Abstract: An infusion system for the delivery of a first continuous flow of a intravenous fluid and second multiple selectable dosages of the fluid from a source to a site comprises a source of intravenous fluid under pressure, a housing having an inlet for connection to the source of fluid and an outlet for connection to a delivery site, a first passage in the housing for conveying a continuous constant low volume of the fluid to the outlet, and a second passage in the housing having an accumulator for accumulating a predetermined fixed charge of fluid and an actuator for selectively releasing the flow of the fluid from the accumulator to the outlet.

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

Abstract: A pumping system is provided for administering a secondary treatment fluid to a patient intravenously in cooperation with a primary treatment fluid administration set already in place. The system includes a self-contained pumping unit having a pumping chamber and a secondary treatment fluid reservoir integral therewith. A secondary fluid line extending from the unit merges with a primary fluid line at a fitting for delivery of the fluids carried in the primary and secondary lines to the patient via a combined IV line.

Abstract: An infuser with a balloon for continuously infusing a drug in liquid form comprises a tubular main body (1) having in axial alignment, a first portion (12) at a first end of the tubular main body, a second portion (13) at a second end of the tubular main body opposite the first end, a control portion (3) intermediate the two ends, and a balloon coaxial with the first portion (12). The first portion (12) has a check valve (121) which allows the drug to be infused therefrom into the infuser which is at the first end of the tubular main body (1) and has a flow path (11) for the drug. The second portion (13) allows the drug to be injected therefrom at the second end of the tubular main body (1). The control portion (3) for controlling outflow of the drug is provided in such a manner as to be adjacent to the second portion (13) allowing the drug to be injected therefrom. A plurality of holes (111) are formed in the tubular main body in such a manner as to extend through a wall thereof.

Abstract: An infuser for continuously infusing a solution of medicine includes a tubular main body having a flow path which extends along the longitudinal axis of the body. An inlet portion having a check valve, an injection port, or a one-way cock is connected to one end of the body. A cylinder with a closed bottom is slidably connected to the other end of the body. The bottom of the cylinder is directed outwardly. The cylinder or the other end of the body is provided with a plurality of holes. A change-over valve is provided in the flow path at an intermediate portion of the body. An outlet portion is connected to the change-over valve. A control portion for controlling the outflow of the solution of medicine is provided in the outlet portion. A balloon made from an elastic material surrounds the holes.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately infusing medicinal agents into an ambulatory patient at specific rates over extended periods of time. The apparatus is of a compact, low profile, laminate construction and includes an elastic distendable membrane, which, in cooperation with a thin planar base, defines a fluid chamber having a fluid outlet. Disposed within the fluid chamber is a thin fluid permeable member which precisely controls the rate of fluid flow through the fluid outlet.

Abstract: A compact, integrated intravenous fluid delivery device. The invention may be used between an intravenous fluid source and an intravenous fluid line. In this embodiment, the invention includes a housing, through which a fluid passageway is disposed. The fluid passageway passes through a spike, which is used for connecting the housing to the fluid source. The passageway also passes through a rigid drip chamber and a priming element that may be repeatedly compressed in order to urge fluid from the source into the drip chamber and through the intravenous fluid line. The priming element includes a rigid base portion and a membrane. The spike, drip chamber and the base of the priming element all form an integral piece of rigid material. This embodiment may further include a valve chamber disposed in the housing, such that the fluid passageway enters and exits the chamber through two mouths.

Abstract: A pack for slow administration to a patient of extremely accurate volumes of sterile, for example pharmaceutical, nutrient or energy-source liquid, comprises in combination at least three systems adapted to be interconnected. The first system is a flowrate regulator. The second system is, for each sterile liquid administered, a sterile bag with a mobile, flexible and continuous wall which delimits an internal cavity in which is at least one opening enabling it to communicate selectively with the exterior. The third system is a solid or fluid piston operating on the interior or exterior side of the wall of said bag to vary its volume, and, in the case of a fluid piston, at least one alarm means indicating any leak in the wall or one of the walls of the bag, adapted by its existence or its properties to convert non-perceptible leakage into a perceptible phenomenon.

