Abstract: A dispensing valve arrangement is provided which includes a series of pinch valves and their respective deformable hoses. A pair of actuating mechanisms is provided so that some of the pinch valves first move to full flow position before other pinch valves move towards opened position to provide sequential operation and an additional feed which confluently merges and mixes with the feed from the first valves.

Abstract: A product dispenser utilizes an elastomeric tube which is compressed between a plunger and a frame by means of axially slidable members which support the plunger and frame for movement in equal and opposite directions so as to compress the tube and thereby force an aliquot portion of liquid from the tube. Release of the tube will cause the tube to return to its original position due to the elasticity of the tube.

Abstract: A liquid supply device is disclosed which includes a reservoir and a supply tube for providing liquid to a basin. A shut-off valve includes a support structure for retaining the supply tube to the basin. The shut-off is attached to the supply tube and engages the support structure so as to automatically discontinue liquid flow in the event that the supply tube becomes disengaged from the support structure. Several types of shut-off valves are disclosed for use with the present invention including a pinch valve, a ball valve and a duckbill valve.

Abstract: The specification describes several uses for pressure sensitive valves during extracorporeal pumping in one embodiment, an improved pumping loop for a roller pump is used in an extracorporeal circuit with a pressure relief valve and pump tubing. The inlet and outlet of the tubing are connected respectively to the outlet and inlet of said valve via two 3 way connections, across the outlet of the pump. The pumping loop allows recirculation of pumped liquid between the inlet and outlet of the pump when the outlet pressure generated by said pump exceeds a set value thereby limiting the pump outlet pressure to the set pressure. The pressure relief valve can also be placed at the inlet if the pump to protect the circuit from excess negative pressure that the pump can generate. The pressure relief valve in combination with the pump loop provides an accurate means to dynamically set the occlusion of the tubing within the roller pump.

Abstract: A pinch clip occluder for infusion sets is disclosed including a housing and a clamp movably disposed within the housing to selectively occlude an infusion set. In one embodiment the clamp has at least one arm which moves between first and second positions to pinch closed a silicone tube of the infusion set unless the pinch clip occluder is held in an open position by the user, or placed in a receptacle which will hold the pinch clip occluder in an open position. In another embodiment a plunger is disposed so as to intersect a passage passing through the housing. As the plunger is selectively moved between first and second positions, the flow through a tube in the passage is selectively controlled. Such an arrangement prevents a free-flow condition from occurring through the infusion set.

Abstract: A flow regulator, suitable for use in a respirator/ventilator, has a conduit through which a medium flows whose flow is to be regulated and a choke valve arranged outside the conduit. The choke valve includes a first solenoid, a pressure actuator that is moved by the shaft end of the first solenoid, and a fixed element with the conduit disposed between the pressure actuator and the fixed element. Actuation of the first solenoid displaces the pressure actuator so as to alter the cross-section of the conduit. The shaft of the first solenoid exhibits an effective stroke length so that the pressure actuator, in a first limit position, leaves the flow cross-section of the conduit unaltered and, in a second limit position, partially compresses the conduit against the detent. The flow regulator is made lightweight and inexpensive and also has a comparatively low power consumption by using a second solenoid having a shaft which exhibits a short effective stroke length compared to the shaft of the first solenoid.

Abstract: A pinch clamp finding a primary use in an autotransfusion machine includes a hollow clamp head having a closed upper end and an open lower end reciprocally receiving a piston. A lateral groove is established in the clamp head so that a deformable tube can be received in the clamp head passing through the hollow interior thereof. The piston is reciprocally moved within the clamp head so as to selectively pinch the tube between the piston head and the closed end of the clamp head. The piston is positively reciprocated by cam followers on a piston rod with the cam followers riding in closed cam tracks in adjacent cam wheels on opposite sides of the piston. The cam wheels are mounted on a crankshaft which is selectively driven by power means.

