Abstract: A variable device for regulating the outlet pressure of a fluid from a valve body, includes a pressure-sensing chamber having a wall formed by a resilient self-restoring diaphragm which is responsive to pressure in the chamber. A valve element connected to the diaphragm controls flow into the chamber. Increased pressure in the chamber decreases the flow into the chamber and decreasing pressure increases flow whereby fluid flow out from the chamber is maintained at a desired pressure. The outlet pressure is adjusted by deflecting the diaphragm in a direction to open the valve while permitting a section of the diaphragm connected to the valve member to remain responsive to the pressure in the chamber. An adjustment cover is provided to adjustably deflect the diaphragm and includes a catch mechanism to allow adjustment of the fluid outlet pressures and also retain the device at a desired value. An indicator arrangement may be provided to visually indicate the fluid outlet pressure.

Abstract: A manometer for measuring the hydrodynamic pressure of fluids parenterally administered to a patient is disclosed. The manometer includes a transparent housing that has a passage that accommodates continuous flow of fluid. A pressure-measuring chamber is formed in the housing with one end in fluid communication with the passage. The other end of the chamber communicates with an enclosed air space. The fluid flowing through the passage enters the pressure-measuring chamber and rises to a level which is dependent upon the pressure of the fluid flowing through the passage. A space-saving chamber is provided, which is in air communication with the pressure-measuring chamber, and which allows the housing to be reduced in size. Markings are provided on the housing which indicate the relative flow state of fluid flowing through the passage.

Abstract: Disclosed is an infusion pump for expelling a fluid from a collapsible fluid reservoir to a patient. The pump includes a housing having a chamber therein for receiving the fluid reservoir. A first wall is provided on the housing for contacting the fluid reservoir, and a second wall is movable from a first position distanced from the first wall to form the chamber therebetween, and a second position relatively closer to the first wall. Advancing the movable wall from the first position to the second position expels fluid from the collapsible reservoir at a substantially constant rate by applying increasing force on the fluid reservoir through the dispensation cycle. Preferably, the first and second walls are provided with non-planar complementary surface configurations for contacting the collapsible reservoir. Retraction mechanisms for retracting the movable wall from the second position to the first position, and user readable indicium of the status of the dispensation cycle are also disclosed.

Abstract: A remotely programmable infusion system. The remotely programmable infusion system comprises a memory for storing a programmable protocol and a remote communication port for sending a voice signal to a remote touch-tone transceiver and for receiving a remote programming signal from the remote touch-tone transceiver. The remotely programmable infusion system also comprises a voice storage unit for storing the voice signal. The remotely programmable infusion system further comprises a processor, coupled to the remote communication port, to the voice storage unit, and to the memory, for accessing the voice signal from the voice storage unit and the programmable protocol from the memory, and for processing the programmable protocol in response to receiving the remote programming signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catheter for the delivery of fluid medication across an anatomical region. In accordance with some embodiments, the catheter includes an elongated tubular member made of a porous membrane. The porous membrane is configured so that a fluid introduced into an open end of the tubular member will flow through side walls of the tubular member at a substantially uniform rate along a length of the tubular member. In accordance with other embodiments, the catheter includes an elongated “weeping” tubular coil spring attached to an end of, or enclosed within, a tube. Fluid within the spring and greater than or equal to a threshold pressure advantageously flows radially outward between the spring coils. Advantageously, the fluid is dispensed substantially uniformly throughout a length of the spring. In accordance with other embodiments, the catheter includes a tube having a plurality of exit holes in a side wall of the tube.

Abstract: An infusion device with a disposable administration set which is inexpensive to manufacture which set can be slidably inserted and removed from a housing, and which is programmable, is provided. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the disposable administration set has a plurality of elongated cam followers connected to a plate assembly, wherein the cam followers are displaced in a predetermined sequence and forced against a delivery tube by cam means driven by rotary drive means. The disposable administration set is injection molded as a single integral piece. The disposable administration set includes adjustment spacers disposed between the plate assembly and the cam followers which adjust the distance between them to keep the device accurate. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the cam means are configured to provide fluid delivery at a consistent and uniform rate.

