Abstract: A fluid delivery system is provided with a disposable delivery set which includes an inlet tube, an outlet tube and a column tube connected to a syringe. A motor set is arranged to operate the syringe while sensing the level of fluid in the column tube, whereby the syringe may be reciprocated to provide incremental volumes of fluid to a patient.

Abstract: A portable infusion pump assembly utilizing continuous drive propulsion means (8) to effect automatic and incremental displacement of a plunger (5) within a disposable syringe (3) so as to deliver accurately repeatable volumes of fluid from the syringe (3) over a predetermined period of time.Intermittent drive of the continuous drive propulsion means (8) is effected. Comparison of desired delivery rate with actual delivery rate is made by use of angular displacement signals received from a shaft encoder (10) attached to the shaft of the continuous propulsion means (8).This method of control also allows indirect measurement of fluid pressure in the syringe (3) without the need for a pressure sensor to be located in direct contact with the fluid being delivered.

Abstract: A drip chamber for an enteral nutrition system having an optical drip detector is provided with an opaque upper portion to reduce the amount of ambient light entering the optical sensor for the drip detector.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the flow of an infusion fluid in an infusion system with a drip chamber and a deformable tube, is provided with a sensor for detecting the drops of infusion fluid falling in the drip chamber, means for seting a desired flow rate, pinch clamp means for pinching off the deformable tube and a processing unit for controlling the pinch clamp means is dependence of the set desired flow rate and the signal of the sensor. The pinch clamp means is movable with a variable speed between a rest position in which the tube is fully released, and a closed position in which the tube is fully closed. The speed in a controlling range preceding the closed position is substantially lower than the speed adjacent the rest position.

Abstract: A drug infusion system includes a plurality of infusion pump modules and a central management unit interconnected with the infusion pump modules to provide centralized control. The central management unit includes a touch screen for communicating with a user, the touch screen including an arrangement for enabling the user to initiate the display of a menu of infusion-rate-related parameters and selectively assign values for any of the parameters in the menu while an infusion rate value is automatically calculated according to the values so assigned. One embodiment enables temporary transfer from a titrate screen to a calculator screen with which the values are assigned, and a separate set of values is preserved for each infusion pump module.

Abstract: Apparatus for pumping fluid through plural flow lines comprising a pump having an inlet and an outlet for transporting the fluid therethrough, first and second flow lines that are selectively connectable to the pump inlet via a first valve, and third and fourth flow lines that are selectively connectable to the outlet via a second valve, whereby the pump can be used to selectively pump fluid through different flow paths.

Abstract: A device for use to detect air in a fluid line between a medication infusion reservoir such as an IV bottle or bag and an IV injection set or a medication infusion pump is disclosed which utilizes a detector apparatus which clamps onto a segment of tubing. The detector uses a light source to generate light which is directed into the tubing, and two light detecting devices, one of which is used to determine whether or not the tubing is properly installed in the detector, and the other of which is used to detect the presence of air in the segment of tubing. The detector works equally well with transparent, translucent, or opaque fluids and includes means for ensuring that the detection system is functioning normally.

Abstract: A monitor monitors for a blocked condition in a tube for a fluid infusion pump by detecting a condition of the tube by a sensor at predetermined time intervals and identifying a blocked condition in this tube by analyzing the detected values according to a specified criterion.

Abstract: A blood flow monitoring system employing a disposable sensor for directing a flow of blood through an electromagnetic field to generate a voltage proportional to the flow of blood through the electromagnetic field. The flow detection system employs a disposable sensor having a lumen with a constricted cross-sectional area adapted to interact with an electromagnetic field to detect blood flow and in an enhanced variation includes an electromagnetic field focusing device for enhancing the electromagnetic field to focus the electromagnetic field across the path of blood flow through the constricted section of the lumen to intensify the voltage generated by the blood flow through the intensified electromagnetic field.

