HK40098665A - Cassette for retention of fluid path components for fluid injector system - Google Patents

Description

Box for maintaining the fluid path of a fluid injector system

Cross-references to related applications

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/199,010, filed December 1, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

This disclosure generally relates to features associated with a housing for holding and managing fluid path components of a fluid injector system. The housing allows for easy and compact storage of various fluid path components, which can then be easily accessed and engaged with the fluid injector for use in fluid injection procedures.

Background Technology

Syringe injection systems are among the medical devices used in medical imaging procedures. Many such syringes are manually operated by advancing a plunger extension operatively connected to an internal plunger to pressurize fluid within the syringe. However, many medical injection procedures may require precise control and/or high pressure that cannot be achieved through manual syringe operation. Consequently, numerous syringes and powered injectors used with them have been developed for contrast-enhancing medical imaging procedures such as angiography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (NMR)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). For example, U.S. Patent No. 383,858 discloses a pre-loading injection tubing and a powered injector employing both pressure-sheathed and sheathless configurations, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

To load the syringe with contrast fluid, the user typically connects a filling tube and/or spike to the syringe's nozzle or discharge outlet and places the other end of the tube/spiking tip into a bottle or bag containing the contrast medium (hereinafter referred to as "contrast") or other fluid (such as saline or other flushing fluid). The plunger of the injection tube (usually via the injector piston) is retracted to draw contrast agent into the injection tube until the desired amount is loaded. After the syringe is filled, it can be instilled to remove air from the syringe and fluid path. Various fluid path components can then be connected to the patient catheter used for the fluid infusion protocol.

During filling and delivery procedures, conventional fluid injector systems utilize multiple components in the fluid path. These fluid path components include tubing and spikes and/or connectors for filling the syringe from a bulk fluid source for contrast agents and saline, for delivering fluid from the syringe to the patient, air management components, valves and stopcocks for managing fluid flow through the fluid path components, sterility maintenance components, etc. For example, in some cases, very long tubing is used and can become tangled during transport and setup. A device is needed to manage the various fluid path components that allow for rapid access and setup. Loose tubing may also be improperly installed due to its excessive length relative to the fluid injector's potential for detachment.

Summary of the Invention

In one embodiment, a housing for receiving a fluid path component of a fixed fluid injector may include: a body defining at least one feature for receiving at least one fluid path component of the fixed fluid injector; and a connecting member for removably connecting the body of the housing to a receiving surface of the fluid injector, the connecting member being operatively connected to the body, wherein the connecting member includes at least one pivotable connecting feature projecting from the body, and wherein each of the at least one pivotable connecting feature is configured for removably connecting to a corresponding connecting feature receiver on the fluid injector, such that the body is pivotally movable relative to the fluid injector between a first unlocked position and a second locked position, in which at least one fluid path component on the body of the housing is positioned for operatively connecting to the corresponding feature of the fluid injector.

In another embodiment, at least one fluid path component is selected from at least one of the following: at least one stopcock, at least one bubble suspending device, one or more fluid line components, at least one fluid path component including an air detection area, and at least one removable end cap for a fluid line. At least one feature of the body is at least one extension member projecting from the body, wherein the at least one extension member is configured to receive the fluid path component that secures the fluid injector. The at least one extension member includes a retaining tab for receiving and securing the fluid path component to the at least one extension member. The at least one extension member includes a plurality of extension members, each configured to receive at least one fluid path component that secures the fluid injector. The at least one fluid component includes at least one stopcock, wherein the stopcock includes a first fluid filling position providing fluid communication between a bulk fluid container and a syringe engaged to the fluid injector, a second fluid delivery position providing fluid communication between the syringe and a patient tubing kit, and a third stop position blocking fluid communication between the syringe, the bulk fluid container, and the patient tubing kit, and wherein the at least one extension member holds the at least one stopcock in a position configured to engage at least one stopcock actuator of the fluid injector when the cartridge is in a second locked position. A stopcock actuator, in response to a signal from a controller of the fluid injector, actuates the stopcock between a first fluid filling position, a second fluid delivery position, and a third stop position. The body also includes a protective shield member that prevents a user from approaching at least one stopcock housed within the body of the cartridge. At least one fluid component includes at least one bubble suspending device flowably located between at least one fluid path component including an air detection area and at least one stopcock, wherein at least one retaining element holds the at least one bubble suspending device in a position movable between the first filling position and the second injection position as the head of the fluid injector moves between a vertical filling position and a downwardly inclined injection position. The at least one bubble suspending device is configured to expel substantially all bubbles from the at least one bubble suspending device when filling is performed in the vertical filling position; and is configured to, at least temporarily suspend any bubbles detected in the injected fluid during the fluid injection procedure when in the downwardly inclined injection position. At least one fluid component includes at least one fluid path component including an air detection area, wherein at least one retaining element holds the at least one fluid path component including the air detection area in a position on an air detector operatively engaged with a receiving surface of a fluid detector. An air detector is configured to detect air bubbles in the injected fluid during the fluid injection procedure and, in response to the detection of air bubbles, sends a signal to the controller of the fluid injector to cause at least one valve actuator to move at least one valve from a second fluid delivery position and a third stop position. At least one fluid component includes at least one removable end cap for the fluid line, wherein the at least one removable end cap covers and prevents accidental contamination of the connector elements of the fluid line. The cartridge includes two valves, two air bubble suspenders, multiple fluid line components, and two fluid path components, each fluid path component including an air detection area and multiple end caps removable from the fluid line. A connecting member includes a locking tab configured to be received in a corresponding locking recess on the fluid injector for removably attaching a receiving surface to the fluid injector. The connecting member includes a latching member configured to removably engage with a locking arm on the fluid injector. An identifier is located on the body and is configured to provide information about the cartridge, including at least one of the following: assembly date, number of times the cartridge has been used, and location of the cartridge. The identifier may include a barcode.

In another embodiment, the fluid injector may include: a housing; at least one syringe removably housed within the housing; and a cartridge for housing a fluid path component of the fixed fluid injector, the cartridge including: a body defining at least one feature for housing at least one fluid path component of the fixed fluid injector; and a connecting member for removably connecting the body of the cartridge to the fluid injector, the connecting member being operatively connected to the body, wherein the connecting member includes at least one pivotable connecting feature protruding from the body, and wherein each of the at least one pivotable connecting feature is configured for removably connecting to a corresponding connecting feature receiver on the fluid injector, such that the body is pivotally movable relative to the fluid injector between a first unlocked position and a second locked position, in which at least one fluid path component on the body of the cartridge is positioned for operatively connecting to the corresponding feature of the fluid injector.

In another embodiment, at least one fluid path component is selected from at least one of the following components: at least one stopcock, at least one bubble suspending device, one or more fluid line components, at least one fluid path component including an air detection area, and at least one removable end cap for the fluid line. At least one feature of the body is at least one extension member projecting from the body, wherein the at least one extension member is configured to receive the fluid path component that secures the fluid injector. The at least one extension member includes a retaining tab for receiving and securing the fluid path component to the at least one extension member. The body of the cartridge may include a plurality of retaining elements, each retaining element configured to receive at least one fluid path component that secures the fluid injector. At least one fluid component includes at least one stopcock, wherein the stopcock includes a first fluid filling position providing fluid communication between a bulk fluid container and a syringe engaged to the fluid injector, a second fluid delivery position providing fluid communication between the syringe and a patient tubing kit, and a third stop position blocking fluid communication between the syringe, the bulk fluid container, and the patient tubing kit, and wherein the at least one retaining element holds the at least one stopcock in a position configured to engage at least one stopcock actuator of the fluid injector when the cartridge is in a second locked position. A stopcock actuator, in response to a signal from a controller of the fluid injector, actuates the stopcock between a first fluid filling position, a second fluid delivery position, and a third stop position. The body also includes a protective shield member that prevents a user from approaching at least one stopcock housed within the body of the cartridge. At least one fluid component includes at least one bubble suspending device flowably located between at least one fluid path component including an air detection area and at least one stopcock, wherein at least one retaining element holds the at least one bubble suspending device in a position movable between the first filling position and the second injection position as the head of the fluid injector moves between a vertical filling position and a downwardly inclined injection position. The at least one bubble suspending device is configured to expel substantially all bubbles from the at least one bubble suspending device when filling is performed in the vertical filling position; and is configured to, at least temporarily suspend any bubbles detected in the injected fluid during the fluid injection procedure when in the downwardly inclined injection position. At least one fluid component includes at least one fluid path component including an air detection area, wherein at least one retaining element holds the at least one fluid path component including the air detection area in a position on an air detector operatively engaged with a cartridge receiving surface of a fluid detector. An air detector is configured to detect air bubbles in the injected fluid during the fluid injection procedure and, in response to the detection of air bubbles, sends a signal to the controller of the fluid injector to cause at least one valve actuator to move at least one valve from a second fluid delivery position and a third stop position. At least one fluid component includes at least one removable end cap for the fluid line, wherein the at least one removable end cap covers and prevents accidental contamination of the connector elements of the fluid line. The cartridge includes two valves, two air bubble suspenders, multiple fluid line components, and two fluid path components, each fluid path component including an air detection area and multiple end caps removable from the fluid line. A connecting member includes a locking tab configured to be received in a corresponding locking recess on the fluid injector for removably attaching the body to the fluid injector. The connecting member includes a latching member configured to removably engage with a locking arm on the fluid injector. An identifier may be located on the body and is configured to provide information about the cartridge, including at least one of the following: assembly date, number of times the cartridge has been used, and location of the cartridge. The identifier includes a barcode.

