Abstract: A device for holding an IV tube in a pumping apparatus and for selectively occluding the tube when the door of the pumping apparatus is opened, to prevent free flow of fluid in the tube. The device consists of a base member to which the IV tube is attached or through which it passes, and a slide clamp which slides relative to the base member and relative to the tube. The IV tube is passed through an elongated aperture in the slide clamp, and the slide clamp is slidingly mounted on the base member. The aperture in the slide clamp has a relatively open hole at one end, through which the tube passes when the slide clamp is in one position, allowing fluid to flow through the tube. The aperture also has a relatively constricted slot at the other end, through which the tube passes when the slide clamp is in a second position, preventing fluid flow through the tube.

Abstract: An IV infusion method and apparatus includes a plurality of fluid pumps mounted within a portable support housing and coupled to an IV tube. Each separate fluid pump is adapted to deliver fluid at a substantially constant delivery pressure predetermined by the characteristics of the pump. Each fluid pump includes an elastomeric membrane stretched into its region of nonlinear elasticity over a contour surface. Check valves located between the pumps and the IV tube control sequential dispensing of fluids from the pumps. The method and apparatus are especially adapted to a SASH process.

Abstract: A fluid pump for infusing medical fluids to a patient includes a housing having an inlet port and an outlet port. The housing further includes a substantially hemispherically shaped surface which is circumscribed by a periphery. An elastomeric membrane is attached to the periphery of the surface and is stretched over the surface to place the membrane in its region of nonlinear elasticity. With this combination, a potential fluid chamber is established between the surface of the housing and the stretched membrane.In operation, fluid is injected through the inlet port and into the potential chamber between the housing and the elastomeric membrane to fill the chamber with the desired medical fluid. A fluid line is connected to the outlet port of the pump and a flow restrictor is coupled with the fluid line to control the flow of fluid from the chamber. Fluid flows from the chamber as a result of the nonlinear contraction of the elastomer membrane.

Abstract: A peristaltic pumping mechanism comprises a pump housing for holding a peristaltic drive means and adapted to support the drive motor for the peristaltic means. The mechanism further comprises a base member formed with an orifice having a periphery with a plurality of protrusions positioned therealong. The base member receives the housing in the orifice with a lip on the housing resting on the protrusions. The mechanism further comprises a cover which has an edge and a plurality of grips positioned along its edge for insertion between the periphery of the orifice and the lip of the housing to engage the grips with the base member and clampingly hold the housing and its associated peristaltic mechanism between the cover and the base member.