Abstract: A hypodermic injection system allows for the generation of a high pressure liquid jet capable of passing through the skin. The system uses two regions, the first region being flexible or squeezable and the second region having at least one exiting orifice through which the liquid jet can be expelled. The flexible region can be deformed by a pressure change in the surrounding container generated by an activatable gas generator that generates pressure within the first region that causes the liquid to be expelled.

Abstract: The power supply is for use with a needleless injector for injecting drug transcutaneously without a needle. The power supply includes an enclosed container that contains a working gas and that can change in volume without an active seal. The enclosed container can include a diaphragm, a bellows, or other structure that has a movable surface. The enclosed container power supply is a component of a needleless injector which has a latch means to hold the power supply in a loaded state and which has an activation means to release the latch and activate the power supply of the needleless injector to initiate drug delivery. The enclosed container power supply of the needleless injector can interface with a drug reservoir means which contains the drug to be delivered and can interface with a reset means to place the power supply in a loaded state. The drug reservoir means can be a disposable ampule or a reusable ampule.

Abstract: A subcutaneous drug delivery device having a housing having an internal reservoir in communication with a drug delivery needle via a fluid path. An expandable chamber disposed adjacent to the reservoir forces drug from the reservoir to the needle when supplied with a gas. A flow regulating chamber, in communication with the fluid path, is capable of volumetric changes in response to temperature and/or pressure changes. An increase in the volume of the flow regulating chamber increases flow resistance to the needle and thereby counteracts the corresponding increase in delivery rate resulting from the expansion of the expandable chamber due to the same volumetric changes in response to temperature and/or pressure. The device also includes an improved filling system that enables the reservoir within the device to be filled with drug from a source without regard to filling position and with a decreased risk of injury from needles.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting and forcibly discharging flexible irrigation fluid bags under controlled pressure includes a body having a recess formed therein slightly inclined to the vertical and cooperating with brackets at the lower end of the recess to support and retain a bag therein and wherein the bag discharge conduits depend from the body between the brackets. A door is hinged to the body and movable to a closed position for engaging the bag during forcible deflection of the bag to discharge fluid therefrom. An inflatable bladder is supported in the recess in the body and is connected to a source of pressure air at a cylindrical ported plug and providing for disconnection of the bladder from the plug in response to an overpressure condition. Pressure air is supplied to the inflatable bladder by way of a control circuit including a rapid opening high volume air supply and exhaust valve for quickly venting the inflation chamber.

Abstract: An improved medication delivery device is a pen sized instrument that is powered by compressed inert gas. The needle-less injector device contains pre-filled and pre-measured medication dosages. The injector device has a pre-filled and self-contained compressed gas for providing pressure to inject the medication into the skin surface without the use of a needle. The injector device has a pressure sensitive deployment mechanism which insures proper seating of the injector face against the skin surface before medication delivery is accomplished. The needle-less injector device assures safe use by inexperienced operators (including children) under adverse conditions.

Abstract: A casing (20) includes a casing body (30) defined by a pair of lateral wall portions (32a, 32b) which are symmetric about a longitudinal plane (P) to define an ovoid transverse cross-section. The casing includes a lower fitting (35) that is connected with a source (23) of motive liquid (22) under pressure. A deformable enclosure (38) is sealed to an upper edge flange (41) of the casing. The deformable enclosure is drawn open (FIG. 9b) against a grid or cage (44) to receive a flexible pouch (18) that contains a medical liquid (19). A length of flexible tubing (17) connected to the pouch extends through a passage (37) in a cover or stopper (46) which is received on the casing body with a fluid tight seal. Under further motive fluid pressure, the flexible pouch (18) is squeezed, forcing the medical liquid through the tubing (17, 15, 9) to a cannula or other injection device (3).

Abstract: An implantable medical pump featuring a low power multi-stable valve. In particular, the present invention features a valve constructed using an electrolytic fluid, the fluid releasing a gas when subject to an electronic current, the same gas absorbed again by the fluid when such current is removed. The fluid is further housed within an uniquely designed actuation chamber such that the out-gassing of the fluid deforms the membranes defining the chamber. The membranes, in turn, are positioned such that this deformation will inhibit or completely restrict the flow pathway between the reservoir and ultimately the patient. Through such a design a valve is provided which has complete variability in the possible flow rates but which uses a minimal amount of electronic current. Moreover, the valve has the additional safety feature of being in the normally closed position when no energy is provided.

