Patent Publication Number: US-11642510-B2

Title: Fluid flow control by a non-pinching valve

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/525,205, filed on Jun. 15, 2012, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,350,402 on Jul. 16, 2019, entitled “FLUID FLOW CONTROL BY A NON-PINCHING VALVE,” the entire contents of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Controlling the fluid flow of a medical pump system, such as an infusion pump, by a clamping an intravenous (IV) tube can deleterious affect operation of the medical pump system. Clamping mechanisms, such as a roller clamp, screw clamp, slide clamp, compress a tube to control the fluid flow. For example, the slide clamp has a graduated opening through which the tube passes. Pushing the tube into the narrow end of the opening compresses the tube and reduces the flow rate of the fluid flow through the tube. In contrast, sliding towards the wide end of the opening decreases the compression of the tube and thus, increases the flow rate through the tube. Also, the tube may be shipped and/or stored for long periods of time with the clamping mechanism continually applying pressure to the tube. 
     As a result of the compression of the tube, the tube may be damaged and/or deformed. For example, the tube is permanently deformed and thus, restricts fluid flow. 
     Moreover, clinicians may improperly insert/remove components from the pump housing. For example, it may be difficult for the clinician to visually determine where certain components (e.g., clamping device, pumping segment, etc.) are to be placed within the pump housing. As a result, the clinician may place the components in the wrong position which negatively affects the pumping operation. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one or more embodiments, a valve is provided. The valve includes a first port and a second port. The valve also includes a slidable cover configured for controlling flow of a fluid through the first and second ports. The slidable cover is slidably disposed over the first and second ports. The slidable cover includes a fluid flow channel configured to allow the fluid to flow through the first and second ports when the channel is disposed over the first port and second ports. 
     In one or more embodiments, a non-pinching valve system is provided. The non-pinching valve system includes a pump configured for pumping a fluid in a medical environment and a tube configured for conveyance of the fluid. The non-pinching valve system also includes a non-pinching valve configured to be disposed in a pump housing and to control a flow of the fluid without requiring pinching of the tube. The tube is releasably attached to the non-pinching valve. The non-pinching valve includes first and second ports, wherein the first and second ports are not required to be coaxial. 
     In one or more embodiments, a non-pinching valve system is provided. The non-pinching valve system includes a pump configured for pumping a fluid in a medical environment and a tube configured for conveyance of the fluid. The non-pinching valve system also includes a non-pinching valve configured to be disposed in a pump housing and to control a flow of the fluid without requiring pinching of the tube, wherein the tube is releasably attached to the non-pinching valve. The non-pinching valve includes a housing having first and second ports, and a slidable cover configured for controlling flow of the fluid through the first and second ports. The slidable cover is slidably disposed over the first and second ports. The slidable cover includes a fluid flow channel configured to allow the fluid to flow through the first and second ports when the channel is disposed over the first and second ports. 
     In one or more embodiments, a pump segment frame system is provided. The pump segment frame system includes a pump segment frame having first and second distal ends, wherein a pump segment is attached to the first and second distal ends for preventing the pump segment from stretching. The pump segment frame system also includes a visual placement indicator configured for facilitating in a proper placement of the pump segment frame in a housing of a pump. 
     In one or more embodiments, a pumping system is provided. The pumping system includes a pump configured for pumping a fluid in a medical environment, the pump including a door for access within a housing of the pump. The pumping system also includes a pump segment configured for conveying the fluid based on compression of the pump segment generated by the pump, and a pump segment frame. The pump segment frame includes first and second distal ends, wherein the pump segment is attached to the first and second distal ends for preventing the pump segment from stretching. The pump segment frame also includes a visual placement indicator configured for facilitating in a proper placement of the pump segment frame in the housing. The pumping system further includes a non-pinching valve configured to be disposed in the housing and to control a flow of the fluid without requiring pinching of a tube. 
     In one or more embodiments, a method of controlling a fluid flow is provided. The method includes actuating a non-pinching valve to a closed position by rotating a slidable cover axially over a housing of the non-pinching valve, wherein the non-pinching valve controls flow of a fluid without requiring pinching of a tube attached to the non-pinching valve. The method also includes placing the non-pinching valve in a housing of an infusion pump and closing a door of the infusion pump to close access in the housing. The method further includes in response to the closing of the door, actuating the non-pinching valve to an open position, by the door, such that fluid flows through the non-pinching valve. 
     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 
         FIGS.  1    A-B illustrates embodiments of a pumping system. 
         FIGS.  2 A- 4 C  illustrates embodiments of a non-pinching valve. 
