Abstract: An electronic thermometer has a probe that is used to receive heat from a subject such as a patient for measuring the temperature of the patient. The probe is particularly constructed for simplified, accurate and repeatable assembly of its various component parts.

Abstract: An electronic thermometer is configured for ease and accuracy in construction. A probe of the thermometer includes a flex circuit containing electronic components used to measure temperature and transmit signals to a calculating unit of the thermometer. A locating member supported by the probe can function to pre-position the flex circuit prior to final fixation so that the electronic components are reliably positioned in manufacture.

Abstract: A safety interlock system for a flow control apparatus is disclosed that permits operation when a magnet-less administration feeding set is properly mounted to recess formed along the housing of the flow control apparatus. The administration feeding set comprises flexible patient tubing having a support member at one end and a mounting member including a magnetically-susceptible metallic component at the other end thereof. A sensing arrangement is provided by the flow control apparatus for sensing the proper engagement of the metallic component to the recess of the flow control apparatus. A control means permits operation of the flow control apparatus when the metallic member is properly engaged to recess, while terminating operation when the metallic member is improperly engaged to recess.

Abstract: There is disclosed a flow control apparatus comprising a housing adapted to load an administration feeding set, and a means for driving fluid through the administration feeding set operatively engaged through the housing and adapted to engage tubing of the administration feeding set. A single motor source is operatively engaged to the means for driving fluid, such as a rotor, and adapted to be engaged to a means for controlling fluid flow, such as a valve mechanism. The single motor source is adapted to control operation of the means for driving fluid or the means for controlling fluid flow through a gear arrangement. The gear arrangement is operatively engaged with the single motor source and the means for driving fluid, as well as adapted to operatively engage the means for controlling fluid flow, and is adapted to non-simultaneously operate the means for driving fluid or the means for controlling fluid flow using a microprocessor that controls operation of at least the single motor source.

Abstract: A safety interlock system for a flow control apparatus is disclosed that permits operation when a magnet-less administration feeding set is properly mounted to recess formed along the housing of the flow control apparatus. The administration feeding set comprises flexible patient tubing having a support member at one end and a mounting member including a magnetically-susceptible metallic component at the other end thereof. A sensing arrangement is provided by the flow control apparatus for sensing the proper engagement of the metallic component to the recess of the flow control apparatus. A control means permits operation of the flow control apparatus when the metallic member is properly engaged to recess, while terminating operation when the metallic member is improperly engaged to recess.

Abstract: An administration feeding set adapted to be loaded to a flow control apparatus is disclosed. The administration feeding set comprises tubing adapted suitably for fluid flow, a valve mechanism suitable for loading the administration feeding set to the flow control apparatus, and a mounting member adapted suitably for permitting identification of the functional configuration of the administration feeding set. Also disclosed is a method for administering fluid utilizing the administration feeding set. There are also disclosed novel valve mechanisms.

Abstract: A portable enteral feeding apparatus (20) facilitates ambulatory enteral feeding and prevents damage to an enteral feeding tube during use. The apparatus includes a backpack type enteral feeding support, a soft pouch (38) having a hook and loop surface on the pouch and a rigid spacer (68). The pouch surrounds the fluid container (42), trapping and attaching it to the inside of a backpack using hook and loop system. The soft sided pouch provides easy removal and replacement of a variety of fluid containers in a mobile backpack. The rigid spacer supports the pouch and provides clearance for connection to enteral feeding tubing (32). Shoulder straps (26) substantially immobilize the apparatus relative to a subject. A telescopic enteral feeding tube concealment belt (30) is provided that allows patient mobility while concealing and protecting enteral feeding tubes.