Abstract: An infusion apparatus includes a pump and a fluid delivery set. The infusion apparatus is adapted to monitor the fluid delivery set for insuring proper placement in relation to the pump. The infusion apparatus further includes a sensor which operates to detect the proper alignment of the fluid delivery set and also the proper operating position of the infusion apparatus. The infusion apparatus includes a cover which is adapted to be in a closed position when the infusion apparatus is in proper operating position. The cover operates to secure the fluid delivery set within the mounted position in the infusion apparatus.

Abstract: An irrigation system for use in endoscopic procedures for maintaining and controlling flow of irrigation fluid to an internal body irrigation site. The system includes a tubing set comprising inflow and outflow lines and a cassette, and an fluid control module comprising a race and a pumping mechanism that squeezes the inflow line of the tubing set against the race to pump fluid to the irrigation site. The cassette includes a through opening exposing a portion of the inflow line to the race and pumping mechanism so that the cassette merely holds the inflow line in alignment with the pumping mechanism but is not required to resist the compressive force of the pumping mechanism. The cassette may include a second through opening exposing a portion of the outflow line to a valve mechanism to regulate pressure independently of the pump mechanism, and rib-or-groove alignment mechanism to align the inflow line with the pumping mechanism and the outflow line with the valve mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately infusing medicinal agents into an ambulatory patient at specific rates over extended periods of time. The apparatus is of a compact, low profile, laminate construction and includes an elastic distendable membrane, which, in cooperation with a thin planar base defines a fluid chamber having a fluid outlet. Disposed within the fluid chamber is a thin fluid permeable member which precisely controls the rate of fluid flow through the fluid outlet.

Abstract: An implantable drug delivery apparatus including a housing that has a housing chamber. An outer deformable body having a reserve chamber is mounted within the housing chamber. An inner deformable body having a dispensing chamber is mounted within the reserve chamber. A dispensing valve is actuated to an open position to allow a fluidic drug to flow from the dispensing chamber, through the dispensing valve and through a catheter into a body of a patient. The fluidic drug is discharged from the dispensing chamber at a dispensing mass flowrate which is greater than a refilling mass flowrate of the fluidic drug passing from the reserve chamber to the dispensing chamber, when the dispensing valve is in an open position.

Abstract: An interlock, latching and retaining mechanism for use in an infusion system, embodying a latch arm mounted to a rotatable shaft having a plurality of cams and gears attached thereto, a rectangular faceplate with a plurality of apertures formed therethrough, and a clamp. Rotating the latch arm functions to engage fluid monitoring, flow control and pumping structure of the infusion system with a pumping segment for control of fluid flow through the segment and also causes the clamp to hold the pumping segment in a required position. In another aspect, rotation of the latch arm additionally causes an air-in-line sensor to rotate into position on the pumping segment.

Abstract: A surgical cassette unloading and unloading system having a peristaltic pump roller head with a flared and beveled notch and a plunger or probe that engages the cassette peristaltic pump tube.

Abstract: A disposable pumping cassette having an integral auxiliary flow control and pressure monitoring member is used for delivering a medicinal fluid to a patient. The pumping cassette includes an elastomeric member mounted in a rigid body having an inlet and an outlet. An inlet valve and an outlet valve on the cassette are opened, and the flow control is positioned to allow the medicinal fluid to flow freely through the cassette, priming it before the outlet is connected to the patient. The cassette is then coupled to an associated pump driver, closing the flow control to disable free fluid flow through the cassette, and the outlet of the cassette is coupled in fluid communication with the patient's body. The medicinal fluid is drawn into a pumping chamber formed in the rigid body as a plunger of the associated pump driver is drawn up from the elastomeric membrane at a recess formed in the rigid body.

