Abstract:
The time measuring and indication device is an invention that automatically measures and indicates elapsed time and is adapted to be connected to an IV or like medical apparatus. The device measures time by means of measuring the flow of a fluid having a known fluid flow rate. Prior to actuation, the device displays a first indicia such as the word “GOOD”, and after actuation and a predetermined lapse of time, the device displays a second indicia such as the word “EXPIRED”. The device further includes a means to halt or stop the time measuring function and to permanently display the elapsed period of time once the time measuring function is stopped. The time measuring and indication device further includes a means to prevent use of an apparatus such as an IV or like medical apparatus to which the device is attached, without activating the time measuring function of the device.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to devices used to measure and indicate the elapsed time of usage of a medical device and more especially to devices that prevent the usage of a medical device without the initiation of time measurement and to devices that record and indicate elapsed time at the completion of use of a medical device. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Many products including common packaged food items and medical products have a finite shelf life defining a time period beyond which such products are rendered ineffective, and may even cause illness or injury. Thus, a need to track or measure the elapsed time from first use to expiration of such products has been identified. In response to such need, various elapsed time indication devices have been developed. An example of such time measuring and indication device is the device disclosed in published U.S. patent application 20040240324 by Ibitsky et al. Ibitsky teaches a device that measures time by means of measuring the migration of a fluid of a known viscosity from a first chamber to a second chamber. Upon the expiration of a predetermined time which is based of the rate of flow of the fluid, an indication such as an “expired” indication is displayed by the device. U.S. patent application 20040240324 is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. 
     Further, in various industrial applications, human exposure to certain conditions such as a radioactive condition is know be tolerable or acceptable when less than a predetermined exposure and is know to be intolerable or unacceptable when greater than a predetermined exposure. Thus a need to track the duration and quantity of exposure has been identified. In response to such need, various exposure levels monitoring devices and various exposure elapsed time measuring and indication devices have been developed. Examples of such devices are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,903,254, 5,058,088, 5,364,132, 5,446,705, 5,602,804, 5,633,835, 5,699,326, 5,715,215, 5,719,828, 5,785,354, 5,822,280, 5,862,101, 5,873,606, 5,930,206, 5,947,369, 5,957,458, 6,295,252, 6,452,873, and 6,796,065. The listed patents are incorporated herein by reference. 
     In spite of the advances and advantages of the inventions described above, to the applicant&#39;s knowledge, no time indication device exists that is directly connected to routinely used medical devices such as an intravenously inserted tube and needle assembly (IV). It also noted that leaving an IV inserted into a patient beyond a predetermined generally accepted time period is believed to contribute to causing nosocomial infections or phlebitis in the patient. Further no such devices known to prevent use of a medical apparatus without the starting the timing of such timing device. Further, no such devices are known to record the point at which such devices are stopped in their time measuring function. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the medical applications that were described to be lacking in the art. Accordingly, the present invention is adapted to attach directly to an IV or like medical device, is adapted to prevent the use of such medical device without starting the timing function of the invention, and is adapted to stop the timing function and permanently record and display the elapsed usage time of the device for which time is tracked. 
     The invention comprises a time measuring and indication device that is adapted to be connected to an IV apparatus or like apparatus such as by the device being adhered to the IV or by the device being mechanically attached to the IV apparatus. The time measuring function of the device may be one of a variety of timing measuring functions such as a gas diffusion timing measuring function or an electronic timing measuring function. However, the time measuring function of the device is preferably substantially identically to the time measuring function of the timing device disclosed in U.S. patent application 20040240324. Thus the time measuring and indication device measures time by means of measuring the flow of a fluid having a known fluid flow rate. Before the time measuring and indication device is actuated, a first indicia such as the word “GOOD” is displayed by the device, and after a predetermined lapse of time, a second indicia such as the word “EXPIRED” is displayed by the device. 