Abstract: A modular, power augmented medical infusion apparatus to provide rapid transfusion of relatively large quantities of blood, blood components, colloid, and fluids to patients. All components of the infuser that contact blood are sterlie, disposable, and easily assembled. Disassembled or partially assembled the components are also easily transportable. The major components comprise a pair of filtered cardiotomy reservoirs, an air embolus sensor, a modular double roller pump, a heat exchanger, a bubble trap-filter and disposable fluid conduits. The bubble trap-filter is located in the distal most location of the recirculating loop just upstream of the Y-connector to the patient and the air sensor just downstream of the cardiotomy reservoir in the proximal location of the recirculating loop.

Abstract: An air-in-line detector for use with an IV administration system comprises a light emitter positioned relative to a plurality of light sensors for receiving an IV tube therebetween. A comparator is connected with the light sensors to determine the relative intensity of light respectively incident on each sensor. Means connected with the comparator generates signals in accordance with the relative intensities to indicate whether an IV tube is present and, if so, whether there is fluid or air in the tube.

Abstract: A medical infusion pump includes a housing (10), a pump assembly (30), a bubble sensor assembly (120), a pressure sensor assembly (140) and a flow control assembly (180). The pump assembly includes a ring (26) with teeth (44) and a wheel (46) mounted for eccentric rotation within the ring. The pumping action is developed by the rotation of the wheel which continuously closes a portion of tubing (36) against one or two teeth as it goes through the pumping cycle. The bubble sensor includes a pair of sensor blocks (124) defining a generally V-shaped trough for cradling a portion of the tubing. The pressure sensor assembly detects pressure variations by movement of a diaphragm (168) coupled to a magnet (162) which is operatively coupled to a Hall effect circuit (160). The flow control assembly includes a thumb wheel (196) having a cam groove (197) interacting with a valve stem (199) for controlling the fluid flow through an orifice and associated valve seat (194).

Abstract: An infusion system for infusing a fluid into a patient comprising an infusion device for delivering the fluid in both a normal delivery pattern and a test pulse and a conduit for conducting the fluid from the infusion device to the patient. The test pulse creates a pressure wave response in the conduit. Abnormal infusion can be detected by determining the area between a baseline and at least a portion of a pressure versus time curve representing the pressure wave response.

Abstract: A disposable diaphragm pump cassette comprises a flexible diaphragm member comprising hinged, rigid plates hingingly mounted on an inflexible plate and opposed to a pumping chamber surface to form a pumping chamber. The pump includes check valve means comprising movable circular plates integrally connected with the inflexible plate by flexible, extendable webs. The flexible diaphragm member comprises at least three inflexible diaphragm plates with edges in a common plane, each diaphragm plate having at least two straight diaphragm plate hinge edges. Each diaphragm plate hinge edge is adjacent to and aligned with a second diaphragm plate hinge edge of an adjacent diaphragm plate. The adjacent edges of each diaphragm plate hinge edge and second diaphragm plate hinge edge are attached together by a flexible hinge strip.

Abstract: Flow of fluid from primary and secondary reservoirs is induced along parallel flow paths to a common infusion device under gravity or pump inducing modes, respectively. The fluid delivered to the infusion device is monitored by a flow meter to measure its actual flow rate and adjust flow along the parallel flow paths to maintain a substantially constant selected flow rate by means of a programmed control system through which selection of the flow inducing mode and the reservoir may be effected.

Abstract: Systems for monitoring fluids such as blood being treated extracorporeally are disclosed, including a monitor for monitoring the fluid flow through a tube system between a fluid inlet, fluid treatment means and a fluid outlet. The monitor disclosed includes a monitor housing which contains at least one pressure sensor, and a cassette which is adapted to be removably coupled to the monitor housing, the cassette including pressure transmission ducts for transmitting the pressure within the tube system to a pressure transmitting cavity adapted to be juxtaposed with the pressure sensor when the cassette is coupled to the monitor housing so that the pressure within the tube system can be directly measured by the pressure sensor when the cassette is coupled to the monitor housing. In one embodiment of the monitor the cassette includes a portion of the tube system, while in another embodiment a conventional tube system can be affixed to the cassette.

