Patent Publication Number: US-2016228636-A1

Title: Fluid administration system, valve, and method of administering fluid

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of an earlier filing date from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/085,238 filed Feb. 6, 2015, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     In applications that use tubing to transmit fluids, valves and clamps are used to split or join fluid flows or to adjust fluid flows by reducing, increasing, or stopping fluid flow. When administering fluids through tubing, such as administering piggyback medications in an intravenous tube (IV), a roller clamp is used on the tubing which must be opened for the medications to be administered. Roller clamps may be small or it may be difficult to easily determine whether the roller clamp is open or closed. In particular, a primary or main IV tube is connected to an infusion pump, which controls the flow of IV fluids to a patient. Secondary tubing is connected to the main IV line, and does not have a variable flow control—instead, a clamp is used to prevent flow as the secondary fluids are being set up or changed, and to allow flow when the system is set up. However, since the clamp is small and difficult to see, it may be difficult to readily determine if a fluid is flowing from the secondary tubing, as desired. The infusion pump will continue pumping fluids from the main IV line, but if the clamp has not been opened, no fluid will flow from the secondary IV line. 
     Conventional clamps do not have any distinguishing features to allow a user to know if the clamp is open or closed. Thus, even though a staff person may enter a patient&#39;s room several times during a shift, the staff person may not notice that a clamp is closed, because the conventional roller clamp is small, typically about 1 centimeter long, and is made up of only one color, and therefore an open or closed state of the clamp is difficult to discern. 
     Some devices have tried to solve this problem in the field of IV tubing. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,672,875 describes a device that has an upstream pressure sensor and a processor for detecting if there is a fluid pressure increase when the secondary infusion is running. The processor is then supposed to generate an indicator or alarm if the fluid pressure does not increase. There are several problems with this device. It is not a simple solution, but includes installing processors and programming all current pumps to detect changes in pressure. There are hundreds of piggyback medications that have individual rates of infusion and therefore would correspond to different changes in pressure. 
     In addition, some piggyback medications run at a rate very similar to the main infusion so it would be hard for a sensor to detect a pressure change when the piggyback medication is running. Thus, there remains a need for a simple device that is easily manufactured to prevent errors when administering secondary fluids in tubing, such as piggyback medications on a main IV line. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the present invention include a fluid administration system. The fluid administration system may include a fluid pump, main tubing connected between a fluid storage container and an input of the fluid pump to supply main fluid to the fluid pump, and secondary tubing connected between a second fluid storage and the main tubing to supply a secondary fluid to the main fluid upstream of the fluid pump. A valve device is located along the secondary tubing. The valve device may include a fluid flow constriction device configured to allow fluid flow through the secondary tubing in an “open” position and to prevent fluid flow through the secondary tubing when in a “closed” position, a user-control device configured to control a position of the fluid flow constriction device between the “open” position and the “closed” position, and a user feedback device configured to display an open and closed state of the fluid flow constriction device with a color code, having a first color representing the “open” position and a second color representing the “closed” position. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, a valve device includes a fluid flow constriction device configured to allow fluid flow through secondary tubing in an “open” position and to prevent fluid flow through the secondary tubing when in a “closed” position. A user-control device is configured to control a position of the fluid flow constriction device between the “open” position and the “closed” position, and a user feedback device is configured to display an open and closed state of the fluid flow constriction device with a color code, having a first color representing the “open” position and a second color representing the “closed” position. 