Abstract: A system and method for mounting a piezoelectric crystal and forming electrical connections to it in an air bubble sensor (10). Piezoelectric crystals (26, 54) are mounted against inner surfaces of two opposed cavities (16, 44) using a conductive epoxy. The conductive epoxy both adhesively secures the crystals in place and provides conductive paths to adjacent conductive pins (28, 30, 46, and 48). To mount one of the piezoelectric crystals, a drop of the conductive epoxy is placed on an inner planar surface of the cavity and the crystal is pushed into the conductive epoxy, forcing the conductive epoxy to flow from under the crystal and into contact with one of the conductive pins. The inner end of another conductive pin is bent over the crystal and a drop of the conductive epoxy is then placed on the outwardly facing surface of the piezoelectric crystal, electrically and mechanically coupling the end of the conductive pin that was bent over, to the outwardly facing surface of the crystal.

Abstract: We disclose apparatus and methods for delivering for patient infusion or other use two or more fluids either sequentially or simultaneously. The apparatus has a fluid delivery compartment containing a first infusion fluid, a flexible membrane, and an openable bag containing a second infusion fluid. An attached gas reaction compartment contains chemical reactants which, when combined, react to evolve gas. The gas expands a gas expansion chamber causing the membrane to move into the fluid delivery compartment, displacing the first infusion fluid. The membrane eventually contacts and compresses the openable bag. Pressure from the membrane causes the bag to open and discharge its contents out of the infusion device.

Abstract: An engineered pumping segment for facilitating efficient and accurate peristaltic pumping of fluids, providing regulation of fluid flow and providing an effective interface for sensing fluid line pressure in a peristaltic pump system. The engineered pumping segment includes an elastomeric membrane sandwiched between a rigid base and a rigid cover and a slider adapted to slidably mount about the base and cover. The membrane and base define a channel for fluid flow and the membrane, base and cover cooperate to facilitate peristaltic pumping of fluids through the engineered pumping segment and to provide a pressure sensing interface, and in combination with the slider, cooperate to regulate fluid flow.

Abstract: An angiographic injector includes a syringe which is connected to a fluid reservoir through a valve which permits radiographic contrast material to be drawn from the reservoir into the syringe during a fill operation. The valve permits air to be expelled from the syringe through the valve during a purge operation, but blocks flow of contrast material from the syringe back to the fluid reservoir. During an injection, the valve blocks flow of contrast material back to the fluid reservoir while the contrast fluid is being delivered under pressure from the syringe to a patient.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering on command any ratio of blood to blood-additive solution of a blood/solution mixture during cardio vascular and cardiac perfusion procedures and more particularly to intermittently and/or continuously delivering on command any ratio of blood to cardioplegia solution of a blood/cardioplegia mixture during cardiac surgery.

Abstract: An enclosure is provided for protecting a bag containing fluid used in connection with a pump for pumping the fluid to the patient. The pump closes off the opening into the enclosure. A first end of the pump is positioned within the enclosure adjacent to a retaining lip. A latch structure latches a second end of the pump to the enclosure to mount the pump to the enclosure. A bag spike chamber is provided for receiving a bag spike used to connect the pump to the bag. A platform is provided for supporting the bag above the bag spike chamber. Alternatively, the enclosure may include a bag post for hanging the bag and/or a syringe holder for securely holding a syringe. A ridge on the front of the control module of the pump engages the enclosure during mounting of the pump to the enclosure. A ridge on the back of the control module fits into the enclosure.

Abstract: A pressure sensor (10) that responds to stress introduced into a pair of cantilevered beams (42, 44), to sense pressures at two measurement points in a cassette (80). The pressure sensor includes a base (12) on which the cantilevered beams are mounted. The base also supports two S-shaped flat springs (34, 36) mounted in spaced-apart, parallel array. Pins (28, 29) supported by the S-shaped flat springs each contact a free end of a different one of the cantilevered beams. The pins transfer a force from an elastomeric membrane (86). This force is developed by fluid pressure acting on the elastomeric membrane in a fluid passage of a cassette used for pumping fluid. The pins transmit the force to the free ends of the cantilevered beams as an applied stress. Strain gauges (58, 60) that are fixed to the cantilevered beams each respond by producing a signal indicative of fluid pressure.