Abstract: An air-in-line detector for detecting the presence of air in a translucent tube (8) containing a liquid comprises a channel (18) for receiving the tube, only three radiation emitter detector pairs (11, 12; 13, 14; 15, 16) two of which (11, 12; 15, 16) are arranged to detect the presence of an opaque liquid with the emitter (11, 15) and detector (12, 16) of each pair being located on opposite sides of the channel (18) so that radiation emitted by the radiation emitters impinges directly on their associated detectors and one (13, 14) of which is arranged to detect the presence of translucent liquids with its emitter (13) and detector (14) being located on opposite sides of the channel (18) but not directly aligned so that radiation emitted by the radiation emitter (13) only impinges on its associated detector (14) after refraction by the tube (8) filled with a translucent liquid, and a programmed computer (1).

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for measuring flow of a fluid through a line. In the system, a region of fluid along the line is isolated from pressure effects outside of the region. A source region contains a measurement gas in communication with the isolated region, such that the source means and the isolated region together define a fixed volume, and such that a change in volume of fluid in the isolated region produces a complementary change in the volume of the source means with a resulting change in the pressure of the measurement gas contained in the source region. Further provided is a reservoir in communication with the source means for containing a known volume of measurement gas, and means for pumping measurement gas from the reservoir. The pressure of the measurement gas in the reservoir and the source region is monitored. This pressure data is then analyzed to determine the volume of fluid in the isolated region.

Abstract: A dual controller for an IV infusion system comprises a microprocessor to concurrently control the rate of infusion through two IV units. The control of the rate of infusion is provided by a stepper motor driven regulator which is selectively positionable for compressibly engaging the IV tubing. A flow sensor employs a case of infrared transparent material which mounts to a drip chamber of the infusion unit. The flow sensor provides an output pulse to the microprocessor in response to a drop of fluid in the drip chamber interrupting a light path extending from an array of light emitting diodes and a photo transistor. The light emitting diodes are pulsed between energized and non-energized states so that changes in the ambient light level do not adversely effect the sensed drop rate.

Abstract: A system is provided for detecting the presence of an infiltration condition in a line delivering fluid to a patient. Stepping means subjects the fluid in the line to a negative pressure step. The pressure of the fluid is monitored, and processing means then determines whether an infiltration condition is present by determining whether the function of line pressure over time in response to the occurrence of a negative pressure step exhibits a relative slow return to the pre-step pressure, such relatively slow return being characteristic of the presence of infiltration.

Abstract: Device and method are disclosed for effecting application of a therapeutic agent. A removable programmable element is used to control operation of a delivery unit, which unit delivers the therapeutic agent to the patient. The programmable element is programmed, while removed from the delivery unit, by a computer that is operationally independent of the delivery unit to insure the integrity of subsequent delivery of the therapeutic agent to the patient by the delivery unit. The delivery unit requires no microprocessor and can include a plurality of channels for effecting independent delivery of therapeutic agents in each channel under the control of the programmable element. The programmable element is programmed with respect to available protocol informaton, including patient history, needs and tolerances, as well as therapeutic agent parameters, to thereby establish a flow profile that is customized for a particular patient during each moment of each day.

Abstract: A device capable of sensing pressure allows the sensor and amplifying electronics to be packaged in a very small size and implanted within the body. The sensor consists of a small catheter, the tip of which is placed at the point at which pressure is to be measured, attached to a solid-state pressure sensor. The catheter is filled with a fluid and is connected to an implantable infusion pump which dispenses through the lumen of the catheter, heparin or other drug which inhibits thrombogenisis.

Abstract: An automatic alarm device for dripping injection fluid bottle, which is installed in the bottle neck portion, and it comprises of a case body, a buoyant power switching device, a buzzer, and a flashing device.

Abstract: A medication infusion system having a means for providing an informational signal when (1) medication in the reservoir falls below a threshold level; (2) a fluid leak occurs in different portions of the system; and (3) the intended medication pumping does not correlate with the pumping actually affected.

