Abstract: A dual parenteral solution apparatus for delivering predetermined volumes of two solutions at predetermined flow rates with increased accuracy. The apparatus has a shut-off valve in the supplementary solution supply system which is immediately activated when the supplemental solution supply is depleted.

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 optical pressure sensor including a light source, a light detector and a capillary system positioned in the light path between the light source and detector. The capillary system inlet receives liquid from the external source to be monitored, and the outlet is closed or connects with a closed gas reservoir. Light absorbing liquid forced by liquid pressure into the capillary system absorbs a portion of light corresponding to the area occupied by the liquid. This reduces the output of the light detector in an amount functionally related to the liquid pressure.

Abstract: The refractive optical pressure sensor of this invention is a system for measuring the pressure of a liquid comprising a light source, a light detector and a capillary formed in a transparent solid. A refractive surface of the capillary is positioned in the light path of light from the light source. A light detector is positioned in the path of light originating from the light source which has been refracted by the refractive surface of the capillary filled with air but outside of the path of light which has been refracted by the refractive surface of the capillary filled with liquid. The inlet end of the capillary is open for communication with liquid to be monitored for pressure, and the other end of the capillary is closed or communicates with a closed reservoir. Small changes in liquid pressure change the amount of liquid in the capillary passageways, causing an easily detected change in sharply refracted light.

Abstract: The reflective optical pressure sensor of this invention is a system for measuring the pressure of a liquid comprising a light source and a capillary formed in a transparent solid having a reflective surface positioned in the light path of light from the light source. A light detector is positioned in the path of light originating from the light source which has been reflected by the reflective surface of the capillary. The inlet end of the capillary is open for communication with liquid to be monitored for pressure, and the other end of the capillary is closed or communicates with a closed reservoir. If the pressure of the liquid to be monitored increases, increasing amounts of the liquid pass into the capillary passageway, blocking or reducing light flow to the light detector.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for forming a compartmentalized flexible plastic enclosure with selectively communicable compartments utilizing a pair of plates and at least one thin plastic sheet sandwiched between the plates. One plate has a surface which is conventionally plane facing the sheet and the other plate has a surface which includes a network of ridges facing the sheet and forming a sealing edge by pressure contact. The ridges defining at least the interior compartment of the bag to be formed with gaps in the ridges for defining communication channels between the compartments and valves disposed to close the gap in one position and to open the gap in the other position.

Abstract: A precision valve assembly for controlling the flow of fluids delivered to a patient has a valve element mounted on a flexible diaphragm. A controlled actuator displaces a portion of the diaphragm surface, flexing it, and by a leverage action, moves the valve closer to or away from the valve seat.

Abstract: A parenteral solution delivery control system for housing a drip chamber and detecting drops falling therethrough. One or more light sources are employed to provide light beam transverse to the drip chamber axis and covering the cross-section of the drip chamber so that drops falling therethrough, even when the drip chamber is tilted, break a light beam. A retention bar is provided to maintain the drip chamber in proper position and to break a light beam when the drip chamber is in position, thereby preventing operation of the device when not properly assembled. A liquid level control monitor is configured to provide an energized signal when the area of the drip chamber occupied by liquid during normal operation is filled with air as a consequence of the liquid level falling to an abnormal level.

Abstract: A precision valve assembly for controlling flow of fluids to a patient having a valve element mounted on a diaphragm. At least one ball positioned in a spiral track, when moved toward the center by relative rotation of the spiral track and an opposed longitudinal track, brings a valve and valve seat together to restrict fluid flow therethrough.

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: 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.

Abstract: A portable device for accurately metering a liquid for intravenous or enteric infusion into a patient's body in which the pressure from a pressure source is utilized to pressurize the liquid and the pressurized liquid becomes the sole driving force to meter and to infuse the liquid into the body. The pressurized liquid is applied alternately to one of a pair of flexible liquid bladders the other one being connected to a discharge device such as a tube so that, as one liquid bladder is filled with pressurized liquid, the other bladder is emptied into the patient. The expanding liquid bladder and the contracting liquid bladder cooperate with a teeter totter type control which applies pressure to the contracting liquid bladder and is damped to control the rate of expansion and contraction. The position of the teeter totter controls the valving for applying pressurized fluid from one side to the opposite by alternatively selecting channels of fluid flow to each liquid bladder.

Abstract: A portable device for accurately metering a liquid for intravenous or enteric infusion into a patient's body in which the pressure from a pressure source is utilized to pressurize the liquid and the pressurized liquid becomes the sole driving force to meter and to infuse the liquid into the body. The pressurized liquid is applied alternately to one of a pair of flexible liquid bladders the other one being connected to a discharge device, such as a tube, so that, as one liquid bladder is filled with pressurized liquid, the other bladder is emptied into the patient. The expanding liquid bladder and the contracting liquid bladder cooperate with a teeter totter type control which applies pressure to the contracting liquid bladder and is damped to control the rate of expansion and contraction. The position of the teeter totter controls the valving for applying pressurized fluid from one side to the opposite by alternatively selecting channels of fluid flow to each liquid bladder.