Abstract: The invention provides an intravenous line valving system. The invention includes a flexible tube mounted onto the interior surface of a drip chamber spike, the spike having an aperture through its exterior. A preferred embodiment of the invention includes squeezing means, removably attachable about the spike proximate to the aperture, for squeezing the flexible tube against the interior surface of the spike so as to regulate the flow of intravenous fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a feeding system (1) for enteral feeding comprising a container (2) preferably constructed as a disposable article for receiving the food. Said container (2) is disposed in a suspension means (3) which is constructed such that the container (2) in the suspended state points with its opening (5) upwardly and assumes a position inclined to the horizontal. As a result when the tubing system (4) is introduced into the container for suppyling the nutrient solution to the patient no leaks can occur because the opening (5) points upwardly so that along the periphery of a piercing tube (17) introduced into the container (12) no solution can drip out. Nevertheless, due to the inclined position of the container (2) and the arrangement of the end of the inserted piercing tube (17) at the lowermost point (6) of the container (2) all the solution can be extracted; for this purpose for the extraction preferably a drip chamber (21) is provided in connection with a tube clamp ( 26).

Abstract: An infusion system capable of intravenous administration of fluid to a patient has a drop chamber, including a plurality of drop tubes having drop forming orifices of different preselected cross-sectional areas for forming droplets of different sizes and volumes of the same given fluid, selection means for selecting the drop tube through which the administered fluid will pass and a metering chamber to allow the rate of droplet flow to be observed. The drop tube having a drop orifice capable of producing droplets of the desired size and volume appropriate for the viscosity and purpose of the fluid being administered is selected and a conventional fluid flow rate control device is adjusted, while the drop rate is observed, to set the fluid flow rate.

Abstract: A modular infusion pump system utilizes a positive displacement pump for pumping a known quantity of fluid for each stroke. A plurality of longitudinally spaced apart fixed combs cooperate with a resilient tube to define a known pumping volume. A plurality of movable combs are interdigitated with the fixed combs and are periodically linearly directed to cause the pump volume to be compressed, and therefore the fluid expelled. A rotary to linear drive system is connected with the movable combs and a ratchet system prevents counterrotation when the motor is in the off position. Valves are disposed above and below the pumping unit to appropriately seal off the pumping volume. The valves and the movable combs are operated by means of cams carried by a common shaft.

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: Present disclosure relates to an automatic shutting-off and alarming device for dripping injection use, which comprises of a closed container, a buoyant cylinder, a ring magnet, a magnetically actuated contactor, and an alarming system. The ring magnet is furnished on the bottom end of the buoyant cylinder and the buoyant cylinder is placed into the closed container, the magnetically actuated contactor is pivotally clamped to the bottom edge of the closed container.

Abstract: An arrangement in an infusion kit comprising an infusion container with a connected air trap/drop counter for drops, with a discharge piece provided in said trap/counter, and wherein the top of said trap/counter is shaped as a hollow cone or the like, tapering upwards in a working position, said discharge piece extending downwards from the apex of said cone. Said arrangement, furthermore, comprises a drainage hole provided in said discharge piece at its base in the top of said air trap/drop counter.

Abstract: A formulation chamber is disclosed comprising a wall surrounding a lumen containing a device for delivering a beneficial agent. The chamber has an inlet for admitting a fluid into the chamber and an outlet for letting an agent formulation leave the chamber. The chamber is adapted for use in an intravenous delivery system for delivering an agent formulation to a patient.

Abstract: A formulation chamber is disclosed comprising a wall surrounding a lumen containing a device for delivering a beneficial agent. The chamber has an inlet for admitting a fluid into the chamber and an outlet for letting an agent formulation leave the chamber. The chamber is adapted for use in an intravenous delivery system for delivering an agent formulation to a patient.

