Abstract:
A flow regulator device and an associated method of using the device to constrict the flow of fluid through an intravenous line is disclosed. The device comprises a first component pivotally attached to a second component by a hinge. The first and second components are coupleable together into a closed book-like position for enshrouding an intravenous transfer line within a cylindrical tubing channel traversing along the device. A semi-elliptical pinch-off wheel is attached to the device so that the enshrouded transfer line may be progressively pinched off by the semi-elliptical pinch-off wheel in order to variably restrict the flow of liquid through the transfer line. A crossbar having an indicating end is attached to the wheel for indicating the flow rate through the enshrouded and constricted transfer line. The method of using comprises the steps of adjusting, attaching, hanging, injecting, noting, obtaining, placing, pushing, recording, rotating, securing, sterilizing, turning, and twisting.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to a flow control process and apparatus for fluid delivery systems in which fluid is dispensed from a fluid reservoir or container under the control of a pump. More particularly, the invention relates to controlling the rate of delivery of fluid administered to a patient by an intravenous infusion system utilizing a standard administration set. 
   DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
   Many applications in the field of intravenous infusion therapy require precise control of the accuracy in administering both the total volume to be infused and the rate at which infusion takes place. Such precise infusions are usually undertaken with the aid of devices commonly referred to as “volumetric infusion pumps” wherein accurate delivery is achieved by means of precisely made sections of tubing or cylinders which contain a known volume of fluid and from which this fluid is discharged at a known rate, thereby accurately dispensing specific volumes of fluid at preset delivery rates. 
   Whilst satisfactory in operation, the main disadvantage of such infusion pumps is the need for special tubes or cylinders, which, once used, must be discarded for reasons of sterility. Compared, therefore, with a conventional gravity infusion apparatus, which employs a cheap standard administration set, the cost per infusion using a volumetric infusion pump is relatively expensive. Furthermore, the disposables inventory at a medical establishment must be increased to include special items required by these volumetric pumps. 
   Normal gravity infusion, although low in cost owing to the use of mass-produced disposable standard administration sets, is totally unsuitable for precisely controlled infusions because the accuracy of delivery cannot be practically controlled even with the aid of a conventional flow controller. Similarly, the “drip-rate” type of device, over which control is maintained by counting drops, is capable of providing an accurate drop delivery rate, often with standard administration sets, but cannot provide volumetric accuracy owing to the wide variation in drop sizes. 
   For medical purposes, it is unacceptable to monitor flow-rate by means of a metering device introduced into a fluid stream being intravenously administered because this violates the required sterile barrier. Measurement must therefore be external to this barrier. Equally, measurement by passing fluid into a graduated container is unacceptably cumbersome and, without the addition of expensive equipment, precludes automatic calibration. 
   One type of pump that does not violate the required sterile barrier is a peristaltic pump. The latter can be arranged to deliver fluid using a standard administration set and may be provided with controls that regulate the speed of the motor and, hence, the pumping rate during operation of the pump. Adjustment of the controls to vary the speed of the motor changes the rate of fluid delivery and the pump may incorporate a visual display to indicate to the operator the rate of fluid flow for a selected position of the controls. The pump may also include a facility for adjusting the display to conform to the actual pumping performance of the tube on which it is operating by measurement of a known volume in a known time. This synchronising of actual performance with displayed performance is known as calibration. 
   Once calibrated, it would be reasonable to expect the actual delivery rate, over the speed range of the motor, when operating on other administration sets of the same type to comply with that selected by the controls and indicated by the display and, within certain limits, this is normally the case. However, variations in the delivery performance of tubing of the type used on standard administration sets are such that repeatability of calibrated performance on different samples of the same tube and in different environments is insufficient to maintain volumetric accuracy of the delivery for precise infusion applications, as referred to above. Moreover, the performance of tubing used in administration sets supplied from different sources can vary markedly. There are many reasons why the performance of tubing varies when used for pumping applications, but there is no need to expand on these in the present specification. Suffice it to say that unacceptable variations occur and these have hitherto precluded the use of peristaltic pumps for infusions requiring precise volumetric delivery, even when calibrated for the type of tube in actual use. 
