Abstract: A solution administration apparatus for patient care, for use with an associated solution administration system, which apparatus includes a laser drilled orifice flow control device to provide a controlled, predetermined flow rate of solution to the patient. The apparatus includes a tubing set and a laser drilled orifice flow restrictor, formed in a body, and in fluid communication therewith, for use with an associated fluid supply container. The system provides a controlled, predetermined flow rate of solution to the patient which is independent of, and relatively constant over minor variations in solution supply pressure and viscosity.

Abstract: In an apparatus for testing pneumatic flow resistance of a test component, such as an air filter useful in a system for admixing parenteral solutions, a pneumatic bridge has two branches connected, via a filter, a flow restrictor, and a flowmeter, to a source of gas under regulated pressure. Each branch comprises two arms with a centerpoint. The bridge has a pressure transducer connected between the centerpoints and arranged to detect pressure imbalances in the bridge. Each arm comprises a flow restrictor, namely a needle valve, which is calibrated via a vernier head. The valves are adjustable to balance the bridge. In one arm, in which the needle valve can be fully opened, the test component is connectible to constitute a flow restrictor. The transducer produces an output displayed via a digital voltmeter, which may be calibrated.

Abstract: An ambulatory infusion system includes a spring-pressurized reservoir to facilitate portable use of the system. The system includes a liquid-filled flexible container, and a pair of opposed platens between which the flexible container is removably positionable. Energy-storing, clip-like biasing springs act against the platens to urge them toward each other, thereby effecting pressurization of the liquid within the container. A tubing set of the system preferably includes a non-adjustable flow restrictor, which may be sized for relatively low flow rates to permit the system to be used for catheter patency maintenance.

Abstract: A drug infusion manifold that includes a housing defining a plurality of spaced apart fluid chambers that have a closed first end portion and an opposing second end portion. The second end portions of immediately adjacent chambers are in fluid communication through channels extending therebetween. A plurality of spaced apart fluid inlets are formed in the housing in fluid communication with a corresponding fluid chamber. A check valve means is provided in each fluid chamber for directing drugs and/or solutions from the inlets into the chamber and precluding fluid flow from the chamber. An outlet is formed in the housing in direct fluid communication with at least one of the chambers.

Abstract: A drug infusion manifold for controlling the infusion of drugs and/or other solutions into an intravenous patient feed line. The manifold includes a housing defining an elongated in-line flow channel that communicates at one end with a carrier fluid inlet line and at the other end with the patient feed line. A plurality of spaced apart drug inlet openings are formed in the housing in communication with the flow channel. Each of the inlet openings is provided with a check valve assembly that includes a valve member defining an inlet socket portion and a valve stem portion that extends into the flow channel. The valve stem portion has a cylindrical side wall that defines an inlet passage that communicates with the socket portion. A plurality of lateral inlet ports extend through the side wall. An elastic sleeve member is received about the valve stem portion in covering relationship with the inlet ports. The valve stem portion is in-line with the flow of carrier fluid through the flow channel.

Abstract: An improved motorized transfer mechanism for use in a continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis apparatus (CAPD) is provided for automatically transferring a piercing pin from the clamped port of a used container of used dialysis solution to the clamped port of a container of fresh dialysis solution. The transfer mechanism is characterized by a track member extending between opposed aligned port mountings, an upstanding guideway adjacent to each port mounting and a rack formation located midway between the opposite ends of the track member. The rack formation is rotatably engageable with a circular gear sector secured to the spike carrier disposed within the guideways of the track member. The linear movement between the opposed ports of the spike carrier is performed by a motor-driven drive screw.