Abstract: A formulation chamber is disclosed comprising a wall surrounding a lumen containing a device for delivering a beneficial agent. The chamber has an inlet for admitting a fluid into the chamber and an outlet for letting an agent formulation leave the chamber. The chamber is adapted for use in an intravenous delivery system for delivering an agent formulation to a patient.

Abstract: A formulation chamber is disclosed comprising a wall surrounding a lumen containing a device for delivering a beneficial agent. The chamber has an inlet for admitting a fluid into the chamber and an outlet for letting an agent formulation leave the chamber. The chamber is adapted for use in an intravenous delivery system for delivering an agent formulation to a patient.

Abstract: A formulation chamber is disclosed comprising a wall surrounding a lumen containing a device for delivering a beneficial agent. The chamber has an inlet for admitting a fluid into the chamber and an outlet for letting an agent formulation leave the chamber. The chamber is adapted for use in an intravenous delivery system for delivering an agent formulation to a patient.

Abstract: An intravenous fluid system incorporates an elastomeric reservoir in which the intravenous fluid is retained under pressure and fed at a controlled rate to a cannula which is inserted into the patient. The reservoir is contained in a translucent housing which is open to the atmosphere through a check valve and which is connected to the line connecting the reservoir to the cannula through another check valve which permits flow of fluid into the housing when the outlet of the cannula is plugged.

Abstract: A fluid control device for a liquid transfusion line comprises an inlet connector and an outlet connector, and a flexible conduit defining two, three or more passageways extending in parallel between them to provide a plurality of parallel paths for the flow of the fluid. The device further includes a restrictor in one or more but of the passageways restricting the flow according to a fixed predetermined rate lower than that of unrestricted passageway, and a manual control member for selectively closing the passageways to produce a flow of the fluid from the inlet connector to the outlet connector according to a preselected fixed rate.

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: A self-contained I.V. set for infusing drugs and secondary medications is disclosed. A mini-I.V. container having a filtered air vent and a valved filling port is filled by a disposable syringe. A drip chamber below the mini-I.V. container receives medication through a drip device at the bottom of the container. From the drip chamber, the medication enters a small bore tube equipped with a roller clamp and an infusion needle fitting. A convenient hanger for the device is provided.

Abstract: A flexible tube is mounted on top of the drip chamber. The top of the tube is connected to the spike via a one-way ball-type valve. The bottom of the tube is connected to the drip chamber via a duck-bill-type valve inside of the drip chamber. The duck-bill is held closed against head pressure by a metal spring clip acting on the lip. The duck-bill will open when the tube is squeezed and fluid will be injected into the drip chamber.The drip chamber is charged bubble-free by the use of an output tube open to the chamber and joined to the flexible tubing carrying the hypodermic needle. During the initial fill the output tube is positioned above the fluid level and air in the chamber vented via the output tube, the flexible tubing and the hypodermic needle. When the desired level is reached, the output tube is submerged and bubble-free fluid fills the output tube, the flexible tubing, and the hypodermic needle.

Abstract: A medical fluid administration set and a drip chamber (10) for use on the administration set are disclosed. The drip chamber (10) may be used with conventionally available drop counters whereby fluid flow can be monitored. The drip chamber (10) is intended for incorporation into a medical fluid administration set. At least a portion of the inside surface of the drip chamber (10) has a matte or satin finish (20) as distinguished from a glossy finish. The matte finish (20) alters the surface characteristics between solution residing in the drip chamber (10) and the drip chamber (10) itself, thereby preventing substantial upward splash back or bounce back of liquid drops impacting the surface of the fluid in the drip chamber (10) which splash back or bounce back can result in erroneous flow rate indications.

Abstract: A device and method are described for forming a drop of two liquids pendent each from a separate platform. Means are included for moving the platforms from a spaced-apart position to one in which the drops contact each other and coalesce, while still pendent from the platforms.

Abstract: An adapter for enabling use with bags or bottles of an intravenous administration set having a proximal syringe venting connector with an air cannula. The adapter has a hollow body with threads for engaging the connector, and a spike for piercing an I.V. container, the spike having spaced fluid paths one of which is adapted to receive the connector air cannula.

