Abstract: A pinch clip occluder for infusion sets is disclosed including a housing and a clamp movably disposed within the housing to selectively occlude an infusion set. In one embodiment the clamp has at least one arm which moves between first and second positions to pinch closed a silicone tube of the infusion set unless the pinch clip occluder is held in an open position by the user, or placed in a receptacle which will hold the pinch clip occluder in an open position. In another embodiment a plunger is disposed so as to intersect a passage passing through the housing. As the plunger is selectively moved between first and second positions, the flow through a tube in the passage is selectively controlled. Such an arrangement prevents a free-flow condition from occurring through the infusion set.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 13, 1996
Date of Patent:
September 22, 1998
Assignee:
Zevex, Inc.
Inventors:
Sean Winterer, Chris Dumas, Michael Child, David J. McNally
Abstract: A disposable fluid level sensor of the present invention determines the level of fluid in a container. A flex circuit sensor is coupled to a processing module having a power supply, the flex circuit sensor being mounted at a selectable location by an adhesive patch which holds the sensor flush against the container. The processing module hangs from the flex circuit, and provides a human perceptible indication, such as a flashing light or an audible alarm, when the fluid level drops below a desired point as determined by the sensor. The sensor detects the change in fluid level by transmitting an electromagnetic signal and determining whether there is a change in reflected energy.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 4, 1995
Date of Patent:
August 4, 1998
Assignee:
Zevex, Inc.
Inventors:
David H. Blaine, David J. McNally, Paul McArthur
Abstract: A clamp having an attachment mechanism for holding and positioning a second object attached to the clamp relative to a first object secured by the clamp. The clamp includes a clamping member for securing the first object and an attachment mechanism for holding the clamp to the second object. The clamping member includes a scrape preventive mechanism. The attachment mechanism includes a positioning member for positioning the second object relative to the first object without detaching the second object from the clamping member. The attachment member is hand operable.
Abstract: A pressure monitoring enteral feeding system and method are disclosed including a housing having a pair of channels for receiving a pump tubing segment which connects an intake line and an output line of a delivery set, and for holding the pump tubing segment adjacent a motor unit. A pair of pressure sensors are disposed along the channels to monitor the pressure in the pump tubing segment so as to warn a user when an undesirable pressure has developed either upstream or downstream from the motor unit, and to adjust rate based on the upstream pressure. The housing may also include a lockable cover to securely hold the pump tubing segment in the channels and in firm contact with the pressure sensors. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the pressure sensors are used to determine the actual output of the enteral feeding pump by monitoring strain in the delivery set.
Abstract: A pinch clip occluder for infusion sets is disclosed including a housing and a clamp movably disposed within the housing to selectively occlude an infusion set. In one embodiment the clamp has at least one arm which moves between first and second positions to pinch closed a silicone tube of the infusion set unless the pinch clip occluder is held in an open position by the user, or placed in a receptacle which will hold the pinch clip occluder in an open position. In another embodiment a plunger is disposed so as to intersect a passage passing through the housing. As the plunger is selectively moved between first and second positions, the flow through a tube in the passage is selectively controlled. Such an arrangement prevents a free-flow condition from occurring through the infusion set.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 10, 1996
Date of Patent:
January 6, 1998
Assignee:
Zevex, Inc.
Inventors:
Sean Winterer, Chris Dumas, Michael Child, David J. McNally
Abstract: An Enteral Feeding Pump Motor Unit and Method of Use are disclosed. The motor unit uses optical sensors to monitor the rotational period and position of a platen of the motor unit. If the rotational period is different from a predetermined desired period, a controller in communication with the optical sensors and the platen changes the rate at which the platen rotates so as to effectuate movement of a desired amount of fluid through a delivery set passing through the motor unit. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the optical sensors are disposed in an asymmetrical pattern to enable self-testing and to avoid ambiguous readings.
Abstract: A noninvasive ultrasonic liquid level indicator for indicating the level of a liquid in a reservoir is disclosed which comprises an ultrasonic transducer assembly, structures for holding the transducer assembly in a dry coupled attachment with the reservoir at selectable locations against an exterior surface of the reservoir, and a monitor for revealing a change in liquid height. The transducer assembly conveys signals regarding changes in liquid height to a monitor which warns the user in time to add more liquid or replace the reservoir before the liquid supply "runs dry." The manners for holding the assembly in place include, but are not limited to, a strap, a clamp, or adhesive material, such as tape. These allow the user to selectively place the transducer assembly along the reservoir at the desired triggering point.