Abstract: An implantable medication infusion pump is provided of the type having a pressure reservoir with a selected pressure fluid therein for maintaining liquid medication in an adjacent medication chamber under a substantially constant pressure. The reservoir comprises a hollow structural enclosure defined by at least one movable wall and adapted to be filled with a selected quantity of the pressure fluid, particularly such as a selected fluorocarbon in a liquid-vapor state. The movable wall of the pressure reservoir is shared with and defines one side of the medication chamber, with the pressure fluid undergoing appropriate change of state to expand or contract the pressure reservoir in a manner maintaining the medication under substantially constant pressure. The improved pressure reservoir includes an internal spacer element to prevent contraction of the pressure reservoir beyond a minimum volume at least slightly greater than the liquid state volume of the pressure fluid therein.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pressurized, disposable packaging system to dispense sterile fluids used in surgical procedures. The system consists of an inside, sealed bladder bag which contains the sterile fluid, and an outer bag which encloses, encapsulates and stabilizes the inner bag. The outer and inner bag share a common side seam. The outer pressure bag becomes air tight and sealed when connected to an external pressure device. The external pressure device causes pressure to be applied to an air space between the outer and the inner bag, thereby causing a force against the inner bag to expel the material through at least one exit port communicating the exterior of the outer bag to the interior of the inner bag. The outer bag also includes a pressure port for introducing pressurized gas or other fluid into the air space to force the sterile fluid within the inner bag out through the exit port.

Abstract: A portable pump, useful for medical and non-medical uses, has two pouches (3, 4) in pressure transmitting relationship, the first (4) containing an infusate (5) and the second (3), a driving medium (2). The driving medium is pressurized in any of a variety of ways, including activation of osmotic pump, electrochemical reaction (19), release of pressurized fluid or gas (21, 23) or mechanical means (24). The rate of infusion is controlled by a rate controller (18). The infusate pouch is separately manufactured and can be stored apart of the rest of the system. Pulses of pumped fluid can also be delivered according to one aspect of the invention (18, 40).

Abstract: A medication delivery device having a particularly compact size. The compact size is achieved by arranging the components of the device so that the reservoir refill port is positioned laterally adjacent a bellows medication reservoir. Preferably, the medication reservoir is doughnut shaped and the refill port is positioned in a centrally located aperture.

Abstract: A medication delivery device having a particularly compact size due to the bulged configuration of the cover. The device includes a housing having a base and a cover. The cover includes a side portion and a substantially planer surface joined by a curved portion. The curved portion is bulged outwardly in a manner such that the area of the internal cavity bounded by the side portion, the substantially planer surface and the base includes substantially all of the area which would be formed if the side portion and the substantially planer surface were extended and joined in the absence of the curved portion. This enables the entire vertical space of the internal cavity to be utilized and allows the thickness of the device to be minimized.

Abstract: An infusion pump for infusing a medical treatment fluid intravenously to a patient includes a collapsible treatment fluid bag juxtaposed with an inflatable drive fluid bladder confined between a pair of opposing containment members which cause the bladder to impinge against the bag as the bladder is inflated. A drive fluid pump controllably inflates the bladder, thereby displacing treatment fluid from the bag into an outlet tube affixed thereto which conveys the treatment fluid to the patient where it is received intravenously. The treatment fluid flow rate through the tube is controlled by increasing or decreasing the drive fluid pump output and consequently the pressure in the bladder in response to a pressure sensor in fluid communication with the bladder. Alternatively, the treatment fluid flow rate is adjusted by opening or closing the outlet tube by means of an occluder or restrictor positioned along the tube.

Abstract: Pumping mechanisms for performing peritoneal dialysis and the like employ a pumping mechanism comprising a diaphragm that operate in response to applied fluid pressure. Flexible tubing is attached to the pumping mechanism for carrying liquid to and from the patient's peritoneal cavity. An actuating station for pumping mechanism receives the pumping mechanism and attached tubing. A pressure transfer element conveys fluid pressure to the diaphragm for moving liquid through the cassette. An occluder element contacts and crimps closed the tubing attached to the cassette. A first reservoir inflates with positive fluid pressure for contacting the pressure transfer element to hold it in operative contact against the diaphragm. A second reservoir inflates with positive fluid pressure for contacting the occluding element to hold it away from crimping contact with the tubing. At least one of the first and second reservoirs also transports fluid pressure to the pressure transfer element for conveyance to the diaphragm.

