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:
Jul. 17, 2001
Filed:
Oct. 09, 1998
Wei Chen, Houston, TX (US);
Globe Enterprises, Inc., Houston, TX (US);
Abstract
An IV container spike and drip chamber assembly is provided that includes an automatic shut off mechanism which allows nurses to change the fluid container without removing the catheter from the patient. The automatic shut off mechanism comprises a floating ball capable of being supported by or floating in the fluid due to the buoyancy of the fluid. The IV container spike also includes an air vent which allows the air in the drip chamber to vent out directly when the nurses want to change the container of medicinal fluid. The air vent is closed for the initial use and during the infusion process. As the medicinal fluid is gradually reduced in level in the drip chamber, the floating ball is lowered thereby and when the floating ball reaches the bottom of the drip chamber, the floating ball blocks the outlet so as to stop the injection. After the injection is stopped nurses can take off the spike and insert it into a new medicinal fluid container, and open the air vent cap until the new medicinal fluid reaches the required level in the drip chamber. The air vent cap should be closed immediately after the medicinal fluid reaches the desired level.