Abstract: An apparatus may be used with an elongate member that includes an engagement member, a hollow shaft, a compression member, a compression element, and a resilient gripping member. The hollow shaft extends from the engagement member along a longitudinal axis. The compression member is slidably disposed over the hollow shaft. The hollow shaft is disposed over the resilient gripping member and supports the compression element. The compression member has a conical inner surface including a detent feature. The conical inner surface is configured to urge the compression element radially inwards as the collar advances from the unlocked position toward the locked position where the detent feature retains the compression element. The compression element deforms the resilient gripping member radially inwards to grip the elongate member and prevents translation of the elongate member. When unlocked, the resilient gripping member moves radially away from the elongate member allowing translation.

Abstract: Flow controllers for intravenous (IV) tubing are provided. A flow controller may include first and second structural members defining a cavity therebetween for a portion of the tubing, wherein the first structural member is linearly slidable along a length of the tubing to compress at least part of the portion of the tubing to control flow of a medical fluid through the tubing. A flow controller may include a first ramped wedge structure, a second ramped wedge structure configured to slide over the first ramped wedge structure to compress a portion of the IV tubing disposed between the first ramped wedge structure and the second ramped wedge structure, a yoke having a linear slot, a wheel having a pin that is radially separated form a center of the wheel and is slidably disposed in the linear slot, and a transfer structure coupled to the yoke and the first ramped wedge structure. IV sets that include a flow controller are also provided.

Abstract: Roller clamps are described herein. A roller clamp includes a housing, a roller wheel, and a locking device. The housing includes a first wall and a second wall, wherein the first wall and the second wall are spaced apart to define a longitudinal channel therebetween, the housing including an upper opening and a lower opening configured to allow a tubing to pass through the longitudinal channel. The roller wheel is disposed at least partially within the longitudinal channel and configured to engage the tubing, the roller wheel including a plurality of teeth extending from an outer surface of the roller wheel, wherein a longitudinal position of the roller wheel relative to the channel adjusts a flow rate through the tubing. The locking device is releasably engaged to the housing and the roller wheel, wherein the locking device prevents movement of the roller wheel from the longitudinal position.

Abstract: A color-coded roller clamp apparatus for easily clamping an IV tube includes a clamp housing having a clamp inside. A top aperture and a roller slot extend through to the clamp inside. The clamp housing is configured to receive an IV tube passing through the top aperture and out a bottom. A roller is coupled to the clamp housing and comprises a wheel partially extending through the roller slot. A first hemisphere and a second are a first color and a second color, respectively. An axle is coupled to the wheel within the clamp. The roller is rollingly moveable between a disengaged position alternative engaged. The wheel in the disengaged position exposes the first hemisphere through the roller slot and the wheel in the engaged position exposes the second hemisphere through the roller slot and is configured to clamp the IV tube against the back side to prevent flow.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for sealing medical devices, particularly during intravascular access, are disclosed herein. Some aspects relate to a hemostatic valve for sealing a wide range of medical devices, such as catheters, wires, embolectomy systems. The valve can include an elongate member having a first end, a second end, and a central lumen extending therebetween. A reinforcement structure extends along at least a portion of the elongate member and is coupled to the elongate member. A shell defining a first aperture and a second aperture may be included, which first and second apertures can be fluidly coupled by the elongate member. A tensioning mechanism is coupled to the shell and to the elongate member, the tensioning mechanism can be moveable between a first configuration wherein the tensioning mechanism is collapsed and the central lumen is sealed and a second configuration wherein the central lumen is open.

