Abstract: Apparatus and a method for detecting the presence of incidental bubbles in liquid flowing in a tube. The system monitors the amplitude of microwave radiation from the liquid and recognizes when that amplitude drops in a manner characteristics of the presence of a bubble.

Abstract: A compact, integrated intravenous fluid delivery device. The invention may be used between an intravenous fluid source and an intravenous fluid line. In this embodiment, the invention includes a housing, through which a fluid passageway is disposed. The fluid passageway passes through a spike, which is used for connecting the housing to the fluid source. The passageway also passes through a rigid drip chamber and a priming element that may be repeatedly compressed in order to urge fluid from the source into the drip chamber and through the intravenous fluid line. The priming element includes a rigid base portion and a membrane. The spike, drip chamber and the base of the priming element all form an integral piece of rigid material. This embodiment may further include a valve chamber disposed in the housing, such that the fluid passageway enters and exits the chamber through two mouths.

Abstract: A device designed for determining one or more medical variables in living organisms, comprises a part to be inserted into the tissue of the organism, which has an exchange channel with openings into the tissue. The device comprising a delivery unit connected with the exchange channel for the delivery of a perfusion fluid and its drainage after partial equilibration with the medical variable or quantity to be measured, i.e., preferably glucose concentration, and comparatively constant endogenous or exogenous marker variables. The device further comprising an analyzing unit for measuring the medical variable and one marker variable, and an evaluation unit for determining the actual concentration of the medical variable with the use of the marker variables.

Abstract: A hemodynamic control apparatus and method for regulating blood flow within the cardiovascular system in a closed-loop control system using ultrasound measurement techniques to determine a hemodynamic status of the patient and to derive a control parameter for modulating the hemodynamics of the system using electrical or pharmaceutical therapy. This apparatus and method provides for the monitoring of heart contractility and blood flow output from the heart to control an implantable cardiac assist or therapy device to maintain cardiac output without invading the left heart or the arterial system of the patient.

Abstract: An extra corporeal support system has an inlet catheter which is positioned with its distal end in the right atrium or vena cava of the patient. A roller pump with an inlet pressure sensor positioned close to its inlet to sense the pressure in the inlet line which pumps the blood through the system to any output catheter positioned in the arterial system of the patient. The system has a shunt with blocking valves to block the flow automatically in the event of an unsafe condition. The system has a microprocessor based controller for automatic operation of the system components including a servo motor for driving the roller pump at a speed to precisely maintain the inlet pressure at a preselected point. The system includes a blood treatment device such as an oxygenator.

Abstract: An air-in-line sensor is provided comprising an adapter for insertion in the fluid line and a sensor housing. The adapter is semi-compliant and includes convex-shaped acoustic coupling surfaces for engaging the straight and rigid transducer sensing walls of the housing. The convex surfaces of the adapter have a larger diameter than the distance between the housing sensing walls and an interference fit results. Due to this interference fit, the shape of the coupling surfaces, the varying thicknesses of the adapter walls and the difference in compliance of the materials of the adapter and the housing, a more uniform contact pressure profile is provided. The upper part of each sensing channel wall in the housing includes a ledge which wipes contaminants from the coupling surfaces of the adapter as it is inserted into the sensor channel of the housing.

Abstract: An ultrasonic air-in-line detection system for use in detecting entrained air bubbles in the fluid line of a disposable cassette mounted on a main pump unit is disclosed which can accurately detect entrained air bubbles in any type of fluid, whether clear or opaque. The system uses multiple windowing and air volume number weighting to determine when a threshold count of entrained air in a predetermined number of windows of material pumped occurs, with the alarm being sounded only when this threshold count of air bubbles is present in the multiple window volume. The system of the present invention thus will detect entrained air while avoiding so-called nuisance alarms.

