Abstract: A pumping segment having a low shut-off force is disclosed. The pumping segment includes a tube having an interior surface with at least two notches on opposite sides of the interior surface.

Abstract: A patch-sized fluid delivery device may include a reusable portion and a disposable portion. The disposable portion may include components that come into contact with the fluid, while the reusable portion may include only components that do not come into contact with the fluid. Redundant systems, such as redundant controllers, power sources, motor actuators, and alarms, may be provided. Alternatively or additionally, certain components can be multi-functional, such a microphones and loudspeakers that may be used for both acoustic volume sensing and for other functions and a coil that may be used as both an inductive coupler for a battery recharger and an antenna for a wireless transceiver. Various types of network interfaces may be provided in order to allow for remote control and monitoring of the device.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to a pressure sensor apparatus, including a housing with a flexible member and an aperture configured to receive a fluid. The pressure sensor apparatus further includes a first member disposed on the flexible member, a second member removably coupled to the first member configured to move in response to a pressure of the fluid and a sensor configured to detect the movement of the second member. The pressure sensor apparatus generates a pressure signal for the fluid based on the displacement of the second member.

Abstract: A combination of a chamber wall and the flexible membrane defines a pump chamber in a diaphragm pump. The pump chamber includes one or more internal surfaces that are modified to include a pattern of a pattern of channel surface regions. The channel surface regions provide unobstructed pathways to a respective opening disposed on an internal surface of the chamber wall. For example, as discussed herein, presence of the channel surface regions ensures that the facing of the flexible membrane does not needlessly stick (as a result of residual suction) to an inside surface of the chamber wall during a portion of the pump stroke in which negative pressure is applied to a backing of the flexible membrane. In other words, the channel surface regions distribute relief pressure along the inside surface of the pump chamber wall.

Abstract: An acoustic volume sensing device is disclosed. The device includes a housing comprising a reference volume chamber and a variable volume chamber, the reference volume chamber and the variable volume chamber connected by a resonant port, a first MEMS microphone located in acoustic relation to the variable volume chamber, a second MEMS microphone located in acoustic relation to the reference volume chamber, a MEMS speaker located in acoustic relation to the reference volume chamber, and a circuit board in electric connection with the first and second MEMS microphones and the MEMS speaker.

Abstract: A pumping cassette including a housing having at least two inlet fluid lines and at least two outlet fluid lines. At least one balancing pod within the housing and in fluid connection with the fluid paths. The balancing pod balances the flow of a first fluid and the flow of a second fluid such that the volume of the first fluid equals the volume of the second fluid. The balancing pod also includes a membrane that forms two balancing chambers. Also included in the cassette is at least two reciprocating pressure displacement membrane pumps. The pumps are within the housing and they pump the fluid from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet line and pump the second fluid from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet.

Abstract: A combination of a chamber wall and the flexible membrane defines a pump chamber in a diaphragm pump. The pump chamber includes one or more internal surfaces that are modified to include a pattern of a pattern of channel surface regions. The channel surface regions provide unobstructed pathways to a respective opening disposed on an internal surface of the chamber wall. For example, as discussed herein, presence of the channel surface regions ensures that the facing of the flexible membrane does not needlessly stick (as a result of residual suction) to an inside surface of the chamber wall during a portion of the pump stroke in which negative pressure is applied to a backing of the flexible membrane. In other words, the channel surface regions distribute relief pressure along the inside surface of the pump chamber wall.

Abstract: An injection device for injecting automatically a medicament comprises an occlusion detection system with a force measurement unit and two separate occlusion detectors. The occlusion detectors take force measurements at different respective measurement rates and generate occlusion indicating signals based on a set of force measurements taken at the respective measurement rates. The injection device further comprises an alarm generator for generating an occlusion alarm signal in cases where either or both of the occlusion detectors generate an occlusion indicating signal. The two occlusion detectors operating at different measurement rates make it possible to detect occlusions more reliably over a broader range of delivery rates.

