The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 14, 1990
Filed:
Oct. 26, 1988
Robert W Beard, Placerville, CA (US);
Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL (US);
Abstract
Apparatus for monitoring fluid pressure and controlling fluid flow in a fluid line. The apparatus (10) includes a base (36) and a cover (38), between which is captured a membrane (42). The base includes an inlet port (18), a first outlet port (20), and a second outlet port (34). Channels formed within the base and covered by the membrane connect the inlet and outlet ports in fluid communication. The apparatus includes a flushing flow control valve (30) formed by a flow control projection (70), which projects outwardly from the base through the cover, and separates an inlet channel (62) from an outlet channel (64). A capillary flow passage 88 for restricting flow through the apparatus is disposed between the inlet channel and outlet channel comprises a capillary groove (86), formed across the flow control projection, adjacent the overlying membrane. Flushing fluid flow through the apparatus is obtained by pulling upwardly on a grip (90) to deform the membrane away from the flow control projection, thereby enlarging the capillary flow passage. A pressure sensing assembly (28) is mounted on the apparatus in fluid communication with the outlet channel for continuous monitoring of fluid pressure. A flow direction valve is formed by a generally 'T'-shaped flow direction channel (122) formed in the base and overlying the membrane, with an actuator button (128) being slidably secured to the cover above the flow direction channel providing for selection of the flow path. An inwardly extending valve projection (130) included on the actuator button bears on and deforms the membrane into the flow direction channel. Sliding the actuator button between three positions causes the membrane to selectively block one of the inlet or outlet ports, preventing fluid flow through that port, but allowing fluid flow between the other two ports.