Abstract: A valve jet printer includes a solenoid coil and a plunger rod having a magnetically susceptible shank. A first end of the shank and at least a portion of the shank are received within a bore of the solenoid coil. The printer also includes a nozzle including an orifice extending therethrough and a spring biasing a second end of the shank toward the nozzle. The second end of the plunger rod includes a tip formed of perfluoroelastomer (FFKM). The second end of the shank includes a cup-shaped cavity having a convex bottom and a circular side. The tip includes a concave base and an annular flange. In an assembled state, the concave base of the tip contacts the convex bottom of the cup-shaped cavity, and the end of the circular side opposite the convex bottom is rolled over the annular flange thereby securing the tip in the cup-shaped cavity.

Abstract: A pump unit (100) includes a plurality of piezoelectric pumps (1), a flow path-defining member (50), and a heat-dissipating part (60). The plurality of piezoelectric pumps (1) each include a first flow path for sucking and discharging of fluid. The flow path-defining member (50) includes a second flow path for connection to the first flow paths in the plurality of piezoelectric pumps (1). Heat generated in the plurality of piezoelectric pumps (1) is dissipated through the heat-dissipating part (60). The heat-dissipating part (60) is disposed between the flow path-defining member (50) and each of the plurality of piezoelectric pumps (1). The heat-dissipating part (60) has through-holes through which the first flow paths are connected to the second flow path.

Abstract: A pump system contains a vibration actuator which can be electromagnetically driven, a sealed chamber connected to a suction port and a discharge port, and a movable wall for changing a volume of the sealed chamber. The movable wall is displaced due to drive of the vibration actuator to supply fluid in the sealed chamber into a cuff. The pump system detects pressure in the cuff based on a consumption current of the vibration actuator.

Abstract: A multilayer ceramic capacitor may include a monolithic body and interleaved first and second pluralities of electrodes extending from the first and second ends, respectively, of the monolithic body towards opposite ends of the monolithic body. A first margin distance and a second margin distance may be formed, respectively, between the electrodes and the opposite ends of the monolithic body. First and second external terminations may be respectively disposed along the first end and second end of the monolithic body and respectively connected with the first and second plurality of electrodes. A margin ratio between a length of the monolithic body and the first margin distance and/or second margin distance may be less than about 10. At least one of the first external termination or the second external termination may include a conductive polymeric composition.

Abstract: A multilayer ceramic capacitor may include a monolithic body and interleaved first and second pluralities of electrodes extending from the first and second ends, respectively, of the monolithic body towards opposite ends of the monolithic body. A first margin distance and a second margin distance may be formed, respectively, between the electrodes and the opposite ends of the monolithic body. First and second external terminations may be respectively disposed along the first end and second end of the monolithic body and respectively connected with the first and second plurality of electrodes. A margin ratio between a length of the monolithic body and the first margin distance and/or second margin distance may be less than about 10. At least one of the first external termination or the second external termination may include a conductive polymeric composition.

Abstract: An electrically operated displacement pump includes an electric motor having a stator and a rotor. The rotor is connected to the fluid displacement member to drive axial reciprocation of the fluid displacement member. A drive mechanism is disposed between and connected to each of the rotor and the fluid displacement member. The drive mechanism receives a rotational output from the rotor and provides a linear input to the fluid displacement member. A controller controls operation of the motor based on an operating state of the motor to control pumping by the displacement pump.

Abstract: Some embodiments comprise a pump assembly for reduced pressure wound therapy, comprising a housing, a flow pathway through the pump, one or more valves in communication with the flow pathway, a pump supported within or by the housing, and a one-way flow valve in fluid communication with the pump. The pump assembly can have a pressure sensor in communication with the flow pathway through the pump, and at least one switch or button supported by the housing, the at least one switch or button being accessible to a user and being in communication with the controller. The one-way flow valve can be configured to substantially prevent a flow of gas through the one-way flow valve in a direction of flow away from the pump. The pump assembly can have a controller supported within or by the housing, the controller being configured to control an operation of the pump.

Abstract: A cassette integrated system. The cassette integrated system includes a mixing cassette, a balancing cassette, a middle cassette fluidly connected to the mixing cassette and the balancing cassette and at least one pod. The mixing cassette is fluidly connected to the middle cassette by at least one fluid line and the middle cassette is fluidly connected to the balancing cassette by at least one fluid line. The at least one pod is connected to at least two of the cassettes wherein the pod is located in an area between the cassettes.

Abstract: A filter arrangement for an aquarium is disclosed. The filter arrangement can include a filter housing assembly, a pump assembly, and a transfer tube assembly. In one aspect, the housing assembly and the pump assembly are separately constructed assemblies that are connected to each other via a first dampening member to prevent vibration and sound from being transmitted from the pump assembly to the filter housing assembly. The filter arrangement can further include a second dampening member connecting the pump assembly with the transfer tube assembly to further prevent vibration and sound from being transmitted from the pump assembly to the filter housing assembly. A third dampening member can be provided at a location where the transfer tube assembly is supported within the filter housing assembly to further isolate vibration and sound from being transmitted from the pump assembly to the filter housing assembly via the transfer tube assembly.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a piezoelectric pump includes a pressure chamber. A groove is provided to a bottom portion of the pressure chamber. The groove includes an inlet and an outlet on a bottom portion of the groove, liquid being caused to flow in the pressure chamber through the inlet and to be discharged from the pressure chamber through the outlet.

Abstract: A diaphragm-type compressor includes a substrate, a diaphragm, and an actuator, the substrate, the diaphragm, and the actuator being laminated and provided in this order. In a plan view from a direction of the lamination, the diaphragm includes a first film section that overlaps the actuator and a second film section that does not overlap the actuator. A step is provided on a surface at the diaphragm side of the substrate. A portion corresponding to the first film section and a portion corresponding to the second film section of the substrate are respectively different stages.

Abstract: Vascular treatment devices and methods include a woven structure including a plurality of bulbs that may be self-expanding, a hypotube, for example including interspersed patterns of longitudinally spaced rows of kerfs, and a bonding zone between the woven structure and the hypotube. The woven structure may include patterns of radiopaque filaments measurable under x-ray. Structures may be heat treated to include various shapes at different temperatures. The woven structure may be deployable to implant in a vessel. A catheter may include a hypotube including interspersed patterns of longitudinally spaced rows of kerfs and optionally a balloon. Laser cutting systems may include fluid flow systems.

Abstract: A pump includes a first pump chamber defined by a first plate-shaped body and a second plate-shaped body, a second pump chamber defined by the first plate-shaped body and a third plate-shaped body, and a driving body. The driving body causes a pressure fluctuation, by causing the first plate-shaped body to undergo bending vibration, in both the first pump chamber and the second pump chamber. The first plate-shaped body is provided with a plurality of first hole portions that does not overlap with an axis orthogonal to the central portion of the first plate-shaped body, and a check valve is attached to each of the plurality of first hole portions. The second plate-shaped body and the third plate-shaped body are respectively provided with second hole portions and third hole portions, and no check valve is attached to the second hole portions and the third hole portions.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for treating a tissue site on a patient with reduced pressure are presented. In one instance, a reduced-pressure treatment device to treat a tissue site with reduced pressure may include a pump control unit fluidly separate from a collection unit. Pump energy may be provided by the pump control unit to deflect one or more diaphragms within the collection unit to create reduced pressure. Other systems, devices, and methods are presented.

Abstract: An electronic injector including a needle insertion assembly configured to move a needle in an insertion direction from a first needle position where the needle is above the surface of a patient's skin to a second needle position where the needle pierces the patient's skin. The injector further includes a member mechanically coupled to the needle and configured to move when the needle. The injector further includes an optical detector having a generally planar detection surface and configured to detect movement of the member based on a change in a transverse projection of the member onto the detection surface and output a signal based on the change in the transverse projection. Additional, a processor is configured to determine the position of the needle based on the output signal, and the transverse projection of the member changes when the needle moves.

Abstract: Various aspects of the subject disclosure relate to a compounder system having a cartridge that includes fluid pathways controllable by valves of the cartridge. A pump component within the cartridge is actuable to move fluid through the controllable fluid pathways. The cartridge includes a needleless fluid port and a needleless vent port for fluid coupling to a vial via a vial puck. The vial puck includes corresponding needleless fluid and vent ports and a cannula. The cannula is extendible, by insertion of a protrusion on the cartridge into a shaft of the vial puck, into the vial to couple the vial to the needleless fluid and vent ports.

Abstract: An electrically operated displacement pump includes an electric motor having a stator and a rotor. The rotor is connected to the fluid displacement member to drive axial reciprocation of the fluid displacement member. A drive mechanism is disposed between and connected to each of the rotor and the fluid displacement member. The drive mechanism receives a rotational output from the rotor and provides a linear input to the fluid displacement member. A controller controls operation of the motor based on an operating state of the motor to control pumping by the displacement pump.

Abstract: A membrane valve arrangement (1) includes a disc-shaped valve membrane (10) made from an elastic material and a disc (14) having a central opening (15). The valve membrane (10) is arranged with one side on the disc (14) and has a circumferential sealing bead (11) radially outside on the side opposite from the disc. The disc (14) is arranged, along with the valve membrane (10), between a housing upper part (2) and a housing lower part (6) of the membrane valve arrangement (1). The sealing bead (11) is clamped between the housing upper part (2) and the housing lower part (6). The sealing action in the region of the sealing bead is largely independent of tolerances because, on at least one of the housing parts in the region of the sealing bead (11) and/or in the radially outer peripheral region of the disc (14), additional sealing arrangements are present.

Abstract: Techniques for manufacturing miniaturized diaphragm pumps using additive manufacturing techniques, such as polyjet printing, are provided, as are the pumps and systems that result from using such techniques to produce the pumps. The provided pumps include a compression chamber that has a first surface, a second opposed surface, and a conical outer wall that extends between the first surface and the second surface and that has a bowed configuration in which the outer wall has a generally concave shape. A diaphragm is disposed proximate to the compression chamber, and the pump also includes one or more valves that control the flow of fluid between the compression chamber and one more fluid ports. Fluid can be selectively vacuumed into and exhausted out of the compression chambers. Various manufacturing techniques for fabricating the pumps are also provided.

Abstract: A diaphragm pump includes motor that drives an armature in a reciprocating linear motion. A first diaphragm is coupled to a first end of the armature, the first diaphragm positioned in a first pumping chamber and configured to pump fluid into and out of the first pumping chamber in response to the reciprocating linear motion of the armature. A cooling intake valve and a cooling exhaust valve are in operative communication with the first diaphragm, wherein as the armature advances to flex the first diaphragm to decrease a volume of the first pumping chamber, the first diaphragm draws ambient air behind the first diaphragm through the cooling intake valve, and wherein as the armature reverses course to cause the first diaphragm to increase the volume of the first pumping chamber, the first diaphragm forces ambient air out of the first pumping chamber through the cooling exhaust valve.

Abstract: A portable device for monitoring environmental air quality includes a main body and at least one actuating and sensing module. The actuating and sensing module is disposed in the main body. The actuating and sensing module includes a carrier, at least one sensor, at least one actuating device, a driving and transmitting controller and a battery. The sensor, the actuating device, the driving and transmitting controller and the battery are disposed on the carrier. The actuating device is enabled to transport fluid to flow toward the sensor so as to make the fluid measured by the sensor and transmit an output data of the monitored data to a connection device. The information carried in the output data may be displayed, stored and transmitted by the connection device, whereby users can take precautions against the air pollution immediately to prevent from the ill influence on human health.

Abstract: A pump which brings about a flow of regenerating brine in a chamber containing substances with water-softening properties of a decalcifying device of a dishwashing machine. The pump includes a body (10) in which a brine inflow conduit (16) provided with a one-way valve (18) and a brine outflow conduit (12) provided with a one-way valve (14) are defined; a solenoid (20) arranged within the body (10); and a core controlled by the solenoid (20). The outflow conduit (12) has an initial portion (34) coaxial with the axis (24) of the solenoid so that, when the pump is not active, the mouth of the initial portion (34) is closed by the center portion of the membrane (44) which ensures the water-tightness in both directions between the inflow and outflow conduits (16, 12).

