Abstract: The propulsion device (10) includes a housing (12) having an incoming end cap (14) and an outflowing end cap (16). A tubular bladder (20) within the housing is interconnected to each end cap, thereby varying the volume of both a chamber (22) within the bladder and a chamber (24) between the bladder and the housing during attractive or repulsive movement between end caps (14,16). Check valves control the flowthrough the end caps. The propulsion device is highly efficient and is able to move the vessel through water with little or no cavitation.

Abstract: The Pump Sunscreen Lotion Dispenser Applicator For The Back is a contoured hand held, low pressure activated sunscreen applicator for the back. It is a self contained device equipped with a built in manually operated pump for enabling a person to efficiently and effectively apply lotions to the back and other hard to reach areas of the body. Another object of the present invention is to provide a device which significantly improves upon all other lotion applicators by providing for a more efficient means to disburse lotions through the reservoir device and into the unique terry cloth covered, highly flexible and soft sponge. It is designed for use with all sunscreen and lotion applications to the skin. The entire apparatus is constructed of high impact thermal plastic using injection mold technology. The invention is easily disassembled for easy cleaning and maintenance.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for pressure processing a pumpable substance, such as a pumpable food product or slurry. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a pressure vessel having an inlet valve toward one end and outlet valve toward the other end. A flexible bladder is coupled between the inlet and outlet valves for receiving the pumpable substance. The pressure vessel can further include a high-pressure inlet port for receiving high-pressure fluid that biases the membrane inwardly to pressure process the pumpable substance. The pumpable substance is then removed from the vessel through the outlet valve.

Abstract: A hand-held and hand-operated fluid pump capable of inflating recreational equipment, as well as directing a stream of air to clean delicate electronics or hard to reach locations, is provided. The simple design of the inventive fluid pump permits it to be equally useful for creating fluid streams to dislodge foreign particles stuck in difficult to reach areas, such as corners and enclosed pipe structures. Because the inventive pump uses only human energy to transmit fluids or gases, it is ecologically efficient exemplifying a “green technology” design.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for pressure processing a pumpable substance, such as a pumpable food product or slurry. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a pressure vessel having an inlet valve toward one end and outlet valve toward the other end. A flexible bladder is coupled between the inlet and outlet valves for receiving the pumpable substance. The pressure vessel can further include a high-pressure inlet port for receiving high-pressure fluid that biases the membrane inwardly to pressure process the pumpable substance. The pumpable substance is then removed from the vessel through the outlet valve.

Abstract: As tube-phragm pump includes a pump head (1) and an electromagnetic driver (2). The pump head (1) includes a cylinder (21) having a cylindrical space formed therein, and a cylindrical flexible tube (22) arranged coaxially within the cylindrical space of the cylinder (21). The outer space between the tube and the cylinder defines an actuator fluid space to be filled with an actuator fluid, and the inner space within the tube defines a pump chamber for conveying an object fluid. The pump head also includes an intake valve (31) attached to one end portion of the flexible tube (22) and a discharge valve (42) arranged at the other end portion of the flexible tube (22). The electromagnetic driver (2) includes a plunger (71) arranged reciprocally movable in the axial direction, an electromagnet for periodically attracting the plunger (71) to drive it in the axial direction reciprocally, and diaphragm (52).

Abstract: A peristaltic pump utilizing a fluid inlet from a source of fluid which communicates with a flexible conduit. The flexible conduit is compressed utilizing a motor which rotates a shaft. An eccentric member is locked to the shaft and contacts the inner race of a bearing which is circumferentially located relative to the eccentric member. The outer race of the bearing contacts a lifter which squeezes the conduit against a fixed plate. A check valve arrangement assures flow through the conduit in one direction.

Abstract: A hand pump for connection to a pressure control valve used as part of a sphygmomanometer. The hand pump comprising an inflation bulb, a plug and an intake valve. The inflation bulb comprising of an inlet, an outlet and an inner hollow cavity. The outlet of the inflation bulb is connected to the pressure control valve of the sphygmomanometer. The plug is secured at the inlet of the inflation bulb within the inner hollow cavity and the intake valve is secured within the plug.

