US3779507A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Means for controlling fluid flow
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1971-09-10
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Granted: 1973-12-18
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Expires: 1991-09-10
Abstract
Abstract A device for regulating fluid flow, especially of blood, saline drips and other medical fluids in hosp1tal administration sets, is in the form of a clamp having jaws engaging a flattened portion of tube, and this flattened portion has a tapered groove or a tapered elongated member between its opposed walls. Movement of the point of action of the clamp along the flattened tube portion varies the rate of flow.
Inventors
- 👤 E Clarke
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 14:30
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61M; A61M39/00; A61M39/22; A61M39/28; A61M39/284
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
165 words
Means for controlling fluid flow comprising a hollow tubular body, a longitudinally extending flattened portion in said body, said flattened portion having two opposed flexible walls capable of being brought into mutual contact, a clamp, said clamp having opposed jaws capable of engaging externally said walls over a longitudinally limited region thereof whereby to bring said walls forcibly into contact only over said region, the unclamped portions of said opposed walls being capable of flexing outwardly under fluid pressure to define between them a fluid duct of relatively large cross-sectional area if not already flexed outwardly by their own innate resilience to define such a duct, longitudinally extending tapered means disposed between said opposed walls to define a fluid passage therebetween even when said walls are in mutual contact, the cross-sectional area of said passage varying longitudinally by virtue of the taper of said tapered means, and the region of engagement of said jaws on said flattened portion being movable longitudinally of said flattened portion.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
165 words
Means for controlling fluid flow comprising a hollow tubular body, a longitudinally extending flattened portion in said body, said flattened portion having two opposed flexible walls capable of being brought into mutual contact, a clamp, said clamp having opposed jaws capable of engaging externally said walls over a longitudinally limited region thereof whereby to bring said walls forcibly into contact only over said region, the unclamped portions of said opposed walls being capable of flexing outwardly under fluid pressure to define between them a fluid duct of relatively large cross-sectional area if not already flexed outwardly by their own innate resilience to define such a duct, longitudinally extending tapered means disposed between said opposed walls to define a fluid passage therebetween even when said walls are in mutual contact, the cross-sectional area of said passage varying longitudinally by virtue of the taper of said tapered means, and the region of engagement of said jaws on said flattened portion being movable longitudinally of said flattened portion.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The means set forth in claim 1 wherein said tapered means comprise surfaces defining a longitudinally extending tapered groove in the inner surface of at least one said walls.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
The means set forth in claim 1 wherein said tapered means comprise a tapered elongated member extending longitudinally between said walls and serving to keep said walls apart locally against the action of said clamp.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The means set forth in claim 1 wherein said tapered means do not extend the full longitudinal extent of said flattened portion.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The means set forth in claim 1 wherein said body is of thermoplastic synthetic resin.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
62 words
The means set forth in claim 1 wherein said clamp comprises first and second lever members, asid lever members lying on opposite sides of said flattened portion, means defining a rocking hinged connection between said lever members, and resilient means urging one pair of adjacent ends of said lever members together, said ends defining said jaws and clamping said flattened portion therebetween.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The means set forth in claim 6 wherein said resilient means comprise at least one elastic loop embracing said ends.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
46 words
The means set forth in claim 6 wherein said jaws have mutually parallel faces and, in the rest condition of the lever member under the action of said resilient means, with said jaws engaging said flattened portion, said hinged-connection-defining means are out of mutual hinging engagement.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-12-17 | 1977-06-18 | 1977-12-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-12-17 | 1981-06-18 | 1981-12-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-12-17 | 1985-06-18 | 1985-12-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |