Abstract: A monitor for measuring the flow rate of a fluid medicament is incorporated into an elastomeric tube that will be used to transfer fluid medicament from a supply source to the patient. Structurally, the monitor includes a hollow shell having a flexible membrane that is affixed across the inside the shell to create a fluid tight barrier which bifurcates the shell's interior into a gas enclosure and a liquid pathway. As fluid passes through the liquid pathway from the supply source and on to the patient, movements of the flexible membrane cyclically indicate changes in the volume of the gas enclosure. Volume changes of the gas enclosure are measured by a pressure gage to indicate the flow rate of the fluid medicament.

Abstract: A system for controlling the operations of a computerized device requires a sequence of two-way communications between a user and a computer. These communications both validate and control the operation of the device. A first communication from the user to the computer provides instructions that typically include changes for an operation of the device. In response, the computer requests user validation and identification. A second communication from the computer to the user then provides an operational status report of the system and a request for operational confirmation from the user, together with revalidation of user identification. An operation of the communication system is accomplished by selectively using audio, visual, and tactile signals from the user, interactively with vibrations, light variations, visual presentations and sound sequences from the device.

Abstract: A system for activating a portable infusion pump includes a remote interaction device operated by the user for direct communication with the pump. Upon receipt of an initiate signal from the user, a computer on-board the infusion pump evaluates status metrics from the infusion pump, along with clinical information, to validate the initiate signal. With this validation, the computer identifies an appropriate response for operating the infusion pump. An indicator on the infusion pump then informs the user of the appropriate response for the user to follow for activating the infusion pump.

Abstract: A portable system and method for infusing fluid medicaments to a patient through an elastomeric fluid channel includes an airtight pressure shell for holding a collapsible bag of the fluid medicament to be infused. A pressure sensor connected to the pressure shell monitors decreases below ambient pressure inside the shell to determine when the ambient pressure becomes insufficient to continue assisting the withdrawal of fluid from the collapsible bag, to an external pinch/squeeze unit. At this point, an equilibrator operates to reestablish ambient pressure in the pressure shell for continued operation. In operation, the pinch/squeeze unit exerts radial forces on the elastomeric fluid channel. These forces act to sequentially push fluid medicament for infusion to the patient when the elastomeric fluid channel is occluded and stressed, and draw fluid medicament from the collapsible bag as the elastomeric fluid channel is unstressed.

Abstract: A portable system and method for infusing liquid medicaments to a patient through an elastomeric fluid channel includes an airtight pressure shell for holding a collapsible bag of the fluid medicament to be infused. A pressure sensor connected to the pressure shell monitors decreases below ambient pressure inside the shell to determine when the sub-ambient pressure becomes insufficient to continue assisting the withdrawal of fluid from the collapsible bag to an external pinch/squeeze unit. An equilibration valve is synchronized with the pinch/squeeze unit to reestablish ambient pressure in the pressure shell for continued operation as the pinch/squeeze unit acts to sequentially push liquid medicament for infusion into the patient.

Abstract: A device for infusing a medicament into a patient includes a disposable component having a collapsible reservoir for holding the medicament, a cannula, and an elastomeric tube connected in fluid communication between the reservoir and the cannula. A manipulator is mounted on a chassis for engagement with the elastomeric tube. The manipulator includes a piston and respective pinchers upstream and downstream from the piston for a close/open open/close changeover operation. In concert therewith, the piston cyclically advances and withdraws relative to a platen to thereby alternatingly dilate/constrict the tube section. When the upstream pincher is open, the piston withdraws to create a low fluid pressure, pLo, in the tube section to draw medicament into the tube. Alternately, when the downstream pincher is open, the piston is advanced to create a high fluid pressure, pHi, on the tube to infuse medicament into the patient.