     It is noted that the device may of course be attached to other items such as a substantially broad surface of a catheter or a portion of the device may be wrapped around a tube such as an IV tube. The device may even be attached directly to a patient. The time measuring and indication device further includes a means to halt or stop the time measuring function and to permanently display the elapsed period of time. Such time measurement stopping function is provided by causing a reacting fluid to be introduced to the flow fluid such that the flow of the flow fluid is stopped. The time measuring and indication device further includes a means to prevent use of an apparatus such as an IV apparatus or like medical apparatus to which the time measuring and indication device is attached, without first actuating the time measuring function of the time measuring and indication device. Such use prevention means is provided for instance by housing the time measuring and indication device within a housing assembly. The housing assembly defines a first housing member having a first eyelet and a second housing member having a second eyelet, the assembly of the two housing members defining a housing assembly having at least two eyelets in substantially close proximity to each other, and defining a housing assembly having an inner cavity in which the time measuring and indication device is positioned. A first IV end is retentatively positioned in the first eyelet and a second IV end is retentatively positioned in the second eyelet such that the IV may not be placed into use without separating the IV ends. The time measuring and indication device mounted within the housing assembly is adapted such that if the IV ends are separated, the first housing member slides away from the second housing member, causing a ramp formed in the first housing member to at least partially crush a bulbous activation button, thus causing the initiation of the time measuring function of the time measuring and indication device. 
     Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may necessarily be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment. 
     Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention. 
     These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a plan view of a first embodiment of a timing apparatus, the timing apparatus is shown in a pre-actuation state; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of a timing apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a plan view of a first embodiment of a timing apparatus, the timing apparatus is shown in a first post-actuation state; 
         FIG. 4  is a plan view of a first embodiment of a timing apparatus, the timing apparatus is shown in an expired post-actuation state; 
         FIG. 5  is a rear view of a first embodiment of a timing apparatus, the timing apparatus backing is shown unremoved; 
         FIG. 6  is a rear view of a first embodiment of a timing apparatus, the timing apparatus backing is shown partially peeled back; 
         FIG. 7  is a plan view of a second embodiment of a timing apparatus; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7  except that the apparatus is shown partially wrapped around and adhered to an IV tube; 
         FIG. 9  is a trimetric view of the timing apparatus shown in  FIG. 1  except that the apparatus is shown wrapped substantially completely around and adhered to an IV tube; 
         FIG. 10  is a plan view of a third embodiment of a timing apparatus; 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first portion of the timing apparatus shown in  FIG. 10 , item  210  indicates the view direction in which a user would view the apparatus and the timing apparatus is shown in a pre-actuation state; 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first portion of the timing apparatus shown in  FIG. 10 , the timing apparatus is shown in a first timing post-actuation state; 
         FIG. 13  is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first portion of the timing apparatus shown in  FIG. 10 , the timing apparatus is shown in a second timing post-actuation state; 
         FIG. 14  is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first portion of the timing apparatus shown in  FIG. 10 , the timing apparatus is shown in a first lock post-actuation state; 
         FIG. 15  is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first portion of the timing apparatus shown in  FIG. 10 , the timing apparatus is shown in a second lock post-actuation state; 
         FIG. 16  is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first portion of the timing apparatus shown in  FIG. 10 , the timing apparatus is shown in a final lock post-actuation state; 
         FIG. 17  is a trimetric view of a first embodiment of a timed medical apparatus, the apparatus is shown in a pre-actuation state; 
         FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 17  except that the IV assembly is not shown as cut away and only the ends of the IV assembly are shown, the apparatus is shown in a pre-actuation state; 
         FIG. 19  is a trimetric view of a second embodiment of a timed medical apparatus, the apparatus is shown in a pre-actuation state; 
         FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 19 ; 
         FIG. 21  is a plan view of a third embodiment of a timed medical apparatus, only portion  60  of timing apparatus  50  is shown and medical apparatus is shown with the actuator removed and the apparatus in a post-actuation state, and; 
         FIG. 22  is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 21 , the IV assembly is not shown and the actuator is shown in-place with the apparatus in a pre-actuation state. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. 
     Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are included to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention. 
     The invention is an elapsed time indicating medical apparatus. The invention preferably includes means to assure timing device actuation if placing the medical apparatus in use and means to lock or “freeze” the elapsed time that is indicated at the completion of use of the apparatus. In order to facilitate the understanding of the present invention in reviewing the drawings accompanying the specification, a feature list is provided below. It is noted that like features are like numbered throughout all of the figures. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 FEATURE TABLE 
               
