Abstract: An anesthetic metering system includes an anesthetic reservoir (1) having an anesthetic reserve (2), which is limited by a flexible material wall and to which pressure is admitted by means of a propellant (3) acting thereon via the wall material. The anesthetic reservoir (1) has a first valve (4), which is in flow connection with the liquid anesthetic reserve (2) and can be inserted into a mounting element (6) of an anesthesia apparatus. The metered release of anesthetic to the anesthesia apparatus takes place via a volumetric nozzle (8). The present invention provides an anesthetic metering device which avoids, on the one hand, the drawbacks of the anesthetic evaporators used previously, which are to be refilled with anesthetics at the workplace, and makes possible the refilling of the anesthetic reservoir (1) at the anesthetic manufacturer, on the other hand.

Abstract: A system for controlling pressurized infusion and temperature of intravenous fluids according to the present invention includes a housing, a heating assembly and a flexible cover. The heating assembly is recessed within the housing and includes a generally U-shaped configuration to surround and uniformly heat fluid within a fluid container placed thereon. The cover wraps around a portion of the fluid container to secure the fluid container against the heating assembly. The cover includes a pressurization member to apply a desired pressure to the fluid container to achieve a desired flow rate of intravenous fluid from the fluid container to an infusion site on a patient. The system further includes a controller to control the heating assembly and pressure within the pressurization member in accordance with desired temperature and pressure information entered into the controller for system operation.

Abstract: An external infusion device system for infusing a fluid into a patient, the system including a reusable infusion device housing, a gas power source and disposable reservoir. The disposable reservoir is insertable into the reusable infusion device housing to infuse the fluid into the patient. The gas power source is for generating a gas to expel the fluid from the fluid reservoir. The disposable reservoir includes a reservoir housing, a fluid reservoir, an outlet, a gas power source, an expansion chamber and a regulating valve assembly. The fluid reservoir is within the reservoir housing for containing the fluid to be infused into the patient. The outlet is in the reservoir housing and provides a path through which the fluid is expelled to be infused into the patient. The expansion chamber is disposed between the gas power source and the fluid reservoir to receive the gas from the gas power source. The expansion member expands into the fluid reservoir to expel the fluid from the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: A suction piece for a device for administering an injectable product, said suction piece (4) including:

Abstract: A method for rinsing a field of inspection or operation during an endoscopic procedure includes filling a proximal portion of a conduit with a fluid quantity defining a slug of liquid and accelerating the slug of liquid using gas which is fed into the conduit upstream of the fluid quantity, so as to have the slug of liquid discharged from the conduit at a high speed.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a system wherein a drug or other fluid to be delivered to a specific desired location within the body is stored in a reservoir that is directly displaced by a force to infuse the drug from the device into the patient. Several specific methods are used to displace the reservoir, including, generally, hydraulic displacement, mechanical screw-type displacement, and spring force displacement of the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: A jet injector having cartridge and power pack assemblies is disclosed. In one embodiment, the cartridge assembly includes a tube containing the medicament with a plunger at one end and a stopper at the other end. The plunger is movable within the tube lumen to force the stopper against a needle, thereby creating a fluid pathway through the stopper. In another embodiment, only the plunger is movable within the tube lumen and the stopper, which can be integral to the rest of the cartridge assembly or a separate component, already has a pathway for ejection of the medicament. The present invention also relates to an energy mechanism for the power pack assembly that is a gas spring containing a charging material existing in liquid and gaseous phase equilibrium within the gas spring to maintain a substantially constant pressure prior to activation.

Abstract: A system for injecting DNA-based medications into humans is provided by the present invention. The system includes a needle-free injector with an injection orifice of approximately 0.004 inches for supplying DNA-based medication at an initial pressure of from 3900 to 4300 psi, and then immediately declining to a level of about 2800 to 3800 psi, and then immediately cutting off pressure to terminate the injection. The injector includes an annular adapter for spacing the injection orifice from the skin of the patient. The adapter includes an abutment against which the injector is disposed so that the orifice is spaced approximately 0.76-1.0 inch from the skin of the patient, the adapter having an inner diameter at the distal end of approximately 0.50-0.70 inches.

