A CONTINUOUS AND CONTROLLED IRRIGATION SYSTEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to means for providing irrigation for surgical procedures in
which the fluid is provided with a constant flow. In particular, it relates to such means in
which the fluid is provided from a plurality of independent containers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] An irrigation system is a system that delivers fluids for a predetermined amount of
time and to a predetermined body part/patient in need.
[0003] The present invention provides a constant flow of fluid. Such an irrigation system is
useful in practically every procedure currently known. Irrigation system are used on patients
in the OR (operating rooms), in ER (emergency rooms), in intensive care, in recovery rooms
post surgery, and on patients who are admitted in hospital or clinics.
[0004] Irrigation is needed in different types medical procedures and operations and while
using different types of fluids.
[0005] Many kinds of irrigation fluid are used, including, among others, blood, glycine,
water, plasma, saline, plasma, drugs.
[0006] For example, procedures may require irrigation of oxygen; anesthetic gas for use as
local anesthesia, regional anesthesia and general anesthesia selected from ethers, halogenated
ethers, desflurane (2,2,2-trifluoro-l-fluoroethyl-difluoromethyl ether, sevoflurane (2,2,2-
trifluoro-l-[trifluoromethyl] ethyl fluoromethyl ether), and isoflurane (2-chloro-2-
(difluoromethoxy)-l,l,l-trifluoro-ethane); blood; saline; glycine; water; plasma; medicament
and any combination thereof.
[0007] The following give a few examples of procedures in which glycine, saline,
medicaments, or any combinations thereof are required as the irrigation fluid.
Many medical procedures such as TURP (transurethral prostatic resection), PCNL,
uteroscopy, hysteroscopy etc, require a constant flow of fluid such as saline or glycine in
order to wash away blood and resected tissue and to maintain the temperature of the tissue
and of the surgical instrument.
[0008] In, for example, TURP surgery (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate), the surgeon
inserts a Resectoscope into the urethra. The Resectoscope allows the surgeon to see the
enlarged prostate gland and to remove a small piece of the prostate gland tissue using the
resectoscope's electrical cutting loop.
[0009] TURP is a non-invasive surgery that requires a continuous flow of solution (e.g.,
glycine) to the prostate and bladder and out through the Resectoscope.
The Continuous Irrigation enables the surgeon to:
1. Increase the volume of the prostate & bladder (building a surgical site);
2. Clean blood flow from the prostate; and,
3. Clean resected tissue from the prostate
4. Cool the prostate, removing the heat caused by the electrical cutting loop.
[00010] Any discontinuation of the supply of solution immediately results in a drop in
the fluid pressure and thus, a "collapse" of the prostate and bladder, accumulation of blood
that eventually blocks the surgical view (surgical site), and the accumulation of blood clots,
which can stop the surgery and all of which increase the patient's risks.
[00011] Thus, it would be advantageous to provide a continuous flow of solution.
[00012] The irrigation fluid is generally provided from one or more containers (e.g.
solution bags) positioned above the level of the operating table. Fluid flows from the
containers through a tube (e.g. disposable Y type set) under gravity to the patient. Each
container supplies flow for approximately 10 minutes, then it needs to be manually replaced.
These manual procedures suffer from problems such as a high dependence on the medical
personal who must notice that the container needs replacing and who must replace the
solution bag on time, the limitation of the flow rate, and a lack of means of informing the
operators that the solution has run out or is about to run out
[00013] A fully automated system, in which a new container is opened as an old one
empties in a fully automated manner without the need of human intervention and in which a
notification can be provided to the operator when the solution has run out or if there is a
system failure, thus remains a long-felt need.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[00014] The invention disclosed herein is designed to meet this long-felt need. The
system and method provide a means by which fluid is provided from a plurality of containers
such that as each container empties to a certain level (e.g. to half its initial content), flow is
automatically started from a different container, thus mamtaining a constant flow through the
system.
[00015] The present invention provides a unique robotic solution, based on using the
solution bags (containers) currently used, with an electro-mechanical ssytem that replaces the
manual procedure (namely, switching between containers) with an automatic one.
[00016] T e system consists of several sub mechanisms; e.g., a mechanism that spikes
the bag/container with a disposable or reusable set (tube), a mechanism that builds pressure
that creates the flow, a mechanism that identifies the quantity of fluid available in the
bag/container and when it is about to be empty, and a mechanism that switches to a new
bag/container automatically, spikes it and builds pressure according to the surgeon's needs,
thus enabling Continuous Irrigation.
[00017] It is one object of the present invention to provide an irrigation system for
providing a continuous and controlled flow of a fluid, wherein said system comprises:
a reservoir system comprising a plurality of containers of fluid; said reservoir system
characterized by a predetermined configuration;
a fluid transfer system in fluid connection with said reservoir system, said fluid transfer
system comprising:
at least one fluid transfer head, adapted to transfer fluid from one of said plurality
of containers to an external tubing system; wherein each of said fluid transfer
heads is characterized by a mechanism adapted to linearly move each of said
fluid transfer heads along said predetermined configuration from one of said
containers to another.
[00018] It is one object of the present invention to provide an irrigation system for
providing a continuous and controlled flow of a fluid, wherein said system comprises:
a reservoir system comprising a plurality of containers of fluid; said reservoir system
characterized by a main longitudinal axis;
a fluid transfer system in fluid connection with said reservoir system, said fluid transfer
system comprising:
at least one fluid transfer head, adapted to transfer fluid from one of said plurality
of containers to an external tubing system; wherein each of said fluid transfer
heads is characterized by a mechanism adapted to linearly move each of said
fluid transfer heads along said main longitudinal axis.
[00019] It is another object of the present invention to provide an irrigation system for
providing a continuous and controlled rate flow of a fluid, wherein said system comprises:
a reservoir system comprising a plurality of containers of fluid; said containers in said
reservoir system disposed in a predetermined configuration;
a fluid transfer system in fluid connection with said reservoir system, said fluid transfer
system comprising:
at least one fluid transfer head, adapted to transfer fluid from one of said plurality
of containers to an external tubing system; wherein each of said fluid transfer
heads is characterized by a mechanism adapted to radially move each of said
fluid transfer heads.
[00020] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said predetermined configuration is selected from a group consisting
of a linear configuration, a radial configuration, an ellipsoidal configuration, a square
configuration, a triangular configuration, a hexagonal configuration, a pentagonal
configuration, a configuration of any 2D or 3D shape and any combination thereof.
[00021] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said fluid transfer system further comprising fluid regulating means,
adapted to regulate either the rate of transfer of fluid from said reservoir system to each of
said fluid transfer heads or the pressure at which said fluid is transferred from said reservoir
system to each of said fluid transfer heads.
[00022] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said system further comprising a control system adapted to control at
least one selected from a group consisting of (a) the rate of flow of fluid through said
irrigation system according to a predetermined protocol; (b) the movement of said at least one
fluid transfer head; (c) the activation of said at least one fluid transfer head; and any
combination thereof.
[00023] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said system further comprising a pressure building system selected
from pumping means adapted to withdraw said fluid from at least one of said containers; or
pressure applying means adapted to apply pressure on at least one of said containers.
[00024] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said system further comprising a pumping system in fluid connection
with said fluid transfer system, adapted to withdraw said fluid from at least one of said
containers of fluid at a predetermined rate of flow to an outer tubing system.
[00025] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said system further comprising pressure applying means adapted to
apply pressure on at least one of said containers of fluid so as to enable a predetermined rate
of flow from at least one of said containers to an outer tubing system.
[00026] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said pressure applying means is selected from a group consisting of a
membrane encapsulating at least one of said containers of fluid, squeezing means adapted to
apply squeezing pressure on at least one of said containers and any combination thereof and
any combination thereof.
[00027] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said squeezing means are selected from pneumatic compression of at
least one of the containers, hydrostatic compression of at least one of the containers and any
combination thereof.
[00028] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said fluid is selected from a group consisting of gas, liquid and any
combination thereof.
[00029] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said fluid is selected from oxygen; anesthetic gas for use as local
anesthesia, regional anesthesia and general anesthesia selected from ethers, halogenated
ethers, desflurane (2,2,2-trifluoro-l-fluoroethyl-difluoromethyl ether, sevoflurane (2,2,2-
trifluoro-l-[trifluoromethyl]ethyl fluoromethyl ether), and isoflurane (2-chloro-2-
(difluoromethoxy)-l,l,l-trifluoro-ethane); blood; saline; glycine; water; plasma; medicament
and any combination thereof.
[00030] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said system is adapted to deliver several substantially different fluids.
[0003 } It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said substantially different fluids are provided to said patient in
substantially the same amounts, in different amounts, at substantially the same rates, at
different rates, and any combination thereof.
[00032] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said fluid transfer system comprises at least at least two fluid transfer
heads.
[00033] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said at least one fluid transfer head comprises at least one internal
reservoir for accommodating said fluid and for delivering said fluid while said fluid transfer
head linearly moves along said main longitudinal axis.
[00034] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said at least one fluid transfer head comprises at least one internal
reservoir for accommodating said fluid and for delivering said fluid while said fluid transfer
head radially moves around said main longitudinal axis.
[00035] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said reservoir system comprises:
a plurality of N support shelves adapted to support each of said containers of said fluid;
support means adapted to support said shelves and to maintain a predetermined distance
and orientation between pairs of shelves; and,
a plurality of at least N slots in said shelf support means, said slots positioned such that
at least one slot is located proximate to each of said N shelves.
[00036] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said support is selected from a group consisting of shelf, drawer,
receptacle, sliding receptacle and any combination thereof.