In another embodiment, a method of attaching at least one component to a fluid injector may include: attaching at least one component to a housing, the housing including a body defining at least one hole for receiving and fixing at least one component, and a connecting member operatively connected to the body; and connecting the housing to a housing of the fluid injector by operatively connecting the connecting member of the housing to a corresponding connecting member on the fluid injector, wherein the connection between the housing and the housing of the fluid injector is configured to position at least one component at a predetermined position on the housing of the fluid injector.

In another embodiment, at least one component is at least one of a stopcock, a bubble suspending device, a fluid line, and a dust cover for the fluid line. The method may include evaluating an identifier attached to the cartridge to determine whether the cartridge has been used.

In another embodiment, a connection interface between a housing and a fluid injector, the housing being configured to accommodate at least one component of the fluid injector, may include: a first connecting member disposed on the housing for engaging the fluid injector; and a second connecting member disposed on the fluid injector for receiving the first connecting member, wherein the connection between the first and second connecting members is configured to position at least one component at a predetermined position on the fluid injector.

Embodiments of the present invention are also disclosed in the following terms:

Clause 1. A housing for receiving a fluid path component of a fixed fluid injector, the housing comprising: a body defining at least one feature for receiving at least one fluid path component of the fixed fluid injector; and a connecting member for removably connecting the body of the housing to the fluid injector, the connecting member being operatively connected to the body, wherein the connecting member includes at least one pivotable connecting feature protruding from the body, and wherein each of the at least one pivotable connecting feature is configured for removably connecting to a corresponding connecting feature receiver on the fluid injector, such that the body is pivotally movable relative to the fluid injector between a first unlocked position and a second locked position, in the second locked position, the at least one fluid path component on the body of the housing being positioned for operatively connecting to the corresponding feature of the fluid injector.

Clause 2. The box according to Clause 1, wherein the at least one fluid path component is selected from at least one of the following components: at least one stopcock, at least one bubble suspending device, one or more fluid line components, at least one fluid path component including an air detection area, and at least one removable end cap for the fluid line.

Clause 3. The box according to Clause 1 or 2, wherein at least one feature of the body is at least one extension member protruding from the body, wherein the at least one extension member is configured to receive a fluid path component that secures the fluid injector.

Clause 4. The box according to Clause 3, wherein the at least one extension member includes a retaining tab for receiving and securing the fluid path component to the at least one extension member.

Clause 5. The box as described in Clause 3 or Clause 4, wherein the box includes a plurality of retaining elements, each retaining element being configured to receive a fluid path component that secures the fluid injector.

Clause 6. The cartridge according to any one of Clauses 3 to 5, wherein the at least one fluid component includes at least one stopcock, wherein the stopcock includes a first fluid-fill position providing fluid communication between a bulk fluid container and a syringe engaged to the fluid injector, a second fluid-delivery position providing fluid communication between the syringe and a patient tubing kit, and a third stop position blocking fluid communication between the syringe, the bulk fluid container and the patient tubing kit, and wherein the at least one retaining element holds the at least one stopcock in a position configured to engage at least one stopcock actuator of the fluid injector when the cartridge is in the second locked position.

Clause 7. The box according to Clause 6, wherein the rotary valve actuator actuates the rotary valve between the first fluid filling position, the second fluid delivery position, and the third stop position in response to a signal from a controller of the fluid injector.

Clause 8. The box according to any one of Clauses 1 to 7, wherein the body further includes a protective shield member that prevents a user from approaching at least one valve housed in the body of the box.

Clause 9. The box according to any one of Clauses 3 to 5, wherein the at least one fluid component includes at least one bubble suspending device, the bubble suspending device being fluently located between the at least one fluid path component including the air detection area and the at least one valve, wherein the at least one retaining element holds the at least one bubble suspending device in a position movable between a first filling position and a second injection position as the head of the fluid injector moves between a vertical filling position and a downwardly inclined injection position.

Clause 10. The box according to Clause 9, wherein the at least one bubble suspending device is configured to expel substantially all bubbles from the at least one bubble suspending device when infusing in the vertical infusing position; and is configured to, when in the downwardly inclined infusing position, suspend at least temporarily any bubbles detected in the infused fluid during the fluid infusion procedure.

Clause 11. The box according to any one of Clauses 3 to 10, wherein the at least one fluid component includes at least one fluid path component, the at least one fluid path component including an air detection area, wherein the at least one retaining element holds the at least one fluid path component including the air detection area in a position on an air detector operatively engaged with a receiving surface of the fluid detector.

Clause 12. The box according to Clause 11, wherein the air detector is configured to detect air bubbles in the injected fluid during the fluid injection procedure, and in response to detecting air bubbles in the injected fluid, to send a signal to the controller of the fluid injector to cause the at least one valve actuator to move the at least one valve from the second fluid delivery position and the third stop position.

Clause 13. The box according to any one of Clauses 3 to 12, wherein the at least one fluid component includes at least one removable end cap for the fluid line, wherein the at least one removable end cap covers and prevents accidental contamination of the connector elements of the fluid line.

Clause 14. The box according to any one of Clauses 1 to 13, wherein the box comprises two stopcocks, two bubble suspending devices, a plurality of fluid line components, two fluid path components, each fluid path component including an air detection area and a plurality of end caps removable from the fluid lines.

Clause 15. The box according to any one of Clauses 1 to 14, wherein the connecting member includes a locking tab configured to be received in a corresponding locking recess on the fluid injector for removably attaching the body to the fluid injector.

Clause 16. The box according to any one of Clauses 1 to 14, wherein the connecting member includes a latching member configured to be removably connected to a locking arm on the fluid injector.

Clause 17. The box according to any one of Clauses 1 to 16 further includes an identifier located on the body, the identifier being configured to provide information about the box, including at least one of the following: assembly date, number of times the box has been used, and location of the box.

Clause 18. The box as described in Clause 17, wherein the identifier includes a barcode.

Clause 19. A fluid injector, comprising: a housing; at least one syringe removably received within the housing; and a cartridge for receiving a fluid path component of the fluid injector, the cartridge comprising: a body defining at least one feature for receiving at least one fluid path component of the fluid injector; and a connecting member for removably connecting the body of the cartridge to the fluid injector, the connecting member being operatively connected to the body, wherein the connecting member includes at least one pivotable connecting feature projecting from the body, and wherein each of the at least one pivotable connecting feature is configured for removably connecting to a corresponding connecting feature receiver on the fluid injector, such that the body is pivotally movable relative to the fluid injector between a first unlocked position and a second locked position, in the second locked position, wherein the at least one fluid path component on the body of the cartridge is positioned for operatively connecting to the corresponding feature of the fluid injector.

Clause 20. The fluid injector according to Clause 19, wherein the at least one fluid path component is selected from at least one of the following components: at least one stopcock, at least one bubble suspending device, one or more fluid line components, at least one fluid path component including an air detection area, and at least one removable end cap for the fluid line.

Clause 21. A fluid injector according to Clause 19 or 20, wherein at least one feature of the body is at least one extension member protruding from the body, wherein the at least one extension member is configured to receive a fluid path component that secures the fluid injector.

Clause 22. The fluid injector according to Clause 21, wherein the at least one extension member includes a retaining tab for receiving and securing the fluid path component to the at least one extension member.

Clause 23. The fluid injector according to Clause 21 or 22, wherein the housing includes a plurality of retaining elements, each retaining element being configured to receive a fluid path component that secures the fluid injector.

Clause 24. A fluid injector according to any one of Clauses 21 to 23, wherein the at least one fluid component includes at least one stopcock, wherein the stopcock includes a first fluid filling position providing fluid communication between a bulk fluid container and a syringe engaged to the fluid injector, a second fluid delivery position providing fluid communication between the syringe and a patient tubing kit, and a third stop position blocking fluid communication between the syringe, the bulk fluid container and the patient tubing kit, and wherein the at least one retaining element holds the at least one stopcock in a position configured to engage at least one stopcock actuator of the fluid injector when the cartridge is in the second locking position.

Clause 25. The fluid injector according to Clause 24, wherein the valve actuator actuates the valve between a first fluid filling position, a second fluid delivery position, and the third stop position in response to a signal from a controller of the fluid injector.

Clause 26. The fluid injector according to any one of Clauses 19 to 25, wherein the body further includes a protective shield member that prevents a user from approaching at least one valve housed in the body of the cartridge.

Clause 27. A fluid injector according to any one of Clauses 21 to 23, wherein the at least one fluid component includes at least one bubble suspending device, the bubble suspending device being fluently located between the at least one fluid path component including the air detection area and the at least one stopcock, wherein the at least one retaining element holds the at least one bubble suspending device in a position movable between a first filling position and a second injection position as the head of the fluid injector moves between a vertical filling position and a downwardly inclined injection position.

Clause 28. The fluid injector according to Clause 27, wherein the at least one bubble suspending device is configured to expel substantially all bubbles from the at least one bubble suspending device when injecting in the vertical injection position; and is configured to, when in the downwardly inclined injection position, suspend at least temporarily any bubbles detected in the injected fluid during the fluid injection procedure.