Abstract: An endless path calibration system comprising a sensor cassette having a flow-through passage and at least one sensor to be calibrated, a chamber coupled to the sensor cassette to define an endless path and a sterile calibration liquid in the endless path. A gas injection passage for injecting gas into the sterile calibration liquid and a gas vent leading from the endless path to the exterior of the endless path. A check valve allows gas to escape from the endless path and substantially prevents gas and liquid from entering the endless path through the gas vent.

Abstract: An intravenous infusion counter/alarm for counting the flow of drips, displaying dynamic speed of dripping, and alarming during malfunction, with at least a main body, an adjusting member which can be received by the main body in order to connect to a drip infusion tube, and a control circuit for providing a light source, light sensing unit, and control signals to detect the flow of dripping, to display the dynamic dripping speed, and to actuate an alarm when the flow deviates from a set value.

Abstract: An arrangement for monitoring the pressure of fluid flowing through pliant tubing forming part of a system for the intravenous supply of fluids to a patient under medical treatment in which the tubing is caused to assume an elongate cross-section and a linear voltage displacement transducer having a spring loaded plunger is arranged to apply pressure in a flattened region of the tubing wall to provide indications of contact area movement and thus variations in fluid pressure. Compensation for movement of the contact area after pressure is applied due other than to variations in pressure is provided by a sampler which regularly samples the output of tranducer and provides inputs to a comparator directly and via a shift register so that one sample is compared with an immediately preceding sample. If the difference exceeds the threshold of a threshold circuit, which is indicative of fluid pressure change, an alarm is sounded.

Abstract: An apparatus for signalling an accidental loss of blood from a patient's fluid infusion line includes a sensor assembly for connection to the line, the assembly having a housing for receiving a portion of the line within a side opening, a holder having a clamp member for drawing together portions of the housing on opposite sides of the side opening for fixing the portion of the line within the opening relative to the housing, a source of radiation directed through the opening for intersecting the line, and a radiation detector in the housing for receiving radiation that is transmitted from the source through the line. The apparatus further includes a battery powered circuit, the circuit intermittently powering the radiation source, and producing a reference voltage, a train of signal pulses forming a sensor signal that is indicative of the radiation received by the detector and, when the sensor signal is in a predetermined relationship with the reference signal, an alarm signal.

Abstract: A sensor system has a two-housing arrangement, each housing of which contains a transducer. One housing includes the transmitter transducer and a flat engaging surface for pressing against the fluid line and deforming it. The other housing includes the receiver transducer mounted so that it is coupled to the bottom of a rectangular U-shaped channel for receiving the fluid line. A spring biases the flat surface of the first housing into contact with the fluid line and deforms the fluid line into the shape of the channel so that the fluid line fills the channel. The channel is shaped to force the fluid line into a general rectangular shape as it is pressed into the channel by the flat surface. Two walls of the deformed fluid line are oriented in a direction perpendicular to the flat engaging surface of the first housing and provide an opposing force to the flat surface.

Abstract: An intravenous supply alarm assembly comprises a bladder adapted to contain an intravenous fluid, a support extending from the bladder and an alarm intimately associated with both the bladder and the support, said alarm operating to provide a signal when the volume of the intravenous fluid in the bladder is less than a pre-defined minimum.

Abstract: An infusion alarm system comprised of a housing, an upper cover attached to the housing at the top, a control circuit set in said upper cover, a battery box set inside the housing and an inner shell set between the housing and the battery box, a tension spring set in the inner shell having a hook coupled thereto at the bottom for suspending a drip infusion bottle, an adjusting key set set in the housing to adjust the tension of the tension spring. When the weight of the drip infusion bottle is reduced to a predetermined range due to reducing of infusion solution during drip infusion operation, the control circuit is triggered to produce audio and visual alarm signals through an audio and a visual alarm device respectively.