Abstract: A pinch clip occluder for infusion sets is disclosed including a housing and a clamp movably disposed within the housing to selectively occlude an infusion set. In one embodiment the clamp has at least one arm which moves between first and second positions to pinch closed a silicone tube of the infusion set unless the pinch clip occluder is held in an open position by the user, or placed in a receptacle which will hold the pinch clip occluder in an open position. In another embodiment a plunger is disposed so as to intersect a passage passing through the housing. As the plunger is selectively moved between first and second positions, the flow through a tube in the passage is selectively controlled. Such an arrangement prevents a free-flow condition from occurring through the infusion set.

Abstract: A pinch valve (10) comprising a flexible sleeve (12) adapted for attachment to a conduit in communication with a source of fluid, pinching means (26) adapted to pinch the flexible sleeve (12) and thereby reduce the effective cross-sectional flow area thereof, actuation means (28) operable selectively on said pinching means (26) to regulate fluid flow through the sleeve (12) and mounting means (42) disposed to support the actuation means (28) independently of the sleeve (12) and thereby to permit removal of the sleeve (12) without removal of the actuation means (26).

Abstract: An apparatus for managing and controlling fluid flow through a plurality of fluid conduits includes a chassis, a plurality of conduit occluders mounted in the chassis, each occluder for association with at least one of the plurality of fluid conduits and each being selectively actuatable between an open position permitting fluid flow through a respective fluid conduit and a closed position obstructing conduit fluid flow. A single actuator is mounted in the chassis, the actuator for adjusting the plurality of occluders between the open and closed positions. A roller cage is also mounted in the chassis for mechanically interconnecting the actuator to the plurality of conduit occluders so that the single actuator is mechanically capable of maintaining one of the plurality occluders in the closed position while maintaining another of the plurality of occluders in the open position.

Abstract: A valve cartridge is provided. The valve cartridge includes a cartridge retainer having a cartridge axis and a generally cylindrical sidewall having first and second openings and first and second pinch tubes disposed within the cartridge retainer. The pinch tubes respectively have tube axes substantially parallel to the cartridge axis and axial bores therethrough. The valve cartridge also includes first and second poppets disposed in the first and second openings and movable in a direction not parallel with the tube axes for engagement respectively with the pinch tubes, and an actuator rotatable about and movable along the cartridge axis and encircling the cartridge retainer.

Abstract: A self-closing catheter valve having a housing with an oval cross section and a conical hose attachment connector which can be inserted into a catheter hose. A valve hose piece partially extends through the housing. A V-shaped spring element deforms and constricts the valve hose piece by pressing the valve hose piece against a wall of the housing. An actuation member is positioned within the housing for bringing the self-closing catheter valve into an open position.

Abstract: A cap for a bottle containing a carbonated beverage provides a dispensing mechanism that prevents carbonation gas from escaping from the bottle as the beverage is being dispensed. The cap has a housing with a first end adapted to mate with a neck of the bottle and an opening out of which beverage to be dispensed flows. A valve is mounted in the housing having a first end coupled in fluid communication with the bottle when the cap is on the bottle and a second end coupled in fluid communication to an outlet in the housing. A manually operated actuator is coupled to the valve for opening and closing the valve.

Abstract: In order to avoid dead volumes in a valve for control of a branch line departing from the main line in a valve chamber located in a valve housing, the valve chamber contains an elastomer part provided with a main channel and a branch channel departing from it, and the two ends of the main channel are sealingly connected with the main lines. The free end of the branch channel is sealingly connected with the branch line, and further that a valve lifter be provided in the valve housing, which acts on the branch channel in the branch-off area directly adjacent to the main channel of the elastomer part, thus reducing the cross-section of the branch channel, which is held in place by a counterpiece in the valve housing.

Abstract: A device for holding an IV tube in a pumping apparatus and for selectively occluding the tube when the door of the pumping apparatus is opened, to prevent free flow of fluid in the tube. The device consists of a base member to which the IV tube is attached or through which it passes, and a slide clamp which slides relative to the base member and relative to the tube. The IV tube is passed through an elongated aperture in the slide clamp, and the slide clamp is slidingly mounted on the base member. The aperture in the slide clamp has a relatively open hole at one end, through which the tube passes when the slide clamp is in one position, allowing fluid to flow through the tube. The aperture also has a relatively constricted slot at the other end, through which the tube passes when the slide clamp is in a second position, preventing fluid flow through the tube.