     Another embodiment of the invention includes a method for applying a secondary fluid. The method includes initiating a flow of a primary fluid through primary tubing between a primary fluid container and a fluid pump and connecting secondary fluid tubing between a secondary fluid container and the primary tubing. The method further includes determining from a color indicator of a valve device connected along the secondary tubing whether a fluid flow through the secondary tubing is constricted. The method includes, based on determining from the color indicator of the valve device that the fluid flow is constricted, manipulating a user-control device of the valve device to change a state of the fluid flow from constricted to un-constricted flow through the secondary tubing. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Referring now to the drawings wherein like elements are numbered alike in the several Figures: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a fluid administration system according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates a block diagram of a valve feedback system according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates a block diagram of a valve feedback system according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates a valve feedback system according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the valve feedback system; 
         FIG. 3C  illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the valve feedback system in a clamped state; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a valve feedback system according to another embodiment; 
         FIG. 5A  illustrates a valve feedback system according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 5B  illustrates a valve status indicator and user control according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a valve feedback system according to another embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a valve feedback system according to another embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a valve feedback system according to another embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a valve feedback system according to another embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a valve feedback system according to another embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a valve feedback system according to another embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIG. 12  is a flowchart of a method for controlling a valve according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a fluid administration system  100  according to an embodiment of the invention. The fluid administration system  100  includes a primary fluid container  101 . A primary fluid tube  102  is connected to the primary fluid container  101  to receive fluid from the primary fluid container  101 . A fluid pump  120  is connected to the primary fluid tube  102  at an opposite end from the primary fluid container  101  to receive fluid from the primary fluid tube  102 . 
     In one embodiment in which the primary fluid container  101  contains medication or fluid for an intravenous infusion (IV), a primary fluid drip container  103  and primary fluid check valve  104  may be connected along the primary fluid tube  102 . 
     The fluid administration system  100  includes a secondary fluid container  111 . A secondary fluid tube  112  is connected to the secondary fluid container  111  and the primary fluid tube  102 . In one embodiment, a joining device  114  connects the secondary fluid tube  112  to the primary fluid tube  111 . In one embodiment, the joining device  114  is a passive joining device, such as a T-shaped or Y-shaped connector to allow fluid flow to continue through the primary fluid tube  102  while allowing fluid to flow from the secondary fluid tube  112  into the primary fluid tube  102 . In other embodiments, the joining device  114  may include a valve mechanism. 
     The primary fluid from the primary fluid container  101  and the secondary fluid from the secondary fluid container  111  flow through the portion of the primary fluid tube  115  downstream from the joining device  114 , such that the primary fluid and the secondary fluid flow from the joining device  114  to the fluid pump  120 . The fluids flow from the fluid pump  120  to a destination via a fluid tube  116 . For example, in one embodiment the fluid administration system  100  is an IV administration system, and the destination is a patient. 
     In an embodiment in which the fluid administration system  100  is an IV administration system, the secondary fluid contain  111  is elevated to be higher than the primary fluid container  101 , and the fluid pump  120  is programmed to pump a predetermined amount of fluid, corresponding to the volume of the secondary fluid container  111 , at a predetermined rate that may be different than a rate corresponding to the primary fluid from the primary fluid container  101 . Because the secondary fluid container  111  is at an elevation higher than the primary fluid container  101 , only the fluid from the secondary fluid container  111  flows through the joining device  114  into the portion  115  of tubing downstream of the joining device  114 . When the pump  120  detects that the predetermined volume has been pumped, such that the secondary fluid container  111  is empty, the primary fluid begins flowing through the joining device  114  to the pump, and the pump  120  begins pumping at a rate corresponding to the primary fluid from the primary fluid container  101 . 
     In one embodiment in which the secondary fluid container  111  contains medication or fluid for a piggyback infusion or medication, a secondary fluid drip container  113  may be connected along the secondary fluid tube  112 . 
     In embodiments of the invention, a valve device  130  is connected along the secondary fluid tube  112 . In one embodiment, the valve device  130  includes a first indicator region  131  and a second indicator region  132 . The first indicator region  131  may be a first color, and the second indicator region  132  may be a second color, and the first and second colors may indicate “open” and “closed” states of a fluid flow valve in the valve device  130 . 
     In one embodiment, the valve device  130  is an on/off valve device that does not have settings for varying a flow of fluids through the secondary fluid tube  112 . In other words, in one embodiment, the valve device  130  has a user-control device having only two settings corresponding to “open” and “closed,” and the user-control device does not have any setting corresponding to any level of fluid flow between entirely open and entirely closed. 