             
          
           
               
                 # 
                 Feature 
                 # 
                 Feature 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 50 
                 Timing apparatus 
                 150 
                 Timing apparatus 
               
               
                 52 
                 Timing apparatus substrate 
                 152 
                 Timing apparatus substrate 
               
               
                 54 
                 Timing apparatus adhesive 
                 154 
                 Timing apparatus adhesive 
               
               
                 56 
                 Adhesive backing 
                 156 
                 Adhesive backing 
               
               
                 57 
                 Peel starter 
                 157 
                 Peel starter 
               
               
                 60 
                 Timing apparatus first portion 
                 160 
                 Timing apparatus first portion 
               
               
                 62 
                 Timing fluid button 
                 162 
                 Timing fluid button 
               
               
                 63 
                 Timing fluid frangible wall 
                 163 
                 Timing fluid frangible wall 
               
               
                 64 
                 Timing fluid display window 
                 164 
                 Timing fluid display window 
               
               
                 66 
                 Display window graduation marks 
                 166 
                 Display window graduation marks 
               
               
                 68 
                 Timing apparatus expiration indicia 
                 168 
                 Timing apparatus expiration indicia 
               
               
                 70 
                 Timing apparatus maximum usage indicia 
                 170 
                 Timing apparatus maximum usage indicia 
               
               
                 72 
                 Identification indicia first instance 
                 172 
                 Identification indicia first instance 
               
               
                 74 
                 Timing apparatus flange 
                 174 
                 Timing apparatus flange 
               
               
                 76 
                 Timing apparatus flange hole 
                 176 
                 Timing apparatus flange hole 
               
               
                 78 
                 First portion to flange perforated separation 
                 178 
                 First portion to flange perforated separation 
               
               
                   
                 line 
                   
                 line 
               
               
                 80 
                 Timing apparatus second portion 
                 180 
                 Timing apparatus second portion 
               
               
                 82 
                 Identification indicia second instance 
                 182 
                 Identification indicia second instance 
               
               
                 84 
                 Date indication indicia 
                 184 
                 Date indication indicia 
               
               
                 86 
                 Time indication indicia 
                 186 
                 Time indication indicia 
               
               
                 88 
                 Patient name indication indicia 
                 188 
                 Patient name indication indicia 
               
               
                 89 
                 First portion to second portion perforated 
                 189 
                 First portion to second portion perforated 
               
               
                   
                 separation line 
                   
                 separation line 
               
               
                 90 
                 Time indication fluid 
                 190 
                 Time indication fluid 
               
               
                 92 
                 Warning indicia 
                 202 
                 Warning indicia 
               
               
                 100 
                 Elapsed time indicating medical apparatus 
                 203 
                 Locking fluid button 
               
               
                 101 
                 Timing apparatus 
                 204 
                 Locking fluid 
               
               
                 102 
                 Connection bar 
                 206 
                 Locking fluid frangible wall 
               
               
                 104 
                 Timing apparatus third portion 
                 208 
                 Solidified dam 
               
               
                 106 
                 Perforated separation line 
                 210 
                 Viewing orientation symbol 
               
               
                 110 
                 IV 
                 270 
                 Elapsed time indicating medical apparatus 
               
               
                 120 
                 Elapsed time indicating medical apparatus 
                 280 
                 Actuator 
               
               
                 220 
                 Elapsed time indicating medical apparatus 
                 282 
                 Actuator chamber 
               
               
                 230 
                 Actuator 
                 284 
                 First open slot 
               
               
                 232 
                 Actuator chamber 
                 285 
                 Second open slot 
               
               
                 234 
                 First open slot 
                 286 
                 Ramp 
               
               
                 235 
                 Second open slot 
                 288 
                 IV receptacle 
               
               
                 236 
                 Ramp 
                 300 
                 Elapsed time indicating medical apparatus 
               
               
                 240 
                 Actuator bar 
                 304 
                 Adhesive tape in general 
               
               
                 242 
                 Actuator bar flange 
                 305 
                 Adhesive 
               
               
                 244 
                 Actuator bar flange hole 
                 306 
                 Tape backing 
               
               
                 250 
                 IV assembly 
                 307 
                 Tape peel starter 
               
               
                 252 
                 IV tube 
                 310 
                 IV assembly 
               
               
                 254 
                 IV retention flange 
                 312 
                 IV tube 
               
               
                 260 
                 Load direction indication arrow 
                 314 
                 IV needle in general 
               
               
                   