   Variations in tubing performance can largely be eliminated if calibration is carried out directly on the tubing to be used for each infusion since, in this way, both actual and selected fluid delivery can be synchronized with accuracy at the outset of the infusion. However, this approach is tedious and time consuming and is still subject to error because the delivery capacity of the tubing can alter during infusion for various mechanical and environmental reasons. 
   Having regard to the foregoing, it will be apparent that apparatus in which accurate volumetric delivery can be achieved with standard administration sets would be of considerable advantage in reducing the cost per infusion and alleviating the need for high-cost special disposable items in the inventory of medical establishments. 
   A wide variety of flow regulator devices is currently available on the commercial market and an even larger number of these types of devices are known in the art of flow regulator devices, for example, the fluid flow control process and apparatus disclosed by Wheeldon et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 4,670,007; the apparatus for controlling the flow of an infusion fluid in an infusion system disclosed by Gijselhart et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 4,909,786; the IV clamp with tube clip disclosed by Archibald in U.S. Pat. No. 5,154,704; the in-line fluid monitor system and method disclosed by Goldberg et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,260,665; and the device for monitoring an dcontrolling an intravenous infusion system disclosed by Bellifemine in U.S. Pat. No. 5,439,442. 
   While all of the above-described devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not describe a flow regulator device having a first component pivotally attached to a second component by a hinge wherein the first and second components are coupleable together into a closed book-like position. This combination of elements would specifically match the user&#39;s particular individual needs of making it possible to enshroud an intravenous transfer line within a cylindrical tubing channel traversing longitudinally along the device so that a semi-elliptical pinch-off wheel may be used to progressively pinch off the enshrouded transfer line to variably restrict the flow of liquid through the transfer line. 
   The above-described patents make no provision for a flow regulator device having a first component pivotally attached to a second component by a hinge wherein the first and second components are coupleable together into a closed book-like position. 
   Therefore, a need exists for a new and improved flow regulator device having a first component pivotally attached to a second component by a hinge wherein the first and second components are coupleable together into a closed book-like position. In this respect, the flow regulator device according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of providing a means for enshrouding an intravenous transfer line within a cylindrical tubing channel traversing longitudinally along the device so that means for progressively pinching off the enshrouded transfer line may be realized to variably restrict the flow of liquid through the transfer line. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present device and associated method of using, according to the principles of the present invention, overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a flow regulator device and method of using is disclosed in which the device comprises a first component pivotally attached to a second component by a hinge. The first and second components are coupleable together into a closed book-like position for enshrouding an intravenous transfer line within a cylindrical tubing channel traversing along the device. A semi-elliptical pinch-off wheel is attached to the device so that the enshrouded transfer line may be progressively pinched off by the semi-elliptical pinch-off wheel in order to variably restrict the flow of liquid through the transfer line. A crossbar having an indicating end is attached to the wheel for indicating the flow rate through the enshrouded and constricted transfer line. The method of using comprises the steps of adjusting, attaching, hanging, injecting, noting, obtaining, placing, pushing, recording, rotating, securing, sterilizing, turning, and twisting. 
   In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known type flow regulator devices now present in the prior art, the present invention provides an improved flow regulator device, which will be described subsequently in great detail, is to provide a new and improved flow regulator device which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by the prior art, either alone or in any combination thereof. 
   To attain this, the present invention essentially comprises a first component pivotally attached to a second component by a hinge. The first and second components are coupleable together into a closed book-like position for enshrouding an intravenous transfer line within a cylindrical tubing channel traversing along the device. A semi-elliptical pinch-off wheel is attached to the device so that the enshrouded transfer line may be progressively pinched off by the semi-elliptical pinch-off wheel in order to variably restrict the flow of liquid through the transfer line. A crossbar having an indicating end is attached to the wheel for indicating the flow rate through the enshrouded and constricted transfer line. 
   There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution of the art may be better appreciated. 
   Numerous objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading of the following detailed description of presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompany drawings. In this respect, before explaining the current embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
   As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
   It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved flow regulator device that has all the advantages of the prior art flow regulator device and none of the disadvantages. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved flow regulator device that may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed. 
   An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved flow regulator device that has a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such multipurpose storage unit and system economically available to the buying public. 
   Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new flow regulator device that provides in the apparatuses and methods of the prior art some of the advantages thererof, while simultaneously overcoming some of the disadvantages normally associated therewith. 
   Even still another object of the present invention is to provide a flow regulator device having a first component pivotally attached to a second component by a hinge wherein the first and second components are coupleable together into a closed book-like position. This combination of elements makes it possible to enshroud an intravenous transfer line within a cylindrical tubing channel traversing longitudinally along the device so that a semi-elliptical pinch-off wheel may be used to progressively pinch off the enshrouded transfer line to variably restrict the flow of liquid through the transfer line. 
   Lastly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved method of using comprising the steps of adjusting, attaching, hanging, injecting, noting, obtaining, placing, pushing, recording, rotating, securing, sterilizing, turning, and twisting. 
   Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way. 
   These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and description matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the flow regulator device in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the flow regulator device of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is a cross sectional side view of a preferred embodiment of the flow regulator device of the present invention; and 
       FIG. 4  is a cross sectional side view of a preferred embodiment of the flow regulator device of the present invention. 
   

   The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the various figures. 
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   Referring now to the drawings, and in particular  FIGS. 1 to 4  thereof, one preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown and generally designated by the reference numeral  10 . One preferred embodiment of a flow regulator device  10  for controlling the flow rate of a fluid through an intravenous transfer line  12 , the device  10  comprises a first component  14 , a hinge  18 , and a second component  20 . The first component  14  has a back, a front, an exterior side, an interior side, a top and a bottom, the first component  14  includes a first concave ridge, a first top protrusion, and a first bottom protrusion. The first concave ridge traverses longitudinally through the rear portion of the interior side of the first component  14 , in which the first concave ridge defines a first concave groove  16 . The first top protrusion is attached to the front top portion of the interior side of the first component  14 . The first bottom protrusion is attached to the front bottom portion of the interior side of the first component  14 , wherein a portion of the interior side of the first component  14 , the first top protrusion and the first bottom protrusion define a first cavity having a truncated elliptical shape. The hinge  18  is attached to the back of the first component  14 . The second component  20  has a back, a front, an exterior side, an interior side, a top and a bottom. The back of the second component  20  is attached to the hinge  18 , wherein the first component  14  and the second component  20  pivotally hinged together. When the first component  14  is pivoted towards the second component  20  then the device  10  is in a closed position. When the first component  14  is pivoted away from the second component  20  then the device  10  is in an open position. The second component  20  includes a second concave ridge, a second top protrusion, a second bottom protrusion, a hollow chamber  24 , a plurality of holes  26 , a semi-elliptical pinch-off wheel  28 , a crossbar  32 , and a plurality of volumetric markings  36 . The second concave ridge traverses longitudinally through the rear portion of the interior side of the second component  20 , wherein the second concave ridge defining a second concave groove  22 . When the device  10  is in the closed position, then the first concave ridge and the second concave ridge defines a substantially hollow cylindrical tubing channel traversing longitudinally through the device  10 . The second top protrusion is attached to the front top portion of the interior side of the second component  20 . The second bottom protrusion, the second top protrusion and the second bottom protrusion define a second cavity having a truncated elliptical shape. The second bottom protrusion is attached to the front bottom portion of the interior side of the second component  20 , wherein a portion of the interior side of the second component  20 , the second top protrusion and the second bottom protrusion define a second cavity having a truncated elliptical shape. When the device  10  is in a closed position then the first cavity of the first component  14  and the second cavity of the second component  20  define a truncated elliptical chamber. The hollow chamber  24  is defined by the top, bottom, front, back, exterior side and interior side of the second component  20 . The plurality of holes  26  traverses through the front of the second component  20  into the hollow chamber  24  of the second component  20 . The semi-elliptical pinch-off wheel  28  having an axle  30 , in which the axle  30  of the semi-elliptical pinch-off wheel  28  is rotatably attached to the interior side of the second component  20 . The axle  30  traverses through the interior side of the second component  20  into the hollow chamber  24  of the second component  20 . When the device  10  is in the closed position then a first portion of the circumference of the semi-elliptical pinch-off wheel  28  extending within the hollow cylindrical tubing channel of the device  10  and a second portion of the circumference of the semi-elliptical pinch-off wheel  28  does not extend within the hollow cylindrical tubing channel of the device  10 . The crossbar  32  has an indicating end  34 , in which the crossbar  32  is attached substantially perpendicularly to the axle  30  of the semi-elliptical pinch-off wheel  28 . The crossbar  32  positioned within the hollow chamber  24  of the second component  20  with the indicating end  34  positionable at any hole  26  of the plurality of holes  26 . The plurality of volumetric markings  36  is embossed on the front of the second component  20 , in which each volumetric marking of the plurality of volumetric markings  36  is aligned to correspond to a separate corresponding hole  26  of the plurality of holes  26  traversing through the front of the second component  20 . 