Clause 29. A fluid injector according to any one of Clauses 21 to 28, wherein the at least one fluid component includes at least one fluid path component, the at least one fluid path component includes an air detection region, and wherein the at least one retaining element retains the at least one fluid path component including the air detection region in a position on an air detector operatively engaged with a receiving surface of the fluid detector.

Clause 30. The fluid injector according to Clause 29, wherein the air detector is configured to detect air bubbles in the injected fluid during the fluid injection procedure and, in response to detecting air bubbles in the injected fluid, to send a signal to the controller of the fluid injector to cause the at least one valve actuator to move the at least one valve from the second fluid delivery position and the third stop position.

Clause 31. A fluid injector according to any one of Clauses 21 to 30, wherein the at least one fluid component includes at least one removable end cap for the fluid line, wherein the at least one removable end cap covers and prevents accidental contamination of the connector elements of the fluid line.

Clause 32. The fluid injector according to any one of Clauses 19 to 31, wherein the cartridge includes two stopcocks, two bubble suspending devices, a plurality of fluid line components, two fluid path components, each fluid path component including an air detection area and a plurality of end caps removable from the fluid line.

Clause 33. The fluid injector according to any one of Clauses 19 to 32, wherein the connecting member includes a locking tab configured to be received in a corresponding locking recess on the fluid injector for removably attaching the body to the fluid injector.

Clause 34. A fluid injector according to any one of Clauses 19 to 32, wherein the connecting member includes a latching member configured to be removably connected to a locking arm on the fluid injector.

Clause 35. The fluid injector according to any one of Clauses 19 to 34 further includes an identifier located on the body, the identifier being configured to provide information about the cartridge, including at least one of the following: assembly date, number of times the cartridge has been used, and location of the cartridge.

Clause 36. The fluid injector as described in Clause 35, wherein the identifier includes a barcode.

Clause 37. A method of attaching at least one component to a fluid injector, the method comprising: attaching the at least one component to a housing, the housing including a body defining at least one hole for receiving and securing the at least one component, and a connecting member operatively connected to the body; and connecting the housing to a housing of the fluid injector by operatively connecting the connecting member of the housing to a corresponding connecting member on the fluid injector, wherein the connection between the housing and the housing of the fluid injector is configured to position the at least one component at a predetermined position on the housing of the fluid injector.

Clause 38. The method according to Clause 37, wherein the at least one component is at least one of a stopcock, a bubble suspending device, a fluid line, and a dust cover for the fluid line.

Clause 39. The method described in accordance with Clause 37 or 38 further includes evaluating an identifier attached to the box to determine whether the box has been used.

Clause 40. A connection interface between a housing and a fluid injector, the housing being configured to receive at least one component securing the fluid injector, the connection interface comprising: a first connecting member disposed on the housing for engaging the fluid injector; and a second connecting member disposed on the fluid injector for receiving the first connecting member, wherein the connection between the first connecting member and the second connecting member is configured to position the at least one component at a predetermined position on the fluid injector.

Attached Figure Description

The various features described herein are specifically set forth in the appended claims. However, these features relating to the organization and methods of operation can be better understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cartridge for a fluid injector according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 2 is a top view of the box in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a side view of the box in Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the box assembly of Figure 1 according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the box assembly having fluid path components attached thereto.

Figure 5 is a top view of the box assembly in Figure 4.

Figures 6A and 6B are cross-sectional views of the near end of the box of Figure 4, showing the connection to the dust cover of the box with and without conduit and connector elements (Figure 6A) and with conduit and connector elements (Figure 6B).

Figures 7A and 7B are cross-sectional views of the box in Figure 4, showing the connection of the bubble suspension device to the box along the longitudinal axis (Figure 7A) and the transverse axis (Figure 7B).

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the box assembly of Figure 4, showing the connection of the plug valve to the box.

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the component in Figure 4, showing the fluid line connection to the box.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a fluid injector including a connection device for receiving the box assembly of Figure 4.

Figure 11 is a perspective view of the fluid injector of Figure 10 receiving the box assembly of Figure 4 in a first position.

Figure 12 is a perspective view of the fluid injector of Figure 10 receiving the box assembly of Figure 4 in a second position.

Figure 13 is a side view of the fluid injector and cartridge assembly of Figure 11 in the infusion position.

Figure 14 is a side view of the fluid injector and cartridge assembly of Figure 11 in the injection position.

Figure 15 is a perspective view of a box in a package according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figures 16A-16C are side views of a connection device for a cartridge and a fluid injector according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 16A shows the cartridge assembly in its initial engagement position, Figure 16B shows its intermediate position, and Figure 16C shows its loaded position.

Figure 17 is a perspective view of a box according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the box including a post for housing and securing fluid lines to the box.

Figure 18 is a perspective view of a box according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the box including inclined columns for housing and securing fluid lines to the box.

Figure 19 is a perspective view of a box according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the box having a spool assembly for housing and securing fluid lines on the box.

Figure 20 is a perspective view of a box according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the box having a spool assembly for housing and securing fluid lines on the box.

Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of the box in Figure 20, showing an air detector that operatively interacts with a fluid line.

Detailed Implementation

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description. The illustrative features shown and described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not intended to be limiting. Other features may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the scope of the subject matter set forth herein.

Before describing in detail the various aspects of the cartridge, its interaction with the injector components, and its individual features, it should be noted that the aspects disclosed herein are not limited to the details of the construction and arrangement of the parts shown in the drawings and specifications in their application or use. Instead, the disclosed devices can be positioned or incorporated into other devices, their variations and modifications, and can be practiced or performed in a variety of ways. Therefore, the aspects of the cartridge and fluid injector features disclosed herein are illustrative in nature and are not intended to limit their scope or application. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, the terminology and expressions used herein are chosen for the convenience of the reader in describing the various aspects of the cartridge and fluid injector features, not to limit their scope. Moreover, it should be understood that any one or more components, their expressions, and/or examples thereof of the cartridge and fluid injector features can be combined with any one or more other components, their expressions, and/or examples thereof without limitation.

Furthermore, in the following description, it should be understood that terms such as front, back, inside, outside, top, and bottom are convenient words and should not be construed as limiting terms. The terminology used herein is not intended to be restrictive, as the device or parts thereof described herein can be attached or used in other orientations. Various aspects of the features of the cartridge and fluid injector will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring to Figures 1-5, a disposable cartridge 2 is shown and described, which simplifies the installation of disposable fluid pathway components on a powered medical fluid injector 4, such as for contrast-enhanced angiography (CV), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), ultrasound, and similar imaging procedures. The cartridge may include skeletal features, such as retaining elements, for holding various fluid pathway components, for example, in place for alignment and interaction with various components of the fluid injector head, patient fluid lines, and/or body fluid sources. Various fluid pathway components can be housed and secured in place and orientation by one or more retaining elements. According to various embodiments, the cartridge and various fluid pathway components may be manufactured and assembled in a production facility, sterilized, and packaged for shipment to the end user. According to various embodiments, the cartridge and fluid pathway components may be used as a multi-patient fluid pathway kit, which can be used individually with multiple separate individual patient fluid pathway components for a series of fluid injection procedures, which can be used for each injection process and discarded prior to subsequent fluid injection procedures. In other embodiments, the cartridge and fluid path component can be used in a single-use manner, wherein the cartridge and fluid path component are discarded after a single injection procedure, and a new cartridge/fluid path component assembly is installed for subsequent injections.

As described herein, the cartridge and fluid path component assembly can be configured for easy mounting onto the receiving surface of the fluid injector head. Therefore, the cartridge assembly can be designed to minimize the time between injection procedures, allowing for more injection procedures to be performed within a given period. Furthermore, the cartridge can reduce or eliminate user setup errors because all fluid path components are assembled in the correct position and alignment, and the cartridge can engage the fluid injector's receiving surface in only one possible orientation.

According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the disposable cartridge 2 simplifies the installation of disposable fluid path components on a fluid injector, such as but not limited to a CV injector 4 (FIG. 10), by merging the attachment points of the cartridge and fluid path components with corresponding features on the fluid injector 4, while maintaining various fluid path components in an organized and compact configuration. The cartridge 2 can be used to simplify and manage fluid path components, for example by orienting various components, such as one or more of the following operations: properly inserting an air detection area of the fluid path component into an air detector associated with the fluid injector; mounting and orienting a bubble levitation device to a position that allows filling and/or bubble levitation; inserting a stopcock into a corresponding stopcock actuator on the fluid injector; properly inserting one or more compressible clamp valve areas of the fluid path component into one or more corresponding clamps on the fluid injector; managing pipelines or other fluid path components; managing male or female connector components and/or spikes at the ends of the fluid path with appropriate orientation and/or proximity for connection to corresponding female or male connector components of the fluid injector component or fluid path component; and managing one or more removable end caps for the fluid line. The cartridge 2 can be provided to the user as a single device or bracket having various fluid path components located or connected to the cartridge 2 in appropriate positions to allow easy installation of the cartridge 2 and associated fluid path components onto the receiving surface 11 of the fluid injector 4 in a single action or a simple sequence of actions. This single action or simple sequence of actions replaces the multiple complex actions required to install multiple fluid path components onto a conventional fluid injector; minimizing the possibility of incorrect installation of one or more of the multiple fluid path components, which could lead to errors in the fluid injection procedure. The cartridge 2 can also be designed to be installed only relative to the fluid injector 4 in a single predetermined direction, thereby minimizing confusion, delays, and errors during installation and ensuring that the various fluid path components are correctly positioned for quick connection to one or more syringes attached to the fluid injector 4.

