Abstract:
A sequential distributor of gases/liquids for sequential, discrete, distributions of gases/liquids in specific time intervals to the most distal parts of an extremity to the most proximal part of an extremity comprising an outer cylinder having a plurality of rows of openings formed through the cylinder, an inner distributing cylinder slidably mounted within the outer distributing cylinder, a motor driving the inner cylinder, a transfer block having a pressure sensor attached to the inner cylinder, and a plurality of output hoses connected to the openings in the outer cylinder. The distributor is supplied with air by an external pump and the cycling of the gases/liquids are controlled by a computer.

Description:
RELATED INVENTION 
   This is a Continuation-In-Part of application Ser. No. 10/928,436, Filed Dec. 13, 2004 for SEQUENTIAL LYMPHEDEMA PUMP. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention is generally related to devices for the treatment of lymphedema and more particularly to a positive pressure pump which will serve the users needing numerous sequential, discrete, distributions of gases or liquids in specific time intervals. This invention is related to devices used in medicine (e.g. durable medical equipment like Sequential Lymphedema Pump), medical and general chemical laboratories requiring numerous sequential, discrete, distributions of gases and liquids in specific time intervals. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention, a Sequential Distributor of Gases and Liquids (SDGL) is a positive pressure pump for extraction of fluid (lymph) from the extremities which functions on the principle of sequential pumping of discrete individual pressure chambers from the most distal parts of the extremity to the most proximal part of the extremity. The SDGL is regulated by a computer which monitors the pressure of each chamber and corrects the pressure when it lowers. Instead of numerous separate valves used for that purpose, a choice of four apparatuses are given and are designed to serve the needs to distribute the gas or liquids to a single, or numerous points. These distributors may be designed to distribute successively the substrate to one after another area or to more than one point at the same time. They may be used in laboratory situations, medical and pharmaceutical use or general industrial conditions. The operation will be controlled through a computer programmed to do exactly the functions users require. 
   The SDGL has the following general features: 
   a. Simple operational procedures. 
   b. Maintenance and servicing of the equipment will be minimal due to a small number of parts. 
   c. Capable of being constructed for distributions of minute amounts or large quantities of gases or liquids. 
   d. Capability of delivering gases or liquids to single areas or numerous distinct areas sequentially. 
   e. Accurate pressure sensitive delivery—When taken into account impedance of the channels for delivery of air and liquids, temperature and viscosity of the substrate to be delivered, very accurate amounts of substrate can be programmed for delivery. 
   There are several choices of the modifications of the models of the distributors as described below. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1 . A longitudinal section through a divider with a single inner cylinder in the initial position of the inner cylinder. 
       FIG. 2 . A longitudinal section through a divider with a single inner cylinder in the maximal extension of the inner cylinder. 
       FIGS. 3 ,  3   a ,  3   b ,  3   c , and  3   d  are illustrations of a single cylinder embodiment showing a side view, a sectional view and end views of the outer distributing cylinder. 
       FIGS. 4 ,  4   a , and  4   b  are illustrations of the overall appearance of a multi-ring inner cylinder model. 
       FIG. 5  is a cross sectional drawing showing the first ring operational. 
       FIG. 6  is an illustration of the axle at the terminal ring of the inner cylinder. 
       FIGS. 7 ,  7   a ,  7   b , and  7   c  are illustrations of a cross section, and opposite ends of the outside distributing cylinder in accordance with the invention. 
       FIG. 8  is an illustration of a single inner cylinder model with groove/ridge and indentations in accordance with the invention. 
       FIG. 9  is an illustration of an outer distributing cylinder model with groove/ridge and indentations in accordance with the invention. 
       FIG. 10  is an illustration of a single inner cylinder model with groove/ridge and indentations in accordance with the invention. 
       FIG. 11  is an illustration of a single inner cylinder model with groove/ridge and indentations showing the divider with the axle for moving the inner cylinder in the outer distributing cylinder. 
       FIGS. 12 and 12   a  show the two positions of the inner groove type of the cylinder. 
       FIGS. 13 and 13   a  show a screw type of the central part of the cylinder. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   The instant invention, a Sequential Distributor for gases and Liquids (SDGL) will serve the users needing numerous sequential, discrete, distributions of gases or liquids in specific time intervals. Instead of numerous separate valves used for that purpose, a choice of several apparatuses are given and are designed to serve these needs to distribute the gas or liquids to a single point. These distributors may be designed to distribute successively the substrate to one after another area or to more than one point at the same time. They may be used in the laboratory situations, medical and pharmaceutical uses or general industrial conditions. The operation will be controlled through a computer programs to do exactly the functions users require. 
   When two or more SDGLs are used for the laboratory or industrial purposes, different gases and or liquids may be delivered at different times to similar places necessary for discrete testing of various substrates or in the production of composites in the industry. All of these SDGLs may, and probably will, be managed, in their operations by a single computer. 