Abstract: A machine which contains a housing (14) having a placement surface for the beverage container (13), wherein a removable brewing container (8) having a drain stub (19) and having a drain valve (10) that can be electrically or electromagnetically opened and closed is arranged in the housing (14). The actual brewing process is automatically controlled by a control unit (11). The water is pumped by a vibrating armature pump (16) through a heating system (15) and through a water outlet in the cover (4) having an integrated temperature sensor (24) through the cover (5) into the brewing container (8). A pressure sensor (12) ensures that the water is not heated above the pressure-dependent current boiling point. The control unit (11) can be programmed by means of a control panel (7) on the housing, for at least the brewing temperature, the brewing duration, and the start of a brewing cycle.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing valve may include a downspout assembly having a body having walls with a slot therein, a channel, an upper and a lower opening, with the slot in the channel between the upper and lower openings. The downspout assembly may include a lateral member extending laterally from the downspout assembly and engaging the wall adjacent the slot. A pinch member may be partly enclosed within the lateral member and dimensioned to move partially through the slot. A handle and the pinch member may move the pinch member in and out of the slot. A coil spring may engage the lateral member and the pinch arm urging the pinch arm at least partially through the slot of the body. A flexible insert may be dimensioned to tightly fit against the walls of the channel of the body, the insert having an open top and an open bottom.

Abstract: A metered enteral feeding system for delivering fluids, the metered enteral feeding system including a vented container with contained volume for containing the fluids. The metered enteral feeding system includes a discharge port for discharging the fluid from the contained volume and at least one vent for allowing airflow into the contained volume. The metered enteral feeding system also includes a flow control valve in fluid communication with the discharge port of the vented container. The fluid control valve is adjustable to provide an increased or decreased flowrate therethrough.

Abstract: A transfusion speed regulator, a transfusion monitoring system and an operation method of the transfusion monitoring system are disclosed. The transfusion speed regulator includes a housing, a lead rail, an actuator and a regulating roller. The housing includes a bottom plate; the lead rail is on the housing and is not parallel to the bottom plate; the regulating roller is configured to be moved along the lead rail to regulate a transfusion speed; and the actuator is configured to drive the regulating roller to move.

Abstract: An igniter 40 activated blocking device 10 blocks a fluid line 4 adapted to carry fluid. The blocking device 10 has a housing 30 disposed about the fluid line, a piston 20 housed in the housing, and an igniter 40 that when activated propels the piston 20 to block the fluid line 4. The igniter 40 generates a shock wave to move the piston 20 to block the line. The piston 20 crushes or squeezes a portion of the line 4 to close the line.

Abstract: A clamp arrangement for retaining a flexible tube (18) during operation of a roller pump (10) for pumping fluid, the clamp arrangement comprising a pair of rotatable bobbins (24A, 24B, 26A, 26B) mounted adjacent to each other. Each bobbin (24A, 24B, 26A, 26B) has a tapered groove (30), formed partially around a cylindrical surface of the bobbin (24A, 24B, 26A, 26B), and counter rotation of the bobbins (24A, 24B, 26A, 26B) clamps the tube 18 between the bobbins (24A, 24B, 26A, 26B) in the tapered grooves (30). The clamp arrangement allows tubes of different shapes and diameters to be securely held without overly deforming the tube.

Abstract: Disclosed is a closed suction catheter for removing respiratory secretions secreted from a patient's airway, the closed suction catheter including: a tube (10) covered with a flexible outer skin (20); a suction controller (30); and a connection adaptor (40), wherein the suction controller (30) includes a main body (31) being connected to the flexible outer skin (20) by a coupling ring (32) and including: two tube holes (311 and 312) formed in the main body (31); a longitudinal groove (313) formed between the tube holes (311 and 312), with a roller (33) installed in the groove (313); a guide portion (315) formed on a side wall (314) of the groove (313); and a bottom surface (316) inclindly formed at the main body (31) with the tube (10) placed on the bottom surface (316), such that an opening ratio of the tube (10) is controlled by movement of the roller (33).

Abstract: A value stream process or method for forming vehicle rails from extruded aluminum tubes includes the steps of extruding an aluminum tube and hydroforming the extruded aluminum tube into a vehicle rail. More specifically, the method includes extruding the aluminum tube, bending the aluminum tube, preforming the aluminum tube, hydroforming the aluminum tube into a vehicle rail, trimming the vehicle rail to length and then artificially aging the rail followed by batch chemical pretreatment. In an alternative embodiment the artificial aging and batch chemical pretreatment processes are performed in reverse order. In either of the embodiments, localized induction annealing to recover formability may be performed between bending and preforming, between preforming and hydroforming or both.