According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the cartridge 2 may include a body 6 configured to house various fluid pathway components at locations operatively connected to corresponding features of a fluid injector 4, a disposable component (e.g., a syringe) attached thereto, and/or components (e.g., patient fluid lines, bulk fluid sources, etc.) attachable to the cartridge fluid pathway components. The body 6 may define various orifices, compartments, and multiple retaining elements for housing and securing the various fluid pathway components. In one example, the cartridge 2 is configured to house and secure at least one fluid line 8 for delivering medical fluids from the fluid injector 4 (i.e., the syringe on the fluid injector 4) to a patient. In one example, the cartridge 2 may be configured to house and secure two separate fluid lines 8, each configured to deliver a different medical fluid to a patient. For example, one fluid line 8 may deliver saline solution to a patient, while the other fluid line 8 may deliver contrast media or other liquid pharmaceutical preparations to a patient.

According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the box 2 may include multiple features for mounting different types of tubing thereon. According to various embodiments, the box 2 may operatively accommodate fixed fluid pathway components, such as fluid lines 8, which may include filler tubing, patient tubing, and other fluid pathway components (see, for example, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/212,055 filed June 17, 2021; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/222,605 filed July 16, 2021; and PCT International Application No. PCT/US2021/018523 filed February 18, 2021; PCT International Application No. PCT/US2021/022421 filed March 15, 2021; March 2021). The disclosures of each of the following patents are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety: PCT International Application No. PCT/US2021/022321 filed on April 15, 2021; PCT International Application No. PCT/US2021/029963 filed on April 29, 2021; and PCT International Application No. PCT/US2021/01507 filed on February 25, 2021; online bubble suspension components (PCT/US2021/037623 filed on June 16, 2021); and infusion/purge tubing (PCT/US2021/045689 filed on August 13, 2021). In various embodiments, cartridge 2 may be designed for a single-injector setup (e.g., where only contrast medium is injected) or a dual-injector setup (e.g., including a first syringe containing contrast medium and a second syringe containing flushing fluid (e.g., physiological saline or Ringer's lactate)). According to an embodiment, a single set of features can be used for all of these, or these features can be used individually for each fluid line 8.

In specific embodiments, such as those shown in Figures 17 and 18, one or more posts 10 may protrude from the surface of the housing 2 for wrapping around the fluid line 8. For example, a longer patient fluid line 8 may be wrapped or otherwise engaged with one or more posts to maintain the patient fluid line 8 in a compact position to minimize tangling during transport and/or during setup for fluid infusion. In some embodiments, one or more posts 10 may be designed to apply a spring force to the fluid line 8 to ensure tension on the fluid line 8 when it is held secured to the post 10. The posts 10 and/or housing 2 may also have one or more recesses or protrusions for positioning the fluid line 8 when it is held on the post 10. In some embodiments, a cap or lid (not shown) may be placed on one or more posts 10 or all posts 10 to retain the fluid line 8. The cap may be removable or permanently attached. In a non-limiting embodiment of this disclosure, the posts 10 may be tilted outwards to create tension on the fluid line 8 wrapped around the posts 10. Fluid lines that may be associated with one or more columns 10 may include patient fluid lines and/or body fluid lines, such as having or not having associated spike components for inserting bulk fluid sources.

According to the non-limiting embodiments shown in Figures 4, 19, and 20, one or more spools or reels 12 may be placed on the top, bottom, or side of the housing 2 to accommodate the various portions of the fixed fluid line 8 prior to installation and to allow the fluid line 8 to be unwound. In a particular embodiment, the spool 12 may be wound from one end or the center of the line portion. In a particular embodiment, the spool 12 may be removable to allow it to be unwound or even mounted on the fluid injector 4 to be unwound during setup and to be electromechanically rewound after use via the fluid injector 4 or via a biasing element (e.g., a spring) associated with the spool 12. The reel 12 may rotate freely or with resistance on the housing 2, such as with friction or a ratchet. This rotation will allow easy removal of the fluid line 8 from the spool 12. One or more reels 12 may be nested or stacked, such that multiple reels 12 can be used on a single housing 2. In some embodiments, the spool 12 may include a spring or other biasing member to allow the fluid line 8 to retract, for example, by releasing a pawl and driving the fluid line 8 back onto the spool or spool 12 upon completion of a fluid injection procedure. The spool 12 may have a removable end cap or line retainer molded into the spool 12 to receive and secure the fluid line 8 thereto. In a non-limiting embodiment of this disclosure, the spool 12 may also define a retaining groove 13 that receives and accommodates the fluid line 8 when it is wound around the spool 12.

According to a non-limiting embodiment, one or more bags or wells can be molded into the housing 2, and the fluid line 8 can be coiled into the housing 2 prior to installation. The fluid line 8 can be placed in the bag in such a way that it can be pulled out directly and unwound on its own before use with the fluid injector 4. The housing 2 may also have additional rigidly mounted connectors for easier access to other fluid line connections.

According to one embodiment of this disclosure, as shown in Figures 1-5, the body 6 of the housing 2 may further include at least one extension member 14 to help retain the distal end of the fluid line 8 on the housing 2. For example, at least one extension member 14 may be configured to receive and secure the distal end of the fluid line 8. In one example, the housing 2 may include multiple extension members 14 such that the distal end of each fluid line 8 can be received and secured on a separate extension member 14 in a position attached to a patient fluid line. The extension member 14 may include a retaining tab 16 that allows a fluid path component (e.g., the fluid line 8) to be removably secured to the extension member 14. The retaining tab 16 may include a groove defined in the extension member 14 to allow the fluid line 8 to press-fit into the groove for retention on the extension member 14. In another embodiment shown in Figure 20, the housing 2 may omit the extension member 14, and instead, the fluid line 8 may extend from the front side of the housing 2 without support from the extension member or retaining element.

According to various embodiments, the upper and/or lower surfaces of the cartridge 2 may include a plurality of retaining elements to hold various fluid path components in proper position and configuration on the cartridge 2, for example, in the correct position and/or orientation for engagement with corresponding components on a fluid injector, or in the correct orientation of a step in the injection procedure. For example, in various embodiments, the retaining elements may include one or more snap-fit members to engage corresponding features on the fluid path components. At least one retaining element may be configured such that the fluid path component is removably retained by the at least one retaining element, or the at least one retaining element may be configured such that the fluid path component is non-removably retained by the at least one retaining element.

Referring to Figures 1-6B, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the cartridge 2 may define a receiver 18 configured to receive and secure one or more removable end caps 20 operatively connected to the proximal and/or distal ends of one or more fluid lines 8. The removable end caps 20 may be configured to prevent dust and other microbial contaminants from entering pre-sterilized fluid path components and contaminating the fluid flowing through them. Examples of suitable removable end caps are described, for example, in U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/222,605, or may be commercially available end caps. In some embodiments, the removable end cap 20 may include a sterilizing element, such as an alcohol wiping element, which maintains the sterility of the connector element at the end of the fluid line. The removable end cap 20 may be operatively connected to the fluid line 8 using a rotary connection, press-fit or friction-fit connection, or spring-lock connection. According to various embodiments, the removable end cap 20 may be configured to engage one or more flexible locking legs of a corresponding connector element on the fluid line 8, such as as described in PCT application No. PCT/US2021/018523; or U.S. Patent No. 11,083,882, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Each removable end cap 20 may have a tab 22 that can be easily grasped by a user to allow removal of the removable end cap 20 from the connector of the fluid line 8, thereby allowing fluid to enter the fluid line 8. In one embodiment, a receiver 18 may define at least one groove 24 to receive a corresponding tab 22 of the removable end cap 20 such that the removable end cap 20 and the corresponding connector end of the fluid line 8 can be received and secured in a defined position during transport and installation onto a fluid injector. Optionally, the receiver 18 may be configured to receive and secure another portion of the removable end cap 20. According to various embodiments, the groove 24 may be sized and structured to receive the tab 22 in a friction-fit manner to retain the removable end cap 20 within the receiver 18, such that the end of the fluid line 8 and the connector element are positioned adjacent to or near a corresponding feature on the injector, such as the connector element at the distal end of the syringe inserted into the fluid injector 4. After the cartridge 2 has been mounted on the fluid injector 4, as described herein, and the operator is ready to connect the fluid line 8 to the connector element at the distal end of the syringe on the fluid injector 4, the removable end cap 20 may be pulled out of the receiver 18 and removed from the fluid line 8 to allow connection of the fluid line 8 to the fluid injector 4. Similar to the removable end cap 20, the opposite end of the fluid line 8, which is secured to the extension member 14, may also have a removable end cap 26 disposed thereon to prevent contamination of the fluid line 8. Referring to FIG6B, according to another embodiment of this disclosure, the tab 22 of the removable end cap 20 may include a larger tab portion that can be press-fitted into the receiver 18 for connection to the cartridge 2.