Abstract: A back pressure sensor for a positive displacement pump comprises at least one flexible beam having a pivot end and a drive connector end, and a pump actuator mounted between the pivot end and the drive connector end. The pump actuator connects with a positive displacement member of a pump. At least one sensor beam is connected to the flexible beam at a mounting position between the distal end and vibration damping end thereof. A first capacitor plate is mounted on the flexible beam at a position adjacent to the pivot end thereof, and a second capacitor plate is mounted adjacent the distal end of the sensor beam in a position facing the first capacitor plate at a distance which permits a capacitance coupling between the capacitor plates. A vibration damping mass is secured to the vibration damping end of the sensor beam for damping drive motion vibrations in the sensor beam.

Abstract: The supervision system comprises an electrical line for the transmission of digital data, at least one perfusion set including a flow meter and a module for encoding and for transmission in digital form on the line of the data concerning the instantaneous flowrate which are supplied by the flow meter, and a central unit for the processing of the said data, which central unit is connected to the said line by means of a decoding module. The central unit comprises at least one display screen, on which the quantities representing the condition of the perfusion set are displayed in analog and alphanumeric form. Application to the supervision of perfusions in a hospital environment.

Abstract: In a fluid flow control system a weight comparator compares the weight of fluid in a reservoir with a weight reference that is programmed to decrease at a desired rate. A fluid flow comparator compares the actual fluid flow rate with a programmed fluid flow rate and operates directly on a flow controller to control fluid flow in the system. The weight comparator operates indirectly on the flow controller by recurringly updating the programmed fluid flow rate so that flow is controlled on a current basis by the fluid flow comparator and on a long-term basis by the weight comparator.

Abstract: A dispensing arrangement in a fluid line that isolates a region of fluid in the line from pressure effects in the line outside the region. A housing of measuring fluid surrounds the region so that changes in the measurement fluid pressure cause changes in the pressure of the original fluid in the region. Predetermined volume increments of the measurement fluid are displaced, causing changes in the original fluid pressure in the region which are measured by a pressure transducer. The dispensing arrangement also repetitively dispenses fluid into and out of the region in increments monitored by the pressure transducer.

Abstract: The invention concerns a novel procedure and apparatus for controlling opening and closing of venous and arterial lines in single lumen catheter fluid treatment procedures. Different types of apparatus useful for different types of fluid treatment procedures, in particular hemodialysis, hemofiltration, and plasmapheresis procedures, are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the administration of medications. The apparatus includes a safety system which prevents a harmful overdose when the person using the apparatus is unable to take action. For this purpose, the safety system initiates a safety measure, (such as turning off the dosing unit, switching the dosing unit to a reduced administration rate (so called "emergency rate") and/or setting off an alarm) in the event that a checking procedure is not triggered by the patient within a predetermined time interval or after the administration of a specific quantity of medication. Starting times based on the time of day and generated by a master clock can be pre-pregrammed, for example, as a reminder to the patient to eat. In insulin therapy, the apparatus prevents a patient from becoming hypoglycemic as the result of a long lasting insulin overdose, for example, during sleep.

Abstract: An infusion device is provided with an injection molded drip chamber, a drop sensor, such as a light barrier (26,28) or a piezoelectric crystal. An evaluation circuit processes the output signals furnished by the drop sensor and an optical display means (24) indicates the same to the operator. Recesses are formed integrally in or at the drip chamber to take up the drop sensor (26,28) the evaluation circuit, and the power source as this not only makes it possible to produce the infusion device at low cost but also permits the operator to have a look into the drip chamber, while the dripping rate is displayed optically at the same time. In a preferred modification there is complete control of the dripping rate by means of a control clamp (60) the flow cross section of which is adjustable by a drive means (64).