Abstract: A parenteral fluid administration system in which a measured medication dose is drawn into a syringe and the syringe is placed into a hangable bag so that its outlet can protrude from an aperture in the bag. A novel connector secures the delivery tubing in communication with the syringe outlet, and provides an air vent extending into the syringe barrel a sufficient distance to prevent venter air bubbles from being drawn out of the syringe outlet.

Abstract: A drip chamber apparatus wherein the base of the drip chamber includes an apertured disk with a series of concentric stepped recesses against which is positioned a valve diaphragm. There is provided a pre-biasing member which applies pressure to the valve diaphragm to maintain the valve seated in a closed position. The pre-biasing member is axially adjustable to vary the pre-biasing pressure.

Abstract: An improved conduit (50) communicating between a pressurized source (10) of solution and a partially filled reservoir (34) associated with a drip chamber (24) in a continuous-flush system. The conduit comprises a tube (54,56) that is bent at approximately a 45 degree angle so that solution discharging from the conduit (50) is diverted to impinge against the interior wall (58) of the reservoir (34) before interfacing with the solution (62) accumulated therein. The arrangement reduces bubble formation normally associated with turbulent discharge flow during filling and flushing of the system.

Abstract: An improvement in a drip chamber for use with a tube set adapted for the extracorporeal treatment of blood and similar perishable liquids, e.g. in conjunction with dialysis, wherein the drip chamber having a lid which includes an inlet, a duct connected thereto, an outlet, a drip forming means and a sampling port structurally arranged to enable sampling of the liquid before it drips from the drip forming means. When the tube set is used as a venous branch between a dialyser and a patient, many diverse functions intended to be performed in conjunction with the venous branch can be performed in or on the drip chamber.

Abstract: There is provided a drop counting chamber for use in infusion devices which provides a hermetic closure between the infusion liquid and the syringe needle when in storage, and which can easily be actuated. The device prevents entrance of any air bubbles into the infusion liquid.

Abstract: A vented drip chamber, threadably engageable with a fluid filled hypodermic syringe, comprises an adapter having dual passageways. A first passageway allows fluid communication between the syringe and the drip chamber while the second passageway provides an air vent from outside the drip chamber to the syringe. The second passageway further comprises a cannula which extends into the fluid upon attachment of the drip chamber with the syringe. A ball valve which is disposed in the second passageway allows air to flow into the syringe to replace the dispensed fluid, but does not allow fluid to flow from the syringe through the second passageway.

Abstract: An infusion apparatus is provided which can give an infusion with high precision and which allows each changing of the infusion capacity. The apparatus includes a first burette and a second burette connected in series. The burettes communicate with each other through a connector which can be selectively opened or closed by directional control valve means.

Abstract: A drip chamber assembly is provided which includes a chamber that is flexible but is non-collapsible under a negative pressure condition. The chamber, being flexible, yields to priming easily, but when restriction is added to the inlet port the chamber will not collapse and aspirate air to the patient. A flexible chamber is formed of a vinyl plastic material having a thickness of about 0.04 inch to 0.08 inch and a durometer reading of about 61 shore A to 81 shore A. End caps rigidly support each of the ends of the chamber with the end caps each having a contact length along the chamber of at least 0.2 inch.

Abstract: A parenteral delivery system and a formulation chamber are disclosed for administering a beneficial agent. The parenteral delivery system comprises a drip chamber and a formulation chamber. The formulation chamber comprises a wall surrounding an internal space and it has an inlet for admitting a liquid into the formulation chamber and an outlet for letting an agent formulation leave the formulation chamber The chamber houses an agent delivery system for releasing a beneficial agent into a liquid that enters the chamber.

Abstract: A medical solution transfusion circuit has a transparent cylindrical pumping body, a hard cap mounted on at least one end of said transparent cylindrical pumping body, and a flexible tube for communicating with said transparent cylindrical pumping body to transport a medical solution. The transparent cylindrical pumping body comprises a propylene/.alpha.-olefin copolymer.