Abstract: A method of injecting a first viscous fluid into a target tissue simultaneous with aspirating a second viscous fluid from the target tissue is disclosed. A surgical system is provided that is capable of supplying pneumatic pressure and vacuum. A first viscous fluid is injected into the target tissue using pneumatic pressure from the system. A mode of operation of the system is changed to provide vacuum and pneumatic pressure. The second viscous fluid is aspirated from the target tissue using vacuum from the system, and the pneumatic pressure remains substantially constant during aspiration. An improved foot pedal for controlling the simultaneous injection and aspiration of viscous fluids is also disclosed.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump wherein the pumping mechanism is enclosed in a vacuum chamber. Placement of the pumping mechanism within a vacuum chamber decreases the pressure differential between the inside and the outside of the pump channel, thereby minimizing changes in trapped fluid volume.

Abstract: An improved particle bombardment device for transporting biological substances such as DNA into living cells. The device has a flexible barrel (40) that facilitates endoscopic particle bombardment of in vivo cells without a significant concomitant blast effect and without a need for a vacuum. The device also involves a unique tapered particle-carrying macroprojectile that can travel through convolutions of such a flexible barrel (40) with minimal friction.

Abstract: An ejection device 1 for the high-pressure ejection of a liquid or a liquid containing solid particles, comprising a pressure chamber 13 to accommodate the liquid therein, which opens into an ejection opening 11 and is delimited by a working piston 5. The working piston 5 is, upon application of an elastic impact on its end facing away from the pressure chamber 13, capable of transmitting a compression wave which may displace the pressure chamber-facing end of the working piston 5 by a predetermined displacement stroke into the pressure chamber 13 so that the volume thereof is reduced. The reduction in volume of the pressure chamber 13 is signicantly smaller than the volume of the pressure chamber 13.

Abstract: A low-profile multipathway automatic drug delivery system utilizing a battery powered control pad coupled to a disposable drug storage and delivery system and strapped to a patient's limb or torso. A preprogrammed or on-demand drug administration sequence is input to the control pad. When a drug is to be administered, the control pad ignites a high energy density propellant charge in the drug delivery system. Expanding propellant gas exerts pressure on a drug in a second chamber and forces it from the storage reservoir.

Abstract: A liquid medicine injection apparatus which is capable of injecting a liquid medicine at an accurate flow rate and which does not require an excessively strong force for filling the apparatus with the liquid medicine. The apparatus includes a barrel 1 provided with a port 11 at the distal end thereof and a shaft 12 extending along the longitudinal axis thereof, a hollow plunger 2 provided at its distal end with a first gasket 3 inserted into the barrel 1 while allowing the shaft 12 of the barrel to pass therethrough, and also provided at the proximal end thereof with a closing member 4 having a vent hole 41; a second gasket 5 connected to the proximal end of the shaft 12; and outside air releasing means 6 for allowing the space between the first and second gaskets to communicate with the outside air.

Abstract: A syringe (10) comprises a barrel (11) containing an internal cylindrical body (12) containing a liquid (14) and communicating with a delivery needle (15). The needle (15) is covered before use by a removable sheath (16), and after the sheath (16) is removed, the needle (15) is concealed by a displaceable sleeve (20). In use the sleeve (20) is pressed against the skin by applying pressure while holding the barrel (11). The sleeve (20) is thereby retracted into the barrel (11) allowing the needle (15) to penetrate the skin. The movement of the sleeve (20) also activates a gas generator (17) which expels the liquid (14) from the needle (15). When delivery is complete and the syringe (10) is taken from the skin, a coil spring (22) moves the sleeve (20) back to the starting position again concealing the needle (15). The coil spring (22) is torsionally biased before use and causes a rotational movement of the sleeve (20) relative to the barrel (11) when the sleeve (20) moves into and out of the barrel (11).

Abstract: An automated injection module is comprised of a housing, a piston drug capsule disposed within the housing, a piston core including a puncture seal membrane defining a reservoir for holding a drug between the puncture seal membrane and the piston drug capsule, an injection device having at least one sharp end for puncturing the puncture seal upon activation of the device, an end cap on a distal end of the housing, and a pressure source on a proximal end of the housing. The pressure source is preferably a propellant that ignites and forces the piston toward the distal end. Substantially simultaneously, the injection device pierces the puncture seal membrane, the piston core is forced into the piston drug capsule, and the drug is evacuated from the reservoir through the injection device and into a patient.

Abstract: A needleless syringe, in which particles of a therapeutic agent are entrained in a high pressure gas flow, has a nozzle surrounded by a shroud silencer through which gas reflected from the target surface may be vented to atmosphere while retaining any particles reflected in the gas.