   The proposed SDGL will have the following features: 
   a. Single operational procedures. 
   b. Maintenance and servicing of the equipment will be minimal due to a small number of moving parts. 
   c. Capable of being constructed for distribution of minute amounts or large quantities of gases or liquids. 
   d. Capable of delivering gases or liquids to single areas or numerous distinct areas sequentially. 
   e. Accurate pressure sensitive delivery. When taken into account impedance of the channels for delivery of air or liquids, temperature and viscosity of the substrate to be delivered, very accurate amounts can be programmed for delivery. 
   There are several embodiments of the modifications of the models of the distributors as described below. 
   A first embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 1-3  showing the construction of the inner cylinder  15  having one or more openings  26   c  to correspond with the openings  26   b  on the outer distributing cylinder  14  (depending on how many different areas are to be served with the distributor  10 ). The distance between the successive holes  26   c  on the inner cylinder  15  must be projected to prevent two successive holes  26   c  get in contact with the different holes  26   b  on the outside distributing cylinder  14  and inappropriate “feeding” of the air/liquid is done. In all choices which will be discussed below, the gas or liquid will be delivered through the axle  16  for moving the inner distributing cylinder  15  and then entering in to the cylinder  15 . 
   The holes  26   c  on the inner cylinder  15  may be done in a horizontal fashion when several places have to be supplied with the air or liquids or in a serpentine way when only one area at a time has to be served. 
   The Sequential distributor  10 , of gases and liquids of the invention, is shown in longitudinal section in  FIG. 1  wherein the principle parts are the actuator  11 , the outer distributing cylinder  14 , and the piston  15 .  FIGS. 1-3  are illustrations of a longitudinal section through a single cylinder model with  FIG. 1  showing a single inner cylinder  14 , piston  15  in an extended position, drive end cap  13 , mounting block  22  is fastened to outer distributing cylinder  14  with screws  23 . 
   Actuator  11  is fastened to the end cap  13  with screws  12 . Drive shaft  16  is connected to the actuator  11  through piston  15 . Transfer block  17  is affixed to the drive shaft  16  with mounting screw  21  and flat washer  20 . A barbed elbow  18  is connected through transfer block  17  and “O” rings  24  are mounted on drive shaft  16 . A pressure sensor  19  is mounted on transfer block  17 . “O” rings  25  are mounted on piston  15 . Push fittings  26  are used to connect output hoses  26   a  to the cylinder  14 . 
     FIG. 2  shows the piston  15  in a retracted position.  FIG. 2   a  is an end view showing the pressure switch  19  mounted on transfer block  17 .  FIGS. 3-3   d  show various views of cylinder  14  having a plurality of recessed openings  45  around the circumference of cylinder  14  and in particular a slot  46  formed in a first end. Also shown are coupler  35 , valve end cap  34 , drive pin  33 , cylinder  32 , and drive end cap  31 . Pressure sensor  36  is mounted on arm  30 . “O” rings  37  and  43  are mounted on opposite ends of cylinder  32 . “O” rings  37  may be used for each ring of the inner cylinder  15 . Two dividers, 8 mm divider  39  and 6 mm divider  41  are provided. 
     FIGS. 4-6  show a second embodiment of the inner cylinder  14  is by a set of rings  14   a  instead of a single cylinder. The delivery of the air is similar to the one described in the first embodiment. When one area has to be supplied with the air or liquids, there may be several horizontally positioned holes for distribution of air or liquids on each or some of these rings  14   a . They will correspond to several sets of positions on the outer distributing cylinder  14 . The entrances of the delivery point will be in a horizontal row of entrances (when one or more that one area is to be supplied with the air or liquids) and the rotation of the inner cylinder  15  will be successively reaching the next point of the entrances on the outer distributing cylinder  14  in each next move of the inner distributing cylinder  14 . 
   This construction will be used when several distinct deliveries of air or gases have to be done at the same time to different areas. In addition to the number of points necessary to be served, the maximum necessary diameter of the distributor  10  will determine the applicability of this construction. Each ring  14   a  will have two O-rings  37  to protect the integrity of the inter-cylindrical space from outside interferences. 
   Each of the rings  14   a  will be moved individually as the rest of the rings are in a locked position. The ring  14   a  will rotate from one to the next opening in succession while the rest of the rings  14   a  are in a locked position. After the first ring  14   a  completes its rotation, this ring will be locked in the starting position. In this position, this ring will not engage any channel on the outer distributing cylinder  14 . At this point, the next ring  14   a  is possible to be engaged to start rotation with the position where there is no distribution of air or liquid. Then it will be turned to the first position for distribution, etc. This ring will be again possible to move when all of the rest of the remaining rings  14   a  finish their revolution and are in their initial locked position. However, if the function requires that this ring is again distributing the air or liquid, the rest of the rings will be first locked in the “O” position and this ring may start to function again. 