Abstract: A system and method for airflow control of pressurized air delivery, and more specifically, but not exclusively, to a robust valve assembly for use in a positive airway pressure treatment (PAPT) system and method to improve speech during treatment.

Abstract: Provided is an IV flow controller which adjusts the amount of an IV material supplied to a patient through an IV tube and to which a flushing feature is added. The IV controller according to the present invention includes: a first body unit, a second body unit, a fixed roller, and a driving roller. The fixed roller is fixedly and rotatably arranged, and has a first gear unit and a second gear unit. The driving roller is accommodated such that a portion thereof is exposed, and the driving roller is moved along the lengthwise direction while controlling the flow of the IV when the exposed portion is turned. Also, in the flushing position, the driving roller rotates in cooperation with the first gear unit of the fixed roller across the IV tube so as to flush the latter. The second gear unit of the fixed roller may be configured so as to have a ratchet gear, and the second body unit has a pawl which meshes with the ratchet gear of the fixed roller in order to prevent reverse rotation.

Abstract: Staged peristaltic pump systems and related methods are disclosed. A system may be configured such that the working fluid pressure differential across any individual stage of the system is smaller than the pressure across the entire system. In some embodiments certain components of each stage may be sealed from fluid communication with an external environment, though working fluid may be configured to cross the boundary of the seal. In some embodiments, stages may be pressurized with respect to an external environment.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing valve may include a downspout assembly having a body having walls with a slot therein, a channel, an upper and a lower opening, with the slot in the channel between the upper and lower openings. The downspout assembly may include a lateral member extending laterally from the downspout assembly and engaging the wall adjacent the slot. A pinch member may be partly enclosed within the lateral member and dimensioned to move partially through the slot. A pinch handle and the pinch member may move the pinch member in and out of the slot. A coil spring may engage the lateral member and the pinch arm urging the pinch arm at least partially through the slot of the body. A flexible insert may be dimensioned to tightly fit against the walls of the channel of the body, the insert having an open top and an open bottom.

Abstract: Described herein is an extravasation tester that pinches an infusion line closed between a wheel and a platen, and then peristaltically withdraws fluid into the infusion line as the wheel is rolled away from a puncture site. Extravasation is determined to have occurred if little or no blood appears in a sight chamber positioned near the puncture site when a test fluid is withdrawn into the infusion line from the puncture site.

Abstract: Device and method for puncturing blood vessels while using fluoroscopy. The disclosed device enables improved needle orientation control and avoids direct exposure of the clinician's hand to X-ray during the puncturing procedure.

Abstract: A roller clamp includes at least two opposing and spaced apart side walls, a guide wall, a further wall opposite the guide wall defining an aperture therethrough, a hollow body and a roller. The hollow body has a body aperture therethrough. The roller comprises a roller wheel having two axial projections protruding from a center of each side of the roller. Each side wall is provided with an opposing guide groove on the interior surface thereof. The two axial projections of the roller wheel are slidingly seated in the guide grooves so that the roller can move in the aperture of the further wall as the projections slide in the grooves. At least one respective long edge of each corresponding guide groove is provided with at least one notch. The resulting at least one pair of corresponding notches can at least partially seat the two projections.

Abstract: The invention provides a switching device for an irrigation system. The switching device provides selective communication between a supply port to which a supply of fluid under pressure can be attached and a balloon port to which a fixing balloon of a catheter can be attached, and between the supply port and a port to which a liquid reservoir can be attached. By use of a selection handle, the user can deform conduits in a pre-determined sequence and thus control an irrigation procedure by opening and closing fluid flow in various conduits. The invention further provides an irrigation device incorporating the switching device and a method of controlling a fluid flow e.g. in an irrigation system.