Abstract: A pump cassette comprising an outer flexible membrane covering flowpaths, valve chambers and pump chambers of the cassette is designed to be actuated by a control gasket on a base unit arranged to move designated valve and pump portions of the cassette membrane. The gasket valve control or actuation region is at least partially bounded by a vacuum channel facing the outside of the gasket so that a constant vacuum can be applied between the gasket valve control or actuation region and the adjacent portion of the cassette membrane. An improved version of the vacuum channel comprises a flexible inner wall of the vacuum channel flexes or partially collapses away from the cassette valve seat, while still maintaining patency of the vacuum channel during the application of negative pressure on the gasket valve actuation region to open the cassette valve.

Abstract: An acoustic matching structure is used to increase the power radiated from a transducing element with a higher impedance into a surrounding acoustic medium with a lower acoustic impedance. The acoustic matching structure consists of a thin, substantially planar cavity bounded by a two end walls and a side wall. The end walls of the cavity are formed by a blocking plate wall and a transducing element wall separated by a short distance (less than one quarter of the wavelength of acoustic waves in the surrounding medium at the operating frequency). The end walls and side wall bound a cavity with diameter approximately equal to half of the wavelength of acoustic waves in the surrounding medium. In operation, a transducing element generates acoustic oscillations in the fluid in the cavity.

Abstract: A fluid control device includes a piezoelectric actuator and a deformable substrate. The piezoelectric actuator includes a piezoelectric element and a vibration plate. The piezoelectric element is attached on a first surface of the vibration plate. The piezoelectric element is subjected to deformation in response to an applied voltage. The vibration plate is subjected to a curvy vibration in response to the deformation of the piezoelectric element. A bulge is formed on a second surface of the vibration plate. The deformable substrate includes a flexible plate and a communication plate, which are stacked on each other. Consequently, a synchronously-deformed structure is defined by the flexible plate and the communication plate collaboratively, and there is a specified depth maintained between the flexible plate and the bulge of the vibration plate. The flexible plate includes a movable part corresponding to the bulge of the vibration plate.

Abstract: A personal air sampling pump assembly includes a motor having a reciprocating piston for operating a diaphragm assembly. The diaphragm includes a valve head including a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and a fluid chamber defining a fluid path between the inlet and outlet. A first and second diaphragm sealing engaging the valve head and enclosing the fluid chamber. The first diaphragm includes a piston diaphragm membrane portion coupled to the piston for reciprocating with the piston and wherein reciprocation of the piston causes a change in air pressure within the fluid chamber to cause air to move from the fluid inlet toward the fluid outlet. Both the first and second diaphragms include a damper membrane portion, which cooperate to reduce an amplitude of pulsation in the airflow at the fluid inlet and fluid outlet.

Abstract: A micropump includes: a pumping chamber, between a first semiconductor substrate and a second semiconductor substrate bonded to each other; an inlet valve, having an inlet shutter element between an inlet passage and the pumping chamber; an outlet valve, having an outlet shutter element between the pumping chamber and an outlet passage; a first recess for housing the inlet shutter element when the inlet valve is in the open configuration, the first recess and the pumping chamber being fluidly coupled; a second recess for housing the outlet shutter element when the outlet valve is in the open configuration, the second recess and the pumping chamber being fluidly decoupled.

Abstract: Vibrating pump with a secondary closed circuit designed for the recovery and reinjection of the fluid that can eventually escape from the compression chamber and which, if not collected, would end up in the force chamber affecting the drive elements (springs, magnetic core) and therefore the proper functioning and useful life of the pump.