       FIG. 2A  is a block diagram of a valve feedback system  200  according to an embodiment of the invention. The system  200  includes a valve device  210  connected to a tube  220  having an input region  221  and an output region  222 . In one embodiment, the valve device  210  is connected to the tube  220  without interrupting the continuity of the tube  220 . For example, the valve device  210  may be attached around the tube  220  and may clamp the tube  220  to restrict flow through the tube  220 , and may un-clamp the tube  220  to permit flow through the tube  220 . 
     In another embodiment, the valve device  210  includes an input on the fluid flow constriction device  214  and an output on the fluid flow constriction device  214 , and the tube  221  is a first tube connected to the input and the tube  222  is a second tube connected to the output. 
     The valve device  210  includes a feedback device  211  and a user-control device  212 . A user manipulates the user-control device  212  to control an open or closed state of the fluid flow constriction device  214  via a valve control actuator  213 , to permit or prevent flow of a fluid through the tube  220  in the fluid flow direction Y. 
     The valve device  210  includes a valve feedback actuator  215  connected to the feedback device  211  to control the feedback device  211  to indicate whether the fluid flow constriction device  214  is in an open state to permit fluid flow or a closed state to prevent fluid flow. In one embodiment, the feedback device  211  includes a first and second color corresponding to the open state and the closed state of the fluid flow constriction device  214 . In one embodiment, the feedback device  211  includes an indicator highlighting or pointing to the first color to indicate that the fluid flow constriction device  214  is open and highlighting or pointing to the second color to indicate that the fluid flow constriction device  214  is closed. 
     In one embodiment, at least one of the first color and the second color are located physically on the user feedback device  211 , such that manipulation of the user-control device  212  exposes the first color and conceals the second color based on the user-control device  212  being in a first position, and the user control device  212  exposes the second color and conceals the first color based on the user-control device  212  being in a second position. In another embodiment, controlling the user-control device  212  to open or close the fluid flow constriction device  214  highlights a first color or second color to indicate to the user the open or closed state, respectively. 
     In one embodiment, the first color corresponding to an open state of the fluid flow constriction device  214  is green. In one embodiment, the second color corresponding to a closed state of the fluid flow constriction device is one of red and black. 
     In one embodiment, the feedback device  211  includes a light  216  that illuminates to display at least one of the first and second colors based on whether the fluid flow constriction device  214  is open or closed. 
     In one embodiment, the feedback device  211  includes an audio device  217  to emit an alarm based on the user-control device  212  being in a position corresponding to the “closed” position of the fluid flow constriction device  214 . 
     In one embodiment, the feedback device  211  includes a timer  218  that is set to detect an amount of time that the fluid flow constriction device is closed. If the timer  218  exceeds a predetermined time, one or both of the light  216  and the alarm from the audio device  217  may be triggered to provide notice to a user that the fluid-flow constriction device  214  is closed. For example, in an embodiment in which the valve device  210  is a valve on IV tubing in an IV administration system, the timer may give a user time to prepare or change a fluid container and to program a pump (such as the secondary fluid container  111  and fluid pump  120  of  FIG. 1 ) without generating an alarm. However, once the predetermined time has been exceeded, corresponding to an estimated time necessary to prepare the IV tubing for IV administration, the alarm may be generated to ensure that the IV fluid or medication is provided to the patient. 
     According to various embodiments, the valve feedback actuator  215  may be one of a mechanical actuator or an electrical actuator. For example, in an embodiment in which the feedback device  211  includes one or both of the first and second colors painted, printed, or otherwise applied to or integrated in the structure of the feedback device  211 , the valve feedback actuator  215  may be a mechanical mechanism. On the other hand, in an embodiment in which the feedback device  211  includes one or both of a light  216  and an audio device  217 , the valve feedback actuator  215  may include a wire or electrical line. 
     In addition, it is understood that in an embodiment in which a feedback device  211  includes one or both of a light  216  and an audio device  217 , the light  216  and audio device  217  may include conventional elements, such as wires, batteries, and any other electrical circuitry required to illuminate the light  216  or generate sound with the audio device  217 . 
