Abstract: A flap valve arrangement for one-way control of the flow of fluid in between an upstream chamber and a downstream chamber, and particularly an inlet valve in a piston-type positive-displacement pump, having wall parts which define between them a fluid-flow passage which connects both of the chambers, and a valve flap which is mounted on a first wall part and which is movable across the passage under the influence of fluid forces acting on the flap, into and out of engagement with the second wall part to close and open the passage respectively. The second wall part is provided with openings which form part of the fluid passage and which are open on one side of the wall part directed towards the upstream chamber and on a side of the wall part directed towards the downstream chamber. A plurality of valve flaps supporting elements are disposed between the openings on the side of the second wall part which is directed toward the downstream chamber.

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 pneumatically actuated pumping device contains three or more tubular bladders enclosed in rigid jackets and interconnected through openings at both ends forming a common internal pumping channel. Every tubular bladder is enclosed in a separate coaxial jacket, equipped with a special pressure port to assure an access to the internal volume between the jacket and the bladder. Each combination of the bladder and the jacket represents one actuating segment of the pumping device. An independent pneumatic controller distributes a predetermined pattern of a pressure and vacuum pulses through the pressure port and into the enclosed volume between the jacket and the bladder of each individual segment, providing for a selective collapse of the bladders. Every actuating segment, while collapsing, produces either a bidirectional propelling or valving action.

Abstract: An ambulatory parenteral fluid infusion pump employs a disposable in-line cassette which provides three independent fluid paths between two flexible plastic sheets. The fluid path extends through a pump chamber having a piston plate secured to the flexible sheet at each pumping chamber. The sealed flexible sheets are housed in a rigid housing which provides an aperture through which a catch member formed on the piston plate extends, and having living hinges overlying the inlet and outlet paths for shutting off those paths. An outlet valve is normally closed, and operates in response to buildup of fluid pressure from advancement of the piston plate into the pump chamber to deliver fluid.

Abstract: An inflatable throw toy having a flexible wall defining an enclosure adapted to be thrown when inflated. A manually operated pump is fixed to the flexible wall. The pump includes a flexible resilient pump wall defining a closed pump chamber. The pump wall includes an actuator surface having an inlet hole therethrough, the inlet hole communicating with the closed pump chamber. The actuator surface is exposed to an exterior of the flexible wall and is surrounded by the flexible wall. The pump includes a one-way outlet valve in the pump wall at a location spaced from the inlet hole and communicating with an interior of the enclosure whereby pressing the actuator surface while covering the inlet hole causes the pumping chamber to contract, discharging air from the pumping chamber through the one way valve into the flexible wall for inflating the toy.

Abstract: A volumetric pump and method for displacing a predetermined quantity of fluid at a predefined cracking pressure, independent of supply and output pressures. The volumetric pump (30) includes an inlet cracking valve (46), an outlet cracking valve (52), and a plunger (48) for displacing fluid a pumping from a pumping portion (34b) of flexible tubing (34) that extends through the volumetric pump. The pumping portion of the flexible tube fills with liquid when the inlet cracking valve is fully opened and is urged to expand by jaws (236) on pivotally-mounted arms (234). The arms are forced to pivot, as tubing reshaper rollers (160), disposed on the plunger, roll along the inner surface (232) of each arm.

Abstract: A linear peristaltic pump for pumping fluid through a resilient tube has a pair of pumping fingers, a pair of pinching fingers, and a strain gauge to monitor pressure inside the tube. The first pumping finger squeezes the tube at a first location, and the second pumping finger squeezes the tube at a second location. Additionally, the first pumping finger is configured and operated to displace approximately twice the fluid volume displaced by the second pumping finger. The first pinching finger occludes the tube upstream to the first pumping finger and the second pinching finger occludes the tube between the first and second pumping fingers. To monitor dimensional changes in the outer diameter of the tube and thereby indicate pressure inside the tube, the strain gauge is mounted on the pump between the second pinching finger and first pumping fingers. Finally, a leaf spring and photoelectric sensor are associated with the first pumping finger to indicate when the finger is in its fully withdrawn position.