                   
                 316 
                 Needle body 
               
               
                   
                   
                 318 
                 Needle tip 
               
               
                   
                   
                 320 
                 Actuator 
               
               
                   
                   
                 322 
                 Actuator chamber 
               
               
                   
                   
                 324 
                 First open slot 
               
               
                   
                   
                 325 
                 Second open slot 
               
               
                   
                   
                 326 
                 Ramp 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Referring now to the drawings and in particular to  FIGS. 1 through 6 , a first embodiment of the invention is a timing apparatus  50  for use in timing the duration of use of a medical device comprising a substantially flat, broad, and flexible substrate  52 , a layer of adhesive  54 , and an adhesive backing or protective cover  56 . Adhesive layer  54  is adhesively positioned between substrate  52  back surface and backing  56 . Timing apparatus  50  further includes a peel starter  57  located between a portion of adhesive layer  54  and a portion of an adhesive backing  56  and facilitates more ready removal of adhesive backing  56  from adhesive layer  54 . Timing apparatus  50  further defines a first portion  60 , a second portion  80 , and a flange  74 . First portion  60  is preferably frangibly connected to second portion  80  on a first end by means of a first portion to second portion perforated separation line  89 , and first portion  60  is preferably frangibly connected to flange  74  on a second end by means of a first portion to flange perforated separation line  78 . 
     First portion  60  further includes a timing fluid button  62 , a display window  64 , display window graduation marks  66 , a timing apparatus expiration indicia  68 , a timing apparatus maximum usage indicia  70 , and an identification indicia first instance  72 . Button  62  defines a compressible or crushable button containing display fluid  90 . Display window  64  defines a display fluid containable cavity, at least a portion of which is substantially transparent to reveal or display the contents of display window  64 . Button  62  is frangibly or rupturably connected to display window  64  by means of frangible wall  63  (not shown) such that compressing or crushing button  62  causes frangible wall  63  to break and display fluid  90  contained in button  62  to initiate flow into window  64  at a predetermined rate. Graduation marks  66  are positioned on window  64  such that the passage of time as measured from the initiation of flow of display fluid  90  is readily trackable or measurable by means of graduation marks  66 . It shall be noted however, that graduation marks  66 , while useful in assessing the passage of time, are nevertheless optional. Timing apparatus expiration indicia  68  is positioned near window  64  such that when display fluid  90  reaches expiration indicia  68 , maximum usage of apparatus  50  is indicated. Alternatively, expiration indicia  68  may be adapted such that expiration indicia  68  is only displayed upon expiration of apparatus  50 . Timing apparatus maximum usage indicia  70  is positioned on first portion  60  and indicates the maximum time for which the select apparatus  50  is usable. In the instance of apparatus  50  shown in  FIG. 1 , the 72 hour indicia is merely exemplary and may be more or less than 72 hours. Identification indicia first instance  72  is positioned on first portion  60  and defines an indicia unique to the instance of the apparatus  50 . 
     Second portion  80  further includes an identification indicia second instance  82 , a date indicia  84 , a time indicia  86 , and a patient name indication indicia  88 . Identification indicia second instance  82 , which is substantially identical to identification first instance  72 , is positioned on second portion  80  and may be used to associate first portion  60  with second portion  80  when first portion  60  is separated from second portion  80 . Date indicia  84 , time indicia  86 , and patient name indication indicia  88  are all positioned on second portion  80  and each provide an area that may be written upon so as to identify a date, time, and patient with which the use of apparatus  50  is associated. Additionally, other indicia preferably having a writable area associated with the other indicia may also be added to portion  80 . 
     Flange  74  further includes a flange hole  76  for use in attaching apparatus  50  to a medical device. Adhesive backing  56  further preferably includes a warning indicia  92  positioned on an external surface of backing  56  such that a user of apparatus  50  may readily be warned with a warning such as a warning regarding the capabilities and proper usage of apparatus  50 . 
