Abstract: An apparatus and method for volumetric micro-liter infusion of therapeutic liquids are disclosed. This portable pump system remains unobtrusive and less restrictive of patient ambulation and orientation. The present invention includes expendables, the disposability of which facilitates safe reuse of more expensive portions and is sufficiently simple for use in a home care environment. It may be designed to incorporate real-time, interactive or remote monitoring and regulation and visual or audible indication of system pressures, chemical balances and other important variables.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for volumetric micro-liter infusion of therapeutic liquids. This portable pump system remains unobtrusive and less restrictive of patient ambulation and orientation. The present invention includes expendables, the disposability of which facilitates safe reuse of more expensive portions and is sufficiently simple for use in a home care environment. It may be designed to incorporate real-time, interactive or remote monitoring and regulation and visual or audible indication of system pressures, chemical balances and other important variables.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for volumetric micro-liter infusion of therapeutic liquids. This portable pump system remains unobtrusive and less restrictive of patient ambulation and orientation. The present invention includes expendables, the disposability of which facilitates safe reuse of more expensive portions and is sufficiently simple for use in a home care environment. It may be designed to incorporate real-time, interactive or remote monitoring and regulation and visual or audible indication of system pressures, chemical balances and other important variables.

Abstract: A pump assembly for ambulatory peritoneal dialysis transfer procedures includes a portable power supply geared to drive a high-volume peristaltic pump. A cassette of the pump comprises an encasement; tubing including an inner portion positioned within the encasement, a patient-side portion for connection to an indwelling peritoneal dialysis catheter and an opposing portion connectable to a system for containment and communication of a peritoneal dialysis solution which may be one single-compartment bag assembly; a safety valve for selectively occluding and permitting the communication of the solution through the inner portion; and a filter preferably interposed along the patient-side portion which filters air and particles from peritoneal dialysate that is flowing toward a patient and which allows peritoneal dialysate to flow substantially freely and unfiltered away from the patient.

Abstract: A pump assembly for ambulatory peritoneal dialysis transfer procedures includes a portable power supply geared to drive a high-volume peristaltic pump. A cassette of the pump comprises an encasement; tubing including an inner portion positioned within the encasement, a patient-side portion for connection to an indwelling peritoneal dialysis catheter and an opposing portion connectable to a system for containment and communication of a peritoneal dialysis solution which may be one single-compartment bag assembly; a safety valve for selectively occluding and permitting the communication of the solution through the inner portion; and a filter preferably interposed along the patient-side portion which filters air and particles from peritoneal dialysate that is flowing toward a patient and which allows peritoneal dialysate to flow substantially freely and unfiltered away from the patient.

Abstract: A system for transporting by gravity a single-file series of elongate, tapered articles along an inclined transport path for distribution into receiving slots. The system includes a hopper for holding a supply of the articles and a pair of adjacently parallel rotating cylinders for holding the articles in suspended, sliding contact therebetween. A cleated conveyor belt carries the articles from the bottom of the hopper to a point above the cylinders and drops them onto said cylinders. The base of the hopper defines an inclined movement path to thereby convey articles which might fall from the cylinders back to the conveyor belt. The articles are thus fed by the conveyor onto the cylinders and slide along the gap therebetween to an end location. A series of three gates manipulates the articles one at a time to drop in a vertical orientation into an array of narrowly-tailored receiving slots in a packing rack.

Abstract: A surgical laser smoke evacuation system includes a sensor positioned at the surgical site to determine the need for evacuation. A vacuum pump draws smoke from the site through a system of conduits, including an in line filter. The filter tends to become clogged over time. A sensor determines changes in the pressure drop across the filter, and is connected to a control mechanism which adjusts the speed of the vacuum pump to maintain an approximately constant flow across the filter.