Abstract: The present application discloses a measurement device incorporating a modular microfluidic system comprising standard modules which can be networked together via standardised connectors in a range of configurations. The measurement device includes a master microfluidic module connectable to an external pressure source, which has a socket for receiving a reagent cartridge, and can be used to drive flow of reagent from the reagent cartridge to an analysis chip. The master microfluidic module also has specialised pressure output and reagent input connectors which can be attached to secondary microfluidic modules, so that the master microfluidic modules can drive reagent from the secondary microfluidic modules to an analysis chip supported on the main microfluidic module. The application also describes a range of specialised cartridge types for use with the measurement device.

Abstract: A tamper-resistant pill bottle for securely storing a quantity of medication. The pill bottle includes a receptacle, a cap for fitting over the receptacle, and a combination lock integral with the cap for releasably locking the cap to the receptacle. The combination lock includes a series of combination wheels that partially protrude through a sidewall of the cap and can be rotatably manipulated by a user. The combination for the combination lock can be set by a user upon receipt of the pill bottle. The pill bottle further includes an inconspicuous defeat mechanism integral with the cap for allowing the pill bottle to be opened, preferably by a pharmacist, if a user forgets the combination of the combination lock.

Abstract: A tamper-resistant pill bottle for securely storing a quantity of medication. The pill bottle includes a receptacle, a cap for fitting over the receptacle, and a combination lock integral with the cap for releasably locking the cap to the receptacle. The combination lock includes a series of combination wheels that partially protrude through a sidewall of the cap and can be rotatably manipulated by a user. The combination for the combination lock can be set by a user upon receipt of the pill bottle. The pill bottle further includes an inconspicuous defeat mechanism integral with the cap for allowing the pill bottle to be opened, preferably by a pharmacist, if a user forgets the combination of the combination lock.

Abstract: An interlock, latching and retaining mechanism for use in an infusion system, embodying a latch arm mounted to a rotatable shaft having a plurality of cams and gears attached thereto, a rectangular faceplate with a plurality of apertures formed therethrough, and a clamp. Rotating the latch arm functions to engage fluid monitoring, flow control and pumping structure of the infusion system with a pumping segment for control of fluid flow through the segment and also causes the clamp to hold the pumping segment in a required position. In another aspect, rotation of the latch arm additionally causes an air-in-line sensor to rotate into position on the pumping segment.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system in which the pressure platen for a fluid conduit is fixedly mounted to the pump and the pumping mechanism is movable in relation to the platen to control the force exerted on the conduit. A mounting system comprising a four-bar linkage retains the movable pumping mechanism in a predetermined orientation to the conduit through the mechanism's range of movement. The pumping mechanism is spring loaded towards the conduit. The peristaltic fingers of the pump mechanism are located in guides with the drive means for those fingers rigidly mounted to that guide. Should the movements of one or more fingers through the respective guide be prevented, the drive means will be stopped from movement and the pumping mechanism will stall rather than back off and allow free flow.

Abstract: An air-in-line sensing apparatus for use with a parenteral fluid administration set to detect the passage of air through a fluid conduit. The apparatus comprises a first housing having a first arcuate section mounting a first transducer adjacent the first arcuate section and a second housing having a second arcuate section mounting a second transducer adjacent the second arcuate section. One housing is independently movable relative to the other housing so that when the movable housing is moved towards the other housing, the first and second arcuate sections capture a length of administration set tubing therebetween providing secure intimate contact therewith. A signal may be generated from one of such transducers, passed through the fluid conduit and received by the other transducer to detect whether the conduit is carrying air.

Abstract: A drive member of a peristaltic pumping mechanism includes a disk that rotates with the drive member and has two transparent sectors and two opaque sectors alternating with the transparent sectors. As a stepper motor rotates the drive member to pump fluid, a single optical sensor senses the disk and provides signals indicative of whether a transparent sector or opaque sector is being detected. A processor counts the number of motor steps in the detected transparent or opaque sector and based on the number of counted steps in a type of sector detected or the number of steps counted when a state change to the other type of sector occurs, determines the motor position. In another aspect, the position disk is integrally formed as a single piece with the cams and cam shaft of a pumping mechanism.