Abstract: A clamp with a clamping body to accommodate a flexible hose extending through the bottom of a recess and bending over to lie along the bottom of the recess through a channel created by the recess with a slider movable thereover. The flexible tube can be used to provide access to a human stomach, being placed through the stomach wall by surgical methods with the clamp used to control flows therethrough.

Abstract: A catheter having a proximal end provided with a nonreturn valve consisting of the catheter tubing end and of a rigid insert body whose rearward end is fixed in the catheter tubing. Bypass channels extend passed the end. The front end of the insert body is a cylindrical plug whose peripheral surface is joined by the catheter end acting as a valve hose. In case of overpressure in the catheter tubing, the tubing end is lifted from the plug and the pressure medium may escape accordingly.

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

Abstract: A medical drainage and irrigation system employs a reversible peristaltic pump to perform both drainage and irrigation. A motor control system independently controls the duty cycle and flow rate during drainage and irrigation using an electronic control to transfer the pumping direction between drainage and irrigation. A loop comprising a flow control valve assembly and external tubes connected thereto may be removed as an assembly for cleaning or discard.

Abstract: S-shaped opening and closing element for controlling the flow of a fluid or body (powder, granulate) and adaptable to any form of package or fitting containing fluids, characterized in that its shape in two S-bends permits both an instantaneous stoppage of the flow of the fluids and an instantaneous flow of said fluids; this, as a function of the given position, by manual or mechanical traction on the element. The S-shape ensures very effective fluid-tightness, without supplementary elements. The opening and closing element can be employed for controlling flow from a container having a supporting device for the element. The container can have more than one compartment.

Abstract: A hose clamp (8) to be positioned on an outlet hose member (7) from a liquid collection bag (1), e.g. a urine collection bag, is provided with two hingedly connected clamp parts (9, 10), one of which (10) has a U-shaped cross-section and lateral portions (13, 14), including longitudinal slots (15) to receive the bottom portion (4) of the bag (1). When mounted, the clamp (8) is pushed onto the bottom portion (4) of the bag (1) so that only a small part of the clamp (8) extends outside the bag. Thereby, the inconveniences to the user are diminished to the largest extent and an improved security against unintentional opening is obtained.

Abstract: A method for delicately and gently removing an egg from the human ovary for use in in vitro fertilization and a disposable or semi-disposable surgeon's aspirating and flushing valve for performing such a removal.

Abstract: A valve assembly in which the ends of a tube having a passageway extending therethrough are respectively mounted in cavities in separate housings each of which has a passageway communicating with its cavity. An elastic sleeve is placed about the adjacent ends of the housings and a path is formed in the housings that bypasses the tube. One housing is attached to its end of the tube so as to move therewith. An actuator is connected to the housings so as to position the other end of the tube against the bottom of the cavity in the other housing. This forms a seal that prevents fluid flow in the bypass. When the actuator is squeezed, the housings are moved apart so as to open the seal and permit a fast flow of fluid through the bypass.

Abstract: A cassette is structurally adapted to receive at least a portion of an irrigation manifold and an aspiration manifold, so that when the cassette is firmly secured to a cassette mechanism on an emulsifier/aspirator unit: (1) the flow to irrigation solution through the irrigation manifold is regulated; (2) the flow of aspirated fluid and tissue from the surgical site is regulated; (3) the vacuum control system (VCS) within the unit is applied to the aspiration manifold. The cassette defines, at its leading edge, an irrigation opening, an aspiration pump opening, and a vacuum control system opening. The cassette housing defines an irrigation boss having a flat leading edge surface in register with the irrigation opening, while an aspiration boss is located in register with the aspiration pump opening. A cassette mechanism is located on the emulsifier/aspirator unit and is structurally adapted to receive the cassette to complete the fluidic connection upon insertion of the cassette.

Abstract: A tube for use in a flow controller of an intravenous or other slow flow control apparatus has a configuration somewhat like the opening defined by the open eyelids of the human eye whereby to provide relatively sharp corners and narrow width of the opening to reduce materially the force required to close relative to that required to close a round tube and to reduce the movement of the flow control element of the controller, which controller is configured to take advantage of the shape of the tube and employs a shape memory control element to adjust rate of flow of the fluid; the controller also including a brake element to lock the flow rate at a particular preselectable rate.

Abstract: A pinch valve device is disclosed for a disposable, inexpensive irrigation/aspiration handpiece system used for the removal of unwanted material in a very small, enclosed operative site in which it is important to maintain pressure within a certain range, such as in the surgical operation for removal of a cataract lens from the human eye. The device includes a foot pedal for selectively: (1) restricting the flow of irrigation and aspiration fluid in the handpiece system; (2) permitting irrigation by the handpiece system, without permitting concurrent aspiration by the handpiece system; (3) permitting both irrigation and aspiration by the handpiece system; and (4) providing selective increase in aspiration force.

Abstract: A clamp for regulating the flow of parenteral solutions is disclosed which includes a clamp body having a channel for accommodating a length of administration set tubing so that a portion of the tubing is compressed to a closed position while at least one side of the tubing is left uncompressed to provide a passageway for the solution. A cam member or platen is moveably mounted on the clamp body for applying an adjustable compressive force against the uncompressed side of the tubing to vary the area of the passageway and the rate of flow of the solution.

Abstract: This invention is a hand held combination flush and/or suction apparatus including a hand held control and dispenser apparatus which can be readily held in a person's hand. The hand control and dispenser apparatus is (1) connected to a pump assembly; (2) a receiver assembly and a supply assembly operably connected to the pump assembly to provide fluid flow therethrough; and (3) an actuator assembly operable to selectively operate the pump assembly. The control and dispenser apparatus includes a main support body having an inlet and outlet assembly therethrough and a control assembly to selectively convey and monitor fluid flow therethrough. The pump assembly includes a pump roller assembly having a rotatable roller actuator members operable to engage first and second tube members to control the flow of fluid therethrough. The supply assembly operates to supply a saline fluid solution to the pump assembly.

Abstract: An improved self closing squeeze valve for use with fluid dispensing containers comprising a resilient and deformable valve body into which one or two wafers of similar material are permanently inserted causing a normal state of blockage and seal. Manual pressure on the valve body causes all components to deform, allowing passage of a fluid.

Abstract: A tube clamping device is provided which includes a pair of arms with tube clamping means thereon which are movable from an open position to a latched, closed clamping position in which the clamping means effects occlusion of a tube passing through the clamp. Each arm has a slot extending into the sidewall of the arm so that the tube can be laterally inserted and removed from the clamping device. A protective flexible sleeve provided with a slit for easy insertion onto the tube can be used to receive the clamping forces of the clamp to protect the tube.

Abstract: A continent ostomy valve comprising a drainage tube which is secured at one end within the stoma of the patient while the other end passes through an orifice in a disk-shaped valve body which includes releasable clamping means for selectively occluding the drainage tube. The outer end of the drainage tube is stored on the face of the valve body under a cover which encloses the valve body and provides a low profile of uniform configuration.

Abstract: A male valve member for disposable use with a female member in a fluid T coupling in which a first bore extends from an inlet to outlet and a second bore communicates the first bore with a fluid flow opening in the female member. A sleeve preferably extends in the first bore to cover the opening of the second bore into the first bore to form a one-way valve. The valve member preferably includes parts at least which are resilient and positively lock the male and female members together upon insertion.

Abstract: A cassette assembly for a microsurgical system. The cassette comprises a body portion, a collection vessel and a suction conduit which may be occluded to interrupt suction. The cassette may also include an occludable infusion conduit for providing infusion through the cassette to a surgical site.

Abstract: A disposable pinch valve assembly for parenteral solution delivery systems comprises a two-piece tubing receptor housing hingedly connected and with an irreversible snap connection which will not permit removal of the device from parenteral tubing after assembly. A back section has an integral movable pressure plate attached to the housing by integral flexible web connectors. When the movable plate is actuated toward the stationary press surface, tubing is pinched or crimped therebetween and the cross-section area of the flow passage through the tubing is reduced. The movable pressure plate is designed to engage a actuator connector which engages the device by turning the actuator by hand or by the use of a motor-driven actuator in an axially sliding engagement.

Abstract: The application discloses an operation aspirator with which, without provoking contamination of the aspirator opening, fine-metering of the vacuum that is available at the aspirator opening is possible and actuation of the valve apparatus closing off the suctioning line is simultaneously made easier.