Abstract: A fluid container assembly which can be aseptically filled in the field with selected fluids and one which is specially designed for sterile coupling and use with fluid dispensing and delivery devices of the character that embody stored energy sources such as compressible cellular masses and distendable elastomeric membranes that form, in conjunction with a cooperating base, fluid chambers for containing the fluid to be dispensed.

Abstract: An enclosure is provided for protecting a bag containing fluid used in connection with a pump for pumping the fluid to the patient. The pump closes off the opening into the enclosure. A first end of the pump is positioned within the enclosure adjacent to a retaining lip. A latch structure latches a second end of the pump to the enclosure to mount the pump to the enclosure. A bag spike chamber is provided for receiving a bag spike used to connect the pump to the bag. A platform is provided for supporting the bag above the bag spike chamber. A ridge on the front of the control module of the pump engages the enclosure during mounting of the pump to the enclosure. A ridge on the back of the control module fits into the enclosure. The enclosure further includes a pressure plate support surface for engaging a reciprocally shaped pressure plate to facilitate a mechanical fit of the pressure plate to the enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a pump provided with a control module and an attachable fluid reservoir cassette. The control module includes a pumping mechanism for pumping fluid from the fluid reservoir to the patient. The cassette is provided with appropriate indicia to identify differences between a plurality of cassettes. The control module further includes cassette indicia identification structure for identifying indicia on the cassette. One type of cassette identification system includes a projection extending from the cassette and structure associated with the control module which engages the projection. Another type of cassette identification system includes a light reflecting system which utilizes light from the control module and reflected off the cassette. Still other types of cassette identification systems utilize other non-contact switches or sensors to sense indicia on the cassette to identify the cassette from a plurality of cassettes.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a pump provided with a control module and an attachable fluid reservoir cassette. The control module includes a pumping mechanism for pumping fluid from the fluid reservoir to the patient. The cassette is provided with appropriate indicia to identify differences between a plurality of cassettes. The control module further includes cassette indicia identification structure for identifying indicia on the cassette. One type of cassette identification system includes a projection extending from the cassette and structure associated with the control module which engages the projection. Another type of cassette identification system includes a light reflecting system which utilizes light from the control module and reflected off the cassette. Still other types of cassette identification systems utilize other non-contact switches or sensors to sense indicia on the cassette to identify the cassette from a plurality of cassettes.

Abstract: A fluidic infusion system introduces a select liquid chemical into the environment surrounding the functional end of an in vivo catheter or probe. The catheter/probe typically has a-sensor or electrode positioned near or at its closed distal end. A plurality of spaced radial openings are formed in an appropriate pattern adjacent to the end of the catheter/probe for introducing the select liquid chemical into the appropriate environment. The catheter/probe has at least one lumen extending through its length for directing the liquid chemical from a controlled pump to the radial openings. The openings are positioned within the catheter/probe so that when the catheter/probe is inserted into the appropriate environment, e.g.

Abstract: A pumping apparatus which is particularly useful in catheterization procedures has two pumps supported in a parallel arrangement. The pumps are engaged by an actuating rod connected to a power cylinder which reciprocates longitudinally between the two pumps. The two pumps are held within the housing such that only the plunger element of one pump is capable of movement in response to the actuating member while only the barrel element of the other pump is capable of movement in response to the actuating member. By way of this linkage, during movement of the actuating rod, one pump performs a pumping stroke while the other pump performs a suction stroke.

Abstract: An infusion delivery system eliminates the requirement for individual "smart pump" assemblies each of which includes a processor, power supply and operator I/O for each IV container suspended on an IV rack. An acquisition module capable of supporting multiple IV containers is suspended from the hospital bed frame and includes a plurality of ports into which a connector is inserted for controlling a dumb pump on each IV container. The acquisition module includes a processor, power supply and operator input/output mechanism for programming the delivery schedule for each of several IV containers. The dumb pump on each IV container includes only the mechanical components required for pumping the IV fluid to the patient. The infusion delivery system thus provides a less cluttered, more compact, and economical delivery system for IV fluids compared to the prior art.