Abstract: An irrigation system includes an elongated, hand-held instrument for applying a solution spray to a surgical area of a patient during surgery. The instrument includes an elongated handle having an outer ribbed surface to be hand-held. The handle has a central passageway between an inlet end and a discharge end. A nose is secured to the discharge end of the handle with a flow control valve secured within the handle. Nozzles are selectively connected to the nose to create selected flow patterns at the surgical site. The valve has an external pushbutton actuator to control the solution flow through a passageway in the body and nose. A pressurized liquid supply includes a sealed disposable, liquid solution filled bag and a sterile tube connected to the inlet end of the body. The solution bag is releasably supported within a pressurizing bag which in turn is carried on a portable stand unit.

Abstract: An infusion device including a rigid accessible housing, a flexible air bag contained within the rigid housing in use, a space next to the flexible air bag for containing a drug bag in use, a line connected between the drug bag and patient in use, a pumping device connected to the air bag, a control unit for controlling the operation of the pump which includes a sensing mechanism in communication with the line or drug bag for sensing the fluid pressure therein without contaminating the medicament in the line to the patient and wherein the pumping device is activated when the pressure in the line or drug bag passes below a predetermined level.

Abstract: An infusion pump with a flexible medication container, a chamber containing a C.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 F.sub.4 propellant gas acting upon the medication container and a capillary tube acting as a choke. The propellant gas chamber accommodates a pressure of 2.5 bar over atmospheric.

Abstract: A pump assembly (20) employs electrochemistry to selectively control the delivery rate of a dispensing fluid (21) from a dispensing reservoir (24) by selectively controlling the flow rate of a driving fluid (19) from a driving reservoir (23) to a receiving reservoir (33). A partition (25), separating the driving reservoir from the receiving fluid reservoir, includes at least one aperture (28) which is opened or closed depending upon an electrical signal from a remote programming unit. Flow into the receiving reservoir deflects a barrier member to expel dispensing fluid from the dispensing reservoir. The dispensing fluid flow rate can be programmed to provide an appropriate steady or varying flow rate; user-initiated pulses of dispensing fluid can also be provided. A method of controlled infusion of an infusate employing electrochemistry is also provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns a surgical apparatus for irrigating an operative site during endoscopic surgery. The apparatus comprises a reservoir of irrigation fluid contained within an air actuated pouch, a pump for inflating the pouch so that the reservoir is compressed, pressure control means, a microprocessor for operating the system, heating panels contained within the pouch for providing heated irrigation fluid, and a nozzle and tube for delivering the irrigation fluid to an operative site. The apparatus also provides a stick fitting for attaching tubing to the fluid reservoir. In addition to the stick fitting, the apparatus provides a locking receiver system for insuring that the stick fitting will not disengage during use.

Abstract: An infusion pump for use with standard pre-filled single dose IV bags. The pump includes an inflatable chamber having a diaphragm which expands under fluid pressure to compress the sidewalls of an IV bag. A fluid is directed under pressure to the chamber for causing it to inflate under influence of a control system. In one embodiment the fluid comprises a liquid which is transferred to and from the chamber from a reservoir. In another embodiment the fluid comprises a gas.

Abstract: Apparatus for regulating pressure in and for controllably pressurizing infusion devices includes a flow-through pressure gauge for indicating and regulating the pressures within such infusion devices between minimum and maximum desirable pressures. Such apparatus includes a gauge, coupled between a fluid source and the bladder portion of the pressure infusion device. The gauge receives pressurized fluid from the fluid source, provides fluid to the bladder, indicates a range of fluid pressures in the bladder and maintains the pressure of fluid in the bladder between minimum and maximum pressures. The gauge includes a telescopingly coupled member to indicate a range of pressures in the bladder. A first valve permits the passage of fluid through the gauge and into the bladder when the fluid pressure exceeds a minimum pressure. A second valve prevents the passage of fluid through the gauge and into the bladder when the fluid pressure exceeds a maximum pressure.