     In one embodiment, the valve device  210  is a simple mechanical or electrical device that does not include processing circuitry, such as a processor or other electronic processing unit. However, in an alternative embodiment shown in  FIG. 2B , the feedback device  211  includes a processor  218  to control illumination of the light  216  or activation of the audio device  217 . In addition, in such an embodiment, the valve feedback actuator  215  may include one or more sensors to detect a state of the fluid flow constriction device  214 . 
     In one embodiment, the feedback actuator  215  includes a sensor to sense the presence of a fluid in the input region  221  of the tube, and the processor  218  controls the feedback device  211  to provide one or both of light and sound when the fluid is detected in the input region  221  and the fluid flow constriction device  214  is closed. In contrast, the processor  218  may control the feedback device  211  to not output one or both of light and sound when no fluid is detected in the input region  221 . In other words, the processor  218  may control the feedback device  211  to output one or both of light and sound only when fluid is detected in the input region  221  of the tube  220  while the fluid flow constriction device  214  is closed. 
     According to embodiments of the invention, the user-control device  212  may be any device capable of controlling the fluid flow constriction device  214 . According to one embodiment, the user-control device  212  includes a knob configured to be turned to a first position corresponding to the “open” position and to a second position corresponding to the “closed” position. 
     According to another embodiment, the user-control device  212  includes a user interface structure configured to be rotated around an axis perpendicular to a fluid-flow axis Y to change the fluid flow constriction device  214  between the “open” position and the “closed” position. 
     According to another embodiment, the user-control device  212  includes a rocker switch to change the fluid flow constriction device  214  between the “open” position and the “closed” position. 
     According to another embodiment, the user-control device  212  includes a user interface structure configured to rotate around a fluid-flow axis Y to change the fluid flow constriction device between the “open” position and the “closed” position. 
     According to another embodiment, the user-control device  212  includes a user interface structure configured to slide in a direction parallel to a fluid flow axis Y to change the fluid flow constriction device between the “open” position and the “closed” position. 
     In one embodiment, the feedback device  211  is integral with the user-control device  212 . In other words, the user-control device  212  includes a feedback mechanism of the feedback device  212 , such as printed, painted, or integral colors to show the status of the fluid flow constriction device  214 , the light  216 , or the audio device  217 . In another embodiment, the feedback device  211  is separate from the user-control device  212 . For example, the user-control device  212  may be a knob and the feedback device  211  may be a light  216  that is not a part of the knob. 
     While an embodiment has been described in which the feedback device  211  includes different colors to indicate an open or closed state of the fluid flow constriction device  214 , in another embodiment, a prominent mechanical feature may indicate the state of the fluid flow constriction device  214  instead of color. For example, a tab or prong may extend prominently outward from the tube  220  when the fluid flow constriction device  214  is in the closed state, and may be co-linear with the flow axis Y, so as to not be prominently extending, when the fluid flow constriction device  214  is in the open state. In yet another embodiment, both colors and prominent mechanical features may be used to indicate an open or closed state of the fluid flow constriction device  214 . 
       FIG. 3A  illustrates a valve feedback system  300  according to one embodiment of the invention. The valve feedback system  300  includes a user-control device  301  including a first region  302  and a second region  303 . In one embodiment, the first region  302  is a first color and the second region  303  is a second color. In one embodiment, the first region  302  is marked with the word “open” or another word used to signify that a fluid flow constriction device, such as the fluid flow constriction device  214  of  FIG. 2A , is in an open state, and the second region  303  is marked with the word “closed” or another word to signify that the fluid flow constriction device is closed. 
     The valve feedback system  300  includes plastic casing  311  including a portion  312  of plastic casing surrounding the user-control device  301 . The user control device  301  is attached to a tube  320  including an inflow portion  321  and outflow portion  322  and controls the flow of fluid through the tube  320 . 
