2 CROSS REFERENCE TO THE RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims priority from Indian Patent Application No. 15/DEL/2011 dated January 4, 2011, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to fluid delivery systems. More particularly, the invention relates to improved fluid delivery systems that are used to administer medical solutions to patients intravenously.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
An intravenous fluid delivery system generally includes a bag of intravenous fluid that is connected through a series of conduits to a needle inserted into a vein in the patient. The bag is supported at a higher elevation than the patient so that intravenous fluid flows through the flexible tube members by the force of gravity.
There have been a number of recognized problems associated with the above-described fluid-delivery systems. One immediate problem is the fact that use of gravity-flow and drop counting does not necessarily ensure that the desired flow rates to the patient will be maintained or will be sufficiently accurate. This is aggravated if the patient is to be moved such as for medical tests, scans or therapy. Such movement is difficult and cumbersome, while fluid is still being administered.
Other fluid infusion systems have also been proposed which include various types of electronic control units for fluid delivery. However, such known delivery systems are relatively complex and expensive.
Other known problems relate to the use of a multiplicity of infusion pumps, each coupled to one or more sets of solution bags. In such systems, two or more lines,

3
each associated with a respective infusion pump, are brought to the patient and are coupled in an aseptic fashion to the patient. Such systems tend to be very flexible and are assembled at the patient's bedside. Nevertheless, they result in a cluttered, confusing system and represent substantial control problems from the point of view of the delivered fluid flow.
Further, it is known that sterile, limited use of disposable fluid-flow transfer systems can be cost-effective. Such sets can also be very effective in minimizing the possibility that infectious agents might inadvertently be delivered to the patient. However, such sterile, limited-use, fluid delivery systems do not in themselves solve the problem of controlling the infusion of a variety of different fluids to produce a desired composite fluid flow.
There is thus a constant need for a closed, relatively portable uncluttered fluid delivery system which substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art. Preferably such a system would provide the ability to reduce potential contamination problems by reducing the number and complexity of tubes and junction members necessary to effectuate delivery of the fluids.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention is directed to an improved fluid delivery system that substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.
As embodied and broadly described, the invention relates to a fluid delivery system for intravenous delivery of fluid into a patient comprising: at least one spike connector for connection to a fluid supply bag or container; a housing defining a drip chamber having a top and bottom end in flow communication with the said fluid supply container ; an inlet port at the top end of the said housing connected with a first flexible tube member being in flow communication with the said fluid supply container; an outlet port at the bottom end of the said housing

4
connected with a second flexible tube member in flow communication for conveying the fluid to the patient; a first tubular member extending into the said drip chamber defining a passageway from the said inlet port in flow communication with the said inlet port, the said tubular member having at least one opening therein in that chamber being configured so that fluid flow from the said first tubular member and through the chamber in drip mode minimizing substantially the possibility of formation of any air bubble in the fluid collected in the said drip chamber for its delivery to the patient; a second tubular member defining a opening having a passageway configured in the said outlet port in flow communication for delivering the intravenous fluid to a patient; connector member fitted on the said second flexible tube member in flow communication with the outlet port of the said drip chamber for delivering the intravenous fluid to a patient; and at least one flow controller member located onto the said second flexible tube member between the said drip chamber outlet and the said connector member to control the flow rate of the intravenous fluid to a patient.
In another embodiment, there is also provided a fluid delivery system for intravenous delivery of fluid into a patient wherein the said first tubular member further comprising at least one peripheral opening (not shown) therein in that chamber being configured so that fluid flow from the first tubular member and through the chamber in drip mode is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and is directed towards the side walls of the drip chamber. Being that the said first tubular member has a closed end portion that is crimped, capped, or otherwise closed to fluid flow. Further, the said first tubular member has one or more openings about its periphery.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a fluid delivery system for intravenous delivery of fluid into a patient further comprising a first flexible tube member (14) being provided with at least one "Y"- connector. Both ends of the said "Y"-connector being connected in communication with flexible tube members each being connected with at least one spike connector, whereby medical fluid flows from the inlets formed in the said two spike connectors through the drip chamber and exits via the outlet.