Abstract: A liquid pumping apparatus for pumping liquids, more specifically a linear peristaltic pump apparatus. The apparatus consists of a high durometer compressible elastomeric liquid flow tube (12), an infeed valve assembly (26), an outfeed valve assembly (38), an extensible and retractable actuator anvil (34) having a round surface which engages the flow tube (12) at all times, an opposed anvil (24.1) having a round surface in engagement with the flow tube at all times, the flow tube being held between the anvils (34, 24.1) in a slightly compressed state when the anvil (34) is retracted, and a control assembly (100) for causing the movable anvil to be sequentially extended and retracted to cause flow within the flow tube (12) from the infeed valve assembly (26) to the outfeed valve assembly (38). With this apparatus the lumen of the flow tube (12) to the sides of the anvils is not completely reduced to zero volume during displacement compression whereby gas embolisms do not erupt or explode when discharged.

Abstract: A medical infusion pump is disclosed which provides for greatly improved accuracy in the delivery of medicaments to a patient. Among the various features included in the instant invention is a pumping body which serves to deform and reform a tube so as to maintain the initial cross-section thereof and thereby preserve the output accuracy of the pump. Also disclosed with regard to the pumping body is a wholly mechanical synchronization of the pumping body and valves associated therewith and coactive with the aforementioned synchronization a mechanical linearization of output of the pumping body per each pumping cycle. Additionally, several features which serve to enhance the utility of the instant invention are also included therein among which is an associated assembly operative to automatically load or disload a tube or IV set into or out of the pumping body.

Abstract: A medical infusion pump is disclosed which provides for greatly improved accuracy in the delivery of medicaments to a patient. Among the various features included in the instant invention is a pumping body which serves to deform and reform a tube so as to maintain the initial cross-section thereof and thereby preserve the output accuracy of the pump. Also disclosed with regard to the pumping body is a wholly mechanical synchronization of the pumping body and valves associated therewith and coactive with the aforementioned synchronization a mechanical linearization of output of the pumping body per each pumping cycle. Additionally, several features which serve to enhance the utility of the instant invention are also included therein among which is an associated assembly operative to automatically load or disload a tube or IV set into or out of the pumping body.

Abstract: Connected to a flexible tube 13 which is expandable or shrinkable in the radial direction, are a flowpath 17 on the side of supply, which is provided therein with an on-off valve 21 on the side of supply, and a flowpath 19 on the side of discharge, which is provided therein with an on-off valve 22 on the side of discharge. A bellows 14 elastically deformable in the axial direction is disposed at the outside of the flexible tube 13. This bellows 14 has a small bellows portion 24 and a large bellows portion 25. An incompressible medium 43 is enclosed in a pump chamber 42 formed between the flexible tube 13 and the bellows 14. An operating disk portion disposed between the small bellows portion 24 and the large bellows portion 25 is displaced in the axial direction, whereby the inner volume of the bellows 14 is changed, so that the flexible tube 13 is expanded or shrunk in the radial direction to carry out the pumping operation.

Abstract: To sample liquids containing volatile materials, the liquid is pumped through a syringe needle into a container until the container overflows. The needle is removed slowly and the container is automatically closed as the needle is withdrawn, wherein liquid flows upwardly continuously as the needle is withdrawn through an opening. The cap for the container includes a closure having a valve opening extending upwardly and sized to narrowly receive a syringe in a perpendicular valve member opening. The valve member includes a flat member on one end adapted to be gripped by a cam follower for opening and closing of the valve opening in coordination with the movement of the syringe.

Abstract: An infusion device with a disposable administration set which is inexpensive to manufacture. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the disposable administration set has a plurality of elongated cam followers connected to a plate assembly, wherein the cam followers are displaced in a predetermined sequence and forced against a delivery tube by cam means driven by rotary drive means. The disposable administration set is injection molded as a single integral piece. The disposable administration set includes adjustment spacers disposed between the plate assembly and the cam followers which adjust the distance between them to keep the device accurate. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the cam assembly is configured to provide fluid delivery at a consistent and uniform rate. The device may also incude a pressure sensing pin positioned on the cam assembly which contacts the tubing during the pumping cycle.