Abstract: A pumping arrangement including a squeezing device for deforming a length of pliant p.v.c. tubing first in one direction locally to reduce its volume and in another tending to restore its original cross-section and, on either side of squeezing device, inlet and outlet valves which operate by occluding the tubing. The squeezing device and the valves are controlled by a microprocessor control unit such that inlet valve is open and outlet valve shut while the squeezing device is relaxed and thereafter outlet valve is open and inlet valve shut while the squeezing device is operated to deform the tubing, this sequence repeating. Downstream of the output valve is a pressure responsive device providing input to the control unit whereby upon a rise in pressure in the delivery portion of tubing due to a restriction, the squeezing device is disabled and valves are open together to allow excess fluid to pass back towards the fluid source.

Abstract: A system that permits highly accurate flow control, even at very low flow rates, by providing a measurement chamber and an auxiliary dispensing chamber having a volume that is variable between fixed maximum and minimum limits. The maximum volume of the dispensing chamber is substantially smaller than the maximum volume of the measurement chamber used in this type of system. The dispensing chamber can then be filled to its maximum volume from the measurement chamber and thereafter caused to be reduced over time to its minimum volume. Because the maximum and minimum volumes of the dispensing chamber are known, the volume change of the dispensing chamber per unit time is determinable and is the flow rate out of the system.

Abstract: An intravenous metering device is provided which includes an air retention chamber in downstream fluid communication with a source of fluid and in upstream fluid communication with a pumping chamber. A first valve is provided between the air retention chamber and the pumping chamber to control access to the pumping chamber. A second valve is provided to control the exit of fluid from the pumping chamber. The valves include a shared diaphragm portion. A safety mechanism as provided to prevent accidental free flow of fluid through the metering device. In a first preferred embodiment of a safety mechanism, a gradually tapered priming stem is provided attached to the diaphragm portion of the second valve. In a second preferred embodiment of a safety mechanism, a priming stem is provided attached to the diaphragm portion of the second valve and a priming stem release mechanism is further provided.

Abstract: A valve for dispensing a preferably viscous fluid is adapted in connection with the dispensing operation to open under the action of a positive pressure in the fluid, produced e.g. by means of a pump (1), and to close by itself when the positive pressure, and thus the dispensing operation, has ceased. The valve (2) has a channel (9) with an inlet and an outlet end (9a; 9b) and an axial direction of fluid flow (10). The channel (9) is defined by a body portion (11) of rigid material and a cover portion (12) of flexible material. The body portion (11) is formed with a groove (13) of substantially arcuate cross-section. The edges of the cover portion (12) extending in the direction of flow (10) are sealingly connected to the body portion (11). Towards the outlet end (9b), the cover portion conforms to the shape of the groove (13). The cover portion (12) is prestressed to sealingly engage the wall of the groove (13) with a certain engagement pressure.

Abstract: A device for pumping fluid through a resilient tube has a platen for holding the tube and a pumping mechanism for squeezing the tube against the platen. The pumping mechanism includes a first pumping finger which squeezes the tube at a first location and a second pumping finger which squeezes the tube at a second location. For their respective alternating pumping actions, the first finger is configured and operated to displace approximately twice the fluid volume displaced by the second pumping finger. A valve means is also mounted on the base and is positioned to alternately occlude the tube upstream from the first and second pumping fingers during the pumping action of the first pumping finger and to occlude the tube between the first and second locations upstream from the second pumping finger during the pumping action of the second pumping finger.

Abstract: A volumetric pump and method for displacing a predetermined quantity of fluid at a predefined cracking pressure, independent of supply and output pressures. The volumetric pump (30) includes an inlet cracking valve (46), an outlet cracking valve (52), and a plunger (48) for displacing fluid from a pumping portion (34b) of flexible tubing (34) that extends through the volumetric pump. The pumping portion of the flexible tube fills with liquid when the inlet cracking valve is fully opened and is urged to expand by jaws (236) on pivotally-mounted arms (234). The arms are forced to pivot, as tubing reshaper rollers (160), disposed on the plunger, roll along the inner surface (232) of each arm.