Abstract: The present invention typically is in the form of a needleless injector which includes the following components: (1) a needleless syringe installed in the injector for holding medication prior to injection, the syringe including an injection aperture at the forward end thereof; (2) a syringe plunger slidably mounted to the rear end of the syringe for forcing medication out the syringe aperture; (3) a syringe plunger drive mechanism providing power to drive the syringe plunger and thereby force medication out of the syringe; and (4) a syringe drive control mechanism for controlling the operation of the drive mechanism, the drive control mechanism including a warning system which warns the user if a pre-injection condition is not met, an interlock system which prevents injection from taking place if the pre-injection condition is not met, and a sensing system which senses whether the pre-injection condition is not met and conveys a signal to the warning and interlock systems informing as to whether the pre-inje

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a system wherein a drug or other fluid to be delivered to a specific desired location within the body is stored in a reservoir that is directly displaced by a force to infuse the drug from the device into the patient. Several specific methods are used to displace the reservoir, including, generally, hydraulic displacement, mechanical screw-type displacement, and spring force displacement of the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: An electrochemically driven syringe pump for infusion of medicament wherein the pump has a detachable barrel in which medicament can be stored and subsequently infused. The pump is further adapted for storage as the charge transfer medium is sealed in a reservoir prior to activation.

Abstract: A drug delivery system includes a container having proximal and distal ends and a rapidly openable divider, replaceably disposed within the container to separate the container into a proximal chamber that is selectively gas impermeable and able to receive a pressurized gas and a distal chamber having an opening at a distal end thereof. A membrane is disposed between the opening in the distal chamber of the container and a biologic material, such as a patient's skin, treated with a medicament. In operation, rapid opening of the divider causes a shock wave to be generated and transmitted through the opening in the distal chamber to impinge on the membrane which transfers the shock wave to the biologic material. The system may further include a drug housing mountable in a fluid tight manner on the biologic material and an optional sealing element by which the fluid tight seal is created.

Abstract: A needleless injection system and method for injecting a medical product including a needleless injection device having a nozzle assembly defining an ampule chamber for holding medication, an energy device for pushing medication out of the nozzle assembly, and an energy device actuating mechanism is disclosed. These components are operatively contained in a housing configured for hand held operation. The energy device is a self-contained gas spring operatively connected to a plunger operating within the ampule chamber. The gas spring is preferably stepped which can be used in many different applications, an air gun being one. The injection device can be provided with a coupling device for coupling a medication supply vial to the nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly is removably situated in the housing with the plunger removable therewith.

Abstract: A low-profile multipathway automatic drug delivery system utilizing a battery powered control pad coupled to a disposable drug storage and delivery system and strapped to a patient's limb or torso. A preprogrammed or on-demand drug administration sequence is input to the control pad. When a drug is to be administered, the control pad ignites a high energy density propellant charge in the drug delivery system. Expanding propellant gas exerts pressure on a drug in a second chamber and forces it from the storage reservoir.

Abstract: An intradermal drug delivery device for delivering a liquid drug to a subject via the subject's skin includes a housing having a lower surface provided with an adhesive coating for adhering the housing to the subject's skin. An expansible-contractible chamber within the housing defines a reservoir which is expanded upon being filled with the drug and contracted to dispense the drug. A hollow needle extends through the lower surface of the housing and has an inner end which communicates with the reservoir and an outer end which projects outwardly of the housing a short distance to penetrate through the epidermis and into the dermis of the subject's skin when the housing is adhered thereto. The device permits delivery of drugs of relatively large molecular size and at slow rates which can be precisely controlled.

Abstract: The invention concerns an implantable infusion pump for dosed emission of medicines into the human body comprising a pump chamber formed by an upper chamber portion (3) and a lower chamber portion (2), whereby said pump chamber is divided by a flexible membrane (6) into a pressure chamber (8) and a medicine reservoir (7). Refill apertures (12, 14) covered by septa (13, 15) are further provided. The septa (13, 15) are hermetically clamped by holders (4, 5). According to the invention, catch connections are used as main connections (31, 32, 33) and as ancillary connections (34, 35) for the connection of the pump components (2, 3, 4, 5), whereby the main connections (31, 32, 33) substantially support the interior pressure strain generated under normal operating load and the locked ancillary connections (34, 35) are hereby not or only nimimally brought into operation due to respective arrangement and dimensioning of the catch members.

