GB1335395A - Intra-venous infusion device - Google Patents

Abstract

1335395 Intravenous infusion device BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES Inc 21 Oct 1970 49996/70 Heading A5R An intravenous infusion device comprises a container 10, whose interior is divided by a diaphragm 30 so that the diaphragm selectively abuts the wall 18 of the container when fluid 68 is introduced through an inlet 42 and then the opposite wall 16 when pressurised gas is introduced from a second container 12, whereby the fluid 68 is ejected from an outlet 46 at a steady rate into a flexible tube 58 from which it passes to a hypodermic needle. The tube 58 is attached to the container 10 by means of a coupling 60 externally threaded to engage the discharge opening 46, and having a spiked end 60 to perforate a seal 50 over the spring 46 when the coupling is engaged. The gas container 12 has an externally threaded neck 52 closed by a seal 54, which engages an internally threaded socket 34, on the container so that a protruding inlet 40 pierces the seal 54 when the gas container is attached and allows the gas to pass into container 10. The flow rate of the fluid to the hypodermic needle is regulated by a combined flow regulator and flow rate testing apparatus, which comprises a pair of spaced flow control members 110 and 120 with valves 92 and 94 for regulating the flow of fluid through compressible resilient tube 58 which passes through the control members. The tubes can be constricted by a clamp 84. Each control member comprises a tubular housing 80, 82 with a bore hole 106 intersecting a bore 104 which supports the tube such that a valve 94 which is rotatably received in the bore by means of a bead 98 and thread 96 connection may constrict the tube and thus adjust the fluid flow rate. A scale and pointer 82a and 100 are provided on the housing and valve respectively to indicate the position of the valve and thus the fluid flow rate. The control members are integrally connected by a member 78, which supports the tube. The flow rate can be tested by first emptying the conduit by compressing it between the clamp 84 and support member 78 and then cutting off the flow through the control member 92, and measuring the time taken for the conduit to fill up again to its known volume. A section 102 of the conduit downstream of the controller 92 has a reduced wall thickness which enables it to indicate by pulsation any undue fluctuation of the flow rate.