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.

Abstract: A pasty product dispenser (1) comprising a body defining a chamber for storing at least one main pasty product and pumping system defined by a wall surmounting the storage chamber and by an intake valve member, the wall carrying on the side of the storage chamber a separator tube enclosing the valve member and comprising passages for at least one secondary pasty product contained between the separator tube and the body, the passages being outside the separator tube, the wall having a rotating cover with traversing apertures, rotation of the cover progressively masks or exposes the passages, the apertures being occluded by the valve member when it is in its low position.

Abstract: An infusion system for administering multiple infusates at individually programmable rates, volumes, and sequences in any order from any one or more of plural fluid input ports through a patient output port and into the circulatory system of a patient. Infusates may be either continuously or time sequentially administered, and infusates may be either intermittently administered at selectively regular intervals or in time overlap to administer a dilution. Various error conditions are automatically detected and alarms generated in the event of conflicts between infusates, to identify times of no infusions, and to identify system malfunctions. The system is selectively operable, among others, in a priming mode, a maintenance mode, a normal-on mode, and a manual override mode. The system is operative to adapt actual to desired flow rates in normal operation. All fluids flow through a unitary disposable cassette without making any other system contact.

Abstract: A valve for dispensing a preferably viscous fluid is adapted in connection with the dispensing operation to open under the action of a positive pressure in the fluid, produced e.g. by means of a pump (1), and to close by itself when the positive pressure, and thus the dispensing operation, has ceased. The valve (2) has a channel (9) with an inlet and an outlet end (9a; 9b) and an axial direction of fluid flow (10). The channel (9) is defined by a body portion (11) of rigid material and a cover portion (12) of flexible material. The body portion (11) is formed with a groove (13) of substantially arcuate cross-section. The edges of the cover portion (12) extending in the direction of flow (10) are sealingly connected to the body portion (11). Towards the outlet end (9b), the cover portion conforms to the shape of the groove (13). The cover portion (12) is prestressed to sealingly engage the wall of the groove (13) with a certain engagement pressure.

Abstract: A solution pumping system includes a compressible pump cassette having front and rear body members, and an elastomeric diaphragm positioned therebetween. The front and rear body members are joined to each other for limited, relative movement, which movement effects compression of the diaphragm. The pump cassette is removably positionable in a pump driver of the system, which can be configured to effect compression of the cassette for use. In this way, the desired compression of the diaphragm during use can be achieved, while avoiding problems associated with compression set or load decay during storage of the cassette prior to use.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for actuating the fingers of a peristaltic pump has a base, and a drive member reciprocally mounted on the base. A jointed arm is pivotally attached at one end to the drive member and at the other end to a fixed point on the base. A rotary cam actuator is mounted on the base to urge against the arm to reciprocate the drive member.

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 solution pumping system including a disposable pump cassette is disclosed, with the system configured for efficient and accurate preparation of parenteral admisture 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: An apparatus and method are disclosed for an IV pump which can act also as a passive infusion controller. The apparatus has a disposable flow chamber with two pumping subchambers connected by a first collapsible passageway. A pump drive is used to operate the pumping subchambers and includes a first control valve for depressing the first collapsible passageway to control flow between the subchambers and an outlet control valve for depressing an outlet collapsible passageway to control flow of infusate out of the flow chamber. The flow chamber has a base surface and first and second caps, each cap being spaced apart from the base surface and having means for attachment to one of two moveable connector rods. The caps each act as one side of the first and second pumping subchambers, respectively, the base surface being the other side. A flexible wall is connected to the base surface and to each of the caps providing the subchamber volumes therebetween.