5
The invention also provides a method of infusing fluid into a vein which comprises the steps of placing an IV catheter in a vein, attaching a fluid delivery line to the catheter and continuously delivering fluid into the line under continuous positive pressure. Thus, a method for delivering medical fluid to a patient by use of a fluid delivery system, comprising the steps of: providing a medical fluid container in flow communication with the patient, with fluid delivery system downstream of the fluid container and upstream of the patient; facilitating fluid flow from the fluid container into the drip chamber of the said fluid delivery system, whereby the tubular member directs the medical fluid against the side wall of the housing defining the drip chamber; and providing fluid flow in a lower velocity, drip mode, whereby fluid drips from the tubular member into a pool of fluid in the chamber at the bottom-end effecting intravenous infusion to the patient.
Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1A and 1D collectively referred to as FIG. 1 illustrate a cross-sectional, front, back and perspective views of the intravenous fluid delivery system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2A and 2D collectively referred to as FIG. 2 illustrate a cross-sectional, front, back and perspective views of the intravenous fluid delivery system in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there will be described herein specific embodiments thereof with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles

6
of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments detailed herein.
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the intravenous fluid delivery system 10 is generally connected to a fluid supply bag or container (not shown) supported by a stand (not shown) at an elevation higher than the patient to effect intravenous infusion by gravitational force. The inlet 48 of the intravenous fluid delivery system 10 is connected to the fluid supply container by a spike connector 12 .
The housing 28 as shown defines a drip chamber 30 enclosed at its top end 24 by an inlet port 20 and at its bottom end 26 by an outlet port 22. The top 24 and bottom end 26 define a vertical interval. The inlet port 20 is connected via first flexible tube member in 14 flow communication with the intravenous fluid bag or container. Outlet port 22 is connected via second flexible tube member 16 in flow communication with needle (not shown) for the delivery of the fluid to a patient. The housing 28 also defines an internal chamber or column through which intravenous fluid flows, normally in droplet form. The spike connector 12 is connected through the first flexible tube member 14 to the inlet port 20 of the drip chamber. The outlet port 22 of the drip chamber 30 is connected to a needle (not shown) through a second flexible tube member 16. The second flexible tube member 16 is provided with connector member 38 for connecting the second flexible tube member 16 in flow communication with a needle for the delivery of the fluid to a patient. A flow controller member 36 is located in the second flexible tube member 16 between the drip chamber 30 outlet and the needle to control the flow rate of the intravenous fluid. The needle is then inserted into the vein of the patient to complete delivery of the fluid.
Under normal operating conditions, intravenous fluid from bag or container enters the drip chamber 30 through inlet port 20 and droplets fall from the inlet port 20 through chamber 30, where they collect in a pool at the bottom end 26 of the housing 28 and eventually exit via outlet port 22. The rate at which the droplets fall through the chamber 30 represents the flow rate of the system 10, which is controlled by flow controller member 36. Since the system 10 generally contains

7
no mechanism for tracking the flow rate, the housing is preferably composed of a clear material to allow visual inspection of the "drip" or flow rate of the intravenous fluid through the system 10. Therefore, the present invention embodies the use of clear plastic or other suitable materials for the housing 28 and the system 10.
One of the functions of the drip chamber 30 is to prime the system 10 at the beginning of a procedure or whenever a new bag or container is added to the system 10. Priming is necessary to fill the flexible tube members 14, 16, 18 with intravenous solution and purge air from the system 10. To prime the system, the drip chamber 30 is squeezed manually with flow controller member 36 in the closed position. Release of the drip chamber 30 creates negative pressure in the system 10 and draws intravenous fluid from the bag and through the system 10. The flow controller member 36 is then opened, whereby a flow of intravenous fluid enters the chamber 30.
The high-velocity flow of intravenous fluid entering drip chamber 30 during priming tends to form air bubbles in intravenous fluid pool in the bottom 26 of housing 28. To reduce entrapment of air bubbles in the pool, inlet port 20 of drip chamber 30 is provided with a first tubular member 32 that extends longitudinally into chamber 30 with having at least one opening 44 therein in that chamber 30. The fluid flows from the first tubular member 32 and through the drip chamber 30 in drip mode minimizing substantially the possibility of formation of any air bubble in the fluid collected in the said drip chamber 30 for its delivery to the patient. The first tubular member 32 is in fluid communication with first flexible tube member 14. A second tubular member 34 defining a opening 44 having a passageway is also configured in the outlet port 22 in flow communication with second flexible tube member 16 for delivering the intravenous fluid to a patient.
Further, the first 32 and second 34 tubular members are substantially concentric with the housing 28 defining the drip chamber 30 along its entire length.
In another embodiment of the invention the first tubular member 32 has a closed end portion that is crimped, capped, or otherwise closed (not shown) to fluid flow.