Abstract: A blood constituent processing system uses a disposable plastic fluid flow path into which an anticoagulant must be accurately metered with respect to pumped blood flow. In a preliminary calibration phase, a closed fluid flow path is provided between the anticoagulant pump and the blood pump. One of the pumps is then controlled to inject fluid into such closed path while the other pump is controlled to withdraw fluid from that path at what is nominally an equal fluid flow rate. Changes in fluid pressure within the closed fluid flow path are then monitored and the flow rate of at least one of the pumps is changed as necessary to achieve an approximately constant fluid pressure within the closed fluid flow path. The relative pump flow control required to achieve constant pressure may then be taken as a relative flow rate calibration between the two pumps so as to permit subsequent accurate pumped metering of anticoagulant into the pumped blood flow.

Abstract: A plurality of infusion pump modules are detachably connected to a portable central management unit. The modules can be programmed by the central management unit, and their operating information displayed by the central management unit, when they are connected to it; yet the modules, once programmed, can operate independently when detached from the central mangagement unit, and they can display limited operational information on their own.

Abstract: An infusion pump pressure monitor comprises a drive (26, 27, 30, 31) for an infusion pump, a pressure sensor (38) to monitor the delivery pressure downstream of the pump, and a programmed computer (34, 35). The computer (34, 35) is programmed to monitor the maximum delivery pressure that occurs during an initial operating period, and then, subsequently to monitor the delivery pressure downstream of the pump for the remainder of the delivery period of the infusion pump. The programmed computer (34, 35) is programmed to disable the drive (26, 27, 30, 31) for the infusion pump if the monitored delivery pressure differs by more than a predetermined amount from the maximum pressure monitored during the initial operating period. The infusion liquid is carried by a disposable infusion set having a pressure responsive chamber (1) located in a key-hole shaped slot (44) in the pressure monitor.

Abstract: A device and method for distinguishing between different fluids on the basis of their dielectric properties. In an preferred embodiment, the device comprises two substantially parallel conductive surfaces which are positioned on opposite sides of a fluid conduit so as to form a substantially parallel plate capacitor. The first conductive surface is electrically connected through an inductor to a voltage source, and such first conductive surface is also electrically connected to the source electrode of a field-effect transistor. A resonator device is electrically connected between the second conductive surface and the gate electrode of the field-effect transistor. The gate electrode of the field-effect transistor is further electrically connected through a fixed resistance to ground, and the drain electrode of the field-effect transistor is electrically connected directly to ground.

Abstract: A continuous flow peritoneal dialysis system and process is disclosed which includes a source of sterilized peritoneal dialysis system in the form of a gravity feed head vessel (32). A by-pass valve (34) connects the head vessel to an inflow/outflow directional valve 40 which controls the inflow and outflow of the sterilized dialysis fluid to a peritoneal catheter (12). The peritoneal catheter is implanted into the peritoneal membrane (14) of the peritoneal cavity (15). A connectable/disconnectable inflow line (42) and outflow line (48) are connected to an inflow catheter (44) and outflow catheter (46), respectively, of the double peritoneal catheter (12). A pressure monitor (50) in the outflow line (48) monitors the pressure within the cavity (15) and adjusts the inflow and outflow accordingly to maintain a predetermined volume and pressure of dialysis fluid in the cavity to maintain the membrane (14) properly distended at all times for maximum dialysis efficiency and patient comfort.

Abstract: A drop detecting system has light emitting diodes and phototransistors located on either side of a translucent drip chamber. The phototransistors respond to either the shadow or the reflection from a drop falling through a light beam produced by the light emitting diodes. The electrical response from the phototransistors is conducted to an integrator circuit which generates an electrical signal voltage. A comparator circuit receives the electrical signal voltage from the integrator circuit and outputs a signal indicating the presence of a drop passing through the drip chamber. A drip chamber housing cooperates with the drip chamber to shroud the translucent portion of the drip chamber. Additionally the drip chamber housing provides for the mounting of the light emitting diodes and the phototransistors.