Abstract: An electronic controller connected to an electronic infusion pump which regulates the rate at which a drug is infused into a person. A magnetic card reader reads from a magnetic card, the name of the drug, the stock solution, concetration recommended dosage rate and warnings. The weight and the desired dosage rate of the patient is fed by a touch pad to the controller. The controller automatically computes the infusion rate and notifies via a display whether the desired rate exceeds the recommended rate. Also displayed are details about the drug, the length of time the patient has been infused, the amount of drug infused, and the dosage rate since the last rate change.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for distinguishing ultrasound signals returned from bubbles and particles moving in a fluid from signals due to ultrasound transducer motion monitors the receiving ultrasound signal for signals which are of much larger amplitude than the signals observed when no gas bubbles or particles are present. When a large amplitude event is detected, the maximum amplitude of the forward flow signal (that is, the positive frequency portion of the power spectrum) is compared to the maximum amplitude of the reverse flow signal (negative frequency portion of the power spectrum). If these maxima are significantly different in amplitude, the event is counted as a bubble. If the maximum amplitudes of the forward and reverse flow signals are comparable, the event is classified as a motion artifact. Displays of the spectra are marked whenever an event is counted as an air or particulate emboli so as to call attention to the event and, optionally, to generate an audible or visual alarm.

Abstract: An air detector according to the present invention utilizes a unitary type sensor for detecting air bubbles or columns in an infusion solution flowing through a tube. Because of a unique design for a tube-receiving groove and a cooperating abutting member, the difficulty in loading a tube heretofore encountered with the use of unitary type sensor is obviated. Thus, the tube can be loaded in the air detector easily with good reliability.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting pressure and occlusion in a fluid line is for use with a fluid line being operated upon by a positive displacement, peristaltic pump having several cam follower fingers pressing against the fluid line fluid through the line peristaltically. A sensor follower finger is mounted to the cam shaft of the pump among the other peristaltic fingers in order to cyclicly press against the fluid line and displace the fluid line by a predetermined amount as the cam shaft rotates. The sensor follower finger includes a strain gauge mounted on the sensor finger to generate a signal indicating the degree of force being applied by the sensor finger against the tubing, and a signal processor which receives this force signal and determines the pressure within the fluid line based upon the signal. The signal processor determines the existence of an occlusion based on the signal and provides an alarm if an occlusion is determined.

Abstract: An infusion system for administering multiple infusates at individually programmable rates, volumes, and sequences in any order from any one or more of plural fluid input ports through a patient output port and into the circulatory system of a patient. Infusates may be either continuously or time sequentially administered, and infusates may be either intermittently administered at selectively regular intervals or in time overlap to administer a dilution. Various error conditions are automatically detected and alarms generated in the event of conflicts between infusates, to identify times of no infusions, and to identify system malfunctions. The system is selectively operable, among others, in a priming mode, a maintenance mode, a normal-on mode, and a manual override mode. The system is operative to adapt actual to desired flow rates in normal operation. All fluids flow through a unitary disposable cassette without making any other system contact.

Abstract: In order to determine at least one parameter of interest in a living organism, a perfusion fluid is directly introduced in the tissues. After its partial balancing by the tissue parameter of interest, the perfusion fluid is collected and analyzed for the parameter of interest, as well as for endogenous or exogenous marker properties indicative of the degree of interaction between the perfusion fluid and the tissue, in such a way that the parameter of interest can be determined with the help of such characteristic properties. Contrary to usual processes, used exclusively inside blood vessels or other body cavities filled with liquid, this process creates in the tissues, i.e. in the closed cellular structure, a previously inexistent cavity, in which the perfusion fluid introduced in the tissue interacts directly with the organic tissue, with no intervening membranes.

Abstract: An intravenous bag monitoring device is connected between an IV bag which holds fluid to be delivered to a patient and a hollow IV needle which is injected into a vein of a patient. The monitoring device comprises a chamber, an inlet leading to the chamber, and an outlet leading away from the chamber. A corrugated flexible wall panel is positioned in the chamber and divides the chamber into a first section which contains fluid and a second section which does not contain fluid. A spring is positioned in the second section of the chamber. The movement of the flexible wall panel in response to changes in hydrostatic force is resisted by the spring. An elongated push rod is attached to the flexible wall, passes through the second section and forms one of two contacts required to complete a warning circuit. The other contact is on the exterior of the second chamber.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for detecting an occlusion of a liquid transfusion tube in which a pump section is provided in a liquid transfusion tube for connecting an infusion liquid container with a body infusion element. An occlusion of the liquid transfusion tube is detected according to an amount of displacement of the liquid transfusion tube displaceable under a pressure of a liquid transfused to the liquid transfusion tube by an operation of the pump section.