Abstract: A portable infusion device assembly, having two pouches in pressure transmitting relationship, the first containing infusate and the second, a driving medium. The driving medium is pressurized by activation of osmotic pump, electrochemical reaction, release of pressurized fluid or gas or mechanical means and the rate of infusion is controlled by a rate controlling means. The infusate pouch is separately manufactured and can be stored apart of the rest of the system.

Abstract: A medication administering device includes a housing introducible into a body cavity and of a material insoluble in the body cavity fluids, but formed with an opening covered by a material which is soluble in body cavity fluids. A diaphragm divides the interior of the housing into a medication chamber including the opening, and a control chamber. An electrolytic cell in the control chamber generates a gas when electrical current is passed therethrough to deliver medication from the medication chamber through the opening into the body cavity at a rate controlled by the electrical current.

Abstract: An osmotically driven syringe (20, 60) is disclosed which can be used to deliver a beneficial agent such as a drug, at varying pre-determined rates over multiple periods of time. The syringe (20, 60) is driven by an osmotic engine (10) having a shaped wall (12) containing an osmotic agent (17) and/or a gas generating means (19), such as an effervescent couple. The wall (12) is composed of a semipermeable and/or microporous material which is permeable to an external liquid (e.g., water) but which is substantially impermeable to the osmotic agent (17) and the gas generated by the gas generating means (19). The wall (12) has a passageway (13) therethrough to provide a flow path for the driving fluid generated by the engine (10). The osmotic agent(s) (17) and/or the gas generating means (19) are placed in the engine (10) in such a way as to drive engine (10) at different pumping rates (R.sub.1, R.sub.2) over sequential periods of time (t.sub.0 to t.sub.1 and t.sub.1 to t.sub.2).

Abstract: An infusion pump for infusing a medical treatment fluid intravenously to a patient includes a collapsible treatment fluid bag juxtaposed with an inflatable drive fluid bladder confined between a pair of opposing containment members which cause the bladder to impinge against the bag as the bladder is inflated. A drive fluid pump controllably inflates the bladder, thereby displacing treatment fluid from the bag into an outlet tube affixed thereto which conveys the treatment fluid to the patient where it is received intravenously. The treatment fluid flow rate through the tube is controlled by increasing or decreasing the drive fluid pump output and consequently the pressure in the bladder in response to a pressure sensor in fluid communication with the bladder. Alternatively, the treatment fluid flow rate is adjusted by opening or closing the outlet tube by means of an occluder or restrictor positioned along the tube.

Abstract: An infusion pump assembly (20) is provided which employs electrochemistry to selectively control the delivery rate of a dispensing fluid (21) from a dispensing reservoir (24) by selectively controlling the flow rate of a driving fluid (19) from a driving reservoir (23) to a receiving reservoir (33). A partition (25), separating the driving reservoir from the receiving fluid reservoir, includes at least one aperture (28) which permits flow communication therebetween. As the receiving reservoir increases or expands in size due to receipt of the driving fluid, a barrier member (32) communicates with the dispensing reservoir to expel the dispensing fluid therefrom. The infusion pump assembly includes a disposable infusion pump unit (36) and a separate and remote programming unit (37) operably coupled to a plug member (30), blocking the aperture, for control of the driving fluid flowing through the aperture.