Abstract: A continuous flow peritoneal dialysis system and process is disclosed which includes a source of sterilized peritoneal dialysis system in the form of a gravity feed head vessel (32). A by-pass valve (34) connects the head vessel to an inflow/outflow directional valve 40 which controls the inflow and outflow of the sterilized dialysis fluid to a peritoneal catheter (12). The peritoneal catheter is implanted into the peritoneal membrane (14) of the peritoneal cavity (15). A connectable/disconnectable inflow line (42) and outflow line (48) are connected to an inflow catheter (44) and outflow catheter (46), respectively, of the double peritoneal catheter (12). A pressure monitor (50) in the outflow line (48) monitors the pressure within the cavity (15) and adjusts the inflow and outflow accordingly to maintain a predetermined volume and pressure of dialysis fluid in the cavity to maintain the membrane (14) properly distended at all times for maximum dialysis efficiency and patient comfort.

Abstract: A method and system for continuously monitoring patient heart rate and blood pressure during hemodialysis and for automatically controlling fluid extraction rate and/or dialysate sodium concentration in the event that blood pressure and/or heart rate indicate onset or impending onset of a patient hypotensive episode. A decrease in patient blood pressure below preselected systolic and/or diastolic low alarm limits automatically initiates a second mode of therapeutic intervention wherein sodium concentration in the dialysate is increased for a predetermined time duration. Upon detection of such low blood pressure alarm, or upon detection of an increase in patient heart rate above a preselected alarm limit, the extraction rate of fluids from the patient through the ultrafiltration membrane is reduced in a first mode of therapeutic intervention by reducing such fluid extraction rate to a minimum level.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method and system for evaluating the fluid communication between a parenteral fluid delivery system and a patient's blood vessel. In accordance with the invention, one or more fluid flow pulses are applied to the fluid within the delivery system. Both positive and negative fluid flow pulses may be applied. The pressure response to the pulses under conditions of normal, unimpeded fluid flow is significantly different than the pressure response to such pulses when an infiltration or other fluid flow fault has occurred and this difference is used to detect fluid faults.

Abstract: A multiple solution IV administration system includes a plurality of IV fluid sources which are connected by flexible tubing to the inlet of an IV pump. A sequence valve suspended from the tubing selectively pinches off all but one tube so that one source at a time is connected to the inlet. The sequence valve is controlled as a function of the accumulated volume pumped by the pump for each fluid and a stored volume limit for that fluid. When the accumulated volume of one IV fluid reaches its volume limit, the sequence valve is changed to connect a different source to the inlet of the IV pump. The desired volume limits and rates are entered manually and are checked automatically to protect against setup errors.

Abstract: An infusion system for administering multiple infusates at individually programmable rates, volumes, and sequences in any order from any one or more of plural fluid input ports through a patient output port and into the circulatory system of a patient. Infusates may be either continuously or time sequentially administered, and infusates may be either intermittently administered at selectively regular intervals or in time overlap to administer a dilution. Various error conditions are automatically detected and alarms generated in the event of conflicts between infusates, to identify times of no infusions, and to identify system malfunctions. The system is selectively operable, among others, in a priming mode, a maintenance mode, a normal-on mode, and a manual override mode. The system is operative to adapt actual to desired flow rates in normal operartion. All fluids flow through a unitary disposable cassette without making any other system contact.

Abstract: An improved dual mode peristaltic device is provided for infusing I.V. solutions to a patient through an I.V. tube. In a first mode of operation, the device functions as a peristaltic pump and in the second mode of operation it functions like a controller. Included in the device and associated with the I.V. tube is a pressure sensing strain gauge assembly that monitors dimensional changes in the outer diameter of the I.V. tube as an indication of fluid pressure changes in the tube. The strain gauge assembly is positioned relative to the device's peristaltic means to alternately monitor fluid pressure in a patent I.V. tube upstream and downstream from the gauge assembly. A pair of stationary fingers surround the strain gauge assembly to isolate it from the pulsitile nature of the peristaltic action of the device. In the first mode (pump mode), the device is programmed to alarm and cease operation when fluid pressure downstream from the gauge assembly reaches a preselected value.