Abstract: There is provided a valve for use in regulating flow of fluid through a conduit having a deformably resilient valve sleeve, in which the valve includes a housing, and at least first and second opposing jaw members disposed transversely to the conduit for deforming the valve sleeve with the conduit sandwiched between the first and second opposing jaw members. The jaw members are movable between an open position, with the first and second jaw members spaced apart a distance sufficient to permit flow of liquid through the conduit, and a closed position, with the jaw members pinched together sufficiently to restrict or shut off the flow of fluid through the conduit. Inflatable diaphragms are provided to control movement of the jaw members between the open position, when the diaphragms are in a deflated configuration, and the closed position, when the diaphragms are in an inflated configuration.

Abstract: A solenoid control valve includes a solenoid housing which encloses a solenoid and an armature which is actuated by the solinoid in order to control the flow of fluid through the valve. contact spring makes continuous electrical contact with the armature and the armature is electrically insulated from the valve except when the solenoid brings the armature into contact with a stop portion which is integrally formed in the body of the valve. Contact between the armature and the stop completes an electrical circuit between the spring contact, the armature and the valve body, thereby providing a precise electrical indication of the mechanical state of the valve without any degradation due to hysteresis or mechanical losses.

Abstract: An intravenous delivery assembly comprises, in accordance with the present invention, a frame member and a plurality of intravenous flow regulators each including (a) at least one attachment element for attaching a respective intravenous tube and (b) flow regulating componentry for varying a fluid flow rate through the respective intravenous tube. Cooperating connectors are provided on the flow regulators and the frame member for removably connecting the flow regulators to the frame member. The flow regulating componentry includes a clamping member having elongate first and second clamping elements and a slider member for shifting the clamping elements alternately towards and away from one another to vary a fluid flow cross-section in an intravenous tube inserted between the clamping elements.

Abstract: A flexible clamp for IV tubing, and in particular for use in a free flow prevention system. The flexible clamp has a pair of generally elongate clamping arms defining a slot for receiving the IV tubing. The flexible clamp has a resilient bias tending to bring the clamping arms to a closed position wherein the IV tubing is squeezed between the clamping arms to close the lumen of the IV tubing to prevent fluid flow, and the clamping arms are movable against the resilient bias of the flexible clamp to an open position wherein the clamping arms are spread from one another relative to the closed position such that the lumen of the IV tubing is allowed to open so that flow through the lumen of the IV tubing is permitted.

Abstract: Apparatus for discharging particulate solids from a flexible bag wherein a lower end of the bag and its spout are located within a hopper with the spout accessible through an opening in the hopper wall and wherein a constricting device is included for choking the bag spout to restrict flow therethrough so that the spout can be tied off and closed by access through the hopper wall opening.

Abstract: A product delivery system for delivering sterile liquid product having a positive shut-off valve to prevent back flow of liquid and air into the system. The product delivery system comprises a compressible reservoir, a flexible delivery element extending from the reservoir, and a shut-off valve movable from a closed position to an opened position, the hollow interior of the delivery element being closed when the shut-off valve is in its closed position and open when the shut-off valve is in its open position to prevent the back flow of the delivered liquid product and air into the delivery element and reservoir to thereby maintain the sterility of the liquid product contained within the reservoir and the delivery element.

