Abstract: A device is disclosed for joining a first layer of material to a second layer of material, the device comprising a handle, a first jaw and a second jaw mounted on the handle, at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw being moveable relative to the other; the first jaw defining therein: a first channel for retaining a wire guide; a second channel extending from the first channel for supporting a suture wire extending from the wire guide; and a passageway for retaining a cutting bar; the second channel being curved to impart a looping configuration to portions of the suture wire passed therethrough; a wire advancing actuator mounted on the handle for moving the suture wire through the second channel and through the first and second layers of material in the looping configuration; and a wire cutting actuator mounted on the handle for moving the cutting bar into cutting engagement with the suture wire, wherein the suture wire in the looping configuration joins the first layer of material to the second laye

Abstract: A device is disclosed for introducing a flexible elongated element through at least two portions of a subject. In an embodiment, the device includes a proximal end and a distal end, as well as an advancement unit for longitudinally advancing the flexible elongated element toward the distal end such that a proximal end of the elongated element may pass from the distal end of said device with sufficient force to pass through the portions of the subject. The device also includes a securing unit for variably adjusting a securing force applied by the flexible elongated element to secure together the portions of the subject.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for introducing a flexible elongated element through at least two portions of a subject. In a preferred embodiment, the device includes a proximal end and a distal end, and an advancement unit for longitudinally advancing the flexible elongated element toward the distal end of the device such that a proximal end of the elongated element may exit from the distal end of the device with sufficient force to pass through the subject. The device also includes a curved die at the distal end of the device for imparting a looping configuration to portions of the flexible elongated element exiting the distal end of the device, and a curved guide at the distal end for receiving the looped flexible elongated element as it returns to the distal end of the device. In a further feature of the invention, a cutting mechanism is provided to permit the looped flexible elongated element to be separated from the remainder of the flexible elongated element.

Abstract: Apparatus for approximating and closing the walls of a hole or puncture in a physiological shell structure which, in one preferred form, comprises a pair of components that manipulate wire suture. The first component, sometimes referred to herein as a suture introducer, locates the edges of the hole and passes wire suture through them. The second component, sometimes referred to herein as a suture tensioner, gathers the free ends of the wire suture and twists them together, which in turn closes the hole. After the wire suture has been twisted sufficiently to effect closure, the excess wire is trimmed away. The apparatus can deploy more than one wire suture at a time if desired. Using self-locating features and tactile feedback, the apparatus is particularly well adapted to access remote surgical sites.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for introducing a flexible elongated element through at least two portions of a subject. In an embodiment, the device includes a proximal end and a distal end, as well as an advancement unit for longitudinally advancing the flexible elongated element toward the distal end such that a proximal end of the elongated element may pass from the distal end of said device with sufficient force to pass through the portions of the subject. The device also includes a securing unit for variably adjusting a securing force applied by the flexible elongated element to secure together the portions of the subject.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for introducing a flexible elongated element through at least two portions of a subject. In an embodiment, the device includes a proximal end and a distal end, as well as an advancement unit for longitudinally advancing the flexible elongated element toward the distal end such that a proximal end of the elongated element may pass from the distal end of said device with sufficient force to pass through the portions of the subject. The device also includes a securing unit for variably adjusting a securing force applied by the flexible elongated element to secure together the portions of the subject.

Abstract: A device is disclosed which provides for direct incorporation of a substance from a separate container, such as a drug vial, into the contents of a liquid delivery device, which has a connecter to provide communication between the device and the container, and means for closing the connection prior to dispensing the contents of the device. A method for permitting a substance in a container to be transferred to a liquid delivery device, and contents of the device to be administered to a patient is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and method for the controlled delivery of fluid. The apparatus comprises chemical reactants which combine to generate gas and create pressure to drive a fluid from a container. The reactants and the environment in which the reaction occurs are controlled, thereby causing the fluid to be delivered from the device at a predetermined flow rate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chemical reactants, compositions, methods to manufacture reactants, and apparatus for the generation of a gas pressure to drive a fluid from an infusion pump at controlled flow rates.