Abstract: A regulating device for an intravenous drip set comprising a main housing unit (1) which comprises a mobile roller (2) which can gradually compress a flexible tubing (4) until the tubing (4) is fully compressed and a fixed roller (3) which together with the mobile roller (2) squeeze the flexible tubing of an intravenous line into a totally closed position to act as a flusher for the intravenous line, whereby when by sliding the entire device downwards along the tubing (4) proximally towards a patient, flushing of fluid in the intravenous line is thereby achieved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a soil compaction device, in particular such as a tamper or a vibration plate device, having an internal combustion engine and a tank container for receiving fuel for the operation of said internal combustion engine. According to the present invention, there is at least one clamping device on the soil compaction device which has a mechanical effect on an elastically flexible section of a fuel line arranged between the tank container and the internal combustion engine in order to be able to disconnect the fuel flow, wherein the clamping device is mechanically coupled to a manually actuated gas actuation apparatus and/or start-stop apparatus for the internal combustion engine, or integrated therein, wherein at least one roll or roller is arranged on the extension which has an effect on the elastically flexible section of the fuel line in order to disconnect the fuel flow.

Abstract: An automatic safety occluder provides an occluder for an infusion set that is biased in a closed position until an electrical signal is received that causes the occluder to open. Should the occluder fail to be installed correctly, or if power is removed, the occluder will return to its biased closed position, preventing free flow. The occluder may also be placed in an integrated unit such that the automatic safety occluder may attach to the tubing as a unit.

Abstract: A system for controlling slurry flow through a flexible-walled transport tube. An example system includes a frame, a pivot pin, a rotatable radial arm having an attached pressure pad, a spring tension adjustment rod extending between the radial arm and the frame, and a coil spring concentric with the spring tension adjustment rod and configured to oppose rotation of the radial arm away from a flexible-walled transport tube contacting the pressure pad. In one operating condition, a decrease in the pressure of the slurry within the transport tube reduces the force applied by the slurry outward on the tube wall, leading the spring to rotate the radial arm toward the tube, causing the contact pad to deflect the wall of the flexible-walled transport tube and impeding the flow of slurry through the tube.

Abstract: An improved parallel-acting roller clamp is disclosed, for regulating fluid flow through a deformable plastic tube with improved control of fluid flow rate. The roller clamp achieves this improved performance by configuring a tapered relief groove formed in the clamp's bottom wall to have a reduced taper angle in the clamp's low-flow region. This minimizes variations in flow rate over time, due to cold flow, or creep, of the pinched, deformable plastic tube.

Abstract: A valve includes a valve body (1, 2), a tube (3) made of an elastomer extending through the inside of the valve body, and a roller (23) and a pressing surface (14) disposed facing each other across the tube (3). The roller (23) can be brought close to the pressing surface (14) to collapse the tube (3) between the roller (23) and pressing surface (14) and close the flow passage in the tube (3), and the roller (23) can be moved along the tube (3) to make a collapsed position where the tube (3) is collapsed by the roller (23) and the pressing surface (14) move along the flow passage axis of the tube (3) while maintaining the flow passage in the closed state.

Abstract: A drain tube stripper containing two handles pivotally joined at one end. The second end of each handle contains a roller. The rollers meet when the handles are pressed together. The handles are of unequal length. A drain tube, e.g., surgical drain, can be stripped of fluid and material buildup by placing the open rollers over the tube and pressing the handles together. The rollers thereby pinch the drain tube and the rollers allow the device to be moved along the drain tube pushing fluid and material ahead of the rollers. The drain tube stripper allows the tube to enter between the rollers from the side and exit from the side of the opposing handle. The tube drain stripper may also contain a guide component to minimize entanglement of the drain and the device is rolled along the drain tubing.

Abstract: A drain tube stripper containing two handles pivotally joined at one end. The second end of each handle contains a roller. The rollers meet when the handles are pressed together. The handles are of unequal length A drain tube, e.g., surgical drain, can be stripped of fluid and material buildup by placing the open rollers over the tube and pressing the handles together. The rollers thereby pinch the drain tube and the rollers allow the device to be moved along the drain tube pushing fluid and material ahead of the rollers. The drain tube stripper allows the tube to enter between the rollers from the side and exit from the side of the opposing handle. The tube drain stripper may also contain a guide component to minimize entanglement of the drain and the device is rolled along the drain tubing.

