Abstract:
A drip chamber is described that is used in medical infusion therapy, wherein the drip chamber utilizes valving to control flow of one or more fluids to a patient. The drip chamber includes a body forming a chamber, wherein fluid may enter via two or more flow ports, and an output port, where fluid may exit the chamber. A float controls fluid flow through one or more flow ports into the chamber such that the flow exiting the chamber may be limited to a single fluid or a combination of the fluids entering the chamber. The float is configured to be retained within the chamber, and the float moves within the chamber based on a level of fluid within the chamber. The control characteristics of the float are determinable by attributing specific buoyancy and dimensions to the float.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    This description relates in general to the field of medical fluid connectors, and in particular to a flow control drip chamber connector for use in medical infusion therapy. 
         [0002]    Medical infusion therapy involves the administration of medication through a needle or catheter. The medication may be administered using intravenous, intramuscular, or epidural techniques. Typically, infusion therapy includes a fluid source coupled through tubing to a patient&#39;s intravenous needle or a catheter. The fluid, which may comprise medication or any other fluid, is usually dripped from the fluid source, through a fluid pathway, and into the patient. Typically, a primary fluid source and one or more secondary fluid sources may be joined to the fluid pathway between the source and the patient. 
         [0003]    The primary and secondary fluid sources are joined in the fluid pathway such that the secondary fluid may be delivered concurrently the primary fluid. Alternatively, flow of the primary fluid may be halted during delivery of t secondary fluid and restarted after flow of the secondary fluid has ceased. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    An aspect of the present disclosure provides a passive start drip chamber device comprising: a chamber fluidly coupled to first and second input flow ports and an output flow port; a float disposed within the chamber, the float configured to move between an occluding configuration, wherein the first input flow port is occluded, and an open configuration, wherein the first input flow port is not occluded, based on a level of fluid within the chamber. 
         [0005]    According to certain implementations of the present disclosure, a passive start drip chamber device comprises: a body with an interior chamber, the body having a first input flow port, a second input flow port, and an output flow port, the first input flow port comprises an opening fluidly coupled with the interior chamber; a float within the interior chamber, the float comprising a portion configured to extend into the opening; wherein the float is configured to rise and fall in the chamber based on a fluid level within the chamber, such that the portion moves relative to the opening between a closed configuration, wherein fluid through the first input flow port is occluded by the portion, and an open configuration, wherein the portion is withdrawn from the opening such that fluid is conducted through the opening and into to the chamber. 
         [0006]    Additional features and advantages of the subject technology will be set forth in the description below, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the subject technology. The advantages of the subject technology will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings. 
         [0007]    It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the subject technology as claimed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide further understanding of the subject technology and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this description, illustrate aspects of the subject technology and, together with the specification, serve to explain principles of the subject technology. 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of embodiments of a passive start drip chamber in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of embodiments of a passive start drip chamber in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3A  illustrates a front section view of embodiments of a passive start drip chamber in an open configuration in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3B  illustrates a perspective section view of embodiments of a passive start drip chamber in an open configuration in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4A  illustrates a front section view of embodiments of a passive start drip chamber in an occluded configuration in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4B  illustrates a perspective section view of embodiments of a passive start drip chamber in an occluded configuration in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0015]    In the following detailed description, specific details are set forth to provide an understanding of the subject technology. It will be apparent, however, to one ordinarily skilled in the art that the subject technology may be practiced without some of these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure the subject technology. 
         [0016]    A phrase such as “an aspect” does not imply that such aspect is essential to the subject technology or that such aspect applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to an aspect may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. An aspect may provide one or more examples of the disclosure. A phrase such as “an aspect” may refer to one or more aspects and vice versa. A phrase such as “an embodiment” does not imply that such embodiment is essential to the subject technology or that such embodiment applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to an embodiment may apply to all embodiments, or one or more embodiments. An embodiment may provide one or more examples of the disclosure. A phrase such as “an embodiment” may refer to one or more embodiments and vice versa. A phrase such as “a configuration” does not imply that such configuration is essential to the subject technology or that such configuration applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to a configuration may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. A configuration may provide one or more examples of the disclosure. A phrase such as “a configuration” may refer to one or more configurations and vice versa. 
         [0017]    The present disclosure relates to a passive start drip chamber for use in medical infusion therapy.  FIG. 1  illustrates embodiments of a passive start drip chamber device  100  configured to control flow of a primary fluid source  908  and secondary fluid source  906  to a patient (not shown). The passive start drip chamber device  100  may be fluidly coupled to a secondary fluid source  906  and the fluid pathway  910  between a primary fluid source  908  and a patient. Upon coupling, flow from the primary fluid source  908  may be diverted to the passive start drip chamber device  100 . The passive start drip chamber device  100  may then control flow of the primary fluid source  908  and the secondary fluid source  906  to the patient. Referring to  FIG. 2 , embodiments are illustrated having a plurality of passive start drip chamber devices  100  and secondary fluid sources  906  fluidly coupled to a fluid pathway  910  between a primary fluid source  908  and a patient (not shown). 
