Patent ID: 6083204
Filing Date: 2000-07-04
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
A syringe for the gravity feeding of a liquid to a patient by constant and prolonged intravenous (IV) infusion from the force of ambient air pressure; the syringe comprising:(a) a barrel having a cover portion;(b) a nozzle;(c) a plunger comprising a plunger head, the plunger head fitting air-tightly within the barrel and sliding therein, and a plunger handle which extends beyond the barrel and is adapted to be pulled and pushed by hand; a barrel cavity being formed between the cover head and the plunger portion which varies in size as the plunger is pushed;(d) a non-elastomeric flexible liquid-tight bag positioned within the barrel between the plunger head and the barrel cover portion, the bag having a portion which is sealed proximate the cover portion to permit liquid to flow through the nozzle and into the bag, the bag being adapted to be compressed by ambient air pressure and not by the plunger head; and(e) an air valve means in communication with the cavity for permitting ambient air flow into the barrel cavity when the air valve is opened and air flow out of the barrel when the plunger is pushed to reduce the size of the barrel cavity, the air valve means including a two-way finger-operated air valve.