Abstract: Blood component processing systems and methods are coupled to a blood component processing device. The systems and methods include a fluid circuit that comprises at least one fluid pressure actuated pump station, at least one fluid flow path communicating with the pump station, and at least one valve in the fluid flow path. A control module is sized and configured to interact with the fluid circuit. The control module includes an actuator to selectively apply fluid pressure to the pump station in concert with operation of the valve to pump fluid through the fluid flow path in response to a control program. A controller coupled to the control module includes the control program and a fluid circuit integrity test function.

Abstract: Servo controlled solenoids provide actuation of a pump piston and valves, and electronic LC resonance measurements to determine liquid volume and gas bubble volume. Third order nonlinear servo control is split into nested control loops: a fast nonlinear first-order inner loop causing flux to track a target by varying a voltage output, and a slower almost linear second-order outer loop causing magnetic gap to track a target by controlling the flux target or the inner loop. The inner loop uses efficient switching regulation, preferably based on controlled feedback instabilities, to control voltage output. The outer loop achieves damping and accurate convergence using proportional, time-integral, and time-derivative gain terms. The time-integral feedback may be based on measured and target solenoid drive currents, adjusting the magnetic gap for force balance at the target current.

Abstract: A pump has a flexible liner which is expanded and contracted by application of positive and negative fluid pressure for receiving and discharging fluent material. The liner is received in a rigid shell which defines the maximum volume received. In discharging fluent material, a vacuum is applied to one side of the liner, while applying pressure to the other side so the liner is collapsed against the rigid shell. The liner is arranged so as to be the only part of the pump which contacts the fluent material, and is replaceable to effect rapid and easy cleaning of the pump. The liner has multiple pump cells which can expand and contract for moving fluent material through the pump cell. The pump cells can be sized and arranged so that by selection of particular pump cells which receive the fluent material, precise volumes can be metered by the pump.

Abstract: Described are dispensing apparatuses and methods of their use, the dispensing apparatuses having one or more process chamber inside of a control chamber, and the volume of the process chamber increases or decreases by adding or removing control fluid from the control chamber, with proper valving, to cause fluid to flow into and out of the process chamber, for use in dispensing fluid, especially in precise amounts.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrostatically pumping fluids without passing the fluids through the electric field of the pump is contemplated. Electrostatic forces are preferably used to move the diaphragms in one direction, while elastic and/or other restorative forces are used to move the diaphragms back to their original un-activated positions. In some embodiments, this may allow fluid to be pumped without passing the fluid between actuating electrodes. This may be particularly useful when the fluids have dielectric, conductive, polar or other qualities that may affect traditional electrostatic pump performance. Pumps having various elementary cells are contemplated, including two-celled pumps disposed within a single chamber and pumps having greater numbers of cells wherein each cell is disposed within a different chamber.

Abstract: This invention is related to a fuel cell, comprising: a fuel cell stack; two end plates provided at the longitudinal, opposing ends of the cell stack; a plurality of tie rods, passing through a peripheral region of each end plate for positioning the cell stack between the two end plates; and at least one uniform compression device, positioned between the cell stack and one of the end plates, wherein the uniform compression device includes at least one pressure bellows that constantly applies a consistent and distributed operative contact pressure towards the cell stack for enhancing the conductivity and operative efficiency of the fuel cell.

Abstract: A fluid discharging device is provided with diaphragm members 20 and 30. The diaphragm member 30 being a valve member comprises an outlet 35 and a suction passage opening and closing portion 33, and can be moved forward and backward relative to the diaphragm member 20 being a pump member. The diaphragm member 20 comprises an outlet opening and closing portion 25 capable of opening and closing the outlet 35 and a measuring portion 26 capable of changing the volume of a measuring space 42. An outlet opening and closing means 50 opens and closes the outlet 35 by moving the outlet opening and closing portion 25 backward and forward relative to the outlet 35, and opens a liquid suction passage 40 by detaching the suction passage opening and closing portion 33 from the diaphragm member 20. A diaphragm moving means 55 changes the volume of the measuring space 42 by moving the measuring portion 26 forward and backward.