         [0018]    Referring to  FIGS. 3A-4B , the passive start drip chamber device  100  comprises a body  102  forming a chamber  104 , two or more flow ports where fluid may enter the chamber  104  from a fluid source (e.g., an intravenous bag (“IV bag”) or a line connected to an IV bag), and an output port  110  where fluid may exit the chamber  104 . In some embodiments, the body  102  comprises a port where a primary fluid  908  may enter the drip chamber, a port where a secondary fluid  906  may enter the drip chamber, and a port for fluid to exit  110  the drip chamber. Each  906 / 908  port is fluidly connected to the chamber  104  within the body  102 . In some embodiments, a secondary flow port  106  is disposed at a top of the body  102  (e.g., an end above or opposite the output port), while a primary flow port  108  and output flow port  110  are disposed along the body  102 . The primary flow port  108  is fluidly coupled to a flow path  114  disposed through the body  102  such that fluid from the primary flow port  108  enters a top portion of the chamber  104 . In some embodiments, the portion of the body  102  comprising the flow path  114  extends as a channel  134  from the top portion of the chamber  104 , and in some embodiments, the portion of the body  102  comprising the flow path  114  extends as a channel  134  within an interior of the chamber  104  from the top portion of the chamber  104 . The secondary flow port  106  is configured to couple with a secondary fluid source  906  such as a fluid bag. The secondary flow port  106  may be coupled with a fluid bag using a fluid fitting, including a luer-type fitting. In some embodiments, the secondary flow port  106  comprises an intravenous bag spike  116  having a lumen extending therein to fluidly couple the chamber with a fluid bag. 
         [0019]    Referring to  FIG. 4B , flow from two or more fluid sources to a patient is controlled within the body  102 . More specifically, flow of a primary fluid into the chamber  104  is reduced or halted as a secondary fluid enters the chamber  104 . The flow of a primary fluid into the chamber  104  is stopped by the closing of a valve, fluid pathway, or fluid conduit within the chamber  104 . Referring to  FIG. 4B , as the flow of secondary fluid into the chamber  104  reduces or ceases, the fluid level within the chamber decreases, and the valve, fluid pathway, or fluid conduit opens and the primary fluid may once again flow into the chamber  104 . By reducing or stopping flow of the primary fluid during flow of the secondary fluid, and then restarting flow of the primary fluid after flow of the secondary fluid has completed, complete and accurate delivery of the secondary fluid to the patient can be assured and provided with little or no subsequent adjustment by a caregiver. 
         [0020]    The body  102  may be composed of a malleable yet resilient material that allows the walls of the body  102  to be flexible. For example, the walls may be sufficiently resilient to permit elastic deformation when the wall is collapsed to engage an opposing wall or structures within the chamber. In some embodiments, the walls of the body  102  may be squeezed to expel air or other gasses from within the chamber  104 . Air may be expelled into the secondary fluid source, or through a valve  128 , such as a hydrophobic filter, to the atmosphere. The body  102  and chamber  104  may be any size that achieves the desired flow rate and volume. For example, the chamber  104  volume may be selected to achieve a specific flow rate or to retain a specific valve size. The wall thickness of the body  102  may be selected to achieve a specific resiliency. 
         [0021]    In some embodiments, the body  102  may have one or more flow ports in alternate or additional locations on the body  102 . For example, the primary flow port  108  may be coupled to the body  102  parallel to the secondary flow port  106 . In some embodiments, the secondary flow port  106  may be formed as a cap  120  coupled to the body  102  such that the cap  120  encloses the top portion of the chamber  104 . In some embodiments, the cap  120  is removably coupled to the body, thereby providing access to the chamber  104 . The cap  120  can include an auxiliary flow path  122 . The auxiliary flow path  122  may be disposed through the cap, between the secondary flow port  106  and an access plug  124   a  on an external surface of the cap  120 . The cap  120  may include an additional access plug  124   b , providing access to the flow path  114  of the primary flow port  108 . 
         [0022]    In some embodiments, the valve includes a float  112  disposed within the chamber  104  between the secondary flow port  106  at the top of the chamber  104  and the output flow port  110  at the bottom of the chamber  104 . The float  112  may be any shape but is preferably shaped to fit within the chamber  104  and may be configured to move axially between the top and bottom of the chamber  104 . 
         [0023]    Referring to  FIG. 4B , the float  112  may be a cylinder having one or more axial grooves  130  on the outer surface, wherein the axial grooves are configured to mate with a rail, guide, or protrusion  132  along a surface of the chamber  104 . The mating of the groove  130  and rail  132  allow the float to move axially within the chamber, yet prevent torsional rotation of the float. In some embodiments, the grooves  130  may be on an internal surface of the chamber, and the rail, guide, or protrusions  132  may be on the outer surface of the float  112 . 
         [0024]    The diameter of the float  112  may be selected to assure stability within the chamber during movement, yet allow fluid to flow around the float  112 . In some embodiments, the grooves  130  or indentations provide a fluid flow path around the float  112 . In some embodiments, the chamber  104  comprises an annular ring or seat such that the output port  110  becomes fluidly sealed when the float  112  is in a lowest position within the chamber, thereby preventing or reducing the likelihood of air from passing through the chamber  104  to the patient or to a pump. 
         [0025]    The float  112  may comprise specific buoyancy, causing it to raise or lower with a specific fluid level. The float  112  may be solid or hollow, and may comprise air or foam. Preferably, the float  112  material will not degrade in the environment of the chamber  104 . In some embodiments, the buoyancy of the float  112  is adjustable. For example, the float  112  may comprise a dial or selector to adjust buoyancy. 