Abstract: A carrying safety device for a medical dropper, having a housing, a lifting/lowering controller, a dropper bottle and an auto-controlling system, wherein the housing has several chambers and provided with two ring buckles, in connection with a carrying belt for placing on the patient's back; the lifting/lowering controller is located in the housing with an extending/retracting portion extending outside the housing; the dropper bottle is connected with and controlled by the extending/retracting portion to be raised above the patient's chest or lowered into the housing; the auto-controlling system is disposed with operating switches and an encoder on an operating panel mounted on the housing or on the carrying belt, and includes a lifting/lowering drive circuit, a signal transmitter and receiver; the signal transmitter has an encoder set-up with a transmitter code and a mercury balance switch whereby an emergency rescue signal may be transmitted; a manual switch is provided for the patient to activate the rescu

Abstract: Safety enhanced device and method are disclosed for effecting application of a therapeutic agent. A removable and operationally non-volatile programmable element is used to control operation of a therapeutic agent delivery unit. A computer, operationally independent of the delivery unit, is utilized to establish coded information for programming of the programmable element while removed from the delivery unit. Operation of the delivery unit according to the program then established for the programmable element is simulated at the computer prior to actual programming of the programmable element to insure the integrity of subsequent delivery of the therapeutic agent to a patient by the delivery unit. The programmable element effects independent delivery of therapeutic agents in each of a plurality of channels under the control of the programmable element.

Abstract: A programmable infusion system includes a disposable IV tubing apparatus for conveying intravenous fluid from a source to a patient. A compact, portable case has a receptacle for removably receiving a segment of the disposable apparatus. A peristaltic pump is mounted in the case for engaging the segment of the disposable apparatus and pumping intravenous fluid therethrough. A motor is mounted in the case and is connected for driving the pump upon energization thereof. A bar code reader is mounted in an edge portion of the case for sensing a bar code label attached to the source of intravenous fluid, such as a bag. The bar code label represents the prescribed fluid delivery parameters. These are read and displayed in alphanumeric form by the system when the edge portion of the case containing the bar code reader is passed over the label.

Abstract: The liquid transfusion apparatus according to the present invention includes a setting device adapted to respectively set a normal level of pressure of the fed liquid and an upper alarm level of pressure of the fed liquid, calculating unit for calculating a percentage of a difference between the detected level of pressure of the liquid and the set normal level to a difference between the set upper alarm level and the set normal level, and display unit for displaying the calculated percentage. The liquid transfusion apparatus is very useful for monitoring the pressure of the liquid which is being administered to a patient.

Abstract: An ultrasonic air-in-line detection system for use in detecting air bubbles in the fluid line of a disposable cassette mounted on a main pump unit is disclosed which can accurately detect air bubbles in any type of fluid, whether clear or opaque. The system uses a windowing technique to determine when a threshold amount of air bubbles in a predetermined volume of material pumped occurs, with the alarm being sounded only when this threshold amount of air bubbles is present in the window volume. The system of the present invention thus avoids so-called nuisance alarms due to the presence of small isolated air bubbles in the fluid due to the fluid pumped not having been degassed.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for dosed, continuous and simultaneous infusion operations. To prevent an uncontrolled flow through the conveying conduits, which can above all occur during the installation of a flexible tube into or its removal from a peristaltic pump due to the action of gravity, the invention provides a valve (5, 6) which is positioned in the conveying conduit of the peristaltic pump and operatively connected to a door detector of the pump in such a way that the valve is closed when the door is opened, and opened when the door is closed.