   Another preferred embodiment the flow regulator device  10  consists essentially of: a first component  14 , a hinge  18 , and a second component  20 . The first component  14  has a back, a front, an exterior side, an interior side, a top and a bottom, the first component  14  includes a first concave ridge, a first top protrusion, and a first bottom protrusion. The first concave ridge traverses longitudinally through the rear portion of the interior side of the first component  14 , in which the first concave ridge defines a first concave groove  16 . The first top protrusion is attached to the front top portion of the interior side of the first component  14 . The first bottom protrusion is attached to the front bottom portion of the interior side of the first component  14 , wherein a portion of the interior side of the first component  14 , the first top protrusion and the first bottom protrusion define a first cavity having a truncated elliptical shape. The hinge  18  is attached to the back of the first component  14 . The second component  20  has a back, a front, an exterior side, an interior side, a top and a bottom. The back of the second component  20  is attached to the hinge  18 , wherein the first component  14  and the second component  20  pivotally hinged together. When the first component  14  is pivoted towards the second component  20  then the device  10  is in a closed position. When the first component  14  is pivoted away from the second component  20  then the device  10  is in an open position. The second component  20  includes a second concave ridge, a second top protrusion, a second bottom protrusion, a hollow chamber  24 , a plurality of holes  26 , a semi-elliptical pinch-off wheel  28 , a crossbar  32 , and a plurality of volumetric markings  36 . The second concave ridge traverses longitudinally through the rear portion of the interior side of the second component  20 , wherein the second concave ridge defining a second concave groove  22 . When the device  10  is in the closed position, then the first concave ridge and the second concave ridge defines a substantially hollow cylindrical tubing channel traversing longitudinally through the device  10 . The second top protrusion is attached to the front top portion of the interior side of the second component  20 . The second bottom protrusion, the second top protrusion and the second bottom protrusion define a second cavity having a truncated elliptical shape. The second bottom protrusion is attached to the front bottom portion of the interior side of the second component  20 , wherein a portion of the interior side of the second component  20 , the second top protrusion and the second bottom protrusion define a second cavity having a truncated elliptical shape. When the device  10  is in a closed position then the first cavity of the first component  14  and the second cavity of the second component  20  define a truncated elliptical chamber. The hollow chamber  24  is defined by the top, bottom, front, back, exterior side and interior side of the second component  20 . The plurality of holes  26  traverses through the front of the second component  20  into the hollow chamber  24  of the second component  20 . The semi-elliptical pinch-off wheel  28  having an axle  30 , in which the axle  30  of the semi-elliptical pinch-off wheel  28  is rotatably attached to the interior side of the second component  20 . The axle  30  traverses through the interior side of the second component  20  into the hollow chamber  24  of the second component  20 . When the device  10  is in the closed position then a first portion of the circumference of the semi-elliptical pinch-off wheel  28  extending within the hollow cylindrical tubing channel of the device  10  and a second portion of the circumference of the semi-elliptical pinch-off wheel  28  does not extend within the hollow cylindrical tubing channel of the device  10 . The crossbar  32  has an indicating end  34 , in which the crossbar  32  is attached substantially perpendicularly to the axle  30  of the semi-elliptical pinch-off wheel  28 . The crossbar  32  positioned within the hollow chamber  24  of the second component  20  with the indicating end  34  positionable at any hole  26  of the plurality of holes  26 . The plurality of volumetric markings  36  is embossed on the front of the second component  20 , in which each volumetric marking of the plurality of volumetric markings  36  is aligned to correspond to a separate corresponding hole  26  of the plurality of holes  26  traversing through the front of the second component  20 . 