Abstract: A fluid flow apparatus includes a peristaltic pump rotor mounted to a deck module assembly. A disposable software set is provided which includes a cassette which has a primary flexible tube and a pump platen adjacent to which the primary flexible tube resides. Tubing with blood processing bags are coupled to the manifold along with the input port of the rotor of a disposable blood processing centrifuge bowl. The software set also includes a three-to-one manifold which connects the primary tube to a plurality of secondary flexible tubes. Fluid flow through the secondary flexible tubes is controlled by a plurality of pinch valves which pinch the secondary tubes closed against closing surfaces on the cassette. A deck module assembly allows a user to properly secure the cassette relative to the pump rotor and the pinch valves. A flat surface is provided on the manifold to couple sonic radiation into the manifold and sense the presence of fluids therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for use in a peristaltic pump 20 which prevents an inadvertent free flow condition prior to loading or after removal of an I.V. tube 26 in the peristaltic pump 20 and which also prevents the inadvertent occlusion of a loaded I.V. tube 26 in the peristaltic pump 20. A standard I.V. tube 26 has a slide clamp 109 provided thereon. The apparatus includes an I.V. tube groove 29 into which the I.V. tube 26 is positioned, a slide clamp receiving area 62 into which the slide clamp 109 is inserted, and a biased sliding member 81 which the inserted slide clamp 109 engages such that the I.V. tube 26 cannot be loaded into the apparatus without the slide clamp 109 occluding the I.V. tube 26. The present invention also contemplates a slide clamp 109, compatible with the apparatus having a surface pad 125 for facilitating automated identification of the slide clamp 109, in cooperation with a nonobstructive sensor 85 in the safety apparatus.

Abstract: A pinch valve for a flexible conduit is provided. The pinch valve has an arcuate rigid hook, an arcuate rigid pincher, and an actuator. The arcuate rigid hook has an inner surface of a diameter substantially equal to outer diameter of the flexible conduit, wherein the inner surface receives the conduit. The arcuate rigid pincher has an outer arcuate surface with a diameter at least as small as the inner diameter of the flexible conduit, and the flexible conduit is located between the arcuate hook and the arcuate rigid pincher. The actuator is coupled to either the hook or the pincher, and moves the hook relative to the pincher relative from a first position to collapse and pinch the flexible conduit therebetween to a second position where said flexible conduit is not collapsed and pinched. Preferably, the actuator is spring loaded so that the conduit is pinched.

Abstract: A self closing squeeze valve comprising a resilient and deformable valve body having a cavity into which a wafer made of closed cell foam with a smooth surface is permanently inserted, causing a normal state of blockage and seal. Lips are provided across the opposing broad surfaces of the cavity, aligned normal to the direction of flow through the valve, to augment sealing by the wafer. Manual pressure on the valve body causes both components to deform to form a passage allowing flow through the valve.

Abstract: A suction and irrigation apparatus is provided for selectively delivering suction or irrigation fluid to a patient during surgery or the like. A pair of resilient tubes are provided which is connected with a suction source and irrigation source at one end and is connected through a Y-shaped connector at the other end with a handpiece having clamping valves thereon disposed between the ends of the resilient tubes. The handpiece has a housing with openings in the ends thereof to provide passageways for the resilient tubes. Clamping valves are mounted in the housing which are spring urged to close the resilient tubes. A bracket is slidably mounted on the sides of the handpiece housing and the bracket is slidable to a position overlying the clamping valves so as to maintain the clamping valves in an open position. When the clamping valves are held in an opened position by the bracket, the handpiece can be moved along the length of the resilient tubes to position the handpiece at any desired location.

Abstract: A dispenser for liquids having an insulated cool chamber to receive a liquid container with a flexible tube for flow of liquid, a heat exchanger or pump in the chamber to pump liquid along the tube, a shut-off valve in the chamber below the pump with an opening for the tube to pass to a dispensing point outside the chamber, a motor and shaft for driving the pump, and gears connected between the motor shaft and the pump, a revolution counter coupled to the motor shaft, and connected to a counter logic circuit to count each revolution of the motor shaft, and manual controls mounted on the chamber and connected to the shut-off valve and to the motor, and to the counter logic circuit so that the shut-off valve opens within the chamber and the motor is started thereby driving the pump within the chamber, and automatically stopping the motor shaft when the predetermined count is reached, thereby maximizing the accuracy of the volume of liquid pumped by the pump.

Abstract: A multiple state pinch valve selectively controls the flow rate of fluid flowing within a flexible, resilient pinch tube. The valve includes a housing, and two biased pivot arm pinchers pivotally mounted in the housing on opposite sides of the pinch tube. Two springs bias respective ones of the pivot arm pinchers toward one another to pinch the tube, and two electromagnetic force field generators are mounted in the housing to selectively attract respective pivot arms away from one another to thereby selectively release some of the pinching of the tube.