Abstract: An IV tube activator for use with a peristaltic IV infusion pump comprises means that require the closure of a tube associated clamp upon engagement of the IV tube with the pump and upon any subsequent disengagement of the IV tube from the pump. The activator further comprises means which simultaneously move the tube associated clamp to open the IV tube when the pump is being operated.

Abstract: An apparatus for ambulatory intravenous delivery of substances to a recipient comprising a container and delivery means for pressurized delivery of the substance. The container communicates with a source of pressurized gas to provide the pressurizing force and is uniquely attachable to the recipient so as to provide portability to the system. The flow rate is controlled by feedback electronics connected to a flow rate meter and a throttle valve. The flow rate meter has a heating resistor in the flow path of the substance and a thermistor to detect a temperature rise in the substance downstream from the resistor. A constriction in the flow tube is disposed between the resistor and thermistor to cause a flat wavefront of temperature increase. The throttle valve is a pin disposed partially within a tube to form an annular gap. The flow rate is adjusted by changing the distance the pin extends into the tube and thereby change the length of the annular gap.

Abstract: A dual controller for an IV infusion system comprises a microprocessor to concurrently control the rate of infusion through two IV units. The control of the rate of infusion is provided by a stepper motor driven regulator which is selectively positionable for compressibly engaging the IV tubing. A flow sensor employs a case of infrared transparent material which mounts to a drip chamber of the infusion unit. The flow sensor provides an output pulse to the microprocessor in response to a drop of fluid in the drip chamber interrupting a light path extending from an array of light emitting diodes and a photo transistor. The light emitting diodes are pulsed between energized and non-energized states so that changes in the ambient light level do not adversely effect the sensed drop rate.

Abstract: Device and method are disclosed for effecting application of a therapeutic agent. A removable programmable element is used to control operation of a delivery unit, which unit delivers the therapeutic agent to the patient. The programmable element is programmed, while removed from the delivery unit, by a computer that is operationally independent of the delivery unit to insure the integrity of subsequent delivery of the therapeutic agent to the patient by the delivery unit. The delivery unit requires no microprocessor and can include a plurality of channels for effecting independent delivery of therapeutic agents in each channel under the control of the programmable element. The programmable element is programmed with respect to available protocol information, including patient history, needs and tolerances, as well as therapeutic agent parameters, to thereby establish a flow profile that is customized for a particular patient during each moment of each day.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting and controlling the presence of a gaseous fluid in relation to a predetermined level of liquid in a vessel, being of the ultrasonic type and comprising a pair of piezoelectric transducers, namely a transmitter and a receiver, capable of being disposed on opposite walls of the vessel. An oscillator provides an electric ultrasonic frequency signal to the transmitter transducer and a comparator compares the electric signal supplied by the receiver transducer with a reference signal for triggering an alarm signal when the disparity between the signals being compared exceeds a predetermined value.The apparatus moreover comprises processing means which periodically interrupt the electric signal sent to the transmitter transducer and which check the presence of an alarm at the output of the above mentioned comparator.

Abstract: A multiple solution IV administration system includes a plurality of IV fluid sources which are connected by flexible tubing to the inlet of an IV pump. A sequence valve suspended from the tubing selectively pinches off all but one tube so that one source at a time is connected to the inlet. The sequence valve is controlled as a function of the accumulated volume pumped by the pump for each fluid and a stored volume limit for that fluid. When the accumulated volume of one IV fluid reaches its volume limit, the sequence valve is changed to connect a different source to the inlet of the IV pump.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with controlling fluid delivery by a fluid dispensing system in which fluid is dispensed from a container, through a delivery tube, under the control of a flow controller or peristaltic pump and, particularly, with the control of the rate of fluid delivery to a patient by an intravenous infusion system utilizing a standard administration set. The control apparatus continually monitors the weight loss of the fluid container, as fluid is dispensed, and produced data identifying the actual fluid delivery rate. It compares this data with a signal identifying the selected delivery rate and provides for adjustment of the flow controller or pump so as to conform the actual delivery rate to the selected rate.