Abstract: A liquid infusion device comprising a bladder assembly, an approximately tubular housing, and a liquid-drug-dispensing portion. The bladder assembly comprises a rod-like inner shaft, a tubular outer shaft slidably encasing the inner shaft, an inner shaft supporter, and a bladder made of elastic material and placed outside two shafts. The housing contains the bladder assembly and has an inlet/outlet portion at an end of the housing. The inner shaft supporter has at least one port for liquid drug communicating with the inlet/outlet portion. An amount of liquid drug remaining in the bladder can be greatly reduced, since a clearance between the inner shaft and outer shaft can be made very small.

Abstract: The invention provides a flow control system well suited for use in intravenous fluid delivery systems comprising a flow restrictor wafer having one or more flow limiting flow restrictor paths formed thereon. The system provides fixed flow rate control. The system also provides means for selectively orienting at least two flow restrictor paths relative to the main fluid passage to varying the flow rate.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately infusing medicinal agents into an ambulatory patient at specific rates over extended periods of time. The apparatus is of a compact, low profile, laminate construction and includes an elastic distendable membrane, which, in cooperation with a thin planar base, defines a fluid chamber having a fluid outlet. Disposed within the fluid chamber is a thin fluid permeable member which precisely controls the rate of fluid flow through the fluid outlet.

Abstract: A fluid pump for infusing medical fluids to a patient includes a housing having an inlet port and an outlet port. The housing further includes a substantially hemispherically shaped surface which is circumscribed by a periphery. An elastomeric membrane is attached to the periphery of the surface and is stretched over the surface to place the membrane in its region of nonlinear elasticity. With this combination, a potential fluid chamber is established between the surface of the housing and the stretched membrane.In operation, fluid is injected through the inlet port and into the potential chamber between the housing and the elastomeric membrane to fill the chamber with the desired medical fluid. A fluid line is connected to the outlet port of the pump and a flow restrictor is coupled with the fluid line to control the flow of fluid from the chamber. Fluid flows from the chamber as a result of the nonlinear contraction of the elastomer membrane.

Abstract: A technique for protecting an implantable drug administration device from damage caused by over filling. The protection is implemented using an automatic valve positioned between the puncturable sealing septum and the reservoir. This automatic valve is operated volumetrically by coupling the valve actuator to the diaphragm which separates the drug chamber from the fluid volume compensation chamber. When the diaphragm flexes to the maximum fill position, the valve actuator closes the automatic valve, thus prohibiting any further transfer to the reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention provides housing containing a cylindrical, prestress member around which an elongated elastomeric bladder is wrapped. This interior of the bladder defines a fluid chamber. A filling port and an exit port are provided in fluid communication with the fluid chamber to provide for filling and dispensing of the liquid. The elongated bladder is wrapped around the cylindrical, prestress member so that the bladder is prestressed in the axial direction when disposed thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus for controllably intermixing two or more components in a sterile, closed environment to produce a flowable substance and then for expelling the flowable substance from the apparatus at a precisely controlled rate. The apparatus is particularly useful for medical applications and includes a dispenser portion with its own stored energy element provided in the form of an elastomeric membrane and a coupling mechanism for coupling a drug vial to the dispenser portion for controlled mixing a medicament contained within the drug vial with a diluent stored within the dispenser portion of the apparatus via a sterile pathway.

Abstract: Disclosed is an elastomeric bladder infusion pump which may be used for delivering a pharmaceutically active material to a patient at a substantially constant flow rate. A unitary internal stress member or mandrel is disposed within the bladder, prestressing the bladder in both the axial and radial dimensions.

Abstract: A liquid material dispenser includes a rigid housing having a flexible partition defining first and second compartments on opposite sides of the partition, and an electrolytic cell in the first compartment capable of generating a gas when energized by a source of electric current in order to expand the first compartment and thereby to contract the second compartment. The second compartment contains the liquid material which is dispensed via a discharge opening in accordance with the rate of generation of the gas.

