Abstract: A dosing device of the type which can be implanted in a patient to control injection of liquids from a reservoir into the patient has an electrically controllable piston pump and a circuit responsible for controlling and monitoring the operation of the pump. The circuit includes a unit for acquiring a chronological curve representative of the piston motion, and electrical signals proportional thereto are obtained. These signals are supplied to control elements which compare these signals to prescribed rated values, and generate control and alarm signals given deviations of the incoming signals from the rated values.

Abstract: An improved vascular catheter having a tubular member of composite structure with a tubular substrate and a resin-impregnated fibrous covering extending over a substantial part of the length thereof. The tubular substrate which is longitudinally flexible but relatively inextendible, is preferably polyimide tubing with a lubricious coating on the inner surface thereof defining an inner lumen. The fibrous covering is preferably epoxy-impregnated aramid or polyester (Dacron) multi-filament fibers. The strands are is snugly wrapped about the tubular substrate and then impregnated with a suitable resin. One or more of the strands in the distal portion are at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tubular substrate between about 20.degree. and about 45.degree. greater than the angle of one or more strands in the proximal portion. Individual strand wraps in the distal portion are at an angle of about 60.degree. to about 85.degree.

Abstract: An infusion pump has a housing for receipt of a syringe, a motor to drive the plunger of the syringe to expel a medicant within the syringe, a computer for controlling the motor and a place to mount the syringe. A bar code reader is mounted adjacent the syringe and the syringe has a pharmacist-applied bar code that programs the computer with the data for the dispensing of the medicant.

Abstract: Septum for implantable devices for dispensing active substances, for example medicaments, to the body of the patient. The septum is inserted as a cover of a medicament chamber into the associated opening by means of one or more clamping members, the septum (22; 36; 10) being formed annularly with part (32) of the apparatus wall disposed within the septum and connected fixedly to the remaining housing (31).

Abstract: A non-rotatable axially translatable anterior guard includes a detachable tab for creating an aperture to exteriorize and expose, upon posterior translation along a single or double ended needle supporting hub, the anterior end of the needle ready for use. Upon anterior translation of the anterior guard, it lockingly engages the hub to retain the needle therein. An aperture extends through the hub, which aperture is uncovered only upon locking engagement of the guard, to provide a visually perceivable unambiguous indication that the guard is locked to envelope the anterior end of the needle after use.