Patent Publication Number: US-2021170155-A1

Title: Tubing markers

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     N/A 
     BACKGROUND 
     Infusion or intravenous (IV) sets are constructed by joining multiple translucent polymeric tubing segments to multiple polymeric components that are either translucent or opaque. The joints are typically formed by applying a thin layer of solvent or adhesive on one or both of the contacting surfaces and then the two surfaces are brought together. The contacting surface of the tubing can either be at the inner diameter, the outer diameter, or both diameters up to a certain length from one end. The solvent/adhesive is applied either internally, externally, or both. The bonded area, or the bond length for a given diameter, is a critical parameter that if not controlled can cause the infusion sets to leak or separate easily. The bond parameter can vary significantly due to design shortfalls, assembly process shortfalls and process drifts. 
     Inspecting this critical bond length can be done by visual inspection of the solvent/adhesive wetted area along the contacting surfaces. Another method is inspecting the gap between the tubing end and a hard stop within the component. Both require inspections through translucent components. However, if the component is wavy, textured or opaque, then a visual inspection is difficult to perform, or it cannot be done at all. Further, in some situations a visible marker is not desirable, such as for commercial products intended for the consumer market. It is desirable to provide for reliable inspections using invisible markers for all infusion set construction regardless of translucency of the components to minimize leaks, separations and variations in total infusion set length. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure provides invisible markers for tubing used in infusion sets to provide a visual indicator of the fit between an infusion tube and an infusion set component when subjected to a particular source, such as Ultraviolet (UV) light. 
     In one or more embodiments, a tube for use in an infusion set is provided. The tube includes a body defining a fluid flow pathway, a first tube end and a second tube end. A tube marker is disposed near the first tube end. The tube marker is positioned so that a distance between a leading edge of the tube marker and the outermost surface of the first tube end is substantially equal to a distance between an outermost surface of a fluid port of an infusion set component and a hard stop of the fluid port. The tube marker comprises material that is only visible under a specific light spectrum. 
     In one or more aspects, the specific light spectrum is UV light provided by a UV light source. In one or more aspects, the first tube end is a fluid input end configured to be inserted into a fluid outlet port of the infusion set component. In one or more aspects, the first tube end is a fluid output end configured to be inserted into a fluid inlet port of the infusion set component. In one or more aspects, the tube marker includes one or more cylindrical bands. In one or more aspects, the tube marker material includes printed ink. In one or more aspects, the printed ink comprises one of a UV dye and a UV ink. 
     In one or more aspects, the tube includes a second tube marker disposed near the second tube end, wherein the second tube marker is positioned so that a distance between a leading edge of the second tube marker and the outermost surface of the second tube end is substantially equal to a distance between an outermost surface of a second infusion set component fluid port and a hard stop of the second infusion set component fluid port. In one or more aspects, the second tube marker includes a material that is only visible under the same specific light spectrum as the first tube marker. In one or more aspects, the second tube marker includes a material that is different than the material of the first tube marker, and wherein the second tube marker is only visible under a different specific light spectrum than is the first tube marker. In one or more aspects, the first tube end is a fluid input end configured to be inserted into a fluid outlet port of the first infusion set component and the second tube end is a fluid output end configured to be inserted into a fluid inlet port of the second infusion set component. In one or more aspects, the first tube end is a fluid output end configured to be inserted into a fluid inlet port of the first infusion set component and the second tube end is a fluid input end configured to be inserted into a fluid outlet port of the second infusion set component. 
     In one or more embodiments, an infusion set assembly is provided. The infusion set assembly includes an infusion component and a tube coupled to the infusion component. The tube includes a body defining a fluid flow pathway, a first tube end, a second tube end and a tube marker including material that is only visible under a specific light spectrum. The tube marker is positioned near the first tube end so that a distance between a leading edge of the tube marker and the outermost surface of the first tube end is substantially equal to a distance between an external edge and a hard stop of a fluid port of the infusion component. 