Abstract: A medical infusion pump is disclosed which provides for greatly improved accuracy in the delivery of medicaments to a patient. Among the various features included in the instant invention is a pumping body which serves to deform and reform a tube so as to maintain the initial cross-section thereof and thereby preserve the output accuracy of the pump. Also disclosed with regard to the pumping body is a wholly mechanical synchronization of the pumping body and valves associated therewith and coactive with the aforementioned synchronization a mechanical linearization of output of the pumping body per each pumping cycle. Additionally, several features which serve to enhance the utility of the instant invention are also included therein among which is an associated assembly operative to automatically load or disload a tube or IV set into or out of the pumping body.

Abstract: An air pump includes a first sheet, a second sheet, an inflation valve and a check valve. The second sheet is directly connected to the first sheet so as to form a chamber. The inflation valve is provided on the chamber to lead air into the chamber when the chamber is extended. The check valve is also provided on the chamber to discharge the air in the chamber when the chamber is compressed. The air pump can be built in an inflatable product.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing cartridge pump suitable for dispensing reagent in an automatic system includes a compressible metering chamber suspended from a reservoir bag mounted within a rigid housing. Check valves between the reservoir and metering chamber and at a lower end of a metering chamber are formed of flexible membranes having apertures which close against conical projections on rigid disks. The reservoir and metering chamber pivot as a compression member squeezes the metering chamber against a back surface.

Abstract: A sensing device for a pump control module is described that is designed for use with a cassette having a pump surface with a projection. The sensing device is positioned on an interface surface of a pump control module, and includes an occlusion sensor and a cassette identification sensor. A pump control module, a cassette and a method of use are also described for administering a drug to a patient through a delivery conduit, utilizing the sensing device.

Abstract: A flexible tube pump, reference FIG. 2, having an elastic tube 1, compounded with a magnetically responsive material, stretched onto the surface of shaft 2 to provide a seal between the contacting surfaces. A magnetic field is applied concentrically to tube 1 which expands circumferentially away from shaft 2, but only locally to the field, the region outside the influence of the magnetic field however maintains the tube 1 to shaft 2 seal. The expansion of tube 1 forms volume 7. Repetitive movement of said magnetic field in direction of arrow 6 provides moving closed volumes giving pumping action, suitable as a dry, low pressure, pump, e.g. a vacuum pump.

Abstract: A tube-pump of the invention comprising; an elastic-tube disposed in a ring-shaped form along the inner surface of a cylindrical chamber, a ring-shaped pressure member driven by an eccentric cam device disposed within said ring-shaped elastic tube which is pressed by the circular motion of said ring-shaped pressure member, and plural supporting means allowing a pressing motion to said elastic tube and preventing continuous rotating motions of said pressing member in a same direction holding said pressure member in said cylindrical chamber by said plural supporting means. By employing this pump construction, elongation of elastic tube and changes of its inner diameter possible by continuous rotations of ring-shaped pressure members into the same direction can be prevented, and at the same time, the pump output capacity can be kept at constant without damaging said elastic tube, remarkably improving the pump durability.

Abstract: According to an infusion method and pump, in order to perform infusion at a flow rate with high accuracy by allowing finger members to appropriately press a predetermined portion of an outer diameter (outer surface) of an infusion tube whose outer diameter accuracy is assured, thereby causing the infusion tube to perform a peristaltic motion, the infusion tube is stationarily held between a plurality of fingers which are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the infusion tube having a predetermined outer diameter and independently driven, and a holding means. The infusion tube is pressed from the outer surface to supply a liquid by setting a small moving amount of each finger to a degree enough to eliminate the influence of the wall thickness of the infusion tube and individually driving the fingers.

Abstract: A disposable cassette for use in peritoneal dialysis includes a pair of diaphragms, tube connectors, pump chambers, channel paths, and valves. A disposable dialysate delivery set for use in peritoneal dialysis includes a cassette, multiple liquid flow paths, multiple valves, tube connectors, and disposable flexible plastic tubes to convey dialysate to and from the patient and other locations within the system. A system for performing peritoneal dialysis includes disposable supply containers of fresh dialysate, a cassette including a pump, a disposable heater container, and conduits for carrying fresh dialysate and carrying heated dialysate.

