secondary fluid line, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3C] Figure 3B illustrates the operating state of the drip chamber device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In this figure, the secondary fluid continues to flow back into the drip chamber device until the fluid in the drip chamber reaches a predetermined level, and the buoyancy acting on the valve member engages the valve member with the sealing ring, blocking the fluid flow from the chamber to the inlet. [Figure 3D] This figure illustrates the operating state of a drip chamber device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, where the backflow of secondary fluid into the drip chamber device has stopped and the fluid in the drip chamber has descended to a predetermined level. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The detailed description below illustrates various configurations of the subject art and is not intended to represent only the configurations in which the subject art can be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the subject art. Thus, dimensions may be provided as non-limiting examples with respect to certain embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject art can be practiced without these specific details. In some cases, to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject art, well-known structures and components are shown in the form of block diagrams.

[0013] It should be understood that this disclosure includes examples of the subject art and does not limit the scope of the appended claims. Herein, various aspects of the subject art are disclosed in accordance with certain but non-limiting examples. The various embodiments described in this disclosure may be carried out in different ways and variations and may be carried out according to a desired use or implementation.

[0014] This specification relates, in general, to flow control devices, and more specifically to flow control devices having a valve member that can prevent under-infusion in an IV set with a secondary fluid line and can also prevent backflow of drugs from the secondary fluid line into the primary fluid line.

[0015] IV sets with secondary fluid lines tend to experience under-infusion of secondary drugs due to backflow of secondary drugs into the primary line resulting from check valve failure in the primary fluid line. The most common cause of check valve failure is debris that accumulates when drugs in the secondary fluid line spiking and seeping into the primary fluid line at low pressure. Common causes of under-infusion include drug dilution during back-priming of the secondary IV, and also when the heads are equal in the primary and secondary fluid lines. Other causes include dead volume in the secondary fluid line and the time required to infuse the drug. Drip chamber devices of various embodiments described herein overcome the above problems commonly associated with IV sets having primary and secondary fluid lines. In particular, various embodiments of this disclosure are directed toward providing drip chamber devices that prevent backflow of secondary drugs into the primary fluid line. When the head heights of the primary and secondary fluid sources are equal, both the primary and secondary fluids can be delivered at equal rates.

[0016] Figure 1 illustrates a multi-line IV extension set 1 including a drip chamber device 100 according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the IV set 1 includes a primary fluid system 15 and a secondary fluid system 25. A (optional) IV pump is capable of receiving fluid from the primary fluid system 15 and the secondary fluid system 25 via the primary IV fluid line 5 and the secondary IV fluid line 7, and from there controlling and dispensing the fluid to the patient.

[0017] In some embodiments, the primary fluid system 15 may include a primary fluid source or container (e.g., a primary intravenous (IV) fluid bag 10) which may contain or include a first medical fluid (e.g., a saline solution or other medical fluid or drug to be administered to the patient). According to some embodiments, the secondary fluid system 25 may include a secondary fluid source or container (e.g., a secondary IV fluid bag 20) which may contain a second medical fluid (e.g., a drug or other secondary fluid to be supplied to the patient for treatment). In some embodiments, the second medical fluid may be different from the first medical fluid. However, various embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the configurations described above. In other embodiments, the first and second fluids may be the same.

[0018] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, as illustrated in Figure 1, the primary IV fluid bag 10 (which holds the primary fluid) is positioned at a lower axial position or height than the secondary IV fluid bag 20. For example, the primary IV fluid bag 10 can be suspended from a suspension system or hanger, and the secondary IV fluid bag 20 can be suspended above the primary IV fluid bag and connected to a secondary fluid line 7, which can be connected to the primary fluid line 5 via a connector (e.g., a y-site connector).