Abstract: A container with attached tubing set, for use in the administration of fluids to a patient, comprises a reservoir in fluid communication with the tubing set and an enclosure integrally associated with the reservoir and adapted to coilably receive the tubing set when the container is not in use. The container further includes a seal over an opening to the enclosure which is removable to extend the tubing set, and provide a fluid path therethrough, from the reservoir to the patient during administration of the fluid.

Abstract: A parenteral delivery system is disclosed for administering a beneficial agent to an agent-receiving recipient. The parenteral system comprises an electrotransport apparatus that admits an agent at an electrically controlled rate into medical fluid that flows through the parenteral system over delivery time.

Abstract: A parenteral delivery system and a formulation chamber are disclosed for administering a beneficial agent. The parenteral delivery system comprises a drip chamber and a formulation chamber. The formulation chamber comprises a wall surrounding an internal space and it has an inlet for admitting a liquid into the formulation chamber and an outlet for letting an agent formulation leave the formulation chamber. The chamber houses an agent delivery system for releasing a beneficial agent into a liquid that enters the chamber.

Abstract: A formulation chamber is disclosed comprising a wall surrounding a lumen containing a device for delivering a beneficial agent. The chamber has an inlet for admitting a fluid into the chamber and an outlet for letting an agent formulation leave the chamber. The chamber is adapted for use in an intravenous delivery system for delivering an agent formulation to a patient.

Abstract: A parenteral delivery system is disclosed for administering a beneficial agent to a recipient. The system comprises (a) a container of a medical fluid; (b) a primary tubing in communication with the container; (c) a parallel tubing connected to the primary tubing having a formulation chamber connected thereto, the formulation chamber housing a beneficial agent, or a device for delivering a beneficial agent; and (d) a common tubing connected to the primary tubing and the parallel tubing for administering the fluid and the agent to a recipient.

Abstract: It is intended to a probe, an apparatus for parenteral or enteral infusion.Two bodies (1, 2) are nested one into the other. They comprise each an inner cylindrical flowing means (4, 11) engaged one into the other by one of the ends thereof (4b, 11b) until the respective closing plates thereof (8, 14) are in contact. The outer casings (3, 10) co-operate by the ends thereof (18, 20) so as to keep the two bodies (1, 2) in an engagement relationship. The two bodies (1, 2) rotatingly move one with respect to the other and hence allow to regulate the flow by variable juxtaposition of the half-moon openings (9, 15) arranged in the closing plates (8, 14).

Abstract: A drip chamber splash guard comprising an annular member receivable within the upper end of the chamber. The guard has one periphery thereof engaged adjacent a centrally located drip sleeve depending below the vented top inwardly of the vents for maintenance of a free flow of air inwardly through the vents. The other periphery of the splash guard member engages adjacent the inner surface of the surrounding chamber outward of the vents. Limited air discharge openings are provided at spaced points about the guard whereby inwardly directed air flow is maintained through the splash guard itself while the filter vents are protected against gross or excessive splashing. In a preferred embodiment, the splash guard will be in the form of a truncated conical member with the air openings adjacent the chamber wall remote from the drip sleeve, the conical configuration, providing a tapered surface for a more effective deflecting of splash.

Abstract: A disposable intravenous pump chamber assembly for an intravenous administration set which substantially reduces the problem of air bubble entrapment so that the amount of intravenous fluid delivered is effected in an accurate manner. The pump chamber assembly is specifically constructed to be utilized in conjunction with a diaphragm-type pump with external valving. The pump chamber cassette is held in the pump in a unique manner and includes a porting and fluid delivery arrangement which reduces the problem of air entrapment in the pump chamber.