Abstract: The present invention provides a number of pumping systems and injection systems particularly useful for injecting a liquid medium into a patient. In general, the pumping systems comprise a removable pumping unit. The removable pumping unit includes means for pressurizing the liquid medium via the rotational displacement of the liquid medium. The present invention also provides a pumping system comprising a pumping unit for pressurizing the liquid medium and a feedback-controlled drive means in connection with the pumping unit for providing a controlled powered drive to the pumping unit. The pumping system further comprises a flow meter for measuring the flow rate of the pressurized liquid medium exiting the pumping system and control means in communicative connection with the drive means for providing a control signal to control the powered drive provided to the pumping unit.

Abstract: PCA apparatus has a container with a movable piston dividing the container into a lower chamber for medication liquid and an upper, air-filled chamber. A manually-actuated air pump is connected to the upper chamber so that air can be supplied to the upper chamber to displace the piston and discharge the liquid through a catheter. The air pump has a cylinder containing a plunger with a capillary inlet, to limit the rate at which air can flow into the cylinder and hence be pumped to the upper chamber. The lower chamber is filled through a removable inlet spike connector by pulling up the piston with an actuating rod projecting from the upper end of the container. The rod is frangible so that it can be removed after filling the lower chamber.

Abstract: Implantable infusion pump having a casing, which receives a bellows receiving a propellant producing a vapour pressure and forming a space receiving a medicament and having a throttle means and a connection for a catheter, in which the space receives at least one resilient plastic bag containing the medicament and which is provided with a coupling piece to be attached to the throttle means.

Abstract: A process for the filling of the pumping chamber of a gas pressure driven medicine pump. A pillow filled with the propellant is formed which consists of a material permeable to the propellant. The pillow filled with the propellant is inserted into the propellant chamber which is evacuated. Then, the propellant chamber is sealed gas tight. Subsequently, the propellant diffuses through the wall of the pillow into the propellant chamber. The process according to the invention offers the possibility of filling the pumping chamber in a simple manner without allowing the penetration of foreign gases.

Abstract: A pneumatic controlled infusion bag comprises a double-layer infusion bag, a space defined between the layers for receiving pneumatic pressure therein to gradually squeeze the medicament inside the bag delivering into the vessel of a patient. A pneumatic fluid control assembly controllably supplies the pneumatic pressure into the infusion bag. The assembly comprises an air inlet connected to a pneumatic source, an outlet connected to the bag via a hose, a first and a second piston disposed inside the assembly for respectively controlling the open/close and the proper amount of the pneumatic pressure. A pressure release valve inside the infusion bag can automatically release the excessive pneumatic pressure out of the bag. This disclosure overcomes the resistance of the blood pressure and needs no longer to form a potential difference between the infusion bag and the human body.

Abstract: An ambulatory infusion and/or KVO (keep vein open) system (12, 18) has a gas-pressurized bladder arrangement (12) including a gas barrier associated therewith. The system includes a flexible bag of solution (13) inserted in a sleeve portion (36) of the bladder arrangement (12). Internal gas pressure which is developed within the bladder arrangement by a selectively initiated chemical reaction exerts a continuing pressure against the solution bag (13) to cause the solution to flow therefrom. A tubing set (18) of the system includes a flow restrictor (24) which is sized for minimal flow rates for indwelling catheter patency maintenance.

Abstract: The invention concerns an implantable infusion pump for the dosed administration of medication into the human body, comprising a pump chamber which is formed by a lower chamber part and an upper chamber part connected thereto, whereby the pumping chamber is divided into two subchambers by a gas impermeable flexible partition, the first subchamber is delimited by the upper chamber part and the flexible partition and is designed as a reservoir for medicinal solutions, the upper chamber part has a refilling opening which is sealed by at least one piercable septum and the reservoir for medicinal solutions is connected via an outlet opening and possibly an outlet reduction arrangement with an outlet catheter, and the second subchamber is delimited by the lower chamber part and the flexible partition and is designed as a pressure chamber to accommodate the hexafluorobutane used as a propellant, in particular 1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluorobutane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and method for the controlled delivery of fluid. The apparatus comprises chemical reactants which combine to generate gas and create pressure to drive a fluid from a container. The reactants and the environment in which the reaction occurs are controlled, thereby causing the fluid to be delivered from the device at a predetermined flow rate.

