Modular venous assembly

Abstract

To provide a modular IV assembly that combines many IV component core functions into one device, thus reducing manufacturing complexity and costs, as well as improving usability by a user.SOLUTION: Modular intravenous (IV) assemblies are provided. The modular IV assembly includes: a drip chamber having a body and an inlet connector; a base housing coupled directly to a base portion of the drip chamber, the base housing having an inlet port in fluid connection with the drip chamber and a flow path cavity in fluid connection with the inlet port; and a flow control assembly coupled directly to a first portion of the base housing. Any of a filter assembly, an anti-run dry member, a check valve, and an air vent assembly may be included in the modular IV assembly. IV sets and methods of use are also provided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] None applicable

Background Art

[0002] A venous (IV) infusion set typically includes several components each having a core function, such as a drip chamber, a roller clamp, a pinch clamp, a filter, and a check valve. These components are typically connected to each other by the length of IV tubing to provide a complete IV infusion set that is packaged as ready for use disposable IV set. Such an IV infusion set has a fairly large number of IV tubing connections, and thus, as the number of IV tubing connections increases, the risk of leakage at the connections correspondingly increases. Each individual component also presents another interconnect point to the user. These factors result in higher manufacturing complexity and cost.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] It is desirable to provide a modular IV assembly that incorporates many of the core functions of IV components into one device, thus reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while improving usability by the user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] The present disclosure provides a modular IV assembly that combines the core functions of several IV infusion set components.

[0005] In one or more embodiments, a modular venous (IV) assembly is provided. The modular IV assembly includes a drip chamber having a body and an inlet connector. The modular IV assembly also includes a base housing that is directly connected to the base portion of the drip chamber, and has an inlet port for fluid connection with the drip chamber, and a flow path cavity for fluid connection with the inlet port. The modular IV assembly further includes a flow control assembly that is directly connected to the first portion of the base housing. The flow control assembly includes a roller housing, a roller, and a flow control membrane positioned between the roller and the flow path cavity in the base housing.

[0006] In one or more embodiments, the flow path cavity includes a first flow area having a constant width and a variable depth, and a second flow area having a variable width and a constant depth. In one or more embodiments, the flow control assembly is configured to prevent fluid flow through the base housing when a roller is engaged with the flow control membrane adjacent to the starting position of the first flow area. In one or more embodiments, the flow control assembly is configured to supply sufficient fluid flow through the base housing when a roller is engaged with the flow control membrane adjacent to the end portion of the second flow area. In one or more embodiments, the flow control assembly is configured to supply increasing fluid flow through the base housing as the roller engaged with the flow control membrane moves away from the end portion of the second flow area.