Abstract: A multiple dose infusion controller for controlling the delivery of multiple dosages of an intravenous fluid from a source to a site comprises a compact, portable housing having a slot for removably receiving a segment of a disposable tubing connected to an IV source for transporting an IV fluid to a site, a valve member mounted in the housing for periodically engaging and compressing the tubing for closing the tubing for preventing flow of fluid therethrough, a motor in the housing for driving the valve member upon energization to selected open and closed positions, and controls in the housing for periodically energizing the motor for selectively controlling the flow of the fluid through the tubing in accordance with predetermined delivery times and duration parameters.

Abstract: A transfusion pump 10 is that 1 when the door 13 is opened to set the tube, the clamping member 53 is retained in engagement with the first unclamp retaining portion 61 by manual operation so as to be set at the unclamp position, 2 when the door 13 is closed after the tube has been set, the clamping member 53 is released from its engagement with the first unclamp retaining portion 61 by the first unclamp releasing portion 63, and retained in engagement with the second unclamp retaining portion 64 so as to be set at the unclamp position, and 3 when the door 13 is opened after its closing, the clamping member 53 loses its engagement with the second unclamp retaining portion 64 so as to be set at the clamp position.

Abstract: A squeeze off tool for a flexible pipe includes a vice arrangement involving a first member below the pipe and a second member above the pipe, with a framework guiding the second member for movement toward and away from the first. A power screw has one end rotatably mounted in the second member but cannot move axially with respect to the second member, the power screw having external threads at a location remote from the one end. A locking device selectively restrains rotation of the power screw with respect to the second member.

Abstract: Viscous active ingredients are introduced into the case of a galvanic cell by extrusion from a nozzle fed with the ingredients by a pumping device. The pumping device includes an elastic, substantially straight piece of hose, and a pressure roll which can be moved along the hose between two established limits, both in the general direction of the outlet nozzle to compress the hose, and in the opposite direction to assume a retracted position along the hose. The piece of hose is compressed at a point immediately adjacent to the hose segment defined between the established limits of the pressure roll so that the material to be metered does not come into contact with parts in relative motion to each other.

Abstract: An interchangeable pinch valve system (10) is provided with a valve body (20) having a longitudinal dimension which is substantially identical to standard longitudinal dimensions for ball, gate and the like type valves of similar flow path diameter. The reduced longitudinal dimension of pinch valve system (10), as compared to prior art systems, is achieved by a flexible-walled tubular sleeve (50) having a pair of transversely directed folds (60, 62) which provide sufficient sleeve material to enable the pinch closing of the flow passage (52) without substantially stretching the tubular sleeve wall (51). The valve body 20 is provided with a pair of recessed openings (22, 24) formed in the interior of valve body wall (21) in parallel spaced relation transverse to the fluid flow axis of the valve for receipt of the respective folds (62, 60), whereby the tubular sleeve (50) is in contiguous contact with the interior surface of valve body wall (21).

Abstract: A fluid control valve which has a deformable valve member with a fluid passageway therethrough. The fluid passageway is closed by a pressure-exerting member. Initial actuation of the valve by pressure on an actuator assembly compresses a spring which moves the pressure-exerting member away from the deformable valve member, thus allowing the fluid passageway to open. The fluid control valve also having a base portion containing a tortuous path air channel. When the base portion is fitted against a neck plug of a reservoir, a vent opening in the neck plug opens into the air channel of the base, allowing air to enter the reservoir while preventing liquid from leaking out of the reservoir should the reservoir be tipped over.

Abstract: A pinch valve assembly includes a valve body in which a plunger is spring loaded against a portion of a flexible tube which passes through the valve body. The plunger causes the flexible tube to collapse preventing flow through the tube. Energization of a solenoid which is mounted on the valve body causes the plunger to release the tube, permitting flow. In an alternative embodiment, energization of the solenoid causes the plunger to bear on the flexible tube thereby providing a normally open valve arrangement.In another alternative embodiment the plunger bears on a plurality of flexible tubes thereby facilitating simultaneous control of different fluids.In still another alternative embodiment the plunger is mounted in roller bearings and the top of the plunger bears on an electrical switch contact which provides an electrical verification of the open or closed state of the pinch valve assembly.

