Abstract: The present invention relates to a drip chamber for an intravenous infusion set. The invention also relates to a method of making drip chambers, and further, to an intravenous infusion set including a drip chamber. The invention is provided with a drip chamber comprising a housing defining a chamber to be located in a vertical position and including an inlet at the top and an outlet at the bottom; a first hydrophilic filter covering the outlet effective, when wet, to permit the flow therethrough of a liquid and to block the flow therethrough of air; and a second hydrophilic filter covering the inlet also effective, when wet, to permit the flow therethrough of a liquid and to block the flow therethrough of air.

Abstract: Medical infusion apparatus includes a container for a liquid to be infused, tubing leading from the container to the subject to receive an infusion, a pump for pumping the infusion liquid via the tubing to the subject, and a safety valve connected in the tubing between the pump and the subject. The safety valve is normally closed to prevent free-flow of the liquid from the container, but is automatically opened when a predetermined minimum pressure is applied to the liquid by the pump. The safety valve is also manually deformable to open the valve and to permit priming the apparatus.