   Thus, the initial position of any ring will not be connected with any actual position for distribution of the outer distributing cylinder  14 . Thus, each ring will be possible to start rotation when the previous ring finishes its rotation and reaches the initial position again. This construction will allow more individual positions of delivery of gases or liquids to be placed on a cylinder of a relatively limited diameter. 
   In all of the above choices of construction, the inner cylinder  15  will be tightly fitted by the outer cylinder  14  and to the pump (not shown). Each individual channel of the inner cylinder  15  or a ring  14   a  (when constructed as series of individual rings) will specifically reach appropriate corresponding area on the outside distributing cylinder  14  (or group of channels on the outer cylinder  14 ) separately from all any other channels. 
   As stated before, the inner cylinder  15  will be firmly attached to the pump and the pump will deliver the gases or liquids to the central part of the inner cylinder  15 . The pump will deliver the gases or liquids to this location. From that area, the gas or liquid will be forced into the individual channel of the inner cylinder  15  under specific pressure. A pressure gauge  19  will be attached to the inner part of the distributor. This pressure gauge  19  will report to the computer software (not shown) the level of pressure achieved. 
   Pressure level may be changed by a command executed through computer software to the pump for different position of the rings  14   a  of the inner cylinder  14 . This will enable the pump to deliver specific levels of pressure for each individual are of delivery (sometimes a group of such delivery area). This way different target areas may be supplied with different amounts of gas or liquid under different pressure when the inner cylinder  15  moves to the specific position. 
   Another choice of construction of the divider ( FIGS. 8-12   a ) is when the inner cylinder  50  has a serpentine groove/ridge  52  which fits into the serpentine indentation  46  on the outer distribution cylinder  49 . In the middle of the serpentine groove area is a position for delivery of air or liquid to the sequential position, recessed openings  45 , of the outside distributing cylinder  49 . proximally and distally from the area with grooves, there is a smooth area of approximately the same length as is the grooves area. At the beginning and the end of these smooth areas are positioned “O” rings  43  for protection of the inter-cylindrical space from outside contamination. 
     FIG. 4  is an outer view showing the overall appearance of a multi-ring inner cylinder model.  FIG. 4   a  is an end view of the end cap  31 .  FIG. 4   b  is a view of the opposite end cap  34 . 
     FIG. 5  is a cross sectional view of a multi-ring inner cylinder model with the actuator  27  in a first ring  45  position. 
     FIG. 6  is a cross sectional view of a multi-ring inner cylinder model with the actuator  27  in a second ring  47 , extended position. 
     FIGS. 7-7   c  show various views of the outer distributing cylinder  47  model, having a plurality of rings of recessed openings  45  and a slot  46 , formed therein. 
     FIG. 8  is an illustration of a single inner cylinder  48  model showing the assembly with axle  51 . 
     FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an outer distributing cylinder  49  showing the plurality of recessed openings  45  and female screw rings  53 . 
     FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a single inner cylinder  50  model with a male screw ring  52  formed on the exterior. 
     FIGS. 12 and 12   a  show the two positions of the inner groove model of the cylinder  14  showing the female screw ring  53  and the male screw ring  52 . “O” rings  25  are mounted on opposite ends of rotating piston  15 . This construction also uses a two stepper motor  11   b . One rotates the rings  52  and the other part advances the position of the cylinder  14  to a new ring  52 . This construction gives less possibility that the “leaks” affect more than a minimal number of the discharging areas. 
   The third and fourth choices require a one-stepper motor  11   a  which only rotates the inner cylinder  15 . The grooves of the “screw” type of the inner cylinder  15  always position the discharging area of the inner cylinder  15  with the receiving part of the outer cylinder  14 . This choice of construction requires a step motor delivering only circular motion and the cylinders and their serpentine grooves and indentations determine accurate positioning of the movements of the cylinders. 
   It is important that the inter-cylindrical distances are as close as possible to be maintained. Otherwise, the leaks will possibly occur. 
   This choice of construction requires a step motor  11   b  delivering only circular motion and the cylinders and their serpentine grooves and indentations determine accurate positioning of the cylinders. 
   The last embodiment of the dividers for delivery of the air or liquids involves a smooth outer and inner chamber with a fixed “screw” like axle  54  on which the mechanism for turning the inner cylinder  15  is rotating. The inner cylinder  15  has “O” rings  25  to protect the inter-cylindrical space from the outside environment. This type of construction requires a step motor delivering only circular motion where the “screw” like axle  54  determines accurate positioning of the movements of the cylinders. 