Abstract: A biolistic apparatus is provided with a housing having a carrier membrane disposed in a chamber for movement relative to an outlet plate having a plurality of apertures therein. The carrier membrane has a plurality of micro-particles adhered thereto on the surface of the membrane adjacent the apertures for delivery into cells or tissue. A plurality of rupturable membranes are mounted in spaced relation to the carrier membrane. Initially, a vacuum is provided within the assembly including the outlet opening to purge the apparatus of any undesirable gasses. High pressure helium is then delivered to the rupturable membranes and upon reaching a predetermined pressure, will cause the membranes to rupture allowing a shock front of high pressure helium to strike the carrier membrane and impel the articles through the outlet openings.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated veterinary medicinal pellet implanter utilizes pressurized air to drive an impeller for dispensing medicinal pellets through a needle on an end of the implanter and into a cavity created by the needle under the skin of an animal to be treated. The pressurized air source may also be utilized to retract the impeller after dispensing of the pellets. The impeller is part of a piston slidingly secured within a pneumatic cylinder. Pressurized air is selectively and alternatingly supplied to the front and rear and rear of the cylinder for advancing the impeller between retracted and extended positions respectively. The pressure of the air supplied to the rear of the cylinder for driving the impeller is reduced relative to the pressure of the air supplied to the front of the cylinder for retracting the impeller.

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 portable, ambulatory infusion pump for use with standard pre-filled infusion medicament containers is powered by a miniature compressed gas cylinder coupled to a mechanical pressure regulator which supplies regulated gas at a substantially constant pressure to an inflatable bladder. The bladder is positioned between a substantially rigid pressure surface and a moveable pressure transfer plate and pushes against the transfer plate when inflated. A pre-filled medicament container is positioned over the pressure transfer plate and is squeezed between the transfer plate and the pump housing cover as the plate is displaced in response to inflation of the flexible bladder. A safety interlock assembly is connected between the pressure regulator and the inflatable bladder and prevents inflation of the bladder unless the housing cover is completely closed. Upon inadvertent opening of the pump, the internal pressurization system is vented to atmosphere.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for injecting infusion fluids into a patient at a controlled infusion rate. This apparatus is referred to as a "controlled autoinfuser". A preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a computer capable of using pressure volume and relationships to generate a control signal that will control the injection of infusion fluids into a patient. The present invention further comprises a method of controlling the injection of infusion fluids into a patient through the use of a microprocessor controlled autoinfuser as well as a method of injecting a preselected volume of infusion fluid into a patient within a preselected infusion time.

Abstract: A disposable medicine delivery unit for use in a needleless hypodermic injector is configured to allow economical replacement, after each injection, of a patient contact surface and the entire injection flow-path of the medicament, to thereby ensure sterility with less need for repeated equipment cleaning and sterilization procedures. The delivery unit includes a piston seal configured to prevent improper reuse. The piston seal deforms and sticks in a conical end of the medicine delivery chamber at the end of its injection stroke. A push-only connection between the piston seal and a piston drive rod of the injector ensures that the latter cannot be used to retract the former. Preferably, the piston seal also includes a protruding nipple which enters and destroys the injection orifice following an injection, to further disable the delivery unit.

Abstract: A compact, small, self-contained liquid containment and dispensing device is disclosed which included an elongated fluid reservoir/conduit, a liquid dispenser in the form of a liquid retentive matrix material, a gas pump and an electric pump activation circuit. The liquid to be administered or dispensed (e.g., a medication or fragrance vapor) is placed in the reservoir and the pump is activated, generating gas into the reservoir to expel the liquid from the reservoir to the matrix material at a controlled and essentially constant rate. Methods of use of the device to administer medications, provide vapors, and for other purposes are also disclosed. A substance to be administered (e.g., a medication or drug) which is soluble in the liquid can also be preloaded into the matrix material and administered by dissolution in the liquid. The device is sufficiently small to be easily portable and can be easily attached to a person's or animal's body for administration of medication to a human or animal patient.