Abstract: An endless path calibration system comprising a sensor cassette having a flow-through passage and at least one sensor to be calibrated, a chamber coupled to the sensor cassette to define an endless path and a sterile calibration liquid in the endless path. A gas injection passage for injecting gas into the sterile calibration liquid and a gas vent leading from the endless path to the exterior of the endless path. A check valve allows gas to escape from the endless path and substantially prevents gas and liquid from entering the endless path through the gas vent.

Abstract: An ultrasonic air-in-line detection system for use in detecting air bubbles in the fluid line of a disposable cassette mounted on a main pump unit is disclosed in which a self-test procedure is periodically used to ensure that any faults in the ultrasonic air-in-line detector which do not fail safe are automatically detected. After a pumping cycle is completed, if the ultrasonic air-in-line detector indicates that there is fluid in the fluid line at the location of the ultrasonic sensor, the operating frequency of the transmitting ultrasonic transducer is changed to a non-resonant frequency for the self-test procedure. If the ultrasonic air-in-line detector still produces a signal indicating that there is fluid in the line, this indicates that there is a failure in the ultrasonic detector and a fault is indicated and the system is shut down.

Abstract: A medical pump device having a hose pump and a replaceable pump hose and provided with a reading means that reads a code mounted on the pump hose. The code corresponds to the deviation of the delivery volume of the individual hose from the set delivery volume. In dependence on the coding signals, the control signals for the pump drive are corrected so that defined delivery rates are obtained even with in wide hose tolerances.

Abstract: A portable, self contained, infusion monitor is disclosed which can be easily and quickly attached to the drip chamber of an IV set. The monitor detects each drop of liquid falling through the drip chamber and calculates the volumetric flow rate of liquid passing through the IV set. A display for visually recording the flow rate is provided on the monitor along with an adjustable control member for calibrating the monitor for use with any IV set employing tubing having any drop factor.

Abstract: A level indicator for blood reservoirs, in particular of medical apparatus, having a level-responsive component to be provided on the wall of the blood reservoir is provided with an oscillator set to an operating frequency of greater than or equal to 50 MHz and having integrated into its circuit the level-responsive component which, when a preset limiting value is passed, changes the phase condition or amplitude condition decisive for the oscillation of the oscillator.

Abstract: A medication infusion system may be selectively configured to perform an emulation of any one of a plurality of Device Types corresponding to the environment of use. The particular parameters which relate to a given Device Type are set into the system either at the factory or by biomedical engineers at the hospital or other medical institution by resort to an intercoupled computer driven by appropriate software. With the system set up in this fashion, a clinical user can select a given Device Type and can view but cannot change the critical operating parameters thereof. Substantial economies and improvement of device operation are realized by the provision of one switchable system in place of the plurality of different types of devices now required in a given institution.

Abstract: An in-line fluid conduit condition analyzer which includes a chamber placed in the conduit flow path and having one wall forming a piezoceramic bender that varies the chamber volume (or pressure) according to a predetermined waveform or noise spectrum and an associated piezoceramic pressure or displacement sensor. The time derivative of the displacement or the pressure are analyzed under computer control to identify conduit abnormalities. In particular application to intravenous fluid administration to patients, the system is capable of distinguishing a number of abnormalities including cathether obstruction, catheter needle out of the vein, catheter needle into the vein, as well as fluid bubble presence or conduit disconnection.

Abstract: It is a warning device for a given liquid level in any dripping bottle; the device is furnished with a photo-electronic sensor, which can, through a detecting hole, sense the liquid level of a dripping bottle, and then sends a signal to a control circuit to drive a buzzer to generate a sound signal, whereby the nurse or the like is to be reminded that the liquid will be used up soon.