Abstract: An implantable device for the dosed administration of medicaments to the human body includes a first chamber for storing a medicament and having a refill opening sealed by a pierceable septum and an outlet opening communicating with an outlet catheter, a second chamber separated from the first chamber by a flexible diaphragm which serves to apply pressure to the medicament, and a hollow fiber capillary filter disposed at the outlet opening of the first chamber to act as a filter.

Abstract: A liquid infuser apparatus includes an elastic sleeve mounted on an elongated member and within a spherical housing to enable it to expand naturally to maintain a constant pressure over the infusion period. An alternate embodiment includes a holding reservoir that may be pre-filled, and a pressure reservoir that is loaded from the holding reservoir preparatory to infusion.

Abstract: Blood and gas transfer apparatus comprises a substantially rigid receptacle; a collapsible bag in the receptacle, there being space formed between the bag and receptacle; structure in the receptacle forming first porting communicating with the bag and via which blood may be transferred into and out of the bag, and second porting communicating with that space between the bag and receptacle for selectively transferring gas into and out of the space; whereby in a first mode of operation blood may be drained into the bag via the first porting, and gas may be removed from the space via the second porting, and in a second mode of operation, blood may be drained from the bag via the first porting, and gas may be introduced into the space via the second porting, the structure including neck means on the receptacle and a cap received on the neck and forming the first and second porting.

Abstract: An apparatus (60) and system (20) are disclosed for the patient-controlled delivery of an analgesic or other beneficial agent 142, while preventing administration of a toxic quantity of the beneficial agent. The invention permits delivery of fractional doses to a patient in quantities which are directly proportional to the time period since the last dose or fraction thereof was delivered to the patient. In the preferred embodiments the apparatus includes a housing (58) including a casing (88) and a back plate (86), the housing containing a control switch (84) for opening and closing downstream conduit (62) and for depressing a floating plate (100) that thereby compresses a dose reservoir (90) with the beneficial agent (142) therein. A spring (124) biases the control switch (84).

Abstract: An infusion system includes an implantable housing having a storage reservoir that is dimensioned and arranged to contain a supply of a medication and a holding reservoir that is dimensioned and arranged to receive a dosage of the medication from the storage reservoir. A pump assembly is included for enabling a patient to cause a dosage of the medication to be transferred from the storage reservoir to the holding reservoir, and pressurizing components maintain the dosage under pressure within the holding reservoir in order to cause the dosage to discharge through an output port to the infusion location. One embodiment accomplishes this with an elongated bladder of elastomeric material in fluid communication with the storage reservoir and the output port. The bladder inflates as it fills with the dosage to maintain the dosage under pressure, and a capillary element disposed intermediate the bladder and the output port restricts the rate of discharge.

Abstract: An implantable device uses shape memory alloy (SMA) as the driver to compress a reservoir thereby providing a constant pressure source fluid delivery device. The SMA may form either the reservoir itself by appropriate shaped sheets or it may form bands around a flexible reservoir member. The reservoir may also be formed of rigid members pivoted or clamped using SMA actuators to bias the rigid members together.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately infusing medicinal agents into an ambulatory patient at specific rates over extended periods of time. The apparatus is of a compact, low profile, laminate construction and includes an elastic distendable membrane, which, in cooperation with a thin planar base, defines a fluid chamber having a fluid outlet. Disposed within the fluid chamber is a thin fluid permeable member which precisely controls the rate of fluid flow through the fluid outlet.

Abstract: The present invention provides both a continuous dose and a bolus dose of fluid or beneficial agent to a patient. A source of fluid is in fluid communication with a continuous flow path for providing the patient with a continuous source of the beneficial agent. The source of beneficial agent is also connected to a bolus dose apparatus which provides patient control of a bolus dose of the beneficial agent, up to a preselected maximum.

Abstract: A programmable pump with three separate components: a driver, a reservoir and a tubing set connector. The driver provides an electromechanical assembly causing fluid to flow from the reservoir. The driver can be programmed for varying flow rates and alternating on/off delivery cycles through the control of switches externalized on the driver face. The reservoir is designed as a separate component. The driven side of the reservoir is the bottom. The top of the reservoir includes a port, and the bottom includes a septum for filling by a needle. The tubing set connector subsequently mounts into the port connector of the reservoir. The tubing set connector provides the interface to any standard luer-type tubing set which then connects to a needle for infusion. The circuitry is hardware logic programmable circuitry.

