Abstract: A latch assembly is disclosed that has a latch, a locking lever having locked and unlocked positions, and a detent lever having engaged and disengaged positions. The locking lever is configured to secure the latch in the closed position when the locking lever is in the locked position and the detent lever is configured to provide a detent function when the detent lever is in the engaged position. In certain aspects, the latch assembly includes a single motor and cam assembly having three configurations, wherein the locking lever and detent lever are respectively in the unlocked and disengaged positions while in the first configuration, in the unlocked and engaged positions while in the second configuration, and in the locked and engaged positions while in the third configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to disinfect an intravenous (IV) access port is disclosed. The apparatus has at least one sterilizing cap with a body configured to removably couple to the access port and an illuminator coupled to the body. The body and illuminator are configured to expose at least one surface of the access port to a dose of ultraviolet (UV) light. In certain embodiments, the illuminator includes a source of UV light, such as a light-emitting diode (LED). In certain embodiments, the illuminator receives the UV light from a remote source through a fiber-optic cable.

Abstract: A multi-pocket step-drawer is disclosed that includes a dispensing drawer and a control module. The dispensing drawer has a body comprising at least one fixed wall forming at least two open-top compartments that are arranged along an axis parallel to the front-to-back axis and a ladder fixedly coupled to the body. The ladder has a plurality of cross arms arranged along an axis parallel to the front-to-back axis. The control module includes a housing and a latching element coupled to the housing and disposed proximate to the ladder. The latching element has a first position wherein the latching element engages one of the plurality of cross-arms so as to prevent the dispensing drawer from moving toward the front and a second position wherein the latching element allows the dispensing element to move toward the front.

Abstract: An attachment arrangement has a housing and a needle located within the housing. The arrangement allows administration ports of different sizes to be inserted into and secured within the housing. In certain embodiments, compliant retainers secure the administration port within the housing. In certain other embodiments, the administration port is secured within the housing when the housing is compressed against the administration port by a housing compression element. Once the administration port is secured within the housing, a fluid-tight seal is formed between the attachment device and the administration port.

Abstract: A method of controlling fluid flow from a fluid source to a patient includes the step of mating a first connector comprising a first body with a first fluid passage therethrough and a conductive element disposed the first body to a second connector comprising a second body with a second fluid passage therethrough and two separated electrical contacts disposed on the body such that the two electrical contacts engage the conductive element when the first and second connectors are mated. The two electrical contacts are electrically coupled to a normally closed, electrically activated valve that is fluidically coupled to the second fluid passage and configured to open only when a circuit is completed through the two electrical contacts.

Abstract: Methods for using a liner in a waste sorting and disposal system are provided. The liner includes an internal space and an opening that provides access to that internal space. In some embodiments, the liner may also include a machine-readable identification key that is configured to identify a type of waste that the liner may receive. In some embodiments, the machine-readable key is optical, color-coded, alphanumeric or graphical. The liner can include one or more closure members to allow a user to securely seal the liner when it is removed from the container. In some embodiments, the liner can include a flange, lip, hook or other protrusion to secure its position relative to a container.

Abstract: A tubular pumping element for pumping a liquid is disclosed. The tubular pumping element includes an outer shell that has a bore with an inlet and an outlet at opposite ends of the bore. There is a flow path for the liquid from the inlet through the bore to the outlet. A support element is located within the bore of the outer shell. An elastic sleeve is located over the support element and has a plurality of expandable portions. The support element includes a plurality of fluid passages each coupled to a respective port on the surface of the support element under one of the plurality of expandable portions of the elastic sleeve. Introduction of a driving fluid into one of the fluid passages causes the expandable portion of the elastic sleeve that is proximate to the respective port to expand.

Abstract: An nCPAP device for assisting patient breathing includes a generator body forming an inlet, a chamber, and first and second flow circuits. The chamber directs pressurized gas from the inlet to the flow circuits. The flow circuits each include a first and second jets, a flow director and an exhaust conduit. The jets emit a jetstream into the flow director in a direction of a patient side thereof. In some embodiments, the flow director forms a first tapered wall section directing inhaled air toward the patient and a second tapered wall section directing exhaled air toward the exhaust conduit. The generator body requires reduced driving pressures to achieve target CPAP levels and reduces total imposed WOB as compared to conventional designs.

Abstract: An infusion pump system includes an infusion channel, and a display associated with the infusion channel. The display is for rendering a scannable barcode.

Abstract: A heat and moisture exchange unit for use with a patient breathing circuit. The unit includes a housing, an MDI port assembly and a heat and moisturizing medium. The housing forms a patient-side port, a ventilator-side port, and a containment region between the patient-side port and the ventilator-side port. The MDI port assembly includes a frame projecting into the containment region and configured to receive a portion of a metered dose dispenser. The frame terminates at an outlet end, forming a flow passage. The heat and moisturizing medium is maintained within the containment region so as to define a medium face most proximate the outlet end of the MDI port assembly. The unit is characterized by the absence of a body between the outlet end and the medium face.