Abstract: A new intravenous fluid delivery system is disclosed. It consists of an inner product containment envelope that is covered on both sides by outer pressure envelopes. The seams of both the inner and outer envelopes are sealed together along their perimeters resulting in the outer envelopes forming a double wall around the inner product envelope. An outlet port is provided for the product containment envelope for removal of the fluids. This outlet port is similar to those found on common IV bags. A second pressure entry port is provided opposite to the outlet port. The second entry port is in communication with both outer pressure envelopes. Thus, as pressure is induced into the pressure entry port, product will be forced out of the outlet port once it is opened. As pressure in added to the outer envelopes, the inner envelope will be compressed, continuously draining the product within the product envelope until it is evacuated.

Abstract: This invention relates to a portable medicant injection device having a diaphragm mounted within its housing and a hypodermic needle that moves in response to the movement of the diaphragm when pressurized gas is released into the housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for injecting humans and animals with a pharmaceutical preparation, wherein the preparation is held in a rigid carrier (5) and the carrier is carried through the skin into the body by means of gas pressure, and wherein during carrying of a rigid carrier (5) into the body by means of gas pressure the device with which the carrier is carried into the body is held against the body. The invention likewise relates to a device for injecting animals or humans with a pharmaceutical preparation, wherein a chamber (2) is present in which a carrier (5) containing the pharmaceutical preparation can be placed, a barrel (1) connecting onto this chamber and means for carrying the carrier by means of gas pressure through the barrel into the body for injecting, wherein means are present for blocking the use of the device when it is not pressed against a body.

Abstract: An expressor for varying the amount of fluid in a variable-volume container connected to at least one conduit includes a housing defining an enclosed chamber which can accommodate the container. The housing has at least one opening through which a conduit can extend. A pressure regulating mechanism is coupled to the housing to vary the pressure of fluid in the chamber and thereby vary the volume of the container.

Abstract: An intradermal drug delivery device for delivering a liquid drug to a subject via the subject's skin includes a housing having a lower surface provided with an adhesive coating for adhering the housing to the subject's skin. An expansible-contractible chamber within the housing defines a reservoir which is expanded upon being filled with the drug and contracted to dispense the drug. A hollow needle extends through the lower surface of the housing and has an inner end which communicates with the reservoir and an outer end which projects outwardly of the housing a short distance to penetrate through the epidermis and into the dermis of the subject's skin when the housing is adhered thereto. The device permits delivery of drugs of relatively large molecular size and at slow rates which can be precisely controlled.

Abstract: A needleless injection device includes an initiator valve controlling flow of compressed gas into a reservoir. A poppet valve connecting to the reservoir has a gas pressure regulation end to regulate flow from the initiator valve into the reservoir. A clamp piston is driven forward by gas pressure from the reservoir and causes jaws to clamp onto a plunger extending into an ampule. The poppet valve opens when reservoir pressure reaches the cracking pressure of the poppet valve. Gas from the reservoir rushes through the poppet valve into a drive chamber and forces a drive piston, containing the clamp piston and jaws, forward causing the plunger to slide into the ampule. A jet of injectant is discharged from the nozzle of the ampule and penetrates through the patient's skin. An improved method of needleless injection uses a specific pressure profile, ampule nozzle diameter, patient, injection site, and injectant parameters.

Abstract: A new intravenous fluid delivery system is disclosed. It consists of an inner product containment envelope that is covered on both sides by outer pressure envelopes. The seams of both the inner and outer envelopes are sealed together along their perimeters resulting in the outer envelopes forming a double wall around the inner product envelope. An outlet port is provided for the product containment envelope for removal of the fluids. This outlet port is similar to those found on common IV bags. A second pressure entry port is provided opposite to the outlet port. The second entry port is in communication with both outer pressure envelopes. Thus, as pressure is induced into the pressure entry port, product will be forced out of the outlet port once it is opened. As pressure in added to the outer envelopes, the inner envelope will be compressed, continuously draining the product within the product envelope until it is evacuated.

Abstract: Transfusion and perfusion device having two pressure bags communicating via a calibrated pressure-reducing valve, each pressure bag including an inflatable pressure balloon. Each balloon is held in an envelope and has the same shape as its envelope. An inflating device provides for the inflation of the pressure balloon, and a verticalization device ensures verticality of the drip. Both envelopes which hold the two balloons are flexible and are each provided with a sleeve intended to receive a flexible pouch of the perfusion product in such a way that the pressure balloon contained in its envelope may be inflated to a high pressure and therefore may act as a pressing balloon in order to provide the flow rate necessary for life support. The invention is applicable to the medical and veterinary fields.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for dispensing medicinals encapsulated in a biodegrble polymer in surgical and other wounds are described. The apparatus, a microcapsule drug applicator, allows the caregiver to implant or spread measured and uniform quantities of microencapsulated medicinals in or on surgical or traumatic wounds to prevent and/or treat infections. Specific examples where microencapsulated antibiotics may prove useful include, soft-tissue wounds, following debridement and reduction or fixation of open fractures, to osteomyelitic bone after surgical debridement, after surgical insertion of prostheses such as hip/knee replacements (arthroplasty), and following vascular surgery or grafting.