     In one or more aspects, the tube marker material includes one of UV ink and UV dye and the specific light spectrum is UV light provided by a UV light source. In one or more aspects, the tube marker includes at least one cylindrical band formed by an inkjet printer. In one or more aspects, the infusion set assembly includes a second infusion component and a second tube marker including the material that is only visible under the specific light spectrum and that is disposed near the second tube end. The second tube marker is positioned so that a distance between a leading edge of the second tube marker and the outermost surface of the second tube end is substantially equal to a distance between an external edge and a hard stop of a fluid port of the second infusion component. In one or more aspects, the infusion set assembly include one of a solvent and an adhesive having securing material that is only visible under the specific light spectrum. In one or more aspects, the securing material includes a UV dye. 
     Additional features and advantages of the disclosure 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 disclosure. The objectives and other advantages of the disclosure will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings. 
     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 disclosure as claimed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide further understanding of the disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 1  depicts a schematic view of a typical assembled infusion set. 
         FIG. 2  depicts a schematic view of a typical infusion set component and tubing prior to assembly. 
         FIG. 3  depicts a cross-section view of the infusion set component of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  depicts a schematic view of the infusion set component and tubing of  FIG. 2  after assembly. 
         FIG. 5  depicts a cross-section view of the infusion set component and tubing of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  depicts a schematic view of one or more embodiments of an assembled infusion set component and tubing with markers made visible by specific lighting. 
         FIG. 7  depicts a cross-sectional view of the infusion set component of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  depicts a schematic view of one or more embodiments of a tubing segment with markers made visible by specific lighting. 
         FIG. 9  depicts a schematic view of one or more embodiments of a tubing segment with markers made visible by specific lighting. 
         FIG. 10  depicts an enlarged view of a portion of the tubing segment of  FIG. 9 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The detailed description set forth below describes various configurations of the subject technology and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the subject technology may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the subject technology. Accordingly, dimensions are provided in regard to certain aspects as non-limiting examples. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject technology may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject technology. 
     It is to be understood that the present disclosure includes examples of the subject technology and does not limit the scope of the appended claims. Various aspects of the subject technology will now be disclosed according to particular but non-limiting examples. Various embodiments described in the present disclosure may be carried out in different ways and variations, and in accordance with a desired application or implementation. 
     Infusion sets may be formed from any combination of infusion components and tubing. Typically, the infusion components and tubing are disposable products that are used once and then discarded. The infusion components and tubing may be formed from any suitable material (e.g., plastic, silicone, rubber). An issue in manufacturing infusion sets is consistently joining the tubing and the infusion components to obtain a secure and/or leak free joint with desired fluid flow. The joint may be formed at either the inner or outer diameter of the tubing. In some cases, the joint may be formed both by bonding inner and outer diameters of the tubing to a component for additional joint strength. 
     Prior approaches provide a partial solution by making the infusion components translucent. However, even inspecting through a translucent body can be challenging when the outer surface is not smooth or additional layers of material are present, such as a textured gripping surface. In some cases, the infusion components are made opaque and with different colors to indicate a fluid flow direction (e.g., a check valve). Since seeing through opaque material is difficult to impossible, another prior approach is that the joint is typically made at the inner diameter of the tubing. This restricts fluid flow due to a smaller orifice than the tubing inner diameter at the joint. Additionally, applying solvent/adhesive on the inside of the tubing has a higher propensity for occlusions, because the solvent/adhesive is pushed in as the tube is inserted to form a joint. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , a typical infusion set  30  may include a drip chamber  40 , a check valve  50 , a roller clamp  60  and Y-junctions  70 , all connected together by tubing  20 . A typical infusion set  30  can include additional infusion components and can be formed of any combination of components and the tubing  20 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , a typical Y-junction  70  has inlet ports  72 ,  74  and an outlet port  76 , where each inlet port  72 ,  74  is to be connected to an inlet tube  22 ,  24  and the outlet port  76  is to be connected to an outlet tube  26 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the inlet port  72  has an internal joint  77  where the inlet tube  22  is to be inserted into the inlet port  72 . Similarly, the outlet port  76  has an internal joint  78  where the outlet tube  26  is to be inserted into the outlet port  76 . By contrast, the inlet port  74  has an external joint  79  where the inlet tube  24  is to be slid onto and over the inlet port  74 . 