Abstract: The present invention provides an infusion pump 10 for providing a flow of a liquid through an tube 28. The infusion pump 10 includes at least two occluders 152, 162 having an open position and a closed position for releasably pinching-off the tube 28. A metering chamber is disposed between the two occluders 152, 162. A first plunger 72 and a second plunger 73 are provided, each plunger 72, 73 having an open position and a closed position for releasably compressing the metering chamber. In the method of the present invention, an occluder 152 releasably pinches-off the tube near the source of the liquid at a first location. The second occluder 162 releasably pinches-off the tube at a second location that is downstream from the source of the liquid 23 and the first location.

Abstract: An apparatus for pumping fluid through tubing comprising a stop platen is disclosed. The stop platen is operatively arranged to depress a wall of the tubing along a section of a longitudinal axis of the tubing. The stop platen is narrower than the tubing along a transverse axis of the tubing. The invention further comprises a cabinet containing the stop platen, a door rotatably fixed to the cabinet, and locking means for preventing rotation of the door. The locking means are operatively arranged to be unlocked by a tubing occluder.

Abstract: A pumping device for drawing in and delivering a liquid to a liquid dispensing device of a hair removing apparatus the pumping device includes a pump inlet and a pump outlet and a pumping element. The pumping device is formed by a first and a second housing part each having integrally formed therein a first and a second flow channel. The pumping device includes a membrane member disposed between the first and the second housing part the membrane member includes a pumping element and at least one valve element. The pump inlet is adapted to be coupled to a liquid dispensing device and the pump outlet to a liquid container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dosing pump comprising a chamber, an inlet valve located in an inlet pertaining to said chamber, and an outlet valve located in an outlet pertaining to said chamber. The chamber is divided into two partial chambers (2, 18) by a separating means. Said separating means comprises a separating valve (38) which opens in the direction of conveyance and which connects the partial chambers (2, 18). The separating means can be moved back and forth in the direction of conveyance and is connected to a drive device for this purpose. When the separating means is moved in the direction of conveyance, dosing liquid is sucked in via the inlet valve (6) and is simultaneously discharged via the outlet valve (28). This process is carried out smoothly and continuously.

Abstract: The present invention provides an infusion pump 10 for providing a flow of a liquid through an tube 28. The infusion pump 10 includes at least two occluders 152, 162 having an open position and a closed position for releasably pinching-off the tube 28. A metering chamber is disposed between the two occluders 152, 162. A first plunger 72 and a second plunger 73 are provided, each plunger 72, 73 having an open position and a closed position for releasably compressing the metering chamber. In the method of the present invention, an occluder 152 releasably pinches-off the tube near the source of the liquid at a first location. The second occluder 162 releasably pinches-off the tube at a second location that is downstream from the source of the liquid 23 and the first location.

Abstract: A pump has a flexible liner which is expanded and contracted by application of positive and negative fluid pressure for receiving and discharging fluent material. The liner is received in a rigid shell which defines the maximum volume received. In discharging fluent material, a vacuum is applied to one side of the liner, while applying pressure to the other side so the liner is collapsed against the rigid shell. The liner is arranged so as to be the only part of the pump which contacts the fluent material, and is replaceable to effect rapid and easy cleaning of the pump. The liner has multiple pump cells which can expand and contract for moving fluent material through the pump cell. The pump cells can be sized and arranged so that by selection of particular pump cells which receive the fluent material, precise volumes can be metered by the pump. A merchandiser has a pump and a flexible bag which is deformed to selectively dispense fluent material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing a fluent material such as a beverage. The fluent material is dispensed directly from a flexible bag to a container without any intervening structure which contacts the fluent material. Accordingly, the apparatus can be constructed of less expensive materials and does not require frequent cleaning. The apparatus has particular application where aseptic conditions need to be maintained such as in the packaging of the food and medicine. A flow control is adapted to receive at least a portion of one flexible bag and to deform the bag to produce flow of fluent material out of the bag without contact of the fluent material by the flow control.

Abstract: A disposable cassette for use with a medical infusion pump. An elastomeric membrane is captured between a facing member and a base of the cassette and is displaced into a pumping chamber. The elastomeric membrane includes a generally T-shaped lip, and corresponding grooves are provided on the facing member and base. As the cassette is assembled, an interference fit between the lip and the grooves causes the membrane to stretch taut and to be securely anchored, eliminating a break-in period when the cassette is initially used. “Lobes” of increased thickness provided on the undersurface of a portion of the elastomeric membrane overlying the pumping chamber reduce the residual volume of the pumping chamber, thereby reducing the volume of air retained within the chamber and increasing the accuracy of the cassette. The lobes also sweep air bubbles from the sides of the pumping chamber during operation, further reducing air bubbles retained in the pumping chamber.