Abstract: A volumetric pump and method for displacing a predetermined quantity of fluid at a predefined cracking pressure, independent of supply and output pressures. The volumetric pump (30) includes an inlet cracking valve (46), an outlet cracking valve (52), and a plunger (48) for displacing fluid from a pumping portion (34b) of flexible tubing (34) that extends through the volumetric pump. The pumping portion of the flexible tube fills with liquid when the inlet cracking valve is fully opened and is urged to expand by jaws (236) on pivotally-mounted arms (23). The arms are forced to pivot, as tubing reshaper rollers (160), disposed on the plunger, roll along the inner surface (232) of each arm.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for injecting fluid in which as delivery conduit portion a simple hose segment having the same diameter throughout is used which is subjected to the action of a total of three pump rams, thereby forming delivery chambers (9-11) by compression of the hose segment, one of the pump rams (14) performing in the completely closed state the function of an outlet valve whilst having a delivery function until complete closure of the corresponding hose cross-section. As a result, in a very simple technical manner a considerable uniformization of the delivery flow is achieved.

Abstract: A pulsatile pump for extracorporeal circulation in cardiosurgery is disclosed, which is constituted by a housing chamber inside which a length of an elastic hose is inserted, which chamber is fitted with two squeeze valves, one of which is for suction (i.e. mitral valve) and the other of which is for delivery (i.e. aortic valve), and with an electropneumatically actuated plate which, in the systolic step partially compresses the hose by carrying out a rototranslational movement of the plate and, in the diastolic step moves away from the hose, with an analogous opposite movement of the plate, allowing the hose to relax. A microprocessor-control system makes it possible for the pump to operate, both in manual mode and in automatic mode, also in syntony with the patient's ECG.

Abstract: A flow detector for use in a volumetric pump to determine if fluid is being displaced by the pump. The volumetric pump (30) includes an inlet cracking valve (46) and an outlet cracking valve (52) disposed on opposite sides of a plunger (48) used to displace fluid by compressing flexible tubing (34). During a pumping segment of a pumping cycle for the volumetric pump, the outlet cracking valve is closed with a cracking force that compresses the flexible tubing until the pressure of the fluid displaced by the plunger exceeds a cracking pressure, at which time the outlet cracking valve opens to enable fluid flow from the volumetric pump. A cracking flexure (182) provides the cracking force.

Abstract: An infusion pump for delivery of drugs to a patient includes a unit in which the pump mechanism is situated and a cassette through which the drugs to be delivered to the patient are pumped. The cassette includes a path for the fluid to flow from a drug vial to an outlet port. Disposed along the path are recesses for an inlet valve, a pressurization region, and an outlet valve. The cassette is sealed by an elastomeric layer to maintain the drugs to be delivered in a contaminant-free condition. The pump includes an inlet valve which has a contour matching the recess of the inlet port, and an outlet valve matching the recess of the outlet port. By biasing the inlet and outlet valves against the recesses, a pumping chamber is created. A piston in the unit pressurizes the pumping chamber to open the outlet valve and permit fluid to escape. By appropriate timing of the operation of the inlet valve and the piston, a continuous stream of fluid is delivered by the pump to the patient.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump wherein an annular internal surface of the housing and a sleeve-like annular section of an elastically deformable diaphragm define an annular pumping chamber which communicates with the fluid-admitting inlet and with the fluid-discharging outlet of the housing. The diaphragm is provided with an extension which projects radially outwardly from the sleeve-like section and is partially anchored in a socket of the housing. A weakened portion of the extension between the anchored portion and the sleeve-like section is received in a compartment between the inlet and outlet of the housing and is provided with one or more empty or fluid-filled cavities, with one or more recesses, with one or more holes and/or other elasticity enhancing features to ensure that the resistance of the sleeve-like section to deformation will be uniform in each of its parts including that which is integral with the extension.

Abstract: A disposable cell for a diaphragm-actuated fluid-transfer control device, which comprises two cell walls peripherally joined to one another, of which at least one wall is flexible, and is adapted to be flexed from a first position, in which it is located in close proximity to the other wall, reducing the space enclosed between the two walls to a minimum, to at least a second position, in which at least some regions of the flexible wall have moved away from the other wall, thereby increasing the space between the two walls, and an inlet port and an outlet port provided in at least one of the walls. There is also described a combination of a disposable cell with a diaphragm-actuated fluid transfer control device.