         [0026]    Referring to  FIGS. 4A-4B , a portion of the float  112  may include a protrusion  118  that extends from the float  112  toward the top of the chamber. In some embodiments, the protrusion can extend in other directions, depending on the relative orientation of the float with respect to flow channels of the device. At least a portion of the protrusion  118  extends into the flow path  114  of the primary flow port  108  at the top of the drip chamber  104 . When the float  112  is at a lowest position adjacent to the output flow port  110 , for example, when no flow from the secondary flow port  106  is present, the protrusion  118  partially extends into the flow path  114 . In some embodiments, a portion of the cap  120  extends into the chamber  104 , down from a top portion of the chamber, and comprises the flow path  114 . The portion of the cap  120  that extends into the chamber  104  may further comprise a channel  134  that provides fluid communication between the flow path  114  and the chamber  104 . The channel  134  may be disposed along the flow path  114  and through the portion of the cap  120  that extends into the chamber  104 . 
         [0027]    When the protrusion  118  is only partially extended into the channel  134 , the aperture  126  allows fluid to flow through the primary flow port  108 , through the flow path  114  and channel  134 , and through the aperture  126  into the chamber  104 . As flow from the secondary flow port  106  enters the chamber  104 , the float  112  rises in the drip chamber  104 . As the float  112  rises within the chamber  104 , the protrusion  118  advances along the channel  134  thereby blocking flow through the aperture  126 , occluding the flow path  114 , and halting flow from the primary flow port  108  into the chamber  104 . Upon a reduction or cessation of flow from the secondary flow port  106  into the chamber  104  the float  112  lowers, thereby retracting or withdrawing the protrusion  118  along the channel  134 , exposing the aperture  126 , and allowing flow from the primary flow port  108  to enter the chamber  104  and ultimately exit from the output port  110 . 
         [0028]    In some embodiments, the float  112  includes two or more protrusions  118 , whereby two or more flow ports into the chamber  104  may be controlled. For example, the float  112  may include two protrusions  118  having varying lengths. When the float  112  rises, the longer protrusion  118  would occlude a first fluid flow port before the shorter protrusion occludes a second fluid flow port. In this example, flow from the second fluid flow port into the chamber  104  would continue until the float  112  rises to a level that causes the shorter protrusion  118  to also occlude the second fluid flow port. 
         [0029]    In some embodiments, the body  102  comprises two or more chambers  104  and floats  112 , allowing for two or more primary or secondary fluids to be coupled with the passive start drip chamber device  100 . In some embodiments, a lower float  112  and upper float  112  are linearly disposed within the chamber  104 , allowing for control of several fluid flows into the chamber  104 . For example, the lower float  112  may have a protrusion  118  that extends through and aperture in the upper float  112 . Alternatively, the upper float  112  may have a surface indentation configured to allow the protrusion  118  of the lower float  112  to move along side of the upper float  112 . In some embodiments, a first float  112  and second float  112  are disposed in parallel within the chamber  104 . For example, each float  112  may comprise a protrusion  118  to control a flow port leading into the chamber  104 . 
         [0030]    The foregoing description is provided to enable a person skilled in the art to practice the various configurations described herein. While the subject technology has been particularly described with reference to the various figures and configurations, it should be understood that these are for illustration purposes only and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the subject technology. 
         [0031]    There may be many other ways to implement the subject technology. Various functions and elements described herein may be partitioned differently from those shown without departing from the scope of the subject technology. Various modifications to these configurations will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and generic principles defined herein may be applied to other configurations. Thus, many changes and modifications may be made to the subject technology, by one having ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the scope of the subject technology. 
         [0032]    As used herein, the phrase “at least one of” preceding a series of items, with the term “and” or “or” to separate any of the items, modifies the list as a whole, rather than each member of the list (i.e., each item). The phrase “at least one of” does not require selection of at least one of each item listed; rather, the phrase allows a meaning that includes 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. By way of example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” or “at least one of A, B, or C” each refer to only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and/or at least one of each of A, B, and C. 
         [0033]    Furthermore, to the extent that the term “include,” “have,” or the like is used in the description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprise” as “comprise” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. 
         [0034]    A reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically stated, but rather “one or more.” The term “some” refers to one or more. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various configurations described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and intended to be encompassed by the subject technology. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the above description. 
         [0035]    While certain aspects and embodiments of the subject technology have been described, these have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the subject technology. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms without departing from the spirit thereof. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the subject technology. 
         [0036]    Described herein are at least the following concepts: 
         [0000]    Concept 1. A passive start drip chamber device comprising: 
         [0037]    a chamber fluidly coupled to first and second input flow ports and an output flow port; 
         [0038]    a float disposed within the chamber, the float configured to move between an occluding configuration, wherein the first input flow port is occluded, and an open configuration, wherein the first input flow port is not occluded, based on a level of fluid within the chamber. 
         [0000]    Concept 2. The device of concept 1, wherein the float comprises an elongate member that occludes the first input flow port when the float is in the occluding configuration.
 