     In practice, apparatus  50  is attached to an IV or like medical device by positioning a tube of an IV through flange hole  76 . Upon insertion of the IV into a patient, button  62  is compressed causing the initiation of flow of display fluid  90  from button  62  to window  64 . The user also writes or otherwise marks on portion  80 , the date and time of usage initiation of apparatus  50  and the name of the patient on whom apparatus  50  is used. Such marking will typically be performed after initiation of use of apparatus  50  but may alternatively be marked immediately prior to initiation of use of apparatus  50 . Usage of apparatus being thus initiated and markings being marked, apparatus  50  provides a sure means whereby the elapsed time of usage of apparatus  50  can be monitored and observed. With apparatus  50  thus monitoring elapsed time of usage corresponding to the duration of insertion of an IV or like medical device, excessive or undue prolonged insertion of an IV or like medical device is prevented. Upon completion of the time tracking function, apparatus  50  may be removed from an IV by tearing perforated separation line  78 . Adhesive backing  56  is then removed from adhesive layer  54 , and the remainder of apparatus  50  may be adhered to the paper medical record or like medical information tracking device corresponding to the patient on whom apparatus  50  was used. It is further noted that alternatively, only portion  60  or only portion  80  may be applied to the paper medical record or like medical information tracking device. Thus apparatus  50  further provides a permanent record of the duration of use of apparatus  50  and the corresponding medical device for which apparatus  50  tracked time usage. 
     Referring now to the drawings and in particular to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , a second embodiment of the invention is an elapsed time indicating medical apparatus  100  for use in timing the duration of use of medical apparatus  100 . Apparatus  100  comprises timing apparatus  101  and IV  110 . Apparatus  101  is substantially identical to and operates substantially identical to apparatus  50  except that in apparatus  101  flange  74  is replaced by connection bar  102  and third portion  104 , and perforated separation line  78  is replaced with perforated separation lines  106 . Third portion  104  defines a portion that is geometrically similar to first portion  60  and to second portion  80 . Connection bar  102  connects to second portion  60  on a first end and to third portion  104  on a second end. Rather than connecting timing apparatus  101  to IV  110  by a means of a flange as in apparatus  50 , timing apparatus  101  is adhered to IV  110  by wrapping connecting bar  102  around IV  110 , removing a portion of backing  56  from second portion  60 , adhering third portion  104  to second portion  60 . After the timing function of timing apparatus  101  is complete, timing apparatus  101  is removed from IV  110  by tearing perforated separation lines  106 . Adhesive backing  56  is then removed from the remainder of adhesive layer  54 , and the remainder of apparatus  101  may be adhered to the paper medical record or like medical information tracking device corresponding to the patient on whom apparatus  100  was used. 
     Referring now to the drawings and in particular to  FIG. 9 , a third embodiment of the invention is an elapsed time indicating medical apparatus  120  for use in timing the duration of use of medical apparatus  120 . In this embodiment, apparatus  50  preferably remains permanently adhered to IV  110 . It is noted however, that apparatus  50  alternatively forms a ring as shown in  FIG. 9  but apparatus  50  is not adhered to IV  110  but rather is mechanically retained to IV  110  such as by a groove in IV  110  or by an IV retaining flange or the like. 
     Referring now to the drawings and in particular to  FIGS. 10 through 16 , a fourth embodiment of the invention is a timing apparatus  150  for use in timing the duration of use of a medical device comprising a substantially flat, broad, and flexible substrate  152 , a layer of adhesive  154  (not shown), and an adhesive backing or protective cover  156  (not shown). Adhesive layer  154  is adhesively positioned between substrate  152  back surface and backing  156 . Timing apparatus  150  further includes a peel starter  157  (not shown) located between a portion of adhesive layer  154  and a portion of an adhesive backing  156  and facilitates more ready removal of adhesive backing  156  from adhesive layer  154 . Timing apparatus  150  further defines a first portion  160 , a second portion  180 , and a flange  174 . First portion  160  is preferably frangibly connected to second portion  180  on a first end by means of a first portion to second portion perforated separation line  189 , and first portion  160  is preferably frangibly connected to flange  74  on a second end by means of a first portion to flange perforated separation line  78 . 