Abstract: A self enclosed filter pump system (10) is provided to deliver precise quantities of selected fluids. The system (10) includes a pump assembly (12) of a pneumatically controlled type and a modular filter and fluid bag assembly (14) adapted to mate with the pump assembly (12) during use. The filter and fluid bag assembly (14) is a flexible component which includes a container portion (20) for storing enclosed fluid (16) and an extension portion (22) for mating with the pump assembly (12). A series of fluid flow passages (35) create a fluid flow path from the storage chamber (34) to a first value bubble (36), a pump/filter bubble (46), a second valve bubble (52) and an outlet port (56). A filter membrane (48) may be secured within the pump/filter bubble (46) to filter the fluid (16) to remove particulate matter. The various bubbles (36, 46 and 52) are occluded and opened by pneumatic pressure applied to matching chambers (78, 88 and 94) in the pump housing (62).

Abstract: A pulsatile flow delivery apparatus includes a horse shoe shaped raceway, a tube, a milking mechanism, an occlusive clamp and a control device. The tube is disposed along the raceway. The milking mechanism has a pivot shaft, a rotating arm fixedly secured to the shaft and one milking roller rotatably mounted on one end of the rotating arm. The occlusive clamp has a stationary component, a mobile component disposed in opposed relation to the stationary component, and an actuator connected to the mobile component for moving the mobile component toward and away from the stationary component to clamp and release the downstream portion of the tube. The timing of opening and closing of the occlusive clamp is controlled by the control device to produce a pulsatile flow.

Abstract: A metering apparatus has a metering chamber which has at least one boundary surface in the form of a flexible diaphragm. The diaphragm is operatively connected to an actuating device so that the volume of the chamber for metering and deliveirng the substance can be varied. An inlet opening and an outlet opening in the metering chamber can preferably be closed off directly by the diaphragm, more specifically by means of closure devices arranged in the region of those openings. The metering apparatus is particularly suitable for die bonders for the delivery of a bonding agent onto a substrate which is then equipped with electronic components.

Abstract: A distributor for pasty products having a sliding piston and a distribution head. The distribution head has a tubular, deformable pumping member, an actuator acting on the pumping member and an expelling valve. An upper end of an upper tube of the pumping member forms an annual end edge. The expelling valve has a flexible disk with a periphery kept in engagement with the end edge of the tube by a central bearing member of the disk. The bearing member is connected to the actuator, the flexible disk and the end edge of the tube.

Abstract: A hose pump with a pump casing (1) has a hose (2) running in a closed manner through it. The hose (2) rests on a support wall (3) of the pump casing (1) and compression elements (4, 5) squeeze-off the hose (2) in at least two places. A drive (6) for the movement of the compression elements (4, 5) becomes considerably more economical because the hose (2) is located between the support wall (3) and compression plate (9) and is sharply bent around an end of compression plate (9) that serves as the first compression element (4) with a bend of about 180.degree., and the second compression element (5) is placed opposite the support wall (3) on the other end of compression plate (9). The compression plate (9) and second compression element (5) can be moved back and forth by the drive (6) between a first pump position (I) and second pump position (II), the second compression element (5) being further from support wall (3) in the first pump position (I) than in the second pump position (II).

Abstract: A non-peristaltic infusion pump having improved accuracy and reliability including a novel infusion pump module having an elongated flexible lumen chamber defined by broad, slightly rounded upper and lower chamber walls joined along sharp side corners and having exterior graspable handles and a machine for holding the module by the handles between reciprocating jaw assemblies that slightly distend and slightly compress the module walls in coaction with C-shaped valve members to develop the pumping action.

Abstract: An air mattress incorporating within it a pump having a variable volume chamber formed by a flexible sheeting material, located within the chamber is a block of foam material which biases the chamber to its maximum volume, an air outlet incorporating a one way valve restricts air to move outwardly from within the chamber, while an air inlet is maintained clear during a pumping operation and is selectively closed by the hand of the operator.

