Abstract: A medical probe having a handle with an end cap mounted at the proximal end of the handle for urging ejector wires through the handle and out of the distal end of the handle to push off a probe cover frictionally secured to the probe and overlying a probe shaft. The retention device to retain the probe cover on the probe comprises a lip that forces the probe cover into a different shape. The probe shaft is secured to the handle and is slidable axially within the handle and is urged into a fully extended position by a coil spring mounted in the handle. A cable runs through the end cap for connecting the sensor located in the probe to a measurement and display device, such as a thermometer. The end cap has a radius that assists in relieving stress on the cable.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for non-invasively monitoring a subject's blood pressure, in which a pressure sensor assembly that includes a pressure transducer is compressed against tissue overlying an artery, with sufficient force to compress the artery. A motor first servo control system optimizes the amount of artery compression, which occurs at a mean transmural pressure of about zero, by modulating one side of a lever arm compressing the assembly against the tissue, creating a pressure signal indicative of transmural pressure. Since different pressure effects are realized according to the amount of artery compression, an appropriate control signal can be produced that provides for a second motor to adjust the other side of the lever arm to provide the optimum compression of the assembly into the tissue overlying the artery. The apparatus is optimally positioned over an artery by including an ultrasonic blood flow sensor configured to sense the flow of blood under the pressure transducer.

Abstract: An IV fluid delivery system for use with a resilient, deformable tube, wherein a mechanism is provided to deform and occlude said tube by a plurality of fingers, as well as, to restore the cross-sectional area of said tube by those fingers, so as to improve the accuracy, consistency, and predictability of flow through the tube.

Abstract: An IV pump for delivering fluid through a resilient, deformable tube to improve the accuracy, consistency, and predictability of flow through the tube, wherein a plurality of pinching fingers occlude the tube against a flat portion of a pressure pad, and a plurality of pumping fingers interspaced between said pinching fingers deform the tube (without occluding it) from different directions against a V-shaped portion of the pressure pad to pump the fluid downstream as well as to urge the tube to restore its cross-sectional area.

Abstract: An IV fluid delivery system for use with a resilient, deformable tube, wherein a mechanism is provided to restore the cross-sectional shape of the tube after it has been deformed by a plurality of pinchers, so as to improve the accuracy, consistency, reliability and predictability of flow through the tube.

Abstract: A plunger driver system which engages a plurality of different sizes of syringes. A pushing surface includes a detector to determine syringe plunger presence. In the event that the plunger is not present and the pump is operating, a processor provides an alarm and may stop the pump motor. Arms retain the plunger flange in a fixed position in relation to the plunger driver. The arms have anti-siphon flanges to prevent too rapid movement of the plunger into the syringe barrel. A shelf for opposing downward movement of the syringe plunger and a ramp to guide the syringe plunger into position in relation to the plunger driver are included in the plunger driver. A cradle for containing all sizes of syringe barrels yet aligning the syringes with the plunger driver is included with a clamp to hold the syringe barrel in position in the cradle. The detector button includes a bevel at its top edge to facilitate loading the plunger in the driver.

Abstract: An IV pump for delivering fluid through a resilient, deformable tube to improve the accuracy, consistency, and predictability of flow through the tube, wherein a plurality of pinching fingers occlude the tube against a flat portion of a pressure pad, and a plurality of pumping fingers interspaced between said pinching fingers deform the tube (without occluding it) from different directions against a V-shaped portion of the pressure pad to pump the fluid downstream as well as to urge the tube to restore its cross-sectional area.

Abstract: An IV fluid delivery system for use with a resilient, deformable tube, wherein a mechanism is provided to deform and occlude said tube by a plurality of fingers, as well as, to restore the cross-sectional area of said tube by those fingers, so as to improve the accuracy, consistency, and predictability of flow through the tube.

Abstract: An IV fluid delivery system for use in connection with a resilient, deformable tube, wherein pinching fingers occlude the tube and pumping fingers deform the tube (without occluding it) against a first pressure pad or support means in a pumping action, while restoring fingers urge the tube against a second pressure pad or support means to restore its cross-sectional shape, so as to improve the accuracy, consistency, and predictability of flow through the tube.

Abstract: A pressure diaphragm, wherein at least a portion of an elongate fluid channel is formed diametrically across, and is open through, a flat raised surface of a substantially rigid, disk-like body, and wherein a flexible membrane overlies the raised surface and is sealed to a surrounding flange. The fluid channel communicates with fluid inlet and outlet fittings carried by the body, which are adapted for connection with the tubes of an IV set, and the cross-sectional flow area of the fluid channel is substantially equal to or less than the cross-sectional flow area of any IV tube adapted for connection to the fluid inlet fitting.

Abstract: Apparatus for fluid flow control in a parenteral administration system, utilizing a syringe pump operated by a motor to repetitively fill and empty a disposable syringe cartridge over a plurality of operational cycles of successive fill and pump stroke periods. The syringe cartridge has no valves, and the apparatus repetitively and sequentially opens and closes, by means of an external pair of tube pinchers, a pair of intake and output I.V. tubes communicating with the inlet and outlet nipples of the syringe cartridge.

Abstract: A motor driven syringe pump utilizing a disposable syringe cartridge. The syringe cartridge has no valves, and the apparatus repetitively and sequentially opens and closes, by means of an external pair of tube pinchers, a pair of intake and output I.V. tubes communicating with the inlet and outlet nipples. The cartridge includes a molded plastic cylinder having inlet and outlet nipples, a plastic piston and piston rod, and a rubber sealing cap defining a conical piston face, a pair of piston sealing rings and a sealing boot. The pair of sealing rings enhance axial alignment and stability, while the sealing boot prevents air or bacterial intake through the bottom of the cylinder during repetitive strokes. The plastic cross-sections are selected to provide maximum strength for minimum material employed. The interior cylinder chamber is sloped to drive out gas through the outlet nipple. An integral tab on the cylinder provides an operator handle for mounting and removing the syringe.

Abstract: A parenteral administration system, utilizing a syringe pump operated by a motor to repetitively fill and empty a disposable syringe cartridge over a plurality of operational cycles of successive fill and pump stroke periods. The syringe cartridge has no valves, and the apparatus repetitively and sequentially opens and closes, by means of an external pair of tube pinchers, a pair of intake and output I.V. tubes communicating with the inlet and outlet nipples. The disposable syringe cartridge includes a molded plastic cylinder having inlet and outlet nipples, a plastic piston and piston rod, and a rubber sealing cap defining a conical piston face, a pair of piston sealing rings and a sealing boot. The pair of sealing rings enhance axial alignment and stability, while the sealing boot prevents air or bacterial intake through the bottom of the cylinder during repetitive strokes. The plastic cross-sections are selected to provide maximum strength for minimum material employed.