Abstract: A pressure compensator for maintaining essentially constant flow rates in an IV system having a source of IV fluid and a controller. The compensator is connectable to the controller and has a housing with a flexible membrane extending transversely therein defining opposite control chambers. One control chamber communicates with the source of IV fluid and also connects the inlet of the flow controller. The second control chamber receives the regulated flow from the control valve. The second control chamber is generally conical or convex sloping to an outlet port which is connected to the tubing line leading to the patient. The outlet from the second chamber is smaller than the inlet to the second chamber and the diaphragm serves to control the flow to the patient compensating for pressure changes such as a change in fluid head. The configuration of the second chamber and the configuratoin of the outlet in the second chamber minimize air entrapment and provide greater flow capacity.

Abstract: A metering apparatus and system for controlling the administration of IV fluids having a valve housing with a valving chamber therein. A rotatable valve body member is positioned within the valve chamber and a valve passageway of variable cross-sectional area is provided at either the chamber or on the valve member. The effective area and length of the valve passageway interposed between the inlet and outlet to the valve is adjustable to regulate flow by moving the valve body relative to the valve member. Various accessories can be selectively attached to the basic valve configuration including a backplate which facilitates single-handed operation and an optional cover plate which may be secured to the backplate to provide security from patient tampering. In a preferred embodiment the valve housing and internal valve members are fabricated from dissimilar plastic materials of different hardness to improve the sealing therebetween.

Abstract: A metering apparatus and system for controlling the administration of IV fluids having a valve housing with a valving chamber therein. A rotatable valve body member is positioned within the valve chamber and a valve passageway of variable cross-sectional area is provided at either the chamber or on the valve member. The effective area and length of the valve passageway interposed between the inlet and outlet to the valve is adjustable to regulate flow by moving the valve body relative to the valve member. Various accessories can be selectively attached to the basic valve configuration including a backplate which facilitates single-handed operation and an optional cover plate which may be secured to the backplate to provide security from patient tempering. In the preferred embodiment the valve housing and internal valve members are fabricated from dissimilar plastic materials of different hardness to improve the sealing therebetween.

Abstract: A metering apparatus and system for controlling the administration of IV fluids having a valve housing with a valving chamber therein. A rotatable valve body member is positioned within the valve chamber and a valve passageway of variable cross-sectional area is provided at either the chamber or on the valve member. The effective area and length of the valve passageway interposed between the inlet and outlet to the valve is adjustable to regulate flow by moving the valve body relative to the valve member. Various accessories can be selectively attached to the basic valve configuration including a backplate which facilitates single-handed operation and an optional cover plate which may be secured to the backplate to provide security from patient tampering. In the preferred embodiment the valve housing and internal valve members are fabricated from dissimilar plastic materials of different hardness to improve the sealing therebetween.

Abstract: A metering apparatus and system for controlling the administraton IV fluids having a valve housing with a valving chamber therein. A rotatable valve body member is positioned wihtin the valve chamber and a valve passageway of variable cross-sectional area is provided at either the chamber or on the vlave member. The effective area and length of the valve passageway interposed between the inlet and outlet to the valve is adjustable to regulate flow by moving the valve body relative to the valve member. Various accessories can be selectively attached to the basic valve configuration including a backplate which facilitates single-handed operation and an optional cover plate which may be secured to the backplate to provide security from patient tampering. In the preferred embodiment the valve housing and internal valve members are fabricated from dissimilar plastic materials of different hardness to improve the sealing therebetween.

Abstract: A metering apparatus and system for controlling the administration of IV fluids having a valve housing with a valving chamber therein. A rotatable valve body member is positioned within the valve chamber and a valve passageway of variable cross-sectional area is provided at either the chamber or on the valve member. The effective area and length of the valve passageway interposed between the inlet and outlet to the valve is adjustable to regulate flow by moving the valve body relative to the valve member. Various accessories can be selectively attached to the basic valve configuration including a backplate which facilitates single-handed operation and an optional cover plate which may be secured to the backplate to provide security from patient tampering. In the preferred embodiment the valve housing and internal valve members are fabricated from dissimilar plastic materials of different hardness to improve the sealing therebetween.

Abstract: A metering apparatus and system for controlling the administration of intravenous fluids (IV) having a flow passage within a housing connectable to a source of IV fluid and to a delivery tube terminating at an administration needle. In the metering apparatus, a metering pin is axially moveable within the passage and relative to a valve seat and defines a flow passageway and a variable area flow notch which are positionable relative to the valve seat to regulate flow from a purge to a flow blocking position. In the preferred embodiment, positioning of the metering pin is accomplished by a cam engaging a portion of the pin forming a cam follower. The cam is manually adjustable by a dial on the device to accomplish accurate, repeatable and continuous flow adjustment over the full range. The system incorporates the metering apparatus, a source of IV fluid, a drip chamber and administration means.

Abstract: A metering apparatus for controlling the administration of intravenous fluids (IV) having a flow passage within a housing connectable to a source of IV fluid and to a delivery tube terminating at an administration needle. The flow passageway incorporates a valve seat. A metering pin is axially moveable within the passage and relative to the valve seat. The metering pin defines a flow passageway and a variable area flow notch which are positionable relative to the valve seat to regulate flow from a purge to a flow blocking position. In the preferred embodiment, positioning of the metering pin is accomplished by a cam engaging a portion of the pin forming a cam follower. The cam is manually adjustable by a dial on the device to accomplish accurate, repeatable and continuous flow adjustment over the full range. In other embodiments, the pin may be adjusted relative to the valve seat by a rack and pinion arrangement and other mechanical equivalents.