Control valve for infusion system

Abstract

Apparatus for use in hospitals and the like for administering to a patient medicated liquid solutions, or blood. The improvement comprises an improved control valve for regulating and filtering the fluid flow of said solutions into the body. The liquid control valve is of a vernier control type with a selective adjustment to the prescribed rate of fluid flow with limit stops for positive shut-off, and full by-pass. The valve is positioned on the patient adjacent the point of entry of the fluid into the body. The apparatus -- adaptable to the commercial infusion administration single use disposable kits -- comprises a tapered fluid control spool, having a series of longitudinal grooves. With the spool resiliently snapped into and positioned in a housing the grooves are graduated openings that traverse the fluid supply port. The length, depth, shape and spacing of the grooves together with geometric shape of the supply port provides a variable resistance to the fluid flow to provide an exact program of flow. The spool housing valve further includes in combination therewith a filter. The outside configuration of the control valve is adapted to be secured to the wrist, ankle, or body of the patient in a manner that is safe from accidental operation.