Abstract: Medical fluid management assembly includes: a pneumatic manifold including multiple plates forming pneumatic passageways, a pneumatic valve chamber and a pneumatic pump chamber, the valve chamber in pneumatic communication with at least one passageway, the pump chamber in pneumatic communication with at least one passageway; and a fluid manifold including multiple fluid pathways, a fluid valve chamber in selective fluid communication with a fluid pump chamber and at least one fluid pathway, wherein (a) the pneumatic valve chamber and the fluid valve chamber are mated together to compress a membrane and (b) the pneumatic pump chamber and the fluid pump chamber are mated together to compress a membrane, wherein at least one of the pneumatic valve chamber or the pneumatic pump chamber extends from the at least one plate, or the fluid valve chamber or the fluid pump chamber extends from the fluid manifold to aid in compressing the membranes.

Abstract: A miniature pneumatic device includes a miniature fluid control device and a miniature valve device. The miniature fluid control device includes a gas inlet plate, a resonance plate, a piezoelectric actuator and a gas collecting plate. A first chamber is formed between the resonance plate and the piezoelectric actuator. After a gas is fed into the gas inlet plate, the gas is transferred to the first chamber through the resonance plate and then transferred. Consequently, a pressure gradient is generated to continuously push the gas. The miniature valve device includes a valve film and a gas outlet plate. After the gas is transferred from the miniature fluid control device to the miniature valve device, the valve opening of the valve film is correspondingly opened or closed and the gas is transferred in one direction. Consequently, a pressure-collecting operation or a pressure-releasing operation is selectively performed.

Abstract: A miniature fluid control device includes a gas inlet plate, a resonance plate and a piezoelectric actuator. The gas inlet plate includes an inlet, a convergence channel and a central cavity. A convergence chamber is defined by the central cavity. The resonance plate has a central aperture. The piezoelectric actuator includes a suspension plate, an outer frame and a piezoelectric ceramic plate. A gap is formed between the resonance plate and the piezoelectric actuator to define a first chamber. The gas is fed into the miniature fluid control device through the inlet of the gas inlet plate, converged to the central cavity through the convergence channel, transferred through the central aperture of the resonance plate, introduced into the first chamber, transferred downwardly through a vacant space between the bracket of the piezoelectric actuator, and exited from the miniature fluid control device.

Abstract: A pump cassette comprising an outer flexible membrane covering flowpaths, valve chambers and pump chambers of the cassette is designed to be actuated by a control gasket on a base unit arranged to move designated valve and pump portions of the cassette membrane. The performance of a cassette valve may improved by optimizing the configuration of the valve control region of the control gasket overlying the cassette valve. This may improve both fluid flow through the valve and reduce the amount of vibratory noise associated with opening the valve. The gasket valve control or actuation region is at least partially bounded by a vacuum channel facing the outside of the gasket so that a constant vacuum can be applied between the gasket valve control or actuation region and the adjacent portion of the cassette membrane.

Abstract: A disc pump includes a pump body having a cavity for containing a fluid. The disc pump also includes an actuator adapted to hold an electrostatic charge to cause an oscillatory motion at a drive frequency. The disc pump further includes a conductive plate positioned to face the actuator outside of the cavity and adapted to provide an electric field of reversible polarity, the conductive plate being electrically associated with the actuator to cause the actuator to oscillate at the drive frequency in response to reversing the polarity of the electric field. The disc pump further includes a valve disposed in at least one of a first aperture and a second aperture in the pump body. The oscillation of the actuator at the drive frequency causes fluid flow through the first aperture and the second aperture when in use.

Abstract: A magneto-inductive flow measuring device for ascertaining flow of a measured medium through a measuring tube having a measuring tube axis, comprising: at least a first coil component having a coil body for accommodating a coil core of a coil. The coil is wound on the coil body and the coil core is arranged in a first passageway of the coil body with a longitudinal axis of the coil core coaxial with the coil. At least two cable strands are arranged between the coil core and the coil body, wherein the cable strands serve for tapping the signal of two or more measuring electrodes arranged on the measuring tube. The cable strands extend within the coil component essentially along a cutting plane, which extends perpendicular to the measuring tube axis.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for treating a tissue site on a patient with reduced pressure are presented. In one instance, a reduced-pressure treatment device to treat a tissue site with reduced pressure may include a pump control unit fluidly separate from a collection unit. Pump energy may be provided by the pump control unit to deflect one or more diaphragms within the collection unit to create reduced pressure. Other systems, devices, and methods are presented.

