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: An electronic method and apparatus for automatically determining systolic and diastolic blood pressures and heart rate by accurately detecting, verifying and evaluating the full stream of korotkoff sounds produced as electrical signals from a microphone in a cuff occluding the brachial artery of a patient and the corresponding blood pressure pulse signals which accompany and are precursors to genuine korotkoff sound signals. Blood pressure is measured with the aid of a programmed data processor such as a microprocessor.

Abstract: A fluid infusion system includes a selector valve for convenient interruption of administration of a primary infusion fluid to a patient to permit administration of a secondary infusion fluid, such as a selected drug solution, followed by resumption of primary fluid flow. The selector valve includes a valve housing with a primary spike for connection to a primary fluid container, a dual path secondary spike for connection to a vial or the like containing the secondary infusion fluid, and an outlet fitting for connection to the patient, for example, through a standard intravenous (IV) infusion set. A valve insert is movably mounted within the valve housing and defines a fluid channel network for controlling flow from the primary and secondary spikes to the outlet fitting.

Abstract: A patient infusion and blood chemistry monitoring system is provided for controlled fluid infusion with intermittent interruption for automated drawing of a patient blood sample into contact with one or more electrochemical sensors to obtain blood chemistry determinations, such as measurements of blood electrolytes and the like. The system comprises an infusion pump operated by a control unit to supply a selected fluid to the patient through an infusion line and catheter. The control unit intermittently halts and reverses operation of the infusion pump to draw a patient blood sample through the catheter into contact with the electrochemical sensors positioned along the infusion line within a compact cassette near the patient and then to reinfuse the blood sample into the patient upon resumption of normal infusion operation. The sensors provide electrical input signals representative of patient blood chemistry to an analyzer which alters the signals to an appropriate readable output.

Abstract: The invention relates to a peristaltic pump wherein a plurality of cam actuated fingers are adapted to pump fluid through a flexible tube by sequentially closing off the fluid filled tube along a length thereof. The fingers are mounted to rotate on a common axis and are spaced from one another in order to reduce the power requirement for operating the pump. A rigid, spring loaded pressure pad, preferably mounted on the same axis as the cam actuated fingers, maintains essentially the same pressure on each of the fingers as they close off the adjacent portion of the tube.

Abstract: Apparatus and related method for use in a parenteral administration system, for detecting fault conditions such as an infiltration, an open fluid line or an air bubble in the fluid line. The apparatus is particularly adapted for use with a parenteral administration system of the type that includes a pulsing infusion device for incrementally infusing fluid through a fluid tube to a patient's venous or arterial system. The apparatus qualitatively evaluates the pressure in the fluid tube to detect characteristic patterns indicative of each such fault condition and actuates an alarm whenever one is detected.

Abstract: A disposable syringe cartridge including a molded plastic cylinder having an open end and a closed end with inlet and outlet nipples integrally formed in the closed end, and a plastic piston head slidably received in the open end of the cylinder and pivotably connected to a plastic piston rod. The piston head utilizes a quad-type sealing ring providing a pair of adjacent sealing surfaces with the cylinder, and includes a square expansion flange rounded at each of its corners to conform in shape to the cylinder, with a rubber annular sealing boot extending between the open end of the syringe cylinder and the piston rod. A flange formed on the outer circumferential edge of the sealing boot is received over the open end of the cylinder and is captured by an annular cap that is ultrasonically welded to the cylinder, while a bead formed on the inner circumferential edge of the sealing boot is received in a groove defined by a pair of adjacent annular flanges formed on the piston rod.

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.