Abstract: Automated peritoneal dialysis apparatus for providing dialysis solution to a patient and including bracket means for receiving and holding a multiple junction connector of a flexible conduit set member carried by the apparatus. The bracket means is adapted to hold the multiple junction connector in only a single position of orientation whereby flexible conduits of the set member extending from the connector are naturally directed toward their intended destination stations.

Abstract: An intravenous drip rate control device includes a trough in the rear face of the housing for receiving intravenous tubing. The intravenous tubing is placed within the trough between and in functional communication with a pair of resilient bands. A cam driven by a reversible DC motor moves a lever between a first and second position. In the first position, a blade extending upwardly from the lever is capable of contacting and engaging the tubing and restricting the tubing opening. A tubing door is pivotable about the rear face of the housing between an open and closed position. In the closed position, a plastic material layer extending downwardly from the tubing door contacts and engages the tubing to restrict the tube opening and also provides support for the tubing when the blade applies an upward force on the tubing. The resilient bands ensure minimal "plastic flow" of the tubing and constantly resist the tendency of the side walls of the tubing to extend out and thus the tubing to flatten out.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dosing device for fluids used in infusion or transfusion systems comprising a flexible fluid line transversing a housing to compress the fluid line. The device comprises a housing and an elastomeric tubular element having leading and trailing sections which traverses said housing to interconnect respective ends of said fluid line. The tubular element comprises a thicker portion between the leading and trailing sections whereby the thicker portion protects against longitudinal displacement of the housing. A pressing element engages the tubular element outside the region of the thicker portion.

Abstract: A disposable pinch valve assembly for parenteral solution delivery systems comprises a two-piece tubing receptor housing hingedly connected and with an irreversible snap connection which will not permit removal of the device from parenteral tubing after assembly. A back section has an integral movable pressure plate attached to the housing by integral flexible web connectors. When the movable plate is actuated toward the stationary press surface, tubing is pinched therebetween and the cross-section area of the flow passage through the tubing is reduced. The movable pressure plate is designed to engage a actuator connector which engages the device with a motor-driven actuator in an axially sliding engagement.

Abstract: An apparatus for administering a fluid from a source to a patient comprising a flexible conduit extending from the source to the patient and a roller clamp, including a rotary member which rotates and translates to restrict the conduit to control the flow of fluid to the patient. The roller clamp is retained in position, and a motor drives the rotary member to the desired position.

Abstract: A novel improved pinch valve for controlling the flow of fluids in an unrestricted manner in, at least, two flexible tubes, including a housing for holding a solenoid coil between its outer wall and inner cylindrical core member. The solenoid armature is a truncated cone shape which coacts with a similarly shaped opening at the end of the inner cylindrical core member to optimize the flux path of the solenoid and thus its efficiency. A tube retention member includes openings for holding the flexible tubes. A further opening in the tube retention member holds a plunger member which is captured by a retaining pin. The plunger member is secured to the solenoid armature prior to assembly of the tube retention member to the solenoid housing. The plunger member moves with the armature as the solenoid is energized and deenergized. When the solenoid is unenergized, one of the flexible tubes is compressed between a knife like edge on the plunger member and a body portion of other tube retention member.

Abstract: A microsurgery system comprising an instrument including a source of vacuum and control means, a remotely connected handpiece adapted to be disposed in the vicinity of the situs of the surgery and including an inlet and suction conduit means coupled to the inlet and to the vacuum source for carrying material away from the surgery situs. The system also includes a cassette assembly arranged for releasable securement to the instrument. The control means of the instrument includes an interrupter bar which cooperates with the cassette assembly for selectively isolating the vacuum source from the suction conduit means. The cassette assembly comprises a body portion, a collection vessel, a first port communicating with the suction conduit and a second port communicating with the vacuum source. Occludable conduit means are coupled between the first and second ports and are arranged to be engaged by the interrupter bar in response to a first signal to isolate the vacuum source from the suction means.

Abstract: A combination load and latch mechanism for fluid flow control apparatus, wherein a latch mounted for pivotal movement may be manually opened to disengage an electromechanical manipulating device to permit loading or unloading a feeding tube, the latch automatically closing and the device re-engaging upon release of the latch. The latch includes a slotted side wall that defines a retaining surface for capturing the tube relative to the manipulating device, and a cam surface upon which the tube acts during loading to cam the latch open. Means are included for sensing movement of the latch prior to any disengagement of the manipulating device.