Abstract: A pressure sensor 16 has a length C and a width D identical respectively to a length A and a width B of a fluid pumping section 11 and is provided in a portion of a cover 15 opposite to the fluid pumping section 11. The fluid pumping section 11 has a structure for pressing a tube placed in a groove 13 by means of fingers which advance and retract in a cavity 14 formed in a wall 12 of a main body. A possible erroneous placement of the tube is detected according to a change of pressure force exerted from each of the fingers, detected by the pressure sensor 16 . The pressure sensor 16, which is provided within a range in which the fingers can press the tube, can detect even a slight displacement, of the tube from the range in which the fingers can press the tube, to thereby allow detection of erroneous tube placement free of a dead zone to be achieved.

Abstract: An infusion container has a first connection for feed of a medication and a second connection for removal of the contents of the container. The first connection and the second connection are configured of one piece with a plug. The plug is inserted in a neck part of the infusion container and is connected tightly with this neck part. The two connections form two supports projecting on the outside of the plug and face away from the inside of the container. Each support incorporates a conduit passing through the plug.

Abstract: An apparatus for controllably intermixing two or more components in a sterile, closed environment to produce a flowable substance and then for expelling the flowable substance from the apparatus at a precisely controlled rate. The apparatus is particularly useful for medical applications and includes a dispenser portion with its own stored energy member for dispensing the flowable mixture and a coupling mechanism for coupling a drug vial to the dispenser portion for the controlled mixing of a medicament contained within the drug vial with a diluent stored within the dispenser portion of the apparatus via a sterile pathway.

Abstract: A cassette for use in combination with a surgical handpiece and a control console for controlling irrigation and/or aspiration fluid flows in the handpiece having a housing with an external surface and an interface adapted to be held in operative association with the control console, an inlet coupling, a pump tube having an inlet and a discharge line in fluid communication with a waste container and a fluid flow passage in fluid communication with the inlet coupling and the pump inlet consisting of an open channel formed in the external surface and a gasket adhered to the external surface to seal the channel fluid-tight.

Abstract: Transfusion and perfusion device having two pressure bags communicating via a calibrated pressure-reducing valve, each pressure bag including an inflatable pressure balloon. Each balloon is held in an envelope and has the same shape as its envelope. An inflating device provides for the inflation of the pressure balloon, and a verticalization device ensures verticality of the drip. Both envelopes which hold the two balloons are flexible and are each provided with a sleeve intended to receive a flexible pouch of the perfusion product in such a way that the pressure balloon contained in its envelope may be inflated to a high pressure and therefore may act as a pressing balloon in order to provide the flow rate necessary for life support. The invention is applicable to the medical and veterinary fields.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately infusing medicinal agents into an ambulatory patient at specific rates over extended periods of time. The apparatus is of a compact, low profile, laminate construction and includes either an elastic distendable membrane, or a thin barrier member which, in cooperation with a thin planar base defines a fluid chamber having a fluid outlet. The apparatus includes an internal stored energy source which functions to controllably expel the medicinal agents from the apparatus. The stored energy source may comprise either a distendable elastomeric membrane of an expandable sponge like cellular mass.

Abstract: An implantable infusion port is provided to facilitate delivery of medication to a patient, wherein the infusion port has a substantially reduced internal volume to minimize the quantity of residual medication therein. The infusion port comprises a cup-shaped housing with a self-sealing septurn mounted thereon to define an internal chamber for receiving medication infused through the patient's skin and the septurn via a hypodermic needle or the like. A catheter mounted on the housing communicates with the internal chamber to deliver the medication to a selected site within the patient. A substantial portion of the chamber volume is occupied by inert beads which minimize the open volume of the chamber and thereby maximize medication delivery to the patient.

