Abstract: The present invention relates to an anti-free-flow valve to prevent fluid free-flow through a tube assembly having a lumen. The valve device comprises a body disposed inside the lumen having a cylindrical portion formed adjacent a tapered portion, the cylindrical portion includes an opening and the tapered portion has a pair of beveled surfaces with ends that form a slit therebetween. The slit communicates with the opening through a passage formed through the body of the valve device. When the tube assembly is in a relaxed condition, the ends of the beveled surfaces confront one another and place the slit in the closed position which prevents fluid flow through the passage of the body and through the valve device.

Abstract: The present invention relates an anti-free flow valve for a fluid administration systems having a tube assembly with a lumen formed through therethrough coupled to a pump. The anti-free flow valve comprises a body including a cylindrical portion having an opening and a tapered portion which has opposing beveled surfaces with ends that form a slit bounded by side walls. The opening communicates with the slit through a passage formed through the body which is adapted to receive the tube assembly therethrough. Fluid free flow through the tube assembly is prevented by the slit being placed in the closed position when the ends of the opposing beveled surfaces are urged together when the tube assembly is in a relaxed condition. However, when a tensile force is applied along the tube assembly the inner diameter of the lumen decreases which urges the ends of the opposing beveled surfaces away from one another and places the slit in the open position, thereby permitting fluid flow through the body.

Abstract: A shim device is provided for use with a low profile gastrostomy device having a gastrostomy tube fitted in a mature stoma and held in place between an internal retention mechanism disposed within a visceral organ of a patient and an external retention mechanism seated on the outer abdominal wall of a patient. Further, the shim device provides an adjustable shim body which is inserted between the external retention mechanism and the patient for accommodating the gradual growth of the patient during convalescence. The shim device also operates to evenly distribute the weight of the low profile gastrostomy device over a patient's outer body.

Abstract: A valve device is disclosed which is incorporated into the lower portion of a drip chamber for preventing the free flow of fluid through a tube assembly when the tube assembly is disengaged from a pump of a fluid administration system, while permitting fluid flow when the tube assembly is engaged around a rotor of the pump. The valve device comprises a valve body having a top component sealingly engaged with a bottom component. The top component is integrally formed with the lower portion of the drip chamber and defines a plurality of axial fluid passageways formed around a stationary plunger which seals against a opening formed at the upper portion of the bottom component. The opening is in communication with a lumen that extends into a hollow tube assembly which is attached to the bottom component of the valve body.