Abstract: A pump comprises a first substrate having a fluid inlet port for receiving a fluid, a fluid outlet port for discharging the fluid, a first pumping section for pumping the fluid from the fluid inlet port to the fluid outlet port, a first inlet valve section disposed between the fluid inlet port and the first pumping section, and a first outlet valve section disposed between the fluid outlet port and the first pumping section. A second substrate has a second pumping section, a second inlet valve section, and a second outlet valve section. An intermediate substrate is disposed between the first and second substrates to form a first fluid feeding path and a second fluid feeding path for feeding the fluid pumped by the first and second pumping sections. The first fluid feeding path extends from the first inlet valve section to the first outlet valve section through the first pumping section.

Abstract: A disposable cassette for use with a medical infusion pump. An elastomeric membrane is captured between a facing member and a base of the cassette and is displaced into a pumping chamber. The elastomeric membrane includes a generally T-shaped lip, and corresponding grooves are provided on the facing member and base. As the cassette is assembled, an interference fit between the lip and the grooves causes the membrane to stretch taut and to be securely anchored, eliminating a break-in period when the cassette is initially used. “Lobes” of increased thickness provided on the undersurface of a portion of the elastomeric membrane overlying the pumping chamber reduce the residual volume of the pumping chamber, thereby reducing the volume of air retained within the chamber and increasing the accuracy of the cassette. The lobes also sweep air bubbles from the sides of the pumping chamber during operation, further reducing air bubbles retained in the pumping chamber.

Abstract: An air chamber device has an air pump having a first air discharge valve, an air chamber connected to the air pump for receiving air discharged by the first air discharge valve, and a second air discharge valve for discharging air from the air chamber. The air pump has an elastic body having an upper elastic part and a lower elastic part connected together to define an interior space. At least one through-hole is formed in the upper elastic part for introducing ambient air into the interior space.

Abstract: A piezoelectric vacuum pump that includes a diaphragm comprising an upper diaphragm member and a lower diaphragm member. The diaphragm members preferably comprise thin metal sheets that are plated with a noble metal, such as gold, silver, or platinum, and are mated together so as to form a hermetic seal along the length of the diaphragm. The piezoelectric vacuum pump further includes a plurality of piezoelectric bimorph elements that are mounted to the upper surface of the upper diaphragm member. When the piezoelectric bimorph elements are electrically activated, they cause a localized portion of the upper diaphragm member to flex, thereby creating a change in volume in a portion of the diaphragm proximate to that piezoelectric bimorph element.

Abstract: A cassette for controlling fluid flow from a source to a sink, for example, a patient. The cassette comprises a housing, and a passive inlet valve for hydraulically controlling pressurized fluid flow from the inlet valve to a central chamber, and an actuatable outlet valve. The central chamber provides a fluid pathway between the inlet and outlet valves. The cassette further comprises a piston assembly for exerting pressure in the central chamber. The piston assembly comprises a movable member, a covering for the moveable member; and a flexible interface between the member and the housing for providing near frictionless movement between the member and the housing.

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 O-ring shaped annular rib (63) is disposed around the outer periphery of a flexible diaphragm member (62), and grooves (70, 71) are formed in first and second resin members (60, 61) for receiving the annular rib (63) in the compressed state. A hollow space is defined between the first and second members (60) for holding the diaphragm (62) in the clamped state. A contact surface (64) where the first and second synthetic resin members (60, 61) come into contact with each other, is located outward of the grooves (70, 71), and is subjected to welding with a supersonic welding tool (65). A gap (76) is formed between the first synthetic resin member (60) and the supersonic welding tool (65), which gap disappears as the welding progresses. At this time, further progress of the welding operation is inhibited by allowing the first synthetic resin member (60) and the supersonic welding tool (65) to provide a predetermined compression for the annular rib (63).

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 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 cassette for use with a pump control module includes a top surface configured for receipt of a tube and an access door. A method for using a pump control module includes mounting a cassette having a top surface comprising an access door to the pump control module; opening the access door; installing the tube into the cassette; closing the access door; and effecting pumping. A infusion pump comprising a pump control module and a cassette configured for receiving a tube, the cassette comprising an access door and a frame.