Abstract: Apparatus controls the rate of passage of fluid drops through a drip controller in accordance with a preset rate. When the rate of passage of the fluid drops is less than the preset rate, a stepper motor is incrementally operated at progressive instants of time to open the drip chamber until the measured rate is equal to the preset rate. When the rate of passage of the fluid drops is greater than the preset rate, the stepper motor is operated instantaneously to close the passage through a number of increments corresponding to the difference in the measured and preset rates.An alarm is energized when the stepper motor is positioned to provide for a maximum flow of fluid and the rate is still below the preset rate. An alarm is also energized when the passage is closed and the preset rate indicates a desired flow of fluid.An emergency motor is also provided to control the opening in the passage. Before the operation of the apparatus is instituted, the stepper motor is operated to close the drip chamber.

Abstract: A device including a valving mechanism which can be operated by one hand, the device includes a housing which surrounds a resilient block of material. The housing may be squeezed to depress and deform the resilient block. Passageways extend through the resilient block to conduct liquid therethrough. A first passage includes a solid valve positioned therein. Compression of the resilient block causes displacement of the valve and distortion of the block material to break the seal around the valve. Additional material is provided strategically in this first passage to insure against leaks from system overpressure. A second passage includes a capillary to allow continuous low volume flow not controlled by an operator.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a dual flow control clamp for use in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis wherein a patient is connected to the source of dialysis solution through a branched flow path. One branch controls flow to the patient and the other branch controls flow from the patient. The clamp provides for selectively controlling flow in one or both flow paths, while never permitting flow simultaneously in both flow paths.

Abstract: A flow control system, for example for blood plasma or other medical fluids, comprises a plurality of flexible, collapsible flow conduits for the selective and aseptic transfer of fluids between various locations through said conduits. Switching means are provided for selectively collapsing a plurality of separate sections of the conduit to block fluid flow therethrough, to selectively define specific and variable fluid flow paths in the flow conduit. In accordance with this invention, the switching means defines a cam plate, which in turn defines a generally flat face positioned adjacent portions of the flow conduit. Pivot means are provided causing the cam plate to be rotatable about an axis normal to the flat face. Also, a cam connecting system is disclosed, to adapt it to pass through an openable door.

Abstract: A flow control device includes a first member and a second member which has a movable portion. The first member accommodates the attachment of a length of flexible conduit. The second member can be positioned on the first member to sandwich the secured conduit between the first member and the movable portion of the second member. When in this position, displacement of the movable portion serves to selectively pinch close the secured conduit between the movable portion and the first member. Fluid flow through the conduit can thus be conveniently controlled. The device is extremely adaptable and can be readily incorporated into virtually any fluid system which requires complex, repetitive valving functions, such as those associated with a plasmapheresis assembly.

Abstract: The pump is designed to dispense fluid nutrient at a selectable constant rate from a disposable, flexible plastic bag having a flexible enteric feeder tube attached to it. The bag is suspended from the pump frame with the outlet of the bag and the enteric feeder tube lowermost. The lower portion of the bag adjacent the outlet is then enclosed between a compliant rubber block on the frame, and a planar pressure plate mounted on a door hinged to the frame. The surfaces of the rubber block is provided with spaced, vertically extending protuberant ridges which, under the influence of the compressive force of the pressure plate, occlude the bag in the region about the outlet to define an effluent flow channel. Similarly, spaced horizontal ridges on the block define, within the flow channel, an unoccluded region which is isolted from the outlet by the lower horizontal ridge, and from the remaining volume of the bag, by the upper horizontal ridge.

Abstract: In a system for controlling flow of fluid from a reservoir to be delivered intravenously to a patient, a valve adjustably constricts a fluid path and maintains a given adjustment until the adjustment is changed. In a preferred embodiment, a valve assembly is insertable into a servo assembly that controls flow through the valve. The valve can be removed from the servo assembly and, when so removed, will retain its last adjustment. A preferred embodiment of the valve utilizes a screw to compress a tube of resilient material.

Abstract: Insulin delivery system comprises insulin reservoir, pump and subcutaneous needle. Pump is electromechanically-driven at a preselectable fixed rate and can be additionally actuated to deliver a preprandial bolus of selected dosage.

Abstract: A vaginal hygiene device comprising an annular supporting cushion, fluid injection and fluid collection means, including an adjustable base with the supporting cushion having a hydrophobic outer surface.