Abstract: A continuous liquid medicine injector has a cylindrical body. A liquid medicine receiving portion is provided at one end of the cylindrical portion, and an instrument inserted into a human body which may be a needle is provided at the other end thereof. Two ends of a tubular rubber-like elastic film are fixed to an intermediate portion of the cylindrical body. A liquid medicine flow into the elastic film through a through-hole formed in the cylindrical body to inflate the elastic film, and the elastic film which has been inflated forms a pressurizing means of the liquid medicine. A thin tube having a predetermined inner diameter and a predetermined length is disposed within the cylindrical body. One end of the thin tube is made to communicate with the instrument inserted into the human body.

Abstract: A fluid flow control apparatus including a fluid flow portion configured to receive a flexible fluid container and an actuating portion which provides a variable force to the fluid flow portion thereby causing the fluid flow portion to pressurize the flexible fluid filled container.

Abstract: Implantable infusion apparatus includes a housing with an inlet passage extending into the housing at a pronounced promontory on the housing wall. The passage has an outer end at the top of the promontory and an inner end defined by a needle stop positioned inside the housing. Self-sealing septa mounted in the passage at selected spacings from the needle stop divide the passage into a plurality of aligned inlet ports each of which has its own fluid outlet. One of the outlets leads to a pumpable infusate reservoir having an outlet conduit connected to a catheter that extends outside the housing; another leads directly to the outlet conduit so that while a first fluid is being pumped from the reservoir to the catheter, a second fluid can be introduced into the other inlet port for mixing with the first fluid flowing to the catheter. Several different infusate flow configurations are also disclosed.

Abstract: An implant comprises interconnected compartments with intlet and outlet and can be used for sampling of entered serous fluid or to hold drug concentrate for selective delivery, if desired. The compartments are formed by sealing around porous foam rings between a top and a bottom layer of biocompatible elastic membrane with a polymer paste which sets to form a rubbery shell. The top membrane layer over the compartment is punctured to create a small resealable channel. Upon subcutaneous implantation, serous fluid under hydrostatic pressure seeps into the interior through the puncture orifice. The entered fluid may be withdrawn by an hypodermic syringe through the rubbery side wall to obtain serum-borne bioactive materials. If a drug concentrate is included, the entered fluid will dissolve some of the drug therein. When delivery is required, external sidewise compression of the elastic compartment over the skin fold expels the drug containing solution therein through the orifice.

Abstract: A disposable IV infusion device for ambulatory patients comprises a disk-shaped cover plate and a disk-shaped impeller plate which are interconnected by a stretched membrane that joins the edge of the cover plate with the edge of the impeller plate. The effect of the membrane is to urge the plates into juxtaposition. A fluid port is formed on the cover plate for fluid communication through the port with a collapsible fluid chamber established between the plates. Fluid, when injected into the chamber between the plates, is subsequently expelled through the port for controlled infusion to a patient as the membrane pulls the plates toward each other to collapse the chamber.

Abstract: A single-use disposable syringe. In the syringe, a reservoir is formed of two sheets of thermoplastic material having expanded central portions that form a pair of convex domes. Both of the domes are compressible, and a connecting member spaces apart the domes. In response to complete compression of both of the central portions together, the reservoir substantially collapses and each of the domes becomes concave to prevent the reservoir from being reformed and to prevent reuse of the syringe. After partial compression of both of the central portions together and partial collapse of the reservoir, the central portions expand to reform the reservoir and draw fluid into the reservoir, thereby aspirating a hypodermic needle.

Abstract: Elastomeric bladders having improved resistance to spontaneous rupture when inflated are made by vulcanizing a homogeneous mixture of synthetic polyisoprene having 90% to 98% cis-1,4 linkages, 3 to 10 phr fumed silicon dioxide, and vulcanizing agent while simultaneously forming the mixture into hollow cylindrical bodies. After being formed the bodies are solvent extracted to remove unreacted vulcanizing agent and the degradation products of the vulcanizing agent. Following the solvent extraction about 0.2 to 2 phr of a nontoxic, nonleachable antioxidant are imbibed into the bodies by contacting the bodies with a liquid solution of the antioxidant.