Referring to Figures 1-5, 6A and 6B, and 21 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the cartridge 2 may further include a retaining element configured to receive at least one air detection region 29 of a fixed fluid path, such that the cartridge 2 positions at least one air detection region 29 in alignment with one or more air detectors 129 on the receiving surface 11 of the fluid injector 4 (see Figures 10 and 21). According to various embodiments, the cartridge 2 and the fluid line 8 may include two air detection regions 29, a first air detector 29 on the contrast medium fluid path and a second air detector 29 on the saline fluid path. According to some embodiments, each air detection region 29 interacts with a corresponding air detector 129 on the fluid injector 4 such that any air bubbles flowing through the fluid path of at least one air detection region 29 can be detected by the air sensor of the air detector 129. An advantage of the defined support of the cartridge 2 is that at least one air detection region 29 is precisely positioned within the corresponding area of the air detector 129, ensuring that any air bubbles flowing through the fluid path in at least one air detection region 29 are detected by the air detector 129. Air detector 129 is configured to detect one or more air bubbles in the injected fluid during a fluid injection procedure. In response to the detection of an air bubble in the injected fluid, air detector 129 may send a signal to the controller of the fluid injector to indicate that an air bubble has been detected in the fluid line. As those skilled in the art will understand, injecting air into a patient's vascular system can have serious adverse effects on the patient's health. Particularly in angiography procedures, but also in other contrast agent injection procedures (such as CT, PET, and MR), it is crucial to minimize or eliminate the possibility of injecting a critical volume of air (defined as the minimum volume of air that could cause adverse effects if injected into a patient) during a particular procedure. In this specification, cartridge 2 is configured to precisely align at least one air detection area 29 with one or more corresponding air detectors 129 to eliminate the possibility of operator error or manufacturing defects that could lead to misalignment of at least one air detection area 29 with air detector 129, and to ensure accurate detection of any air that may pass through the fluid line 8.

In one embodiment shown in Figure 21, the housing 2 can be designed and configured to apply a load to the fluid line 8 of the air detection area 29. The geometry and thickness of the housing 2 can be shaped to act as a spring and apply a continuous force to the fluid line 8 of the air detection area 29, ensuring contact between the fluid line 8 of the air detection area 29 and the corresponding air detector 129, taking into account manufacturing tolerances. For example, when the fluid line 8 of the air detection area 29 is inserted into the housing 2, the geometry of the housing 2, particularly the protrusions or retaining elements on the housing 2, can be configured to increase pressure on the fluid line 8 to press the air detection area 29 of the fluid line 8 against the air detector 129, thereby ensuring more accurate readings of the fluid and any air passing through the fluid line 8. By ensuring that the housing 2 is configured to increase this pressure on the fluid line 8, any tolerance issues arising during the manufacture and/or production of the air detection area 29 can be mitigated.

In various embodiments, the cartridge 2 may define at least one containment 28 configured to receive and hold the bubble suspending device 30. In one example, the bubble suspending device 30 may be fluidly connected to a fluid line 8 downstream of the air detection zone 29 so that any bubbles detected in the fluid flowing through the upstream air detection zone 29 of the fluid line 8 may be at least temporarily suspended and delayed. For example, at least one bubble suspending device 30 may be configured to at least temporarily suspend and delay the flow of one or more detected bubbles within the bubble suspending zone for at least a period of time sufficient to allow the air detector 129 to signal the controller of the fluid injector 4 that air has been detected and to shut off the fluid injection procedure and stop the flow of fluid into the patient, for example by moving a shut-off valve (e.g., a pinch valve or stopcock as described herein) to the closed position. In this way, even small amounts of air may be detected before high fluid flow rates and system volumes bring bubbles into the patient's body, and the injection procedure may be shut off. In one example, the housing 2 may define two receptacles 28, each configured to receive and hold a separate bubble levitation device 30, each in fluid communication with a single fluid line 8 (e.g., a contrast fluid line and a saline fluid line). In one embodiment, the bubble levitation device 30 may be an in-line bubble levitation device disclosed in PCT International Patent Application No. PCT/US2021/037623. In addition to other connection means that allow the bubble levitation device 30 to be removably attached to the housing 2, the bubble levitation device 30 may be held in the housing 2 using a latching or snap-fit connector. Referring to Figures 7A and 7B, according to certain embodiments of this disclosure, the bubble levitation device 30 may be received and secured in the housing 2 using a push tab 31 configured to insert into an opening defined in the receptacle 28. Once the push tab 31 has been pushed through the opening, the push tab 31 is configured to expand outward to prevent rearward movement of the push tab 31 through the opening in the receptacle 28.

As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the cartridge 2 can be configured to attach to the fluid injector 4 such that the cartridge 2 and the fluid injector 4 can rotate between a vertical filling position (Figure 13) and a downward-facing injection position (Figure 14). A retaining element associated with at least one bubble levitation device 30 of the cartridge 2 can align and orient at least one bubble levitation device 30 such that it can move between a first filling position and a second injection position. In the first filling position, substantially all air in the bubble levitation device 30 can be purged from the bubble levitation device 30 and the fluid line prior to the injection procedure. In the second injection position, the bubble levitation device 30 is oriented such that it temporarily retains any bubbles in the fluid path during the injection procedure. Movement of the head of the fluid injector 4 between the vertical filling position and the downward-facing injection position causes one or more bubble levitation devices 30 to move between the filling and injection positions, removing air from the bubble levitation device 30 in the filling position and retaining any air in the injected fluid in the bubble levitation device 30 in the injection position.

According to one embodiment of this disclosure, as shown in Figures 1-5 and 8, the housing 2 may further define at least one receiver 32 to receive and retain a fluid control valve 34 for controlling the flow of fluid through the fluid line 8. In one embodiment, the housing 2 may define two receivers 32 to receive and retain the fluid control valve 34 respectively. In one example, the fluid control valve 34 may be a stopcock valve, such as a three-way stopcock valve. The fluid control valve 34 may be removably received and fixed in the receiver 32 by snap-fit connection, friction fit, or any other removable connection that allows the fluid control valve 34 to be inserted into and removed from the receiver 32. In one embodiment, the fluid control valve 34 (e.g., a three-way stopcock) may be movable between at least three different positions via the fluid injector 4. In a first fluid-filled position, the fluid control valve 34 may guide fluid through the fluid line 8 to provide fluid communication between a body fluid source and a syringe received and fixed to the fluid injector 4, while preventing fluid communication with the patient fluid line. In the second fluid delivery position, the fluid control valve 34 can be positioned to provide direct fluid communication through the fluid line 8 from the syringe housed in the fluid injector 4 to the patient fluid line (and thus to the patient), while preventing fluid communication with the body fluid source. In the third stop position, the fluid control valve 34 blocks any fluid communication through the fluid line 8 between the syringe, the body fluid source, and the patient. The cartridge can be operatively positioned using a corresponding stopcock actuator 134 on the fluid injector 4, such that the stopcock actuator 134 can actuate the corresponding stopcock in response to a signal from a controller on the fluid injector 4, and move the stopcock between the first, second, and third positions. For example, when the fluid infusion protocol requires filling the syringe, the controller can signal the stopcock actuator 134 to move the stopcock to the first fluid filling position, allowing fluid to be drawn from the body fluid source into the syringe. The controller can then signal the stopcock actuator 134 to move the stopcock to the second fluid delivery position, thereby allowing infusion of the system and subsequently initiating the fluid infusion procedure. The controller can send a signal to the valve actuator 134 to move the valve to a third stop position when: a) the fluid injection procedure is temporarily stopped to prevent fluid from dripping from the system; b) the fluid injection procedure ends; or c) when the air detector 129 signals to the controller that one or more air bubbles have been detected in the fluid flowing through the air detection zone 29 of the fluid path. In the latter case, the air detector works in conjunction with the bubble suspending device 30, the controller, and the valve and valve actuator 134 to detect air in the fluid path, temporarily suspend the air in the bubble suspending device 30, signal the controller that air has been detected, and allow the controller to signal and actuate the valve actuator 134 to move to the third stop position for a period of time that allows fluid flow to stop before any air can pass through the bubble suspending device 30 and reach the patient downstream (through the valve). The cartridge 2 is configured to precisely align the valve with the valve actuator 134 such that this operation prevents any air movement through the system into the patient's body.

According to one embodiment, the fluid control valve 34 may be one or more pinch valves on the fluid injector 4, operably positioned to interact with one or more fluid lines 8 housed and fixed in a cartridge, such as a body fluid line and/or a patient fluid line. In some embodiments, the pinch valve may be a dual-pinch valve designed to control flow through two separate fluid lines, for example, between the body fluid line and/or the patient fluid line. Suitable pinch valves for incorporation into the fluid injector 4, such as the dual-pinch valve described therein, are described in PCT International Application No. PCT/US2021/029963. For example, in some embodiments, the dual-pinch valve may include a first pinch valve for controlling fluid flow between a body fluid source and a syringe and a second pinch valve for controlling fluid flow between the syringe and the patient fluid line. According to a specific embodiment, the cartridge 2 may be configured to align the various fluid lines 8 with the pinch valves. In a specific embodiment, the cartridge 2 may be configured to apply force to the fluid line 8 when the cartridge is operably engaged with the fluid injector 4 to bias the fluid line 8 into an engaging interaction (i.e., inserting the fluid line into the clamping region of the clamping valve).

According to one embodiment, the body 6 of the housing 2 may include a protective shield member 35 covering at least one fluid control valve 34. The protective shield member 35 is configured to protect and/or prevent the handle of at least one fluid control valve 34 from shifting during transport or handling by an operator. In one embodiment, a notch 37 may be provided on the protective shield member 35 to allow the handle of the fluid control valve 34 to be visible, thereby determining the position of the handle.