     In one embodiment, the user-control device  301  includes push-buttons, such that a user pushes the first region  302  to open a fluid flow constriction device and pushes the second region  302  to close the fluid flow constriction device. In another embodiment, the user-control device  301  is rotated relative to the casing  311  to control the fluid flow through the tube  320 . For example, the inflow portion  321  of the tube may be oriented at a top position, such that when the first region  302  is on top of the second region  303 , the fluid flow constriction device is open; and when the second region  303  is on top of the first region  302 , the fluid flow constriction device is closed. 
     An example of such an embodiment in in a system for delivering medications of fluids via a secondary tubing line into a main IV tubing line. In such an embodiment, the inflow portion  321  is connected to a bag or container of fluid, such as medication, and so the inflow portion  321  must be oriented “up” to allow fluid to flow from the bag or container down to the fluid outflow portion  322  and into the main IV line. 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3A , the user-control device  301  has an integrated feedback mechanism, such that the structure manipulated by a user to control fluid flow through the tube  320  also provides feedback to the user regarding the state of the fluid flow constriction device controlled by the user-control device  301 . 
       FIG. 3B  illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the valve feedback system  300  according to an embodiment in which a valve device  310  attaches to the tube  320  without breaking the tube  320 , or in other words, without separating the inflow portion  321  from the outflow portion  322 . 
     The valve feedback system  300  includes the user control device  301 , and numeral  304  represents the front surface of the user control device  301 . A hinge  315  may be used to open the plastic casing  311 , to lift a cap  313  of the plastic casing from a base  316  of the plastic casing  311  to allow a user to access the user-control device  301 . The cap  313  may be transparent to allow a user to see a condition or state of the fluid flow constriction device. 
     A portion  314  of the plastic casing  311  may cover the tube  320 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3B , the fluid flow constriction device includes a clamp device  331  that is mechanically connected to the user control device  301  to control fluid flow through the tube  320 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3B , when the user-control device  301  is controlled to place the fluid flow constriction device in an open state, the clamp  331  does not press the tube  320  sufficient to constrict fluid flow through the tube  320 . 
     However, as illustrated in  FIG. 3C , when the user-control device  301  is controlled to place the fluid flow constriction device in a closed state, the clamp  331  presses the middle region  323  of the tube  320  sufficient to constrict fluid flow through the tube  320 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an alternative embodiment, in which the valve device  310  includes an inlet portion  442  to connect to an inflow tube  421  and an outlet portion  443  to connect to an outflow tube  422 . The inlet portion  442  is connected to a fluid flow constriction device  441 , such as a valve, which is connected by an actuator  444  to the user-control device  301 . Accordingly, the user-control device  301  controls the fluid flow constriction device  441  to either allow fluid to flow from the inlet  442  to the outlet  443 , or to prevent fluid from flowing. 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate a valve feedback system  500  according to an embodiment of the invention. In the valve feedback system  500  illustrated in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the device used by a user to control fluid flow through a tube  320  is also used to provide feedback regarding the state of a fluid flow constriction device, such as the fluid flow constriction device  214  of  FIG. 2A . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5A , the valve feedback system  500  includes a valve status indicator  512 , which is also a valve user control. The valve status indicator (and user control)  510  includes an obscuring portion  511 , and an exposing portion  513  surrounded by an edge  512 . When the first region  302  is located in the exposing region  513 , as indicated by the solid lines in  FIG. 5A , fluid is permitted to flow along the fluid flow axis Y through the tube  320 . Accordingly, the second region  303  is obscured by the obscuring portion  511 , providing feedback to the user that the fluid flow constriction device is “open.” In contrast, when the second region  303  is located in the exposing region  513 , fluid is not permitted to flow along the fluid flow axis Y through the tube  320 . Accordingly, the first region  302  is obscured by the obscuring portion  511 , providing feedback to the user that the fluid flow constriction device is “closed.” The dashed lines of  FIG. 5A  show the valve status indicator  510  being transitioned between an “open” state and a “closed” state. 