Abstract: A roller clamp is configured to maintain at a prescribed rate the flow rate of a fluid that flows through a tube. The roller clamp includes a tube winding shaft part around which a fluid flow tube is passed and which prevents the setting of the flow rate being disturbed if the tube is subject to a tensional force.

Abstract: The present invention provides a faucet for tapping a liquid stored under pressure of a gas in a container that has less moving parts subject to wear or breakage, and has a housing made of multiple parts which can be disassembled so the faucet mechanism can be easily cleaned, repaired, or replaced. The faucet mechanism contains a piece of flexible tubing and an arrangement of a pinch roller valve mechanism that compresses the flexible tubing to shut off flow of liquid through the tubing. In one arrangement of the present invention, since the housing does not move and does not come in contact with the beverage being poured, the housing is made of a non-metallic material, such as a plastic or petroleum-based material, which is less expensive than the previous brass or stainless steel housing.

Abstract: A tube clamp includes a housing 1 that has an inner cavity 2 longitudinally passing through the housing 1 and an upper window 3, and a roller 4 that is mounted in the housing with its cylindrical surface positioned at the upper window and is movable longitudinally in the inner cavity. A pair of guide grooves 6 is formed along the upper window and guides a roller shaft 5. A distance between a bottom face 7 of the inner cavity and the guide grooves is smaller in a pinching region 7b than in an open region 7a. When the roller is positioned in the pinching region, a tube 11 is closed between the roller and the bottom face, and when the roller is positioned in the open region, the flow path in the tube is opened. The tube clamp further includes a slider 8 that is attached over the roller and is movable together with the roller in the inner cavity.

Abstract: An improved parallel-acting roller clamp is disclosed, for regulating fluid flow through a deformable plastic tube with improved control of fluid flow rate. The roller clamp achieves this improved performance by configuring a tapered relief groove formed in the clamp's bottom wall to have a reduced taper angle in the clamp's low-flow region. This minimizes variations in flow rate over time, due to cold flow, or creep, of the pinched, deformable plastic tube.

Abstract: A pinch valve for regulating fluid flow includes a close mechanism for closing a sleeve by pinching its sides together. The pinch valve also includes an open mechanism integral with the close mechanism for opening the tube by urging the sides apart. The open mechanism pushes against the ends of the closure in the sleeve as the tube is being opened. In one embodiment of the invention open cams push against the end of the closure, and in another embodiment open followers, which are part of a four bar linkage, push against the sides of the sleeve.

Abstract: A tube flushing device has a shell having a first housing and a second housing connected on a side thereof so as to be movable between an open position and a closed position. A first pair of wheels are rotatably mounted in the first housing. A second pair of wheels rotatably mounted in the second housing. The first pair of wheels engages the second pair of wheels when the housings are in the closed position. The shell has openings on opposite ends thereof. A tube can extend through the openings and between the first and second pair of wheels so as to allow fluids therein to be flushed therefrom as the shell moves along the length of the tube.

Abstract: This invention provides a heavy duty pinch valve for use in industrial applications, such as railroad tank cars that is constructed with a sealed housing that is sufficiently sturdy to operate in tough environments and large material flows. The valve includes a welded one-piece framework for sturdy support of pinch elements and the spool. The framework includes a tank car-connecting flange with two pairs of upright supports welded thereto. One pair of supports includes apertures for rotatably supporting two intermeshed geared ends of the pinch elements that counter-rotate toward each other during closure. Between the geared ends extends a pinch element bearing shaft that is surrounded by a rotatable cylindrical sleeve adapted to bear against the spool. The geared ends are covered by side cover plates. A bottom cover plate having an outlet is provided. It is adapted to shear off the framework in the event of an accident.