Abstract: An accumulator for an implantable infusion system employs a pair of separated diaphragms movable in unison by a transfer fluid disposed therebetween. A first chamber receives infusate in metered amounts and dispenses the contents as a function of toggled valve operation. During filling, the first diaphragm deflects upward and by pressure transfer causes a corresponding deflection in the second diaphragm. The second diaphragm is biased by springs, gas under pressure or the like. Hence, when the outlet valve opens, the pressure differential across the diaphragm causes downward deflection. No mechanical stops are needed in the infusate chamber for the first diaphragm since its movement is controlled by the pressure differential across the second diaphragm.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device and method of delivering fluid is provided. The device comprises a delivery member including a member for creating a vacuum pressure, to suck fluid into a reservoir, and for expelling fluid from the reservoir. A body is provided including a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening, the interior of the body defining a first fluid pathway from the first opening to the second opening and a second fluid pathway from the second opening and a second fluid pathway from the second opening to the third opening. The delivery member is coupled to the second opening. A fluid source is coupled to the first opening. A fluid conduit is coupled to the third opening for allowing the device to deliver product to a patient. The first and second fluid pathways are defined in part by walls that define a central cavity and a diaphragm located therein.

Abstract: A delivery device for delivering a liquid containing a drug includes a first diaphragm within a housing defining a first contractible-chamber on one side of the diaphragm for holding a supply of the liquid to be delivered, and a second contractible chamber on the opposite side of the diaphragm including an electrolytic cell capable of generating a gas according to the electrical current passed through the cell electrolyte. The device further includes a second diaphragm, a control valve, and a spring, for compensating the rate of delivery of the liquid for variations in ambient pressure and temperature.

Abstract: An infusion pump for infusing a medical treatment fluid intravenously to a patient includes a collapsible treatment fluid bag juxtaposed with an inflatable drive fluid bladder confined between a pair of opposing containment members which cause the bladder to impinge against the bag as the bladder is inflated. A drive fluid pump controllably inflates the bladder, thereby displacing treatment fluid from the bag into an outlet tube affixed thereto which conveys the treatment fluid to the patient where it is received intravenously. The treatment fluid flow rate through the tube is controlled by increasing or decreasing the drive fluid pump output and consequently the pressure in the bladder in response to a pressure sensor in fluid communication with the bladder. Alternatively, the treatment fluid flow rate is adjusted by opening or closing the outlet tube by means of an occluder or restrictor positioned along the tube.

Abstract: An improved process and related apparatus are provided for filling a pressure reservoir of an implantable medication infusion pump with a selected pressure fluid, wherein the pressure reservoir is separated by a movable wall from an adjacent medication chamber. The improved filling process includes vacuum-draw filling of the pressure reservoir with relatively purified pressure fluid in liquid state. The specific quantity of pressure fluid within the pressure reservoir is thereafter calibrated by filling the adjacent medication chamber with a calibration fluid at a predetermined positive pressure, thereby expelling excess pressure fluid from the pressure reservoir. The pressure reservoir is then sealed and the performance characteristics thereof are tested under simulated implantation conditions to confirm the capability of the pressure reservoir to maintain medication within the medication chamber under substantially constant pressure conditions.

Abstract: A pack for slow administration to a patient of extremely accurate volumes of sterile, for example pharmaceutical, nutrient or energy-source liquid, comprises in combination at least three systems adapted to be interconnected. The first system is a flowrate regulator. The second system is, for each sterile liquid administered, a sterile bag with a mobile, flexible and continuous wall which delimits an internal cavity in which is at least one opening enabling it to communicate selectively with the exterior. The third system is a solid or fluid piston operating on the interior or exterior side of the wall of said bag to vary its volume, and, in the case of a fluid piston, at least one alarm means indicating any leak in the wall or one of the walls of the bag, adapted by its existence or its properties to convert non-perceptible leakage into a perceptible phenomenon.

Abstract: A medical apparatus for injecting or withdrawing biological or therapeutic fluid includes a syringe body defining a syringe cavity into which fluids can be introduced or withdrawn by way of a fluid port and a vacuum port. A piston is positioned for reversible movement in the syringe cavity between the fluid port and the vacuum port so that movement of the piston in response to a decrease in fluid pressure causes a resilient element positioned within the cavity to be compressed. The compressed spring provides a store of mechanical energy that can be used to drive the piston toward the fluid port and expel fluid contained in the first cavity through the fluid port when pressure within the syringe cavity is equalized. Control of vacuum and air inlet into the syringe cavity is conveniently controlled by a dual port valve connected to the syringe body.