Abstract: A dialysis machine includes: a hardware unit including at least one pump actuator, at least one valve actuator and a cassette interface, the cassette interface including: (i) a plate that abuts the cassette; (ii) at least one pump aperture defined by the plate; (iii) at least one pump head moveable out of and retractable into the at least one pump aperture to operate a pumping portion of the cassette; (iv) at least one valve aperture defined by the plate; (v) at least one valve apparatus moveable out of and retractable into the at least one valve aperture to operate a valve portion of the cassette; (vi) at least one sensor aperture defined by the plate; and (vii) at least one sensor located in the least one sensor aperture, the at least one sensor operable with a sensor portion of the cassette.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling fluid delivery via a manually administrable medication container to a patient through a fluid delivery pathway are provided. The systems and methods described herein incorporate rules-based clinical decision support logic to drive a flow control valve within a flow pathway based on a determination of whether or not an IV fluid connected to an input port on the pathway is appropriate for patient administration by considering such factors as patient-specific clinical circumstances, current medical orders, and accepted delivery protocols. Related apparatus, systems, methods and articles are also described.

Abstract: A pumping cassette including a housing having at least two inlet fluid lines and at least two outlet fluid lines. At least one balancing pod within the housing and in fluid connection with the fluid paths. The balancing pod balances the flow of a first fluid and the flow of a second fluid such that the volume of the first fluid equals the volume of the second fluid. The balancing pod also includes a membrane that forms two balancing chambers. Also included in the cassette is at least two reciprocating pressure displacement membrane pumps. The pumps are within the housing and they pump the fluid from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet line and pump the second fluid from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet.

Abstract: A cassette integrated system. The cassette integrated system includes a mixing cassette, a balancing cassette, a middle cassette fluidly connected to the mixing cassette and the balancing cassette and at least one pod. The mixing cassette is fluidly connected to the middle cassette by at least one fluid line and the middle cassette is fluidly connected to the balancing cassette by at least one fluid line. The at least one pod is connected to at least two of the cassettes wherein the pod is located in an area between the cassettes.

Abstract: A fluid pump for medical applications. The pump includes a flexible cassette containing two pump chambers of differing volume, each chamber having a dedicated piston. The first piston pushes fluid from the first chamber to the second, and the second piston pushes fluid from the second chamber and out of the pump. Three valves are coordinated with the action of the pistons to control fluid flow into and out of the pump chambers by applying and releasing pressure to and from specific points of the flexible cassette. A control system controls the operation of the pistons and valves and directs the pistons to be advanced according to a time-varying velocity profile. The first pump chamber passively fills and then rapidly expels the collected fluid into the second chamber at low pressure. The second chamber, once filled, expels the fluid downstream at high pressure, producing a pulsatile pressure profile.

Abstract: A pump device, tube device and method for the aspiration, peristaltic movement and collection of fluid. A rigid tube for drawing fluid connected to a primary flexible tube. The primary flexible tube inserted through a peristaltic pump.

Abstract: Primer apparatus and methods are described herein. An example primer apparatus includes a flexible body defining an internal chamber to be fluidly coupled to a fuel system. The body includes a first layer material having a low permeation characteristic to substantially prevent diurnal emissions from escaping the fuel system, a second layer material adjacent the first layer material having a relatively high resiliency compared to the first layer material to enable the body to return to an uncompressed shape when the body is deflected and released by a user, and a third layer material adjacent to the first layer material such that the first layer material is disposed between the second layer material and the third layer material and having a relatively high resiliency compared to the first layer material to enable the body to return to the uncompressed shape when the body is deflected and released by the user.

Abstract: A disposable cassette intended for a metering pump for infusion consisting of just two components, namely, a hollow first component (1) forming a pump body, and a second component (5) collaborating with the hollow first component (1) to form a pumping zone (6) and comprising a flexible part (10) characterized in that the second component (5) further comprises a rigid part (9) secured to the flexible part (10) and able to be assembled with the hollow first component (1). The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a disposable cassette.