       FIG. 5B  illustrates the valve status indicator  510  without the rest of the valve feedback system  500 , for purposes of clarity. As illustrated in  FIG. 5B , the valve status indicator  510  may include an actuator  514  at a center of the valve status indicator  510 , such that as the valve status indicator  510  is rotated, the actuator  514  is actuated to control a fluid flow constriction device. In alternative embodiments, an actuator may be connected to any portion of the valve status indicator  510 , such as around an outside edge of the valve status indicator  510 . 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate an embodiment in which fluid flow through a tube is controlled by rotating a control mechanism around an axis perpendicular to a fluid flow axis Y. However, embodiments of the invention encompass control mechanisms that control flow based on rotating control mechanisms around the fluid flow axis, based on sliding a control mechanism parallel to the fluid flow axis, based on controlling a switch or button, or based on any other control. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a valve feedback system  600  according to another embodiment of the invention. The valve feedback system  600  of  FIG. 6  is similar to the valve feedback system  300  illustrated in  FIG. 3A , except in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 6 , a knob  601  points to the first region  302  or the second region  303  to indicate a status of a fluid flow constriction device. Accordingly, the knob  601  may both be controlled by a user to control flow, and may indicate the status of the fluid flow constriction device. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a valve feedback system  700  according to another embodiment of the invention. The valve feedback system  700  includes tubing  701  and a valve device  702 . The valve device  702  includes a knob  710 , including a prong  712  which is manipulated by a user to control fluid flow through the tubing  701 . The valve device  702  may be controlled such that when the prong  712  is aligned along the fluid flow axis Y, fluid is permitted to flow through the tubing  701 , and when the prong is aligned perpendicularly to the fluid flow axis Y, fluid is not permitted to flow through the tubing  701 . Accordingly, the position of the prong  712  relative to the fluid flow axis Y provides feedback to a user regarding whether fluid is flowing or permitted to flow through the valve device  702 . 
     In addition, in one embodiment the valve device  702  further includes a valve status indicator  711 , such as a light or speaker, to emit one or both of light and sound based on the position of the prong  712 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a valve feedback system  800  according to another embodiment of the invention. The valve feedback system  800  includes tubing  801  and a valve device  802 . The valve device  802  includes a knob  803  which is manipulated by a user to control fluid flow through the tubing  801 . 
     In one embodiment the valve device  802  further includes a valve status indicator  804 , such as a light or speaker, to emit one or both of light and sound based on the position of the knob  803 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a valve feedback system  900  according to another embodiment of the invention. The valve feedback system  900  includes tubing  901  and a valve device  902 . The valve device includes a valve user control  903  to control fluid flow through the tubing  901 . The valve user control  903  is slid along the fluid flow axis Y between a first region  904  and a second region  905 . In one embodiment, the first region  904  and the second region  905  are color-coded. In another embodiment, one or more of the first region  904 , the second region  905 , and the valve user control  903  includes a user feedback device, such as a light, to illuminate based on a state of a fluid flow constriction device that is a part of the valve device  902  (such as the fluid flow constriction device  214  of  FIG. 2 ). For example, when the valve user control  903  is slid toward the first region  904 , the first region  904  may illuminate green, or the valve user control  903  may illuminate green. Conversely, when the valve user control  903  is slid toward the second region  905 , one of the second region  905  and the valve user control  903  may illuminate red, or may remain un-illuminated. 
     In an embodiment in which the valve user control  903  is slid along the fluid flow axis Y, the valve user control  903  may have a protruding surface to facilitate manipulation of the valve user control  903  by a user. 
     In another embodiment, the valve user control  903  is not a sliding switch, but is instead a rocker switch, such that each end of the rocker switch may be pressed down to control the flow state of fluid through the tubing  901 . 
     In other embodiments, fluid flow through tubing is controlled by rotating a user control device around a fluid flow axis, or around an axis parallel to the fluid flow axis. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , a valve feedback system  1000  includes tubing  1001  and a valve device  1002 . The valve device includes a first valve status indicator and user control  1003  and a second valve status indicator and user control  1004 . The valve status indicator and user controls  1003  and  1004  may include both “open” regions (shown in  FIG. 10 ) and one of the valve status indicator and user controls  1003  or  1004  may further include a “closed” region (not shown in  FIG. 10 , located on a back side of the device shown in  FIG. 10 ). The valve status indicators and user controls  1003  and  1004  may be color coded according to a flow control state. For example, the “open” regions may be colored green, and the “closed” region may be colored red, black, or gray. 