   The device  10  may be made of any type of material. One preferred configuration of the device  10  is that the device  10  is made of a plastic selected from the group consisting of nylon, polyester, polypropylene, polyurethanes, polyacryls, polymethacryls, cellulosic polymers, styrene-acryl copolymers, polystyrene-polyacryl mixtures, polysiloxanes, polyesters, urethane-acryl copolymers, siloxane-urethane copolymers, polyurethane-polymethacryl mixtures, silicone-acryl copolymers, vinyl acetate polymers, and mixtures thereof. Another preferred configuration is that the device is that the device  10  is made of metal is selected from the group consisting of aluminum, scandium, titanium, vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, molybdenum, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, tungsten, and mixtures thereof. 
   One preferred embodiment of a method of using a flow regulator device  10  for controlling the flow rate of a fluid through an intravenous transfer line  12 , the method comprising the steps of adjusting, attaching, hanging, injecting, noting, obtaining, placing, pushing, recording, rotating, securing, sterilizing, turning, and twisting. The obtaining step comprises obtaining the device  10  consisting essentially of: a first component  14  having a back, a front, an exterior side, an interior side, a top and a bottom, the first component  14  including: a first concave ridge traversing longitudinally through the rear portion of the interior side of the first component  14 , wherein the first concave ridge defining a first concave groove  16 ; a first top protrusion attached to the front top portion of the interior side of the first component  14 ; and a first bottom protrusion attached to the front bottom portion of the interior side of the first component  14 , wherein a portion of the interior side of the first component  14 , the first top protrusion and the first bottom protrusion defining a first cavity having a truncated elliptical shape; a hinge  18  attached to the back of the first component  14 ; a second component  20  having a back, a front, an exterior side, an interior side, a top and a bottom, the back of the second component  20  attached to the hinge  18 , wherein the first component  14  and the second component  20  pivotally hinge  18   d  together, so that when the first component  14  is pivoted towards the second component  20  then the device  10  is in a closed position, and so that when the first component  14  is pivoted away from the second component  20  then the device  10  is in an open position, the second component  20  including: a second concave ridge traversing longitudinally through the rear portion of the interior side of the second component  20 , wherein the second concave ridge defining a second concave groove  22 , wherein when the device  10  is in the closed position then the first concave ridge and the second concave ridge defining a substantially hollow cylindrical tubing channel traversing longitudinally through the device  10 ; a second top protrusion attached to the front top portion of the interior side of the second component  20 ; a second bottom protrusion, the second top protrusion and the second bottom protrusion defining a second cavity having a truncated elliptical shape; a second bottom protrusion attached to the front bottom portion of the interior side of the second component  20 , wherein a portion of the interior side of the second component  20 , the second top protrusion and the second bottom protrusion defining a second cavity having a truncated elliptical shape, wherein when the device  10  in a closed position then the first cavity of the first component  14  and the second cavity of the second component  20  defining a truncated elliptical chamber; a hollow chamber  24  defined by the top, bottom, front, back, exterior side and interior side of the second component  20 ; a plurality of holes  26  traversing through the front of the second component  20  into the hollow chamber  24  of the second component  20 ; a semi-elliptical pinch-off wheel  28  having an axle  30 , the axle  30  of the semi-elliptical pinch-off wheel  28  rotatably attached to the interior side of the second component  20 , wherein the axle  30  traversing through the interior side of the second component  20  into the hollow chamber  24  of the second component  20 , wherein when the device  10  is in the closed position then a first portion of the circumference of the semi-elliptical pinch-off wheel  28  extending within the hollow cylindrical tubing channel of the device  10  and a second portion of the circumference of the semi-elliptical pinch-off wheel  28  not extending within the hollow cylindrical tubing channel of the device  10 ; a crossbar  32  having an indicating end  34 , the crossbar  32  attached substantially perpendicularly to the axle  30  of the semi-elliptical pinch-off wheel  28 , the crossbar  32  positioned within the hollow chamber  24  of the second component  20  with the indicating end  34  positionable at any hole  26  of the plurality of holes  26 ; and a plurality of volumetric markings  36  embossed on the front of the second component  20 , each volumetric marking of the plurality of volumetric markings  36  aligned to correspond to a separate corresponding hole  26  of the plurality of holes  26  traversing through the front of the second component  20 . The hanging step comprises hanging an intravenous bottle above a patient, the intravenous