Abstract: A syringe positioning device is disclosed for enhancing control of fluid flow from a syringe. A disposable unit that includes a syringe and rack mounted on a retaining clip is positionable on a drive unit so that, when so positioned, the piston of the syringe is precisely displaced to deliver medicament from the syringe to a patient. A non-disposable unit is also disclosed onto which a syringe and piston can be positioned so that the device thereafter also provides precise medicament delivery. The longitudinal movement of the rack is effected by rotating the pinion gear that is connected with a pulse-driven, power efficient stepper motor, with the operation of the stepper motor being controlled by a pre-programmed memory unit. A hinged rack is also disclosed, as is a one-way ball drive unit.

Abstract: A storage receptacle sealing and transfer apparatus is disclosed for selectively enabling sealing and transfer of material to and from the receptacle. The apparatus is particularly useful for maintaining and later transferring drug and associated materials, under sterile conditions, to achieve mixing, as, is necessary, for example, in reconstituting a drug by mixing the drug with a diluent prior to delivery to a patient. The transfer apparatus is mounted at the aperture, or mouth, of a storage receptacle to seal the aperture until the contents are needed, and then to permit sterile transfer from one receptacle to another receptacle through a central passage.

Abstract: Device and method are disclosed for effecting application of a therapeutic agent. A removable programmable element is used to control operation of a delivery unit, which unit delivers the therapeutic agent to the patient. The programmable element is programmed, while removed from the delivery unit, by a computer that is operationally independent of the delivery unit to insure the integrity of subsequent delivery of the therapeutic agent to the patient by the delivery unit. The delivery unit requires no microprocessor and can include a plurality of channels for effecting independent delivery of therapeutic agents in each channel under the control of the programmable element. The programmable element is programmed with respect to available protocol informaton, including patient history, needs and tolerances, as well as therapeutic agent parameters, to thereby establish a flow profile that is customized for a particular patient during each moment of each day.

Abstract: A device and method for precise placement of a medical instrument for fluid delivery at, or withdrawal of fluid from, a predetermined location in a body is disclosed. A sensor, such as a proximity detector or electrically conductible circuitry, is implanted into the body adjacent to a predetermined location, which location preferably has an implanted reservoir thereat, for sensing the position of a medical instrument having an open end portion inserted into the reservoir to enable delivery of medicament into the reservoir or, in the alternative, to remove fluid from the reservoir. A signal indicative at least of a sensed desired positioning of the instrument is generated and used to assure that the instrument has been properly positioned, with additional circuitry also being provided to enable location of the implanted reservoir for positioning of the instrument prior to insertion into the body.

Abstract: A drug handling apparatus and method are disclosed. A delivery receptacle, such as a syringe, is provided with a first substance, such as a liquid diluent, either stored in the delivery receptacle or provided from a separate storage receptacle, and the first substance in the delivery receptacle is transferred to a storage receptacle provided with a second substance, such as a drug in solid form, with the transfer being accomplished by moving an actuator, such as the piston within a syringe, in a first direction to create a positive flow of the first substance from the delivery receptacle through a vented transfer unit to the storage receptacle where the substances are mixed to thereby, for example, reconstitute the drug. By then moving the actuator in a second direction, such as by movment of the syringe piston in the opposite axial direction, the mixture is then withdrawn from the storage receptacle and transferred through the vented transfer unit to the delivery receptacle.

Abstract: Device and method are disclosed for effecting application of a therapeutic agent. A removable programmable element is used to control operation of a delivery unit, which unit delivers the therapeutic agent to the patient. The programmable element is programmed, while removed from the delivery unit, by a computer that is operationally independent of the delivery unit to insure the integrity of subsequent delivery of the therapeutic agent to the patient by the delivery unit. The delivery unit requires no microprocessor and can include a plurality of channels for effecting independent delivery of therapeutic agents in each channel under the control of the programmable element. The programmable element is programmed with respect to available protocol information, including patient history, needs and tolerances, as well as therapeutic agent parameters, to thereby establish a flow profile that is customized for a particular patient during each moment of each day.

Abstract: An infusion device is disclosed having an improved valving apparatus with the valving apparatus being configured to substantially preclude formation of volumetric dead spaces. The valving apparatus is typically utilized to allow introduction of one or more secondary fluids, such as drugs, into a patient during normal infusion of the primary fluid into the patient, with such insertion being effected through a secondary conduit connected to the primary infusion conduit through the valving apparatus. The valving apparatus includes a movable element that is positioned adjacent to the inner wall of the primary conduit so that the movable element forms a one-way valve thereat.