Abstract: A valve system to control administration of fluids from an infusion pump to a patient when the height of the pump relative to the patient is varied, the system comprises a valve which pinches closed the flexible disposable tube that communicates between the pump and the patient unless a minimum pressure is attained in the pump's fluid reservoir. Once the minimum pressure is reached the valve stays open until the pressure in the reservoir drops below a predetermined value which is lower than the minimum "open" pressure. The pressure of the fluid is measured by a sensor pressed against the outside of the reservoir and the valve closes the tube only by externally forcing one external wall against the opposite wall and does not contact the fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately infusing medicinal agents into an ambulatory patient at specific rates over extended periods of time. The apparatus is of a compact, low profile, laminate construction and includes either an elastic distendable membrane, or a thin barrier member which, in cooperation with a thin planar base defines a fluid chamber having a fluid outlet. The apparatus includes an internal stored energy source which functions to controllably expel the medicinal agents from the apparatus. The stored energy source may comprise either a distendable elastomeric membrane of an expandable sponge like cellular mass.

Abstract: An irrigation system and method for providing fluid from a source of irrigating fluid to a surgical site, in particular a surgical site access to which is provided by a small incision or a natural orifice of the body. The irrigation system includes a control unit that is used with a cassette. The control unit includes a motor under the control of a controller, a sensor for sensing the flow of fluid in the cassette, a sensor for sensing pressure in the cassette, and a user control panel. The cassette includes a fluid flow passageway having an inlet connected to the source of irrigating fluid and an outlet for providing fluid to the surgical site. A pump located in the cassette is driven by the motor. The pump has limited efficiency when presented with back pressure to thereby limit to a safe level an amount of pressure that can be delivered to the surgical site. The system may be used to irrigate or distend a surgical site.

Abstract: A flow limiter mechanism for use with an infusion pump of the type operating upon a disposable cassette held by the infusion pump and having a flow tube connected to the cassette. The flow limiter includes a receiving channel located on the infusion pump adjacent to the disposable cassette held by the infusion pump. A tube pincher is operatively associated with the receiving channel to pinch the flow tube in a clamped position and mechanically retractable to an unclamped position to allow the flow tube to open. Electrical controls are connected for selectably operating the tube pincher from the clamped closed position to the unclamped opened position while the disposable cassette is held by the infusion pump. A flow clip is attached to the flow tube and is manually operable between opened and closed clipping positions prior to inserting the disposable cassette into the infusion pump.

Abstract: A identification system for a cassette pump wherein a plurality of different types of cassettes administer different types of drugs, and each type of cassette is characterized by a different type determinative indicia carried by the cassette, and the cassette pump includes a prime mover for actuating the plurality of different types of cassettes corresponding number of different operating modes, each operating mode being used with a corresponding different type of cassette, wherein the pump-cassette interface for receiving and actuating each of the different types of cassettes includes a sensor disposed at the pump-cassette interface, and when the sensor is engaged by the type determinative indicia of a cassette, the pump is able to identify the particular type cassette inserted into the pump, and initiate the operating mode of the pump associated with the specific type of cassette positioned at the pump-cassette interface.

Abstract: Pumping mechanisms for performing peritoneal dialysis and the like employ a pumping mechanism comprising a diaphragm that operate in response to applied fluid pressure. Flexible tubing is attached to the pumping mechanism for carrying liquid to and from the patient's peritoneal cavity. An actuating station for pumping mechanism receives the pumping mechanism and attached tubing. A pressure transfer element conveys fluid pressure to the diaphragm for moving liquid through the cassette. An occluder element contacts and crimps closed the tubing attached to the cassette. A first reservoir inflates with positive fluid pressure for contacting the pressure transfer element to hold it in operative contact against the diaphragm. A second reservoir inflates with positive fluid pressure for contacting the occluding element to hold it away from crimping contact with the tubing. At least one of the first and second reservoirs also transports fluid pressure to the pressure transfer element for conveyance to the diaphragm.

Abstract: An integral disposable manifold and pump cassette, through which fluid is pumped from inlet tubes, forms a single disposable cassette which may be inserted into a single pump housing. The integral disposable manifold and pump cassette includes first and second sheets of flexible plastic material. Sealed inlet channels are formed between the first and second sheets of flexible plastic material, with the sealed inlet channels being connectable to inlet tubes for fluid passage therethrough. The sealed inlet channels can be individually pinched off to prevent fluid passage therethrough. A sealed main channel, which is connected between the inlet channels and an outlet tube is formed between the first and second sheets of flexible plastic material. The sealed main channel includes a pumping chamber which is also formed between the first and second sheets of flexible plastic material.