Abstract: A parenteral delivery system and a formulation chamber are disclosed for administering a beneficial agent. The parenteral delivery system comprises a drip chamber and a formulation chamber. The formulation chamber comprises a wall surrounding an internal space and it has an inlet for admitting a liquid into the formulation chamber and an outlet for letting an agent formulation leave the formulation chamber. The chamber houses an agent delivery system for releasing a beneficial agent into a liquid that enters the chamber.

Abstract: An administration set including a burette with an air valve communicating with the burette chamber. The air valve comprises a stationary port extending from a top portion of the burette chamber with a fitting closing the port except for a small passageway defined by a top portion of the fitting. A pivotable closure overlies the port and is pivotally connected therewith. The pivotable closure defines an opening for communication with the small passageway when the closure is pivoted to a predetermined open position. The closure opening and the passageway are segregated when the closure is not in the predetermined open position. A filter member is received within the port and directly underlies the small passageway.

Abstract: Flow-through chambers, such as drip or expansion chambers, which are intended to form part of a duct for blood or other such sensitive fluids, are disclosed. The chambers include a housing, an inlet, an outlet, and a flow directing portion of the housing for directing the flow of the fluid from the inlet to the outlet. The flow directing portion of the housing is formed in a manner so as to deflect the flow of the fluid from the inlet towards the outlet in a gradual manner so as to protect the fluid within the chamber.

Abstract: To provide for controlled application of parenteral fluid to a patient, in which the fluid is supplied from a flexible bag which changes its volume as the fluid is withdrawn therefrom, a liquid flow control device (2) has a membrane which, intermittently closes off and opens flow communication from beneath a dripping tube (1a) and a cannula (8) applying the liquid to the patient, the side of the membrane remote from its control side being connected by a capillary tube (15) to the interior of the dripping tube to equalize the pressure changes occurring on both sides of the membrane as the liquid level in the supply vessel decreases. The flow rate is initially adjusted by lowering the level of the liquid stabilization device with respect to the level of the dripping chamber.

Abstract: A spike connector (10) of the type in which a hollowed spike (14) extending from the main body portion (12) of the spike connector is inserted into the stopper of a fluid source in order to convey the fluid from the source through the spike (14) and main body portion (12). The main body portion (12) includes a pair of wings (32, 34) which extend upwardly in the direction of the spike and outwardly therefrom, with the tops of the wings serving to space the remaining top of the main body portion (12) away from the fluid source stopper to prevent collection of the solution on the top of the main body portion. The undersides (36, 38) of the wings (32, 34) form a convenient finger grip. The tip portion (30) of the spike is relatively polished to enable easy insertion of the spike into the stopper.

Abstract: A fluid flow restrictor device, capable of producing a precise rate of fluid flow, comprises a closed spiral coil of wire contacted on at least one face by a member so as to define therewith a spiral passageway of precise cross-section, there being a fluid inlet at one end of the spiral passageway and a fluid outlet at the other end. In several preferred embodiments of the invention described, the closed spiral coil of wire is disposed between an inner member in contact with the inner face of the coil, and an outer member in contact with the outer face of the coil, one of the members closing the spiral passageway between it and the respective face of the coil, thereby leaving the other spiral passageway for conducting the fluid. At least one of the members is resiliently deformable to increase the cross-sectional area of the passageway to permit flushing the device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for converting a continuous fluid stream into a succession of discrete fluid segments or boluses traveling independently of each other in a capillary passage, the menisci of the boluses so generated providing a clear basis for observing, accurately measuring, and controlling fluid flow. The meniscus generator is surrounded by a second fluid immiscible with the first fluid, and the wall of the capillary passage is provided with a longitudinal slit for reducing the effect of surface tension, for the spontaneous formation of boluses of the first fluid, for eliminating the effect of differential pressure on the boluses, and for maintaining separation of the boluses.

Abstract: A metered drop dispenser utilizing a drop former in which the facing end walls of a pair of coplanar, spaced apart plate members form a channel which is open on two sides and which has outwardly flared end portions at the channel exit.