[0019] Figure 2A illustrates a perspective view of a drip chamber device 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2B illustrates a front view of the drip chamber device 100 of Figure 2A according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the drip chamber device 100 may have an upper end 111 including an inlet 102 for receiving a primary fluid, an opposing lower end 113 including an outlet 104 for dispensing fluid from the housing 110, and an intermediate section 116 positioned between the upper end 111 and the lower end 113 of the housing 110. The housing 110 may further include a side wall portion extending from the upper end 111 to the lower end 113 of the housing 110. For example, in some embodiments, the side wall portion may include a first side wall portion or side wall portion 112 and a second side wall portion or side wall portion 114. The first side wall portion or side wall portion 112 and the second side wall portion or side wall portion 114 can define the inner circumferential surface 118 of the housing.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the first side wall or side wall portion 112 can extend radially outwardly and distally from the upper end 111 of the housing 110. Similarly, the second side wall or side wall portion 114 can extend radially inwardly and distally from the first side wall or side wall portion 112 to the bottom end 113 of the housing 110. In particular, the first side wall or side wall portion 112 can extend radially outwardly from the upper end 111 of the housing 110 to the intermediate section 116 of the housing 110. The second side wall or side wall portion 114 can extend radially inwardly from the intermediate section 116 of the housing 110 to the bottom end 113. In a similar manner, the second side wall or side wall portion 114 can extend radially outwardly and proximally from the bottom end 113 of the housing 110 to the intermediate section 116 of the housing. The first side wall or side wall portion 112 can extend radially inwardly and proximally from the intermediate section 116 of the housing 110 to the upper end 111 of the housing.

[0021] Thus, each of the first side wall or side wall portion 112 and the second side wall or side wall portion 114 can have a conical shape. Thus, the housing 110 can have a diamond shape in some embodiments. However, various embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described configuration. In other embodiments, the housing can have an elliptical or oval shape, or any other shape in which the upper end 111 and the bottom end 113 are disposed symmetrically with respect to each other and the intermediate section 116 is disposed radially outwardly with respect to the first end 111 and the second end 113.

[0022] Therefore, the drip chamber device 100 can be referred to as a converging-diverging drip chamber device based on the shape of the housing, where the first side wall portion or side wall portion part 112 extends radially outward from the upper end 111 (i.e., diverges), and the second side wall portion or side wall portion part 114 extends radially inward from the first side wall portion or side wall portion part 112 (i.e., converges). The converging-diverging conical shape of the drip chamber device can provide several advantages, as will be discussed in more detail below.

[0023] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the inner circumferential surface 118 of the housing 110 can define a chamber 140 that fluidly connects the inlet 102 to the outlet 104. Continuing to refer to FIG. 1, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the drip chamber device 100 can further include a valve member 120 movably disposed within the chamber 140. As will be described in more detail below, based on the level of fluid within the chamber 140, the valve member 120 can be configured to move between (i) a closed state and (ii) an open state, in which the fluid communication between the inlet 102 and the chamber 140 is blocked in the closed state and not blocked in the open state.

[0024] In some embodiments, the valve member 120 can be a spherical ball or disc. In other embodiments, the valve member 120 can be an elliptical or oblong ball or disc. The valve member 120 can be a solid body or a hollow ball having a density lower than the density of the primary fluid, secondary fluid, or combination of primary and secondary fluids in the chamber 120. Thus, a valve member with a lower density will float in the fluid 142 in the chamber, which has a higher density. Since the fluid 142 in the chamber has a higher density, the fluid 142 can exert buoyancy on the valve member 120, causing the valve member 120 to move upward (proximal) as the level of fluid in the chamber continues to rise. In some embodiments, the valve member 120 may be formed from a material comprising at least one of isoprene rubber, polyethylene (PE) foam, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) foam, or any other material having a density less than the density of the primary fluid, the secondary fluid, or the combination of the primary and secondary fluids in the chamber.

[0025] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, the drip chamber device 100 may further include a sealing ring 122 having a hollow interior 124 for housing and engaging a valve member 120 to prevent fluid in the chamber 140 from flowing into the IV bag 10 (which would otherwise result in insufficient secondary fluid delivery to the patient). As shown, the sealing ring 122 may be circumferentially disposed on the inner circumferential surface 118 of the housing 110. In some embodiments, the sealing ring 122 may be disposed adjacent to and distal to the upper end 111 of the housing 110. For example, the sealing ring may be positioned on the inner circumferential surface 118 at a distance from the upper end 111 that is greater than or equal to the radius of the valve member (e.g., a spherical ball 120). As shown, the inner diameter D2 of the sealing ring 122 may be substantially equal to the diameter D1 of the valve member 120. For example, the inner diameter D2 of the sealing ring 122 can be equal to or smaller than the diameter D1 of the valve member 120, allowing the valve member 120 to be housed therein and press-fitted or tight-fitted. Although the sealing ring 122 is illustrated as having a flat or planar profile, various embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above configuration. For example, in some embodiments, the sealing ring 122 can have a shape that is tapered upward (proximal) to direct or otherwise guide the valve 120 toward the inner diameter D2 and central axis X (illustrated in Figure 1) of the sealing ring 122.