[00037] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said containers are bags made of a flexible material.
[00038] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said containers are made of a rigid material.
[00039] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said rigid material is glass, plastic, ceramic, metal, and any
combination thereof
[00040] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said reservoir system further comprising monitoring means adapted
to constantly monitor at least one of the group consisting of the amount of fluid extracted
from said reservoir system, the amount of fluid remained in said reservoir system and any
combination thereof and reporting means adapted to report the value of said at least one
determination.
[000 1] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said reservoir system further comprises weight measuring and
reporting means adapted to determine the weight of each of said containers and to report the
value of said determination.
[00042] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said reservoir system further comprises volume measuring and
reporting means adapted to determine the volume of each of said containers and to report the
value of said determination.
[00043] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said reservoir system further comprises at least one image sensor
adapted to provide real time images of each of said containers.
[00044] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said image sensor is selected from a group consisting of a camera, a
video and any combination thereof
[00045] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said reservoir system further comprises at least one processing unit in
communication with said at least one image sensor, adapted for real time image processing of
said images such that either the volume or the weight of each of said containers is provided.
[00046] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said reporting means is in communication with said control means.
[00047] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, further comprising support rotation means adapted to allow rotation of each of
said supports about an axis parallel to its longitudinal axis, said support rotation means
further adapted to allow each of said supports to be fixed at an angle chosen by the operator
of said irrigation system; said angle is adapted to be fixed prior to said irrigation, during said
irrigation and any combination thereof.
[00048] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said angle is in a range of about 0 degrees to about 90 degrees.
[00049] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein each of said containers comprises a neck and a nipple, and further
wherein said irrigation system further comprises at least one connector between said
container and said fluid transfer head, wherein said connector is reversibly coupled to said
irrigation system and comprises:
a lower section comprising two arcs, the first of which is of a diameter and depth adapted
to support said neck, and the second of which is of a diameter and depth adapted to support
said nipple, the distance between the centers of said arcs substantially equal to the distance
between the centers of said neck and said nipple; and,
an upper section hingedly connected to said lower section, said upper section comprising
two arcs of diameters substantially identical to those of the corresponding arcs of said
lower section, said two arcs disposed such that closure of said hinged connection forms at
least one circular hollow passageway passing through said connector.
[00050] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said system additionally comprising means adapted to fix said
containers in place, to verify said containers are in place and any combination thereof.
[00051] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said fluid transfer system further comprises fluid transfer head
support means adapted to support said fluid transfer heads; said fluid transfer head support
means adapted to allow vertical motion, radial motion and any combination thereof of at least
one of said fluid transfer heads.
[00052] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein each of said fluid transfer heads comprises
a spike;
flexible tubing in fluid contact with said spike;
ejecting and retracting means for ejecting at least one of said spike and said fluid
transfer head a predetermined minimum distance along the horizontal axis from a
resting position to an ejected position and for retracting said at least one of said spike
and said fluid transfer head from said ejected position to said resting position;
height fixing means adapted to fix the vertical position of said fluid transfer head.
[00053] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said flexible tubing further comprises at least one internal reservoir
for accommodating said fluid and for delivering said fluid while said fluid transfer head
linearly moves along said main longitudinal axis.
[00054] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said flexible tubing further comprises at least one internal reservoir
for accommodating said fluid and for delivering said fluid while said fluid transfer head
radially moves around said main longitudinal axis.
[00055] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said system additionally comprising height fixing means adapted to
fix the vertical position of said fluid transfer head or heads along said main longitudinal axis
of said reservoir system.
[00056] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein at least one of said fluid transfer heads further comprises an actuator
in mechanical contact with said fluid transfer head support means and in electronic
connection with said control means, said actuator adapted to engage with said fluid transfer
head support means, whereby actuation of said actuator by a command from said control
means causes vertical motion of said fluid transfer head along the vertical axis of said fluid
transfer support means through a distance determined by said control means.
[00057] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said actuator comprises at least one selected from a group consisting
of stepper motor, voice command actuator, motion detector and any combination thereof.
[00058] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said fluid regulating means comprises:
pressure applying means mounted proximate to said flexible tubing in fluid contact with
said spike; and,
extending and retracting means in mechanical contact with said pressure applying means,
said extending and retracting means adapted to reversibly extend said pressure applying
means.
[00059] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said fluid regulating means is adapted to activate or de-activate fluid
flow in said irrigation system.
[00060] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said extending and retracting means comprise a retractable spring.
[00061] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said extending and retracting means are actuated by a means chosen
from the group consisting of manual means, mechanical means, electrical means, pneumatic
means, electromechanical means, electropneumatic means and any combination thereof.
[00062] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said fluid regulating means comprises at least one selected from a
group consisting of a pinch valve, a wheel-like shaped element adapted to apply pressure, and
any combination thereof.
[Q Q63] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said pumping system comprises a peristaltic pump.
[00064] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said pumping system comprises a single inlet, and further wherein at
least two of said containers are in fluid connection with said single inlet.
[00065] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein two of said containers are in fluid connection with a "Y" joint located
downstream of said fluid transfer heads.
[00066] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said control system comprises a computer in communication with at
least one of said reservoir system, said fluid transfer system, and said pumping system, and
further wherein said control system is adapted to direct the flow of fluid through said system.
[00067] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said system further comprising:
at least one additional container in fluid connection with said pumping means;
means for opening and closing said fluid connection; and,
a rack adapted to hang said additional containers.
[00068] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said system further comprising an emergency shutoff switch adapted
to halt flow of fluid through said irrigation system.
[00069] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said control system is adapted to prevent over pressure of said fluid in
said irrigation system.
[00070] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said over pressure is prevented by means of at least one pressure
sensor located in said pumping system.
[00071] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said over pressure is prevented by means of at least one pressure
sensor in communication with said outer tubing system.
[00072] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said over pressure is prevented by means of at least one pressure
sensor located within said outer tubing system.
[00073] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said over pressure is prevented by means of at least one pressure
sensor surrounding at least a portion of said outer tubing system.
[00074] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said over pressure is prevented by means of limiting the pumping
system to predetermined values.
[00075] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said system further comprises removing means for removing a
protective cover or cap from said container.
[00076] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said system additionally comprising at least one holder, said at least
one holder enabled to contain caps and covers removed from none or more of a group
consisting of fluid containers, spikes, and fluid transfer heads during operation of said
system.
[00077] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said removing means comprise cutting means and actuating means
adapted to actuate said cutting means.
[00078] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said removing means comprise pressure applying means, adapted to
apply pressure on said cover or cap by at least one of a group consisting of pulling, pushing,
and twisting said cover or cap.
[00079] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, additionally comprising at least one holder, said at least one holder enabled to
contain caps and covers removed from none or more of a group consisting of fluid containers,
spikes, and fluid transfer heads during operation of said system.
[00080] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said fluid transfer head additionally comprises a connector, said
connector configured such that said spike can not be coupled to said fluid transfer head
before removal of protective covers from said spike.
[00081] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said system is enabled to provide continuous and controlled flow of a
fluid to a plurality of patients.
[00082] It is another object of the present invention to provide the irrigation system as
defined above, wherein said system is enabled to provide continuous and controlled flow of a
plurality of fluids to a plurality of patients.
[00083] It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for providing
a substantially continuous and controlled flow of a fluid from a reservoir that comprises
plurality of N containers, each of said N containers at a predetermined height and location,
wherein said method comprises:
a. obtaining fluid extracting means;
b. obtaining at least two fluid transfer heads, each of said fluid transfer heads
comprising:
a spike;
flexible tubing in fluid contact with said spike;
ejecting and retracting means for ejecting at least one of said spike and said fluid
transfer head a predetermined minimum distance from a resting position to
an ejected position and for retracting said at least one of said spike and said
fluid transfer head from said ejected position to said resting position;
a fluid exit in fluid contact with said flexible tubing; and,
height fixing means adapted to fix the vertical position of said fluid transfer head;
c. placing a first fluid transfer head proximate to a first container from which pumping
has not yet commenced;
d. placing a second fluid transfer head proximate to a second container from which
pumping has not yet commenced;
e. connecting the fluid exits of said fluid transfer heads to a single outlet, and to said
pumping means;
f . fixing the height of said second fluid transfer head to the height of said second
container from which pumping has not yet commenced, such that upon ejection of
the spike, the wall of said second container will be pierced;
g. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from said first fluid transfer
head;
h. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from said second fluid
transfer head;
i . removing protective cover of said first container;
j . ejecting said spike of said first fluid transfer head, thereby creating a fluid connection
between the interior of said first container and said single outlet;
k. removing protective cover of said second container;
1. ejecting said spike of said second fluid transfer head, thereby creating a fluid
connection between the interior of said second container and said single outlet;
m. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from said first fluid transfer
head;
n. actuating said pumping means;
o. extracting said fluid from said first container until the fluid level in said first
container is reduced to a predetermined quantity;
p. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from said second fluid
transfer head;
q. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from said first fluid transfer
head;
r. extracting said fluid from said second container until the fluid level in said second
container is reduced to a predetermined quantity;
s. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from said first fluid transfer
head;
t . using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from said second fluid
transfer head;
u. retracting said spike into said second fluid transfer head;
v. placing said second fluid transfer head proximate to another container from which
pumping has not yet commenced;
w. fixing the height of said second fluid transfer head to the height of said another
container, such that upon ejection of the spike, the wall of said another container
will be pierced;
x. removing protective cover of said another container;
y. ejecting said spike of said second fluid transfer head, thereby creating a fluid
connection between the interior of said another container and said single outlet;
z. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from said second fluid
transfer head;
za. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from said first fluid transfer
head;
zb. extracting said fluid from said another container until the fluid level in said another
container is reduced to a predetermined quantity;
repeating sequentially, for each of the remaining containers, said steps of s-zb.