Abstract: A fluid conveying device includes: a tube; a cam having protrusions; fingers arranged along the tube between the tube and the cam; a driving rotor which rotates the cam to sequentially push the fingers by the protrusions in a flowing direction of a fluid, repeatedly pressuring and opening of the tube, driving the cam; a detection unit which detects a rotating position of the cam; a control unit which calculates a cam rotation angle along a cumulative ejection volume, using a first approximation formula for an ejection area H where the cumulative ejection volume increases substantially in proportion to the rotation angle of the cam and a second approximation formula for a constant area J where the cumulative ejection volume little increases or decreases even if the cam rotates, driving the driving rotor until a rotating position of the cam corresponding to a designated cumulative ejection volume is reached.

Abstract: First and second structures are connected by helical fibers. The orientation between the first and second structures are changed, and by doing so, the positions of the helical fibers are correspondingly changed. The position of change of the helical fibers can be used for a pumping effect, or to change some other fluidic characteristics. One other fluidic characteristic, for example, may use the movement of the helical fibers as a valve.

Abstract: An energy cell generates pressurized fluid for use as an energy source when a phase change material (PCM) changes from solid to liquid phase. The energy cell includes housing means holding the PCM, insulating means between the housing means and the PCM, heat exchanging means encompassed by the PCM, multiple pipe means, and multiple disc means, each provided with multiple aperture means and each encompassing a part of the pipe, and a centrally located bladder means with open end parts fixed to the energy cell, and which is flexible between the end parts. Each pipe means includes a heat transfer media. The PCM encompasses the pipe means and the disc means and is able to pass through the aperture means. The bladder means includes a hydraulic fluid flowing in and out through the open end parts of the bladder means and is affected by the PCM.

Abstract: The pump is provided with a plurality of pumping chambers and electrically activatable valves. An elastic membrane is arranged in each pumping chamber and divides the same into a first and a second chamber section. Each valve is connected to the second chamber section of a pumping chamber. When a pressure drop is applied over the valve and the valve is activated (i.e. opened), the pressure in the second chamber section changes, which causes the membrane to move, which in turn leads to a change of the volumes of both chamber sections. This e.g. allows to pump well-defined amounts of fluid from the chamber sections to a drug dispensing device.

Abstract: First and second structures are connected by helical fibers. The orientation between the first and second structures are changed, and by doing so, the positions of the helical fibers are correspondingly changed. The position of change of the helical fibers can be used for a pumping effect, or to change some other fluidic characteristics. One other fluidic characteristics, for example, may use the movement of the helical fibers as a valve.

Abstract: A system and method of accurately pumping a fluid using tubing of variable inner diameter and material is disclosed. The disclosed pump comprises a pumping mechanism configured to compress and release a portion of a flexible tube to cause fluid to flow along the flexible tube, a gauging apparatus, and a vacuum apparatus. The gauging apparatus is configured to determine the inner diameter of the flexible tube, which value is used in calibrating the pumping rate of the pump. The vacuum apparatus is configured to reduce the ambient pressure in a volume surrounding the portion of the flexible tube, thereby causing the flexible tube to fully expand to its original outside diameter when the flexible tube is released by the pumping mechanism.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a hub, a rotating member, an impeller, and an impeller enclosure. The hub has a proximal portion and a distal portion and defines a lumen therebetween. The distal portion of the hub includes a sleeve portion configured to rotatably support the rotating member. The rotating member extends through the hub and has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the rotating member is configured to couple to an external driving mechanism. The impeller is coupled to the distal end of the rotating member and is configured to accelerate fluid flowing into or out of the lumen. The impeller enclosure is coupled to the distal portion of the hub and defines an impeller volume around the impeller. One or more openings are defined around the sleeve portion of the hub such that the lumen is in fluid communication with the impeller volume.

Abstract: An improved wine bottle closure and vacuum pump apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus provides an improved bulb structure to be used for pumping and storage purposes, the bulb remaining with a closure plug even after pumping is completed and the wine is to be stored for later consumption. The bulb structure can be collapsed in two different positions including a first position that maintains overall height of the bulb structure and a second position that enables the bulb structure to be shortened in height as an optional feature. The bulb structure provides an enlarged central section that is much larger in diameter than the lower end portion. The lower end portion provides a closure plug for fitting the opening of a wine bottle.