According to various embodiments, the cartridge 2 includes features that allow proper positioning of the cartridge 2 relative to the receiving surface 11 on the head of the fluid injector 4, and connection means 36 for easily mounting the cartridge 2 onto the fluid injector 4 and aligning the various fluid path components on the cartridge 2 with their corresponding features on the fluid injector 4. According to various embodiments, as shown in Figures 10-14, the cartridge 2 can be hingedly engaged to the fluid injector 4 to align the fluid line 8, the bubble suspending device 30, the air detection zone 29, and the fluid control valve 34 with their corresponding actuators on the fluid injector 4, while positioning the end of the fluid line 8 near the corresponding connection features on the fluid injector 4 and the patient's fluid line. Therefore, the cartridge 2 can improve efficiency and reduce time between injection procedures while minimizing operator installation errors or delays. In some embodiments, the cartridge 2 can be provided as a single-package disposable unit having all associated disposable fluid path components, which can be provided in a sterile package or together with the sterile fluid path components (i.e., the interiors of the various fluid path components are sterilized, then sealed and packaged). Box 2 can be removed from the packaging and quickly engaged with fluid injector 4, making all fluid path components on box 2 ready for the subsequent injection process.

Figures 10-12 illustrate various methods for positioning, engaging, and latching the cartridge 2 to the fluid injector 4, including a fixed pivot point on the fluid injector 4 and a latching feature for retaining the cartridge 2 once positioned and engaged with the receiving surface 11 on the head of the fluid injector 4. Once the cartridge 2 is attached to and engaged with the features of the fluid injector 4, the user can access various fluid path components after removing the associated removable end cap 20 and connect connector elements at the distal and proximal ends of the fluid path to appropriate features of the fluid injector 4 (e.g., syringe nozzle, spiking body fluid source, patient fluid line, etc.) to prepare the system for a fluid injection procedure.

Referring to Figures 1-5 and 10-12, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the box 2 may include a connecting device 36 comprising at least one hinge member 38. In various examples, two hinge members 38 are disposed on opposite sides of the proximal end of the box 2. Each hinge member 38 may include a circular member 40 and a latching member 42. In one embodiment, the hinge member 38 is configured to be received within a corresponding recess 44 defined in the box receiving surface 11 of the fluid injector 4. In one example, the hinge member 38 may be positioned on the box 2 such that the hinge member 38 can only be inserted into the recess 44 of the receiving surface 11 of the fluid injector 4 in a predetermined direction or insertion/removal angle relative to the receiving surface 11, thereby eliminating the risk of an operator or user installing the box 2 in an undesirable position on the fluid injector 4. The recess 44 may be defined to have a shape corresponding to the hinge member 38. To mount the box 2 onto the fluid injector 4, the circular member 40 of the hinge member 38 may first be inserted into the recess 44 on the fluid injector 4. Once the circular member 40 has been inserted into the recess 44, the box 2 can be rotated downward relative to the fluid injector 4 to bring the box 2 toward the fluid injector 4, thereby causing the latching member 42 of the hinge member 38 to move into the recess 44. It is also conceivable that the box 2 can be press-fitted onto the fluid injector 4, rather than rotationally fitted.

As shown in Figures 10-12, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, after the hinge member 38 has been inserted into the recess 44, the cartridge 2 can be fully rotated toward the fluid injector 4 for fully connecting the cartridge 2 to the fluid injector 4. As the cartridge 2 rotates toward the fluid injector 4, a flexible locking tab 46 disposed at the distal end of the cartridge 2 is bent and pressed into a locking groove 48 defined in the receiving surface 11 of the head of the fluid injector 4 for locking engagement. The locking tab 46 can snap into the locking groove 48 to retain the hinge member 38 in the corresponding groove 44, such that the cartridge 2 remains removably engaged with the fluid injector 4. After the cartridge 2 has been locked in place on the fluid injector 4, a fluid path component housed and fixed on the cartridge 2 is positioned in a predetermined orientation on the fluid injector 4 to facilitate connection with a corresponding fluid path component on the fluid injector 4 and/or a patient fluid line. For example, in the engaged locking position, cartridge 2 positions the proximal connector end of fluid line 8 and the associated removable end cap 20 adjacent to the distal end of the syringe, such that the proximal connector end can be removed from the removable end cap 20, and the connector engages with the syringe to provide fluid communication between the syringe interior and fluid line 8. In one embodiment of this disclosure, to remove cartridge 2 from the fluid injector 4 after use, locking tab 46 can be flexibly pressed against cartridge 2 to release from engagement with locking recess 48 on the fluid injector 4, thereby allowing the cartridge to rotate upward to an insertion/removal angle by rotation of the circular member 40 of hinge member 38 within recess 44, causing the fluid path component to disengage from the corresponding feature of the fluid injector 4, and releasing cartridge 2 from the fluid injector 4. Cartridge 2 can then be discarded, and a new sterile cartridge 2 can be installed for subsequent fluid injection procedures.

Once installed, the cartridge 2 provides a rigid connection point to the fluid injector 4, allowing for one-handed connection of the patient fluid line 8. As described above, features for storing removable end caps 20 can also be added to the cartridge 2. According to some embodiments, these features may include removable end caps 20 directly molded into the cartridge 2. Other embodiments may include additional sterile removable end caps 20 for maintaining the sterility of the connector end (e.g., the connector end attached to the patient fluid line) after perfusion of the multi-patient fluid line 8 and between patient infusion procedures. In alternative embodiments, the cartridge 2 may include disinfection elements, such as alcohol wiping features or features for proximity to ultraviolet light on the fluid injector 4, which allow for disinfection of the distal connector end of the fluid line 8 of the cartridge 2 between patient infusion procedures. The cartridge 2 can also serve as a storage location for the removable end caps 20 used from the setup, which helps maintain a tidy workspace and ensures that the removable end caps 20 are discarded along with the disposable cartridge 2. The removable end cap 20 can also be held in place on the box 2 after being removed from the fluid line 8, to ensure that the removable end cap 20 does not fall off the box 2.

When one or more multi-patient fluid infusions are completed, cartridge 2 provides a one-step, one-handed removal of one or more (e.g., all) of the multiple fluid path components associated with cartridge 2, simplifying removal of cartridge 2 from fluid injector 4. During this process, for example with fluid control valve 34 in the third stop position, cartridge 2 can accommodate the fluid injector and syringe attached, thereby minimizing fluid dripping between infusion procedures in a multi-patient infusion setup or during disassembly steps. The combined syringe and cartridge assembly can then be discarded as a unit. In some embodiments, the used syringe and cartridge assembly can be recycled. Furthermore, maintaining fluid control valve 34 in the third stop position and upstream components (e.g., syringes and other upstream fluid path components) in the pressurized position can allow for reduced fluid volume delivery errors due to the release and absorption of system capacity between patient infusion procedures in a multi-patient infusion setup (i.e., expansion of system components at infusion pressure, absorption of system relaxation).

According to some non-limiting embodiments, the cartridge 2 may have one or more components that break off once the cartridge 2 is removed, rendering the cartridge 2 and associated fluid path components unusable. For example, in some embodiments, the flexible locking tab 46 or connecting device 36 may be configured to break off or deform upon disengagement from the fluid injector 4. This prevents accidental reuse of the cartridge 2 and associated fluid path components, thereby preventing potential cross-contamination and other safety issues associated with repeated use of the cartridge 2 and fluid path components beyond the scope of recommendations and approvals.

According to some non-limiting embodiments, one or more deformable parts or protective covers (not shown) on the cartridge 2 may be used to position components during transport and installation of the cartridge 2 and prevent accidental movement of fluid path components (e.g., stopcock handles or engagement features). For example, during transport or installation, a stopcock engagement feature may be unintentionally moved, causing it to no longer be in its predetermined position for engagement with the associated stopcock actuator, and the cover can prevent access to the engagement feature and minimize the possibility of unintentional movement. These deformable parts may be designed to deviate from their path when the cartridge 2 is installed, such that features of the fluid injector 4, such as actuators, can engage with fluid path components, such as stopcock actuators, enabling them to engage and manipulate the stopcock handle, while allowing the controller to identify the specific rotational position of the stopcock, allowing the controller to precisely move the stopcock between first, second, and third positions, as described herein.

According to some non-limiting embodiments, portions of the cartridge 2 may be illuminated by one or more lamps 50 on the fluid injector 4. These lamps 50 may include area lighting, where light is projected onto at least a specific portion or all of the cartridge 2. This may also be directional lighting, such as a “light pipe,” where the cartridge 2 is designed to transmit light internally through one or more portions of the fluid path or cartridge skeleton features. In some embodiments, the cartridge 2 may be made of transparent or translucent plastic, and the lamps 50 are tightly coupled to the cartridge 2 on the fluid injector 4. The illumination may be used to indicate to the user that the cartridge 2 is correctly mounted on the injector 4, and/or that the fluid path components are filled, and/or that the fluid path components are ready for a fluid injection procedure, and/or which fluid type (e.g., contrast agent or saline) is associated with a particular fluid path. The illumination features may also be used to indicate whether the fluid control valve 34 is in a first filling position, a second fluid delivery position, and a third stop position by using different colors of light for each location. The cartridge 2 may be made of a light-transmitting material such that when the cartridge 2 is full, light from the emitter is conducted to the emitter to indicate that the cartridge 2 is full.