[0007] In one or more embodiments, the filter assembly is directly connected to a second portion of the base housing. In one or more embodiments, the first and second portions are on opposing surfaces of the base housing. In one or more embodiments, the filter assembly includes a filter housing directly connected to a second portion of the base housing, and a filter membrane positioned between the filter housing and the second portion of the base housing. In one or more embodiments, the filter membrane includes a hydrophilic material that, when wetted, prevents gas from passing through the filter membrane. In one or more embodiments, the first surface of the filter membrane is positioned adjacent to the inner surface of the second portion of the base housing at a certain distance, and the space between the inner surface of the second portion and the first surface of the filter membrane is configured to provide a passage for fluid entering the second portion of the base housing from the flow control assembly. In one or more embodiments, the second surface of the filter membrane is positioned adjacent to the inner surface of the filter housing at a certain distance, and the space between the inner surface of the filter housing and the second surface of the filter membrane is configured to provide a flow path for fluid through the filter membrane.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, a run-dry prevention member is included, comprising either individual layers arranged on the filter membrane or an integrally formed material including the filter membrane. In one or more embodiments, a filter housing is included, directly connected to a second portion of the base housing; a fluid outlet housing is included, directly connected to the filter housing; and a one-way check valve is disposed between the outlet cavity on the outer surface of the filter housing and the fluid outlet housing, configured to allow the fluid to flow out of the outlet cavity through an exit port in the fluid outlet housing, while preventing the fluid from flowing in the opposite direction and entering the outlet cavity. In one or more embodiments, the fluid outlet housing, check valve and outlet cavity are located in the upper portion of the base housing adjacent to the drip chamber. In one or more embodiments, the fluid outlet housing, check valve and outlet cavity are located in the lower portion of the base housing.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, an air vent assembly is directly connected to a second portion of a base housing, the first and second portions being on opposing faces of the base housing, and the air vent assembly includes a vent cavity located in the second portion of the base housing, a vent port located in the vent cavity and connected to an air passage in the base housing, and an air vent membrane located in the vent cavity. In one or more embodiments, the air vent membrane includes a porous hydrophobic material that allows gas to pass through the air vent membrane and exit through the vent port, while preventing liquid from entering the vent port through the air vent membrane. In one or more embodiments, the drip chamber includes a self-leveling assembly having a lower housing portion positioned adjacent to the base housing in the base portion of the drip chamber, a leveling outlet port aligned with an inlet port in the base housing, a first leveling inlet port and a second leveling inlet port positioned adjacent to the opposite side of the leveling outlet port, and a barrier positioned within the first leveling inlet port.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, a venous (IV) set is provided. The IV set includes a modular IV assembly having a drip chamber having a body and an inlet connector; a base housing directly connected to the base portion of the drip chamber, the base housing having an inlet port for fluid connection with the drip chamber and a flow path cavity for fluid connection with the inlet port; and a flow control assembly directly connected to the first portion of the base housing, the flow control assembly including a roller housing, a roller, and a flow control membrane positioned between the roller and the flow path cavity in the base housing. The IV set also includes a fluid container connected to the inlet connector of the drip chamber by a first IV tube. The IV set further includes a fluid delivery member connected to the modular IV assembly by a second IV tube.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, a method for delivering medical fluids is provided. The method involves connecting a fluid container to a modular venous (IV) assembly by a first IV tube, wherein the modular IV assembly includes: a drip chamber having a body and an inlet connector; a base housing directly connected to the base portion of the drip chamber, having an inlet port for fluid connection with the drip chamber and a flow path cavity for fluid connection with the inlet port; and a flow control assembly directly connected to the first portion of the base housing, comprising a roller housing, rollers, and a flow control membrane positioned between the rollers and the flow path cavity in the base housing. The method also includes connecting a fluid delivery member to the modular IV assembly by a second IV tube. The method further includes adjusting the fluid flow rate from the modular IV assembly to the fluid delivery member by moving a roller in the flow control assembly.

[0012] Additional features and advantages of this disclosure are set forth in the following description, some of which may be evident from the description or taught by the implementation of this disclosure. The purposes and other advantages of this disclosure are realized and achieved by the descriptions and claims set forth herein and the structures specifically shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0013] Please understand that both the above summary and the detailed description below are illustrative and explanatory, and are intended to provide further explanation of the disclosure as described in the claims.

[0014] The accompanying drawings, included and incorporated herein and constituting part thereof to provide a further understanding of this disclosure, illustrate embodiments of this disclosure and serve to illustrate the principles of this disclosure together with this specification. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram of a typical assembled infusion set is shown. [Figure 2]Perspective view of a modular IV assembly according to some aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] Another perspective view of the modular IV assembly of FIG. 2 according to some aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] Front view of the modular IV assembly of FIG. 2 according to some aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] Exploded perspective view of the modular IV assembly of FIG. 2 according to some aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] Side cross-sectional view of the modular IV assembly of FIG. 2 according to some aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] Partial enlarged view of the modular IV assembly of FIG. 6 according to some aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] Side cross-sectional view of a modular IV assembly according to some aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] Side cross-sectional view of a modular IV assembly according to some aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] Side cross-sectional view of a modular IV assembly according to some aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] Front view of the base housing of a modular IV assembly according to some aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] Partial perspective view of the base housing of FIG. 11 according to some aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] Partial perspective view of the flow control assembly of a modular IV assembly according to some aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] Graph showing the change in flow area based on the flow control assembly of FIG. 13. [Figure 15] Partial perspective view of a modular IV assembly according to some aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] Exploded perspective view of the modular IV assembly of FIG. 15 according to some aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 17]Front view of a part of the air vent assembly of the modular IV assembly, according to some aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] Front view of the drip chamber of the modular IV assembly, according to some aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] Front view of the self-leveling assembly of the drip chamber of FIG. 18, according to some aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] Schematic diagram showing the operation of the self-leveling assembly of FIG. 19. [[ID=x10]] [Figure 21] Schematic diagram showing the operation of the self-leveling assembly of FIG. 19. [Figure 22] Schematic diagram showing the operation of the self-leveling assembly of FIG. 19.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0016] The detailed description set forth below describes various configurations of the subject technology and is not intended to represent the only configuration in which the subject technology may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for providing a thorough understanding of the subject technology. Accordingly, dimensions are provided with respect to specific aspects as non-limiting examples. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject technology may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject technology.