Abstract: A pump, especially for delivering liquid fuel for a vehicle heater, includes a pump body (12) providing a pump chamber (14). The pump body (12) is made with magnetic shape memory material at least in some areas. The pump further includes a field-generating arrangement (44) for generating a magnetic field (M). The magnetic shape memory material of the pump body (12) can be brought from an initial state into a deformed state by generating a magnetic field (M) by the field-generating arrangement (44). A pump chamber volume in the deformed state differs from the pump chamber volume present in the initial state.

Abstract: An actuator for an infusion drive mechanism comprises a piston defining a first axis and being movable within a passageway of the infusion drive mechanism to convey at least one infusion medium. The passageway defines a longitudinal axis. An armature is connected to the piston and defines at least one cavity configured for disposal of a biasing member engageable with a surface of the infusion drive mechanism to orient the first axis transverse relative to the longitudinal axis. Systems and methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: Pump cassettes, infusion systems, and methods are described. An example infusion pump system may include a cassette recess with one or more valve actuators that extend through a surface of the cassette recess to operate a corresponding valve in a fluid passageway of a pump cassette mounted in the cassette recess. The valve actuator may include a base portion, a shaft extending from the base portion through the surface, and a spring disposed on the shaft and extending along a portion of the shaft. The spring may be disposed interior to the back surface. The system may include first and second valve actuators configured to operate corresponding first and second valves located on opposing sides of a pump chamber of the fluid passageway. A piston may be configured to cooperate with the first and second valve actuators to pump a fluid through the fluid passageway.

Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein related to an apparatus including a fluid flow plate and a microfluidic valve assembly. The fluid flow plate includes a plurality of polymer layers that define a fluid flow passage through the microfluidic valve assembly. The microfluidic valve assembly includes a valve seat, a flexible membrane, a valve cavity, a valve head, and an actuator. The actuator is configured to selectively control pressure applied by the valve head to the flexible membrane, such that in a first actuator state the valve head depresses the flexible membrane into the valve cavity and into contact with the valve seat, thereby preventing fluid flow through the valve assembly, and in a second state, the valve head and the flexible membrane are retracted substantially out of the valve cavity allowing fluid to flow through the valve assembly. In various implementations, the valve seat and/or the flexible membrane include an elastomer layer.

Abstract: Provided is a gas dissolving device capable of dissolving gas in a liquid in a supersaturated state and maintaining such a saturated state in a stable manner, and being easily attached to a water server or the like. The gas dissolving device generates hydrogen water by dissolving hydrogen in water, and discharges the hydrogen water from an outlet. The gas dissolving device includes a dissolving chamber that stores under pressure generated hydrogen water introduced therein, and pressure reduction and transfer means for preventing pressure variation in a tube-shaped passage that connects the dissolving tank and the outlet due to an action of discharging the hydrogen water from the outlet, and for forming a laminar flow.

Abstract: An electric pump includes a rotor (6) formed in a cup shape integrally assembled to a rotor shaft (10) extended from a motor (3) side to a crank mechanism side inside a case body (2) in a state where an opening is directed to a shaft end on the motor side and rotatably supported by an intermediate bearing (13) arranged inside the opening, an eccentric cam (6d) integrally provided with a top surface portion of the rotor (6) in the axial direction, which is eccentric to a shaft center of the rotor shaft (10), and a crank shaft (12) one end side of which is assembled to an outer periphery of the eccentric cam (6d) through a cam bearing (11) and the other end side of which is connected to the pump side, in which a distance between the intermediate bearing (13) and the eccentric cam (6d) to which the crank shaft (12) is connected is reduced as short as possible, thereby suppressing occurrence of vibration and noise as well as reducing the device size in the axial direction by shortening a shaft length of the rotor

Abstract: A filter for an aqueous solution, such as urea, of a diesel vehicle selective catalytic reduction system, includes a housing provided with an inlet and with an outlet and, inside which, is arranged a filter element. Variations in volume associated with changes in phase of the aqueous solution are detected and a switch which switches upon changes in phase of the aqueous solution signals the variations in volume.