     First portion  160  further includes a timing fluid button  162 , a display window  164 , display window graduation marks  166 , a timing apparatus expiration indicia  168 , a timing apparatus maximum usage indicia  170 , an identification indicia first instance  172 , a locking fluid button  203 , and a locking fluid frangible wall. Button  162  defines a compressible or crushable button containing display fluid  190 . Display window  164  defines a display fluid and a locking fluid containable cavity, at least a portion of which is substantially transparent to reveal or display the contents of display window  164 . Button  203  defines a compressible or crushable button containing locking fluid  204 . Button  162  is frangibly or rupturably connected to display window  164  by means of frangible wall  163  such that compressing or crushing button  162  causes frangible wall  163  to break and display fluid  190  contained in button  162  to initiate flow into window  164  at a predetermined rate. Further, button  203  is frangibly or rupturably connected to display window  164  by means of frangible wall  206  such that compressing or crushing button  203  causes frangible wall  206  to break and locking fluid  204  contained in button  203  to initiate flow into window  164  at a predetermined rate. Locking fluid  204  preferably flows at a much faster rate than display fluid  190 . When display fluid  190  comes into contact with locking fluid  204 , a solidification of at least a portion of the fluids occurs, solidified dam  208  is formed, and display fluid  190  is substantially stopped in its progress to substantially permanently record the fixed elapsed time. Solidified dam  208  may alternatively define a non-solidified dam such as a high viscosity gel dam so long as dam  208  functions to stop the migrations of display fluid  190 . Display fluid  190  and locking fluid  204  may be any of a broad number of reacting type fluids. For instance, display fluid  190  may be water when locking fluid  204  is cyanoacrylate (which cures upon contact with water). Alternatively display fluid  190  may be an adhesive in anaerobic environment (which cures upon contact with air) when locking fluid  204  is air. To better distinguish between display fluid  190  and locking fluid  204 , display fluid  190  may be of a different color than locking fluid  204  and the fluids may be of substantially contrasting colors. Graduation marks  166  are positioned on window  164  such that the passage of time as measured from the initiation of flow of display fluid  190  is readily trackable or measurable by means of graduation marks  166 . It shall be noted however, that graduation marks  166 , while useful in assessing the passage of time, are nevertheless optional. Timing apparatus expiration indicia  168  is positioned near window  164  such that when display fluid  190  reaches expiration indicia  168 , maximum usage of apparatus  150  is indicated. Alternatively, expiration indicia  168  may be adapted such that expiration indicia  168  is only displayed upon expiration of apparatus  150 . Timing apparatus maximum usage indicia  170  is positioned on first portion  160  and indicates the maximum time for which the select apparatus  150  is usable. In the instance of apparatus  150  shown in  FIG. 10 , the 72 hour indicia is merely exemplary and may be more or less than 72 hours. Identification indicia first instance  172  is positioned on first portion  160  and defines an indicia unique to the instance of the apparatus  150 . 
     Second portion  180  further includes an identification indicia second instance  182 , a date indicia  184 , a time indicia  186 , and a patient name indication indicia  188 . Identification indicia second instance  182 , which is substantially identical to identification first instance  172 , is positioned on second portion  180  and may be used to associate first portion  160  with second portion  180  when first portion  160  is separated from second portion  180 . Date indicia  184 , time indicia  186 , and patient name indication indicia  188  are all positioned on second portion  180  and each provide an area that may be written upon so as to identify a date, time, and patient with which the use of apparatus  150  is associated. Additionally, other indicia preferably having a writable area associated with the other indicia may also be added to portion  80 . 
     Flange  174  further includes a flange hole  176  for use in attaching apparatus  150  to a medical device. Adhesive backing  156  further preferably includes a warning indicia  202  (not shown) positioned on an external surface of backing  156  such that a user of apparatus  150  may readily be warned with a warning such as a warning regarding the capabilities and proper usage of apparatus  150 . 