Abstract: This invention relates to an automatic drip infusion set which is applicable for use in a situation of low atmospheric pressure, not to be suspended from a higher place during application, and which can provide alarm signal accordingly. The device includes a motor to drive an extension rack assembly by means of a speed variator so as to let the push plate which is connected with the rack assembly at the front end compress a compressible drip bottle to infuse the solution contained therein into patient's body smoothly. During moving of the rack assembly, it will trigger a buzzer and a stop control switch respectively so as to stop infusion process and give an audio alarm signal when the solution of the drip bottle is about exhausted.

Abstract: Disclosed is an elastomeric bladder infusion pump which may be used for delivering a pharmaceutically active material to a patient at a substantially constant flow rate. A unitary internal stress member or mandrel is disposed within the bladder, prestressing the bladder in both the axial and radial dimensions.

Abstract: A liquid infusion device comprises a bladder assembly and a flow-regulating portion. The bladder assembly comprises a tubular outer shaft, an inner shaft slidably received within the outer shaft and a bladder covering the outer and inner shafts. The bladder can inflate in both its radial and axial directions whereby reducing the residual amounts of a liquid drug in the bladder on dispensation of the liquid drug. The flow-regulating portion comprises a pipe having at least one small hole or a pipe having a very small diameter, so that the accurate regulation of the liquid drug can be performed.

Abstract: An infusor (10) is disclosed for dispensing a liquid under pressure at a predetermined flow rate. The infusor (10) includes a housing (12) containing an elastomeric bladder (16) for receiving the liquid under pressure. The liquid is delivered from the bladder to a patient through tubing (36). A non-adjustable, preselected flow regulator (38) includes a capillary bore (48). The flow regulator (38) is disposed at the distal end of the tubing (36), such that the tubing may be primed quickly, in a time period virtually unaffected by the flow regulator (38). Distal placement of the flow regulator (38) results in a more constant temperature, and thus a more constant flow rate, of fluid flowing through the flow regulator.

Abstract: A prime mover module used in a fluid delivery micropump, especially for pharmaceutical purposes, transports an electrochemically active material, such as oxygen, at a steady rate across an ion exchange cell to apply external pressure to a collapsible reservoir and expel fluid therefrom. An air-actuated battery, such as a zinc-air battery, which is located in the module in a fixed closed circuit with the cell and which shares one of its electrodes with the cell, is activated by peeling off an adhesive tape covering air inlet ports to thereby establish a voltage gradient acrosss the cell and control the rate at which fluid is expelled from the reservoir in accordance with the value of a resistor in the cell/battery circuit. The reservoir is filled or refilled by inserting a vented needle into an air bleed port while discharging a fluid-filled syringe inserted into a fluid injection port.

Abstract: A single use, single dose injection administering device including a drug or vaccine containing body and a needle wherein the sidewalls have memory causing at least one sidewall to collapse into the other during the administration of the vaccine.

Abstract: A two-stage injection device has a resiliently expandable medication reservoir stored in collapsed state within the cannula. After inserting the cannula through the skin into an animal cavity, depression of a first stage element injects the reservoir out the cannula into the cavity. Depression of a second stage element fills the reservoir with fluid medication, elastically expanding the reservoir. The injection apparatus is withdrawn, leaving the reservoir implanted in the cavity, continuously infusing medication for a period up to hundreds of days through a restrictor orifice under the pressure of the elastically stretched walls of the reservoir.

Abstract: An implantable pump, actuated by the patient in whom the pump is implanted, to provide pain relief and/or other therapeutic benefits. There is disclosed a fully implantable pump system, including a reservoir for holding fluid, a septum by which the reservoir is periodically refilled, and a resilient pump chamber responsive to manual pressure, for delivering limited amounts of the fluid through a catheter to a specific location within the body of the patient. Alternative embodiments disclosed include designs incorporating "windkessel-like" devices for controlling discharge of the fluid to the specific location to occur over extended time periods at relatively constant flow rates.