bottle having fluid contents and having the intravenous transfer line  12  fluidly connected to the bottle. The attaching step comprises attaching an intravenous needle to the transfer line  12  of the intravenous bottle so that the contents of the intravenous bottle are in fluid communications with the intravenous needle. The sterilizing step comprises sterilizing a portion of a designated injection zone on the patient. The injecting step comprises injecting the intravenous needle into the designated injection zone of the patient. The securing step comprises securing a portion of the injected intravenous needle onto the designated injection zone of the patient with adhesive tape. The twisting step comprises twisting rotatably the semi-elliptical pinch-off wheel  28  so that the second portion of the circumference of the semi-elliptical pinch-off wheel  28  does not extend within the hollow cylindrical tubing channel of the device  10 . The turning step comprises turning pivotally away the first component  14  and the second component  20  so that the device  10  is positioned in the open position. The placing step comprises placing longitudinally a portion of the transfer line  12  into the second concave groove  22  of the second component  20  of the device  10  when the device  10  is in the open position. The pushing step comprises pushing pivotally together the first component  14  and the second component  20  so that the device  10  is positioned in the closed position while the portion of the transfer line  12  is placed in the second concave groove  22  of the device  10 , so that the portion of the transfer line  12  is enshrouded by the hollow cylindrical tubing channel traversing longitudinally through the device  10 . The rotating step comprises rotating the semi-elliptical pinch-off wheel  28  when the device  10  is positioned in the closed position while the portion of the transfer line  12  is placed in the second concave groove  22  of the device  10  so that the first portion of the circumference of the semi-elliptical pinch-off wheel  28  extends within the hollow cylindrical tubing channel of the device  10  wherein partially restricting the flow of fluid through the transfer line  12 . The adjusting step comprises adjusting the position of the semi-elliptical pinch-off wheel  28  when the device  10  is positioned in the closed position while the portion of the transfer line  12  is placed in the second concave groove  22  of the device  10  by moving rotatably the semi-elliptical pinch-off wheel  28  while looking at the indicating end  34  of the crossbar  32  through the plurality of holes  26  in the front of the second component  20 . The noting step comprises noting an estimated volumetric delivery rate from the plurality of volumetric markings  36  embossed on the front of the second component  20  corresponding to where the indicating end  34  of the crossbar  32  is seen through one of the plurality of holes  26 . The recording step comprises recording the estimated volumetric delivery rate. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 1  which depicts a perspective view of an preferred embodiment of the flow regulator device  10  showing the device  10  in the closed position with a portion of the transfer line  12  enshrouded within the hollow cylindrical tubing channel traversing longitudinally through said device  10 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 2 , which depicts a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the flow regulator device  10  showing the device  10  in the open position. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4  which depict a cross sectional side views of a preferred embodiment of the flow regulator device  10  showing the semi-elliptical pinch-off wheel  28  rotatably attached to the second component about the axle  30  rotatably attached to the interior side of the second component  20 . Also shown is the crossbar  32  having the indicating end  34 , in which the crossbar  32  is attached substantially perpendicularly to the axle  30  of the semi-elliptical pinch-off wheel  28 . The crossbar  32  positioned within the hollow chamber  24  of the second component  20  with the indicating end  34  positionable at any hole  26  of the plurality of holes  26 . 
   As to the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided. 
   While a preferred embodiment of the flow regulator device has been described in detail, it should be apparent that modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
   Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” or the term “includes” or variations, thereof, or the term “having” or variations, thereof will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element or integer or group of elements or integers but not the exclusion of any other element or integer or group of elements or integers. In this regard, in construing the claim scope, an embodiment where one or more features is added to any of the claims is to be regarded as within the scope of the invention given that the essential features of the invention as claimed are included in such an embodiment. 
   Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications that fall within its spirit and scope. The invention also includes all of the steps, features, compositions and compounds referred to or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any two or more of said steps or features. 
   Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.