[0026] Therefore, the valve member 120 can be securely housed within the sealing ring 122 such that the maximum diameter D1 of the valve member 120 forms an interlocking or press-fit with the inner diameter D2 of the sealing ring 122. As will be described in more detail below, the secure housed or fitted valve member 120 within the sealing ring 122 creates a closed state, in which fluid communication between the inlet 102 and the chamber 140 is blocked. Thus, fluid in the chamber 140 can be prevented from otherwise flowing into the primary IV bag 10 through the inlet 102. Advantageously, secondary fluid that enters the chamber 140 can be prevented from entering the primary IV fluid bag 10 and from causing a situation where insufficient secondary fluid is delivered to the patient (under-infusion). Furthermore, the above configuration of the drip chamber device, including the valve member 120 and the sealing ring 122, may also be advantageous in preventing delays in the administration of secondary fluid to the patient (which would otherwise have entered the primary IV bag 10). Also, as will be described in more detail below, in the open state, the valve member 120 can be positioned outside the sealing ring 120, thereby enabling fluid communication between the inlet 102 and the outlet 104.

[0027] Figure 2C illustrates a perspective view of the base plate 130 of the drip chamber device 100 of Figure 2A, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2D illustrates a cross-sectional view of the base plate 130 of Figure 2C along line 2D-2D, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Continuing with reference to Figures 1, 2A, and 2B, as shown in Figures 2C and 2D, the bottom end 113 of the housing 110 may include the base plate 130, and the valve member 120 may be seated on the base plate 130 in the open position. The base plate 130 may have an upper surface 131, a bottom surface 133, and a plurality of valve support members 134 projecting proximal and longitudinally from the upper surface 131 of the base plate.

[0028] As further shown, the base plate 130 may include an aperture 132 extending from the upper surface 131 through the bottom surface 133 of the base plate 130. The aperture 132 can fluidly communicate the chamber 140 with the outlet 104. The valve support members 134 can be arranged radially apart around the central longitudinal axis X of the drip chamber device. In particular, the valve support members 134 can be arranged radially apart around the aperture 132. The spacing between each adjacent valve support member can define a flow guide portion 136, through which the fluid exiting the chamber 140 flows into the outlet 104 via the aperture 132 through the flow guide portion 136. The above configuration of the valve support member 134 protruding from the upper surface is advantageous in that, in the open state when fluid flows from the chamber 140 into the outlet 104, the valve member 120 can be seated and supported on the valve support member at a height H1 above the aperture 132. Therefore, the fluid flow into the outlet via the chamber 140 cannot be blocked or otherwise obstructed by the valve member 120 seated above the aperture 132.

[0029] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the upper surface 131 of the base plate 130 can be an inclined surface, which is radially inwardly angled and tapered from the outer periphery 135 of the base plate 130 to the aperture 132 of the base plate 130. In particular, as illustrated in Figure 2D, the base plate 130 can be tapered from a height H3 at the outer periphery 135 to a height H4 at the aperture 132. The above-described configurations of the inclined or tapered structure of the base plate 130 may be advantageous in providing a downwardly (distally) inclined surface along which fluid in the chamber can flow and be guided into the aperture 13.

[0030] Figures 3A to 3D illustrate the operating states of the drip chamber device 100 according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 3A illustrates the operating state of the drip chamber device 100 when the primary fluid flows into the drip chamber device 100. As shown, the valve member 120 is seated on the valve support member 134 in a raised position relative to the aperture 132 (illustrated in Figures 2C and 2D). In this position (open), the fluid can flow from the primary IV bag 10 into the chamber 140 through the inlet 102, as illustrated by the arrows. Once the primary fluid enters the chamber, it can flow over the upper surface 131 of the base plate 130. Due to the inclined, angled, or tilted structure of the base plate 130, the fluid can be guided or facilitated to flow down the tilted surface of the base plate 130 and into the outlet 104 through the aperture 132. The spacing between adjacent valve support members defining the flow guide portion 136 can further assist in guiding the primary fluid toward the aperture 132.