         FIGS.  5  and  6    illustrates embodiments of a pump segment frame system. 
         FIG.  7    illustrates an embodiment of a method for controlling fluid flow. 
     
    
    
     The drawings referred to in this description should be understood as not being drawn to scale except if specifically noted. 
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present technology, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the technology will be described in conjunction with various embodiment(s), it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the present technology to these embodiments. On the contrary, the present technology is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the various embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     Furthermore, in the following description of embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present technology. However, the present technology may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present embodiments. 
       FIG.  1 A  depicts an embodiment of pumping system  100 . Pumping system  100  includes pump  10  and tubes  120  and  121 . In general, during operation of pumping system  100 , fluid is pumped through tubes  120  and  121  as indicated by fluid flow  125 . In one embodiment, fluid flow  125  may be pumped in the opposite direction. 
     Pump  110  includes housing  115 , door  119  and user interface  117 . In one embodiment, pump  110  is an infusion pump. For example, fluid from an intravenous (IV) bag (not shown) is pumped to a patient (not shown) as indicted by fluid flow  125 . 
     User interface  117  can include a display, buttons, controls, etc. for use by a clinician to facilitate in control of pumping system  100 . 
     Housing  115  is configured to hold the components of pump  110 , as will be described in detail below. 
     Door  119  is removable or hinged with respect to housing  115 . For example, door  119  is the entire front face of pump  110  and is removable from housing  115  to provide access within housing  115 . It should be understood that door  119  (or lid) can be any dimension, shape, orientation that enables access for proper placement and/or removal of components from within housing  115 . 
       FIG.  1 B  depicts an embodiment of pumping system  100 . In particular,  FIG.  1 B  depicts the same view as  FIG.  1 A , however, door  119  is not shown. Accordingly, components of pump  110  within housing  115  are depicted. 
     Pump  110  also includes pumping segment  130 , pumping fingers  131 , non-pinching valve  140 , and coupler  150 . 
     Pumping segment  130  is configured to be easily compressed by fingers  131 . For example, pumping segment  130  is a silicone rubber tube. 
     In one embodiment, tubes  120  and  121  are comprised of the same material and pumping segment is comprised of a more pliable material, such as silicone. It should be understood that pumping segment  130  can be any material that is conducive to being compressed by fingers  131 . 
     Pumping segment  130  is fluidly connected to tube  120  via non-pinching valve  140  and fluidly connected to tube  121  via coupler  150 . For example, in one embodiment, outer diameter of tube  121  mates with the inner diameter of interface  152 . Similarly, the outer diameter of segment  130  mates with the inner diameter of interface  151 . In another embodiment, the inner diameter of pumping segment  130  mates with the outer diameter of interface  144 . Similarly, the inner diameter of tube  120  mates with the outer diameter of interface  143 . It should be understood that pumping segment  130  can be fluidly connected to tubes  120  and  121  by any coupling means. 
     In one embodiment, coupler  150  is a “Y” coupler that accommodates two different tubes (e.g., tube  121  and another tube (not shown)). For example, tube  121  conveys a first type of fluid (e.g., a first type of medicine) and the other tube conveys a second type of fluid (e.g., a second type of medicine). Accordingly, the different types of fluid may mix at coupler  150  and the mixture of fluid is pumped by pumping system  100 . 
     Pumping fingers  131  are configured to compress pumping segment  130  to pump fluid. For example, fingers  131  press on pumping segment  130  in sequence. In particular, fingers  131  compress pumping segment  130  against a platen (not shown). As a result, fluid flow  125  is generated. 
     Non-pinching valve  140  is configured to control fluid flow  125  in pumping system  100  without requiring pinching of a tube (e.g.  120 ). In other words, non-pinching valve  140  controls fluid flow  125  without applying pressure to an outer surface of a tube and thereby not compressing the tube. In one embodiment, non-pinching valve  140  is a stop cock. Non-pinching valve  140  can be any valving system that controls fluid flow  125  without compressing a tube. It should be appreciated that non-pinching valve  140  and a connected tube (e.g., tube  120 ) can be shipped and/or stored in the closed or open position without damaging the tube. 
       FIG.  2 A  depicts an embodiment of non-pinching valve  240 A. Non-pinching valve  240 A includes housing  210 , ports  241  and  242  of housing  210 , shaft  220 , channel  250  and handle  230 . Ports  241  and  242  are a hole or access point for fluid with respect to housing  210 . 
     In general, when channel  250  is aligned with ports  241  and  242 , fluid flow  125  flows through channel  250  and subsequently through non-pinching valve  240 A. In contrast, when channel  250  is not aligned with ports  241  and  242 , fluid flow  125  does not flow through channel  250  and thus, not through non-pinching valve  240 A. 
