Variable flow control device, system and method

Abstract

A device, system and method are provided for controlling the rate of infusion of fluids during infusion therapy using non-electric infusion devices. Rotation of a flow regulator dial causes an orifice connected to the inlet to modify its position relative to a particular one or more orifices or groove portions, the characteristics of which provide a certain flow rate characteristic. The flow regulator allows for the infusion pump to infuse at a rate that may be varied during use by the user. Additionally, the flow regulator is made from a material selected to operate under a wide range of pressures, from 5-40 PSI, making the flow regulator compatible with pressurized devices, such as, a non-electric pump.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A flow rate control device configured for connection in a flow path between a non-electric infusion pump and a patient, the flow rate control device, comprising:
 an inlet handle;   an outlet handle;   a fluid path disposed between said inlet handle and said outlet handle, said fluid path having manually adjustable dimensions; and   said inlet handle and said outlet handle composed of materials that can withstand pressures of from 5 PSI-40 PSI.   
     
     
         2 . The flow rate control device according to  claim 1 , wherein said materials include at least one of polycarbonate and another material having a similar hardness coefficient to polycarbonate. 
     
     
         3 . The flow rate control device according to  claim 1 , wherein the non-electric infusion pump is a mechanical infusion pump. 
     
     
         4 . The flow rate control device of  claim 3 , wherein the mechanical infusion pump is an elastomeric pump. 
     
     
         5 . The flow rate control device of  claim 1 , further including a flow rate control mechanism disposed between said inlet port and said outlet port and composed of materials that can withstand pressures of from 5 PSI-40 PSI. 
     
     
         6 . The flow rate control device of  claim 5 , wherein the flow rate control mechanism includes a seal made of a soft plastic. 
     
     
         7 . A variable flow rate infusion system, comprising:
 a non-electric infusion pump that dispenses fluid pressurized to between 5 PSI and 40 PSI; and   a flow control device according to  claim 1  in fluid communication with said non-electric infusion pump.   
     
     
         8 . The variable flow rate infusion system according to  claim 7 , wherein said materials include at least one of polycarbonate and another material having a similar hardness coefficient to polycarbonate. 
     
     
         9 . The variable flow rate infusion system according to  claim 7 , wherein the non-electric infusion pump is a mechanical infusion pump. 
     
     
         10 . The variable flow rate infusion system according to  claim 9 , wherein the mechanical infusion pump is an elastomeric pump. 
     
     
         11 . The flow rate control device of  claim 7 , further including a flow rate control mechanism disposed between said inlet port and said outlet port and composed of materials that can withstand pressures of from 5 PSI-40 PSI. 
     
     
         12 . The flow rate control device of  claim 11 , wherein the flow rate control mechanism includes a seal made of a soft plastic. 
     
     
         13 . A method for controlling the rate of infusion of fluids to a patient during infusion therapy, comprising the steps of:
 providing a flow rate control device according to  claim 1 ;   connecting the flow rate control device between a non-electric infusion pump and a patient;   operating the non-electric infusion pump to pressurize the fluid to a pressure of from 5 PSI-40 PSI; and   manually adjusting the fluid path dimensions to control the flow rate of the pressurized fluid delivered to the patient.   
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 13 , wherein said materials include at least one of polycarbonate and another material having a similar hardness coefficient to polycarbonate. 
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 13 , wherein the non-electric infusion pump is a mechanical infusion pump. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the mechanical infusion pump is an elastomeric pump. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 13 , further including a flow rate control mechanism disposed between said inlet port and said outlet port and composed of materials that can withstand pressures of from 5 PSI-40 PSI. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the flow rate control mechanism includes a seal made of a soft plastic.