Abstract: A medical supply station is disclosed. The medical supply station includes a securable compartment configured to hold medical supplies, and a controller. The controller is responsive to access information and is configured to selectively permit access to the securable compartment when the access information indicates the securable compartment is authorized for access, and restrict access to the securable compartment when the access information indicates the securable compartment is not authorized for access. The medical supply station also includes a critical access module configured to, upon actuation, bypass the access information required by the controller and permit substantially immediate access to the securable compartment. The medical supply station further includes an image capturing device, coupled to the critical access module, configured to capture at least one image of an area proximal to the medical supply station in response to actuation of the critical access module.

Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container. In some embodiments, a detection system for determining a presence and/or a quantity of waste items within a container is also provided. In some embodiments, access to discarded waste items is restricted once the waste items have been placed in a container.

Abstract: Methods for managing preparation of a medication for a patient are provided. In one aspect, a method includes receiving information indicative of an order for medication for a patient from an electronic data feed, and determining whether the order for medication for the patient can be filled with a returned medication. The method also includes providing a notification to fill the order with the returned medication when the determination indicates the order can be filled with a returned medication, and providing a notification to fill the order by preparing the medication when the determination indicates a returned medication is not available to fill the order. Systems and machine-readable media are also provided.

Abstract: A flow control system including: a tubing clamp that includes a clamping mechanism for holding closed a first fluid line while a second fluid flows along a second fluid line from a second container; a drip chamber having a one-way check valve; a vacuum activated catch retainably coupled with the tubing clamp and coupled with the second fluid line and including a movable element coupled with the tubing clamp, the movable element changing from a first shape to a second shape upon receipt of a deforming pressure, wherein when the movable element is in the first shape, the vacuum activated catch retains the tubing clamp in a closed position, and when the movable element is in the second shape, the vacuum activated catch releases the tubing clamp into an open position; and an infusion pump that draws a vacuum in the second fluid line.

Abstract: A control system for a high frequency oscillating ventilator (HFOV) includes an oscillator controller and a mean airway pressure (MAP) controller. The HFOV includes a reciprocating piston which is adapted to generate positive and negative pressure waves for delivery to a patient airway. The oscillator controller comprises a pair of closed loop control circuits including an oscillator pressure loop and a centering loop which are collectively adapted to regulate frequency and amplitude of piston reciprocations and centering of the piston. The MAP controller comprises a closed loop control circuit that is adapted for regulating MAP at the patient utilizing feedback in the form of patient circuit pressure. Likewise, the oscillator controller utilizes patient circuit pressure as well as piston displacement feedback in order to regulate movement of the piston.

Abstract: An automated medication dispensing system is disclosed. The system includes a memory configured to store identifying information for at least one item. The identifying information includes an indicator associated with at least one specific feature of the at least one item. The system also includes a processor configured to dispense the at least one item to a user, an output module configured to display the identifying information for the at least one item, and an input device configured to receive, from the user, input indicating that the user has verified that the dispensed item has the same identifying information as the identifying information displayed by the output module. Handheld devices, bedside administration systems, methods, and machine-readable mediums are also disclosed.

Abstract: An nCPAP device including a generator body defining first and second fluid flow circuits each including a tube and first and second nozzles. The tube defines a passageway forming an axial centerline. The first and second nozzles are associated with the tube and each defines an inlet and an outlet. The inlets are open to a fluid supply, whereas the outlets are open to the passageway. Each nozzle is adapted to emit a fluid jetstream from the outlet along a flow direction axis. The nozzles are arranged such that the flow direction axes are non-parallel relative to each other and relative to the axial centerline. This configuration readily induces vortex shedding during an expiratory phase, thus facilitating jet fluid flow disruption and reducing a patient's work of breathing.

Abstract: A respiratory therapy device including a housing and an interrupter valve assembly. The housing is sized for handling by a patient and defines a patient breathing passage extending from a patient end and through which a patient inhales and exhales air. The interrupter valve assembly is carried by the housing and includes a control port, a valve body, and a drive mechanism. Expiratory airflow is released from the patient breathing passage through the control port. The valve body is sized to at least partially obstruct fluid flow through the control port. The drive mechanism moves the valve body relative to the control port in response to the expiratory airflow such that the valve body repeatedly transitions between a position of maximum obstruction and a position of minimum obstruction relative to the control port to create an oscillatory positive expiratory pressure effect.

Abstract: An automated medication dispensing system is disclosed. The system includes a memory configured to store identifying information for at least one item. The identifying information includes an indicator associated with at least one specific feature of the at least one item. The system also includes a processor configured to dispense the at least one item to a user, an output module configured to display the identifying information for the at least one item, and an input device configured to receive, from the user, input indicating that the user has verified that the dispensed item has the same identifying information as the identifying information displayed by the output module. Handheld devices, bedside administration systems, methods, and machine-readable mediums are also disclosed.

Abstract: A continuous positive airway pressure system features a housing forming an airway chamber, and an air pressure inlet and an air pressure outlet. The housing further defines internally a pair of tapered air jets, and a pair of tapered air receivers. The air receivers are located downstream of the air supply jets and disposed coaxially with respective ones of the air supply jets. Each receiver has a taper in an opposite direction to the direction of the taper of the air supply jets. A pair of nasal prongs is located downstream of the air receiving jets.