     In one embodiment, fluid flow through the tubing  1001  is controlled by twisting the valve device  1002  such that one of the valve status indicator and user controls  1003  and  1004  rotates around the fluid flow axis Y with respect to the other. Accordingly, when both valve status indicators and user controls  1003  and  1004  have “open” regions aligned, fluid may be permitted to flow through the tubing  1001  by a fluid flow constriction device that is part of the valve device  1002 , such as the fluid flow constriction device  214  of  FIG. 2 . In contrast, when an “open” region of one of the valve status indicators and user controls  1003  and  1004  is aligned with a “closed” region of the other of the valve status indicators and user controls  1003  and  1004 , fluid is prevented from flowing through the tubing  1001 . 
     While the words “open” are illustrated in  FIG. 10  for purposes of clarity, it is understood that in some embodiments, the words may be absent, and only colors or shapes (such as arrows or triangles) may be present to represent an open or fluid-flow-permitting state of the valve device  1002 . 
     In addition, while  FIG. 10  illustrates a valve device having a cylindrical shape, embodiments of the invention encompass any shape, including a rectangular or square shape. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a valve feedback system  1100  having a spherical shape, according to an embodiment of the invention. The valve feedback system  1100  includes tubing  1101  and a valve device  1102 . The valve device  1102  includes a first valve status indicator and user control  1103  and a second valve status indicator and user control  1104 . The valve status indicator and user controls  1103  and  1104  may include both “open” regions (shown in  FIG. 11 ) and one of the valve status indicator and user controls  1103  or  1104  may further include a “closed” region (not shown in  FIG. 11 , located on a back side of the device shown in  FIG. 11 ). The valve status indicators and user controls  1103  and  1104  may be color coded according to a flow control state. For example, the “open” regions may be colored green, and the “closed” region may be colored red, black, or gray. 
     In one embodiment, fluid flow through the tubing  1101  is controlled by twisting the valve device  1102  such that one of the valve status indicator and user controls  1103  and  1104  rotates around the fluid flow axis Y with respect to the other. Accordingly, when both valve status indicators and user controls  1103  and  1104  have “open” regions aligned, fluid may be permitted to flow through the tubing  1101  by a fluid flow constriction device that is part of the valve device  1102 , such as the fluid flow constriction device  214  of  FIG. 2 . In contrast, when an “open” region of one of the valve status indicators and user controls  1103  and  1104  is aligned with a “closed” region of the other of the valve status indicators and user controls  1103  and  1104 , fluid is prevented from flowing through the tubing  1101 . 
     While the words “open” are illustrated in  FIG. 10  for purposes of clarity, it is understood that in some embodiments, the words may be absent, and only colors or shapes (such as arrows or triangles) may be present to represent an open or fluid-flow-permitting state of the valve device  1102 . 
     In one embodiment of the invention, an open or closed state of a valve device or valve feedback system is designed to be readily apparent from a distance, without the need for close inspection of the device. Accordingly, one or more of size, color, and shape are used to allow a user to recognize a state of the device without needing to closely inspect the device. In one embodiment, an open or closed state of the device, corresponding to a fluid-flow-permitting state and a fluid-flow-preventing state, respectively, are apparent from a distance of at least two meters by a user having 20/20 eyesight. For example, a medical practitioner applying medication to a patient may recognize a fluid-flow status of the valve device from across a room, without needing to get close to the valve device to inspect the device and determine its status. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a method of administering a fluid, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     In operation  1201 , secondary tubing is prepared for fluid application. In particular, primary tubing may be used to supply fluid from a primary fluid container to a pump, and the secondary tubing may be attached to the primary tubing to supply a fluid to the primary tubing. A valve device may be attached to the secondary tubing to prevent flow of secondary fluid from a secondary fluid container to the main tubing until such a time as a user wishes to supply the secondary fluid. 