[0031] Figure 3B illustrates the operation of the drip chamber device 100, in which secondary fluid is flowing backward from the secondary fluid line 7 into the primary fluid line 5 and into the drip chamber device 100. As shown, when the secondary fluid enters and is collected in the drip chamber device 100, it is possible for the secondary fluid to exert a buoyant force F on the valve member 120. When the buoyant force F exceeds the downward force exerted on the fluid by the weight of the valve member 120, the valve member 120 can be translated proximally (upstream or upward) or otherwise moved toward the upper end 111 of the housing 110.

[0032] Figure 3C illustrates the operation of the drip chamber device of Figure 3B according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, in which the secondary fluid continues to flow back into the drip chamber device until the fluid in the drip chamber reaches a predetermined level, and the buoyancy acting on the valve member engages the valve member in the sealing ring, blocking the fluid flow from the chamber to the inlet. As shown, the secondary fluid continues to flow back into the primary fluid line 5, so the fluid level in the chamber 140 continues to rise until it reaches a predetermined level (a level where the buoyancy pushes the valve member 120 into the sealing ring 122). Since the diameter D1 of the valve member 120 is greater than or equal to the inner diameter of the sealing member 122, the valve member forms an interference fit or press fit within the sealing ring 122. Thus, the fluid in the chamber 140 is prevented from rising above the level of the sealing member 122 or otherwise blocked, thereby preventing it from entering the inlet 102 and the IV bag 10. Therefore, the structure of the drip chamber device 100 as described herein is advantageous in preventing secondary fluid from entering the primary IV bag 10 and consequently resulting in insufficient infusion to the patient. Furthermore, the converging-diverging conical shape of the housing 110 is advantageous in that the walls of the inner circumferential surface 118 guide the movement of the valve member as the valve member is translated proximal toward the upper surface by buoyancy. In particular, the first side wall portion or side wall portion 112, which has a conical shape extending radially inward from the intermediate section 116 of the housing and tapering at the upper end 111, can guide the path of the valve member 120 toward the sealing ring 122 and the central axis X (illustrated in Figure 1). Therefore, the conical shape of the housing 110 is advantageous in ensuring that when the valve member 120 travels proximal toward its upper end under the influence of buoyancy F, it can be guided toward the central portion of the chamber 140 where the sealing ring 122 is located.

[0033] Figure 3D illustrates the operating state of the drip chamber device 100 according to several embodiments of the present disclosure, where the backflow of secondary fluid into the drip chamber device 100 has stopped and the fluid in the drip chamber has dropped below a predetermined level. As shown, when the backflow of secondary fluid into the primary fluid line 5 and collection into the drip chamber device 100 has stopped, the fluid level in the chamber can decrease below a predetermined level. As the fluid level decreases, the buoyancy on the valve member is reduced, and the valve member, with its mass subject to gravity, can descend distally (downstream or downward) to a point where the valve member is seated on the base plate, as illustrated in Figure 3A.

[0034] Accordingly, various embodiments of this disclosure are advantageous in providing a drip chamber device that can prevent under-infusion of secondary drug by preventing secondary drug from entering the primary IV bag 10, as previously discussed. The drip chamber devices of the various embodiments described herein are further advantageous because they minimize the number of separate components in an IV set by replacing the check valve and conventional drip chamber with the drip chamber device. As a result, the cost of the IV set can be reduced. In addition, various embodiments of this disclosure are advantageous in providing a drip chamber device that provides better sealing as the fluid level in the housing increases. Further advantageous, the drip chamber devices of the various embodiments described herein can optionally be modified and incorporated into existing IV pump devices, and therefore there is no need for dedicated components to adapt the drip chamber device to an existing pump.

[0035] This disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments described herein. This disclosure provides various examples of the subject art, and the subject art is not limited to these examples. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art, and the general principles set forth herein may also apply to other embodiments.

[0036] References to elements in the singular form are intended to mean "one or more" and not "only" unless specifically stated otherwise. The term "several" refers to "one or more" unless specifically stated otherwise. Masculine pronouns (e.g., his) include feminine and neuter pronouns (e.g., her and that), and vice versa. Headings and subheadings (where present) are used merely for convenience and do not limit the invention.

