Abstract: A certification cassette for testing a pumping apparatus including at least one identification reader. The cassette comprises a housing configured for releasable attachment to the pumping apparatus in an aligned position. A space defined within the housing is configured to receive a rotor of the pumping apparatus therein when the housing is in the aligned position. The space is free of fluid carrying conduits disposed for engaging the rotor. An identification member is positioned in the housing. The identification member is operable to induce an expected identification reader response when the identification reader is functioning properly. The cassette is arranged to operatively align the identification member with the identification reader when the housing is in the aligned position.

Abstract: A temperature-sensing syringe for enteral feeding of neonates includes a barrel for receiving enteral feeding liquid for a neonate, and a temperature-sensing component in thermal contact with the barrel. The temperature-sensing component detects the temperature of the enteral feeding liquid in the barrel of the syringe. The temperature sensing component provides an indication that the enteral feeding liquid is ready for feeding when the enteral feeding liquid is detected to be at about normal body temperature.

Abstract: An enteral feeding bag support system for use in a medical environment to suspend a medical bag above a surface includes a base including a support portion for supporting the support on the support surface, and an attachment portion for removably attaching a medical device to the support. A pole assembly includes a medical bag attachment portion for attaching a medical bag to the pole assembly. The pole assembly is attachable to the base such that when the pole assembly is attached to the base and the base is on the support surface, the pole assembly extends from the base so that the medical bag attachment portion is disposed above the base suspending the medical bag above the support surface.

Abstract: A certification cassette for testing a pumping apparatus including at least one identification reader. The cassette comprises a housing configured for releasable attachment to the pumping apparatus in an aligned position. A space defined within the housing is configured to receive a rotor of the pumping apparatus therein when the housing is in the aligned position. The space is free of fluid carrying conduits disposed for engaging the rotor. An identification member is positioned in the housing. The identification member is operable to induce an expected identification reader response when the identification reader is functioning properly. The cassette is arranged to operatively align the identification member with the identification reader when the housing is in the aligned position.

Abstract: A medical device supporting apparatus for use in a medical environment to releasably secure a medical device to a support structure, the medical device supporting apparatus having a base member configured to releasably mount the medical device supporting apparatus on the support structure; and a medical device mounting assembly including a base attachment portion and a device attachment portion connected to the base attachment portion, and further including a connection mechanism mounting the base attachment portion on the base member for rotation about a roll axis relative to the base member whereby the medical device mounting assembly can hold the medical device at different selected angles about the roll axis with respect to the base member, the device attachment portion being constructed for translational, sliding reception of the medical device into mounting engagement with the device attachment portion. The medical device supporting apparatus also can have a tube holder.

Abstract: A wireless relay module for networked communications between a series of medical devices and a remote monitoring device. An interface circuit coupled to each medical device communicates with the wireless relay module via a wireless relay network. The relay module communicates with the remote monitoring device over one or more internet-accessible wireless communication networks, and includes a receiver coupled to the wireless relay network, transmitter(s) for the wireless relay network or other wireless relay networks, other transmitters for the one or more Internet-accessible wireless communications networks; and a controller. The controller determines a status of the one or more internet-accessible wireless communications networks. When the status indicates that at least one of the internet-accessible wireless communications network is available, the appropriate transmitter is selected for the transmitting medical device data over the available internet-accessible wireless communications networks.

Abstract: A safety interlock for use in a medical device having a control system for controlling operation of the medical device includes a central tubular portion defining a fluid passage for passing fluid through the safety interlock. An outer ring portion is adapted for mounting the safety interlock in the medical device. A spoked connector portion connects the central tubular portion to the outer ring portion so that the outer ring portion is spaced radially outwardly from the central tubular portion in opposed relation with at least a portion of the central tubular portion. The safety interlock is adapted for mounting in the medical device in a path of electromagnetic radiation from a source of electromagnetic radiation such that the central tubular portion reflects the electromagnetic radiation to a electromagnetic radiation detector when properly loaded on the medical device.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus of the present invention is used in a medical environment to releasably secure a device to a support member. The mounting apparatus has a flexible shaft with a first end for releasable attachment to the support member and a second end for releasable attachment to the device. A generally C-shaped clamping member at the first end releasably attaches the apparatus to the support member. The clamping member has an inner surface, an outer surface, and at least two apertures including a first aperture through which a securing rod passes and a second aperture for releasable attachment of the flexible shaft. The present invention is also directed to a powered medical device assembly having a medical device and a flexible shaft capable of selective mounting of the medical device on a support.

Abstract: A needle assembly is able to collect a sample of biological material in a needle of the assembly. The needle assembly has a safety shield capable of being moved on the needle assembly to cover a sharp tip of the needle assembly. The shield can be locked in place over the sharp tip by a locking mechanism. The assembly further includes an obturator that can be inserted into the needle to remove the sample from the needle. A reset member, which in some embodiments is associated with the obturator, is capable of operatively engaging the locking mechanism to release the locking mechanism and allow the shield to be moved away from the sharp tip.

Abstract: An enteral feeding pump and feeding set for use to deliver a supply of liquid to a patient. The feeding set has a conduit for the nutrient liquid and a safety interlock device associated with the conduit. The enteral feeding pump has a pumping device and a control system for controlling operation of the pump. An electromagnetic radiation source operatively connected to the control system of the enteral feeding pump emits an electromagnetic radiation signal in a direction for striking the safety interlock device of the feeding set. The safety interlock device is adapted to affect the direction of the electromagnetic radiation. An electromagnetic radiation detector is operatively connected to the control system for receiving the electromagnetic radiation signal when the direction is affected by the safety interlock device, and provides an indication to the control system that the feeding set conduit is properly positioned in the enteral feeding pump.

Abstract: A pumping apparatus and pump set for use to deliver a supply of liquid to a patient. The feeding set has a conduit for the nutrient liquid and a safety interlock device associated with the conduit. The pumping apparatus has a pumping device and a control system for controlling operation of the pump. An electromagnetic radiation source is operatively connected to the control system of the pump for emitting an electromagnetic radiation signal in a direction for striking the safety interlock device of the feeding set. The safety interlock device being adapted to affect the direction of the electromagnetic radiation. An electromagnetic radiation detector is operatively connected to the control system for receiving the electromagnetic radiation signal when the direction is affected by the safety interlock device, and provides an indication to the control system that the feeding set conduit is properly positioned in the feeding pump.

Abstract: A method of using a pump set on a pump to deliver a supply of liquid to a patient. The pumping apparatus has a control system for controlling operation of the pump. An electromagnetic radiation source is controlled by the control system to emit an electromagnetic radiation signal in a direction for striking a safety interlock device associated with the pump set. The safety interlock device affects the direction of the electromagnetic radiation. An electromagnetic radiation detector is operatively connected to the control system for receiving the electromagnetic radiation signal when the direction is affected by the safety interlock device, and provides an indication to the control system that the pump set conduit is properly positioned in the pump. The pump is controlled to pump liquid in the pump set only when electromagnetic radiation emitted from the first source is detected by the first detector.

Abstract: A pump set for use with a pump to deliver a supply of liquid to a patient. The feeding set has a conduit for the nutrient liquid and a safety interlock device associated with the conduit. The pumping apparatus has a pumping device and a control system for controlling operation of the pump. An electromagnetic radiation source is operatively connected to the control system of the pump for emitting an electromagnetic radiation signal in a direction for striking the safety interlock device of the feeding set. The safety interlock device is adapted to affect the direction of the electromagnetic radiation. An electromagnetic radiation detector is operatively connected to the control system for receiving the electromagnetic radiation signal when the direction is affected by the safety interlock device, and providing an indication to the control system that the feeding set conduit is properly positioned in the feeding pump.

Abstract: A pumping apparatus for administering fluids to a patient. The pump apparatus includes a pump, a controller, and a user interface operatively connected to the controller having a plurality of push buttons for providing inputs to the controller when the push buttons are depressed in an unlock state of the pump. At least some of the inputs are capable of causing the controller to change operation of the pump. At least one of the plurality of push buttons has multiple functionality and is operable when depressed and released in the unlock state of the pump to provide an input for use in affecting the operation of the controller. The one push button is operable when depressed and held in a depressed position for a predetermined time interval in the unlock state of the pump to initiate a lockout state of the pump.

Abstract: An administration feeding set for use with a flow control apparatus to deliver fluid from at least one fluid source to a patient. The feeding set includes tubing adapted to extend from the fluid source for flow of fluid through the tubing from the fluid source toward a patient. A locating finger projects outwardly from the tubing and is positioned on the tubing so that when received on the flow control apparatus in an operating position the finger permits a locating member of the flow control apparatus to close. However, when the tubing is received on the flow control apparatus in a non-operating position the finger does not permit the locating member to close thereby to verify whether the tubing is in the operating position on the flow control apparatus.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus (3) of the present invention is used in a medical environment to releasably secure a device (5) to a support member (S; R; PS). The mounting apparatus (3) has a flexible shaft (43; 125; 139; 279) with a first end (45; -; -; 275) for releasable attachment to the support member (S; R; PS) and a second end (47; 131; -; -) for releasable attachment to the device (5). A generally C-shaped clamping member (41; 217; 273) at the first end (45; -; -; 275) releasably attaches the apparatus (3) to the support member (S; R; PS). The clamping member (41; 217; 273) has an inner surface (161; -; 317), an outer surface (165; 225; 301), and at least two apertures including a first aperture (177, 199; -; -) through which a securing rod (51) passes and a second aperture (179; -; 315) for releasable attachment of the flexible shaft (43; 125; 139; 279).

Abstract: An expandable cash box system for storing bills including a chassis housing attachable to a bill validator and having an open end adapted to receive bills from the validator and a sliding enclosure housing disposed in telescopic relation to the chassis housing. A spring-loaded compressor plate is provided within the two housings and a control system between the two telescoping housing determines the expansion as bills are received by the cash box. The control system may include interengaging resilient members and a set of grooves receiving the resilient members and a guidance system facilitates the alignment of the two housings.