     In operation  1202 , it is determined whether the valve device indicates that a fluid flow constriction device is in an “open” state or a “closed” state. In operation  1203 , if it is determined that the valve is “open,” fluid is administered via the valve device. In contrast, if it is determined that the valve is not “open,” feedback is provided to the user in operation  1204 . 
     The state of the fluid flow constriction device may be determined by viewing or hearing a state of a user feedback device, which may include one or more of words, shapes, mechanical structures, lights, and sounds, that are located on or generated by the valve device. 
     In operation  1205 , the user sets the valve device to “open,” in in operation  1203 , the fluid is administered. 
     Embodiments of the invention relate to devices that restrict fluid flow through tubing, and it is understood that any valve may be used in embodiments of the present invention. For example, a valve may include a clamping mechanism, ball mechanism, a revolving or rotating door or tab mechanism, or any other mechanism to constrict fluid flow through a tube. 
     One embodiment of the present invention is directed to administering piggyback, or secondary, intravenous medications with a status display. In such a system, a main intravenous (IV) line is connected between a main fluid or medication supply container and a pump, which in turn supplies the medication or fluid at programmed rates to a patient. The secondary tubing is connected to the main tubing, so that the pump provides the combined first and second fluids or medications to the patient. A valve device located along the piggyback, or secondary, intravenous tubing is a simple on/off valve that does not include variable rate controls. Instead, it either allows fluid flow to the main IV line or prevents fluid flow to the main IV line. 
     When preparing the secondary fluid or medication for administration to the patient, the valve device is closed, to prevent fluid flow during preparation. However, the valve device should be opened upon preparation to allow the fluid or medication to flow via the secondary IV line to the main IV line. Accordingly, embodiments of the invention include prominent user feedback mechanisms, such as prominent colors, physical features, lights, or sounds, to indicate to a user the “open” or “closed” state of the valve device. 
     According to one embodiment of the invention, an intravenous fluid (IV) administration system is designed to provide user feedback to indicate a status of a fluid-flow constriction device along secondary tubing of the IV administration system. The IV administration system includes a main fluid storage container and a secondary fluid storage container. A main IV line is connected between the main fluid storage container and a fluid pump. A patient IV line is connected between the fluid pump and a patient. The secondary tubing is connected between the secondary fluid storage container and the main IV line. Fluid from the main IV line is combined with fluid from the secondary IV line before entering an input of the pump, and the combined fluid is provided to the patient. 
     A valve device including the fluid-flow constriction device is connected along the secondary tubing. In one embodiment, the valve device does not interrupt the secondary tubing, but instead prevents fluid flow by constricting the secondary tubing, and allows fluid flow by un-constricting the secondary tubing. 
     The valve device includes a user-control device and a feedback device. In some embodiments, the user-control device is integral with the feedback device, such that manipulating the user control device provides feedback to the user regarding the flow state of the fluid-flow constricting device. 
     In one embodiment, the fluid-flow constriction device is controllable between only an “open” state, and a “closed” state, and the user-control device does not have settings for providing fluid flow between the “open” state and the “closed” state of the fluid-flow constriction device. 
     In one embodiment, the user feedback device provides feedback to a user regarding an open or closed state of the fluid-flow constriction device by one or more of different colors, such as red to indicate “closed” and green to indicate “open,” different shapes, and different mechanical features. For example, in one embodiment, when the fluid-flow constriction device is closed, a prong protrudes perpendicularly from a fluid-flow axis of the secondary tubing, while when the fluid-flow constriction device is open, the prong does not protrude perpendicularly from the fluid-flow axis of the secondary tubing. 
     In other embodiments, the user feedback device includes one or more of electrical lights and a sound device to provide notice to a user of the open or closed state of the fluid-flow constriction device. 
     While one or more embodiments have been shown and described, modifications and substitutions may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the present invention has been described by way of illustrations and not limitation.