[0017] It should be understood that the present disclosure includes examples of the subject technology and does not limit the scope of the appended claims. Here, various aspects of the subject technology are disclosed according to specific, but non-limiting, examples. The various embodiments described in the present disclosure may be implemented according to the desired application or implementation in different ways and variations.

[0018] IV fluid sets can be formed from any combination of fluid components and tubing. Typically, fluid components and tubing are disposable products that are discarded after a single use. Fluid components and tubing can be formed from any suitable material (e.g., plastic, silicone, rubber). The problem in manufacturing IV fluid sets is connecting the composite tubing and fluid components to obtain a leak-free and reliable connection with the desired fluid flow. The problem in using IV fluid sets is that having many separate components presents the user with many interconnection points.

[0019] As shown in Figure 1, a typical infusion set 30 may include a drip chamber 40, a check valve 50, a roller clamp 60, and a Y-connector 70, all connected together by tubing 20. A typical infusion set 30 may include further infusion components (e.g., pinch clamps, filters), and can be formed from any combination of components and tubing 20.

[0020] According to some aspects of this disclosure, a modular IV assembly integrates the core functions of IV components into a single device, thus reducing the number of tubing connections required for an IV infusion set. According to some aspects of this disclosure, a modular IV assembly provides a design configuration that can be automated more easily than conventional IV infusion sets.

[0021] According to some aspects of this disclosure, modular IV assemblies provide a design configuration that facilitates the replacement and exchange of core functional elements during the manufacturing process. According to some aspects of this disclosure, modular IV assemblies provide the user with only one interconnection point.

[0022] A modular IV assembly 100 is shown in Figures 2 to 10 according to several aspects of the present disclosure. The modular IV assembly 100 includes a drip chamber 110, a flow control assembly 120, a filter assembly 130, an air vent assembly 140 (e.g., for the flow path), an anti-run-dry (ARD) member 150, and a check valve 160. Thus, the modular IV assembly provides a single device that incorporates many different characteristics such as run-dry prevention fluid flow, droplet visibility, flow control, fluid filtration, air venting (e.g., line degassing), and flow direction control from the check valve. The modular IV assembly 100 may have a large area below the drip chamber 110, thus providing an area that is easily grasped by the user.

[0023] The drip chamber 110 has a body 112 formed from a material suitable for use in infusion procedures. For example, the body 112 may be formed from a rigid plastic that is not compressible, and therefore also has an autopriming function. In another example, the body 112 may be formed from a compressible flexible plastic, and therefore does not require an autopriming function. The body 112 may be transparent to allow droplet visibility from the fluid entering the drip chamber 110. The drip chamber 110 is connected to a base housing 170. For example, the body 112 may be an elongated cylinder having a base portion 113 that is connected to a drip chamber connecting portion 172 of the base housing 170. The drip chamber connecting portion 172 includes an inlet port 173 that provides a fluid path from the drip chamber 110 to the base housing 170 (see Figures 6 and 7). Any size and shape are possible for the drip chamber 110 and, accordingly, the drip chamber connecting portion 172. The inlet connector 114 is connected to the main body 112. The inlet connector 114 may be configured to receive an IV tube from, for example, a fluid source (e.g., an IV bag). In another example, the inlet connector 114 may be configured to connect directly to an IV fluid container (e.g., a bag, bottle) via a spike connection.