[00084] It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for providing
a substantially continuous and controlled flow of a fluid from a reservoir that comprises
plurality of N containers, each of said N containers at a predetermined height and location,
wherein said method comprises:
a. obtaining fluid extracting means;
b. obtaining at least two fluid transfer heads, each of said fluid transfer heads
comprising:
a spike;
flexible tubing in fluid contact with said spike;
ejecting and retracting means for ejecting at least one of said spike and said fluid
transfer head a predetermined minimum distance from a resting position to
an ejected position and for retracting said at least one of said spike and said
fluid transfer head from said ejected position to said resting position;
a fluid exit in fluid contact with said flexible tubing; and,
height fixing means adapted to fix the vertical positions of said fluid transfer
heads;
c. placing a first fluid transfer head proximate to a first container from which pumping
has not yet commenced;
d. placing a second fluid transfer head proximate to a second container from which
pumping has not yet commenced;
e. connecting the fluid exits of said fluid transfer heads to a single outlet;
f . fixing the height of said second fluid transfer head to the height of said second
container, such that upon ejection of the spike, the wall of said second container
will be pierced;
g. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from said first fluid transfer
head;
h. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from said second fluid
transfer head;
i. removing protective cover of said first container;
j . ejecting said spike of said first fluid transfer head, thereby creating a fluid connection
between the interior of said first container and said single outlet;
k. removing protective cover of the second container;
1. ejecting said spike of said second fluid transfer head, thereby creating a fluid
connection between the interior of said second container and said single outlet;
m. applying pressure on said first container so as to extract fluid from the same;
n. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from said first fluid transfer
head;
o. extracting said fluid from said first container until the fluid level in said first
container is reduced to a predetermined quantity;
p. applying pressure on said second container so as to extract fluid from the same;
q. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from said second fluid
transfer head;
r. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from said first fluid transfer
head;
s. discontinuing applying pressure on said first container;
t . extracting said fluid from said second container until the fluid level in said second
container is reduced to a predetermined quantity;
u. applying pressure on said first container so as to extract fluid from the same;
v. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from said first fluid transfer
head;
w. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from said second fluid
transfer head;
x. discontinuing applying pressure on said second container;
y. retracting said spike into said second fluid transfer head;
z. placing said second fluid transfer head proximate to another container from which
pumping has not yet commenced ;
za. fixing the height of said second fluid transfer head to the height of said another
container, such that upon ejection of the spike, the wall of said another container
will be pierced;
zb. removing protective cover of said another container;
zc. ejecting said spike of said second fluid transfer head, thereby creating a fluid
connection between the interior of said another container and said single outlet;
zd. applying pressure on said another container so as to extract fluid from the same;
ze. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from said second fluid
transfer head;
zf. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from said first fluid transfer
head;
zg. discontinuing applying pressure on said first container;
zh. extracting said fluid from said another container until the fluid level in said another
container is reduced to a predetermined quantity;
repeating sequentially, for each of the remaining containers, said steps of u-zh.
[00085] It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for providing
a substantially continuous and controlled flow of a fluid from a reservoir that comprises
plurality of N containers, each of said V containers at a predetermined height and location,
wherein said method comprises:
a. obtaining fluid extracting means;
b. obtaining at least two fluid transfer heads, each of said fluid transfer heads
comprising:
a spike;
flexible tubing in fluid contact with said spike;
ejecting and retracting means for ejecting at least one of said spike and said fluid
transfer head a predetermined minimum distance from a resting position to
an ejected position and for retracting said at least one of said spike and said
fluid transfer head from said ejected position to said resting position;
a fluid exit in fluid contact with said flexible tubing; and,
height fixing means adapted to fix the vertical position of said fluid transfer head;
c. placing a first fluid transfer head proximate to a first container from which pumping
has not yet commenced;
d. placing a second fluid transfer head proximate to a second container from which
pumping has not yet commenced;
e. connecting the fluid exits of said fluid transfer heads to a single outlet, and to said
pumping means;
f. fixing the height of said first fluid transfer head to the height of said first container,
such that upon ejection of the spike, the wall of said first container will be pierced;
g. fixing the height of said second fluid transfer head to the height of said second
container, such that upon ejection of the spike, the wall of said second container
will be pierced;
h. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from said first fluid transfer
head;
i. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from said second fluid
transfer head;
j . removing protective cover of said first container;
k. ejecting said spike of said first fluid transfer head, thereby creating a fluid connection
between the interior of said first container and said single outlet;
1. removing protective cover of the second container;
. ejecting said spike of said second fluid transfer head, thereby creating a fluid
connection between the interior of said second container and said single outlet;
n. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from said first fluid transfer
head;
o. actuating said pumping means;
p. extracting said fluid from said first container until the fluid level in said first
container is reduced to a predetermined quantity;
q. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from said second fluid
transfer head;
r. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from said first fluid transfer
head;
s. extracting said fluid from said second container until the fluid level in said second
container is reduced to a predetermined quantity;
t . retracting said spike into said first fluid transfer head;
u. placing said first fluid transfer head proximate to another available container;
v. fixing the height of said first fluid transfer head to the height of said said another
container, such that upon ejection of the spike, the wall of said another container
will be pierced;
w. removing protective cover of said another container;
x. ejecting said spike of said first fluid transfer head, thereby creating a fluid connection
between the interior of said another container and said single outlet;
y. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from said first fluid transfer
head;
z. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from said second fluid
transfer head;
za. extracting said fluid from said another container until the fluid level in said another
container is reduced to a predetermined quantity
zb. retracting said spike into said second fluid transfer head;
zc. placing said second fluid transfer head proximate to another available container;
zd. fixing the height of said second fluid transfer head to the height of said said another
container, such that upon ejection of the spike, the wall of said another container
will be pierced;
ze. removing protective cover of said another container;
zf. ejecting said spike of said second fluid transfer head, thereby creating a fluid
connection between the interior of said another container and said single outlet;
zg. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from said second fluid
transfer head;
zh. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from said first fluid transfer
head;
zi. extracting said fluid from said another container until the fluid level in said another
container is reduced to a predetermined quantity
repeating sequentially, for each of the remaining available containers and respective
fluid transfer head, said steps of t-zi.
[00086] It is another object of the present invention to a method for providing a
substantially continuous and controlled flow of a fluid from a reservoir that comprises
plurality of N containers, each of said N containers at a predetermined height and location,
wherein said method comprises:
a. obtaining fluid extracting means;
b. obtaining at least two fluid transfer heads, each of said fluid transfer heads
comprising:
a spike;
flexible tubing in fluid contact with said spike;
ejecting and retracting means for ejecting at least one of said spike and said fluid
transfer head a predetermined minimum distance from a resting position to
an ejected position and for retracting said at least one of said spike and said
fluid transfer head from said ejected position to said resting position;
a fluid exit in fluid contact with said flexible tubing; and,
height fixing means adapted to fix the vertical position of said fluid transfer head;
c. placing a first fluid transfer head proximate to a first container from which pumping
has not yet commenced;
d. placing a second fluid transfer head proximate to a second container from which
pumping has not yet commenced;
e. connecting the fluid exits of said fluid transfer heads to a single outlet;
f . fixing the height of said first fluid transfer head to the height of said first container,
such that upon ejection of the spike, the wall of said first container will be pierced;
g. fixing the height of said second fluid transfer head to the height of said second
container, such that upon ejection of the spike, the wall of said second container
will be pierced;
h. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from said first fluid transfer
head;
i. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from said second fluid
transfer head;
j . removing protective cover of said first container;
k. ejecting said spike of said first fluid transfer head, thereby creating a fluid connection
between the interior of said first container and said single outlet;
1. removing protective cover of the second container;
m. ejecting said spike of said second fluid transfer head, thereby creating a fluid
connection between the interior of said second container and said single outlet;
n. applying pressure on said first container so as to extract fluid from the same;
o. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from said first fluid transfer
head;
p. extracting said fluid from said first container until the fluid level in said first
container is reduced to a predetermined quantity;
q. applying pressure on said second container so as to extract fluid from the same;
r. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from said second fluid
transfer head;
s. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from said first fluid transfer
head;
t . discontinuing applying pressure on said first container;
u. extracting said fluid from said second container until the fluid level in said second
container is reduced to a predetermined quantity;
v. retracting said spike into said first fluid transfer head;
w. placing said first fluid transfer head proximate to another available container;
x. fixing the height of said first fluid transfer head to the height of said another
container, such that upon ejection of the spike, the wall of said another container
will be pierced;
y. removing protective cover of said another container;
z. ejecting said spike of said first fluid transfer head, thereby creating a fluid connection
between the interior of said another container and said single outlet;
za. applying pressure on said another container so as to extract fluid from the same;
zb. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from said first fluid
transfer head;
zc. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from said second fluid
transfer head;
zd. discontinuing applying pressure on said second container;
ze. extracting said fluid from said another container until the fluid level in said another
container is reduced to a predetermined quantity;
zf. retracting said spike into said second fluid transfer head;
zg. placing said second fluid transfer head proximate to yet another container from
which pumping has not yet commenced;
zh. fixing the height of said second fluid transfer head to the height of said yet another
container, such that upon ejection of the spike, the wall of said yet another
container will be pierced;
zi. removing protective cover of said yet another container;
zg. ejecting said spike of said second fluid transfer head, thereby creating a fluid
connection between the interior of said yet another container and said single outlet;
zk. applying pressure on said another container so as to extract fluid from the same;
zl. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from said second fluid
transfer head;
zm. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from said first fluid transfer
head;
zn. discontinuing applying pressure on said yet another container from first fluid
transfer head;
zo. extracting said fluid from said yet another container until the fluid level in said yet
another container is reduced to a predetermined quantity
repeating sequentially, for each of the remaining available containers and respective
fluid transfer head, said steps of t-zo.