According to some non-limiting embodiments, the box 2 may include one or more identification tags 52, such as RFID, barcodes, QR codes, or other machine-readable identification tags, and the identification tags 52 may be scanned by the fluid injector 4 or other components of the fluid injector system, such as a controller, a handheld identification tag reader, or a computer associated with the fluid injector 4. Identification tags 52 may be on one or both of the box 2 and the box packaging. According to various embodiments, the identification tags 52 can be used for a variety of purposes. The identification tags 52 can be utilized when the fluid injector 4 is configured to work with various components and properties (workflow, perfusion volume, compliance information, patient counts, etc.) of the disposable kit. According to these embodiments, the box 2 may be configured to include different fluid path components depending on the details of the injection protocol. The identification tags 52 may allow the fluid injector 4 to identify the characteristics, properties, and components of a particular box 2 and associated fluid path components, determine whether the box 2 is suitable for the selected fluid injection procedure, and configure the fluid injection procedure according to the properties and components of the box 2. The identification label 52 can also be used to prevent the reuse of the box or the use of the box beyond its approved lifespan, and/or may include the box's manufacturing information, such as the manufacturing date, usable lifespan, etc.

An identification label 52 may also be provided to ensure the use of a compatible, non-counterfeit disposable kit on the fluid injector 4. The fluid injector 4 can notify the user that the box 2 is incompatible or is not an approved disposable kit or is not from an approved manufacturer with appropriate quality control programs; and that using the fluid path components included on the box 2 may cause one or more errors during the fluid injection procedure. When the identification label 52 is read, the controller can indicate to the user that the box 2 is unsuitable or not permitted for use in the relevant injection procedure, and can also prevent the use of the box and the associated fluid path components during the injection procedure.

The identification tag 52 can also be used to record the use of box 2 and/or fluid injector 4 for one or more patients in a hospital record system. In cases where box 2 includes a multi-patient fluid path configuration, the identification tag 52 can allow communication and data transfer with the hospital record system or other tracking systems to ensure that box 2 and related components are used in accordance with specifications. The identification tag 52 can also be used to warn the user when the multi-patient disposable kit is nearing or has reached its maximum usage (maximum number of injections or maximum total usage time) or has reached the end of its shelf life or expired, and to indicate to the user that box 2 needs to be replaced and/or properly disposed of. In another embodiment, an indicator can be provided on the fluid injector 4 to notify the operator when the fluid control valve 34 is fully engaged, thereby indicating when the fluid injector 4 is ready for operation.

Referring to Figures 16A-16C, an alternative connection device 54 for connecting the cartridge 2 to the fluid injector 4 is shown and described according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure. The connection device 54 may include a locking tab 56 located on the cartridge 2 and a locking recess 58 located on the fluid injector 4. To connect the cartridge 2 to the receiving surface 11 of the fluid injector 4, the locking tab 56 is inserted into the locking recess 58 on the receiving surface 11, and the cartridge 2 can rotate toward the fluid injector 4. When the cartridge 2 rotates toward the fluid injector 4, the cartridge 2 engages with a locking mechanism 60 to releasably lock the cartridge 2 to the fluid injector 4.

Referring to Figure 15, according to a non-limiting embodiment of this disclosure, after the fluid path components have been attached to the box 2, the entire assembled box 2 can be inserted into a molding container and/or at least partially covered or wrapped in plastic within the packaging 62 using an impermeable or semi-permeable polymeric material or any other known method. In one example, the patient fluid line can be coiled and placed in an associated tubing container outside the packaging to maintain organized packaging. The fluid line 8 can be bundled, individually wrapped, or placed in a sterile package. This packaging method can be used to maintain a sterile fluid path, rather than a completely sterile box 2, except by using removable end caps 20, 26 to cover opposite ends of the fluid line 8. In another embodiment, the box 2 can be used to form the packaging, wherein two protective covers are provided at the top and bottom of the box 2 to seal the internal components of the box 2 from contamination. In one example, the sides of the body 6 of the box 2 can form the sides of the packaging.

According to one embodiment of this disclosure, a method for attaching at least one component to a fluid injector 4 is described. The method may include attaching at least one component to a housing 2, the housing 2 including a body 6 defining at least one hole for receiving and securing the at least one component, and a connecting means or member 36 operatively connected to the body 6. The method may include connecting the housing 2 to the housing of the fluid injector 4 by operatively connecting the connecting means or member 36 of the housing 2 to a corresponding connecting means or member 36 on the fluid injector 4. The connection between the housing 2 and the housing of the fluid injector 4 is configured to position the at least one component at a predetermined position on the housing of the fluid injector 4. The at least one component may be at least one of a stopcock 34, a bubble suspending device 30, a fluid line 8, and a removable end cap 20 for the fluid line 8. The method may further include evaluating an identifier 52 attached to the housing 2 to determine whether the housing 2 has been used.

It is important to note that any reference to "one embodiment" or "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" appearing throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In one or more embodiments, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic may be combined in any suitable manner.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that, for clarity of concept, the components (e.g., operations), devices, objects, and the discussions accompanying them described herein are used as examples, and various configuration modifications are contemplated. Therefore, as used herein, the specific examples illustrated and the accompanying discussions are intended to represent their more general categories. In general, the use of any specific example is intended to represent its category, and the exclusion of particular components (e.g., operations), devices, and objects should not be considered a limitation.

Regarding the use of any plural and/or singular terms in this document, those skilled in the art may appropriately translate them from plural to singular and/or from singular to plural depending on the context and/or application. For clarity, various singular/plural arrangements are not explicitly described herein.

The topics described herein sometimes illustrate different components contained within or connected to other different components. It should be understood that the architectures described in this way are merely exemplary, and in fact, many other architectures can be implemented to achieve the same functionality. Conceptually, any arrangement of components that achieve the same function is effectively “associated” to achieve the desired functionality. Therefore, any two components combined here to achieve a particular function can be considered “associated” with each other to achieve the desired function, regardless of the architecture or intermediate components. Similarly, any two components so associated can be considered “operably connected” to each other, and any two components that can be so associated can also be considered “operably connectable” to each other to achieve the desired function. Specific examples of being operablely connectable include, but are not limited to, physically matable and/or physically interacting components, and/or wirelessly interacting components, and/or logically interacting components, and/or logically interactable components.

The expressions “coupled” and “connected” along with their derivatives can be used to describe certain aspects. It should be understood that these terms are not intended to be synonyms. For example, some aspects can be described using the term “connected” to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other. In another example, some aspects can be described using the term “coupled” to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other. However, the term “coupled” can also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but still cooperate or interact with each other.

In some cases, one or more components may be referred to herein as “configured,” “operating,” “adapted,” etc. Those skilled in the art will recognize that “configured as” can generally encompass active components, and/or inactive components, and/or standby components, unless the context requires otherwise.

While specific aspects of the subject matter described herein have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, based on the teachings herein, changes and modifications can be made without departing from the subject matter and its broader aspects, and therefore the appended claims will cover all such changes and modifications within the scope of the subject matter described herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that, generally, the terms used herein, particularly those used in the appended claims (e.g., the body of the appended claims), are generally intended to be “open-ended” terms (e.g., the term “comprising” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “at least having,” the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” etc.). Those skilled in the art will further understand that if a particular number of claim statements are intended to be introduced, such intention will be explicitly stated in the claims, and if such statements are not present, such intention does not exist. For example, to aid understanding, the following appended claims may contain the use of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce the claim statements. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed as implying that a claim statement introduced by the indefinite article “a” or “an” will limit any particular claim containing such a statement to only one such claim, even if the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should generally be interpreted as meaning “at least one” or “one or more”); this applies to the use of definite articles used to introduce a claim statement.

Furthermore, even when a specific number of items is explicitly listed in the introduced claims, those skilled in the art will recognize that such a list should generally be interpreted as indicating at least a number listed (e.g., a simple list of "two items" without other modifiers generally indicates at least two items, or two or more items). Additionally, in cases where conventions such as "at least one of A, B, and C" are used, this structure is generally intended to make the convention clear to those skilled in the art (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" will include, but is not limited to, systems having a single A, a single B, a single C, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In cases where conventions such as "at least one of A, B, or C" are used, this structure is generally intended to make the convention clear to those skilled in the art (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" will include, but is not limited to, systems having a single A, a single B, a single C, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). Those skilled in the art will understand that separate words and/or phrases that typically represent two or more alternative terms, whether in the specification, claims, or drawings, should be understood to account for the possibility of including one term, one term, or two terms, unless the context otherwise specifies. For example, the phrase "A or B" is generally understood to include the possibility of including "A" or "B" or "A and B".

In summary, the numerous benefits arising from employing the concepts described herein have been described. The foregoing disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the precise forms disclosed. Modifications or variations are possible in accordance with the foregoing teachings. The claims filed herein are intended to define the overall scope of this disclosure.

