# US 11,439,571 B2 · Fluid transfer devices and methods of use

> Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt

- Number: US 11,439,571 B2
- Document ID: US11439571B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 16/887,627
- Filed: 2020-05-29
- Published: 2020-09-24
- Granted: 2022-09-13
- Earliest claimed: 2011-12-22
- Assignees: ICU Medical, Inc.
- Applicants: ICU Medical, Inc.
- Inventors: George A. Lopez; Thomas F. Fangrow
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11439571B2

## CPC

- A61J 1/2089: {Containers or vials which are to be joined to each other in order to mix their contents (combinations of vial and syringe for mixing their contents A61J1/2096)}
- A61J 1/1406: {Septums, pierceable membranes}
- A61J 1/20: Arrangements for transferring {or mixing} fluids, e.g. from vial to syringe
- A61J 1/2096: {Combination of a vial and a syringe for transferring or mixing their contents}
- A61M 5/14228: {with linear peristaltic action, i.e. comprising at least three pressurising members or a helical member}
- A61M 5/16845: {by weight}
- B60J 7/141: {for covering load areas, e.g. for pick-up trucks}
- E05F 15/643: operated by flexible elongated pulling elements, e.g. belts, chains or cables (by flexible elongated push-pull mechanisms E05F15/635)
- E05F 15/655: specially adapted for vehicle wings
- A61J 1/10: Bag-type containers
- A61J 1/1481: {with connection retaining means, e.g. thread or snap-fit}
- A61J 1/1487: {with friction fit, e.g. connecting tubes directly to a protruding port}
- A61J 1/16: Holders for containers
- A61J 1/201: {having one piercing end}
- A61J 1/2037: {having valve means}
- A61J 1/2051: {having tap means, e.g. tap means activated by sliding}
- A61J 1/2055: {having gripping means}
- A61J 1/2058: {having multiple connecting ports}
- A61J 1/2062: {with directional valves}
- B60J 7/19: for rigid panels {(B60J7/1851 - B60J7/1856 take precedence)}
- E05Y 2900/548: Trunk lids
- F04C 2270/0421: Controlled or regulated
- A61J: CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
- A61M: DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY (introducing media into or onto the bodies of animals A61D7/00; means for inserting tampons A61F13/26; devices for administering food or medicines orally A61J; containers for collecting, storing or administering blood or medical fluids A61J1/05); DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY (surgery A61B; chemical aspects of surgical articles A61L); DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR {(Electrotherapy, e.g. producing anaesthesia by the use of alternating or intermittent currents A61N1/36021)}
- B60J: WINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES (fastening, suspending, closing, or opening of such devices E05)
- E05F: DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION; CHECKS FOR WINGS; WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
- E05Y: INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
- F04C: ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS (engines F03C); ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS

## Abstract

Fluid transfer systems are disclosed that can be configured to transfer precise amounts of fluid from a source container to a target container. The fluid transfer system can have multiple fluid transfer stations for transferring fluids into multiple target containers or for combining different types of fluids into a single target container to form a mixture. The fluid transfer system can include a pump and a destination sensor, such as a weight sensor. The fluid transfer system can be configured to flush remaining fluid out of a connector to reduce waste, using air or a flushing fluid.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A method of using an electronic medical fluid transfer system to transfer medical fluid between a source container and an elastomeric bladder pump, the method comprising:
providing an electronic medical fluid transfer station, the electronic medical fluid transfer station comprising a step motor and an electronic controller;
providing a disposable fluid tubing, the disposable fluid tubing comprising a syringe pump;
attaching a source container to the disposable fluid tubing;
attaching an elastomeric bladder pump to the disposable fluid tubing;
attaching the disposable fluid tubing to the electronic medical fluid transfer station such that the syringe pump is functionally connected with the step motor; and
using the electronic controller to precisely advance the step motor to transfer medical fluid from the source container to the syringe pump and then from the syringe pump to the elastomeric bladder pump, producing sufficient pressure within the syringe pump to expand a bladder of the elastomeric bladder pump to overcome a resistance to fluid entry of the elastomeric bladder pump without leakage.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the disposable fluid tubing is a fluid transfer module.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The method of claim 2, wherein the fluid transfer module comprises fluid connectors.

### Claim 4 (depends on 2)

The method of claim 2, wherein the fluid transfer module forms a closed system.

### Claim 5 (depends on 2)

The method of claim 2, wherein the fluid transfer module comprises valving.

### Claim 6 (depends on 5)

The method of claim 5, wherein the valving comprises two discrete valves.