[00087] It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for providing
a substantially continuous and controlled flow of a fluid from a reservoir that comprises
plurality of N containers, each of said N containers at a predetermined height and location,
wherein said method comprises:
a. obtaining fluid extracting means;
b. obtaining at least one fluid transfer head, said at least one fluid transfer head
comprising:
a spike;
flexible tubing in fluid contact with said spike;
an internal reservoir for accommodating said fluid and for delivering said fluid in
fluid contact with said flexible tubing;
ejecting and retracting means for ejecting at least one of said spike and said fluid
transfer head a predetermined minimum distance from a resting position to an
ejected position and for retracting said at least one of said spike and said fluid
transfer head from said ejected position to said resting position;
a fluid exit in fluid contact with said flexible tubing; and,
height fixing means adapted to fix the vertical position of said fluid transfer head;
c. placing said fluid transfer head proximate to a first container from which pumping
has not yet commenced;
d. connecting the fluid exits of said fluid transfer heads to said pumping means;
e. fixing the height of said fluid transfer head to the height of said first container, such
that upon ejection of the spike, the wall of said first container will be pierced;
f . using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from said fluid transfer head;
g. removing protective cover of said first container;
h. ejecting said spike of said fluid transfer head, thereby creating a fluid connection
between the interior of said first container and said single outlet;
i. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from said fluid transfer head;
j . actuating said pumping means;
k. filling said internal reservoir with said fluid;
1. extracting said fluid from said first container until the fluid level in said first
container is reduced to a predetermined quantity;
m. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from said fluid transfer
head;
n. extracting said fluid from the said internal reservoir;
o. retracting said spike into said fluid transfer head;
p. placing said fluid transfer head proximate to another container from which pumping
has not yet commenced;
q. fixing the height of said fluid transfer head to the height of said another container,
such that upon ejection of the spike, the wall of said another container will be
pierced;
r. removing protective cover of said another container;
s. ejecting said spike of said fluid transfer head, thereby creating a fluid connection
between the interior of said another container and said single outlet;
t. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from said another fluid
transfer head;
u. filling said internal reservoir with said fluid;
v. extracting said fluid from said container until the fluid level in said another container
is reduced to a predetermined quantity;
repeating sequentially, for each of the remaining available containers, said steps of
m-v.

CLAIMS
We claim:
1. An irrigation system for providing a continuous and controlled flow of a fluid, wherein said
system comprises:
a reservoir system comprising a plurality of containers of fluid; said reservoir system is
characterized by a main longimdinal axis;
a fluid transfer system in fluid connection with said reservoir system, said fluid transfer
system comprising:
at least one fluid transfer head, adapted to transfer fluid from one of said plurality
of containers to an external tubing system; wherein each of said fluid transfer
heads is characterized by a mechanism adapted to linearly move each of said
fluid transfer heads along said main longitudinal axis.
2. An irrigation system for providing a continuous and controlled rate flow of a fluid, wherein
said system comprises:
a reservoir system comprising a plurality of containers of fluid; said containers in said
reservoir system are disposed in a predetermined configuration;
a fluid transfer system in fluid connection with said reservoir system, said fluid transfer
system comprising:
at least one fluid transfer head, adapted to transfer fluid from one of said plurality
of containers to an external tubing system; wherein each of said fluid transfer
heads is characterized by a mechanism adapted to radially move each of said
fluid transfer heads.
3. The irrigation system of claim 2, wherein said predetermined configuration is selected from
a group consisting of a linear configuration, radial configuration, ellipsoidal, square,
triangle, hexagonal, pentagonal any 2D or 3D shape and any combination thereof.
4. The irrigation system of either one of claims 1-2, wherein said fluid transfer system further
comprising fluid regulating means, adapted to regulate either the rate of transfer of fluid
from said reservoir system to each of said fluid transfer heads or the pressure at which said
fluid is transferred from said reservoir system to each of said fluid transfer heads.
5. The irrigation system of either one of claims 1-2, wherein said system further comprising a
control system adapted to control at least one selected from a group consisting of (a) the
rate of flow of fluid through said irrigation system according to a predetermined protocol;
(b) the movement of said at least one fluid transfer head; (c) the activation of the same; and
any combination thereof.
6. The irrigation system of either one of claims 1-2, additionally comprising pressure building
system selected from pumping means adapted to withdraw said fluid from at least one of
said containers; or pressure applying means adapted to apply pressure on at least one of said
containers.
7. The irrigation system of either one of claims 1-2, wherein said system further comprising a
pumping system in fluid connection with said fluid transfer system, adapted to withdraw
said fluid from at least one of said containers of fluid in a predetermined rate of flow to an
outer tubing system.
8. The irrigation system of either one of claims 1-2, wherein said system further comprising
pressure applying means adapted to apply pressure on at least one of said containers of fluid
so as to enable a predetermined rate of flow from at least one of said containers to an outer
tubing system.
9. The irrigation system of claim 8, wherein said pressure applying means is selected from a
group consisting of a membrane encapsulating at least one of said containers of fluid,
squeezing means adapted to apply squeezing pressure on at least one of said containers and
any combination thereof and any combination thereof.
10. The irrigation system of claim 9, wherein said squeezing means are selected from
pneumaticcompression of at least one of the containers, hydrostatic compression of at least
one of the containers, and any combination thereof
11. The irrigation system of either one of claims 1-10, wherein said fluid is selected from a
group consisting of gas, liquid and any combination thereof.
12. The irrigation system of claim 11, wherein said fluid is selected from oxygen; anesthetic
gas for use as local anesthesia, regional anesthesia and general anesthesia selected from
ethers, halogenated ethers, desflurane (2,2,2-trifluoro-l-fluoroethyl-difluoromethyl ether,
sevoflurane (2,2,2-trifluoro-l-[trifluoromethyl] ethyl fluoromethyl ether), and isoflurane (2-
chloro-2-(difluoromethoxy)-l,l,l-trifluoro-ethane); blood; saline; glycine; water; plasma;
medicament and any combination thereof.
13. The irrigation system of claim 12, wherein said system is adapted to deliver several
substantially different fluids.
14. The irrigation system of claim 13, wherein said substantially different fluids are provided to
said patient in substantially the same amounts, different amounts, substantially the same
rates, different rates, and any combination thereof.
15. The irrigation system of either one of claims 1-2, wherein said fluid transfer system
comprises at least at least two fluid transfer heads.
16. The irrigation system of either one of claims 1-15, wherein said at least one fluid transfer
head comprises at least one internal reservoir for accommodating said fluid and for
delivering said fluid while said fluid transfer head linearly moves along said main
longitudinal axis.
17. The irrigation system of either one of claims 2-16, wherein said at least one fluid transfer
head comprises at least one internal reservoir for accommodating said fluid and for
delivering said fluid while said fluid transfer head radially moves around said main
longitudinal axis.
18. The irrigation system of either one of claims 1-2, wherein said reservoir system comprises:
a plurality ofN support shelves adapted to support each of said containers of said fluid;
support means adapted to support said shelves and to maintain a predetermined distance
and orientation between each pair of shelves; and,
a plurality of at least N slots in said shelf support means, said slots positioned such that
at least one slot is located proximate to each of said N shelves.
19. The irrigation system of claim 18, wherein said support is selected from a group consisting
of shelf, drawer, receptacle a sliding receptacle, chamber and any combination thereof.
20. The irrigation system of either one of claims 1-2, wherein said containers are bags made of
a flexible material.
2 . The irrigation system of either one of claims 1-2, wherein said containers are made of a
rigid material.
22. The irrigation system according to claim 21, wherein said rigid material is glass, plastic,
ceramic, metal, and any combination thereof.
23. The irrigation system of either one of claims 1-2, wherein said reservoir system further
comprising monitoring means adapted to constantly monitor the amount of fluid extracted
from said reservoir system and/ or the amount of fluid remained in said reservoir system
and reporting means adapted to report the value of said determination.
24. The irrigation system of either one of claims 1-2, wherein said reservoir system further
comprises weight measuring and reporting means adapted to determine the weight of each
of said containers and to report the value of said determination.
25. The irrigation system of either one of claims 1-2, wherein said reservoir system further
comprises volume measuring and reporting means adapted to determine the volume of each
of said containers and to report the value of said determination.
26. The irrigation system of either one of claims 1-2, wherein said reservoir system further
comprises at least one image sensor adapted to provide real time images of each of said
containers.
27. The irrigation system of claim 26, wherein said image sensor is selected from a group
consisting of a camera, a video and any combination thereof
28. The irrigation system of either one of claims 1-2, wherein said reservoir system further
comprises at least one processing unit in communication with said at least one image
sensor, adapted for real time image processing of said image such that either the volume or
the weight of each of said containers is provided.
29. The irrigation system of either one of claims 23-28, wherein said reporting means is in
communication with said control means.
30. The irrigation system of either one of claims 1-2, further comprising support rotation means
adapted to allow rotation of each of said supports about an axis parallel to its longitudinal
axis, said support rotation means further adapted to allow each of said supports to be fixed
at an angle chosen by the operator of said irrigation system; said angle is adapted to be
fixed prior to said irrigation, during said irrigation and any combination thereof.