Abstract: A vacuum suspension system includes a prosthetic socket adapted to receive a residual limb. A pump system includes a pump mechanism in fluid communication with the prosthetic socket, and at least one sensor associated with the prosthetic socket and/or the pump mechanism. A control system is operably connected to the pump mechanism and the least one sensor. The control system is arranged to receive and process data from the at least one sensor and to actuate the pump mechanism based on the received data from the at least one sensor.

Abstract: Provided is a check valve including: a duckbill valve; and a support member which is inserted into an inside portion of the duckbill valve, in which the duckbill valve includes a slit which is provided on a side where fluid is discharged, an inflow port which is provided on a side where the fluid flows in, and a flow path which connects the inflow port to the slit, and in which the support member is inserted into the flow path from the inflow port, a hole for sending the fluid to the slit when flowing in from the inflow port is provided, and the hole is provided so as to be hermetically sealed by the duckbill valve when a negative pressure is applied from the inflow port side.

Abstract: A milk pump device, comprising a passage duct, a first one-way valve, a second one-way valve and a membrane pump. The first and second one-way valves are included in the passage duct and oriented in the same direction relative to each other. The membrane pump is positioned between the first one-way valve and the second one-way valve. The membrane pump forms a first milk meter for generating a first milk measurement with respect to a number of complete pumping strokes of the membrane pump. The milk pump device further comprises a second milk meter for carrying out a second milk measurement with respect to a residual pumping stroke.

Abstract: A method for producing at least one deformable membrane micropump including a first substrate and a second substrate assembled together, the first substrate including at least one cavity and the second substrate including at least one deformable membrane arranged facing the cavity. In the method: the cavity is produced in the first substrate; then the first and second substrates are assembled together; then the deformable membrane is produced in the second substrate.

Abstract: A fluid mover includes a chamber with one or more outlet openings, first and/or second fluidic diaphragm(s) having a portion movable in the chamber to cause fluid to move at the outlet opening, and a coil assembly magnetically coupled to the fluidic diaphragm to move the movable portion of the fluidic diaphragm(s) in response to a current in the coil. The coil assembly includes a coil with an opening, and a plug may be positioned in the opening and/or a support may be positioned around a periphery of the coil. The plug and/or the support may have a magnetic permeability greater than one and be arranged so magnetic field lines created by the coil pass through the plug and/or support. The coil, plug and/or support may define a flat surface, e.g., such that a uniform gap is present between the diaphragm(s) and the coil, plug and/or support.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for performing a medical procedure within a patient's body that involves a thoracic duct including an ostium communicating with the patient's venous system. A distal end of a catheter is introduced through the patient's venous system into a body lumen adjacent the ostium of the thoracic duct. An expandable member on the distal end of the tubular member may be expanded adjacent the ostium, e.g., within the body lumen or the thoracic duct itself, and used to isolate the thoracic duct from the body lumen, whereupon a medical procedure may be performed via the thoracic duct. For example, lymphatic fluid may be removed from the thoracic duct through a lumen of the tubular member and/or one or more agents may be introduced into the thoracic duct through the tubular member.

Abstract: An infusion pump is provided, including a specially programmed microprocessor, a flow sensor for measuring flow from a source of fluid through an output tubing, a pumping section including a plurality of fingers in operational relationship to the output tubing, an outlet valve associated with the output tubing, and a first actuator configured for sequentially displacing the plurality of fingers to displace fluid through the output tubing. An inlet valve is disposed between the pumping section and the source of fluid; and a second actuator is also included. For detection, by the flow sensor, of flow above a predetermined level, the microprocessor is configured for one of: closing the outlet valve independently of the inlet valve using the first actuator; and closing the inlet valve independently of the outlet valve using the second actuator.

Abstract: A rapid-discharge-valve structural body (2) allows air to flow from an input-side space (9A) to an output-side space (9B) in accordance with the flow rate of air to be supplied to a supply passage (101). Accordingly, the flow rate of air to be discharged from a discharge passage (113) also changes. As a consequence, flow rate peaking can be prevented.