[0037] The term “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example or illustration.” Any embodiment or design described herein as “exemplary” should not necessarily be construed as being superior or advantageous to other embodiments or designs. In one embodiment, various alternative configurations and operations described herein may be considered at least equivalent.

[0038] As used herein, the phrase “at least one of” preceding a set of items (with the term “or” to distinguish any of the items) modifies the list as a whole, rather than each individual item in the list. The phrase “at least one of” does not require the selection of at least one item. Rather, the phrase allows for meanings that include at least one of any one of the items, and / or at least one of any combination, and / or at least one of each of the items. For example, the phrase “at least one of A, B, or C” could refer to A only, B only, or C only; or any combination of A, B, and C.

[0039] The phrase "aspect" does not imply that such aspect is essential to the subject art, or that such aspect applies to all configurations of the subject art. Disclosure relating to an aspect may apply to all configurations, or to one or more configurations. An aspect may provide one or more examples. The phrase "aspect," etc., may refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa. The phrase "embodiment," etc., does not imply that such embodiment is essential to the subject art, or that such embodiment applies to all configurations of the subject art. Disclosure relating to an embodiment may apply to all embodiments, or to one or more embodiments. An embodiment may provide one or more examples. The phrase "such embodiment" may refer to one or more embodiments, and vice versa. The phrase "configuration," etc., does not imply that such configuration is essential to the subject art, or that such configuration applies to all configurations of the subject art. Disclosure relating to a configuration may apply to all configurations, or to one or more configurations. A configuration may provide one or more examples. The phrase "such a configuration" can refer to one or more configurations, and vice versa.

[0040] In one aspect, unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, locations, sizes, dimensions, and other specifications described herein (including the claims that follow) are approximate and not precise. In one aspect, they are intended to have a reasonable range that is consistent with the functions to which they relate and with the functions that are customary in the art to which they relate.

[0041] It is understood that any particular order or hierarchy of actions or methods in the disclosed steps or processes is illustrative of an exemplary approach. It is understood that any particular order or hierarchy of steps, actions or processes may be rearranged based on preferred implementations or scenarios. Some of the steps, actions or processes may be performed simultaneously. In some preferred implementations or scenarios, certain actions may or may not be performed. Some or all of the steps, actions or processes may be performed automatically without user intervention. The attached claims for the methods present various elements of steps, actions or processes in a sample order and are not intended to be limited to any particular order or hierarchy presented.

[0042] All structural and functional equivalents to the various aspects of the elements described throughout this disclosure, whether known to those skilled in the art or to be subsequently known to those skilled in the art, are expressly incorporated herein by reference 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. No element of a claim should be construed under Section 112(f) of the United States Patent Act unless that element is expressly described using the phrase “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, “step for.” Furthermore, to the extent that terms such as “include” or “have” are used, such terms are intended to be comprehensive in the same manner as the term “comprise,” so that when used as a transitional clause in a claim, “comprise” is construed.

[0043] The Title of the Invention, Background Art, Summary of the Invention, Brief Description of the Drawings, and Abstract of the Disclosure are thus incorporated into the Disclosure and are provided as illustrative examples, not as restrictive descriptions. They are submitted with the understanding that they are not to be used to limit the claims or their meaning. In addition, in the Detailed Description, it can be understood that the Description provides illustrative examples and that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the Disclosure. This method of disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than those expressly described in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the following claims, the subject matter of the Invention is fewer than all features of a single disclosed configuration or operation. The following claims are thus incorporated into the Detailed Description, and each claim stands alone as a separate claimed subject matter.

[0044] The claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments described herein, but rather to be given a full scope consistent with the language of the claims and intended to encompass all legal equivalents. Nevertheless, none of the claims are intended, nor should they be construed, to encompass subject matter that does not satisfy the requirements of Section 101, 102, or 103 of the U.S. Patent Act.