8
The first tubular member 32 may be provided with one or more openings 44 formed about its periphery. The said one or peripheral openings allows fluid from the first tubular member 32 and through the chamber 30 in drip mode being substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and is directed towards the side walls 42 of the drip chamber 30. The present invention embodies that any desired number of openings 44 can be formed in the periphery of the first tubular member 32, so long as the structural integrity of the first tubular member 32 is maintained. The first tubular member 32 may be made of any suitable rigid or flexible material, such as suitable plastic material.
As a result of the first tubular member 32 having a closed end portion and peripheral openings 44, the path of the intravenous fluid flow is redirected during priming of the system. The first tubular member 32 is preferably configured so that during pressurized conditions the intravenous fluid flow will be re-directed against the side walls thereby removing possibility of formation of any air-bubble in the fluid flow in the housing 28. The fluid then runs down the side walls of housing 28 and enters forming a fluid pool at a lower velocity. During non-pressurized conditions, the intravenous fluid drips unimpeded into intravenous fluid pool in the drip chamber 30 at the bottom end 26 in droplet form so that the drip rate may be monitored by medical personnel. Thus, the purpose of the first tubular member 32 is to decrease the flow velocity of the intravenous fluid thereby reducing the chances of formation of air-bubble in the fluid pool.
The first tubular member 32 and its peripheral openings can exist in many configurations so long as they re-direct the fluid flow against the side walls 42 of housing 28 at a point above the level of intravenous fluid pool. Therefore, openings 44 can be configured in various geometries, such as circles, ovals, squares, etc. The openings 44 may be formed in the first tubular member by a punch, by a molding process, or by any well known method in the art.
Tubular members 32, 34 can also be configured in various geometries, such as circular, oval, and square structure. The cross-section of the tubular members 32, 34 may also vary at different points along its length.

9
Further, as shown in FIG. 2A to 2D, the first flexible tube member 14 of the intravenous fluid delivery system 10 is provided with at least one "Y"- connector 46. Both ends of the said "Y"-connector 46 is connected in communication with flexible tube members 18 each being connected with at least one spike connector 12, whereby medical fluid flows from the inlets formed in the said spike connectors 12 through the drip chamber 30 and exits via the outlet 50.
In order to infuse fluid into a vein of the patient, the needle of an IV catheter is generally placed in the vein of the patient. Thereafter, the connector member 38 provided at the outlet end 50 of the fluid delivery system 10 is attached to the hub of the catheter and fluid is passed into the delivery system 10 under a positive pressure with the help of the flow controller member 36 maintaining a flow rate in order to maintain a positive pressure at the vein.
The rate at which the droplets fall through the chamber 30 represents the flow rate of the system 10, which is controlled by flow controller member 36. The housing 28 and the flexible tube members 14, 16, 18 are preferably composed of a clear material to allow visual inspection of the drip or flow rate of the intravenous fluid through the system 10. Clear and soft plastic having elastic properties or kink resistant PVC material or other suitable materials may be used for the housing 28 and the flexible tube members 14, 16,18 of the invention.
The flexible tube members 14, 16, 18 are provided with at least one spike connector 12 at one end for insertion into an access port of an intravenous fluid bag. The spike connector 12 can be used to puncture the access port of the fluid bag and as is well-known can also be a sterile connector. The output port terminates in a connector member 38 or a piercing cannula (not shown) and is intended to be coupled directly to a patient's catheter. Upon completion of such coupling, a sealed fluid flow system is formed between the fluid flow source(s) and the patient.

10
The inlet 48 of the delivery system 10 is covered by a removable cap 40. The cap 40 protects the delivery system 10 and keeps it sterile. Covering the ports provides a continuously sterile system such as the ports 48, 50 need not be wiped with a disinfectant prior to use. Further, means 52 are provided to mount the system fixedly or removably on a hook, pole, and/or means enabling the patient to carry the system.
Thus, the system 10 according to the invention preferably provides the ability to prepare planned medications and fluid-flow delivery sequences which would extend over substantial periods of time for example 24 hours. Further, such systems 10 preferably utilize main-line catheters for the purpose of reducing the number of or eliminating various vein punctures usually necessary for the delivery process.
The fluid delivery system 10 of the invention can be formed as a sterile disposable, single patient delivery system 10. Further, such a system 10 provides assistance to the health care staff in a variety of ways. The multiplicity of different infusion pumps is also reduced to the greatest extent possible by the integrated use of Y-site connector 46. The integrated Y-site is used for the purpose of delivery of additional fluids or medication into the flexible tube members 14, 16 of the delivery system 10.
Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof.
Thus, from the foregoing description, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many changes and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as set forth herein. Accordingly, it is not intended that the scope of the foregoing description be limited to the exact description set forth above, but rather that such description be construed as