Abstract: A device for regulating the outlet pressure of a fluid from a valve body, includes a pressure-sensing chamber having a wall formed by a resilient self-restoring diaphragm which is responsive to pressure in the chamber. A valve element connected to the diaphragm controls flow into the chamber. Increased pressure in the chamber decreases the flow into the chamber and decreasing pressure increases flow whereby fluid flow out from the chamber is maintained at a desired pressure. The outlet pressure is adjusted by deflecting the diaphragm in a direction to open the valve while permitting a section of the diaphragm connected to the valve member to remain responsive to the pressure in the chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is an infusion pump and a fluid container for expelling a fluid from the fluid container to a patient. The pump comprises a housing having a chamber therein for receiving the fluid reservoir. A first wall is provided on the housing for contacting the fluid reservoir, and a second wall is movable from a first position distanced from the first wall to form the chamber therebetween, and a second position relatively closer to the first wall. Advancing the movable wall from the first position to the second position expels fluid from the collapsible reservoir. Preferably, the first and second walls are provided with non-planar complementary surface configurations for contacting the collapsible reservoir. Retraction mechanisms for retracting the movable wall from the second position to the first position, and user readable indicium of the status of the dispensation cycle are also disclosed.

Abstract: A remotely programmable infusion system. The remotely programmable infusion system comprises a memory for storing a programmable protocol and a remote communication port for sending a voice signal to a remote touch-tone transceiver and for receiving a remote programming signal from the remote touch-tone transceiver. The remotely programmable infusion system also comprises a voice storage unit for storing the voice signal. The remotely programmable infusion system further comprises a processor, coupled to the remote communication port, to the voice storage unit, and to the memory, for accessing the voice signal from the voice storage unit and the programmable protocol from the memory, and for processing the programmable protocol in response to receiving the remote programming signal.

Abstract: A spring-actuated infusion syringe includes a housing having an open distal end, with a spring-loaded piston disposed for axial translation in the housing. The piston is biased toward the distal end of the housing. The syringe also includes a barrel for containing a liquid medicament, the barrel having a distal end having a fluid passage therethrough and an open proximal end. A plunger is disposed in the barrel for axial translation therein. The proximal end of the barrel is axially insertable into the distal end of the housing, whereby the piston enters the proximal end of the barrel and engages the plunger. In use, the barrel is filled with a medicament through the fluid flow passage, and the flow of medicament from the syringe is obstructed. The proximal end of the barrel is inserted into the distal end of the housing, whereby the piston enters the proximal end of the barrel.

Abstract: An infusion pump formed by a fluid containing shell and a pressurizing shell. A conical helical spring is attached within the pressurizing shell. A circular fluid bag with an outlet tube is placed within the fluid containing shell. The bottom of the fluid containing shell is contoured to match the contour of the fluid bag. The fluid containing shell and the pressurizing shell are threadably received within one another so that by screwing the shells together the spring is compressed to pressurize the fluid bag. A platen distributes the force of the spring over a substantially flat area of the bag.

Abstract: A PCA device includes a fluid conduit having an upstream portion and a downstream portion, a first flow-restricting orifice in the upstream portion, a second flow-restricting orifice in the downstream portion, a pressure-responsive check valve in the downstream portion in parallel with the second flow-restricting orifice, and a bolus dose delivery mechanism including a chamber in fluid communication between the upstream portion and the downstream portion. Continuous flow is provided through the first flow-restricting orifice, the chamber, and the second flow-restrictive orifice, the continuous flow serving to fill the chamber at a controlled rate through the first flow-restrictive orifice. The bolus dose delivery mechanism is manually actuable to express the contents of the chamber through the check valve to supplement the continuous flow through the downstream portion. The bolus dose delivery mechanism includes a resilient diaphragm that forms a sealed closure for the chamber.

Abstract: A remotely programmable infusion system. The remotely programmable infusion system comprises a memory for storing a programmable protocol and a remote communication port for sending a voice signal to a remote touch-tone transceiver and for receiving a remote programming signal from the remote touch-tone transceiver. The remotely programmable infusion system also comprises a voice storage unit for storing the voice signal. The remotely programmable infusion system further comprises a processor, coupled to the remote communication port, to the voice storage unit, and to the memory, for accessing the voice signal from the voice storage unit and the programmable protocol from the memory, and for processing the programmable protocol in response to receiving the remote programming signal.

