Abstract: A drive motor for an infusion pump system includes a novel outer housing which includes a unitary member which defines a cavity adapted to receive a winding wherein the housing cavity has a length at least as long as length of the winding. In one embodiment, the housing unitary member has an opening at one end and is adapted to receive a housing end member which has a guide track for an armature. Such an arrangement facilitates assembly and disassembly of the motor for fabrication, inspection and repair purposes yet also facilitates proper alignment of the components when assembled. In another aspect, a push member positioned to be engaged by the armature has an engagement face which is at least 40% of the width of the armature engagement face. In still another aspect of the present inventions, the armature head portion is wider than the armature stem portion and has a length at least 10% of the winding length.

Abstract: A tube securing mechanism for retaining a resilient tube on a rigid tube connector, for use in a patient breathing circuit of a respirator. In one embodiment of the invention, the tube securing mechanism is a clamp (22) having a circular band (30) with a peripheral break in it, and two integral arcuate portions (32 and 34) hinged to the band and to each other, to form a toggle mechanism by means of which the clamp is opened and closed. A pair of integral teeth (50) on the band and another pair (52) on one of the arcuate portions of the clamp, engage each other to protect the hinges of the clamp from unnecessary stress. In another embodiment of the invention, a tube (10) has two internal annular features (64 and 66) that are complementary to corresponding annular features (60 and 62) on a connector (12'), to hold the tube more securely on the connector.

Abstract: A nebulizer jet (10) having complementary portions (12 and 14) molded as a single part and joined by an integral hinge (16) for ease and precision of assembly. When the complementary portions are folded together about the hinge, they form a nebulizer chamber (22) with a jet inlet port (32), a liquid inlet tube (36), and an outlet port (34). A fractionating ball (40) is also molded integrally with the nebulizer jet, and is folded about another integral hinge (44) and secured in an operative position adjacent to the outlet port.

Abstract: A diaphragm (40) for use in an exhalation valve (20) in a respirator. The diaphragm is tapered in thickness to provide substantially reduced vibration and noise. The diaphragm flexes and peels up from its valve seat (32) to provide the improved operation at low flow rates through the valve.