Abstract: An improved pinch valve assembly for opening and closing flexible tubular conduits is provided. A housing member is capable of supporting flexible tubular conduits and contains an engagement member that is capable of closing the passageways through the flexible tubular conduit. The engagement member can configure to receive a stop member that is capable of restraining the engagement member at a position which prohibits closing of a flexible tubular conduits during non-operative storage and transporting modes of operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for collapsing and crushing heavy-duty steel well casings and similar pipes to terminate flow of liquids such as crude oil therethrough, a housing portion gripping and sealing spaced portions of the casing, casing collapsing rams at opposite sides of the casing and between said portions of the housing and confined within portions of the housing; and a pair of hydraulic cylinders driving the rams inwardly against the casing to collapse it and crush it to reduce and substantially prevent flow of liquid or crude oil through the casing.

Abstract: A solenoid control valve includes a solenoid housing which encloses a solenoid and an armature which is actuated by the solenoid in order to control the flow of fluid through the valve. Contact spring makes continuous electrical contact with the armature and the armature is electrically insulated from the valve except when the solenoid brings the armature into contact with a stop portion which is integrally formed in the body of the valve. Contact between the armature and the stop completes an electrical circuit between the sring contact, the armature and the valve body, thereby providing a precise electrical indication of the mechanical state of the valve without any degradation due to hysteresis or mechanical losses.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for sealing around shafts or tubes of varying diameter. Its basic element comprises an elastomeric sealing body with an axial passage which is radially compressed from more than two sides to compress the passage into sealing engagement with a member extending through the passage. Radial compression is achieved by cams and followers disposed around the body which cooperate with angularly spaced radially extending lugs formed integrally with the body. The cams are spring biased to normally compress the axial passage of the sealing body. Levers operable by one hand of the user are provided to selectively release the apparatus.

Abstract: A pinch valve for selectively pinching or releasing a multiple plurality of fluid conduits includes a rotatable single cam as part of a rotor within a stator for locating the fluid conduits. The cam periphery with different lobe surfaces for engaging movable means which is either a plunger or a endless belt which pinch or release multiple fluid conduits. The rotor integrally includes a gear, shaft and flag indicator and is operable by a stepper motor. A backing means about the stator resiliently resists movement.

Abstract: A soap dispenser apparatus has a housing having a space formed in the housing for holding a soap container of a predetermined shape. The soap container has its own dispenser hose and nozzle formed therein and the dispenser hose fits through a squeeze pump and becomes part of the pump pumping the soap from the container. An electric motor has a gear box for gearing the motor down located in the housing and positioned to actuate a squeeze member to squeeze the dispenser hose against a pressure plate made of a self lubricating polymer. A sensor, such as an infrared sensor, senses a person's hand in line with the output of the soap container and dispenser nozzle and is coupled through a circuit to the electric motor to actuate the squeeze pump to pump the soap onto a person's hand positioned to receive the soap.

Abstract: A shut-off valve incorporating a tube-cutting member, and including a tubing support channel extending through the valve body. An actuator closes off, and then severs, a tubing section which is extended through the channel in the valve during an actuation stroke of the valve, the actuator including first and second spaced-apart, generally parallel slots provided in the valve body and intersecting the tubing support channel, and a driving member and first and second actuating members, each actuating member disposed in a respective slot of the valve body. During a mid-portion of the actuation stroke, the first actuating member first engages, and then closes, the tubing disposed across the first slot. At the end of the actuation stroke, after the tubing has been closed, the second actuating member severs the tubing disposed across the second slot.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter device that serves to control the loss of blood and subsequent contamination of the operator during placement, is disclosed. The catheter device comprises a cannula, a hub, and a generally cylindrical, resilient valve disposed within the hub. The valve includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface defines a passage in fluid communication with the cannula and has a plurality of longitudinal inner surface ribs. The outer surface has a plurality of outer surface ribs which are radially aligned with a respective one of the inner surface ribs. The catheter device further includes a ring for selectively compressing the outer surface ribs a distance to bring the inner surface ribs into mutual contact.

