Abstract: Syringe positioning apparatus and methods are disclosed that provide for automated positioning of a syringe at an axially aligned position on a predetermined axis. The apparatus and methods employ first and second members having opposing surfaces that include first and second ramps, respectively, wherein the first ramp angles upward and away from the second member, and the second ramp angles upward and away from the first member. At least one of the first and second members may be advanceable toward the other by an actuator, wherein the first and second ramps may slidably engage a syringe and thereby elevate the syringe to the axially aligned position on the predetermined axis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for syringe plunger positioning employing an actuator for linear advancement and retraction of the support member along a predetermined axis, and a plurality of arm members each interconnected to the support for movement therewith, and each moveable relative to the support member in corresponding different directions towards and away from the predetermined axis. The actuator may be operable to advance the support member to an advanced position for movement of the arm members from an open position to a closed position, and to retract the support member from the advanced position so that of the arm members engage an inside surface of a plunger button of syringe having a barrel located in a fixed, axially aligned position on the predetermined axis. The apparatus and method may be employed in conjunction with syringe plunger positioning (e.g. for filling operations) that accommodates a variety of syringe plunger configurations.

Abstract: An MIE apparatus has a blower, a valve system, and a mask hose connector. The blower is connected to the valve system which is connected to the hose connector. During insufflation, the valve system connects exhaust of the blower to the hose connector to cause positive pressure at the hose connector. During exsufflation, the valve system connects the blower intake to the hose connector to cause negative pressure at the hose connector. The apparatus has an automatic mode in which switching between insufflation and exsufflation is based on one or more preset time intervals and a manual mode in which switching between insufflation and exsufflation is based on a manual input from a user.

Abstract: Syringe positioning apparatus and methods are disclosed that provide for automated positioning of a syringe at an axially aligned position on a predetermined axis. The apparatus and methods employ first and second members having opposing surfaces that include first and second ramps, respectively, wherein the first ramp angles upward and away from the second member, and the second ramp angles upward and away from the first member. At least one of the first and second members may be advanceable toward the other by an actuator, wherein the first and second ramps may slidably engage a syringe and thereby elevate the syringe to the axially aligned position on the predetermined axis.

Abstract: A source fluid inlet for an automated filling device. The source fluid inlet may comprise features that limit engagement and/or disengagement of a source fluid tubing set from a port in the source fluid inlet except when the port is disposed in a predetermined load position. In turn, engagement and/or disengagement of the source fluid tubing may be selectively allowed to assist in reduction of interconnection errors of one or more source fluid sources. The source fluid inlet may selectively position a source fluid tubing set in a fill position to facilitate fluid communication with a receptacle to be filled (e.g., a syringe). The source fluid inlet further comprises one or more mechanisms for engagement and/or retention of a cap disposed on a syringe.

Abstract: A source fluid inlet for an automated filling device. The source fluid inlet may comprise features that limit engagement and/or disengagement of a source fluid tubing set from a port in the source fluid inlet except when the port is disposed in a predetermined load position. In turn, engagement and/or disengagement of the source fluid tubing may be selectively allowed to assist in reduction of interconnection errors of one or more source fluid sources. The source fluid inlet may selectively position a source fluid tubing set in a fill position to facilitate fluid communication with a receptacle to be filled (e.g., a syringe). The source fluid inlet further comprises one or more mechanisms for engagement and/or retention of a cap disposed on a syringe.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for syringe plunger positioning employing an actuator for linear advancement and retraction of the support member along a predetermined axis, and a plurality of arm members each interconnected to the support for movement therewith, and each moveable relative to the support member in corresponding different directions towards and away from the predetermined axis. The actuator may be operable to advance the support member to an advanced position for movement of the arm members from an open position in the different corresponding directions towards the predetermined axis to a closed position, and to retract the support member from the advanced position so that distal end portions of the arm members engage an inside surface of a plunger button of syringe having a barrel located in a fixed, axially aligned position on the predetermined axis. The apparatus and method may be employed in conjunction with syringe plunger positioning (e.g.

Abstract: An MIE apparatus has a blower, a valve system, and a mask hose connector. The blower is connected to the valve system which is connected to the hose connector. During insufflation, the valve system connects exhaust of the blower to the hose connector to cause positive pressure at the hose connector. During exsufflation, the valve system connects the blower intake to the hose connector to cause negative pressure at the hose connector. The apparatus has an automatic mode in which switching between insufflation and exsufflation is based on one or more preset time intervals and a manual mode in which switching between insufflation and exsufflation is based on a manual input from a user.

Abstract: An MIE apparatus has a blower, a direction valve, an oscillator, and a mask hose connector. The blower is connected to the direction valve, which is connected to the oscillator, which is connected to the hose connector. During insufflation, a direction valve connects exhaust of a blower to an oscillator, causing positive pressure at the hose connector. During exsufflation, the direction valve connects the blower intake to the oscillator, causing negative pressure at the hose connector. The oscillator is a butterfly valve with a 360° rotating disc. During insufflation, the disc is fixed to steadily modulate the airflow. During exsufflation, the oscillator is inactive or in flutter mode. When inactive, the disc is fixed to allow maximum air flow. In flutter mode, the disc continuously rotates so that the air flow rapidly alternates between maximum and minimum.

Abstract: An MIE apparatus has a blower, a direction valve, an oscillator, and a mask hose connector. The blower is connected to the direction valve, which is connected to the oscillator, which is connected to the hose connector. During insufflation, a direction valve connects exhaust of a blower to an oscillator, causing positive pressure at the hose connector. During exsufflation, the direction valve connects the blower intake to the oscillator, causing negative pressure at the hose connector. The oscillator is a butterfly valve with a 360° rotating disc. During insufflation, the disc is fixed to steadily modulate the airflow. During exsufflation, the oscillator is inactive or in flutter mode. When inactive, the disc is fixed to allow maximum air flow. In flutter mode, the disc continuously rotates so that the air flow rapidly alternates between maximum and minimum.

Abstract: An MIE apparatus has a blower, a direction valve, an oscillator, and a mask hose connector. The blower is connected to the direction valve, which is connected to the oscillator, which is connected to the hose connector. During insufflation, a direction valve connects exhaust of a blower to an oscillator, causing positive pressure at the hose connector. During exsufflation, the direction valve connects the blower intake to the oscillator, causing negative pressure at the hose connector. The oscillator is a butterfly valve with a 360° rotating disc. During insufflation, the disc is fixed to steadily modulate the airflow. During exsufflation, the oscillator is inactive or in flutter mode. When inactive, the disc is fixed to allow maximum air flow. In flutter mode, the disc continuously rotates so that the air flow rapidly alternates between maximum and minimum.

Abstract: An MIE apparatus has a blower, a direction valve, an oscillator, and a mask hose connector. The blower is connected to the direction valve, which is connected to the oscillator, which is connected to the hose connector. During insufflation, a direction valve connects exhaust of a blower to an oscillator, causing positive pressure at the hose connector. During exsufflation, the direction valve connects the blower intake to the oscillator, causing negative pressure at the hose connector. The oscillator is a butterfly valve with a 360° rotating disc. During insufflation, the disc is fixed to steadily modulate the airflow. During exsufflation, the oscillator is inactive or in flutter mode. When inactive, the disc is fixed to allow maximum air flow. In flutter mode, the disc continuously rotates so that the air flow rapidly alternates between maximum and minimum.