Claims

1. A drip chamber device, wherein the drip chamber device is A housing including an upper end portion including an inlet, and a bottom end portion including an outlet portion located downstream of the inlet; A chamber defined by the inner circumferential surface of the housing, wherein the chamber has an inlet that is fluidly connected to an outlet, and the inner circumferential surface has a first side wall portion extending radially outward and distally from the upper end of the housing, a second side wall portion extending radially inward and distally from the first side wall portion to the bottom end of the housing, and a sealing ring circumferentially disposed on the first side wall portion of the inner circumferential surface and positioned distally from the inlet; A valve member disposed within the chamber to move between (i) a closed state and (ii) an open state based on the fluid level in the chamber, wherein in the closed state, the valve member is engaged with the inner diameter of the sealing ring, thereby blocking fluid communication between the inlet and the chamber, and in the open state, the valve member is positioned at a distance from the sealing ring in the distal direction of the inlet, thereby not blocking fluid communication between the inlet and the chamber. A drip chamber device, including...

2. The drip chamber device according to claim 1, wherein each of the first and second side walls includes a conical shape.

3. The drip chamber device according to claim 1, wherein the valve member constitutes a spherical ball.

4. The drip chamber device according to claim 3, wherein the sealing ring is disposed adjacent to and distal to the upper end of the housing at a distance greater than or equal to the radius of the spherical ball.

5. The drip chamber device according to claim 3, wherein the inner diameter of the sealing ring is smaller than or equal to the diameter of the spherical ball.

6. The drip chamber device according to claim 1, wherein the bottom end of the housing includes a base plate having an upper surface, a bottom surface, and a plurality of valve support members protruding proximally from the upper surface of the base plate.

7. The drip chamber device according to claim 6, wherein the base plate includes an aperture extending from the upper surface through the bottom surface of the base plate, and the aperture fluidly connects the chamber to the outlet.

8. The drip chamber device according to claim 7, wherein the upper surface of the base plate includes an inclined surface, and the inclined surface is angled and tapered radially inward from the outer periphery of the base plate to the aperture of the base plate.

9. The drip chamber device according to claim 6, wherein the valve support members are arranged radially apart around the central longitudinal axis of the drip chamber device.

10. The drip chamber device according to claim 1, wherein the cross-section of the sealing ring is tapered in the proximal direction so that the valve member is guided toward the inner diameter of the sealing ring and the central longitudinal axis of the drip chamber device.

11. A drip chamber device, wherein the drip chamber device is A housing comprising an upper end including an inlet for receiving a primary fluid, an opposing lower end including an outlet for dispensing fluid from the housing, an intermediate section between the upper end and the lower end, and a side wall, the side wall comprising (i) a first portion extending radially outward from the upper end to the intermediate section of the housing, and (ii) a second portion extending radially inward from the intermediate section to the lower end of the housing, the inner circumferential surface of the side wall defining a chamber, and the housing; A sealing ring is disposed circumferentially along the first portion of the inner circumferential surface and positioned distal to the inlet; A valve member is movably disposed within the chamber, wherein the valve member is displaced proximally into the inner diameter of the sealing ring by buoyancy when the fluid level in the chamber exceeds a predetermined level. A drip chamber device, including...

12. The drip chamber device according to claim 11, wherein each of the first and second portions of the side wall includes a conical shape.

13. The drip chamber device according to claim 11, wherein the sealing ring is disposed adjacent to and distal to the upper end of the housing at a distance greater than or equal to the radius of the valve member.

14. The drip chamber device according to claim 11, wherein the valve member constitutes a spherical ball.

15. The drip chamber device according to claim 14, wherein the inner diameter of the sealing ring is smaller than or equal to the diameter of the spherical ball.

16. The drip chamber device according to claim 11, wherein the bottom end of the housing includes a base plate having an aperture, the aperture extending axially through the base plate, and the aperture fluidly connects the chamber to the outlet.

17. The drip chamber device according to claim 16, wherein the base plate further includes a plurality of valve support members protruding longitudinally from the upper surface of the base plate.

18. The drip chamber device according to claim 17, wherein the valve support members are arranged radially apart around the aperture, and the spacing between adjacent valve support members defines a flow guide portion, and the fluid exiting the chamber flows into the outlet portion through the flow guide portion.

19. The drip chamber device according to claim 17, wherein the upper surface of the base plate includes an inclined surface, and the inclined surface is angled and tapered radially inward from the outer periphery of the base plate to the aperture of the base plate.

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