Abstract: An air-in-line detection system for use in detecting air bubbles in the fluid line of a disposable cassette mounted on a main pump unit is disclosed which can accurately detect air bubbles in any type of fluid, whether clear or opaque. The system uses an optical module mounted on the main pump unit to supply light and to detect light returned from the cassette, and an optical viewing area in the fluid flow path near the outlet end of the cassette. An inverted prism in the optical viewing path reflects light back to the optical module when air is contained in the fluid flow path adjacent the optical viewing area, with the light not being returned if there are no air bubbles contained in the fluid flow path.

Abstract: An infusion alarm includes an infusion bag formed between an infusion bottle and a needle or cannula insertable in a patient body, and an exhausting sensor having two leaves pivotally connected with each other for resiliently clamping the infusion bag having two contactors respectively connected to two poles of a power source connected to an alarm, whereby when the infusion liquid is being dripped to be almost exhausted as injected to a patient's body, the two leaves of the sensor originally separated by the clamped infusion bag may be restored to close the two contactors for sounding the alarm and alerting a nurse for renewing the infusion liquid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a procedure for the perfusion of body cavities with a fluid led from a dispenser reservoir 3 via a perfusion line 10 and a medical instrument 6. Pump 4 is connected with the perfusion line 10, a pressure sensor 5 is connected between pump 4 and medical instrument 6 to perfusion line 10, and an adjustment and measurement electronic system 12 is connected to pressure sensor 5 and pump 4.To build up, maintain, and measure as precisely as possible a preselected and precisely determined pressure in the body cavity, according to the invention the adjustment and measurement electronic system 12 determines the actual pressure in body cavity 1 by evaluating the pressure P.sub.IST measured by pressure sensor 5, the volume flow V supplied by pump 4, and the conductance G of the perfusion line 9 between pressure sensor 5 and instrument 6 and conductance G of instrument 6, and the pressure P.sub.SOLL in body cavity 1 is maintained constant at preset level P.sub.

Abstract: An assembly useful in conjunction with a signal transmission means for the measurement of a compositional parameter of the blood of a patient is disclosed. This assembly comprises a housing adapted and sized to be located outside the body of a patient and having a fluid flow passage therethrough into which blood from the patient is passed from a hollow tube, the fluid flow passage being defined by a wall which is substantially impermeable to blood, the housing being adapted to be removeably secured to a signal transmission system such that the housing is capable of being removed from the signal transmission system without disrupting the fluid flow passage; and a sensing element located in the housing in or near the fluid flow passage for providing a signal directly to the signal transmission system in response to a compositional parameter of blood located in the fluid flow passage.

Abstract: In a particle counting system for sensing and counting particles, a sample fluid is drawn through an orifice from a sample chamber into a substantially enclosed fluid passage at a selected rate sufficient to maintain the pressure in the substantially closed fluid passage at a predetermined pressure level if the orifice and the substantially closed fluid passage are free from leaks and clogs. A sensor detects the actual pressure in the substantially closed fluid passage. The actual pressure is compared to the predetermined pressure level to identify clogs or leaks in the particle counting system. If a clog is identified, an automatic clog removal sequence is inititiated for dislodging or otherwise removing the clog from the particle counting system. The particle counting system is tested to determine if the clog has indeed been removed.

Abstract: Intravenous fluid is supplied under the control of a microprocessor from a reservoir to a cannula through a flow member and a flow control device which responds, via the microprocessor, to the line pressures upstream and downstream of the control device. First and second transducers and first and second check valves are connected respectively upstream and downstream of the control device, and a constant flow resistance device is connected in series with the flow-control device to enhance the accuracy of the system.