Abstract: The self-sealing subcutaneous infusion and withdrawal device or septum includes a cup-shaped needle stop member that defines a fluid chamber having a fluid transfer opening. A jacket envelops the needle stop member and includes an integrally formed delivery tube that aligns with the fluid transfer opening in the needle stop member. The fluid chamber of the needle stop member is sealed by a needle penetrable sealing member that is forced against a wall of the needle stop member by a clamping member to provide a mechanical leak-tight seal. The seal member has opposite convex surfaces which cooperate with the clamping member to impose a compression force upon a needle that penetrates the seal member during the fluid infusion and fluid withdrawal processes.

Abstract: A dispensing device for a liquid medicament has a cylindrical support formed on a base which receives an application part fitted into this support and costituting a projection from a cover. An annular reservoir braced against the support is pressed inwardly by a prestressed annular body which can be formed integrally with the reservoir of silicone rubber to drive a liquid medicament through the passage formed in the application part into the body at a constant rate.

Abstract: An implantable infusion pump (20) for infusing drugs or other chemicals or solutions into the body. A flexible spring diaphragm (25) forms an outer back wall portion (26) of a housing (22) of the infusion pump (20). The spring diaphragm (25) applies substantially constant force over a range of displacement and communicating internal body pressure to the drug chamber (30) so as to maintain a substantially uniform pressure difference between the drug chamber (30) and the internal body pressure.

Abstract: Disclosed is an elastomeric bladder infusion pump which may be used for delivering a pharmaceutically active material to a patient at a substantially constant flow rate. A unitary internal stress member or mandrel is disposed within the bladder, prestressing the bladder in both the axial and radial dimensions.

Abstract: An infusor (10) is disclosed for dispensing a liquid under pressure at a predetermined flow rate. The influsor (10) includes a housing (12) containing an elastomeric bladder (16) for receiving the liquid under pressure. The liquid is delivered from the bladder to a patient through tubing (36). A non-adjustable, preselected flow regulator (38) includes a capillary bore (48). The flow regulator (38) is disposed at the distal end of the tubing (36), such that the tubing may be primed quickly, in a time period virtually unaffected by the flow regulator (38). Distal placement of the flow regulator (38) results in a more constant temperature, and thus a more constant flow rate, of fluid flowing through the flow regulator.

Abstract: An intravenous fluid system incorporates an elastomeric reservoir in which the intravenous fluid is retained under pressure and fed at a controlled rate to a cannula which is inserted into the patient. The reservoir is contained in a translucent housing which is open to the atmosphere through a check valve and which is connected to the line connecting the reservoir to the cannula through another check valve which permits flow of fluid into the housing when the outlet of the cannula is plugged.

Abstract: A parenteral fluid medication pump comprises a reservoir filled with a fluid medication, and a needle insertable into a patient. The medication is continuously discharged in small doses over an extended time period through the needle into the patient. The continuous discharge is obtained by elastic walls for the reservoir which seek to return toward an original unexpanded position, or by the expansion of a compressible gas within a rigid-walled reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pumping chamber to be constructed as follows:A collapsible tubing is attached to an inlet fitting and to and outlet fitting to transport a biologic fluid such as blood therethrough. An outer tubing surrounds the collapsible tubing and is secured to the outer surface of the inlet fitting and to the outer surface of the outlet fitting, forming a chamber thereby. At least a duality of ports defining passageways through the wall of the outer tubing permits communication of the chamber with ambient conditions outside the chamber. The ports are designed to accept such devices as pressure gauges, alarm systems and devices to regulate intrachamber pressure, to observe arterial pressure, and to regulate collapse and occlusion of collapsible tubing in response to inadequate blood volumes.

Abstract: This invention relates to a "plungerless" means of drawing blood and for administering liquids via parenteral injection. This means is used in conjunction with a pouch bearing an injection means, to which it is releasably attached. It comprises hinged plates which, when folded, expand the pouch; and which, when straightened, compress it.In a preferred embodiment, the plates fold along a line essentially parallel to the general direction of fluid flow, and extend beyond the distal end of the pouch. The expanded pouch may then be rested on the distal edges of the plates, which form a "diamond" configuration.