Abstract: A positive displacement pump includes a deformable hollow member for delivering a subject liquid by a cycle of contraction and restoration of its volume, a casing which contains the hollow member, and a pressurizing device for supplying and evacuating a hydraulic liquid in an annular space between the casing and the hollow member. The supplying of hydraulic fluid causes the contraction of the hollow member, and the evacuating of the hydraulic fluid causes the restoration (expansion) of the hollow member. A guide structure contacts and deforms the outer circumferential portions of the hollow member as the hollow member continues to expand to determine an initial contraction position of the hollow member. That is, a particular direction of contraction of the hollow member is set by the guide structure. Drive means periodically vary the circumferential position of the guide means relative to the hollow member to vary the initial contraction position of the hollow member.

Abstract: A blood pump having a rigid chamber with a central opening is connected to a vacuum source such that the vacuum source applies a vacuum on an elastic tubular membrane through the opening in the rigid chamber. The blood supply to the chamber is controlled by a first pinch valve disposed on the blood input end and a second pinch valve disposed on the blood output end. In order to pump the blood through the chamber, a vacuum source is applied when the first pinch valve is opened and the second pinch valve is closed to suction blood inside the tubular membrane. Then, the vacuum source ceases to apply a vacuum when the first pinch valve is closed and the second pinch valve is open in order to expel the blood from the tubular membrane. This type of blood pump reduces the formation of platelet aggregates and thrombi, and allows for blood to be more efficiently pumped to the patient.

Abstract: A flow rate control device which does not constitute an obstruction when it is connected to a liquid medicine continuous injector, which is not influenced by the body temperature of a patient and which can perform a priming operation of the liquid medicine continuous injector in a short period of time is disclosed. The control device is provided with a reservoir, a flow rate control tube and a release valve, which are preferably incorporated in a housing. The housing is provided with a through hole such that the reservoir can be pressed by a pressing means, and is also provided with a liquid medicine inlet and a liquid medicine outlet for the reservoir. A check valve is preferably provided in the liquid medicine inlet and the flow rate control tube and the release valve are provided in the liquid medicine outlet. The flow rate control tube and the release valve are provided coaxially with each other or in parallel with each other.

Abstract: A medical infusion pump is disclosed which provides for greatly improved accuracy in the delivery of medicaments to a patient. Among the various features included in the instant invention is a pumping body which serves to deform and reform a tube so as to maintain the initial cross-section thereof and thereby preserve the output accuracy of the pump. Also disclosed with regard to the pumping body is a wholly mechanical synchronization of the pumping body and valves associated therewith and coactive with the aforementioned synchronization a mechanical linearization of output of the pumping body per each pumping cycle. Additionally, several features which serve to enhance the utility of the instant invention are also included therein among which is an associated assembly operative to automatically load or disload a tube or IV set into or out of the pumping body.

Abstract: A liquid transfer system for liquids that are subject to solidification uses a pipeline, with compressed gas as the liquid displacement medium. The pipeline comprises a substantially rigid outer line and a flexible inner hose, forming with the outer line an intermediate interstitial zone along the inner hose; a check valve located adjacent each end of the inner hose provides uni-directional flow within the system. A gas compressor connected with the interstitial zone by way of a flow control selectively applies pressurized gas or vacuum to the zone. The three possible phases of operation comprise; a first phase, when vacuum is applied to the interstitial zone, to expand the inner hose and induce liquid from the source to substantially fill the inner hose; a second phase when gas pressure is applied to the interstitial zone, to compress the inner hose and expel the liquid toward the point of delivery. The first and second phases are repeatable, to provide cumulative delivery of the liquid.

Abstract: An air pump comprises a hollow pump body, at least one pulling member, an air inlet and an air outlet. The hollow pump body has air inside and consists of flexible sides and two opposite stiff ends. The air outlet is provided on the pump body to discharge the air in the pump body when the pump body is pressed. The pulling member is attached to one of the stiff ends of the pump body in order to restore the pressed pump body by pulling the pulling member. The air inlet is provided on the pump body to suck outside air into the pump body when the stiff end is pulled by the pulling member to restore the shape of the pressed pump body.