Abstract: A remotely controlled drug delivery device administers a dose of a drug, agent or microbicide using a gas pressure delivery system. The device stores multiple doses of the drug or agent. A toroid shaped housing includes three chambers, a gas chamber containing a pressurized gas, a drug storage chamber containing the drug or agent, and an expandable chamber for delivering the drug from the drug storage. The device includes an electronic controller for opening a valve connecting the gas chamber to the expandable chamber for a predetermined period of time in order to deliver a predetermined dose of the drug. The controller communicates with a remote control device via radio frequency. The remote control device sends a signal to the controller, which causes a dose to be delivered. The controller returns a signal to the remote control device indicating that the dose has been delivered and a signal indicating when the device needs to be removed for maintenance.

Abstract: Oral drug delivery device having a housing with walls of water permeable material and having at least two chambers separated by a displaceable membrane. The first chamber receives drug and has an orifice through which the drug is expelled under pressure. The second chamber contains at least one of two spaced apart electrodes forming part of an electric circuit which is closed by the ingress of an aqueous ionic solution into the second chamber. When current flows through the circuit, gas is generated and acts on the displaceable membrane to compress the first chamber and expel the active ingredient through the orifice for progressive delivery to the gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: A needleless injection system and method for injecting a medical product comprises 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. These components are operatively contained in a housing configured for a 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 provide 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: An improved implantable infusion pump comprises a propellant chamber, a medicament chamber, and a throttle section. Enclosed within the throttle section is a medicament delivery system comprising a chip having a fluid path etched in an upper surface, inlet and outlet depressions formed in the chip lower and upper surfaces respectively, and a channel formed through the chip connecting the inlet with the fluid path. A planar cover, preferably transparent, covers the chip upper surface. A pair of wafers surround the chip within the throttle section and pair of silicon coatings are positioned between the chip and the pair of wafers. Various bores, apertures, and recesses are formed in the wafers, the cover, and the coatings, for permitting the medicament fluid to pass through the throttle section. An alternate embodiment employs a plurality of fluid paths and a plurality of outlets permitting different throttle resistance.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device according to the present invention has a fluid delivery device body and an electrochemical cell portion for generating a gas when supplied with a DC current. The fluid delivery device body has a partition member transformable by the pressure of a gas, and a gas introduction portion. A first compartment and a second compartment are formed in the fluid delivery device body by the partition member, and a gas generated in the electrochemical cell portion is introduced into the second compartment through the gas introduction portion. A transformable fluid reservoir having a fluid delivery portion is disposed in the first compartment. If the gas generated in the electrochemical cell portion is introduced into the second compartment, the inner pressure of the second compartment increases, and the partition member is pushed, so that a fluid in the fluid reservoir disposed in the first compartment is delivered from the fluid delivery portion.

Abstract: An instrument for providing high pressure fluid pulses for cutting tissue including an internal pressure intensifying mechanism, and the provision of a suction force at the distal end of the instrument including an internal vacuum generating device to increase the suction force provided by a conventional suction source. A piston mechanism is provided for converting a low pressure fluid input to a high pressure fluid output, and a second piston mechanism is provided to intensify the suction force created by a conventional suction source at the surgical site.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly adapted for an injector, includes a guide for proper application of injections. The guide has first and second wings each extending outwardly and away from the chamber at an angle. These wings are preferably symmetrical and form a V-shape to accommodate appendages such as fingers, toes, or penises. The wings may be curved or straight depending upon the curvature of the substrate to be injected. Also, depending upon the angle layout or length of the wings relative to the chamber and the symmetry of the wings, injections can be set to penetrate at almost any desired angle.