[0024] The flow control assembly 120 is connected to the base housing 170. The flow control assembly 120 includes a roller housing 122, a roller 124, and a flow control membrane 126. The roller housing 122 is sized and shaped to connect to the base housing 170. The roller 124 is movably connected to the roller housing 122. For example, the shaft 125 of the roller 124 may be received in a channel 123 located in the opposing wall of the roller housing 122, and the shaft 125 moves axially along the channel 123 as the roller 124 moves. The flow control membrane 126 is sized and shaped to be received within the base housing 170. The flow control membrane 126 may be formed from a flexible material (e.g., elastomer) so that the flow control membrane 126 can bend and enter the fluid passage 174 when the roller 124 engages with the flow control membrane 126. In some aspects of this disclosure, the flow control assembly may include different control members other than the roller 124, such as a lever, slider, or knob.

[0025] As shown in Figures 11 to 13, the base housing 170 may be formed from rigid plastic, and the fluid passage 174 is formed by a cavity 176 provided within the surface of the base housing 170. The width and depth of the cavity 176 can vary to produce various fluid flow rates based on the position of the roller 124. For example, the cavity 176 shown in Figure 12 has a first section 174a with a length L1 of 15 mm and a width A of 0.75 mm, and a second section 174b with a length L2 of 15 mm and a width C of 2.5 mm. The depth of the first section 174a increases from zero at one end to a depth B of 0.5 mm at the other end. The depth of the second section 174b is a constant depth B of 0.5 mm. The widths A and C, the depth B, and the lengths L1 and L2 can all be individually varied to adjust the cavity 176, and therefore the fluid passage 174, for a particular flow profile.

[0026] As shown in Figure 13, the portion of the roller 124 that engages with the flow control membrane 126 causes the flow control membrane 126 to flex and enter the cavity 176, thereby blocking the fluid passage 174 to varying degrees depending on the position of the engagement portion of the roller 124 with respect to the cavity 176. Figure 14 shows a graph 1400 illustrating the change in flow area with respect to the travel length of the roller 124 based on the values ​​described above for A, B, C, L1, and L2. The flow area below the portion of the roller 124 that engages with the flow control membrane 126 corresponds to the resulting fluid flow rate through the cavity 176, with the largest flow area resulting in a higher fluid flow rate and the smallest flow area resulting in a lower fluid flow rate.

[0027] For example, if roller 124 is positioned at the zero-depth end of L1, the flow area is zero, and the fluid channel 174 is completely blocked (for example, no fluid flow passes through the fluid channel 174). If roller 124 is positioned at the junction between the second end of L1 and the first end of L2, the fluid flow area is 0.375 mm². 2 Therefore, the fluid passage 174 is partially blocked, resulting in a 30% fluid flow rate. When the roller 124 is positioned at the second end of L2, the fluid flow area is 1.25 mm². 2 Thus, the fluid passage 174 is not blocked, and therefore results in 100% fluid flow (e.g., fully open). As shown in Figure 14, the first portion of the graph corresponding to the engagement of the roller 124 along length L1 represents the fine adjustment portion of the flow control assembly 120, while the portion of the graph corresponding to the engagement of the roller 124 along length L2 represents the coarse adjustment portion of the flow control assembly 120. According to some aspects of this disclosure, any number of flow change areas can be obtained, such as three or more. Accordingly, there can be more cavity cross-sections than the first cross-section 174a and the second cross-section 174b, such as three or more cavity cross-sections.

[0028] In contrast to the infusion set 30 shown in Figure 1, where the drip chamber 40 and roller clamp 60 are connected via tubing 20 in the infusion set 30, the drip chamber 110 is directly connected to the base housing 170, so no IV tubing is required to connect the drip chamber to the flow control assembly 120. Furthermore, because the flow control assembly 120 does not contain or engage with flexible IV tubing, the fluid flow rate can be consistently supplied and maintained throughout the entire lifespan of the modular IV assembly 100. For example, the rigid plastic of the base housing 170 does not deform (e.g., drift) over time. In contrast, a typical roller clamp 60 restricts the fluid flow within the soft, flexible tubing 20 by deforming the tubing 20, which tends to loosen (e.g., lose its elasticity) over time, making it increasingly difficult to precisely control the fluid flow rate over time. Therefore, the flow control assembly 120 is configured to provide consistent and precise control of the fluid flow rate through the modular IV assembly 100.