Abstract: Infusion apparatus is provided for discriminating the specifications of syringes of any manufacturer, setting alarm levels corresponding to contained liquid solutions having various viscosities, and obtaining a net pressure for infusion from the force to a plunger by considering pressure loss dependent on a friction factor between the barrel and the plunger of the syringe. Syringe diameter is detected digitally to determine a capacity signal. The plunger force is detected by a pressure sensor and then A/D converted to a digital pressure signal. Specifications of syringes of manufacturers based on the syringe capacity signal are compared with the signals of the mounted syringe to select one among operation programs corresponding to their syringe specifications. A Dip switch selects a group of the operation programs for manufacturers.

Abstract: A valve system to control administration of fluids from an infusion pump to a patient when the height of the pump relative to the patient is varied. The system comprises a valve which pinches closed the flexible disposable tube that communicates between the pump and the patient unless a minimum pressure is attained in the pump's fluid reservoir. Once the minimum pressure is reached the valve stays open until the pressure in the reservoir drops below a predetermined value which is lower than the minimum "open" pressure. The pressure of the fluid is measured by a sensor pressed against the outside of the reservoir and the valve closes the tube only by externally forcing one external wall against the opposite wall and does not contact the fluid.

Abstract: A medical pump drive for automatically displaying not only the flow rate of circulating blood but also blood flow rate per surface area of the body of a patient in a medical treatment such as extracorporeal circulation includes at least a pump driving circuit, an ultrasonic transceiver and ultrasonic oscillator for measuring flow rate of the blood conveyed by a pump, a CPU, to which values of height and weight of a patient are entered, for calculating the body surface area of the patient as well as the blood flow rate per body surface area of the patient based upon the blood flow rate and body surface area obtained, an LCD for displaying the calculated blood flow rate per body surface area, and an LED for displaying the blood flow rate obtained.

Abstract: An irrigation system includes an elongated, hand-held instrument for applying a solution spray to a surgical area of a patient during surgery. The instrument includes an elongated handle having an outer ribbed surface to be hand-held. The handle has a central passageway between an inlet end and a discharge end. A nose is secured to the discharge end of the handle with a flow control valve secured within the handle. Nozzles are selectively connected to the nose to create selected flow patterns at the surgical site. The valve has an external pushbutton actuator to control the solution flow through a passageway in the body and nose. A pressurized liquid supply includes a sealed disposable, liquid solution filled bag and a sterile tube connected to the inlet end of the body. The solution bag is releasably supported within a pressurizing bag which in turn is carried on a portable stand unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately infusing large volumes of fluids into a patient at specific rates over an extended periods of time. The apparatus includes one or more dispensers of a low profile, laminate or layered construction each having a stored energy source in the form of a distendable membrane or an elastomeric cellular mass, which in cooperation with a base, defines a fluid chamber having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The apparatus further includes a support for supporting the dispensers in a coupled relationship with a manifold system which has an outlet to which an administration set can be connected. In one form of the invention, the apparatus also includes a filling vial assembly that can be coupled with the dispensers to fill the fluid chambers thereof with the fluids to be infused.

Abstract: A calibration system comprising a sensor cassette including at least one sensor to be calibrated and a housing having a liquid passage including a chamber. The housing is coupled to the sensor cassette to place the liquid passage in fluid communication with the sensor cassette. The housing has a gas injection passage through which a gas can be injected into the liquid passage to mix with a calibration liquid in the housing. A gas vent vents the gas from the housing. Porous media is provided in the chamber. The gas and calibration liquid pass through the porous media, and the porous media assists in rapid mixing of the gas and the calibration liquid.

