Abstract: The present invention provides an improved cannula that can be used to reconstitute powdered drugs in a drug delivery system. Furthermore, the present invention provides a cannula and drug delivery system incorporating same. To this end, the present invention provides a cannula structure for use in a reconstitution device for reconstituting a powdered drug comprising a cannula having a first end and a second end, and defining a channel in an interior thereof between the first and second ends. The first end is closed and includes a member for piercing a septum. The cannula includes at least two slots providing fluid communication between the channel and an exterior of the cannula. The slots are located in juxtaposition to the first end and have a width, as measured along a length of the cannula, that is less than a length, as measured around the cannula. The slots also have a minimum projected area equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area of the channel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for automatically reconstituting a drug in-line and delivering the drug to a patient. Pursuant to the present invention, a system is provided that allows fluid entry into a vial, that houses the drug to be reconstituted, with concurrent air elimination. Mixing via different fluid entry levels is provided. Due to the unique fluid flow path of the present invention reconstitution of the drug is ensured. The system, method, and apparatus of the present invention can be utilized with a computer controlled pump. When so utilized, a completely automated procedure can be achieved.

Abstract: An intravenous metering device is provided which includes an air retention chamber in downstream fluid communication with a source of fluid and in upstream fluid communication with a pumping chamber. A first valve is provided between the air retention chamber and the pumping chamber to control access to the pumping chamber. A second valve is provided to control the exit of fluid from the pumping chamber. The valves include a shared diaphragm portion.

Abstract: A two piece roller clamp is disclosed for regulating the fluid flow rate through plastic tubing by defining the size of the tubing lumen. The clamp includes a U-shaped body with a base and two side walls and a longitudinally movable roller mounted in tracks formed in the side walls. The roller is biased against a roller bearing surface running along the length of the base. Adjacent to the roller bearing surface is a tube compression slot having a lower wall uniformly spaced below the roller. A channel of varying cross-section is provided in the lower wall of the tube compression slot. The roller exerts a uniform, but minimal force on the tubing compressing it against the lower wall of the slot permitting the formation of a lumen defined by the contours of the channel.

Abstract: A fluid filter is disclosed for use in filtering intravenous fluids as they are administered to a patient. The unique filter employs a normally hydrophobic (water-repellent) depth-type filter element, which has a sufficiently large pore size and volume of pores to permit an adequate gravitational flow of intravenous fluid from an elevated reservoir. Particulate matter is filtered out by the tortuous passageways in the filter element, through which liquid must pass. Due to the relatively large pore size (20 microns or larger) of the filter element, in combination with the normal hydrophobic property, any gas entrained in the liquid also passes through the filter element and does not accumulate on the filter surface to block flow therethrough--so called "air blocking".