Abstract: A conventional vibrator for actuating small diameter pump is tapped at the small volume pressure chamber and communicated to a plugged, elongate hose, thus expanding the actuating pressure chamber of the vibrator conveniently to virtually any required volume within the small casing environment. With the expanded pressure chamber, cycle period of the vibrator can be extended to virtually any desired time cycle without performance limiting closure of the needle valve regulator. An elongate bladder forms the periodic pressure actuated positive displacement volume for the pump. By increased length of the bladder, correspondingly increased cycle pumping volume is provided for the pump. At the same time, bladder expansion provides sufficient pump inlet pressure to enable the use of free floating check valves. A high volume, slow cycle pump for the narrow casing environment results.

Abstract: A pump that can be adjusted to vary the volumetric output of the pump. The pump has a flexible housing that defines an inner pump chamber. The flexible housing can be collapsed by the user to discharge the contents of the inner chamber. Integral with the housing is an outer spring that returns the pump to the original extended position when the housing is released by the user. The pump further includes one-way valves that allow air to flow into and out of the inner chamber. Wrapped around the housing is a belt that controls the extended volume of the inner chamber and the corresponding volumetric output of the pump. The belt can be adjusted to vary the size of the inner chamber and the volumetric output of the pump. The belt may have different settings that define the amount of air provided by the pump. When used as part of a resuscitator unit, the belt can be adjusted to match the volumetric output of the pump with the lung capacity of the patient.

Abstract: A pump system is described which is particularly suited for use as a left ventricular assist device for internal use in humans. The pump system generally includes a pump having a deformable sac formed in a seamless piece of flexible resilient material having (i) a pair of opposite substantially planar walls and of substantially circular shape joined by an annular wall of substantially semicircular cross-section and (ii) inlet and outlet means. The inlet means have an asymmetric tapered section positioned to direct the inlet flow toward the annular wall of the sac to produce a smooth circular flow within the sac and minimize thrombus formation. A pair of pusher plates are disposed on opposite sides of the sac. Each of the pusher plates are engageable with a respective one of the planar walls of the sac for displacing at least one of the planar walls toward the other to deform the sac. The pump system also includes removable inlet and outlet conduit means with valve means for controlling inlet and outlet flow.

Abstract: A multiple-chamber pump (10, 52, 78) for dispensing precise volumes of fluids. The pump is especially suited for dispensing volumes in the microliter range. At least three chambers (18, 20, 22) comprising preferably spherical segments are sequentially connected by conduits (24, 26, 28, 30) and are closed by a diaphragm member (14) which is movable into or out of the chambers by application of pressure or vacuum on one side of the diaphragm to draw liquid into the chambers and then to expel the liquid from the chambers, either forward or backward according to an operating sequence. Control means are provided for alternating and sequencing the application of pressure and vacuum such that metered volumes of liquid (50) are pumped from chamber to chamber. Tiny, precisely controlled drops of liquid can be dispensed. A plurality of ganged pumps (94) also can be provided in a single pump body (96) to meter independently a plurality of fluids (100, 102, 104) simultaneously.

Abstract: An infusion device with a disposable administration set which is inexpensive to manufacture. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the disposable administration set has a plurality of elongated cam followers connected to a plate assembly, wherein the cam followers are displaced in a predetermined sequence and forced against a delivery tube by cam means driven by rotary drive means. The disposable administration set is injection molded as a single integral piece. The disposable administration set includes adjustment spacers disposed between the plate assembly and the cam followers which adjust the distance between them to keep the device accurate. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the cam means are configured to provide fluid delivery at a consistent and uniform rate.

Abstract: A pump and a method for pumping liquid or fluid through a pair of resilient tubes includes a pushing mechanism which partially compresses the tubes in a balanced, alternating, rocking manner. The resilient tubes are held in a parallel relationship. The pushing mechanism alternately compresses the tubes. As one of the two parallel tubes is compressed, fluid is pumped out of the tube and at the same time fluid is drawn into the second tube as the latter tube resumes its original shape. The resilience of both tubes also is used to assist the pumping action in a balanced fashion, thereby providing a pump that has low power consumption and is lightweight.

Abstract: A sliding flow controller for controlling flow through a pumping segment used in a fluid delivery system. The flow controller includes a slider that travels along a channel defined by an elastomeric membrane and a variable size groove formed in a rigid component. The slider includes a projecting ball that presses the membrane against the groove. At one end the groove has a maximum cross-sectional area for a maximum flow position and at another end, the groove has no cross-sectional area for a flow stop position. The slider and the pumping segment have respective click stops to impart sensory feedback to the operator when manually operated. A ramped thumb indentation is provided on the exterior of the slider to facilitate sliding movement.