[0029] As shown in Figures 15-17, the base housing 170 is also configured to connect to the filter assembly 130 on the side of the base housing 170 opposite to the flow control assembly 120. The filter assembly 130 includes a filter housing 132 that engages with the filter membrane 134 and clamps the filter membrane 134 to the base housing 170. The filter membrane 134 is formed from a hydrophilic material that prevents air from passing through the filter membrane 134 when the filter membrane 134 is wetted. Thus, only liquid can pass from the base housing 170 to the filter membrane 134. The material of the filter membrane 134 may be designed or selected for specific filtration properties to filter out specific components from the fluid passing through the filter assembly 130. For example, the filter membrane 134 may be formed to filter out particles larger than a certain size (e.g., 15um, 5um, 1.2um, 0.2um).

[0030] The base housing 170 also includes a portion on the same side as the filter assembly 130 in which the air vent assembly 140 is located. The air vent assembly 140 includes a vent port 142 within a vent cavity 146 in the base housing 170 and an air vent membrane 144 positioned within the vent cavity 146 across the vent port 142. The air vent membrane 144 is formed from a porous hydrophobic material that prevents liquid from passing through the air vent membrane 144 while allowing gas (e.g., air) to exit the fluid passage 174 through the vent port 142 (e.g., back to the drip chamber 110).

[0031] Figure 5 shows the ARD member 150 as being integrated with the filter membrane 134. For example, the material of the filter membrane 134 may be designed or selected to exhibit ARD and filtration characteristics. In some aspects of this disclosure, the ARD member 150 may be an ARD material, and the filter membrane 134 may be different filtration materials (e.g., separate layers formed integrally) that are incorporated together into a single membrane having both filtration and ARD properties.

[0032] As shown in Figure 5, a check valve 160 is positioned between the outlet cavity 162 on the outer surface of the filter housing 132 and the fluid outlet housing 180. The check valve 160 may be formed from a flexible material and acts as a one-way valve, allowing fluid to flow out of the fluid port 164 in the outlet cavity 162 through the outlet port 182 in the fluid outlet housing 180, while simultaneously preventing fluid flow in the reverse direction from the outlet port 182 to the fluid port 164. The fluid outlet housing 180 also includes an outlet port 184 configured to connect to an IV tubing, such as an IV tubing connected to an infusion pump or catheter. The check valve 160 and the fluid outlet housing 180 may be positioned at the upper end of the base housing 170 as shown in Figure 5, or at the lower or base portion of the base housing 170 as shown in Figures 8 and 9.

[0033] During operation, as shown in Figure 7, the modular IV assembly 100 provides a fluid passage 174 that begins when fluid enters from the drip chamber 110 and ends when fluid exits from the exit port 182. The fluid passage 174 contains a fluid flow through the flow control assembly 120 at a flow rate set by the position of the roller 124 relative to the cavity 176. The fluid exits the cavity 176 and flows into and contacts the filter membrane 134 and the ARD membrane 150. The fluid is filtered through the filter membrane 134 and exits to the filter housing 132 and through the fluid port 164. The fluid then flows over and / or through the check valve 160 and exits through the exit port 182 to the outlet port 184. Since air trapped in the fluid cannot pass through the filter membrane 134, the air instead enters the vent port 142 through the air vent membrane 144 and exits from the base housing 170 portion of the modular IV assembly 100.

[0034] As shown in Figures 8 to 10, the modular IV assembly 100 may be configured to include any or all of the components described above while maintaining the same or similar external packaging and appearance. For example, Figure 8 shows a basic modular IV assembly 100 that includes only the drip chamber 110 and the flow control assembly 120, and does not have the filter assembly 130, the air vent assembly 140, the ARD member 150, or the check valve 160. Here, the fluid flows from the drip chamber 110 into the base housing 170 and out of the outlet port 184 at a flow rate set by the flow control assembly 120. Figure 9 shows a more integrated modular IV assembly 100 by adding the check valve 160 to the basic modular IV assembly 100 shown in Figure 8. Similarly, Figure 10 shows a further integrated modular IV assembly 100 by adding the filter membrane 134 and the ARD member 150 to the modular IV assembly 100 shown in Figure 9. An air vent membrane 144 may be further added to any of the modular IV assemblies 100 described above. Thus, the exterior of any modular IV assembly 100 may be defined by the drip chamber 110, the roller housing 122, the base housing 170, the filter housing 132, and the fluid outlet housing 180. Here, the external shape of the modular IV assembly 100 package may remain consistent with or without the internal components (e.g., the filter assembly 130, the air vent assembly 140, the ARD member 150, the check valve 160).