Abstract: An implantable medication infusion pump is provided which utilizes an improved and simplified pressure reservoir to maintain a selected medication in liquid form within a pump housing under a substantially constant pressure. The pressure reservoir comprises a hollow structural enclosure having at least one flexible resilient wall and is adapted to be filled with a selected quantity of a pressure fluid, such as a selected fluorocarbon in a liquid-vapor state, prior to mounting of the reservoir as a structural unit into the infusion pump housing. Within the pump housing, the flexible reservoir wall defines one side of a medication chamber, with the pressure fluid undergoing appropriate change of state to expand or contract the reservoir in a manner maintaining the medication under a substantially constant pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for infusing multiple fluid medicaments to a patient includes a base for supporting a plurality of pumping chambers. Each pumping chamber has a housing and a flexible membrane attached to the housing to establish a contractible fluid chamber between the housing and the membrane for holding a fluid medicament. Separate IV lines extend in fluid communication from each of the pumping chambers and each line is individually engageable with a flow controller which is mounted on the base. An electronic controller is mounted on the base and is operatively connected with each of the flow controllers to individually open each IV line at a predetermined time, and for a predetermined period of time, to establish a sequence for infusing fluids to the patient from the separate pumping chambers.

Abstract: A portable infusion device assembly where the drug is contained in a separate or separatable pouch in pressure transmitting relationship with a driving medium. The driving medium is pressurized by activation of osmotic pump, and the rate of delivery of the drug is regulated by a rate controlling means. Manufacture and sterilization of the infusate containing pouch separately from the other components of the systems to facilitates construction of sterile infusion pumps and provides an additional measure of safety.

Abstract: An improved and simplified pressure reservoir is provided for use with an implantable medication infusion pump to maintain a selected medication in liquid form with a pump housing under a substantially constant pressure. The pressure reservoir comprises a hollow structural enclousre having at least one flexible resilient wall and is adapted to be filled with a selected quantity of a pressure fluid, such as a selected fluorocarbon in a liquid-vapor state, prior to mounting of the reservoir as a structural unit into the infusion pump housing. Within the pump housing, the flexible reservoir wall defines one side of a medication chamber, with the pressure fluid undergoing appropriate change of state to expand or contact the reservoir in a manner maintaining the medication under a substantially constant pressure.

Abstract: A flow regulator/restrictor placed in a fluid path to passively compensate for variations in fluid pressure by deflection or movement. In one embodiment a silicon micromachined housing has a damper beam cantilevered to the interior wall between inlet and outlet. Deflections of the beam vary the volume of the restrictive gap formed between the damper beam and the interanl wall of the housing adjacent the outlet. In another embodiment the damper element is a floating element in the housing and has conformal side walls with the interior of the housing. The restrictor elements may be stacked to provide a stepped pressure drop, restrictor system.

Abstract: An osmotically driven syringe (20, 60) is disclosed which can be used to deliver a beneficial agent such as a drug, at varying pre-determined rates over multiple periods of time. The syringe (20, 60) is driven by an osmotic engine (10) having a shaped wall (12) containing an osmotic agent (17) and/or a gas generating means (19), such as an effervescent couple. The wall (12) is composed of a semipermeable and/or microporous material which is permeable to an external liquid (e.g., water) but which is substantially impermeable to the osmotic agent (17) and the gas generated by the gas generating means (19). The wall (12) has a passageway (13) therethrough to provide a flow path for the driving fluid generated by the engine (10). The osmotic agent(s) (17) and/or the gas generating means (19) are placed in the engine (10) in such a way as to drive engine (10) at different pumping rates (R.sub.1, R.sub.2) over sequential periods of time (t.sub.o to t.sub.1 and t.sub.1 to t.sub.2).