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: 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 disposable pumping cassette having an integral auxiliary flow control and pressure monitoring member is used for delivering a medicinal fluid to a patient. The pumping cassette includes an elastomeric member mounted in a rigid body having an inlet and an outlet. An inlet valve and an outlet valve on the cassette are opened, and the flow control is positioned to allow the medicinal fluid to flow freely through the cassette, priming it before the outlet is connected to the patient. The cassette is then coupled to an associated pump driver, closing the flow control to disable free fluid flow through the cassette, and the outlet to the cassette is coupled in fluid communication with the patient's body.

Abstract: In a micro diaphragm pump which has a pump body consisting of two parts, one part including two valve chambers with a pump chamber disposed therebetween and in communication with the valve chambers by passages, a diaphragm extends across and closes the chambers and forms, in the areas of the valve chambers, valve membranes for inlet and outlet valves which are integrally formed, both on one side of the diaphragm, both pump body parts being sealingly connected to the diaphragm.

Abstract: An IV pump actuates a disposable cassette having two parallel fluid paths that include first and second pumping chambers. The disposable cassette (12) has a housing(14) that includes a back portion (152) in which is defined a fluid path (60) between an inlet port (16) and an outlet port (18). An elastomeric membrane (150) is sealed between the back portion and a front portion (52). The elastomeric membrane is exposed through the front portion at a first pumping chamber (82), a second pumping chamber (84), inlet valves (70, 76), and outlet valves (86, 92). The inlet valves operate in a fully open mode, a fully closed mode, and a cracking mode. The cracking mode of the inlet valve occurs as the elastomeric membrane is initially forced further into the pumping chamber. If the pressure of the fluid in the pumping chamber exceeds a predetermined cracking pressure, the inlet valve is forced open so that the fluid flows from the pumping chamber back toward the inlet port.

Abstract: Pumping apparatus for dispensing or otherwise metering precise and minute volumes (measured in microliters) of fluid (e.g. human blood) from a flexible conduit containing such fluid. According to a preferred embodiment, such apparatus includes a pinch valve for selectively captivating a certain volume of fluid in the conduit between the pinch valve and the conduit's outlet end, and a pinch pump for selectively expelling a predetermined portion of the captivated fluid through the conduit's outlet end. The pinch pump is located and adapted to pinch closed a predetermined length of the conduit's fluid passageway. Preferably, such length is adjustable to adjust the volume of fluid dispensed or metered, and the pinch pump is structured to assure that, during activation of the pinch pump, the captivated fluid is advanced towards the outlet end of the conduit.

Abstract: A medical infusion pump (10) for delivering liquids to a patient includes an elastomeric pump chamber (140) contractable between a refill position and a discharge position. An inlet valve (122) is operatively associated with an elastomeric inlet (142) supplying liquid to the pump chamber (140). The inlet valve (122) is selectively positionable in an open position permitting and a closed position preventing flow of liquid between the inlet (142) and the pump chamber (142). An outlet valve (124) is operatively associated with an elastomeric outlet (144) which conveys liquid from the pump chamber (140). The outlet valve (124) is selectively positionable in an open position permitting and a closed position preventing flow of liquid between the outlet (144) and pump chamber (140). A pump motor (256) and associated plunger (120) contracts and expands the pump chamber (140) between the refill position and the discharge position.

Abstract: A remotely programmable infusion system for administering liquid to a patient includes an infusion pump unit having a pump for infusing liquids operated by means of a control including a programmed processing unit and a memory chip. The processing unit operates in accordance with delivery program data stored in the memory circuit for executing an infusion delivery sequence. An output circuit is operatively disposed between the processing unit and the pump unit to control operation of the pump unit in accordance with the infusion delivery sequence. A wireless data communication circuit is operatively connected to the control for transmitting and receiving data.

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: A disposable cassette for a cardioplegia system for delivering cardioplegic solution to the heart during open heart surgery in cooperation with an extracorporeal blood circuit employing a heart/lung machine, includes a conduit diverting a portion of the blood flow from the heart/lung machine to a cardioplegia delivery line. A heat exchanger for controlling fluid temperature is provided in the cardioplegia delivery line. A first pump combines the blood from the conduit with a second fluid and delivers the combined flow into the delivery line leading to the heat exchanger. A control panel is operatively connected for adjusting the ratio of blood and second fluid delivered by the first pump and for adjusting the total volumetric rate of flow from the first pump.

