Abstract: A latching mechanism is particularly suited for use in latching a slide mechanism, such as used to slidably mount a drawer. The latching mechanism includes a latch assembly comprising a latch lever mounted for movement between a first, second and third positions, a latch tab for selective engagement with a second end of the latch lever, and a piezo electric controller. The controller has a plunger configured to selectively control the movement of the latch lever between the first and second positions, the plunger movable between an extended position corresponding to a first, locked position of the latch lever and a retracted position corresponding to the second, unlocked position of the latch lever, the controller when unpowered preventing the plunger from moving from the extended to the retracted position and the controller when powered permitting the plunger to move from the extended to the retracted position.

Abstract: A clamp apparatus for selectively occluding a resilient tube to prevent free flow of fluid in the tube. The device comprises a base member to which the resilient IV tube is attached or through which it passes, and a slide clamp that slides relative to the base member and relative to the tube. The aperture in the slide clamp has a relatively open hole at one end, through which the tube passes when the slide clamp is an open position, allowing fluid to flow through the tube. The aperture also has a relatively constricted slot at the other end, through which the tube passes when the slide clamp is in the occluding position, preventing fluid flow through the tube. A deflectable cantilevered locking arm on the base interlocks with a detent on the slide clamp to lock the slide clamp at the occluding position to avoid inadvertent free flow. A release tab that is used to release the locking arm from the slide clamp is located off center to avoid inadvertent activation.

Abstract: The concentration of air or other agents in a fluid delivery line is determined by monitoring agent signals and processing those agent signals along with information regarding the age of each agent signal. The processor determines a primary agent concentration value based on the received agent signal values, with the primary agent concentration value determined by giving greater weight to more recent agent signal values. Where the primary agent concentration value exceeds a primary threshold value, an alarm signal may be activated. The processor also may determine a secondary agent concentration value, which may be determined from the actual agent signal values instead of the weighted agent signal values. Where the secondary agent concentration value exceeds a secondary threshold value, an alarm signal may be activated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided to verify the composition of a medical fluid in a fluid container. The verification is performed at a centralized location, where light is transmitted through the fluid and detected by a sensor that generates signals representative of the spectral data of the actual composition of the fluid. These signals are compared with the spectral data of an expected composition of the fluid. Based on the comparison, a label is generated that identifies the composition of the fluid and is affixed to the fluid container. The fluid container, with the verified fluid, is distributed to the point of care.

Abstract: A syringe driver system comprises a rotatable threaded lead screw shaft and a plunger which directly engages the threaded shaft such that rotation of the shaft drives the plunger into the syringe body. The plunger is formed with a threaded shaft engaging portion in the form of a half nut to engage with and follow the threaded shaft. The syringe driver system further comprises a guide system to secure the plunger in direct engagement with the threaded shaft and to prevent rotation of the plunger. An arm of the plunger stem carries markers useful in determining the near end of infusion. The syringe body carries a marker or markers useful in determining a characteristic about the syringe, such as its volume.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for providing care to a patient, comprising a patient care device having a number of configuration databases stored in a memory in the device. Each configuration database preferably includes protocols, operating limits, rule sets and/or operating features that collectively define an operating environment, or personality, of the device. Selection of a specific configuration database preferably is based at least in part upon patient-specific information obtained from any location in a distributed hospital network. Examples of such patient-specific information include patient age or size, patient medical characteristics, a location of the patient or a location of the care device. In a preferred embodiment, programming a patient care device to deliver a drug to a patient entails activating a configuration database and scanning a machine-readable drug label identifying a particular protocol stored in the activated database.

Abstract: A system and method for verifying that a particular fluid supply is connected to an infusion pump or pump channel. An upstream pressure sensor coupled to a fluid conduit associated with the fluid supply is used to provide pressure signals in response to pressure sensed in the conduit to a processor. In a connection verification mode, the processor is configured to receive the pressure signals and delay the flow control device of the infusion pump from moving fluid through the conduit until the processor detects a pressure change in the conduit indicated by the pressure signals to thereby verify that the particular fluid supply is connected to the infusion pump.

Abstract: A self-sealing male connector having a body, a resilient boot mounted over the body, and a male thread hub. The body is formed with an elongate post that extends to the distal end. The body includes a fluid flow lumen extending from its proximal end to its distal end. At its proximal end, the body may be formed as a female Luer connector, or may be directly connected to tubing, or other arrangements. The internal fluid flow lumen extends through the post to its distal end. The body includes a first groove in which is mounted the boot. In a second groove is mounted the thread cuff. The thread cuff is used to engage a female connector and through thread action, draw in into engagement with the post. As the female connector is further engaged with eh sealed male connector, the post protrudes through the boot and into fluid communication with the female fluid flow passage thus establishing a flow path through both connectors.

Abstract: A syringe driver system comprises a rotatable threaded lead screw shaft and a plunger which directly engages the threaded shaft such that rotation of the shaft drives the plunger into the syringe body. The plunger is formed with a threaded shaft engaging portion in the form of a half nut to engage with and follow the threaded shaft. The syringe driver system further comprises a guide system to secure the plunger in direct engagement with the threaded shaft and to prevent rotation of the plunger. An arm of the plunger stem carries markers useful in determining the near end of infusion. The syringe body carries a marker or markers useful in determining a characteristic about the syringe, such as its volume.