     In practice, apparatus  150  is attached to an IV or like medical device by positioning a tube of an IV through flange hole  176 . Upon insertion of the IV into a patient, button  162  is compressed causing the initiation of flow of display fluid  190  from button  162  to window  164 . The user also writes or otherwise marks on portion  180 , the date and time of usage initiation of apparatus  150  and the name of the patient on whom apparatus  150  is used. Such marking will typically be performed after initiation of use of apparatus  150  but may alternatively be marked immediately prior to initiation of use of apparatus  150 . Usage of apparatus being thus initiated and markings being marked, apparatus  150  provides a sure means whereby the elapsed time of usage of apparatus  150  can be monitored and observed. With apparatus  150  thus monitoring elapsed time of usage corresponding to the duration of insertion of an IV or like medical device, excessive or undue prolonged insertion of an IV or like medical device is prevented. Upon completion of usage of the IV or like corresponding medical device, button  203  is compressed causing the initiation of flow of locking fluid  204  from button  203  to window  164  and further causes solidified dam  208  to form and substantially “locks” the elapsed time. After “locking” the elapsed time, apparatus  150  may be removed from an IV by tearing separation line  178 . Adhesive backing  156  is then removed from adhesive layer  154 , and the remainder of apparatus  150  may be adhered to the paper medical record or like medical information tracking device corresponding to the patient on whom apparatus  150  was used. It is further noted that alternatively, only portion  160  or only portion  180  may be applied to the paper medical record or like medical information tracking device. Thus apparatus  150  further provides a permanent record of the duration of use of apparatus  150  and the corresponding medical device for which apparatus  150  tracked time usage. 
     Referring now to the drawings and in particular to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , a fifth embodiment of the invention is an elapsed time indicating medical apparatus  220  for use in timing the duration of use of medical apparatus  220 . Apparatus  220  comprises timing apparatus  50 , IV assembly  250 , and actuator  230 . Actuator  230  comprises an elongated actuator body having an actuator chamber  232 , a first open slot  234 , a second open slot  235 , a ramp  236 , a bar  240 , a bar flange  242 , and a bar flange hole  244 . First open slot  234  is located on a first end of chamber  232  and second open slot  235  is located on a second end of chamber  232 . Ramp  236  is located within chamber  232 . A first end of bar  240  is connected to a second end of chamber  232 , and flange  242  is connected to a second end of bar  240 . Flange hole  244  is centrally located within flange  242 . IV assembly  250  includes an IV tube  252  and a plurality of IV tube retention flanges  254 . IV retention tube  252  defines an IV tube having a first end and a second end with each of tube  252  ends having a pair of IV retention flanges  254  retentatively connected to tube  252 . Each pair of retention flanges  254  forming a gap therebetween. Medical apparatus  220  is assembled such that button  62  of timing apparatus  50  is positioned within actuator chamber  232  in near proximity to ramp  236  and such that first portion  60  protrudes out of first open slot  234  and such that flange  74  protrudes out of second open slot  235 . Medical apparatus  220  is further assembled such that a first end of IV tube  252  passes through flange hole  76 , with flange  74  being retentatively positioned within a gap formed between two IV retention flanges  254  and such that a second end of IV tube  252  passes through actuator bar flange hole  244 , with flange  242  being retentatively positioned within a gap formed between two IV retention flanges  254 . It is noted that flange  74  and flange  242  may be alternatively secured to IV tube  252  such as by means of a compression fit between each of flanges  74  and  242  and IV  252  or by means of at least one retaining groove formed in IV  252 . 
     In practice, in order to initiate use of medical apparatus  220 , the ends of IV tube  252  must be separated. Separating the ends of IV tube  252  requires the application of two opposing forces applied in the direction of load direction indication arrows  260 . Such application of load in turn causes button  62  to be forced against and compressed by ramp  236  in actuator chamber  232  prior to timing apparatus  50  being withdrawn from actuator  230 . Thus by means of the described process, timing apparatus  50  of medical apparatus  220  is automatically initiated upon the separation of the end of IV tube  252 . Further, it is seen that without separating the ends of IV tube  252  and the resultant automatic initiation of timing device  50 , medical apparatus  220  is unable to be placed into use. 