Abstract: A valve for a pressure infusion system. The valve includes a body having a first port for being coupled to a source of pressurized fluid, a second port for being coupled to a bladder of the pressure infusion system, a third port for being vented to the atmosphere, and an open interior for connecting the second and third ports to one another and for allowing pressurized fluid to pass therebetween. Each of the second and third ports has a cross sectional area greater than the cross sectional area of the first port to allow pressurized fluid to quickly escape from the interior of the bladder through the second and third ports. A plug is positioned within the body for movement between an inflate position and a deflate position. The first and second ports are open and the third port is blocked when the plug is in the inflate position for allowing inflation of the bladder.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering fluid with a relatively constant, controlled rate of flow comprises a vacuum power means, a fluid storage means in axial alignment with the vacuum power means and a plunger means carried by the vacuum power means and in axial communication with the fluid storage means. The plunger means is driven by a vacuum which collapses under atmospheric pressure, and as it is driven it effects delivery of the fluid from the fluid storage means.

Abstract: The device includes an electrolysis cell (C) comprising: a closed variable volume first chamber (2) containing an electrolyte that gives off gas under the effect of an electrolysis voltage applied to electrodes (3, 4) in contact with the electrolyte, the gas given off causing the first chamber to expand; and a variable volume second chamber (7) containing the active principle, said second chamber opening out to the outside via an orifice (11) enabling the active principle to be delivered; the total volume of the two chambers (2, 7) being constant, such that expansion of the first chamber causes the volume of the second chamber to be reduced and gives rise to a corresponding controlled expulsion of the active principle contained therein.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an ambulatory infusion device having a housing which has a series of cavities in which there are provided expandable pressure regulator tubes which may be formed of suitable resilient materials. The regulator tubes may be of several different configurations. The cavities have a greater volume than the expandable tubes to permit expansion thereof and also to provide means for limiting the expansion thereof to ensure against bursting of the tubes should a pressure relief valve in the system fail to operate. The open ends of the regulator tubes are interconnected through a series of passageways, connectors, etc. to an inflatable, flexible, substantially non-stretchable diaphragm provided in another housing cavity. A fresh flexible bag of medicament is positioned against the diaphragm by the patient with an administration port of the bag projecting outwardly of the housing for connection to an infusion set connectable to a patient's catheter.

Abstract: An aspirator, a suction device for removing body fluids, is disclosed. It includes two elongated tubes: one having a tapered end for insertion into body cavities via the nose or mouth for communication with body fluids; the other elongated tube having a mouthpiece, for mouth actuation, or a squeeze-bulb, for hand actuation. The free ends of the aforementioned elongated tubes are connected to a combination isolation and liquid-collection chamber. The chamber includes an elastic impregnable barrier against the transfer of potentially infective agents between patient and user. The chamber is constructed for venting gas and vapor components from the body fluid, as well as collecting the liquid component. For mouth actuation, the user holds the mouthpiece between his or her teeth while inserting the tapered end into the body cavity from which fluid is to be extracted.

Abstract: A liquid material dispenser includes a rigid housing having a flexible partition defining first and second compartments on opposite sides of the partition, and an electrolytic cell in the first compartment capable of generating a gas when energized by a source of electric current in order to expand the first compartment and thereby to contract the second compartment. The second compartment contains the liquid material which is dispensed via a discharge opening in accordance with the rate of generation of the gas.

Abstract: An implantable pump system employing a flow regulator isolates the regulator sensing chamber from the path of drug flow. This is accomplished by establishing either an independent sensing chamber in the regulator or coupling it to the propellant chamber of the pump. Additionally, a downstream restrictor may be used to provide an additional pressure drop between the regulator and the outlet catheter.

Abstract: An implantable pump system employing a flow regulator isolates the regulator sensing chamber from the path of drug flow. This is accomplished by establishing either an independent sensing chamber in the regulator or coupling it to the propellant chamber of the pump. Additionally, a downstream restrictor may be used to provide an additional pressure drop between the regulator and the outlet catheter.

Abstract: An implantable pump for the delivery of insulin to a mammal has a biocompatible housing which supports an aqueous-swellable glucose-sensitive member and a chamber containing a pharmaceutically acceptable insulin composition. The aqueous-swellable member is exposed to the body fluids which surround the pump when it is implanted; it initiates an insulin pumping cycle by swelling in response to an increase in blood glucose level and terminates an insulin pumping cycle by deswelling in response to the decrease in blood glucose level. When the glucose-sensitive aqueous-swellable member swells in response to an increase in blood glucose level, it generates a hydraulic force which causes insulin composition to be expelled from the chamber through a pressure-sensitive one way valve. The valve seals the chamber when the hydraulic force is withdrawn by deswelling of the glucose-sensitive aqueous-swellable member.