3 . The irrigation system of claim 30, wherein said angle is in a range of about 0 degrees to
about 90 degrees.
32. The irrigation system of either one of claims 1-2, wherein each of said containers comprises
a neck and a nipple, and further wherein said irrigation system further comprises at least
one connector between said container and said fluid transfer head, wherein said connector is
reversibly coupled to said irrigation system and comprises:
a lower section comprising two arcs, the first of which is of a diameter and depth
adapted to support said neck, and the second of which is of a diameter and depth
adapted to support said nipple, the distance between the centers of said arcs
substantially equal to the distance between the centers of said neck and said nipple;
and,
an upper section hingedly connected to said lower section, said upper section
comprising two arcs of diameters substantially identical to those of the
corresponding arcs of said lower section, said two arcs disposed such that closure
of said hinged connection forms at least one circular hollow passageway passing
through said connector.
33. The irrigation system of claim 32, additionally comprising means adapted to fix said
containers in place, to verify said containers are in place and any combination thereof.
34. The irrigation system of claim 32, additionally comprising means according to another
embodiment, the connector is reversibly coupled to the system and may be replaced from
time to time.
35. The irrigation system of either one of claims 1-2, wherein said fluid transfer system further
comprises fluid transfer head support means adapted to support said fluid transfer heads;
said fluid transfer head support means adapted to allow vertical motion, radial motion and
any combination thereof of at least one of said fluid transfer heads.
36. The irrigation system of claim 35, wherein each of said fluid transfer heads comprises:
a spike;
flexible tubing in fluid contact with said spike;
ejecting and retracting means for ejecting at least one of said spike and said fluid
transfer head a predetermined minimum distance along the horizontal axis from a
resting position to an ejected position and for retracting said at least one of said
spike and said fluid transfer head from said ejected position to said resting position.
height fixing means adapted to fix the vertical position of said fluid transfer head.
37. The irrigation system of claim 36, wherein said flexible tubing further comprises at least
one internal reservoir for accommodating said fluid and for delivering said fluid while said
fluid transfer head linearly moves along said main longitudinal axis.
38. The irrigation system of claim 36, wherein said flexible tubing further comprises at least
one internal reservoir for accommodating said fluid and for delivering said fluid while said
fluid transfer head radially moves around said main longitudinal axis.
39. The irrigation system of claim 36, additionally comprising height fixing means adapted to
fix the vertical position of said fluid transfer head or heads along said main longitudinal
axis of said reservoir system.
40. The irrigation system of claim 36, wherein at least one of said fluid transfer heads further
comprises an actuator in mechanical contact with said fluid transfer head support means and
in electronic connection with said control means, said actuator adapted to engage with said
fluid transfer head support means, whereby actuation of said actuator by a command from
said control means causes vertical motion of said fluid transfer head along the vertical axis
of said fluid transfer support means through a distance determined by said control means.
41. The irrigation system of claim 36, wherein said actuator comprises at least one selected
from a group consisting of stepper motor, voice command actuator, motion detector and
any combination thereof.
42. The irrigation system of claim 4, wherein said fluid regulating means comprises:
pressure applying means mounted proximate to said flexible tubing in fluid contact
with said spike; and,
extending and retracting means in mechanical contact with said pressure applying
means, said extending and retracting means adapted to reversibly extend said
pressure applying means.
43. The irrigation system of claim 42, wherein said fluid regulating means is adapted to activate
or de-activate fluid flow in said irrigation system.
44. The irrigation system of claim 42, wherein said extending and retracting means comprise a
retractable spring.
45. The irrigation system of claim 42, wherein said extending and retracting means are actuated
by a means chosen from the group consisting of manual means, mechanical means,
electrical means, pneumatic means, electromechanical means, electropneumatic means and
any combination thereof.
46. The irrigation system of claim 42, wherein said fluid regulating means comprises at least
one selected from a group consisting of a pinch valve, a wheel-like shaped element adapted
to apply pressure, and any combination thereof.
47. The irrigation system of claim 7, wherein said pumping system comprises a peristaltic
pump.
48. The irrigation system of claim 7, wherein said pumping system comprises a single inlet, and
further wherein at least two of said containers are in fluid connection with said single inlet.
49. The irrigation system of claim 48, wherein two of said containers are in fluid connection
with a "Y" joint located downstream of said fluid transfer heads.
50. The irrigation system of claim 5, wherein said control system comprises a computer in
communication with at least one of said reservoir system, said fluid transfer system, and
said pumping system, and further wherein said control system is adapted to direct the flow
of fluid through said system.
51. The irrigation system of either one of claims 1-2, further comprising:
at least one additional container in fluid connection with said pumping means;
means for opening and closing said fluid connection; and,
a rack adapted to hang said additional containers.
52. The irrigation system of either one of claims 1-2, further comprising an emergency shutoff
switch adapted to halt flow of fluid through said irrigation system.
53. The irrigation system of either one of claims 1-52, wherein said control system is adapted to
prevent over pressure of said fluid in said irrigation system.
54. The irrigation system of claim 53, wherein said over pressure is prevented by means of at
least one pressure sensor located in said pumping system.
55. The irrigation system of claim 53, wherein said over pressure is prevented by means of at
least one pressure sensor in communication with said outer tubing system.
56. The irrigation system of claim 53, wherein said over pressure is prevented by means of at
least one pressure sensor located within said outer tubing system.
57. The irrigation system of claim 53, wherein said over pressure is prevented by means of at
least one pressure sensor surrounding at least a portion of said outer tubing system
58. The irrigation system of claim 53, wherein said over pressure is prevented by means of
limiting the pumping system to predetermined values.
59. The irrigation system of either one of claims 1-2, further including removing means for
removing a protective cover or cap from said container.
60. The irrigation system of claim 59, additionally comprising at least one holder, said at least
one holder enabled to contain caps and covers removed from none or more of a group
consisting of fluid containers, spikes, and fluid transfer heads during operation of said
system.
61. The irrigation system of claim 59, wherein said removing means comprise cutting means
and actuating means adapted to actuate said cutting means.
62. The irrigation system of claim 59, wherein said removing means comprise pressure
applying means, adapted to apply pressure on said cover or cap by at least one of a group
consisting of pulling, pushing, and twisting said cover or cap.
63. The irrigation system of either of claims 1-2 additionally comprising at least one holder,
said at least one holder enabled to contain caps and covers removed from none or more of a
group consisting of fluid containers, spikes, and fluid transfer heads during operation of
said system.
64. The irrigation system of either of claims 1-2 wherein said fluid transfer head additionally
comprises a connector, said connector configured suc that said spike can not be coupled to
said fluid transfer head before removal of protective covers from said spike.
65. The irrigation system of either of claims 1-2 wherein said system is enabled to provide
continuous and controlled flow of a fluid to a plurality of patients.
66. The irrigation system of either of claim 65 wherein said system is enabled to provide
continuous and controlled flow of a plurality of fluids to a plurality of patients.
67. A method for providing a substantially continuous and controlled flow of a fluid from a
reservoir that comprises plurality of N containers, each of said N containers at a
predetermined height and location, wherein said method comprises:
a. obtaining fluid extracting means;
b. obtaining at least two fluid transfer heads, each of said fluid transfer heads
comprising:
a spike;
flexible tubing in fluid contact with said spike;
ejecting and retracting means for ejecting at least one of said spike and said fluid
transfer head a predetermined minimum distance from a resting position to
an ejected position and for retracting said at least one of said spike and said
fluid transfer head from said ejected position to said resting position;
a fluid exit in fluid contact with said flexible tubing; and,
height fixing means adapted to fix the vertical position of said fluid transfer head;
c. placing a first fluid transfer head proximate to a first container;
d. placing a second fluid transfer head proximate to a second container from which
pumping has not yet commenced;
e. connecting the fluid exits of said fluid transfer heads to a single outlet, and to said
pumping means;
f. fixing the height of said second fluid transfer head to the height of said second
container, such that upon ejection of the spike, the wall of said second container
will be pierced;
g. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from said first fluid transfer
head;
h. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from said second fluid
transfer head;
i . removing protective cover of said first container;
j . ejecting said spike of said first fluid transfer head, thereby creating a fluid connection
between the interior of said first container and said single outlet;
k. removing protective cover of the second container;
1. ejecting said spike of said second fluid transfer head, thereby creating a fluid
connection between the interior of said second container and said single outlet;
m. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from said first fluid transfer
head;
n. actuating said pumping means;
o. extracting said fluid from said first container until the fluid level in said first
container is reduced to a predetermined quantity;
p. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from said second fluid
transfer head;
q. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from said first fluid transfer
head;
r. extracting said fluid from said second container until the fluid level in said second
container is reduced to a predetermined quantity;
s. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from said first fluid transfer
head;
t . using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from said second fluid
transfer head;
u. retracting said spike into said second fluid transfer head;
v. placing said second fluid transfer head proximate to another available container;
w. fixing the height of said second fluid transfer head to the height of said said another
container, such that upon ejection of the spike, the wall of said another container
will be pierced;
x. removing protective cover of said another container;
y. ejecting said spike of said second fluid transfer head, thereby creating a fluid
connection between the interior of said another container and said single outlet;
z. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from said second fluid
transfer head;
za. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from said first fluid transfer
head;
zb. extracting said fluid from said another container until the fluid level in said another
container is reduced to a predetermined quantity;
repeating sequentially, for each of the remaining containers, said steps of s-zb.