[0035] As shown in Figures 18 to 22, the drip chamber 110 may include a self-leveling assembly 190 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The body 112 of the drip chamber 110 may function as both an air trap and a droplet visible chamber. The self-leveling assembly 190 has an upper housing portion 191 and a lower housing portion 193, the lower housing portion 193 may be located on the base portion 113 of the body 112. The self-leveling assembly 190 includes a leveling outlet port 192 that aligns with an inlet port 173 in the drip chamber connecting portion 172 of the base housing 170. The self-leveling assembly 190 also includes leveling fluid inlets 194, 196 located adjacent to the leveling outlet port 192. Here, the leveling fluid inlet 194 has a shortened flow path and is located near the upper housing portion 191 (for example, away from the base portion 113), while the leveling fluid inlet 196 has an extended flow path and is located near the lower housing portion 193 (for example, near the base portion 113). A barrier 198 (for example, a hydrophilic membrane, an air check valve) is located within the leveling fluid inlet 194.

[0036] As shown in Figure 20, when the liquid level in the drip chamber 110 covers the leveling fluid inlet 196 but not the leveling fluid inlet 194, the air trapped in the main body 112 is released through the leveling outlet port 192. As shown in Figure 21, when the liquid level in the drip chamber 110 rises to cover both the leveling fluid inlet 196 and the leveling fluid inlet 194, the barrier 198 prevents air from passing through, and only the liquid (e.g., saline solution) then exits through the leveling outlet port 192. Here, the liquid can freely enter / pass through the leveling fluid inlet 196, and can also enter / pass through the leveling fluid inlet 194 at a slower rate due to the barrier 198. As shown in Figure 22, once enough liquid has been drawn up through the leveling outlet port 192 so that the leveling fluid inlet 194 is once again exposed to air inside the body 112, the liquid continues to enter / pass through only the leveling fluid inlet 196, while the air is prevented from passing through the barrier 198.

[0037] For example, the barrier 198 may be a membrane formed from a hydrophilic material that prevents air from passing through the barrier 198 once it is wet. Thus, in Figure 20, the barrier 198 is not yet wet and therefore air can pass through and exit the leveling outlet port 192. In Figure 21, when the barrier 198 is wet, the barrier 198 prevents air from passing through. In Figure 22, when the liquid recedes from the barrier 198, the barrier 198 remains wet and therefore continues to prevent air from passing through until the barrier is completely dry.

[0038] As another example, barrier 198 could be an air check valve that allows air to pass through barrier 198 while preventing liquid from passing through it. Thus, in Figure 20, barrier 198 is open to air in the body 112, so that air can pass through and exit the leveling outlet port 192. In Figure 21, when barrier 198 is immersed below the liquid level, barrier 198 prevents liquid from passing through leveling fluid inlet 194, and therefore liquid enters / passes through leveling fluid inlet 196 and exits leveling fluid outlet 192. In Figure 22, when liquid recedes from barrier 198, the pressure exerted by the liquid trapped above barrier 198 within the self-leveling assembly 190 may prevent air from passing through barrier 198, while liquid continues to enter / pass through leveling fluid inlet 196 and exits leveling outlet port 192.

[0039] The self-leveling assembly 190 eliminates the need to prime the drip chamber 110 by compressing the flexible body 112 to expel air and allowing fluid to enter through the inlet connector 114. Thus, the self-leveling assembly 190 is equipped to expel air from the drip chamber 110 regardless of whether the body 112 is flexible (e.g., flexible plastic) or rigid (e.g., hard plastic). Furthermore, the self-leveling assembly 190 can prevent microbubbles from entering the fluid.

[0040] Any particular order or hierarchy of blocks in the disclosed process method is to be understood as an example of an exemplary approach. Based on design or implementation priorities, any particular order or hierarchy of blocks in the process may be rearranged, or all of the indicated blocks may be performed. In some embodiments, any of the blocks may be performed simultaneously.