     In one embodiment, housing  210  and shaft  220  are cylindrical. For example, fluid flow  125  is stopped when channel  250  is not aligned with ports  241  and  242 . In such an example, a clinician rotates handle  230  (e.g., 90 degrees from the depicted position) such that channel  250  is not aligned with ports  241  and  242 . Accordingly, shaft  220  seals ports  242  and  241  such that fluid flow is stopped and does not flow through channel  250 . 
     It should be understood that channel  250  rotates perpendicularly to the direction of fluid flow  125 . Moreover, interfaces  143  and  144  and channel  250  are coaxial or collinear with one another. Accordingly, fluid flow  125  can occur in two discrete positions of shaft  220 . The first position, is as depicted. The second position is shaft  220  rotated 180 degrees (from the depicted position). 
     In one embodiment, the cross-sectional shape (e.g. circular) and diameter of ports  241  and  242 , and channel  250  are the same. In another embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of channel  280  is different (e.g., oval, tear drop, etc.) than the cross-sectional shape of ports  241  and  242  to facilitate in manual regulation of fluid flow  125 . 
     In various embodiments, housing  210  and shaft  220  are comprised of a rigid or semi-rigid material. 
       FIG.  2 B  depicts an embodiment of non-pinching valve  240 B. Non-pinching valve  240 B is similar to non-pinching valve  240 A, as described above. However, ports  241  and  242  are not coaxial and channel  250  is disposed at an angle within shaft  220 . 
     Accordingly, in one embodiment, channel  250  is aligned with ports  241  and  242  at one position. For example, if shaft  220  is rotated to any other position (other than the depicted position), then fluid does not flow through channel  250 . 
       FIG.  2 C  depicts an embodiment of non-pinching valve  240 C. Non-pinching valve  240 C is similar to non-pinching valve  240 A, as described above. However, housing  210  is disposed at an angle with respect to fluid flow  125 . 
     Accordingly, in one embodiment, channel  250  is aligned with ports  241  and  242  at a single position. For example, if shaft  220  is rotated to any other position (other than the depicted position), then fluid does not flow through channel  250 . 
       FIG.  2 D  depicts an embodiment of non-pinching valve  2400 . Non-pinching valve  2400  is similar to non-pinching valve  240 A, as described above. However, ports  241  and  242  are not coaxial with one another. 
       FIG.  2 E  depicts an embodiment of non-pinching valve  240 E. Non-pinching valve  240 E is similar to non-pinching valve  240 A, as described above. However, fluid flow  125  does not flow through the axis of housing  210  (or shaft  220 ). 
       FIGS.  3 A-B  depicts an embodiment of non-pinching valve  340 . Non-pinching valve  340  includes housing  310 , ports  341  and  342 , and slidable cover  330 . In various embodiments, housing  310  and slidable cover  330  are comprised of a rigid or semi-rigid material. 
     Slidable cover  330  is configured to slide with respect to housing  310  to control fluid flow  125 . Slidable cover  330  includes channel  335 . 
       FIG.  3 A  depicts non-pinching valve  340  in a closed position. For example, slidable cover  330  seals ports  341  and  342  such that fluid flow  125  cannot flow through non-pinching valve  340 . 
       FIG.  3 B  depicts non-pinching valve  340  in an open position. For example, slidable channel  335  is aligned with ports  341  and  342 . Accordingly, fluid flow  125  flows through non-pinching valve  340  via channel  335 . It should be appreciated that channel  335  can be any feature in any location or orientation on slidable cover  330  (e.g., void, hallow, groove, etc.) that is able to convey water between ports  341  and  342 . 
     In particular, fluid flow  125  occurs between housing  310  and slidable cover  330  via channel  335 . As such, fluid flow  125  flows along the outer surface or periphery of housing  310 . 
     In one embodiment, housing  310  and slidable cover  330  are cylindrical. 
     In another embodiment, channels  360  and  361  are disposed along the center axis of housing  310 . Accordingly, slidable cover  330  slides axially with respect to housing  310  and channels  360  and  361 . Also, slidable cover  330  slides axially with respect to portions of fluid flow  125 . 
       FIGS.  4 A-C  depicts embodiments of non-pinching valves  440 A-C, respectively. Non-pinching valves  440 A-C are similar to non-pinching valve  340 , as described above. However, among other things, non-pinching valves  440 A-C each include a locking mechanism. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  4 A , non-pinching valve  440 A includes slidable cover  430 , interfaces  443  and  444 , handles  450  and  452 , visual indicator  480  and locking mechanism  460 A. 