A method for providing a substantially continuous and controlled flow of a fluid from a
reservoir that comprises plurality of N containers, each of said N containers at a
predetermined height and location, wherein said method comprises:
a. obtaining fluid extracting means;
b. obtaining at least two fluid transfer heads, each of said fluid transfer heads
comprising:
a spike;
flexible tubing in fluid contact with said spike;
ejecting and retracting means for ejecting at least one of said spike and said fluid
transfer head a predetermined minimum distance from a resting position to
an ejected position and for retracting said at least one of said spike and said
fluid transfer head from said ejected position to said resting position;
a fluid exit in fluid contact with said flexible tubing; and,
height fixing means adapted to fix the vertical position of said fluid transfer head;
c. placing a first fluid transfer head proximate to a first container;
d. placing a second fluid transfer head proximate to a second container from which
pumping has not yet commenced;
e. connecting the fluid exits of said fluid transfer heads to a single outlet;
f . fixing the height of said second fluid transfer head to the height of said second
container, such that upon ejection of the spike, the wall of said second container
will be pierced;
g. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from said first fluid transfer
head;
h. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from said second fluid
transfer head;
i. removing protective cover of said first container;
j . ejecting said spike of said first fluid transfer head, thereby creating a fluid connection
between the interior of said first container and said single outlet;
k. removing protective cover of the second container;
1. ejecting said spike of said second fluid transfer head, thereby creating a fluid
connection between the interior of said second container and said single outlet;
ra. applying pressure on said first container so as to extract fluid from the same;
n. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from said first fluid transfer
head;
o. extracting said fluid from said first container until the fluid level in said first
container is reduced to a predetermined quantity;
p. applying pressure on said second container so as to extract fluid from the same;
q. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from said second fluid
transfer head;
r. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from said first fluid transfer
head;
s. discontinuing applying pressure on said first container
t . extracting said fluid from said second container until the fluid level in said second
container is reduced to a predetermined quantity;
u. applying pressure on said first container so as to extract fluid from the same;
v. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from said first fluid transfer
head;
w. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from said second fluid
transfer head;
x. discontinuing applying pressure on said second container
y. retracting said spike into said second fluid transfer head;
z. placing said second fluid transfer head proximate to another available container;
za. fixing the height of said second fluid transfer head to the height of said said another
container, such that upon ejection of the spike, the wall of said another container
will be pierced;
zb. removing protective cover of said another container;
zc. ejecting said spike of said second fluid transfer head, thereby creating a fluid
connection between the interior of said another container and said single outlet;
zd. applying pressure on said another container so as to extract fluid from the same;
ze. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from said second fluid
transfer head;
zf. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from said first fluid transfer
head;
zg. discontinuing applying pressure on said first container
zh. extracting said fluid from said another container until the fluid level in said another
container is reduced to a predetermined quantity;
repeating sequentially, for each of the remaining containers, said steps of u-zh.
A method for providing a substantially continuous and controlled flow of a fluid from a
reservoir that comprises plurality of N containers, each of said N containers at a
predetermined height and location, wherein said method comprises:
a. obtaining fluid extracting means;
b. obtaining at least two fluid transfer heads, each of said fluid transfer heads
comprising:
a spike;
flexible tubing in fluid contact with said spike;
ejecting and retracting means for ejecting at least one of said spike and said fluid
transfer head a predetermined minimum distance from a resting position to
an ejected position and for retracting said at least one of said spike and said
fluid transfer head from said ejected position to said resting position;
a fluid exit in fluid contact with said flexible tubing; and,
height fixing means adapted to fix the vertical position of said fluid transfer head;
c. placing a first fluid transfer head proximate to a first container from which pumping
has not yet commenced;
d. placing a second fluid transfer head proximate to a second container from which
pumping has not yet commenced;
e. connecting the fluid exits of said fluid transfer heads to a single outlet, and to said
pumping means;
f . fixing the height of said first fluid transfer head to the height of said first container,
such that upon ejection of the spike, the wall of said first container will be pierced;
g. fixing the height of said second fluid transfer head to the height of said second
container, such that upon ejection of the spike, the wall of said second container
will be pierced;
h. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from said first fluid transfer
head;
i. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from said second fluid
transfer head;
j . removing protective cover of said first container;
k. ejecting said spike of said first fluid transfer head, thereby creating a fluid connection
between the interior of said first container and said single outlet;
1. removing protective cover of the second container;
m. ejecting said spike of said second fluid transfer head, thereby creating a fluid
connection between the interior of said second container and said single outlet;
n. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from said first fluid transfer
head;
o. actuating said pumping means;
p. extracting said fluid from said first container until the fluid level in said first
container is reduced to a predetermined quantity;
q. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from said second fluid
transfer head;
r. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from said first fluid transfer
head;
s. extracting said fluid from said second container until the fluid level in said second
container is reduced to a predetermined quantity;
t . retracting said spike into said first fluid transfer head;
u. placing said first fluid transfer head proximate to another available container;
v. fixing the height of said first fluid transfer head to the height of said said another
container, such that upon ejection of the spike, the wall of said another container
will be pierced;
w. removing protective cover of said another container;
x. ejecting said spike of said first fluid transfer head, thereby creating a fluid connection
between the interior of said another container and said single outlet;
y. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from said first fluid transfer
head;
z. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from said second fluid
transfer head;
za. extracting said fluid from said another container until the fluid level in said another
container is reduced to a predetermined quantity
zb. retracting said spike into said second fluid transfer head;
zc. placing said second fluid transfer head proximate to another available container;
zd. fixing the height of said second fluid transfer head to the height of said said another
container, such that upon ejection of the spike, the wall of said another container
will be pierced;
ze. removing protective cover of said another container;
zf. ejecting said spike of said second fluid transfer head, thereby creating a fluid
connection between the interior of said another container and said single outlet;
zg. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from said second fluid
transfer head;
zh. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from said first fluid transfer
head;
zi. extracting said fluid from said another container until the fluid level in said another
container is reduced to a predetermined quantity
repeating sequentially, for each of the remaining available containers and respective
fluid transfer head, said steps of t-zi.
70. A method for providing a substantially continuous and controlled flow of a fluid from a
reservoir that comprises plurality of N containers, each of said N containers at a
predetermined height and location, wherein said method comprises:
a. obtaining fluid extracting means;
b. obtaining at least two fluid transfer heads, each of said fluid transfer heads
comprising:
a spike;
flexible tubing in fluid contact with said spike;
ejecting and retracting means for ejecting at least one of said spike and said fluid
transfer head a predetermined minimum distance from a resting position to
an ejected position and for retracting said at least one of said spike and said
fluid transfer head from said ejected position to said resting position;
a fluid exit in fluid contact with said flexible tubing; and,
height fixing means adapted to fix the vertical position of said fluid transfer head;
c. placing a first fluid transfer head proximate to a first container from which pumping
has not yet commenced;
d. placing a second fluid transfer head proximate to a second container from which
pumping has not yet commenced;
e. connecting the fluid exits of said fluid transfer heads to a single outlet;
f. fixing the height of said first fluid transfer head to the height of said first container,
such that upon ejection of the spike, the wall of said first container will be pierced;
g. fixing the height of said second fluid transfer head to the height of said second
container, such that upon ejection of the spike, the wall of said second container
will be pierced;
h. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from said first fluid transfer
head;
i. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from said second fluid
transfer head;
j . removing protective cover of said first container;
k. ejecting said spike of said first fluid transfer head, thereby creating a fluid connection
between the interior of said first container and said single outlet;
1. removing protective cover of the second container;
m. ejecting said spike of said second fluid transfer head, thereby creating a fluid
connection between the interior of said second container and said single outlet;
n. applying pressure on said first container so as to extract fluid from the same;
o. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from said first fluid transfer
head;
p. extracting said fluid from said first container until the fluid level in said first
container is reduced to a predetermined quantity;
q. applying pressure on said second container so as to extract fluid from the same;
r. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from said second fluid
transfer head;
s. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from said first fluid transfer
head;
t . discontinuing applying pressure on said first container
u. extracting said fluid from said second container until the fluid level in said second
container is reduced to a predetennined quantity;
v. retracting said spike into said first fluid transfer head;
w. placing said first fluid transfer head proximate to another available container;
x. fixing the height of said first fluid transfer head to the height of said said another
container, such that upon ejection of the spike, the wall of said another container
will be pierced;
y. removing protective cover of said another container;
z ejecting said spike of said first fluid transfer head, thereby creating a fluid connection
between the interior of said another container and said single outlet;
za. applying pressure on said another container so as to extract fluid from the same;
zb. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from said first fluid
transfer head;
zc. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from said second fluid
transfer head;
zd. discontinuing applying pressure on said second container
ze. extracting said fluid from said another container until the fluid level in said another
container is reduced to a predetermined quantity;
zf. retracting said spike into said second fluid transfer head;
zg. placing said second fluid transfer head proximate to another available container;
zh. fixing the height of said second fluid transfer head to the height of said said another
container, such that upon ejection of the spike, the wall of said another container
will be pierced;
zi. removing protective cover of said another container;
zg. ejecting said spike of said second fluid transfer head, thereby creating a fluid
connection between the interior of said another container and said single outlet;
zk. applying pressure on said another container so as to extract fluid from the same;
zl. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from said second fluid
transfer head;
zm. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from said first fluid transfer
head;
zn. discontinuing applying pressure on said another container from first fluid transfer
head;
zo. extracting said fluid from said another container until the fluid level in said another
container is reduced to a predetermined quantity
repeating sequentially, for each of the remaining available containers and respective
fluid transfer head, said steps of t-zo.
