Abstract: An electrochemically driven drug dispenser for dispensing a drug at a controlled rate. The drug dispenser includes an electrochemical pump which pumps an electrochemically active fluid from a first compartment through a membrane into a scond compartment. As the fluid enters the second compartment it exerts pressure on a diaphragm separating the second compartment from a chamber containing a drug to be administered. As the pressure increases, the drug is expelled. In the absence of any pumping action, the fluid moves between the two compartments by diffusion through the membrane at a rate which is characteristic of the membrane and determined by any pressure difference between the two compartments. The pumping rate is determined by the magnitude of an electric current applied to the pump, and by varying the pumping rate with reference to the diffusion rate any of a variety drug administration rates can be implemented. A pressure sensor may be included in the pump for more precise control of the pumping rate.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a fluid flow monitoring method and system for parenteral fluid delivery systems for use in situations, such as with sedentary patients, when wide pressure variations are not expected. The resistance of the fluid delivery system is determined from the ratio of pressure differences at high and low fluid flow rates to differences in the high and low fluid flow rates. The resistance is used to develop a pressure limit from the sum of the pressure at low fluid flow rates and the product of the resistance and the high fluid flow rate. The pressure limit is compared with the pressure monitored and if the pressure monitored exceeds the calculated pressure limit, an alarm is actuated to warn medical personnel of an occlusion or other fluid flow fault. Additionally, if the noise level (pressure) excess predetermined limits during the periods of low and high fluid flow, the pressure monitoring is terminated.

Abstract: A device for infusing a drug into an ambulatory patient, the drug being contained in a transparent spiral conduit which is embedded in a disposable flexible casting conformingly adhered to the patient's body, includes a reusable micropump module which is detachably mounted in a collar valve on the casting and forces oxygen into the conduit under pressure to expel the drug into a semi-pivoting cannula inserted into the patient's body. A colored oil drop between the oxygen and the drug in the conduit provides a visual indication of drug quantity, while a filter with hydrophobic and hydrophylic membranes keeps the oxygen and oil substantially out of the cannula.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method and system for evaluating the fluid communication between a parenteral fluid delivery system and a patient's blood vessel. In accordance with the invention, one or more fluid flow pulses are applied to the fluid within the delivery system. Both positive and negative fluid flow pulses may be applied. The pressure response to the pulses under conditions of normal, unimpeded fluid flow is significantly different than the pressure response to such pulses when an infiltration or other fluid flow fault has occurred and this difference is used to detect fluid faults.

Abstract: An improved drug dispenser for the pulsatile or peristaltic delivery of drugs. The drug dispenser includes a fluid reservoir for storing the drug to be dispensed, an electrochemical pump for pumping the drug from the fluid reservoir, and a pump valve responsive to the pump pressure such that when the pump pressure reaches some predetermined value, the pump valve releases the pressure exerted upon the drug. The result is a low cost, low weight ad efficient drug dispenser for the pulsatile delivery of drugs.

Abstract: An improved optical flow sensor for optically detecting and measuring the flow of a fluid through a drip chamber assembly. The sensor comprises an optical energy-emitting chip sealed within a first lens block having a refracting lens in one surface and an optical energy detecting chip sealed within a second lens block having a refracting lens in one surface. The two lens blocks are positioned on the two parallel arms of a "U"-shaped base with their lens surfaces facing each other across the open space between the arms of the "U". The drip chamber assembly has transparent walls defining a drip chamber, and the lenses compensate for the refractive effects of the walls of the drip chamber assembly on the optical energy passing through. As drops of fluid fall through the chamber, they intersect the optical energy passing through the chamber and produce a corresponding output signal from the detector.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an improved system for mounting a drop sensor onto a drip chamber having laterally projecting wing-like or flange-like extensions. A pair of mounting members, one fixed, one laterally movable, are provided on the drop sensor housing. The mounting members have inclined guiding surfaces which cradle both ends of the lateral extensions on the drip chamber during the initial stages of mounting the drop sensor to the drip chamber and guide drop sensor movement with respect to the drip chamber to its final mounted position thereon. The mounting system is particularly adapted to dedicated IV set and drop sensor combinations.

Abstract: An improved arrangement of electrochemical cells wherein the individual cells are arranged on a single electrolytic membrane. The arrangement provides for the placement of many individual cells in one chamber, thereby eliminating the many chamber walls and inlet and outlet lines associated with the standard structure. An electrochemical device can thus be constructed very simply and, when the cells are electrically connected in series, will operate at voltages compatible with standard battery voltages or generate power at any desired voltage.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for controlling the flow rate in the parenteral administration of medical fluids, wherein a stored energy solenoid is utilized to move a pincher element against and away from a flexible IV tube in a repetitive manner to thereby control the flow of fluids through the tube.

Abstract: A drop sensing unit and associated, disposable drip chamber for dedicated use with the sensing unit in an IV fluid administration system, the sensing unit being adapted for convenient installation on and removal from the drip chamber, with cooperable engaging means on the sensing unit and chamber serving to locate and retain them in the desired relative position during use. Such engaging means provide for contact between the sensing unit and chamber at vertically spaced locations for effective retention, and are constructed and arranged to aid in preventing use of the sensing unit on drip chambers which differ from the specially designed chamber.