     FIGS. 13 and 13   a  show the two positions of a longitudinal moving inner cylinder piston  15 . The piston  15  is of solid construction and has two “O” rings  25  at opposite end. The “O” rings  25  prevent escaping of the air or liquid to the surrounding environment. The release hole  26   c  connects with the hole  26   b  on the outer cylinder  14  and when the connection is achieved, the substrate is being released. The two stepper motor  11   a  directs the inner cylinder  15  to the appropriate position and the substrate is being released. As is the case for all further descriptions, the inner-cylindrical space has to be as tight as possible to prevent the releases to the other points of possible connection. 
   The advancers for the solid inner cylinders  15  (first embodiment) or for the individual rings  14   a  (second embodiment) of the inner cylinder  14  are shown. In the case of the solid inner cylinders  15 , a two-stepper motor  11  will be used to actuate the rotation and advances of the inner cylinder  15  in the outer distributing cylinder  14 . In the third and fourth embodiments, the motor  11   a , will perform only circular motion and the construction of the inner cylinder  15  and the outer cylinder  14  will determine the position of the inner cylinder  15  in regards to the outer cylinder  14 . 
   The computer (not shown) will determine the advancement of the solid inner cylinder  15  or its rings  14   a  of the inner cylinder to specific positions for each of the channels of the outside ring and through this to the channels leading to the specific points of delivery of gases or liquids. 
   The advancer of the distributor will be powered by an electric motor for moving the solid cylinder or rings of the inner distributing cylinder of the distributor. This will be a commercially available electric motor attached to the distributor. 
   A pressure sensor  36  will be attached at the pump (not shown) or inner cylinder of the distributor and will be connected with the computer and will deliver the information about achieved pressure during each individual position. The computer will be set in such a manner that the operator will be able to set the computer to deliver through the pump, the appropriate pressure of the gases or liquids. When this pressure is reached, the computer controlling the pump will allow no more inflation by the gases or the flow of the appropriate liquids. However, when there is no need to inflate any area present on the SDGL, the software will direct the distributor to start pumping the next area where the pumping is required. 
   Pressure level may be changed by the operators through a command executed by the computer software to the pump for different position of the rings  14   a  of the inner cylinder  15 . This will enable the pump to deliver specific level of pressure for each individual area of delivery (sometimes a group of such delivery areas). This way, different area for delivery may be supplied with the gas or liquid under different pressure when the inner cylinder ring  14   a  moves to this specific position. 
   Commercially available electric pumps of different kind of either sizes and purposes will be used and appropriately fitted to the distributor and attached to it. Depending on the size of the distributor and its function, the pumps may use the commercially available electricity for their operation or any other appropriate source of power. The pump will be connected with the distributor and will have direct communication with the hollow area of the inner distributing cylinder  15  from where the gases or liquids will be possible to reach all channels. 
   Computer software will regulate the desired pressure to be applied, frequency and speed of movements of the inner distributing cylinder  15  and other necessary steps of operation. The software will be set in such a manner that the user will be able to set the computer software with directions to give specific orders to the pump to deliver very specific pressure level and, therefore the amount of gas or liquid to be delivered to any appropriate area. When this pressure is reached, the pressure will be maintained by the computer controlling the pump and, after specific time of such delivery to the specific area, the distributor will advance to the next area to be served. Also, when a specific amount of gas or liquid is needed to be delivered, certain other constants will have to be also calculated (temperature, viscosity, resistance of the channels, etc.) 
   When this is achieved, the divider will advance inner distributor cylinder  15  to the next channel or group of channels, etc. When the last channel is adequately supplied with either gas or liquid, the software of the computer will be set to either stop the operation until further order by the user is received, or to repeat the operation automatically. It will be designed so that the user is notified regarding the specific point of the on-going operation and/or completeness of the ordered operation. 
   In case when an area is to be supplied with a gas or liquid does not increase in resistance after a certain amount of air or liquid is pumped in it, or does not reach the desired pressure in a specific time, it will mean that this is a fault in this area. for pressurization. Thus, the pressure cannot be achieved at all. In such case where an area is defective, the pump will not be able to fill this specific area with the gas or liquid appropriately. This will be detected because either there is no flow at all to this area or that there is no adequate resistance when pressurization is attempted for that specific area. In such case, the computer software may, during the following sequential pumping, always bypass this area for pressurization and will record the position as a faulty area for possible servicing in the future. 
   In case that this particular area is critical for the entire operation, computer will notify the user of such critical fault. In cases when malfunction of a few elements will not be deleterious for the function of the overall operation, computer will allow further operation. However, when either the operation is very sensitive or when specific number of malfunctioned channels will cause undesirable effect, the provider of the services will either have to replace individual faulty area or whole sections of them. Determination of which level of service will have to be done will be possible through auditing the computer and informing the user of the functionality of the distributor of gases and liquids. 
   Although the invention has been described by way of example and with reference to possible embodiments, it is to be appreciated that improvements and/or modifications may be made to these embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.