Abstract: A pinchcock comprises a housing, a tube section of elastically flexible material arranged in the housing, a pinching element displaceable in the housing in a direction extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the tube section and engaging on the outer side of the tube section and an actuating member for displacing the pinching element. The housing is designed as a plastic molded part, in which a ball is displaceable, as pinching element, in the direction extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the tube section. The actuating member comprises a cam engaging the ball, this cam being rotatable about an axis aligned at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the tube section and to the direction of displacement of the ball.

Abstract: A valve for controlling the level of fluids in basins, such as stands for cut trees, aquariums, or hydroponic plant basins. The valve 6 includes a rigid fluid conduit 26 passing through the wall of a float chamber 16, in order to transmit fluid into a flexible tubing 28 connected to the portion of the rigid fluid conduit 26 inside the float chamber 16. In the valve's open position, the flexible tubing 28 is maintained in a partially bent postion, riding on the upper end of a float 30 contained within the float chamber 16. As the fluid enters the float chamber 16, and exits into basin 8, the fluid level rises causing the float 30 to rise in float chamber 16. The rising float further bends the flexible tubing 28, causing it to collapse and block the flow of fluid therethrough. As the fluid in basin 8 falls, the flexible tubing 28 returns to its original position, and the flow of fluid through the valve resumes.

Abstract: A pump hose for a peristaltic pump consists of two arcuate portions that merge along kink lines so that the undeformed hose lumen has the cross-sectional shape of a convex lens. The joinings of the arcuate portions are joined by outwardly extending ribs. When the hose is pressed, only minor squeezing occurs at the joinings. The hose has a considerably improved squeezing and restoring behavior. The ribs prevent an excessive squeezing.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for administering cardioplegic solution to a heart during open heart surgery. A source of solution is delivered to a control switch from a single tube source and the tube is divided at a "Y" connector into two tubes, one for antegrade delivery and one for retrograde delivery. The control switch has a prime position with both divided tubes open. Movement from prime position to an operative position is irreversible. In the operative position, there is an "off" position with both tubes closed, an antegrade position with the antegrade tube open and the retrograde tube closed, and a retrograde position with the retrograde tube open and the antegrade tube closed. Movement from one position to the other requires movement through the "off" position so there can be no cross-flow from antegrade to retrograde. Pressure monitoring tubes are incorporated into the switch to be opened and closed with the respective tubes.

Abstract: A solenoid operated pinch valve has a flexible conductor with extensions on each side of the fluid passage for connecting to the valve frame and to a solenoid plunger. In a preferred mode the valve is normally closed by a spring and actuated open. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible fluid conductor is held in the frame at the ends to prevent transferral of stress from connectors and tubings to the pinch area of the valve. A portion of the fluid passage at the pinch area is especially shaped to reduce stress and fatigue on the flexible material. In other embodiments, valves may be normally open or actuated in both directions.

Abstract: A hose clamp having a pair of jaws between which a hose is clampable. One jaw is a rotatable cam jaw that automatically applies a greater clamping force under the influence of differential pressure in a hose on opposite sides of the jaws, and under the influence of impending sliding movement of the clamp along a hose.

Abstract: Presented is a method and apparatus for precision control of work fluids in a squeezable tube that has no surge of work material during the shut off closing of the tube which is accomplished by a compensator moving simultaneously and oppositely to the shut off member movement, each of the compensator and the shut off member having different stroke lengths and tube engageable surface areas which effectively keep the internal volume of the tube the same. The method and apparatus are useful standing alone, in coordination with precision positive displacement pumping under computer control which is also presented, and as a part of sequential or simultaneous movement of a valve/pump dispensing head coordinated with a stationary or movable work piece to provide exceedingly fine control dispensing. Suckback between dispensing shots is coordinated with shut off and movements of inlet, outlet and dispensing members to afford operator programmable dispensing with precision and without drip.