A method for providing a substantially continuous and controlled flow of a fluid from a
reservoir that comprises plurality of N containers, each of said N containers at a
predetermined height and location, wherein said method comprises:
a. obtaining fluid extracting means;
b. obtaining one fluid transfer head, said fluid transfer head comprising:
a spike;
flexible tubing in fluid contact with said spike with internal reservoir;
ejecting and retracting means for ejecting at least one of said spike and said fluid
transfer head a predetermined minimum distance from a resting position to
an ejected position and for retracting said at least one of said spike and said
fluid transfer head from said ejected position to said resting position;
a fluid exit in fluid contact with said flexible tubing; and,
height fixing means adapted to fix the vertical position of said fluid transfer head;
internal reservoir for accommodating said fluid and for delivering said fluid;
c. placing said fluid transfer head proximate to a first container from which pumping
has not yet commenced;
d. connecting the fluid exits of said fluid transfer heads to said pumping means;
e. fixing the height of said fluid transfer head to the height of said first container, such
that upon ejection of the spike, the wall of said first container will be pierced;
f . using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from said fluid transfer head;
g. removing protective cover of said first container;
h. ejecting said spike of said fluid transfer head, thereby creating a fluid connection
between the interior of said first container and said single outlet;
i. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from said fluid transfer head;
j . actuating said pumping means;
k. filling said internal reservoir with said fluid;
1. extracting said fluid from said first container until the fluid level in said first
container is reduced to a predetermined quantity;
m. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from said fluid transfer
head;
n. extracting said fluid from the said internal reservoir;
o. retracting said spike into said fluid transfer head;
p. placing said fluid transfer head proximate to another available container;
q. fixing the height of said fluid transfer head to the height of said said another
container, such that upon ejection of the spike, the wall of said another container
will be pierced;
r. removing protective cover of said another container;
s. ejecting said spike of said fluid transfer head, thereby creating a fluid connection
between the interior of said another container and said single outlet;
t . using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from said another fluid
transfer head;
u. filling said internal reservoir with said fluid;
v. extracting said fluid from said container until the fluid level in said another container
is reduced to a predetermined quantity;
repeating sequentially, for each of the remaining available containers, said steps of
m-v
A method for providing a substantially continuous and controlled flow of a fluid from a
reservoir that comprises plurality of N containers, each of said N containers at a
predetermined height and location, wherein said method comprises:
a. obtaining fluid extracting means;
b. obtaining one fluid transfer head, said fluid transfer head comprising:
a spike;
flexible tubing in fluid contact with said spike with internal reservoir;
ejecting and retracting means for ejecting at least one of said spike and said fluid
transfer head a predetermined minimum distance from a resting position to
an ejected position and for retracting said at least one of said spike and said
fluid transfer head from said ejected position to said resting position;
a fluid exit in fluid contact with said flexible tubing; and,
height fixing means adapted to fix the vertical position of said fluid transfer head;
internal reservoir for accommodating said fluid and for delivering said fluid;
c. placing said fluid transfer head proximate to a first container from which pumping
has not yet commenced;
d. fixing the height of said fluid transfer head to the height of said first container, such
that upon ejection of the spike, the wall of said first container will be pierced;
e. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from said fluid transfer head;
f . removing protective cover of said first container;
g. ejecting said spike of said fluid transfer head, thereby creating a fluid connection
between the interior of said first container and said single outlet;
h. applying pressure on said first container so as to extract fluid from the same;
i. using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from said fluid transfer head;
j . filling said internal reservoir with said fluid;
k. extracting said fluid from said first container until the fluid level in said first
container is reduced to a predetermined quantity;
1. using said fluid regulating means to block flow of fluid from said fluid transfer head;
m. discontinuing applying pressure on said first container from first fluid transfer head;
n. extracting said fluid from the said internal reservoir;
o. retracting said spike into said fluid transfer head;
p. placing said fluid transfer head proximate to another available container;
q. fixing the height of said fluid transfer head to the height of said said another
container, such that upon ejection of the spike, the wall of said another container
will be pierced;
r. removing protective cover of said another container;
s. ejecting said spike of said fluid transfer head, thereby creating a fluid connection
between the interior of said another container and said single outlet;
t. applying pressure on said another container so as to extract fluid from the same;
u using said fluid regulating means to permit flow of fluid from said another fluid
transfer head;
v. filling said internal reservoir with said fluid;
w. extracting said fluid from said container until the fluid level in said another container
is reduced to a predetermined quantity;
repeating sequentially, for each of the remaining available containers, said steps of -w
73. T e method of either one of claims 67-72, additionally comprising step of removing at least
one of the container's cap.
74. The method of either one of claims 67-72, wherein said system additionally comprising step
of extracting said fluid simultaneously from both of said containers each of which at
different rate of flow or different pressure.
75. The method of either one of claims 67-72, additionally comprising step of extracting said
fluid simultaneously from both of said containers.
76. The method of either one of claims 67-72, wherein said fluid extracting means are selected
from a group consisting of pumping means for withdrawing fluid out of said container or
pressure applying means, adapted to apply pressure on said container such that fluid is
extracted from the same.
77. The method of either one of claims 67-72, wherein said step of extracting said fluid
comprises either (a) pumping said fluid from said containers; or (b) applying pressure on
said container such that fluid is extracted from the same; and any combination thereof.
78. The method of either one of claims 74 or 75, wherein said pressure applying means are
selected from a group consisting of a membrane encapsulating at least one of said
containers of fluid, squeezing means adapted to apply squeezing pressure on at least one of
said containers and any combination thereof.
79. The method of either one of claims 67-72, further comprising a step of using said fluid
regulating means to block flow of fluid from said first fluid transfer head at any time that
flow is permitted from another container.
80. The method of either one of claims 67-72, further comprising a step of determining the
weight of each of said of said containers in order to determine the level of fluid within.
81. The method of either one of claims 67-72, further comprising a step of notifying the user
upon the occurrence of at least one condition chosen from the group consisting of (a) the
beginning of pumping of fluid from the h of said N containers; (b) a failure of a
predetermined component; (c) a drop in the rate of flow of fluid below a predetermined
threshold; (d) a drop in the level of fluid in a predetermined container of said N containers
below a predetermined threshold; (e) time from the beginning of the procedure; (f) number
of containers being used; and any combination thereof.
82. The method of either one of claims 67-72, further comprising additional steps of:
ejecting said spike of said first fluid transfer head, thereby creating a fluid connection
between said first container and said outlet; and,
extracting fluid from said first container until the level of fluid within said first
container drops by a predetermined amount, by either pumping said fluid or
applying pressure on the same so as to extract fluid;
wherein said additional steps are performed after the level of fluid in said other container
drops to said predetermined value and before the commencement of pumping of fluid from
the following container.
83. The method of either one of claims 67-72, further comprising additional steps of:
fixing the height of said first fluid transfer head to the height of another container from
which pumping has not yet commenced;
ejecting said spike of said first fluid transfer head, thereby creating a fluid connection
between the interior of said another container and said single outlet;
either pumping fluid or applying pressure on said other container until the amount of
fluid within said drops by a predetermined amount; and,
repeating sequentially steps of fixing the height of each fluid transfer head to the height
of a container from which pumping has not yet commenced, ejecting the spike
therefrom, and pumping fluid from the current container for each of said fluid
transfer heads until the level of fluid within each of said containers has dropped by
a predetermined amount
84. The method of either one of claims 67-72, additionally comprising at least one step of (a)
controlling the rate of flow of fluid through said irrigation system according to a
predetermined protocol; or (b) controlling the movement of said at least one fluid transfer
head; (c) controlling the activation of the same; and any combination thereof.
85. The method of either one of claims 67-72, additionally comprising step of withdrawing said
fluid from at least one of said containers of fluid in a predetermined rate of flow to an outer
tubing system.
86. The method of either one of claims 67-72, wherein said containers are disposed is a
predetermined configuration.
87. The method of claim 86, wherein said predetermined configuration is selected from a group
consisting of linear shape, radial shape, ellipsoidal shape, square shape, triangular shape,
hexagonal shape, pentagonal shape, any 2D shape, any 3D shape and any combination
thereof.
88. The method of either one of claims 67-72, additionally comprising step of regulating either
the rate of transfer of fluid from said reservoir system to each of said fluid transfer heads or
the pressure at which said fluid is transferred from said reservoir system to each of said
fluid transfer heads.
89. The method of either one of claims 67-72, additionally comprising step of controlling the
rate of flow of fluid through said irrigation system according to a predetermined protocol.
90. The method of either one of claims 67-72, additionally comprising step of selecting said
fluid from a group consisting of gas, liquid and any combination thereof.
91. The method claim 9 , additionally comprising step of selecting said fluid from oxygen;
anesthetic gas for use as local anesthesia, regional anesthesia and general anesthesia
selected from ethers, halogenated ethers, desflurane (2,2,2-trifiuoro-l-fluoroethyldifluoromethyl
ether, sevoflurane (2,2,2-trifluoro-l-[trifluoromethyl]ethyl fluoromethyl
ether), and isoflurane (2-chloro-2-(difluoromethoxy)-l,l,l-trifluoro-ethane); blood; saline;
glycine; water; plasma; medicament and any combination thereof.
92. The method of claim 91, additionally comprising step of delivering several substantially
different fluids.
93. the method of claim 92, wherein said substantially different fluids are provided to said
patient in substantially the same amounts, different amounts, substantially the same rates,
different rates, and any combination thereof.