Abstract: A syringe actuation device includes a housing containing a spring-biased piston that applies an actuation force to a syringe plunger inserted into the housing. A pivoting mechanism causes the piston to pivot with respect to the longitudinal axis of the housing as the piston moves along that axis to actuate the plunger, whereby the axially-directed component of the force applied by the piston to the plunger remains substantially constant throughout the stroke of the piston. In one embodiment, the device comprises an internally-threaded outer sleeve having a longitudinal opening for receiving a pre-filled syringe with an extended plunger and a distal opening through which the syringe barrel extends, and an externally-threaded cylinder, containing the piston, that threads into the proximal end of the sleeve so as to bring the piston to bear against the plunger. The pivoting mechanism comprises a tapered internal diameter of the cylinder, and a sloped spring seat on the piston.

Abstract: An infusion pump for providing a pressurized liquid flow from a collapsible, deformable reservoir bag includes a magnetically actuated pressurizing member that applies a pressure to the bag in response to the force of magnetic attraction applied by a magnet. In several embodiments, a bag is seated on a platen of magnetizable metal, and a magnet with a compressing surface is mounted for movement toward and away from the platen. As the magnet is moved toward the platen by the force of magnetic attraction, the bag is pressurized between the magnet and the platen. The magnet may be spring biased either toward or away from the platen to alter the relationship between the decreasing volume of the bag and the pressure applied to it, by compensating in a known manner for the change in the magnitude of the magnetic force with the distance between the magnet and the platen.

Abstract: A syringe actuation device comprises an elastomeric element that is removably attachable to the outlet tip of a syringe, and to a grip member that allows the elastomeric element to be pulled distally along the syringe barrel to seat against the distal end of the syringe plunger. In first and second embodiments, the elastomeric element is attached between a grommet that fits around the outlet tip, and an end cap that engages the distal end of the plunger. When the grommet is seated around the outlet tip, and the end cap engages the distal end of the plunger with the plunger in its withdrawn position, the elastomeric element is stretched along the syringe, biasing the plunger toward its inserted position. As the elastomeric element restores itself to its unstretched configuration, it pushes the plunger into the syringe barrel.

Abstract: A syringe actuation device comprises an elastomeric element that is removably attachable to the outlet tip of a syringe, and to a grip member that allows the elastomeric element to be pulled along the syringe barrel, so as to seat against the distal end of the syringe plunger. In first and second embodiments, the elastomeric element is attached between a grommet, that fits around the outlet tip, and an end cap, having a finger grip, that engages the distal end of the plunger. When the grommet is seated around the outlet tip, and the end cap is engaged against the distal end of the plunger with the plunger in its withdrawn position, the elastomeric element is stretched along the syringe, thereby biasing the plunger toward its inserted position. As the elastomeric element restores itself to its unstretched configuration, it pushes the plunger into the syringe barrel.

Abstract: A fluid administration set with an infusion pump tube having indentations near its ends within its inner cylindrical wall. The indentations are preferably V-shaped annular grooves. Each groove engages an annular barb on a hollow fitting. The hollow fittings have base members for engaging retaining walls in the pump set apart from one another at a precise predetermined distance. The outer circumference of the infusion pump tube is enlarged in the area of the indentation. Tabs are provided on the hollow fitting assembly for securing the administration set against the infusion pump. The set may include a pressure dome for occlusion sensing on one of the hollow fitting assemblies.

Abstract: An elastomerically-actuated syringe actuation device comprises a grommet that fits around the outlet tip of a syringe; an end cap, having a finger grip, that engages the distal end of the plunger of the syringe; and an elastomeric element that connects the grommet and the end cap. When the grommet is seated around the outlet tip, and the end cap is engaged against the distal end of the plunger with the plunger in its withdrawn position, the elastomeric element is stretched along the syringe, between the grommet and the end cap, thereby biasing the plunger toward its inserted position. As the elastomeric element restores itself to its unstretched configuration, it provides a driving force against the plunger to push the plunger into the barrel of the syringe, thereby expressing the fluid contained in the barrel out of the outlet tip.