Automatic IV shut off valve
US6261267A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 9, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jul 17, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 9, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2005/1623
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An IV container spike and drip chamber assembly is provided that includes an automatic shut off mechanism which allows nurses to change the fluid container without removing the catheter from the patient. The automatic shut off mechanism comprises a floating ball capable of being supported by or floating in the fluid due to the buoyancy of the fluid. The IV container spike also includes an air vent which allows the air in the drip chamber to vent out directly when the nurses want to change the container of medicinal fluid. The air vent is closed for the initial use and during the infusion process. As the medicinal fluid is gradually reduced in level in the drip chamber, the floating ball is lowered thereby and when the floating ball reaches the bottom of the drip chamber, the floating ball blocks the outlet so as to stop the injection. After the injection is stopped nurses can take off the spike and insert it into a new medicinal fluid container, and open the air vent cap until the new medicinal fluid reaches the required level in the drip chamber. The air vent cap should be closed immediately after the medicinal fluid reaches the desired level.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.