Claims (40)

1. A housing for accommodating a fluid path component of a fixed fluid injector, the housing comprising: The body defines at least one feature for housing at least one fluid path component for fixing the fluid injector; and A connecting member for removably connecting the body of the cartridge to the fluid injector, the connecting member being operably connected to the body. The connecting member includes at least one pivotable connecting feature protruding from the body, and Each of the at least one pivotable connection feature is configured for removably connecting to a corresponding connection feature receiver on the fluid injector, such that the body can pivot relative to the fluid injector between a first unlocked position and a second locked position, in which the at least one fluid path component on the body of the box is positioned for operatively connecting to the corresponding feature of the fluid injector. 2. The box according to claim 1, wherein the at least one fluid path component is selected from at least one of the following components: at least one stopcock, at least one bubble suspension device, one or more fluid line components, at least one fluid path component including an air detection area, and at least one removable end cap for the fluid line. 3. The box according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one feature of the body is at least one extension member protruding from the body, wherein the at least one extension member is configured to receive a fluid path component for fixing the fluid injector. 4. The box according to claim 3, wherein the at least one extension member includes a retaining tab for receiving and securing the fluid path component to the at least one extension member. 5. The cartridge according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the cartridge includes a plurality of retaining elements, each retaining element being configured to receive a fluid path component that secures the fluid injector. 6. The cartridge according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the at least one fluid component comprises at least one stopcock, wherein the stopcock includes a first fluid filling position providing fluid communication between the bulk fluid container and a syringe engaged with the fluid injector, a second fluid delivery position providing fluid communication between the syringe and a patient tubing kit, and a third stop position blocking fluid communication between the syringe, the bulk fluid container, and the patient tubing kit, and The at least one retaining element holds the at least one valve in a position configured to engage at least one valve actuator of the fluid injector when the cartridge is in the second locked position. 7. The cartridge of claim 6, wherein the valve actuator actuates the valve between the first fluid filling position, the second fluid delivery position, and the third stop position in response to a signal from a controller of the fluid injector. 8. The box according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the body further comprises a protective shield member that prevents a user from approaching at least one valve housed in the body of the box. 9. The box according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the at least one fluid component comprises at least one bubble suspending device, the bubble suspending device being flowably located between the at least one fluid path component including the air detection area and the at least one valve. The at least one retaining element holds the at least one bubble suspending device in a position movable between a first infusion position and a second injection position as the head of the fluid injector moves between a vertical infusion position and a downwardly inclined injection position. 10. The cartridge of claim 9, wherein the at least one bubble suspending device is configured to discharge substantially all bubbles from the at least one bubble suspending device when infusing at the vertical infusing position; and is configured to, when in the downwardly inclined infusing position, suspend at least temporarily any bubbles detected in the infused fluid during the fluid infusion procedure. 11. The box according to any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein the at least one fluid component includes at least one fluid path component, the at least one fluid path component including an air detection area. The at least one retaining element holds the at least one fluid path component, including the air detection area, in a position on the receiving surface of the fluid detector that is operatively engaged with the air detector. 12. The cartridge of claim 11, wherein the air detector is configured to detect air bubbles in the injected fluid during the fluid injection procedure, and in response to detecting air bubbles in the injected fluid, to send a signal to the controller of the fluid injector to cause the at least one valve actuator to move the at least one valve from the second fluid delivery position and the third stop position. 13. The box according to any one of claims 3 to 12, wherein the at least one fluid component includes at least one removable end cap for the fluid line, wherein the at least one removable end cap covers and prevents accidental contamination of the connector elements of the fluid line. 14. The box according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the box comprises two stopcocks, two bubble suspension devices, a plurality of fluid line components, and two fluid path components, each of the fluid path components comprising an air detection area and a plurality of end caps removable from the fluid line. 15. The box according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the connecting member includes a locking tab configured to be received in a corresponding locking recess on the fluid injector for removably attaching the body of the box to the fluid injector. 16. The box according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the connecting member includes a latching member configured to be removably connected to a locking arm on the fluid injector. 17. The box according to any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising an identifier located on the body, the identifier being configured to provide information about the box, including at least one of an assembly date, the number of times the box has been used, and the location of the box. 18. The box of claim 17, wherein the identifier comprises a barcode. 19. A fluid injector, comprising: shell; At least one syringe removably accommodated within the housing; and A housing for accommodating a fluid path component of a fixed fluid injector, the housing comprising: The body defines at least one feature for housing at least one fluid path component for fixing the fluid injector; and A connecting member for removably connecting the body of the cartridge to the fluid injector, the connecting member being operably connected to the body. The connecting member includes at least one pivotable connecting feature protruding from the body, and Each of the at least one pivotable connection feature is configured for removably connecting to a corresponding connection feature receiver on the fluid injector, such that the body is pivotally movable relative to the fluid injector between a first unlocked position and a second locked position, in which the at least one fluid path component on the body of the cartridge is positioned for operatively connecting to the corresponding feature of the fluid injector. 20. The fluid injector of claim 19, wherein the at least one fluid path component is selected from at least one of the following components: at least one stopcock, at least one bubble suspending device, one or more fluid line components, at least one fluid path component including an air detection area, and at least one removable end cap for the fluid line. 21. The fluid injector according to claim 19 or 20, wherein at least one feature of the body is at least one extension member protruding from the body, wherein the at least one extension member is configured to receive a fluid path component that fixes the fluid injector. 22. The fluid injector of claim 21, wherein the at least one extension member includes a retaining tab for receiving and securing the fluid path component to the at least one extension member. 23. The fluid injector of claim 21 or 22, wherein the housing includes a plurality of retaining elements, each retaining element being configured to receive a fluid path component of the fluid injector. 24. The fluid injector according to any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the at least one fluid component comprises at least one stopcock, wherein the stopcock includes a first fluid filling position providing fluid communication between a bulk fluid container and a syringe engaged with the fluid injector, a second fluid delivery position providing fluid communication between the syringe and a patient tubing kit, and a third stop position blocking fluid communication between the syringe, the bulk fluid container, and the patient tubing kit, and The at least one retaining element holds the at least one valve in a position configured to engage at least one valve actuator of the fluid injector when the cartridge is in the second locked position. 25. The fluid injector of claim 24, wherein the valve actuator actuates the valve between the first fluid filling position, the second fluid delivery position, and the third stop position in response to a signal from a controller of the fluid injector. 26. The fluid injector according to any one of claims 19 to 25, wherein the body further comprises a protective shield member that prevents a user from approaching at least one valve housed in the body of the cartridge. 27. The fluid injector according to any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the at least one fluid component comprises at least one bubble suspending device, the bubble suspending device being flowably located between the at least one fluid path component including the air detection area and the at least one valve. The at least one retaining element holds the at least one bubble suspending device in a position movable between a first infusion position and a second injection position as the head of the fluid injector moves between a vertical infusion position and a downwardly inclined injection position. 28. The fluid injector of claim 27, wherein the at least one bubble suspending device is configured to discharge substantially all bubbles from the at least one bubble suspending device when injecting in the vertical injection position; and is configured to, when in the downwardly inclined injection position, suspend at least temporarily any bubbles detected in the injected fluid during the fluid injection procedure. 29. The fluid injector according to any one of claims 21 to 28, wherein the at least one fluid component includes at least one fluid path component, the at least one fluid path component including an air detection area, and The at least one retaining element holds the at least one fluid path component, including the air detection area, in a position on the receiving surface of the fluid detector that is operatively engaged with the air detector. 30. The fluid injector of claim 29, wherein the air detector is configured to detect air bubbles in the injected fluid during the fluid injection procedure, and in response to detecting air bubbles in the injected fluid, to send a signal to the controller of the fluid injector to cause the at least one valve actuator to move the at least one valve from the second fluid delivery position and the third stop position. 31. The fluid injector according to any one of claims 21 to 30, wherein the at least one fluid component includes at least one removable end cap for the fluid line, wherein the at least one removable end cap covers and prevents accidental contamination of the connector elements of the fluid line. 32. The fluid injector according to any one of claims 19 to 31, wherein the housing comprises two stopcocks, two bubble suspending devices, a plurality of fluid line components, and two fluid path components, each of the fluid path components comprising an air detection area and a plurality of end caps removable from the fluid line. 33. The fluid injector according to any one of claims 19 to 32, wherein the connecting member includes a locking tab configured to be received in a corresponding locking recess on the fluid injector for removably attaching the body to the fluid injector. 34. The fluid injector according to any one of claims 19 to 32, wherein the connecting member includes a latching member configured to be removably connected to a locking arm on the fluid injector. 35. The fluid injector according to any one of claims 19 to 34, further comprising an identifier located on the body, the identifier being configured to provide information about the cartridge, including at least one of assembly date, number of times the cartridge has been used, and location of the cartridge. 36. The fluid injector of claim 35, wherein the identifier comprises a barcode. 37. A method of attaching at least one component to a fluid injector, the method comprising: Attaching the at least one component to a box, the box including a body defining at least one hole for receiving and securing the at least one component, and a connecting member operably connected to the body; and The box is connected to the housing of the fluid injector by operably connecting the connecting member of the box to the corresponding connecting member on the fluid injector. The connection between the box and the housing of the fluid injector is configured to position the at least one component at a predetermined position on the housing of the fluid injector. 38. The method of claim 37, wherein the at least one component is at least one of a stopcock, a bubble suspension device, a fluid line, and a removable end cap for the fluid line. 39. The method of claim 37 or 38 further includes evaluating an identifier attached to the box to determine whether the box has been used. 40. A connection interface between a housing and a fluid injector, the housing being configured to receive and secure at least one component of the fluid injector, the connection interface comprising: A first connecting member is disposed on the housing, the first connecting member engaging the fluid injector; and A second connecting member is disposed on the fluid injector, the second connecting member receiving the first connecting member. The connection between the first connecting member and the second connecting member is configured to position the at least one component at a predetermined position on the fluid injector.