Abstract: An automatic stop valve formed in a container of a medical fluid administration system includes an electrical field that attracts the float and valve seat together to shut off flow from the exit port of the container when the fluid within the container is reduced to a predetermined level. One or both of the float and valve seat creates an electric field that attracts the other, which is made of a non-magnetic dielectric, into engagement. In one embodiment, the valve seat is formed of an electret that creates the electric field attracting the float to it to stop flow. In another embodiment, the float comprises an electret that attracts the float to the dielectric valve seat. In yet another embodiment, both the float and valve seat include electrets of opposite polarity that attract each other into engagement. The lack of magnetic and metallic materials makes the shut off valve suitable for use in an MRI environment.

Abstract: A thermometer system and method that rapidly predict body temperature based on the temperature signals received from a temperature sensing probe when it comes into contact with the body. A nonlinear, multi-parameter curve fitting process is performed and depending on the errors in the curve fit, parameters are changed or a prediction of the temperature is made. Criteria exist for the differences between the curve fit and the temperature data. The processor switches to a Continuous Monitor State if the curve fit over a limited number of time frames is unacceptable. Determining the start time on which the measurement time frame for prediction is based is performed by tissue contact threshold coupled with a prediction time delay.

Abstract: In a patient controlled analgesia (PCA) system, physiological data is processed and alarms are provided by the controller of the physiological module sensing the data according to a first rule. The physiological data is also processed by a second, separate controller according to a second rule independent from the first controller. According to the second rule, the physiological data may be filtered, processed with physiological data and non-physiological data obtained from another source, such as a remote server, and the PCA delivery device controlled to prevent delivery of medication accordingly. The provided system of multiple processors and rules enables normal alarming by physiological sensor modules while the pausing or prevention of the PCA delivery is controlled by a separate controller. Through this means, not only are false pauses and alarms for PCA delivery reduced, but the normal alarms of the monitors are permitted to function normally.

Abstract: A male luer connector device that attaches to any standard female luer valve to open a flow channel between the two luers. The male luer is comprised of a tubular housing element, a resilient member contained within the housing and extending within an inner tubular portion defined in the housing, a resilient member that extends within the inner tubular portion of the housing, and a valve member attached to the resilient member that seals the tubular portion. When the male luer is engaged with any standard female luer, a female luer connector device drives the resilient member of the male luer into a compressed position to open the forward end of the male luer and permit liquid flow between the luers.

Abstract: A needle free vacuumized blood collection device includes a male connector having a valve element disposed within the internal bore of the male connector that opens or closes a flow passage into the blood collection vial. The valve element includes an activation arm extending outwardly through the male connector that contacts a female connector when the male and female connector are engaged. The activation arm shifts the valve element in the proximal direction to open a naturally open flow opening in the valve element to permit flow into the vial. A spring device biases the valve element to the non-flow configuration.

Abstract: A needle free medical connector includes a housing with a first port and a second port. The connector also includes a piston element defining a fluid passageway between the first and second ports. The piston element is movable between flow and non-flow positions. The piston element has a compressible section having a variable inner width that forms a part of the flow path through the connector. As the piston is compressed to the flow position, the compressible section self-expands in width thereby maintaining or increasing the volume of the fluid passageway through the connector. The compressible section has a configuration permitting the continuous flow of fluid through its entirety.

Abstract: A clamp apparatus for selectively occluding a resilient tube to prevent free flow of fluid in the tube. The device comprises a base member to which the resilient IV tube is attached or through which it passes, and a slide clamp that slides relative to the base member and relative to the tube. The aperture in the slide clamp has a relatively open hole at one end, through which the tube passes when the slide clamp is an open position, allowing fluid to flow through the tube. The aperture also has a relatively constricted slot at the other end, through which the tube passes when the slide clamp is in the occluding position, preventing fluid flow through the tube. The slide clamp includes a groove for receiving a cooperatively shaped rib on the base member. The groove and rib are configured to guide relative movement between the slide clamp and the base so as to prevent significant lateral movement.

Abstract: A system and method for determining whether the pressure in a fluid line upstream of an infusion pump is becoming lower as pumping draws fluid from the fluid line and fluid container due to a lack of proper venting. An initial pressure is sensed by an upstream pressure sensor at the start of an infusion. After a period of time, which may be determined either by monitoring infusion time or the number of pump cycles completed, a second pressure is sampled and compared to the initial pressure. Various analytical methods may be applied to the sensed pressures to determine upstream pressures or trends. Where an upstream pressure reading indicates a lack of proper venting, an alert signal is provided. Continuous monitoring may occur in which succeeding samples are compared to preceding samples to determine upstream pressures or trends.

Abstract: A system and method for determining whether the pressure in a fluid line upstream of an infusion pump is becoming lower as pumping draws fluid from the fluid line and fluid container due to a lack of proper venting. An initial pressure is sensed by an upstream pressure sensor at the start of an infusion. After a period of time, which may be determined either by monitoring infusion time or the number of pump cycles completed, a second pressure is sampled and compared to the initial pressure. Various analytical methods may be applied to the sensed pressures to determine upstream pressures or trends. Where an upstream pressure reading indicates a lack of proper venting, an alert signal is provided. Continuous monitoring may occur in which succeeding samples are compared to preceding samples to determine upstream pressures or trends.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system includes a first fluid container having infusion fluid for a patient. The first fluid container has an outlet and a conduit attached to the outlet. A second fluid container applies pressure to the first fluid container to force fluid out of the first container and into the conduit at a desired flow rate. A pressure sensor is coupled to the second fluid container and a flow sensor is coupled to the conduit. The processor monitors the flow rate and controls the duty cycle of a downstream flow control actuator to maintain the desired flow rate. The processor determines the downstream resistance of the system by varying the flow rate about the selected flow rate, receiving pressure signals from the pressure sensor and flow signals from the flow sensor, and calculating the change in pressure over the change in flow rate to produce the fluid resistance measurement.