Abstract: A catheter access system includes upper and lower laminated sheets. The upper sheet is integrally molded to form a plurality of longitudinally-extending syringe channels. The second sheet extends along the syringe channels to enclose them from beneath and to form a plurality of syringe barrels. An independently operable syringe plunger is slidably received within each syringe barrel. A syringe barrel selection valve is formed between the upper and lower sheets. It has a plurality of individually-selectable valve inlets, as well as a single valve outlet for fluid connection to a catheter access line in a patient. The laminated upper and lower sheets define individual fluid passages connecting individual syringe barrels to corresponding individual valve inlets. The syringe barrel selection valve can be turned to provide fluid communication between the valve outlet and any one of the syringe barrels.

Abstract: A solution pumping system is disclosed which is embodied as a disposable pump cassette including a self-contained positive displacement pump, and an associated pump driver including a reciprocable pump piston for driving the pump of the cassette. This system is particularly suited for use in compounding in preparation of parenteral solutions for administration to patients. In order to promote high liquid output with minimum peak pumping pressures, the controls of the system operate to provide a "square" pumping pressure waveform, thus optimizing performance of the system. This is achieved by selectively varying the velocity of the pump piston during its operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately infusing medicinal agents into an ambulatory patient at specific rates over extended periods of time. The apparatus is of a compact, low profile, laminate construction and includes an elastic distendable membrane, which, in cooperation with a thin planar base defines a fluid chamber having a fluid outlet. Disposed within the fluid chamber is a thin fluid permeable member which precisely controls the rate of fluid flow through the fluid outlet.

Abstract: A solution administration apparatus for patient care, for use with an associated solution administration system, which apparatus includes a laser drilled orifice flow control device to provide a controlled, predetermined flow rate of solution to the patient. The apparatus includes a tubing set and a laser drilled orifice flow restrictor, formed in a body, and in fluid communication therewith, for use with an associated fluid supply container. The system provides a controlled, predetermined flow rate of solution to the patient which is independent of, and relatively constant over minor variations in solution supply pressure and viscosity.

Abstract: An infusion pump which can be programmed to deliver any of a variety of selected profiles of fluid medicine volume delivered over time. The pump can be programmed to accommodate any of a variety of the commonly available sizes and types of disposable tubing. The preferred embodiment uses a variable speed motor, peristaltic fingers, a keyboard, a microprocessor chip with memory, and a motor controller.

Abstract: A programmable infusion pump which combines automatic and demand doses of medication with any basal rates on a real-time basis to determine an effective rate at anytime during the delivery cycle without under-delivering fluid due to the minimum increment of fluid delivery by the pump.

Abstract: An infusion apparatus incorporates a RAM which has a first storage section for storing only one delivery pattern defining an infusion rate and a volume to be infused at the infusion rate, and a PDP storage section for storing a plurality of delivery patterns. In a one-pattern delivery mode, an infusion fluid is delivered according to the only one delivery pattern read out from the first storage section by a CPU. Therefore, infusion is performed at the same rate from the beginning to the end. In a PDP (Program Delivery Profile) mode, an infusion fluid is delivered according to the plurality of delivery patterns read out in sequence from the PDP storage section. Therefore, infusion is performed at various rates. One of the one-pattern delivery mode and the PDP mode is selected by an operator through operation of a mode selector in consideration of factors such as the kind of medication and the condition of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control system for use with an automated intravenous drug and fluid infusion system having plural pumping channels that operate independently for intravenously infusing drugs and fluid. The pumping channels are controlled by a microprocessor-based host controller that monitors each of the channels concurrently. In an exemplary embodiment, the system functions include identifying the particular drug that is to be pumped through a channel, preventing priming of a channel unless verification is provided that the channel is not connected to a patient and initiating the priming of each of the pumping channels independently.

Abstract: A negator spring-powered I.V. pump of compact size resulting from imparting a non-circular, rather than a linear configuration to the negator spring; the non-circular configuration taking up less size or linear dimension which, added to the linear dimension of the syringe of the pump, results in an optimum reduced overall pump size that is convenient for portable ambulatory I.V. therapy.