11
encompassing all of the features of patentable novelty that reside in the present invention, including all the features and embodiments that would be treated as equivalents thereof by those skilled in the relevant art. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims appended below.

12 LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS:
10 fluid delivery system
12 spike connector
14 first flexible tube member
16 second flexible tube member
18 flexible tube members
20 inlet port
22 outlet port
24 top end
26 bottom end
28 housing
30 drip chamber
32 first tubular member
34 second tubular member
36 flow controller member
38 connector member
40 cap
42 side walls
44 opening
46 Y-connector
48 inlet
50 outlet
52 mounting means

13 WE CLAIM:
1. A fluid delivery system (10) for intravenous delivery of fluid into a patient comprising:
at least one spike connector (12) for connection to a fluid supply bag or container;
a housing (28) defining a drip chamber (30) having a top (24) and bottom (26) end in flow communication with the said fluid supply bag or container;
an inlet port (20) at the top end (24) of the said housing (28) connected with a first flexible tube member (14) being in flow communication with the said fluid supply container;
an outlet port (22) at the bottom end (26) of the said housing (28) connected with a second flexible tube member (16) in flow communication for conveying the fluid to the patient;
a first tubular member (32) extending into the said drip chamber (30) defining a passageway from the said inlet port (20) in flow communication with the said inlet port (20), the said tubular member (32) having at least one opening (44) therein in that chamber (30) being configured so that fluid flow from the said first tubular member (32) and through the chamber (30) in drip mode minimizing substantially the possibility of formation of any air bubble in the fluid collected in the said drip chamber (30) for its delivery to the patient;
a second tubular member (34) defining a opening (44) having a passageway configured in the said outlet port (22) in flow communication for delivering the intravenous fluid to a patient;
connector member (38) fitted on the said second flexible tube member (16) in flow communication with the outlet port (22) of the said drip chamber (30) for delivering the intravenous fluid to a patient; and
at least one flow controller member (36) located onto the said second flexible tube member (18) between the said drip chamber (30) outlet and the said connector member (38) to control the flow rate of the intravenous fluid to a patient.

14
2. The fluid delivery system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said top (24) and bottom (26) ends of the drip chamber defines a vertical interval.
3. The fluid delivery system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said first (32) and second (34) tubular members are substantially concentric with the housing (28) defining the drip chamber (30) along its entire length.
4. The fluid delivery system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said first
tubular member (32) further comprising at least one peripheral opening (44)
therein in that chamber being configured so that fluid flow from the said first
tubular member (32) and through the chamber (30) in drip mode is substantially
parallel to the longitudinal axis and is directed towards the side walls (42) of the
chamber (30).
5. The fluid delivery system (10) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the said first
tubular member (32) has a closed end portion that is crimped, capped, or
otherwise closed to fluid flow.
6. The fluid delivery system (10) as claimed in claims 4 and 5, wherein the said
first tubular member (32) has one or more openings (44) about its periphery.
7. The fluid delivery system (10) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a first flexible tube member (14) being provided with at least one "Y"- connector (46).
8. The fluid delivery system (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein both ends of the said "Y"-connector (46) being connected in communication with flexible tube members (18) each being connected with at least one spike connector 12.
9. The fluid delivery system (10) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, further comprising means (52) to mount the system fixedly or removably on a hook, pole, and/or means (52) enabling the patient to carry the system.

15
10. A method for delivering medical fluid to a patient by use of a fluid delivery system, comprising the steps of:
providing a medical fluid container in flow communication with the patient, with fluid delivery system downstream of the fluid container and upstream of the patient;
facilitating fluid flow from the fluid container into the drip chamber of the said fluid delivery system, whereby the tubular member directs the medical fluid against the side wall of the housing defining the drip chamber; and
providing fluid flow in a lower velocity, drip mode, whereby fluid drips from the tubular member into a pool of fluid in the chamber at the bottom-end effecting intravenous infusion to the patient.