     Interfaces  443  and  444  are configured to couple tubes to non-pinching valve  440 A. 
     Handle  450  facilitates in rotating slidable cover  430  along an axis of non-pinching valve  440 A. 
     Handle  452  facilitates a clinician in placing or seating non-pinching valve  440 A into housing  115 . For example, a clinician grasps handle  452  while placing non-pinching valve  440 A into housing  115  or removing non-pinching valve  440 A from housing  115 . 
     Visual indicator  480  is configured to facilitate a clinician in properly placing non-pinching valve  440 A in housing  115 , which will be described in detail below. 
     Locking mechanism  460 A is a tab that is seated in slot  461 A such that non-pinching valve  440 A is locked in either an open or closed position (or any other designated position, such as one half flow rate). In order to unlock non-pinching valve  440 A, locking mechanism  460 A is pushed out of slot  461  such that it is able to travel along slot  462 A. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  4 B , locking mechanism  460 B comprises tab  462 B that is seated in slot  463 B such that non-pinching valve  440 B is locked in either an open or closed position. In order to unlock non-pinching valve  440 B, depresser  461  B is depressed such that tab  462 B is pulled away from slot  463 B. 
     Non-pinching valve  440 B also includes graduation markings  470 . Each graduation marking is indicative of a particular flow rate. Accordingly, graduation markings facilitate in controlling the flow rate through non-pinching valve  440 B. In a further embodiment, graduation markings  470  are coupled with a tactile and/or audible indication. For example, when the non-pinching valve is actuated according to the graduation markings, the clinician may feel a tactile response and/or an audible response, such as a click. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  4 C , locking mechanism  460 C comprises tab  462 C that is seated in slot  463 C such that non-pinching valve  440 C is locked in either an open or closed position. In order to unlock non-pinching valve  440 B, de presser  461  C is depressed such that tab  462 C is pulled away from slot  463 C. 
     In various embodiments, a non-pinching valve (e.g., non-pinching valve  240 A) is actuated to an open position in response to the closing of door  119 . In particular, door  119  comprises an engagement feature (not shown) that mechanically engages with a handle (e.g., handle  230 ). For example, the engagement feature has particular beveled features that engage with the handle and actuate the handle, such that the non-pinching valve is actuated from the closed position to the open position, when door  119  is pressed into place. 
     In another embodiment, a non-pinching valve (e.g., non-pinching valve  240 A) is actuated to a closed position in response to the opening of door  119 . In particular, door  119  comprises an engagement feature (not shown) that mechanically engages with a handle (e.g., handle  230 ). For example, the engagement feature mechanically engages with the handle, such that the non-pinching valve is actuated from the open position to the closed position, when door  119  is opened or removed from housing  115 . 
     It should be appreciated that a non-pinching valve can be utilized without the use of a pump. For example, in a gravity fed fluid flow system, the non-pinching valve can be utilized to control flow of fluid to a patient. 
       FIG.  5    depicts an embodiment of pump segment frame system  500 . System  500  includes non-pinching valve  140 , coupler  150  and pumping segment  130 . 
     Frame  510  is configured to prevent pumping segment  130  from stretching. 
     In particular, distal ends of pumping segment  130  are attached to corresponding distal ends of frame  510 , which is comprised of a rigid or semi-rigid material. Accordingly, pumping segment  130  is prevented from stretching. 
     In contrast, in a conventional system, if a pumping segment is stretched, for example when a clinician places the pumping segment in the housing, then the pumping segment is likely to be improperly placed in the housing. As a result, the operation of the pumping system is negatively affected. 
     In one embodiment, non-pinching valve  140  is disposed at a distal end of frame  510 . As such, a distal end of pumping segment  130  is attached to non-pinching valve  140 . 
     In another embodiment, coupler  150  is attached to a distal end of frame  510 . As such, a distal end of pumping segment  130  is attached to coupler  150 . 
     System  500  also includes visual indicators  580  and  581 . In general, visual indicators  580  and  581  facilitate in the proper placement of system  500  into housing  115 . For example, housing  115  includes visual indicators corresponding to visual indicators  580  and  581 . The corresponding visual indicators in housing  115  can be an outline, indention, etc. that corresponds to visual indicators  580  and  581 . As a result, system  500  is properly placed in housing  115  such that pumping system  100  operates correctly. 
     In various embodiments, the corresponding visual indicators in housing  115  can be a color or an outline of components (e.g., outline of non-pinching valve  140 , frame  510 , coupler  150 , etc.). 