Abstract: A switching device for an irrigation line includes two flexible supply tubes (4a, 4b), each of the tubes connecting a flask containing an irrigation fluid to a handpiece via a peristaltic pump. The device includes at least one compression element (34a, 34b) and control members (32) which can apply the compression element alternatively to each of the flexible supply tubes (4a, 4b) in such a way as to squeeze and block the tube. The control members (32) are designed such that, when one of the tubes is being squeezed in order to block the passage of the fluid through same, the other tube is not being squeezed so that the fluid can flow through the other tube.

Abstract: This invention provides a pinch valve having a pinch region defined by a pair of rotating pinch elements. These pinch elements define a variable profile that substantially surrounds the entire circumference of a tube in the pinch region and that thereby ensures that the tube is always returned to the desired opening size at all valve adjustment settings in a range from fully open to fully closed. More particularly, the pinch elements are provided with a pinch region that defines a surface geometry that includes a continuously variable-length (ramping) linear segment, disposed at a continuously variable depth (ramping from full open to fully pinched), that pinches the walls into a pair of opposed parallel lines throughout the majority of their rotational movement/adjustment range.

Abstract: The apparatus for flow rate control of a fluid provides a roller clamp having either a clamp body with a non-linear clamp body surface or a clamp body with a non-linear adjustment roller track, which, when coupled to a tube, provides a linear, or otherwise pre-determined, relationship between flow rate of a fluid flowing through the tube and adjustment of the roller clamp.

Abstract: A flow regulator has a pair of side walls extending generally parallel to one another, a bottom wall connecting the side walls to one another and defining an elongate channel for receiving a compressible tube, a roller rotatably and shiftably mounted to the side walls for rolling along the tube in the channel and compressing the tube against the bottom wall. The bottom wall is provided with a formation which varies from a first end of the channel towards an opposite, second end thereof, whereby compressive force applied to the tube via the roller is different at different longitudinal positions of the roller along the channel. A bracket or bow-shaped bridge is disposed about or between the side walls at one end of the channel. The bracket is in contact with outer surfaces of the side walls only in regions of the side walls spaced from the bottom wall. The bracket or bridge is advantageously made with less inherent stiffness than the assembly defining the elongate channel.

Abstract: An elongate pinch housing is provided which is U-shaped in cross-section with two sidewalls and with a web wall connecting these. A pinch roller is longitudinally displaceable in these sidewalls with an annular notch at its one circumferential corner region for forming the regulation cross-section of the flexible tubing. The pinch housing in its transition region from the web wall to that sidewall which is distant from the annular notch of the pinch roller is provided with an inner, elongate side guide surface for the flexible tubing. The side guide surface projects into the pinch housing and runs inclined to its longitudinal middle plane so that the flexible tubing inserted in the pinch housing is subjected to a transverse movement.

Abstract: An elongate pinch housing is provided which is U-shaped in cross-section with two sidewalls and with a web wall connecting these. A pinch roller is longitudinally displaceable in these sidewalls with an annular notch at its one circumferential corner region for forming the regulation cross-section of the flexible tubing. The pinch housing in its transition region from the web wall to that sidewall which is distant from the annular notch of the pinch roller is provided with an inner, elongate side guide surface for the flexible tubing. The side guide surface projects into the pinch housing and runs inclined to its longitudinal middle plane so that the flexible tubing inserted in the pinch housing is subjected to a transverse movement.

Abstract: A flow control system and a valve for controlling a fluid flow in a flexible conduit. The valve includes a movable member movable to compressingly contact the outer surface of the flexible conduit to adjust the flow cross-sectional area of the flexible conduit. The flow control system includes the flexible conduit, the valve, and a controller. The controller is operatively connected to the movable member for controllably moving the movable member.

Abstract: An improved flow control device for regulating the flow of liquid or gas through a length of flexible-conduit using a generally enclosed rack and pinion assembly engaged by an external slidable assembly or switch. The case has a lower rack with a surface supporting a length of flexible conduit, opposing walls, and an upper surface. The lower rack has at least one rack track along which a pinion gear assembly may be engaged and rotated. The pinion gear assembly has a cylinder shaft capped on at least one end by a pinion gear with radiating teeth. The pinion gear assembly can be rotated along a portion of the flexible conduit, compressing it at one or more positions. Operation of the flow control device can be accomplished using a single hand, and the case remains enclosed without subjecting the pinion gear assembly to an external environment.