Abstract: A flexible, highly portable pump is designed for volleyball players but has wider applications. Motive force is delivered from a squeezebulb having a check valve at each end and communicating downstream to a fitting which will accept a ball inflation needle. A deflation valve is located in the air passageway downstream from the squeezebulb outlet check valve. The pump is designed so that it can be stuffed into a back pocket or thrown in a sports bag, and is flexible enough to be bent in two or wadded up and stuffed anywhere. The squeezebulb and relief valve are adapted for one-handed operation, and an optional one-piece solid state pressure gauge can be integrated into the body of the pump.

Abstract: A pump system is described which is particularly suited for use as a left ventricular assist device for internal use in humans. The pump system generally includes a pump having a deformable sac formed in a seamless piece of flexible resilient material having (i) a pair of opposite substantially planar walls and of substantially circular shape joined by an annular wall of substantially semicircular cross-section and (ii) inlet and outlet means. The inlet means have an asymmetric tapered section positioned to direct the inlet flow toward the annular wall of the sac to produce a smooth circular flow within the sac and minimize thrombus formation. A pair of pusher plates are disposed on opposite sides of the sac. Each of the pusher plates are engageable with a respective one of the planar walls of the sac for displacing at least one of the planar walls toward the other to deform the sac. The pump system also includes removable inlet and outlet conduit means with valve means for controlling inlet and outlet flow.

Abstract: An irrigation/aspiration pump system capable of operating in a plurality of different modes suitable for a variety of different endoscopic surgical procedures. The irrigation/aspiration pump system operates with a selected one of a plurality of tubing sets, each tubing set being adapted to provide irrigation and aspiration for a particular surgical procedure and coded to define the type of procedure for which the tubing set is designed. Each tubing set is adapted to be received by the irrigation/aspiration pump console in a way which enables the code associated with the tubing cassette to be automatically read by a code detecting means associated with the system. The code detecting means supplies appropriate control signals to different parts of the irrigation/aspiration pump system in order to assure that the parameters with which the system will be operating, when the chosen tubing set is being used, are those for which the tubing set is designed.

Abstract: A free flow prevention system for preventing undesired free flow of fluid through IV tubing of the type used in an infusion pump. The system comprises a spring clip having a base and a spring arm defining a channel adapted to receive the IV tubing. The spring arm is resiliently biased to a closed position in which the IV tubing is squeezed by the spring clip to close the lumen to prevent fluid flow, and the spring arm is movable against the bias to an open position wherein the lumen of the IV tubing is allowed to open to allow flow. The system also includes a clip-opening pin in the infusion pump for moving the spring arm of the clip from its closed position to the open position.

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

Abstract: A metering pump for use on a printing press has a pumping chamber formed between a rigid support plate and a flexible diaphragm. A piston acts through the diaphragm to vary the volume of the chamber and flow to and from the chamber is controlled by respective valves. The valves are formed by co-operation between the diaphragm and support plate and are operated by pistons acting through the diaphragm.

Abstract: A dispenser of a flowable medium, especially a lubricant, with a flexible wall tube forming the pumping chamber which is connected to a container for the flowable medium by a check-valve and feeds a dispensing nozzle. The pumping chamber is deformed by a plunger actuated by a lever in turn displaced by a solenoid whose linearly displaceable rod bears upon the lever.

Abstract: A pulmonary resuscitator is set forth of the type having a compressible bladder to be depressed to supply air to a mask. Both the compressible bladder and mask have integral therewith a network of inflatable tubes which when pressurized resiliently rigidify the bladder and mask to establish nominal erected bladder and mask shapes. The bladder has an inlet check valve and the mask has an outlet check valve where the outlet check valve utilizes a flapper valve for permitting flow of fluid into the mask upon depression of the bladder. Exhaust ports are located adjacent the flapper valve and are closed by the flapper valve when the bladder is depressed. The exhaust ports are opened when the flapper valve closes as the bladder returns to its nominal shape after being depressed. An air spring contained within the bladder chamber is in fluid communication with the network of inflatable tubes and through limiting orifices controls the rate at which the bladder returns to its nominal shape after depression.