[0041] 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 defined herein may be applied to other embodiments.

[0042] References to singular elements are intended to mean "one or more" and not "one and just one" 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 her), and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, where present, are used merely for convenience and do not limit the invention.

[0043] The term “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example or illustration.” An embodiment or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily 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.

[0044] As used herein, the phrase “at least one of” following a set of items, when accompanied by the term “or” to separate any of those items, modifies the listed items as a whole, rather than each of the listed items. The phrase “at least one of” does not require the selection of at least one item; rather, it allows the meaning to include at least one of any one of the items and / or at least one of any combination of the items and / or at least one of each of the items. For example, the phrase “at least one of A, B, or C” may refer to A only, B only, or C only, or any combination of A, B, and C.

[0045] The terms "aspects," etc., do not imply that such aspects are essential to the subject art, nor that such aspects apply to all configurations of the subject art. Disclosures relating to aspects may apply to all configurations or one or more configurations. Aspects may provide one or more examples. The terms "aspects," etc., may refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa. The terms "examples," etc., do not imply that such examples are essential to the subject art, nor that such examples apply to all configurations of the subject art. Disclosures relating to examples may apply to all examples or one or more examples. Examples may provide one or more examples. The terms "examples," etc., may refer to one or more examples, and vice versa. The terms "configuration," etc., do not imply that such configurations are essential to the subject art, nor that such configurations apply to all configurations of the subject art. Disclosures relating to configurations may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. The term "structure" may provide one or more examples. The terms "structure," etc., may refer to one or more structures, and vice versa.

[0046] In one embodiment, unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, locations, sizes, dimensions, and other specifications described herein, including those in the following claims, are approximate and not precise. In one embodiment, they are intended to be within a reasonable range that is not inconsistent with the functions to which they relate and the conventions of the art to which they belong.

[0047] It is understood that any specific sequence or hierarchy of steps, actions, or processes disclosed are illustrative examples of an exemplary approach. It is understood that any specific sequence or hierarchy of steps, actions, or processes may be rearranged based on design priorities. Some of the steps, actions, or processes may be performed simultaneously. Some or all of the steps, actions, or processes may be performed automatically without user intervention. Where there are attached method claims, various elements of steps, actions, or processes are presented in a sample sequence and are not intended to limit the present sequence or hierarchy.

[0048] All structural and functional equivalents to elements of various aspects described throughout this disclosure, which are known to those skilled in the art or will become known thereafter, 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 it is expressly described using the phrase “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, “step for.” Moreover, wherever terms such as “include” and “have” are used, such terms are intended to be comprehensive, as “comprise” is construed when “comprise” is used as a transitional clause in a claim.

[0049] The Title of the Invention, Background Art, Summary of the Invention, Brief Description of the Drawings, and Abstract of the Disclosure are incorporated herein by reference and provided not as a limiting description of the Disclosure, but as exemplary examples of the Disclosure. The Disclosure is filed with the understanding that these are not to be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, in the Detailed Description, it is found that the Description provides exemplary examples, and that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of conciseness of the Disclosure. The methods of the Disclosure should not be construed as indicating an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than expressly described in each claim. Rather, as the attached claims indicate, the subject matter of the Invention has fewer features than all the features of a single disclosed configuration or operation. The attached claims are incorporated herein by reference to the Detailed Description, and each claim is based on itself as separately claimed subject matter.

[0050] The claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments described herein, but should be given a complete scope consistent with the language of the claims and encompass all legal equivalents. However, none of the claims are intended, nor should they 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. A drip chamber having a main body and an inlet connector, A base housing directly connected to the base portion of the drip chamber, having an inlet port for fluid connection with the drip chamber, and a flow path cavity for fluid connection with the inlet port, A flow control assembly that is directly connected to the first part of the base housing, Laura Housing, Laura, and A flow control assembly including a flow control membrane disposed between the roller and the flow path cavity in the base housing, A filter assembly that is directly connected to the second part of the base housing, A filter housing directly connected to the second portion of the base housing, and A filter assembly including a filter film disposed between the filter housing and the second portion of the base housing, A modular venous (IV) assembly, including a modular venous (IV) assembly.