Abstract: A device for delivering a quantity of material endoscopically to an intended site of application within a body through an incision or entrance wound includes a handle portion with movable trigger means, and an endoscopic portion. A reservoir or cartridge containing material for delivery may be disposed in the handle or endoscopic portion of the delivery device. In operation, the trigger means may be operated in such a manner so as to cause a discharge of a metered quantity of material from the proximal end of the endoscopic tube.

Abstract: A needleless injection device includes an initiator valve controlling flow of compressed gas into a reservoir. A poppet valve connecting to the reservoir has a gas pressure regulation end to regulate flow from the initiator valve into the reservoir. A clamp piston is driven forward by gas pressure from the reservoir and causes jaws to clamp onto a plunger extending into an ampule. The poppet valve opens when reservoir pressure reaches the cracking pressure of the poppet valve. Gas from the reservoir rushes through the poppet valve into a drive chamber and forces a drive piston, containing the clamp piston and jaws, forward causing the plunger to slide into the ampule. A jet of injectant is discharged from the nozzle of the ampule and penetrates through the patient's skin. An improved method of needleless injection uses a specific pressure profile, ampule nozzle diameter, patient, injection site, and injectant parameters.

Abstract: A device for delivering a quantity of material endoscopically to an intended site of application within a body through an incision or entrance wound includes a handle portion with movable trigger means, and an endoscopic portion. A reservoir or cartridge containing material for delivery may be disposed in the handle or endoscopic portion of the delivery device. In operation, the trigger means may be operated in such a manner so as to cause a discharge of a metered quantity of material from the proximal end of the endoscopic tube.

Abstract: A method for delivering a therapeutic dosage of corticosteroid drug to the lungs, for treating a lung condition or disease. An aqueous suspension of sized liposomes containing the drug in liposome-entrapped form is aerosolized under conditions which produce aerosol particle sizes favoring particle deposition in a selected region of the respiratory tract, and the aerosol is administered in an amount which delivers the thereapeutic dosage level to the selected lung region.

Abstract: An inhaler for medical aerosols includes a flow sensor 32 in the form of a piston which is movable against a spring bias 35 in response to inhalation. Movement of the piston unseats a valve member 30 allowing a pressurized dose to be released through a nozzle 67. A uniform impedance to the flow of air is provided throughout the movement of the piston to avoid any discontinuity in the flow. The apparatus is particularly suited for inhalers used in the treatment of asthma.

Abstract: An implantable drug delivery system includes a housing having a plurality of compartments each of which includes an opening on one side thereof and a floor generally opposite the opening. Also included are a plurality of flexible drug containment sacks, each having a mouth circumscribing an opening in the sack, with the sack being disposed in a respective compartment with the mouth affixed to the opening of that compartment to seal the inside of the sack from the inside of the compartment and to enable holding a drug formulation in the sack. A plurality of covers are disposed over a respective compartment opening for preventing the release of drug formulation contained in the sacks in the compartment covered, until ruptured or removed.

Abstract: A compressed gas actuated, portable fluid delivery system including separate disposable components which provides multiple, precisely rate controlled administration of medical fluids to patients. A pressurization housing includes a holder for a liquid gas cylinder, a mechanism for piercing the cylinder and connecting the cylinder output in a sealed relationship to an output tube through pressure regulators and a pressure gauge. The pressurization housing includes a safety latch interconnected to a pressure on-off valve for preventing opening the housing while pressurized. The output tube leads to a pressure chamber in which a flexible bag containing a fluid to be delivered may be placed. Pressure within the chamber squeezes the bag, forcing fluid through a fluid output tube to, in seriatim, a particulate filter, a binary flow control valve assembly, an air eliminating filter and finally to a fitting adapted to connect to an administration device such as a hypodermic needle, nasal tube or the like.

Abstract: A means for elimination or compression of trapped air spaces in osmotically powered pumps is disclosed in which the housing of the pump is constructed of movable portions so that movement of the said housing portions will force air out of the device or compress it to such an extent that activation of the pump will result in the minimum lag time between activation of the pump and infusate flow.