Abstract: A pneumatically powered pump for liquid color adapted to fit partially within a liquid color container having a body portion of the pump within the liquid color container adapted to be mounted on the underside of the container lid and being a single piece of molded plastic overlying an aperture in the container lid.

Abstract: A reciprocating pump with chamber-charging mechanism is provided. In an example diaphragm pump, a discharge valve can be opened by the pressure of fluid leaving the pump and can also be opened by an intermittent mechanical linkage actuated by the reciprocating member powering the pump. The discharge valve is mechanically opened to allow pressure backflow into the pumping chamber, thereby charging compressible fluid mixtures and gases with an increase in pressure. The increased pressure enables the compressible fluids to open the discharge valve on the next compression stroke and exit the pump. In an implementation, the discharge valve is pushed open by the reciprocating power source in a configuration that seals the valve mechanism from well fluid. In another implementation, the discharge valve is pulled open to pre-charge the pumping chamber.

Abstract: A medical treatment system, such as peritoneal dialysis system, may include control and other features to enhance patient comfort and ease of use. For example, a peritoneal dialysis system may include a control system that can adjust the volume of fluid infused into the peritoneal cavity to prevent the intraperitoneal fluid volume from exceeding a pre-determined amount. The control system can adjust by adding one or more therapy cycles, allowing for fill volumes during each cycle to be reduced. The control system may continue to allow the fluid to drain from the peritoneal cavity as completely as possible before starting the next therapy cycle. The control system may also adjust the dwell time of fluid within the peritoneal cavity during therapy cycles in order to complete a therapy within a scheduled time period.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tube pump comprising a tube and a pump element inserted in the tube, where the pump element comprises a rod element and a first and a second non-return valve member positioned a distance apart on the rod element. The valve members are oriented in the same direction relative to the rod element so as to allow for a fluid flow in the tube through the first valve member, along the rod element, and through the second valve member. The tube comprises an at least partly flexible tube portion between the valve members such that a repeated deformation of the flexible tube portion acts to alternately close and open the valve members thereby generating a fluid flow through the tube.

Abstract: A fuel primer is disclosed. The primer includes a rigid valve body having first and second ends with first and second check valves therein. The pump also includes an elastic and substantially fuel impermeable bulb substantially encasing the rigid valve body and sealing to the valve body proximate the first and second check valves.

Abstract: A system and related methods for manned and/or unmanned marine transportation involving equipping a vessel capable with a linear pump for propelling the vessel through or substantially over a body of water.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator for a microfluidic pump of the type that causes periodic pinching and releasing against the walls of a fluidic channel, e.g., a tube. At least one permanent magnet is placed against the walls of the fluidic channel, and located in an area with magnetic fields, produced by coils that are radially symmetric to the channel. The permanent magnet is cause to press and release against the wall of the fluid channel to cause a fluid flow through the channel.

Abstract: In a chemical liquid supplying apparatus, discharge accuracy of chemical liquid is enhanced, and durability of a flexible tube is enhanced. By the flexible tube incorporated into a pump housing, an interior of the pump housing is partitioned into a pump chamber, which communicates with a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet, and a drive chamber in which an incompressible, indirect medium is enclosed. Outer surfaces of end portions of the flexible tube are sealed by outer seal members, and their inner surfaces are sealed by inner seal members. Fastening cylindrical bodies disposed in the end portions of the flexible tube are radially expanded by wedge sleeves, whereby the outer and inner seal members are caused to closely contact with the flexible tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to positive displacement pumps, and particularly to diaphragm positive displacement pumps. An inventive diaphragm positive displacement pump is provided comprising at least one pumping chamber containing a deformable hose diaphragm, a working fluid cylinder fluidly connected to the deformable hose diaphragm, and at least one linear motor to displace the working fluid within the working fluid cylinder and thereby increase and decrease the volume of the pumping chamber. An inventive method of controlling an inventive diaphragm positive displacement pump comprising at least one pumping chamber and powered by at least one linear motor is also provided.