       FIGS. 4 and 5  show the Y-junction  70  and the inlet/outlet tubes  22 ,  24 ,  26  after assembly. An incomplete joining of the inlet tube  22  with the inlet port  72  leaves a gap  71  between an end surface  22   a  of the inlet tube  22  and an engagement surface  72   a  of the inlet port  72 . Similarly, an incomplete joining of the outlet tube  26  with the outlet port  76  leaves a gap  73  between an end surface  26   a  of the outlet tube  26  and an engagement surface  76   a  of the outlet port  76 . Further, an incomplete joining of the inlet tube  24  with the inlet port  74  leaves a gap  75  between an end surface  24   a  of the inlet tube  24  and an engagement surface  74   a  of the inlet port  74 . As discussed above, the gaps  71 ,  73 ,  75  increase the likelihood that the respective internal/external joints  77 ,  78 ,  79  will fail, either by leaking or by separation of the inlet/outlet tubes  22 ,  24 ,  26  from the Y-junction  70 . 
     Unobstructed visual inspections on sharp edges with good contrast lend themselves for good repeatability and reproducibility (R&amp;R). This is more so for automated computer vision inspections. An acceptable gage R&amp;R is required for measuring critical parameters, such as the case for bond joint area/length. This critical parameter is currently measured by measuring the gap between the tubing end and the insertion hard stop within the component. This method has been found difficult to do in some cases and impossible in others. 
     By adding markers or marker bands along the tubing that are invisible under typical lighting but visible under a specific light spectrum or light source (e.g., UV light, infrared light), an element to make a good distance measurement is provided. The infusion components are typically injection molded with great dimensional precision. The distance between the hard stop and an external edge can generally be deduced from a drawing. Therefore, the distance between the marker (e.g., UV marker) and that external edge can be used to deduce the bond length. Thus, 
     The marker bands or markers may be produced by a pad printing method, laser marking, or any other suitable method, as long as good contrasting markers under the correct light source are produced. For example, a UV ink may be printed onto the tubing to produce markers that become visible (e.g., fluoresce) when subjected to UV light. As another example, a UV dye may be combined with or mixed into the solvent or adhesive used to join the tubing and the components, where the areas of the tubing and component containing the combined solvent/adhesive become visible when subjected to UV light. 
     The markers may be high contrasting solid bands under appropriate lighting. The bands may be two or more fragmented blobs at the outer diameter of tubing. The shape may be a band or any other suitable shape that can be easily seen under the specific light source and analyzed with unaided eyes or computer vision, as well as does not block fluid flow inspection. For example, visible ink markers on a translucent tubing may need to be less than a particular fraction of the tubing surface area to not block fluid flow inspection. Invisible ink markers (e.g., UV markers), however, may take up to 100% of the tubing surface area while not blocking any fluid flow inspection at all under normal lighting conditions. Thus, manufacturers may subject invisible markers to an appropriate light source (e.g., UV markers subjected to UV light) to verify that bond joints are fully inserted to ensure reliable joints and infusion/IV sets, while downstream supply chain users (e.g., health care providers, patients, consumers) may use the tubing/IV set under normal lighting without visible markings that distract or block visual inspection during use (e.g., fluid flow inspection). 
     For example, invisible markers may be UV markers formed using UV dye and chemicals that, once applied to tubing, become biocompatible and do not smear with the close proximity of solvent used in bonding. The UV markers can fluoresce using a low power UV light source while not affecting the health of the operators (e.g., health care providers, patients), and with proper protections (e.g., storage, handling) may be safe to use for a long period of time. 