94. The method of either one of claims 67-72, additionally comprising step of providing said
reservoir system with:
a plurality of N support shelves adapted to support each of said containers of said fluid;
support means adapted to support said shelves and to maintain a predetermined distance
and orientation between each pair of shelves; and,
a plurality of at least N slots in said shelf support means, said slots positioned such that
at least one slot is located proximate to each of said N shelves.
95. The method of claim 94, wherein said support is selected from a group consisting of shelf,
drawer, receptacle, a sliding receptacle, chamber and any combination thereof.
96. The method of either one of claims 67-72, additionally comprising step of providing said
containers as bags made of a flexible material.
97. The method of either one of claims 67-72, additionally comprising step of providing said
containers as bags made of a rigid material.
98. The method according to claim 97, wherein said rigid material is glass, plastic, ceramic,
metal, a d any combination thereof.
99. The method of either one of claims 67-72, additionally comprising step of constantly
monitoring at least one of the group consisting of the amount of fluid extracted from said
reservoir system, the amount of fluid remained in said reservoir system and any
combination thereof and reporting means adapted to report the value of said at least one
determination.
100. The method of either one of claims 67-72, additionally comprising step of providing said
irrigation system with weight measuring and reporting means adapted to determine the
weight of each of said containers and to report the value of said determination.
101. The method of either one of claims 67-72, additionally comprising step of providing said
irrigation system with volume measuring and reporting means adapted to determine the
volume of each of said containers and to report the value of said determination.
102. The method of claim 101, additionally comprising step of providing said irrigation system
with at least one image sensor adapted to provide real time images of each of said
containers.
103. The method of claim 102, additionally comprising step of selecting said image sensor from
a group consisting of a camera, a video and any combination thereof.
104. The method of claim 102, additionally comprising step of providing said irrigation system
with at least one processing unit in communication with said at least one image sensor,
adapted for real time image processing of said image such that either the volume or the
weight of each of said containers is provided.
105. The method of either one of claims 67-72, additionally comprising step of allowing rotation
of each of said supports about an axis parallel to its longitudinal axis, said support rotation
means further adapted to allow each of said supports to be fixed at an angle chosen by the
operator of said irrigation system.
1 6. The method of claim 105, additionally comprising step of selecting said angle is in a range
of about 0 degrees to about 90 degrees.
107. The method of either one of claims 67-72, additionally comprising step of providing each
of said containers comprises a neck and a nipple, and further wherein said irrigation system
further comprises at least one connector between said container and said fluid transfer head,
wherein said connector reversibly coupled to said irrigation system and comprises:
a lower section comprising two arcs, the first of which is of a diameter and depth
adapted to support said neck, and the second of which is of a diameter and depth
adapted to support said nipple, the distance between the centers of said arcs
substantially equal to the distance between the centers of said neck and said nipple;
and,
an upper section hingedly connected to said lower section, said upper section
comprising two arcs of diameters substantially identical to those of the
corresponding arcs of said lower section, said two arcs disposed such that closure
of said hinged connection forms at least one circular hollow passageway passing
through said connector
108. The method of claim 107, additionally comprising means adapted to fix said containers in
place, to verify said containers are in place and any combination thereof.
109. The method of claim 107, additionally comprising step of providing said fluid transfer
system with:
fluid transfer head support means adapted to support said fluid transfer heads, said fluid
transfer head support means adapted to allow vertical motion, radial motion and
any combination thereof of at least one of said fluid transfer heads.
110. The method of claim 109, additionally comprising step of providing each of said fluid
transfer heads with:
a spike;
flexible tubing in fluid contact with said spike;
ejecting and retracting means for ejecting at least one of said spike and said fluid
transfer head a predetermined minimum distance along the horizontal axis from a
resting position to an ejected position and for retracting said at least one of said
spike and said fluid transfer head from said ejected position to said resting position.
height fixing means adapted to fix the vertical position of said fluid transfer head.
111. The method of claim 110, additionally comprising step of height fixing the vertical position
of said fluid transfer head along said main longitudinal axis of said reservoir system.
112. The method of claim 110, additionally comprising step of providing at least one of said
fluid transfer heads with an actuator in mechanical contact with said fluid transfer head
support means and in electronic connection with said control means, said actuator adapted
to engage with said fluid transfer head support means, whereby actuation of said actuator
by a command from said control means causes vertical motion of said fluid transfer head
along the vertical axis of said fluid transfer support means through a distance determined by
said control means.
113. The method of claim 112, additionally comprising step of selecting said actuator from a
group consisting of stepper motor, voice command actuator, motion detector and any
combination thereof.
114. The method of either one of claims 67-72, additionally comprising step of providing said
fluid regulating means with:
pressure applying means mounted proximate to said flexible tubing in fluid contact
with said spike; and,
extending and retracting means in mechanical contact with said pressure applying
means, said extending and retracting means adapted to reversibly extend said
pressure applying means.
115. The method of claim 114, wherein said extending and retracting means comprise a
retractable spring.
116. The method of claim 114, wherein said extending and retracting means are actuated by a
means chosen from the group consisting of manual means, mechanical means, electrical
means, pneumatic means, electromechanical means, electropneumatic means and any
combination thereof.
117. The method of claim 114, wherein said fluid regulating means comprises at least one
selected from a group consisting of a pinch valve, a wheel-like shaped element adapted to
apply pressure, and any combination thereof.
118. The method of claim 114, additionally comprising step of selecting said pumping system
comprises a peristaltic pump.
119. The method of either one of claims 67-72, wherein said pumping system comprises a single
inlet, and further wherein at least two of said containers are in fluid connection with said
single inlet.
120. The method of claim 119, wherein two of said containers are in fluid connection with a "Y"
joint located downstream of said fluid transfer heads.
121. The method of either one of claims 67-72, additionally comprising step of providing said
irrigation system with:
at least one additional container in fluid connection with said pumping means;
means for opening and closing said fluid connection; and,
a rack adapted to hang said additional containers.
I l l
122. The method of either one of claims 67-72, additionally comprising step of providing said
irrigation system with an emergency shutoff switch adapted to halt flow of fluid through
said irrigation system.
123. The method of either one of claims 67-72, additionally comprising step of preventing over
pressure of said fluid in said irrigation system.
124. The method of claim 123, wherein said over pressure is prevented by means of at least one
pressure sensor located in said pumping system.
125. The method of claim 123, wherein said over pressure is prevented by means of at least one
pressure sensor in communication with said outer tubing system.
126. The method of claim 123, wherein said over pressure is prevented by means of at least one
pressure sensor located within said outer tubing system.
127. The method of claim 123, wherein said over pressure is prevented by means of at least one
pressure sensor surrounding at least a portion of said outer tubing system.
128. The method of either one of claims 67-72, additionally comprising step of providing said
irrigation system with removing means for removing a protective cover or cap from said
container.
129. The method of claim 128, additionally comprising step of providing said irrigation system
with an automatic collecting means adapted to collect said cover or cap from said irrigation
system.
130. The method of claim 128, wherein said removing means comprise cutting means and
actuating means adapted to actuate said cutting means.
131. The method of claim 128, wherein said removing means comprise pressure applying means,
adapted to apply pressure on said cover or cap by either pushing or pulling the same or
twisting the same.
132. The method of either one of claims 67-72, additionally comprising step of communicating
parameters associated with said system or the condition of said container to any wireless or
cordially system; said parameters are selected from a group consisting of the fullness
condition of said container; said cordially system is selected from a group consisting of
remote computer, cellular system and any combination thereof; said parameters are
transmitted so as to inform and/or update and/or call for human to replace and/or add and/or
remove containers.
133. The irrigation system of either one of claims 1-2, wherein said system is adapted to
communicates parameters associated with said system or the condition of said container to
any wireless or cordially system; said parameters are selected from a group consisting of
the fullness condition of said container; said cordially system is selected from a group
consisting of remote computer, cellular system and any combination thereof; said
parameters are transmitted so as to inform and/or update and or call for human to replace
and/or add and/or remove containers.
134. The irrigation system of either one of claims 1-2, wherein at least one of said containers are
adapted to hang or suspended at a predetermined height such that, the fluid will flow by
means of gravity.
135. The method of any one of claims 67-72, additionally comprising step of hanging or
suspension at least one of said containers in a predetermined height such that the fluid will
flow by means of gravity.
136. The method of either one of claims 74 or 75, wherein said squeezing means are selected
from pneumatic compression of at least one of the containers, hydrostatic compression of at
least one of the containers, and any combination thereof.
137. The method of claim 123, wherein said over pressure is prevented by means of at least one
pressure sensor surrounding at least a portion of said outer tubing system.
138. The method of any one of claims 67-72, further including a step of removing a protective
cover or cap from said container.
139. The method of any one of claims 67-72, additionally comprising a step of collecting said
cover or cap from said irrigation system.
140. The method of any of claims 67-72 additionally comprising a step of providing at least one
holder, said at least one holder enabled to contain caps and covers removed from none or
more of a group consisting of fluid containers, spikes, and fluid transfer heads during
operation of said system.
141. The method of any of claims 67-72 wherein said fluid transfer head additionally comprises
a connector, said connector configured such that said spike can not be coupled to said fluid
transfer head before removal of protective covers from said spike.
142. The irrigation system of either of claims 67-72 additionally comprising a step of providing
said system with tubing and valves such as to enable said system to provide continuous and
controlled flow of a fluid to a plurality of patients.
143. The irrigation system of either of claim 142 additionally comprising a step of providing said
system with tubing and valves such as to enable said system to provide continuous and
controlled flow of a plurality of fluids to a plurality of patients.