Abstract: A fluid delivery monitoring and control apparatus for use in a medication infusion system is designed for use with a disposable fluid pathway that incorporates a sterile cassette containing pumping elements and sensor interfaces. The apparatus comprises a multi-segment drive mechanism, controller, and monitoring system. Fluid pumping is accomplished by controlling DC motors in the drive mechanism, each of which is coupled to two valves and a reciprocating piston for an individual pumping channel in the cassette. The motor is geared down to provide an appropriate maximum speed and torque. A cam sequentially actuates an inlet valve, piston, and an outlet valve in the cassette. A range of fluid delivery rates is achieved by periodically sending pulses to the motor. The output flow rate of the pump is maintained by a digital feedback controller which uses closed-loop feedback control to provide accurate regulation.

Abstract: Valve and channeling improvements in a filter pump head assembly used for dispensing photoresist in a semiconductor manufacturing facility.

Abstract: A modular infusion pump system utilizes a positive displacement pump for pumping a known quantity of fluid for each stroke. A plurality of longitudinally spaced apart fixed combs cooperate with a resilient tube to define a known pumping volume. A plurality of movable combs are interdigitated with the fixed combs and are periodically linearly directed to cause the pump volume to be compressed, and therefore the fluid expelled. A rotary to linear drive system is connected with the movable combs and a ratchet system prevents counterrotation when the motor is in the off position. Valves are disposed above and below the pumping unit to appropriately seal off the pumping volume. The valves and the movable combs are operated by means of cams carried by a common shaft.

Abstract: A disposable cassette containing a fluid pump for use with a main unit including apparatus for driving the pump is disclosed which cassette utilized a piston-type pump in conjunction with active valves to pump fluid. The inlet and outlet channels in the cassette are formed by a diaphragm covering open channels in the cassette body, and the same diaphragm is used to form the active valves, which are actuated by valve actuators in the main pump unit. Additional features of the cassette include an air trap upstream from the pump, and an integral clamp which allows priming of the cassette.

Abstract: A mechanical drive system for use in driving a disposable cassette containing a reciprocating fluid pump and active valves from a main pump unit is disclosed which utilizes a single power module cam to drive both the reciprocating pump and the valves. By using a unitary power module cam, the system completely eliminates the possibility of a timing error between the operation of the reciprocating pump and the valves. A one-way clutch is used to prevent the system from slipping into a reverse operation, and the operation of the valve actuators prevents the possibility of free flow through a cassette installed onto the main pump unit.

Abstract: A modular infusion pump system utilizes a positive displacement pump for pumping a known quantity of fluid for each stroke. A plurality of longitudinally spaced apart fixed combs cooperate with a resilient tube to define a known pumping volume. A plurality of movable combs are interdigitated with the fixed combs and are periodically linearly directed to cause the pump volume to be compressed, and therefore the fluid expelled. A rotary to linear drive system is connected with the movable combs and a ratchet system prevents counterrotation when the motor is in the off position. Valves are disposed above and below the pumping unit to appropriately seal off the pumping volume. The valves and the movable combs are operated by means of cams carried by a common shaft.

Abstract: A disposable diaphragm pump cassette comprises a flexible diaphragm member comprising hinged, rigid plates hingingly mounted on an inflexible plate and opposed to a pumping chamber surface to form a pumping chamber. The pump includes check valve means comprising movable circular plates integrally connected with the inflexible plate by flexible, extendable webs. The flexible diaphragm member comprises at least three inflexible diaphragm plates with edges in a common plane, each diaphragm plate having at least two straight diaphragm plate hinge edges. Each diaphragm plate hinge edge is adjacent to and aligned with a second diaphragm plate hinge edge of an adjacent diaphragm plate. The adjacent edges of each diaphragm plate hinge edge and second diaphragm plate hinge edge are attached together by a flexible hinge strip.