Abstract: A cylindrical alarm-functioned accessory device for intravenous infusion procedure comprising a cylindrical body connected through a drip tube to receive fluid from a fluid bottle thereinto, an enclosed cylindrical float which senses the condition of a fluid pool formed in the cylindrical body, and a contact-type switch extending into the cylindrical body with connection to a sound and light alarm assembly. As the bottled fluid drains, the cylindrical float descends according to the descending of the fluid pool, pressing against the contact-type switch to activate the alarm assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stand-alone, in-line device and method for detecting whether a fluid is being properly supplied to a patient, including means for delivering a test pulse of the fluid through conduit means to the patient with the test pulse being distinguishable from the normal delivery pattern and with the test pulse creating a pressure wave response in the conduit means. The device and method also includes means for determining the area between a baseline and at least a portion of a pressure versus time curve representing the pressure wave response, and means responsive to the magnitude of the area for detecting whether the fluid is being improperly supplied by the conduit means to the patient. Preferably, the device and method also includes means for diverting and accumulating a predetermined volume of the upstream flow from the infusion source for use as the test pulse.

Abstract: A system for detecting an occlusion in a fluid line is disclosed which can detect occlusions in the upstream or container side of a disposable cassette containing a fluid pump therein. The cassette includes a piston-type pump with inlet and outlet valves, and is for installation onto and use with a main pump unit including motors for driving the pump and valves contained in each cassette. The system utilizes control circuitry to monitor the intake stroke of the pump in the cassette, to detect an upstream occlusion in the fluid line leading to the pump, and to provide an alarm in the event of a container-side occlusion.

Abstract: An alarm device for dripping injection comprising a floating barrel which vertically moves up or down according to fluid volume in the dripping liquid barrel, a touch switch and sealing means which are provided in the upper area of the lower part of dripping liquid barrel, a socket which is provided in the dripping liquid barrel lower part for connection to touch switch, and a power lead and plug provided by a separate action box or a patient room's call assembly to plug the socket. As the contained fluid is used near empty and the fluid volume in the dripping liquid barrel diminishes meantime, the floating barrel, when loosing support by the fluid volume, moves down and touches the touch switch with its own weight, thereby conducting open the separate action box or the patient room's call assembly to alarm nurses or hospital orderly to come to handle.

Abstract: A dual source parenteral infusion system includes a primary controller which controls the flow rate of a parenteral solution, a display which displays parameters associated with the delivery of a primary solution, and pushbuttons for entering solution delivery parameters into the controller. The primary controller communicates with a secondary infusion module which is programmed to deliver solution from a secondary source, with the flow rate being controlled by the primary controller. The secondary infusion module includes a display for displaying parameters associated with the delivery of the secondary solution and a drop detector, and mounts about a drip chamber for the secondary solution. The module may also include pushbuttons for entering fluid delivery parameters for the secondary solution into the module.

Abstract: This invention relates to a microprocessor-based medical pump with a number of manual controls. The operation of this pump requires the attachment of a magnetic label to the front of the pump. This magnetic label includes a given number of strong permanent magnets in a pre-determined configuration which indicate the pharmaceutical product type and concentration to be infused. The magnetic label also changes the visual scales around the manual controls. Hall Effect sensors read the pre-determined configuration and send the data to the microprocessor which also reads the manual controls. Using the pre-determined configuration data and the manual control data, the microprocessor determines the desired infusion parameters.

Abstract: A low level alarm device for drop-feed injection liquid comprises a mechanical arrangement where an injection liquid containing bottle is hung on one arm of a mechanical balance to be balanced by a counter weight provided on the other arm of the balance. The consumption of the liquid in the bottle causes the loss of equilibrium of the balance thereby triggering a circuit to be closed to sound an alarm so that the liquid may be replenished in time by an attendant.

Abstract: A multiple fluid delivery system usable for the delivery of intravenous fluids to a patient from a plurality of fluid sources includes flexible tubing members for coupling the sources to a fluid junction member. The fluid junction member, wherein little or no interfluid mixing occurs, is coupled by an output conduit to a controllable pump. Output from the pump, via a further fluid flow conduit, can be coupled to the patient's catheter. The system can multiplex a plurality of different fluids. Spaced apart sequences of fluid quanta are injected into the output conduit from the fluid flow junction. The fluids are either mixed, or not, in the output conduit as desired. Operator interaction and control of the system can occur either through a display screen or by means of a bar code sensor. Hard copy records can be provided of fluid flow delivery schedules or other related information.