Abstract: A drug delivery system for implantation into a living body having a pressure actuated infusion pump and an adjustable flow regulator. The regulator comprises a body having a regulator cavity divided by a diaphragm into two chambers. One chamber serves as a pressure sensor and the other as a conduit through which fluid flows. The outlet from the conduit chamber can be sealed by diaphragm movement as a function of pressure increase or the flow restricted. The outlet itself is mounted on an adjustable fitting that is movable relative to the diaphragm. The distance between the outlet and the diaphragm may be set as a calibration of the regulator.

Abstract: A portable infusion device which can be user operated almost anywhere for administration of a solution at a substantially steady flow rate from storage, the device comprising in combination a flow restrictor and a propulsion system using a pressure medium carried in a flexible extendible container for causing the solution to be administered to a patient at a substantially steady rate of flow through the flow restrictor.

Abstract: A disposable pressure cuff for use in pressurizing an infusion bag includes a bladder formed of a flexible laminate to have a pair of opposed flaps, between which the lateral edges of a transparent sheet are attached to provide a pocket for holding the infusion bag. Linear joints are provided at the point where the edges are attached to the flaps, each such linear joint with a pair of corner joints having improved peel strength.

Abstract: A system is provided that is useful for hypodermic injection of medication without piercing the skin with a needle. The system includes a gas pressure actuated needleless hypodermic injection device for injecting medication through the skin. The injection device includes an injector assembly having an injector body with a chamber for a compressed gas container and an ampule assembly mounted on the injector body for containing the liquid medication. The system also includes an adaptor assembly for use on a medication vial for transferring medication to the ampule assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a self-contained suction pump for drawing a fluid, such as a sample of biological fluid from an animal body, and to a method for obtaining a fluid sample. The present invention is particularly useful for repetitive or continuous collection of a series of samples over a period of time.

Abstract: A device for injecting serum or the like into animals while remaining at a distance from the animal. The device uses air pressure from a tank built into the device to eject the serum from a syringe on the tip of the wand. The wand is long enough to provide relative safety for the user.

Abstract: An insert head (102) is tightly inserted in the rearward end of a commercially available ampoule (101) equipped with a plunger (100). A galvanic, gas-generating cell is arranged in the insert head (102). The plunger (100) is driven forward by the gas generated by this cell. A throttle device (103) constituted by a capillary tube is connected to the Luer's syringe (109) of the ampoule (101), the infusion fluid driven out by the plunger (100) flowing through this throttle means into a catheter (104).

Abstract: An improved osmotic engine is disclosed. The osmotic engine is adapted to be used with an osmotically driven syringe which can be used to deliver a beneficial agent, such as a drug, at a pre-determined rate over an extended period of time. The osmotic engine has an exterior wall defining a compartment which contains an osmotic solute. The wall comprises a thin permeable and/or microporous material which is permeable to an external fluid such as water but is impermeable to the solute. The wall also has a delivery orifice drilled therethrough. A rigid non-dissolving ring-shaped wall support is provided for maintaining the shape of the engine during use. The wall support also provides a fluid flow path extending from the semipermeable wall portion toward the delivery orifice.

Abstract: A dual access infusion or monitoring system comprises implantable apparatus and an injection needle. This system enables one to introduce into or withdraw from the apparatus, after it is implanted, a plurality of fluids simultaneously with only a single penetration of the patient's skin. The implantable apparatus includes a sealed housing with an inlet passage extending into the housing which passage has an outer end adjacent to the housing surface and an inner end located inside the housing. A needle stop is positioned at the inner end of that passage and self-sealing septa are mounted at different locations along the passage at selected spacings from the needle stop so as to divide the passage into aligned compartments or segments each of which has its own fluid outlet. The injection needle includes a plurality of lumens, the number of same corresponding to the number of different compartments in the apparatus housing.