Abstract: A connector assembly includes first and second fittings including first and second membrane assemblies, respectively, and a stem member. A fluid delivery system includes a connector assembly, a container for holding fluids and tubing which couples the container to one of the first and second fittings. A method for making a contaminant-free connection comprises mating first and second fittings, and establishing a fluid flow path through the first and second fittings. The systems, assemblies and methods according to the invention may be used, for example, to handle a biological fluid while maintaining the fluid free of viable contaminating microorganisms or preserving its sterility.

Abstract: A receptacle receives and at least partially contains a container that contains fluid. The receptacle, or the receptacle in combination with the container, defines an inflation device. The inflation device is associated with the container so that when the inflation device is inflated the fluid is forced from the container. Subsequent to the proper positioning of the container relative to a human cavity, the inflation device is inflated by operating an activation device such as a switch or a valve. The activation device is preferably distant from the container and receptacle such that the activation device can be easily accessed and operated. Alternatively a spring is associated with the receptacle. The spring is compressed and a retention device operates to maintain the spring in the compressed configuration. Once the container and receptacle are properly positioned relative to a cavity, the retention device is acted upon to release the spring.

Abstract: A tubing set for connecting a source of irrigating fluid to an intraoperative surgical instrument having a fluid delivery passage therein. The tubing set includes a first section having an inlet for connection to the source of irrigating fluid, a second section having an outlet for connection to the intraoperative medical instrument, and a pump connected between the first section and the second section. A valve is located between the inlet and the outlet and restricts flow so that flow is in a direction from the inlet toward the outlet. The tubing set can deliver a continuous flow or trickle of fluid from the source of irrigating fluid to the medical instrument and can deliver a bolus of fluid to the surgical instrument upon operation of the pump.

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 IV infusion method and apparatus includes a plurality of fluid pumps mounted within a portable support housing and coupled to an IV tube. Each separate fluid pump is adapted to deliver fluid at a substantially constant delivery pressure predetermined by the characteristics of the pump. Each fluid pump includes an elastomeric membrane stretched into its region of nonlinear elasticity over a contour surface. Check valves located between the pumps and the IV tube control sequential dispensing of fluids from the pumps. The method and apparatus are especially adapted to a SASH process.

Abstract: A pressurized intravenous fluid delivery apparatus that operates as a closed system incorporating a waste component to avoid the accidental injection of air. The apparatus comprises a fluid reservoir under pressure, a manifold with a series of stopcock, an exhaust means in fluid connection with both the fluid reservoir and the manifold by means of a dual check valve, and a cannula and syringe means for injecting fluid into a patient. The closed system facilitates the flushing of blood and air out a catheter without the necessity of disconnecting any part of the apparatus and thereby risking exposure to air or risking physician contact with body fluids. The system is useful for delivering any quantity of one or more fluids under pressure, while avoiding the injection of air.

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 check valve for disposable pressure infusion systems having an inflation bulb with a single open end includes a valve body with a pair of intake ports and a discharge port. Disposed at such single open end of the inflation bulb, one of the intake ports permits a flow of pressurizing air from the inflation bulb when squeezed to a pressure cuff through flexible tubing coupled to the discharge port. A flexible diaphragm having slitted openings is disposed within the check valve which provides for opening and closure of a specific port alternatively during squeezes and release of the inflation bulb.

Abstract: A biological fluid collection and dispensing apparatus for attachment to a test tube includes a pump and a cannula assembly including a fluid transfer cannula and a vent cannula housed partially within the pump. Biological fluid may be both collected and delivered with the apparatus, and the apparatus may remain attached to the test tube during processing of the collected biological fluid sample.

Abstract: A preparation administrator has an administrator body including a solid preparation and having at its one end an inflow channel for solvent and at the other end an outflow channel for liquid preparation, a solvent container containing a solvent to dissolve, disperse or suspend the preparation and being connected to the inflow channel of the administrator body, and an ejector for ejecting the solvent together with the solid preparation in the body through the outflow channel of the body. A solid preparation in the administrator body is dissolved, or suspended or dispersed in the solvent fed from the solvent container and ejected as a liquid preparation through the outflow channel of the body.

Abstract: A device that wraps around a flexible bag containing fluid to warm the fluid and to pressurize the bag so that warmed fluid flows from the bag at a rate dependent upon the amount of pressure applied to the bag. The device includes a heating element that may be set at a preselected temperature and an inflatable bladder that may be inflated to a preselected pressure.

Abstract: A wound irrigation apparatus and process for safe cleansing of body wounds includes a pressure bladder disposed proximate a membrane sac holding a cleaning solution. Pressurizing the pressure bladder controllably pressurizes the cleaning solution. A conduit communicates the pressurized cleaning solution to a three-way valve. Operation of the normally off valve allows a steady stream of cleaning solution at a pressure of less than one atmosphere to be selectively directed to a wound for cleaning. The three-way valve includes an intermediate position which directs a gently pulsating stream of cleaning solution to the wound for enhanced cleaning action. The pulsation rate is directly dependent upon the pressure of the fluid and may be controlled. The valve includes a first elastic part and a second elastic part. The first part has an inlet with a larger diameter chamber into which the second part extends to form an integral valve unit.

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: An implantable device for supplying liquid to the oral cavity comprises a liquid container having means for keeping the liquid under pressure, a tube, one end of which being connected to the container, said tube consisting of a material which is suitable for subcutaneous location in the human body, and an lead-through bushing connected to the other end of said tube, said bushing consisting of or being coated with a biocompatible material for being implanted into a jaw bone, and comprising a nozzle opening provided with a filter.

Abstract: A pressure infusion device for medical applications for applying pressure to a sealed bag of liquid, such as an I.V. bag, in which the pressure gauge is fastened directly in the pressure applying bag which presses against the I.V. bag. The gauge has a movable plunger which moves outwardly from the bag by an amount depending upon the pressure within the bag. The pressure infusion arrangement is designed to be relatively inexpensive so that it can be discarded after being used. There are two forms, one in which the I.V. bag is held against the pressure applying bag by a mesh which is secured to a fabric to form a pocket for the I.V. bag and the pressure applying bag. In the other form, the mesh is secured directly to the edge of the pressure applying bag.

Abstract: A pulsed liquid injection device for injection of predetermined doses of medication at predetermined intervals of time is described. A bag containing medication is maintained under pressure and is connectable via a three way valve, operable by means of an electronic timing device, to a second pressurized metering container which is smaller than the bag containing the medication. The pressure in the bag is higher than that of the metering device and the metering container is always at a pressure required for injection. The timing device operates the valve at intervals to (a) charge the metering container from the bag and (b) inject the charge in the metering container into the patient. The valve includes a blanking device to eliminate the possibility of injecting the patient directly from the bag.

Abstract: Apparatus for the induced infusion of a liquid from a flexible liquid bag comprises a pumping bulb, elastic inflatable means coupled to the bulb for inflation thereby, and a flexible sleeve for retaining the liquid bag firmly against a first portion of the inflatable means for applying the pressure thereof to the bag to induce infusion of the liquid therefrom. The elastic inflatable means includes a second portion which serves as an accumulator for accumulating pressurized fluid pumped by the bulb and comprises an outer non-elastic sheath for limiting the accumulation of the pressurized fluid therein. In one described embodiment, the two mentioned portions of the elastic inflatable means are constituted of separate units, one being a bag-presser including an inflatable bladder against which the liquid bag is pressed by the flexible sleeve, and the other being a separate accumulator including an inflatable tube enclosed by the non-elastic sheath.