     Referring now to the drawings and in particular to  FIGS. 19 and 20 , a sixth embodiment of the invention is an elapsed time indicating medical apparatus  270  for use in timing the duration of use of medical apparatus  270 . Apparatus  270  comprises timing apparatus  50 , IV assembly  250 , and actuator  280 . Actuator  280  comprises an elongated actuator body having an actuator chamber  282 , a first open slot  284 , a second open slot  285 , a ramp  286 , and an IV receptacle  288 . First open slot  284  is located on a first end of chamber  282  and second open slot  285  is located on a second end of chamber  282 . Ramp  286  is located within chamber  282 . IV receptacle  288  defines an additional cavity formed within actuator  280 . IV assembly  250  includes an IV tube  252  and at least one IV tube retention flange  254 . Medical apparatus  270  is assembled such that button  62  of timing apparatus  50  is positioned within actuator chamber  282  in near proximity to ramp  286  and such that first portion  60  protrudes out of first open slot  284  and such that flange  74  protrudes out of second open slot  285 . Medical apparatus  270  is further assembled such that a first end of IV tube  252  passes through flange hole  76  and such that IV tube  252  first end is housed within IV receptacle  288 . Flange  74  is further retentatively positioned adjacent at least one IV retention flange  254  such that IV tube  252  first end may not be removed from IV receptacle  288  but that a load is applied to flange  74  by at least one retention flange  254 . 
     In practice, in order to initiate use of medical apparatus  270 , the first end of IV tube  252  must be exposed by removing the first end of tube  252  from IV receptacle  288 . Such removal of tube  252  first end from receptacle  288  requires the application of two opposing forces applied in the direction of load direction indication arrows  260 . Such application of load in turn causes button  62  to be forced against and compressed by ramp  286  in actuator chamber  282  prior to timing apparatus  50  being withdrawn from actuator  280 . Thus by means of the described process, timing apparatus  50  of medical apparatus  270  is automatically initiated upon the removal of tube  252  first end from receptacle  288 . Further, it is seen that without removing tube  252  first end from receptacle  288  and the resultant automatic initiation of timing device  50 , medical apparatus  270  is unable to be placed into use. 
     Referring now to the drawings and in particular to  FIGS. 21 and 22 , a seventh embodiment of the invention is an elapsed time indicating medical apparatus  300  for use in timing the duration of use of medical apparatus  300 . Apparatus  300  comprises timing apparatus  50 , adhesive tape  304 , IV assembly  310 , and actuator  320 . Adhesive tape  304  defines a preferably disk shaped piece of adhesive tape but may alternatively be an adhesive tape form in a different shape. Adhesive tape  304  further includes a layer of adhesive  305  laminated between tape  304  and a tape backing  306 . Tape  304  also includes a tape peel starter  307  positioned between a portion of adhesive layer  305  and a portion of tape backing  306  such that where peel starter  307  lies between tape  304  and backing  306 , backing  306  is not adhered to tape  304 . Tape backing  306  defines substantially the same footprint of perimeter shape as tape  304  such that removal of tape backing  306  from tape  304  is substantially difficult without the use of tape peel starter  307 . IV assembly  310  includes an IV tube  312  connected to an IV needle  314 . IV needle  314  further defines a needle body  316  connected to a needle tip  318 . Actuator  320  comprises an elongated actuator body having an actuator chamber  322 , a first open slot  324 , a second open slot  325 , and a ramp  326 . First open slot  324  is located on a first end of chamber  322  and second open slot  325  is located on a second end of chamber  322 . Ramp  326  is located within chamber  322 . Medical apparatus  270  is assembled such that button  62  of timing apparatus  50  is positioned within actuator chamber  282  in near proximity to ramp  286  and such that first portion  60  protrudes out of first open slot  284  and such that flange  74  protrudes out of second open slot  285 . Medical apparatus  300  is further assembled such that timing apparatus  50  is adhered to tape  304  and such that timing apparatus  50  and tape  304  are positioned within actuator  320 . 
     In practice, IV needle tip  318  is inserted into a patient and tape  304 , with timing apparatus  50  adhered to tape  304 , has backing  306  removed from tape  304  and tape  304  is placed over at least a portion of IV assembly  310  and a portion of the patient&#39;s body in near proximity to the needle tip  318  insertion site, to help retain IV assembly  310  in a proper position. However, in order to remove tape backing  306  from tape  304 , actuator  320  must be removed from timing device  50  in order to expose tape peel starter  307 . Removal of actuator  320  requires the application of two opposing forces applied in the direction of load direction indication arrows  260 . Such application of load in turn causes button  62  to be forced against and compressed by ramp  326  in actuator chamber  322  prior to timing apparatus  50  being withdrawn from actuator  320 . Thus by means of the described process, timing apparatus  50  of medical apparatus  300  is automatically initiated upon the removal of actuator  320  from timing apparatus  50  and tape  304 . Further, it is seen that without removing timing apparatus  50  and tape  304  from actuator  320 , medical apparatus  300  is unable to be placed into use. 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.