       FIG.  6    depicts an exploded isometric view of an embodiment of pump segment frame system  600 . System  600  includes non-pinching valve  140 , coupler  650  and pumping segment  130 . 
     Frame  610  is configured to prevent pumping segment  130  from stretching, as described above. For example, distal ends of pumping segment  130  are attached to corresponding distal ends of frame  610 , which is comprised of a rigid or semi-rigid material. Accordingly, pumping segment  130  is prevented from stretching. 
     Frame  610  is further configured to be a platen. For example, fingers  131  extend within housing  115  and compress pumping segment  130  against frame  610 . Moreover, the placement of pumping segment  130  with respect to frame  610  provides a consistent gap (e.g., between pumping segment  130  and frame  610 ) to facilitate in pumping and pressure sensing. 
     In one embodiment, frame  610  includes a window such that pumping segment  130  is viewable during use of pumping system  100 . 
     In one embodiment, a non-pinching valve (e.g., non-pinching valve  240 A) is disposed at a distal end of frame  610 . As such, a distal end of pumping segment  130  is attached to the non-pinching valve. In such an embodiment, frame  610  is interposed between housing  210  and handle  230 . 
     In another embodiment, coupler  650  is attached to a distal end of frame  610 . As such, a distal end of pumping segment  130  is attached to coupler  671 . 
     System  600  also includes retainers  670  and  671  that facilitate in retaining pumping segment  130  on housing  210  and coupler  650 . In particular, retainers  670  and  671  clamp the distal ends of pumping segment  130  on interface  144  and coupler  650 . 
     It should be understood that pumping segment  130  may be replaced with another pumping segment. In some instances, characteristics (e.g., diameter, material, etc.) of the new pumping segment may be different than the pumping segment that is replaced. To accommodate the characteristics of the pumping segment, the gap between the platen (e.g., frame  610 ) or pressure sensors and the pumping fingers may be required to be adjusted. Accordingly, in convention pumping systems, the hardware/software of the pumping system may be required to be upgraded to accommodate the new characteristics of the new pumping segment. 
     However, in various embodiments, the thickness of frame  610  is adjustable. That is, frame  610  of one thickness can be swapped out with a frame of a different thickness to accommodate the characteristics of the new pumping segment. In one embodiment, the new frame has a different thickness (than the original frame) to accommodate for the change in the gap between the platen (e.g., frame  610 ) or pressure sensors and the pumping fingers. Therefore, the hardware/software of the pumping system is not required to be updated in response to replacing pumping segment  130  with another pumping segment with different characteristics. 
       FIG.  7    depicts an embodiment of a method  700  for controlling fluid flow. In some embodiments, method  700  is performed at least by system  100 , as depicted in  FIG.  1 A . 
     At  710  of method  700 , a non-pinching valve is actuated to a closed position by rotating a slidable cover axially over a housing of said non-pinching valve, wherein the non-pinching valve controls flow of a fluid without requiring pinching of a tube attached to the non-pinching valve. For example, non-pinching valve  340  is initially actuated manually to a closed position such fluid does flow through system  100 . In particular, slidable cover  330  is manually axially rotated over housing  310  of non-pinching valve  340 . Accordingly, non-pinching valve  340  is able to control flow through system  100  without requiring to pinch a tube (e.g., tube  120 ) that is attached to the valve. 
     At  720 , the non-pinching valve is placed in a housing of an infusion pump. For example, non-pinching valve  240 A is placed in housing  115  of an infusion pump. 
     At  730 , a door of the infusion pump to close access in the housing. For example, door  119  is placed over housing  115  to restrict access housing  115 . 
     At  740 , in response to the closing of the door, the non-pinching valve is actuated to an open position, by the door, such that fluid flows through the non-pinching valve. For example, handle  230  is actuated by a feature of door  119  such that fluid flow  125  flows through non-pinching valve  240 A. 
     In one embodiment, at  750 , the non-pinching valve is fluidly connected to an IV. For example, non-pinching valve  440 B is fluidly connected to an IV such that a fluid in the IV bag is able to be pumped to a patient. 
     In one embodiment, at  760 , the non-pinching valve is fluidly connected to a patient. For example, non-pinching valve  440 B is fluidly connected to a patient (not shown) such that a fluid in the IV bag is able to be pumped to a patient via system  100 . 
     Various embodiments of the present invention are thus described. It should be appreciated that embodiments, as described herein, can be utilized or implemented alone or in combination with one another. While the present invention has been described in particular embodiments, it should be appreciated that the present invention should not be construed as limited by such embodiments, but rather construed according to the following claims.