Abstract: A method and apparatus detect occlusion in a tube to a passage into a body cavity. An argon gas supply output received by plural selectable flow orifices so one or more of the orifices delivers predetermined metered gas. A duct with a volume of gas selectively provides metered gas to the passage. The tube connects the passage and the duct periodically so a duct pressure transducer can signal. A circuit tests signals of tube equalization with a back pressure. A three way valve controlled by the circuit connects the duct transducer to gas metered to the cavity. The valve alternatively connects the duct transducer to the tube to equalize the tube with metered gas to the back pressure. A monitor of the signals determines the rate of pressure change after the valve connection. The monitor indicates pressure equalization after a timed interval with a timer to establish intervals for checking back pressure.

Abstract: Electrosurgical energy is used in combination with a surgical tool to seal vessels and vascular tissue of a patient. One of the important advances of the present system is that it can effectively seal vessels of a patient without leaving any foreign material in the body of the patient. The present system is also capable of sealing vessels as large as ten millimeters in diameter. Another advantage of the present system is that the surgeon can visually inspect the integrity of the seal. The invention works with a combination of pressure and controlled application of electrosurgical energy to achieve the desired result. A surgical tool is used to grasp and apply an appropriate amount of closure force to the tissue of the patient. The tool is capable of conducting electrosurgical energy to the tissue concurrently with the application of the closure force.

Abstract: Intravenous Fluid Pumping System having a controller and a pump controlled by the controller. The controller has a sealed chamber with a flexible membrane covering a portion thereof. An incompressible fluid is disposed in the chamber. A piston member is movable in the chamber causing extension and retraction of the membrane as the piston is moved in and out relative to the chamber. A motor is provided for reciprocating the piston. The pump has a pump body with a pumping chamber therein with one portion of the pump body being covered by a flexible membrane in contact with flexible membrane carried by the sealed chamber of the controller. The pump has an inlet adapter connected to the source of fluid. The pump also has an outlet adapter connected to the patient.

Abstract: Intravenous administration set for use with a source of liquid to be administered intravenously and having a length of flexible tube with a fitting carried on one end of the same adapted to be connected to the source of liquid. A burette is provided which has a chamber formed therein. The other end of the flexible tube is mounted in the burette so that liquid passing through the tube flows into the burette chamber. A filter assembly is carried by the burette and has a recess formed therein. A projection extends into the recess and defines at least a portion of an outlet opening for withdrawing liquid from the burette chamber. The filter assembly includes a hydrophillic filter which provides the only path for the flow of liquid and gas into the recess. The member and the projection are formed in such a manner that all liquid passing through the outlet opening must pass into the recess through the filter and carry with it any gas in the recess.

Abstract: The intravenous feeding pump actuator of the present invention is driven by a small, very slow speed motor and a gear train, such as one rotating the output shaft at a speed of one revolution per minue (1 r.p.m.). The single motor drives a readily replaceable cam which is slipped into position on the drive shaft and needs no other means for attaching it thereto. Each of the cams normally supplied with the actuator is designed to give a predetermined number of rocking movements per minute to a cam follower which directly operates the associated intravenous pump, and simultaneously controls the limit of travel of the cam follower and thus the length of the stroke of the pump operator. It will be understood that each of the cams will provide for a different flow rate for the associated pump by controlling the number of strokes per minute and the length of each stroke and is readily changeable so that one can be quickly and easily removed and another placed in its stead when determined by operating conditions.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a small, precise measuring pump provided with a germ barrier that is specifically designed for intravenous feeding devices and comprises: inlet and outlet chambers which are preferably integral one with the other, an inlet adapted to receive a tube from a storage device and the outlet chamber provided with an outlet adapted to receive a tube for delivery of material pumped to a patient; a passageway between the two chambers, which serves as an outlet from the inlet chamber and an inlet into the outlet chamber; a valve (preferably a float valve) associated with each inlet; and an actuating device which includes a piston and a tightly fitting resilient sheath enclosing the piston, the combination of piston and sheath projecting into the inlet chamber.

Abstract: Method for intravenous feeding of a patient by a pump and a pump actuator which is provided with readily insertable and removable cams which control the number of pump strokes per unit of time and also the amount of intravenous fluid injected by each stroke in accordance with a prescription of intravenous fluid placed in a container. A predetermined prescription of intravenous fluid is prepared and placed in a container. The container and a cam which is tailored to the requirements of the prescription in the container is delivered to the patient. The cam is placed on the pump actuator. The container is connected to the pump and the pump is connected to a vein of the patient. The pump actuator is operated by the use of the cam to operate the pump to supply the prescribed intravenous liquid in the container to the patient in accordance with the prescription.

Abstract: The combination drug administration device and alarm system is adapted to be connected to a source of intravenous liquid and to a patient. A container is provided having a inlet and an outlet. A piston is slidably mounted in the container for movement between extended and retracted positions. A stem is secured to the piston and has a portion thereof remaining out of the container during movement between the extended and retracted positions. A switch is provided and is mounted on the stem exterior of the container so that the switch means can be slidably positioned on the stem and will be retained on the stem in an adjusted predetermined position thereon but which will not impede movement of the piston and the stem in the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a failure alarm system for an intravenous feeding pump in which the pumping force is secured by the projection of a plunger into a chamber filled with the liquid to be pumped, which plunger is encased in a tightly fitting sheath of elastic material. In such a pump, actuation is secured by the application of a force from an actuator to the end of the plunger extending without the wall of a pumping chamber and the return force is secured by the elasticity of the sheath. The actuator of such a pump provides an actuator which can be selectively set to provide an extended range of operations per unit of time and can be modified to control the amount of projection into the pumping chamber by the plunger. In such a combination means is provided by the present invention for sensing the fact that there is a negative pressure, or suction, in the system that is not balanced by the in-flow of liquid, i.e.

Abstract: Universal drip chamber and spike assembly for use with a source of intravenous liquid contained in a bottle having a neck with a permeable stopper disposed in the neck and for use with a tube adapted to be connected to a patient. The Universal drip chamber comprises a body defining the upper portion of a drip chamber. The drip chamber body has a relatively rigid substantially transparent wall surrounding the upper portion of the chamber and being open at its lower end. A drip chamber booth formed of a flexible rubber-like material is secured to the lower end of the said drip chamber body and defines the lower portion of the drip chamber. The booth has an outlet flow passage extending through the lower extremity of the same and is in communication with the drip chamber. The booth has means forming a valve seat in the lower portion of the drip chamber surrounding the outlet flow passage.