Abstract: A disposable pumping cassette having an integral auxiliary flow control and pressure monitoring member is used for delivering a medicinal fluid to a patient. The pumping cassette includes an elastomeric member mounted in a rigid body having an inlet and an outlet. An inlet valve and an outlet valve on the cassette are opened, and the flow control is positioned to allow the medicinal fluid to flow freely through the cassette, priming it before the outlet is connected to the patient. The cassette is then coupled to an associated pump driver, closing the flow control to disable free fluid flow through the cassette, and the outlet of the cassette is coupled in fluid communication with the patient's body. The medicinal fluid is drawn into a pumping chamber formed in the rigid body as a plunger of the associated pump driver is drawn up from the elastomeric membrane at a recess formed in the rigid body.

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: A medical infusion pump (10) using a pump chamber cassette (86) has a housing (20,22) defining a pump chamber cassette receptacle (84) and a pump driving mechanism (250) for propelling liquid through the pump chamber cassette. A door (50) holds the pump chamber cassette (86) within the cassette receptacle (84) in an operative position relative to the driving mechanism (250). The cassette includes an elastomeric conduit (132), a frame (134) and clips (146,148) for attaching the elastomeric conduit (132) to the frame (134) for holding the elastomeric conduit (132) in a select position relative to the pump driving mechanism (250) of the infusion pump upon placement of the cassette (86) in an operative position relative to the pump driving mechanism (250).

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 IV fluid delivery system for use in connection with a resilient, deformable tube, wherein pinching fingers occlude the tube and pumping fingers deform the tube (without occluding it) against a first pressure pad or support means in a pumping action, while restoring fingers urge the tube against a second pressure pad or support means to restore its cross-sectional shape, so as to improve the accuracy, consistency, and predictability of flow through the tube.

Abstract: A push button flow stop is mounted on a disposable infusion pumping cassette provided for use with a drug infusion pump. The flow stop is operative to enable or to block fluid flow through the cassette in a first mode and to monitor fluid pressure in the cassette in a second mode.

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: An apparatus for delivering measured liquid volumes comprising a dosing piston pump having an outlet for the measured liquid volumes, and a liquid accumulating device including an accumulator chamber having an inlet for liquid to be dispensed. The accumulator chamber communicates with the pump chamber of the dosing piston pump through a transfer passage having a valve for controlling the transfer of liquid from the accumulator chamber to the pump chamber. The accumulator chamber is expandable to accommodate constantly inflowing liquid through the inlet when the transfer passage is blocked and is contractible as a result of the displacement of a movable wall member so as when the transfer passage is open to transfer accumulated liquid to the dosing piston pump while inflowing liquid flows direct to the dosing piston pump.

Abstract: A pump 10 for delivering a precise selected output volume has a rigid pump housing 12. A diaphragm 16 is in fluid right abutment with the pump housing 12 to define a pump chamber 40 therebetween. The diaphragm 16 is resiliently biased towed a selected metering position 46 wherein the diaphragm 16 assumes a cup-shaped configuration and the pump chamber 40 has a selected metering volume. The diaphragm 16 is drivable to a discharged position 52 wherein the pump chamber 40 has a selected discharge volume less than the metering volume by a selected output volume. The diaphragm 16 maintains the output volume substantially constant notwithstanding substantial variations in fluid pressure from the fluid supply of variations in ambient pressure. An inlet 32 selectively allows fluid to flow between a fluid supply 45 and the pump chamber 40 as the diaphragm 16 moves from the discharged position 52 to the metering position 46.

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 solution pumping system including a disposable pump cassette is disclosed, with the system configured for efficient and accurate preparation of parenteral admixture solutions. The system includes a pump driver having a reciprocable pump plunger and a plurality of associated valve actuators. The disposable pump cassette of the system is configured for removable positioning in operative association with the pump driver, and includes a positive displacement pump configured for operation by the reciprocable pump plunger. The pump cassette further includes a plurality of liquid inlets, and at least one liquid outlet joined in fluid communication with the inlets. By selective operation of the valve actuators of the pump driver, one or more selected source solutions are drawn through the pump inlets by the positive displacement pump, and directed through the pump outlet to an admixture solution container.

Abstract: The present invention is an inflatable article of manufacture having inflation and fluid release mechanisms. The inflation mechanism generally comprises a pump and a resilient fluid intake valve. The fluid release mechanism includes a housing, a fluid release means and a protective cover which is received about the housing. The protective cover of the fluid release mechanism may also function as a connector for an "off board" inflation mechanism.

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.