2. The modular IV assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first and second parts are located on opposing surfaces of the base housing.

3. The modular IV assembly according to claim 1, wherein the filter membrane includes a hydrophilic material that prevents gas from passing through the filter membrane when the filter membrane is wet.

4. The modular IV assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first surface of the filter membrane is positioned adjacent to the inner surface of the second portion of the base housing at a certain distance, and the space between the inner surface of the second portion and the first surface of the filter membrane is configured to provide a flow path for fluid entering the second portion of the base housing from the flow control assembly.

5. The modular IV assembly according to claim 4, wherein the second surface of the filter membrane is positioned adjacent to the inner surface of the filter housing at a certain distance, and the space between the inner surface of the filter housing and the second surface of the filter membrane is configured to provide a flow path for fluid through the filter membrane.

6. The modular IV assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a run-dry prevention member which includes either an individual layer disposed on the filter film or an integrally formed material including the filter film.

7. A fluid outlet housing directly connected to the aforementioned filter housing, A one-way check valve is disposed between the outlet cavity on the outer surface of the filter housing and the fluid outlet housing, and is configured to prevent the fluid from flowing in the opposite direction and entering the outlet cavity, while allowing the fluid to flow out of the outlet cavity through the exit port in the fluid outlet housing. The modular IV assembly according to claim 1, further comprising:

8. The fluid outlet housing, the check valve, and the outlet cavity are positioned adjacent to the drip chamber and on the upper part of the base housing, The modular IV assembly according to claim 7, wherein the fluid outlet housing, the check valve, and the outlet cavity are located in the lower portion of the base housing.

9. The drip chamber further includes a self-leveling assembly, the self-leveling assembly is The base portion of the drip chamber includes a lower housing portion positioned adjacent to the base housing, A leveling outlet port aligned with the inlet port in the base housing, A first leveling inlet port and a second leveling inlet port are arranged adjacent to the opposite side of the leveling outlet port, The modular IV assembly according to claim 1, comprising a barrier disposed within the first leveling inlet port.

10. A drip chamber having a main body and an inlet connector, A base housing directly connected to the base portion of the drip chamber, having an inlet port for fluid connection with the drip chamber, and a flow path cavity for fluid connection with the inlet port, A flow control assembly that is directly connected to the first part of the base housing, Laura Housing, Laura, and A flow control assembly including a flow control membrane disposed between the roller and the flow path cavity in the base housing, An air vent assembly directly connected to the second portion of the base housing, wherein the first portion and the second portion are located on opposing surfaces of the base housing. A vent cavity located in the second portion of the base housing, A vent port located in the vent cavity, which is connected to an air passage in the base housing, and An air vent assembly comprising an air vent membrane disposed in the vent cavity, the air vent membrane containing a porous hydrophobic material that allows gas to pass through the air vent membrane and exit through the vent port, while preventing liquid from entering the vent port through the air vent membrane, A modular IV assembly, including the above.

11. A filter housing directly connected to the second portion of the base housing, The modular IV assembly according to claim 10, further comprising a filter assembly including a filter film disposed between the filter housing and the second portion of the base housing.

12. The modular IV assembly according to claim 11, wherein the first surface of the filter membrane is positioned adjacent to the inner surface of the second portion of the base housing at a certain distance, and the space between the inner surface of the second portion and the first surface of the filter membrane is configured to provide a flow path for fluid entering the second portion of the base housing from the flow control assembly, and the second surface of the filter membrane is positioned adjacent to the inner surface of the filter housing at a certain distance, and the space between the inner surface of the filter housing and the second surface of the filter membrane is configured to provide a flow path for fluid passing through the filter membrane.

13. The modular IV assembly according to claim 11, further comprising a run-dry prevention member which includes either an individual layer disposed on the filter film or an integrally formed material including the filter film.

14. The drip chamber further includes a self-leveling assembly, the self-leveling assembly is The base portion of the drip chamber includes a lower housing portion positioned adjacent to the base housing, A leveling outlet port aligned with the inlet port in the base housing, A first leveling inlet port and a second leveling inlet port are arranged adjacent to the opposite side of the leveling outlet port, The modular IV assembly according to claim 10, comprising a barrier disposed within the first leveling inlet port.

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