Abstract: A thermal processor and method for using the same which is particularly useful for developing a sheet of imaging material, such as photothermographic film. The thermal processor includes means for transporting the imaging material through the apparatus. The thermal processor also includes means for heating the imaging material to develop the image in the imaging material. The thermal processor also includes a fog reduction system which removes a gaseous by-product emitted from the imaging material which may cause fogging of the image as the image is developed on the imaging material.

Abstract: A thermal processor particularly useful for developing a sheet of imaging material, such as photothermographic film. A thermal processor useful for thermally developing an image in an imaging material. At least a first roller and a second roller are positioned to contact the imaging material when the imaging material is transported into the thermal processor. A first heating means includes first and second curved, heated portions which wrap around a first circumferential portion of the first roller and the second roller to heat these rollers.

Abstract: A thermal processor and method for using the same which is particularly useful for developing a sheet of imaging material, such as photothermographic film. The thermal processor including means for heating the imaging material which include a plurality of heated surfaces within the thermal processor. The thermal processor also includes means for transporting the imaging material through the thermal processor and means for bending the imaging material a plurality of times to have a plurality of curvatures and for positioning the imaging material adjacent to the plurality of heated surfaces when the imaging material is heated by the heating means.

Abstract: An article for cooling an imaging material which has been heated to a first temperature by a thermal processor. The article includes a first cooling section on which the imaging material rides after the imaging material exits the thermal processor. The first cooling section is at a lower temperature than the first temperature. The first cooling section has a curved shape such that the imaging material is curved when riding on and being cooled by the first cooling section.

Abstract: A free flow prevention system for preventing undesired free flow of fluid through IV tubing of the type used in an infusion pump. The system comprises a spring clip having a base and a spring arm defining a channel adapted to receive the IV tubing. The spring arm is resiliently biased to a closed position in which the IV tubing is squeezed by the spring clip to close the lumen to prevent fluid flow, and the spring arm is movable against the bias to an open position wherein the lumen of the IV tubing is allowed to open to allow flow. The system also includes a clip-opening pin in the infusion pump for moving the spring arm of the clip from its closed position to the open position.

Abstract: A system for interlocking a plurality of modules, such as medical instrument modules (e.g., infusion pumps), in side-by-side relationship such that not more than one module can be mounted on each side of a center module. The modules are interchangeable in that any module of the system can be a center module or a side module. In the preferred embodiment, latching arms on a module are automatically moved as the module is mounted on a pole stand to allow other "side" modules to be mounted on that "center" module. The latching arms of the "side" modules prevent additional modules from being mounted on the side modules. Other embodiments are described as well.

Abstract: An infusion pump for regulating fluid flow through the flow path of an IV tubing set for intravenous administration to a patient. The pumping mechanism of the infusion pump comprises a reversible motor having a drive shaft with a wheel mounted thereon. A valve is provided which is adapted for reversibly closing the flow path through the IV tubing set, and a swing arm is provided. The swing arm has a wheel-engaging portion adapted for engaging the wheel, and an actuator portion operatively linked with the valve to actuate the valve. The arrangement is such that, when the motor is turning the drive shaft in a first direction, the swing arm is moved towards a first position where the actuator portion allows the valve to move to its open position to open the flow path. When the motor is reversed to turn the drive shaft in a second direction opposite the first direction, the swing arm is moved to a second position where the actuator portion moves the valve to its closed position to close the flow path.

Abstract: An infusion pump for regulating the administration of intravenous fluids to a patient. The infusion pump includes a pump housing for holding the pumping mechanism, and a door for holding the IV tubing set in operably position relative to the pumping mechanism. The upper surface of the pump housing has a notch formed therein, and the upper surface of the door is positioned under the notch when the door is closed. The notch is sized and shaped so as to closely grip the IV tubing assembly around a portion of its circumference, so that liquid dripping down along the exterior of the IV tubing set from above the notch tends to be shunted away from the IV tubing. Liquid dripping through the notch tends is diverted onto the upper surface of the door and away from the pumping mechanism.

Abstract: A stapler for applying a staple to join living tissue, a major portion or all of which stapler can be made as a unitary molding. The stapler comprises a body adapted to support the staple adjacent an anvil, and a ram adapted to close the staple around the anvil slidably mounted on the body. A single toggle joint linkage between the body and ram can be squeezed toward the body to bend the toggle joint linkage about axes parallel to the side surface of the staple and move the ram so that the staple is closed.