Abstract: An infusion pump includes an actuator having an output shaft; a pump actuator having a length (lactuator) moved by the output shaft and in contact with tubing, such that the pump actuator at an output shaft actuated distance (x) creates flat contact areas with the tubing, and wherein remaining non-contact areas of the tubing are at least substantially circular in shape; and a logic implementer configured to use at least two relationships to solve for a same number of variables to calculate a cross-sectional area of the tubing at an output shaft actuated distance (x).

Abstract: An aerating bag has a body, a connector, a check valve and an intake valve. The body has a connecting tube, a mounting tube and a chamber. The chamber communicates with the connecting tube and the mounting tube. The connector is detachably connected to the body and has a connecting pipe, an inserting pipe, a mounting recess, a release pipe and a cover. The release pipe is formed on and protrudes from the connector and communicates with the connecting pipe and the inserting pipe. The cover is mounted on the release pipe. The check valve mounted in the mounting recess and has an open end, a closed end and a slit. The slit is formed longitudinally in the check valve near the closed end and communicates with a clearance between the connecting pipe and the check valve. The intake valve is detachably mounted in the mounting tube of the body.

Abstract: A chemical liquid supplying apparatus 10 has a bellows 11, which includes a small-size bellows portion 13, a large-size bellows portion 14 with a larger volume change per axial-directional unit displacement amount than that of the small-size bellows portion 13, and a drive portion 12 therebetween. An apparatus main body 10a to which the bellows 11 is attached includes a supporting member 21 to which a fixed end portion 15 of the bellows 11 is attached and a supporting member 22 to which a fixed end portion 16 of the bellows 11 is attached. A drive sleeve 27 surrounds the bellows 11 and is rotatably supported on the apparatus main body 10a. A driven cylinder body 32 attached to the drive portion 12 converts rotation of the drive sleeve 27 to axial-directional movement of the drive portion 12.

Abstract: The invention provides a finger-type peristaltic pump (2) having a body (4) and a housing (6). The body contains two or more finger-type valves (16) and a processor (22) configured to operate the valves according to a predetermined temporo-spatial pattern. The housing has a passageway (18) configured to receive a conduit. The housing has a first position in which a conduit in the passageway is positioned adjacent to the valve fingers, and a second position in which a conduit in the passageway is not adjacent to the valve fingers. The invention also provides a housing for use in the pump of the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides a priming pump comprising a deformable envelope associated with an inlet endpiece and an outlet endpiece each fitted with a moving valve member, the endpieces being arranged in such a manner that when the valve members are in the closed position, the outlet endpiece presents a leakage rate that is greater than the leakage rate of the inlet endpiece.

Abstract: A microdosing apparatus and method include a fluid conduit having a flexible tube with a first end for connecting to a fluid reservoir and a second end where an outlet opening is located. An actuating device with a displacer with an adjustable stroke is provided, by which the volume of a portion of the flexible tube can be changed to thereby dispense liquid as free flying droplets or as a free flying jet at the outlet opening by moving the displacer between a first end position and a second end position, whereby the tube is partly compressed in the first or the second end position.

Abstract: A hand operated fluid dispensers comprised of a sealed flexible reservoir chamber containing a fluid, a flexible pump chamber encased by and drawing fluid from the reservoir, and a pump cycled by external pressure applied through a reservoir wall. This class of simple, inexpensive, disposable dispensers is particularly useful in packaging cosmetics, foodstuffs, and healthcare products. As pocketable dispensers they are popular for dispensing small amounts of stored viscous liquids easily damaged when exposure to the atmosphere, a condition where sealed reservoirs coupled with airless pumps working together successfully prevent such product contamination and deterioration. A method of improved healthcare employing such pump dispensers containing a hand sanitizing fluid is also discussed.

Abstract: A pump is provided having a disposable bladder and disposable conduits together with check valves that control fluid flow through the bladder and conduits when the bladder is alternately compressed and expanded. The use of disposable conduits and bladder eliminates the need for hygienically regenerating the pump between uses. The pump can be utilized in a fluid delivery system such as tangential flow filtration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the preparation of a treatment machine for the treatment of a medical liquid comprising a coupling surface with actuators, with a cassette comprising a hard part with liquid-conducting passages which are covered by a flexible film being able to be coupled to the coupling surface of the treatment machine so that the actuators can control the liquid flow in the liquid-conducting passages by pressing the flexible film down into the cassette. In this connection, a switch is made after the setting up of the treatment machine and before the start of treatment into a stand-by mode in which the actuators are alternately moved to relieve the flexible film. It is possible for the first time by the stand-by mode before the start of treatment in accordance with the invention to completely uncouple the time-consuming setting up of the treatment machine from the treatment itself in a time aspect.