     Markers on a tube may all be formed from the same invisible marking ink or process. Here, only one special light source is needed at the manufacturing process to identify all of the markers. As another example, some markers may be formed to be visible under one special light source (e.g., UV light) and other markers may be formed to be visible under a different special light source (e.g., infrared). In such a manner, one set of markers may be utilized in one portion of the manufacturing process and the other set of markers may be utilized in another portion of the manufacturing process, while both sets of markers remain invisible under typical lighting conditions. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , a Y-joint  70  may be joined together with inlet tubes  122 ,  124  and outlet tube  126 . The inlet tube  122  includes a tube marker  123  visible under particular lighting (e.g., UV light), which is disposed at a specific position on the inlet tube  122 . Thus, when a leading edge  123   a  of the tube mark  123  is aligned with (e.g., even with) the top surface  72   b  of the inlet port  122 , there is no gap between the end surface  122   a  of the inlet tube  122  and the engagement surface  72   a  of the inlet port  72  in the internal joint  77 . As another example, if there is a gap  71  between the end surface  122   a  of the inlet tube  122  and the engagement surface  72   a  of the inlet port  72 , the distance x 1  between the leading edge  123   a  of the tube mark  123  and the top surface  72   b  of the inlet port  72  is commensurate or substantially equal to the distance y 1  of gap  71 . 
     Similarly, for the internal joint  78  formed by the outlet tube  126  and the outlet port  76 , the outlet tube  126  includes the tube marker  123  disposed at a specific position on the outlet tube  126  and visible under UV light. Here, when a leading edge  123   a  of the tube mark  123  is aligned with (e.g., even with) the bottom surface  76   b  of the outlet port  76 , there is no gap between the end surface  126   a  of the outlet tube  126  and the engagement surface  76   a  of the outlet port  76 . If there is a gap  73  between the end surface  126   a  of the outlet tube  126  and the engagement surface  76   a  of the outlet port  76 , the distance x 2  between the leading edge  123   a  of the tube mark  123  and the bottom surface  76   b  of the outlet port  76  is commensurate or substantially equal to the distance y 2  of gap  73 . 
     For the external joint  79  formed by the inlet tube  124  and the inlet port  74 , the inlet tube  124  includes the tube marker  123  disposed at a specific position on the inlet tube  124  and visible under UV light. When a leading edge  123   a  of the tube mark  123  is aligned with (e.g., even with) the top surface  74   b  of the outlet port  74 , there is no gap between the end surface  124   a  of the inlet tube  124  and the engagement surface  74   a  of the inlet port  74 . If there is a gap  75  between the end surface  124   a  of the inlet tube  124  and the engagement surface  74   a  of the inlet port  74 , the distance x 3  between the leading edge  123   a  of the tube mark  123  and the top surface  74   b  of the inlet port  74  is commensurate or substantially equal to the distance y 3  of gap  75 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , a tube  222  may include markers  223 ,  224  at both ends for providing visual guidance under specific lighting (e.g., UV light) during joining of the tube  222  to infusion set components. The markers  223 ,  224  may have different characteristics or looks based on different marker distances from the tube ends. For example, the marker  223  may be a single solid band that is associated with a distance z 1  between the leading edge  223   a  of the marker  223  and the first tube end  222   a . As another example, the marker  224  may be two different sized solid bands that are associated with a distance z 2  between the leading edge  224   a  of the marker  224  and the second tube end  222   b . The tube  222  may also include one or more informational markings, such as a logo  225 , a part number/unique device identification  226 , a symbol  227  and a date code  228 , any or all of which may be visible under normal lighting or only visible under specific lighting (e.g., UV light). Informational markings visible under normal lighting may be disposed between the markers  223 ,  224  so that the portions of the tube  222  from the leading edge of the markers  223   a ,  224   a  to the tube ends  222   a ,  222   b  remain clear of markings for ease of use of markers  223 ,  224 . Informational markings visible only under special lighting may be disposed anywhere on the tube  222  without providing a distraction or blocking views inside the tube  222  under normal lighting conditions. The informational markings may provide relevant information regarding the tubing  222 , the infusion set components and/or the infusion set. Thus, the relevant information may be easily discerned from the tubing  222  under appropriate lighting instead of having to be determined from the associated packaging that is typically discarded. 