Concept 3. The device of concept 2, wherein the elongate member resides within a flow path channel of the first input flow port, and axial movement of the float within the chamber translates to axial movement of the elongate member along the flow path channel.
 
Concept 4. The device of concept 1, wherein the float is configured to move from the occluding configuration toward the open configuration when fluid flow through the second input flow port reduces such that the level of fluid within the chamber drops below a filled threshold.
 
Concept 5. The device of concept 1, wherein the float is configured to move from the open configuration toward the occluding configuration when the level of fluid within the chamber exceeds a drained threshold.
 
Concept 6. The device of concept 1, wherein the first input flow port comprises a channel configured to conduct fluid to the chamber, and the float comprises an occluding portion disposed within the channel that moves along the channel and occludes or opens the port when the float is in the respective occluding or open configurations.
 
Concept 7. The device of concept 1, wherein at least a portion of a wall of the chamber is sufficiently resilient to permit elastic deformation when the wall is collapsed to engage an opposing wall or structures within the chamber.
 
Concept 8. The device of concept 1, wherein the second input port comprises a fluid connector configured to fluidly couple with a fluid source.
 
Concept 9. The device of concept 8, wherein the fluid connector comprises an intravenous bag spike having a lumen extending therein to conduct fluid.
 
Concept 10. The device of concept 1, further comprising a valve fluidly coupled to the chamber, the valve configured to release a gas from within the chamber.
 
Concept 11. The device of concept 1, wherein a top of the chamber, opposite the output flow port, comprises a removable cap.
 
Concept 12. The chamber of concept 11, wherein the removable cap comprises at least one of the first or second input flow ports.
 
Concept 13. The device of concept 1, wherein each of the float and the chamber comprise either an axial groove or a corresponding protrusion, the groove and protrusion configured to matingly align the float within the chamber.
 
Concept 14. The device of concept 1, wherein the float is configured to occlude the output flow port when the level of fluid within the chamber drops below a drained threshold.
 
Concept 15. A passive start drip chamber device comprising:
 
         [0039]    a body with an interior chamber, the body having a first input flow port, a second input flow port, and an output flow port, the first input flow port comprises an opening fluidly coupled with the interior chamber; 
         [0040]    a float within the interior chamber, the float comprising a portion configured to extend into the opening; 
         [0041]    wherein the float is configured to rise and fall in the chamber based on a fluid level within the chamber, such that the portion moves relative to the opening between a closed configuration, wherein fluid through the first input flow port is occluded by the portion, and an open configuration, wherein the portion is withdrawn from the opening such that fluid is conducted through the opening and into to the chamber. 
         [0000]    Concept 16. The device of concept 15, further comprising a channel fluidly coupled to the opening, wherein the float portion is configured to extend along and move within the channel.
 
Concept 17. The device of concept 15, wherein at least a portion of the chamber wall is sufficiently resilient to permit elastic deformation when the wall is collapsed to engage an opposing wall or structures within the chamber.
 
Concept 18. The device of concept 15, further comprising a valve coupled to the chamber, the valve configured to release a gas from within the chamber.
 
Concept 19. The device of concept 15, wherein a top portion of the chamber, opposite the output flow port, comprises a removable cap.
 
Concept 20. The device of concept 19, wherein the removable cap comprises at least one of the first or second input flow ports.