Abstract: A pumping system and related methods involving an outer chamber and an inner chamber extending between two endplates, wherein the circumference of the inner chamber may be adjusted via a plurality of ribs and linear motors.

Abstract: The invention provides a priming pump comprising a deformable envelope associated with an inlet endpiece and an outlet endpiece each fitted with a moving valve member, the endpieces being arranged in such a manner that when the valve members are in the closed position, the outlet endpiece presents a leakage rate that is greater than the leakage rate of the inlet endpiece.

Abstract: A diaphragm circulator for liquid material having an internal circuit provided with at least one material intake orifice for discharging the material. The circulator body defines a propulsion chamber with rigid walls between which a deformable diaphragm is placed in such a way that the edge thereof is adjacent to the intake oriface and the edge is adjacent to the discharge orifice for forming a ripple carrier. A diaphragm-exciting member is arranged on the side of the intake orifice for producing a reciprocating motion on the corresponding diaphragm edge in such a way that the ripple is generated and is provided with the circulator rigid walls which are arranged inside free ripple amplitude envelope surfaces extending along the diaphragm.

Abstract: The invention provides a pump, in particular for a chemically reactive fluid, in which a pump head comprises at least two walls between which there is defined a pump chamber for pumping the fluid in question, one of the walls being stationary, the other wall being movable or deformable relative to the stationary wall by means of a drive or deformation device, at least the stationary wall being provided with a protective coating against the fluid, wherein the coating is constituted by a sheet of plastics material applied in leaktight manner against the wall at the periphery thereof, with the space between the protected surface and the coating sheet, within the zone where they make leaktight contact, being filled with an incompressible liquid.

Abstract: A chemical liquid supplying apparatus can discharge chemical liquid with high accuracy and monitor a leakage of an incompressible medium from a region between a piston and a cylinder. A pump has a flexible tube for partitioning a pump chamber and a drive chamber, and the incompressible medium is supplied to the drive chamber by the piston reciprocating in a cylinder hole of the cylinder. A bellows cover is provided between the piston and the cylinder, and forms a seal chamber continuous to a sliding face of the piston. A seal-chamber pressure sensor is attached to the cylinder so as to detect the pressure of the incompressible medium for sealing enclosed in the seal chamber, and a deterioration degree of a seal member is determined by detecting the pressure in the seal chamber.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus employing inert gases injected into the lower level of sloping underground oil-bearing formations as a driving mechanism and water injected into the upper level of the formations as a gas blocking mechanism for increasing and extending the production of oil from underground formations is described. Also described is an inert gas oil production system comprising an exhaust gas processing system, a well inert gas and water injection system, an oil production well system, and a fuel gas generator. A hydraulically operated crude oil pump is also described.

Abstract: A hand operated flexible bulb for use with a liquid dipensing apparatus 5, the bulb comprises an open ended neck 2 which is securable in an air tight manner to a liquid dispensing apparatus. The flexible bulb is provided with an air inlet 6 separate from the open ended neck, the air inlet having a valve 7 associated therewith such that on application of hand pressure to the bulb, the valve closes to force air through the open ended neck and on release of pressure, the valve opens drawing air into the inlet.

Abstract: Information management systems and methods can be used with at least one pharmaceutical compounding device. The systems and methods comprise a controller coupled to the compounding device. A compounding control manager resides on the controller to receive compounding order input and generate control commands to the compounding device based, at least in part, upon the compounding order input. An order process control manager is in data communication with the compounding control manager to communicate compounding order input to the compounding control manager. The order entry process manager includes an order function for receiving entry of compounding order input through a browser-based interface. The browser-based interface can include an order entry workstation separate from the compounding device, or a network of order entry workstations separate from the compounding device, or can reside on the controller.