PROGRAMMABLE FLEXIBLE-TUBE FLOW REGULATOR AND USE METHODS

Title:

PROGRAMMABLE FLEXIBLE-TUBE FLOW REGULATOR AND USE METHODS

Document Type and Number:

WIPO Patent Application WO2002078765

Kind Code:

A3

Abstract:

Programmable methods and apparatus for providing flow control in valves. In a preferred embodiment flow control occurs by pressing opposite sides of a very flexible tube section (3) together to selectively, and programmably, closing and opening the flow pathway. Linear or rotary cam electrically motorized members (4,5) provide valve function without requiring fluid flow through the valve. Alternatively, micro-fluidic amplifiers and fluidic logic circuits can be used to sense and control fluid pressure in a pre-calculated proportional flow regulation pattern. The invention can be used in medical, hospital, clinic and home-care units for bladder cycling a patient whose urinary tracts have an indwelling catheter, utilizing a pressure transducer (23) that opens and closes the valve in accordance with preprogrammed pressure buildup or time intervals. Other uses include a medical infusion subsystem (31) by regulating flow of fluid from a medication reservoir into the blood or into a digestive system. Electromechanical and electrochemical sensors coupled by tubing to reservoirs can collect electromechanical data. Additional uses can include industrial and consumer applications can include kidney dialysis, heart catheters, and neutral or cranial stents, and the like, can be additional medical areas for specific computer-chip controlled flow regulation units. Displays and/or parameter warning indicators (26) can also be used.

Inventors:

FLINCHBAUGH DAVID E (US)

Application Number:

PCT/IB2002/002266

Publication Date:

October 16, 2003

Filing Date:

April 02, 2002

Export Citation:

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Assignee:

HOOK RES FOUNDATION (PA)
FLINCHBAUGH DAVID E (US)

International Classes:

A61M5/168; A61M25/00; A61M25/04; A61M39/28; F16K7/06; F16K31/04; F16K37/00; (IPC1-7): A61M31/00

Foreign References:

US5114412A	1992-05-19
US3777737A	1973-12-11
US4869457A	1989-09-26
US5011472A	1991-04-30
US4994020A	1991-02-19

Other References: