Abstract: A priming indicator for a fluid infusion system includes a luer cap or other component of the infusion system having an indicator surface covered by a membrane. The membrane exhibits a first visual characteristic, such as being opaque, when dry and exhibits a second characteristic, such as becoming less opaque, when wet. Once the membrane becomes wet, indicia on the surface, which may be provided on a rod at least partially covered by the membrane, becomes visible, thereby indicating an intravenous tube to which the luer cap is secured has been primed or is nearly primed. The indicator may alternately be employed at an upstream end of an infusion set, such as at the port of a medical bag providing a supply of fluid, to indicate a low level of fluid in the medical bag.

Abstract: A priming indicator for a fluid infusion system includes a luer cap or other component of the infusion system having an indicator surface covered by a membrane. The membrane exhibits a first visual characteristic, such as being opaque, when dry and exhibits a second characteristic, such as becoming less opaque, when wet. Once the membrane becomes wet, indicia on the surface, which may be provided on a rod at least partially covered by the membrane, becomes visible, thereby indicating an intravenous tube to which the luer cap is secured has been primed or is nearly primed. The indicator may alternately be employed at an upstream end of an infusion set, such as at the port of a medical bag providing a supply of fluid, to indicate a low level of fluid in the medical bag.

Abstract: A priming indicator for a fluid infusion system includes a luer cap or other component of the infusion system having an indicator surface covered by a membrane. The membrane exhibits a first visual characteristic, such as being opaque, when dry and exhibits a second characteristic, such as becoming less opaque, when wet. Once the membrane becomes wet, indicia on the surface, which may be provided on a rod at least partially covered by the membrane, becomes visible, thereby indicating an intravenous tube to which the luer cap is secured has been primed or is nearly primed. The indicator may alternately be employed at an upstream end of an infusion set, such as at the port of a medical bag providing a supply of fluid, to indicate a low level of fluid in the medical bag.

Abstract: An improved ambulatory infusion device for dispensing a fluid into a patient includes a flexible bladder enclosure including a sheath of flexible material having a first open end a closed second end. The first open end of the sheath is affixed to a rigid closure, and a bladder support is secured in fixed position relative to the closure. An elastic bladder is mounted on the bladder support and positioned inside the sheath for holding fluid to be dispensed. The closed second end of the sheath is free to conform to the body of the patient so that the device is comfortable when worn. In other aspects, a flow restrictor and a pressure regulator are provided.

Abstract: The current invention provides methods and pharmaceutical formulations that are useful for inhibiting the loss of bone. These methods and formulations can be used without the associated adverse effects of estrogen therapy, and thus serve as an effective and acceptable treatment for osteoporosis.

Abstract: An improved ambulatory infusion device for dispensing a fluid into a patient includes a flexible bladder enclosure having a first open end a closed second end. The closed second end of the sheath is free to conform to the body of the patient so that the device is comfortable when worn. In other aspects, a pressure regulator of the device is adapted to maintain the outlet pressure within a predetermined range of pressures so that the fluid flow rate is substantially constant during fluid flow. A flow restrictor of the device is formed of flexible tubing. An ambulatory infusion device for dispensing a fluid at a predetermined fluid flow rate includes an elastic bladder having an interior volume for storing the fluid under pressure and an opening for dispensing the fluid. A pressure regulator is in fluid communication with the opening of the bladder and includes an inlet for receiving fluid from the bladder at an inlet pressure and an outlet for discharging the fluid at a predetermined outlet pressure.

Abstract: An improved ambulatory infusion device for dispensing a fluid into a patient includes a flexible bladder enclosure including a sheath of flexible material having a first open end a closed second end. The first open end of the sheath is affixed to a rigid closure, and a bladder support is secured in fixed position relative to the closure. An elastic bladder is mounted on the bladder support and positioned inside the sheath for holding fluid to be dispensed. The closed second end of the sheath is free to conform to the body of the patient so that the device is comfortable when worn. In other aspects, a flow restrictor and a pressure regulator are provided.

Abstract: An improved ambulatory infusion device for dispensing a fluid into a patient includes a flexible bladder enclosure having a first open end a closed second end. The closed second end of the sheath is free to conform to the body of the patient so that the device is comfortable when worn. In other aspects, a pressure regulator of the device is adapted to maintain the outlet pressure within a predetermined range of pressures so that the fluid flow rate is substantially constant during fluid flow. A flow restrictor of the device is formed of flexible tubing.