Abstract: We disclose apparatus and methods for delivering for patient infusion or other use two or more fluids either sequentially or simultaneously. The apparatus has a fluid delivery compartment containing a first infusion fluid, a flexible membrane, and an openable bag containing a second infusion fluid. An attached gas reaction compartment contains chemical reactants which, when combined, react to evolve gas. The gas expands a gas expansion chamber causing the membrane to move into the fluid delivery compartment, displacing the first infusion fluid. The membrane eventually contacts and compresses the openable bag. Pressure from the membrane causes the bag to open and discharge its contents out of the infusion device.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing device and the method of dispensing liquid are disclosed. The device includes a hollow gas- and liquid-tight casing, a flexible gas- and liquid-tight membrane having multiple convolutions disposed across the casing interior and dividing the interior into a propellant chamber and a liquid chamber, an outlet port from the liquid chamber. A pressure relief valve, suitable for use with the device, allows gas to escape from the device when the gas pressure exceeds a predetermined level.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing device and the method of dispensing liquid are disclosed. The device is uniquely suited to meet the requirements of hospitals and other institutions for long shelf life in inert condition and ready activation when needed. The device includes a hollow gas- and liquid-tight casing (preferably spherical or cylindrical), a flexible gas- and liquid-tight membrane disposed entirely across the casing interior dividing the interior into a propellant chamber and a liquid chamber; an outlet port from the liquid chamber; two mutually reactive chemicals in the propellant chamber but separated by a barrier; and a member to breach the barrier and permit the chemicals to come into contact; the two chemicals being reactive upon contact to form a propellant gas. The propellant gas thereupon expands against the membrane, moves the membrane to enlarge the propellant chamber, decrease the liquid chamber, and expel the contained liquid from the liquid chamber through the outlet port.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a fluid, comprising a container for holding the fluid to be dispensed and a housing for holding a solid chemical and a liquid chemical which react to generate carbon dioxide gas upon contact, such that the gas is used to drive the fluid out of the container.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing device and the method of dispensing liquid are disclosed. The device is uniquely suited to meet the requirements of hospitals and other institutions for long shelf life in inert condition and ready activation when needed. The device includes a hollow gas- and liquid-tight casing (preferably spherical or cylindrical), a flexible gas- and liquid-tight membrane disposed entirely across the casing interior dividing the interior into a propellant chamber and a liquid chamber; an outlet port from the liquid chamber; two mutually reactive chemicals in the propellant chamber but separated by a barrier; and a member to breach the barrier and permit the chemicals to come into contact; the two chemicals being reactive upon contact to form a propellant gas. The propellant gas thereupon expands against the membrane, moves the membrane to enlarge the propellant chamber, decrease the liquid chamber, and expel the contained liquid from the liquid chamber through the outlet port.

Abstract: A device is disclosed which provides direct and effective incorporation of material (such as medicine) from a separate container into the contents of a liquid dispensing device. The device has a hollow sleeve extending outwardly, an openable closure, a securing member which engages a mating member on the container, and a conduit (such as a needle) to provide fluid communication between the device and the container, with the fluid communication occurring upon attachment of the container to the device. The device can also provide for attaching the separate container to the dispensing device but without initially establishing liquid communication between the two.

Abstract: An infusion system for the delivery of a first continuous flow of a intravenous fluid and second multiple selectable dosages of the fluid from a source to a site comprises a source of intravenous fluid under pressure, a housing having an inlet for connection to the source of fluid and an outlet for connection to a delivery site, a first passage in the housing for conveying a continuous constant low volume of the fluid to the outlet, and a second passage in the housing having an accumulator for accumulating a predetermined fixed charge of fluid and an actuator for selectively releasing the flow of the fluid from the accumulator to the outlet.

Abstract: A liquid infusor apparatus includes an elastic sleeve mounted on an elongated member and within a spherical housing to enable it to expand naturally to maintain a constant pressure over the infusion period. An alternate embodiment includes a holding reservoir that may be pre-filled, and a pressure reservoir that is loaded from the holding reservoir preparatory to infusion.