Abstract: The present invention is a pinch valve for connection between an upstream pipeline and a downstream pipeline. The pinch valve includes a fixed conical reducer having an inlet end, an outlet end and an inside surface with an inside diameter which gradually reduces from the inlet end to the outlet end, resulting in a substantially conical-shaped inside surface. The inlet end of the fixed conical reducer attached to the upstream pipeline. The pinch valve also includes a flexible full port sleeve having an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end of the flexible full port sleeve attached to the outlet end of the fixed conical reducer and the outlet end of the full port sleeve attached to the downstream pipeline. The pinch valve further includes a pinching mechanism positioned adjacent the flexible full port sleeve and configured to constrict the flexible full port sleeve.

Abstract: A flow regulator has a pair of side walls extending generally parallel to one another, a bottom wall connecting the side walls to one another and defining an elongate channel for receiving a compressible tube, a roller rotatably and shiftably mounted to the side walls for rolling along the tube in the channel and compressing the tube against the bottom wall. The bottom wall is provided with a formation which varies from a first end of the channel towards an opposite, second end thereof, whereby compressive force applied to the tube via the roller is different at different longitudinal positions of the roller along the channel. A bracket or bow-shaped bridge is disposed about or between the side walls at one end of the channel. The bracket is in contact with outer surfaces of the side walls only in regions of the side walls spaced from the bottom wall. The bracket or bridge is advantageously made with less inherent stiffness than the assembly defining the elongate channel.

Abstract: An improved injection molded plastic roller pinch clamp for IV sets includes a housing having side walls, a bottom wall, a top wall, a flow control region, a roller wheel and plastic tubing which is pinched between the roller wheel and the bottom wall. Methods for making the same and mold modifications to make the same are disclosed. A number of preferred dimensional relationships exist for achieving the easing of the effort required to adjust the wheel and consequent flow rate and obtaining a firm grip on the tube, while reducing the clamp weight. The ratio of the cross-sectional thickness of the top wall to the side wall is in the range of 1.3 to 4.0; the housing having a weight to length ratio in the range of 0.2 to 0.48 grams per centimeter (normalized range of 0.17 to 0.39), the side wall being between 1.1 and 2.3 times the thickness of the walls of the tubing.

Abstract: A catheter movement control device is presented having therein a resilient biasing member and a tube gripper which mount on a catheter tube. The biasing member and tube gripper are contained within a housing having a shoulder proximate the catheter tube. As the catheter tube is free to move in a forward direction through the housing, upon attempted rearward movement the biasing member engages the tube gripper causing it to pivot against a shoulder within the housing. Upon pivoting the tube gripper tightly engages the catheter tube preventing any further rearward movement of the catheter tube.

Abstract: A flow regulator has a pair of side walls extending generally parallel to one another, a bottom wall connecting the side walls to one another and defining an elongate channel for receiving a compressible tube, a roller rotatably and shiftably mounted to the side walls for rolling along the tube in the channel and compressing the tube against the bottom wall. The bottom wall is provided with a formation which varies from a first end of the channel towards an opposite, second end thereof, whereby compressive force applied to the tube via the roller is different at different longitudinal positions of the roller along the channel. A bracket or bow-shaped bridge is disposed about or between the side walls at one end of the channel. The bracket is in contact with outer surfaces of the side walls only in regions of the side walls spaced from the bottom wall. The bracket or bridge are advantageously made with less inherent stiffness than the assembly defining the elongate channel.

Abstract: Roller clamp for regulating a fluid flow through an elastically deformable tubing, comprising a generally channel-shaped body and a roller longitudinally movable in a guided fashion parallel to a clamping surface of the bottom wall of the body so as to clamp the elastically deformable tubing. Longitudinal lateral recesses are formed between the clamping surface and the lateral walls of the body, at least along part of a longitudinal central groove having a decreasing section of the bottom wall, which are designed to accommodate elastic expansion of the tubing being clamped.