Abstract: An ambulatory infusion and/or KVO (keep vein open) system (12, 18) has a gas-pressurized bladder arrangement (12) including a gas barrier associated therewith. The system includes a flexible bag of solution (13) inserted in a sleeve portion (36) of the bladder arrangement (12). Internal gas pressure which is developed within the bladder arrangement by a selectively initiated chemical reaction exerts a continuing pressure against the solution bag (13) to cause the solution to flow therefrom. A tubing set (18) of the system includes a flow restrictor (24) which is sized for minimal flow rates for indwelling catheter patency maintenance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for controlling the dispensing of a primary liquid from a pressurized source of primary liquid. Primary liquid is admitted through an inlet valve to a primary chamber having a primary element which is biased toward an initial position but is movable away from the initial position when subjected to the source pressure of the primary liquid. A sensor determines when the primary element has moved away from an initial position to a predetermined final position, and the inlet valve is closed in response thereto. The difference between the initial and final positions defines a predetermined dispensing volume. An outlet valve is opened to dispense the dispensing volume under the biasing force of the primary element which returns to the initial position. A sensor determines when the primary element has returned to the initial position, and the outlet valve is closed in response thereto.

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: A suction drainage control system that reduces an operator's exposure to infectious waste by permitting waste-treating material to be dispersed into a sealed chamber in which the infectious waste is contained. The sealed chamber includes a cover with a flexible liner sealed to and suspended therefrom. A reservoir having a closure is provided inside the sealed chamber for storing the waste-treating material, which reservoir is opened by manipulating the flexible liner to remove the closure.

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 suction drainage control system that reduces an operator's exposure to infectious waste by permitting waste-treating material to be dispersed into a sealed chamber in which the infectious waste is contained. The sealed chamber includes a cover with a flexible liner sealed to and suspended therefrom. A freely movable reservoir is provided inside the sealed chamber for storing the waste-treating material, which reservoir is opened by manipulating the flexible liner to open the reservoir.

Abstract: A catheter adapter of the type wherein compression applied to the catheter provides a retention force thereon and wherein notches are provided on the adapter for wrapping the catheter around the adapter in a manner such that a force applied to the catheter does not constitute a catheter separating force.

Abstract: A catheter assembly with a reciprocable obturator is disclosed which facilitates patency maintenance during intravenous therapy. The assembly includes a catheter having an elongated tubular portion defining a lumen, and an obturator assembly mounted on the catheter. The obturator assembly includes a reciprocable obturator member including an elongated obturator rod telescopically disposed within the catheter lumen. The rod is configured to cooperate with the lumen to inhibit liquid flow into the free end of the catheter. The device can be employed in conjunction with a high molecular weight, viscous fluid, in order to further inhibit ingress of liquid into the catheter.

Abstract: A suction drainage control system wherein waste-treating material is released into a sealed chamber. The chamber comprises of a cover with a flexible liner sealed to and suspended therefrom. A normally closed reservoir is provided on an underside of the cover for storing the waste-treating material therewithin as long as the reservoir remains closed. An externally operated actuator is provided on the cover for opening the reservoir to release the waste-treating material into the sealed chamber.

Abstract: A drug storage and delivery system that includes a drug containing vial assembly, a syringe assembly, and an adapter assembly for attaching the vial assembly to the adapter assembly. The vial assembly includes a vial that is provided with a pierceable stopper and a skirt member that circumscribes the outside of the vial. The syringe assembly includes a cannula extending longitudinally therethrough. The adapter assembly attaches the vial assembly to the syringe assembly in a manner that permits communication between the interior of the vial and the cannula extending through the syringe. The system also permits attachment of the syringe assembly to a container filled with a diluent and means for delivering the diluent into the vial assembly and subsequently directing the mixed solution back into the container.

Abstract: An adapter and retainer for field assembly to the proximal end of a catheter in the form of a plastic clip having a length of flexible tubing mounted thereon into which the end of the catheter is inserted after which two jaws of the clip are locked together to sealingly compress the flexible tubing about the catheter, the catheter also being wrapped one or more times about reel formations provided on the clip and then snapped into retention grooves provided on the clip whereby to absorb any force applied to the catheter which would otherwise tend to separate the catheter from the clip.