Abstract: An infusion pump incorporates a cassette formed by bonding of two substantially flat sheets. The fluid to be infused to the patient comes into contact only with the cassette. The cassette includes first and second flexible sheets which define a pumping chamber therebetween. The infusion pump is provided with a pumping member having a hub and a plurality of petal-shaped sections extending radially outward therefrom and pivotal relative thereto. A stepping motor can be operated to move the pumping member against the second flexible sheet to decrease the volume of the pumping chamber and pump fluid to the patient. A load cell monitors the force exerted by the stepping motor on the hub. An outlet restriction value is electronically controlled by a second stepping motor in response to the pressure sensed by the load cell to control pumping to a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A device for detecting partial restriction in a fluid line connecting a fluid source with an IV infusion pump comprises a gauge mounted on the pump and operatively associated with the line to determine fluid pressure therein. The pump also comprises a peristable finger to conditionally occlude the line and a miroprocessor, upon occlusion of the line, to establish fluid pressure parameters within which the indication is that there is no partial restriction in the line. The pump also uses the microprocessor to compare actual pressure measured by the gauge during an occlusion with the established parameters to determine whether pump operation is to be continued.

Abstract: A pneumatic system (10) is shown in its most preferred use in a spray gun (12) to remotely control a pressure washer. The system (10) generally includes an integrally formed, homogeneous squeeze box (40) including a location ear (52), a nose tube (46), a bellows (44) and a discharge tube (48). Bellows (44) is generally rectangular in cross section and includes a flat top (62) and bottom (63) and accordion sides (64) having generally longitudinal fold lines (72, 74, 76, 78, 80) which are generally parallel to the mold part line (93) and the tubes (46, 48) but include a 2.degree. draft for ease in mold removal. A valve and spring tube (42) is loosely received on the nose tube (46) for sealing a vent hole (60) provided therein when the bellows (44) is compressed by a trigger (30) of gun (12) and for biasing the trigger (30) to an uncompressed bellows condition.

Abstract: A disposable diaphragm pump cassette comprises a flexible diaphragm member comprising hinged, rigid plates hingingly mounted on an inflexible plate and opposed to a pumping chamber surface to form a pumping chamber. The pump includes check valve means comprising movable circular plates integrally connected with the inflexible plate by flexible, extendable webs. The flexible diaphragm member comprises at least three inflexible diaphragm plates with edges in a common plane, each diaphragm plate having at least two straight diaphragm plate hinge edges. Each diaphragm plate hinge edge is adjacent to and aligned with a second diaphragm plate hinge edge of an adjacent diaphragm plate. The adjacent edges of each diaphragm plate hinge edge and second diaphragm plate hinge edge are attached together by a flexible hinge strip.

Abstract: A vacuum-tight and pressure-tight closed storage space in a container is constructionally combined with a thrust piston pump projecting thereinto and a drag piston slidably guided therein and in the initial position of the thrust piston pump is hermetically sealed by an exhaust valve mechanically closed in forcibly controlled manner. The drag piston is adapted to the thrust piston pump in such a way that the storage space can be emptied substantially free with the thrust piston pump.

Abstract: An infusion pump incorporates a cassette formed by bonding of two substantially flat sheets. The fluid to be infused to the patient comes into contact only with the cassette. The cassette includes first and second flexible sheets which define a pumping chamber therebetween. The infusion pump is provided with a pumping member having a hub and a plurality of petal-shaped sections extending radially outward therefrom and pivotal relative thereto. A stepping motor can be operated to move the pumping member against the second flexible sheet to decrease the volume of the pumping chamber and pump fluid to the patient. A load cell monitors the force exerted by the stepping motor on the hub. An outlet restriction valve is electronically controlled by a second stepping motor in response to the pressure sensed by the load cell to control pumping to a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: The piezoelectrically driven diaphragm of an air pump is extended through a chamber and commmunicating outlet passage of the pump's housing. During vibration of the diaphragm, air pulses are alternately expelled through the outlet passage portions positioned on opposite sides of the diaphragm. The air pulses are collected in a rectifying device, carried by the housing, for delivery to a fluidic device or system.