Electret enhanced automatic IV drip chamber shutoff
US7338475B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 17, 2004 |
| Grant date | Mar 4, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 1, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2205/0288
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An automatic stop valve formed in a container of a medical fluid administration system includes an electrical field that attracts the float and valve seat together to shut off flow from the exit port of the container when the fluid within the container is reduced to a predetermined level. One or both of the float and valve seat creates an electric field that attracts the other, which is made of a non-magnetic dielectric, into engagement. In one embodiment, the valve seat is formed of an electret that creates the electric field attracting the float to it to stop flow. In another embodiment, the float comprises an electret that attracts the float to the dielectric valve seat. In yet another embodiment, both the float and valve seat include electrets of opposite polarity that attract each other into engagement. The lack of magnetic and metallic materials makes the shut off valve suitable for use in an MRI environment.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.