Abstract: An infusion device with a disposable administration set which is inexpensive to manufacture. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the disposable administration set has a plurality of elongated cam followers connected to a plate assembly, wherein the cam followers are displaced in a predetermined sequence and forced against a delivery tube by cam means driven by rotary drive means. The disposable administration set is injection molded as a single integral piece. The disposable administration set includes adjustment spacers disposed between the plate assembly and the cam followers which adjust the distance between them to keep the device accurate. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the cam means are configured to provide fluid delivery at a consistent and uniform rate.

Abstract: An infusion device with a disposable administration set which is inexpensive to manufacture. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the disposable administration set has a plurality of elongated cam followers connected to a plate assembly, wherein the cam followers are displaced in a predetermined sequence and forced against a delivery tube by cam means driven by rotary drive means. The disposable administration set is injection molded as a single integral piece. The disposable administration set includes adjustment spacers disposed between the plate assembly and the cam followers which adjust the distance between them to keep the device accurate. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the cam means are configured to provide fluid delivery at a consistent and uniform rate.

Abstract: This invention describes a cartridge pump and dispensing assembly for applications where cartridges containing liquid reagents are interchanged often. The cartridge pump comprises a reagent reservoir which directly empties into a metering chamber. A valve is at each end of the metering chamber. The two valves are aligned in the same direction so as to allow unidirectional liquid flow. The metering chamber is made of a compressible material, such as flexible tubing, so that when an external compression is applied to the chamber, the liquid contained therein is forcibly expelled. As the compression is removed, the metering chamber resumes its former shape and draws liquid into the chamber from the reagent reservoir. A dispensing assembly with electromechanical actuators for compression of the metering chamber and a means for sensing the amount of liquid contained within the reagent reservoir are also shown.

Abstract: A pulmonary resuscitator is set forth of the type having a compressible bladder to be depressed to supply air to a mask. Both the compressible bladder and mask have integral therewith a network of inflatable tubes which when pressurized resiliently rigidify the bladder and mask to establish nominal erected bladder and mask shapes. The bladder has an inlet check valve and the mask has an outlet check valve where the outlet check valve utilizes a flapper valve for permitting flow of fluid into the mask upon depression of the bladder. Exhaust ports are located adjacent the flapper valve and are closed by the flapper valve when the bladder is depressed. The exhaust ports are opened when the flapper valve closes as the bladder returns to its nominal shape after being depressed. An air spring contained within the bladder chamber which is in fluid communication with the network of inflatable tubes through limiting orifices controls the rate at which the bladder returns to its nominal shape after depression.

Abstract: A fluid infusion pump includes a disposable cassette having an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid chamber between the inlet and the outlet. There is a fixed wall of the fluid chamber and a movable wall of the fluid chamber. A pump body receives the cassette in a fixed operating relationship such that an actuator in the pump body is activatable for reciprocal advancement and retraction with respect to the cassette and is adapted to confront the movable diaphragm when the cassette is received in the pump body. There is a detachable coupling between the actuator mounted in the pump body and the movable wall so that fluid is expelled from the fluid chamber on advancement of the actuator and positively drawn into the fluid chamber upon retraction of the actuator.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a collapsible flexible pump which includes an inflatable spring and framework. The inflatable spring framework is formed by attaching a layer of flexible material over selected exterior portions of the flexible material pumping chamber to form a passageway therebetween. Inflation of the inflatable spring framework via an inflation valve, results in the collapsed flexible pump distending into a three dimensional pumping chamber inscribed by the inflated spring framework. The pumping chamber includes appropriate inlet and discharge valves. By applying a compressive force to the pumping chamber, the volume of fluid within the pumping chamber is forced out through the discharge valve. The restoring tendency of the distended inflatable spring framework returns the pump chamber to the extended position on the returning intake stroke. A plurality of exemplary inflatable articles are disclosed.

Abstract: A pumping device controlling an amount of liquid passing through a length of tubing accommodated in the pumping device. The pumping device includes inlet and outlet valves located adjacent opposed sides of a tube deforming device. The valves are controllable for restricting the flow of liquid through the tubing, and the deforming device is such that the tubing is first deformed in one direction and then in another direction which tends to restore the original cross-sectional shape of the tubing.