Method and apparatus for controlling the flow rate of fluid discharge
Inventors
PERRY, JR., KENNETH PAUL • Aiken, Tonia Dandry • AIKEN, JAMES BEAM • Mayes, Tina Dandry
Assignees
Safepush LLC • BreezzAngel LLC
Publication Number
US-11042169-B2
Publication Date
2021-06-22
Expiration Date
2038-02-21
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for use in controlling a dispensing rate of medication or other substance via a syringe, including, without limitation, into a patient, intravenous line port or heparin lock. A fluid flow rate control apparatus has a housing defining an inner chamber with an inlet port and an outlet port. Sealing seats are formed at or near both the inlet and outlet ports, and a moveable sealing element, such as a ball, can move within the inner chamber between the sealing seats. A spring biases the ball toward the inlet port sealing seat.
Core Innovation
The invention comprises a method and apparatus for controlling the dispensing flow rate of medication or other fluids from devices including, but not limited to, pumps, syringes, and intravenous lines. The apparatus includes a housing defining an inner chamber with an inlet and outlet port, wherein a movable sealing element such as a ball moves between sealing seats at the inlet and outlet. A spring biases the ball toward the inlet seat, and fluid flow through the device regulates the movement of the ball to maintain a predetermined maximum flow rate.
The apparatus functions without electricity or external power and is designed to be small, disposable, lightweight, and portable. It can quickly attach to conventional syringes, IV hoses, manifolds, and other medical equipment without modification or specialized tools, thereby allowing reliable flow regulation even in emergency environments. The fluid flow is controlled by the interaction of fluid force on the movable sealing element and a biasing spring, such that when the flow rate exceeds a predetermined level, the sealing element blocks or restricts further flow, thus preventing flow rates above the set limit.
Claims Coverage
There is one independent claim providing detailed inventive features of a medicant dispensing apparatus.
Fluid flow control apparatus with movable sealing ball and biased spring
A fluid flow control apparatus positioned within a flow bore includes a housing with a first seat and a second flow bore, and an end member with a second seat having at least one dimple. A sealing ball moves between the first and second seats, biased toward the first seat by a compression spring within the end member.
Formation of fluid flow paths allowing controlled fluid flow
When the sealing ball is in the open position contacting the second seat, a first fluid flow path is formed between the housing and the end member allowing fluid to flow through the first and second flow bores. Additionally, a second fluid flow path is formed between the sealing ball and the end member adjacent to the dimple, allowing fluid to flow through the first, second, and third bores.
Connection features for interfacing with syringes and intravenous tubes
The apparatus includes first and second connection means at opposing ends of the body section to fluidly connect to a syringe and a downstream fluid outlet, which may include ribs, threads, or protrusions and may be in fluid communication with an intravenous medication tube.
Coaxial arrangement of bores
The first, second, and third flow bores are arranged coaxially to allow fluid flow through the apparatus.
The claim covers a medicant dispensing apparatus featuring a spring-biased movable sealing ball within a housing and end member assembly with dimpled seats that form controlled fluid flow paths, connection features for interfacing with syringes and IV tubing, and coaxial bores that regulate and limit fluid flow rate.
Stated Advantages
The apparatus is small, disposable, lightweight, and portable, making it easy to use in emergency settings without requiring electricity or external power.
It can be quickly and simply attached to standard medical equipment like syringes, IV hoses, and manifolds without modification or specialized tools, enabling rapid deployment and use.
The invention provides reliable, effective, and inexpensive fluid flow rate regulation, ensuring medication is administered at a safe and controlled rate, thereby reducing the likelihood of overdose or underdose.
It prevents exceeding a predetermined maximum flow rate regardless of fluid pressure variations, creating a fail-safe against accidental high flow rates.
Documented Applications
Controlling the dispensing flow rate of medication from syringes into a patient intravenous line port or heparin lock.
Use by hospital emergency and trauma personnel, paramedics, or clinicians in emergency rooms or remote locations for administering critical care medications.
Regulating fluid flow rate in medical applications where drugs must be infused at controlled rates over predetermined time periods, including time periods typically between bolus injections and longer infusions.
Integration with conventional syringes, IV hoses, and manifolds to control flow rate within intravenous medication administration systems.
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