     Another related aspect of the disclosure is determining when and where to add the markers. Infusion set tubing is typically produced using an extrusion method and spooled. The spooled tubing is then cut to desired lengths and the cut tubing is then joined to infusion set components to make an infusion set. The present disclosure provides for a marking tool (e.g., pad printer, laser) to be disposed in a cutting station in which the tubing may be cut to a precise length and markers may be applied at the same cutting and marking machine/station. Thus, no additional process time is incurred by moving materials, loading materials and adding the markers on a different machine/station. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , a tube  322  may include markers  325  disposed periodically along the tube  322  for providing visual guidance under a special light source  335  (e.g., UV light). For example, the visual guidance may be utilized during joining of the tube  322  to infusion set components. The markers  325  may be formed on the tube  322  by a printer using special ink that is not visible under typical lighting conditions (e.g., sunlight, incandescent light, fluorescent light) and is visible under light from the special light source  335 . For example, a UV dye may be added to standard printer ink, or a specific manufactured UV ink, may be used in a standard printer used to print markings on tubing such as the tube  322 . The markers  325  may be formed as patterns of inkjet dots as shown in  FIG. 10 . As discussed above, the markers  325  may be formed by any desired printing technology (e.g., laser printing, thermal printing). 
     It is understood that any specific order or hierarchy of blocks in the methods of processes disclosed is an illustration of example approaches. Based upon design or implementation preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of blocks in the processes may be rearranged, or that all illustrated blocks be performed. In some implementations, any of the blocks may be performed simultaneously. 
     The present disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. The disclosure provides various examples of the subject technology, and the subject technology is not limited to these examples. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. 
     A reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. Pronouns in the masculine (e.g., his) include the feminine and neuter gender (e.g., her and its) and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the invention. 
     The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example or illustration.” Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. In one aspect, various alternative configurations and operations described herein may be considered to be at least equivalent. 
     As used herein, the phrase “at least one of” preceding a series of items, with the term “or” to separate any of the items, modifies the list as a whole, rather than each item of the list. The phrase “at least one of” does not require selection of at least one item; 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 phrase “at least one of A, B, or C” may refer to: only A, only B, or only C; or any combination of A, B, and C. 
     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. 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. A phrase such 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. A phrase such a configuration may refer to one or more configurations and vice versa. 
     In one aspect, unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, magnitudes, sizes, and other specifications that are set forth in this specification, including in the claims that follow, are approximate, not exact. In one aspect, they are intended to have a reasonable range that is consistent with the functions to which they relate and with what is customary in the art to which they pertain. 
     It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps, operations or processes disclosed is an illustration of exemplary approaches. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps, operations or processes may be rearranged. Some of the steps, operations or processes may be performed simultaneously. Some or all of the steps, operations, or processes may be performed automatically, without the intervention of a user. The accompanying method claims, if any, present elements of the various steps, operations or processes in a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented. 
     All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects 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 are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f) unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase “step for.” Furthermore, to the extent that the term “include,” “have,” or the like is used, 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 Title, Background, Summary, Brief Description of the Drawings and Abstract of the disclosure are hereby incorporated into the disclosure and are provided as illustrative examples of the disclosure, not as restrictive descriptions. It is submitted with the understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the Detailed Description, it can be seen that the description provides illustrative examples and the various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed configuration or operation. The following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter. 
     The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims and to encompass all legal equivalents. Notwithstanding, none of the claims are intended to embrace subject matter that fails to satisfy the requirement of 35 U.S.C. § 101, 102, or 103, nor should they be interpreted in such a way.