Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for vascular examination of a limb by inflation of a flexible-walled pneumatic chamber mounted to the limb and calibration of the pressure within the chamber in units of volume. Calibration is accomplished by inflating the chamber to a preselected reference pressure, altering the volume of the chamber, and measuring the calibration pressure at the altered volume. The calibration pressure is stored for use off-line in scaling subsequent pressure fluctuations as changes in limb volume.

Abstract: A rate meter for use with an IV fluid administration system having a vertical transparent drip chamber, the rate meter having an elongated housing having a notch therein for receiving the drip chamber, and a spring bias moveable portion which engages the drip chamber so that the housing is held to the drip chamber in a horizontal manner, the housing having two light emitters positioned on one side of the drip chamber and a photodetector on the other side, the light path between the light emitters and the photodetector being affected by passages of drops of fluid through the drip chamber, circuitry for computing a volumetric flow rate based on the frequency of detected drops, an indicator for displaying the detected flow rate and a self-contained battery. The two light emitters are arranged to provide equal light intensity on the photodetector.

Abstract: A fluid pump is disclosed herein having a frame defining an internal pumping chamber in combination with a flexible diaphragm. A top ring retains the diaphragm in position on the frame and includes a central area carrying an actuation mechanism for cyclically maintaining the fluid pumping operation in the pumping chamber. Inlet and outlet valves are disposed in the frame and interconnected with the pumping chamber to complete the pump. The actuation mechanism includes a motor-driven eccentric cam coupled to the central diaphragm area with top surface attachment only.

Abstract: A rate meter for use with an IV fluid administration system having a vertical transparent drip chamber, the rate meter having an elongated housing having a notch therein for receiving the drip chamber, and a spring bias moveable portion which engages the drip chamber so that the housing is held to the drip chamber in a horizontal manner, the housing having two light emitters positioned on one side of the drip chamber and a photodetector on the other side, the light path between the light emitters and the photodetector being affected by passages of drops of fluid through the drip chamber, circuitry for computing a volumetric flow rate based on the frequency of detected drops, an indicator for displaying the detected flow rate and a self-contained battery. The two light emitters are arranged to provide equal light intensity on the photodetector.

Abstract: A medication infusion system which includes an infusion line for introducing medication to a peripheral vein of a patient. The infusion system includes a pump for delivering the medication and a pressure transducer within the infusion line for converting sensed fluid pressure waves to electrical signals. An amplifier is provided within the system for increasing the strength of the electrical signal. A gain control amplifier is electrically connected within the system for maintaining the electrical signal at a predetermined amplitude regardless of input variations. A tracking filter is provided within the system to provide an electrical signal representative of the patient's respiration rate over a preselected full clinical respiration rate range. A microprocessor is provided within the system for deriving from the electrical signal a control signal for controlling the operation of the pump.