Abstract: The invention refers to 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 and provided as a reservoir for medicinal solutions, the upper chamber part has a refilling opening which is sealed by at least a pierceable septum and the reservoir for medicinal solutions is connected to an outlet catheter via an outlet opening and possibly an outlet reduction arrangement, and the second subchamber is delimited by the lower chamber part and the flexible partition to serve as a pressure chamber to accommodate a propellant, whereby the gas impermeable partition is a convex metal foil following the contour of the inner form of the upper part of the chamber. This metal foil may be covered on one or both sides with a polymer support film.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pressurized, disposable packaging system to dispense sterile fluids used in surgical procedures. The system consists of an inside, sealed bladder bag which contains the sterile fluid, and an outer bag which encloses, encapsulates and stabilizes the inner bag. The outer and inner bag share a common side seam. The outer pressure bag becomes air tight and sealed when connected to an external pressure device. The external pressure device causes pressure to be applied to an air space between the outer and the inner bag, thereby causing a force against the inner bag to expel the material through at least one exit port communicating the exterior of the outer bag to the interior of the inner bag. The outer bag also includes a pressure port for introducing pressurized gas or other fluid into the air space to force the sterile fluid within the inner bag out through the exit port.

Abstract: The invention provides an implantable apparatus which includes a power supply capable of converting non-electrical energy such as mechanical, chemical, thermal, or nuclear energy into electrical energy. The invention also provides a method of supplying energy to an electrical device within a mammalian body in which the mammal is implanted with an apparatus including a power supply capable of converting non-electrical energy into electrical energy, and non-electrical energy is transcutaneously applied to the apparatus.

Abstract: A detachable apparatus for limiting the rate at which a fluid is supplied to a patient by a positive pressure infusion device. The infusion device has an operating device pressure of at least approximately 2 psi. The apparatus includes a constrained flow segment (or CFS), coupleable to and detachable from the infusion device, for delivering fluid to the patient from the infusion device. The CFS has a length, an inside diameter, and a hydraulic resistance. The hydraulic resistance is a function of the length and inside diameter. When the apparatus is not in a free-flow condition, the CFS delivers fluid to the patient at a controlled flow rate determined by the operating device pressure and the hydraulic resistance of the CFS. When the apparatus is in a free-flow condition, the hydraulic resistance of the CFS limits a maximum flow rate of the apparatus to less than about 50% of the controlled flow rate.

Abstract: An apparatus (120) useful for, among other things, subcutaneous drug delivery includes a housing (124), a fluid reservoir (154) disposed within the housing for storing the fluid, a pump or pressurized chamber for pressurizing a driving gas and exerting a force on the fluid reservoir to expel the fluid reservoir's contents, and a needle (150) or absorbent pad fluidically communicating with the reservoir. The apparatus may further include a pump activation mechanism such as a button and an electrical circuit such that pushing the button activates a circuit and connects a battery (138) to a pump (126), and a pump control mechanism such as electrical circuitry to control the voltage gradient to a pump to control fluid delivery.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlled delivery of a liquid consists of a delivery unit which comprises a liquid container (3) having at least one movable wall (12) and a liquid outlet which is provided with a flow restriction, and a power unit which comprises a second container (21) which also has at least one movable wall (29) and wherein a vacuum may be established, and a mechanical coupling (31) between the movable wall (12) of the liquid container(3) and the movable wall (29) of the second container (21). The delivery unit and the power unit are connected together coaxially when the apparatus is prepared for delivery, and in this connecting together, the movable wall (29) of the second container is displaced by means of the mechanical coupling (31) such that the vacuum is established.

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 apparatus is provided for heating fluid contained in one or more bags and delivering the fluid from at least one bag to a surgical patient. The apparatus includes a housing sized and shaped to enclose at least one bag containing fluid and having a door positioned to provide access to an interior of the housing. The apparatus also includes an inflatable bladder mounted in the interior of the housing and connected to a source of pressurized fluid for inflation. The inflatable bladder is positioned within the housing for exerting force against at least one bag mounted within the housing. The apparatus also includes a heater mounted adjacent the housing door in heat transfer relationship with the fluid in at least one bag. The invention also provides a method for maintaining the temperature of fluid contained in one or more bags and for delivering the fluid from at least one bag to a surgical patient.

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: A pressurizing apparatus for pressurizing fluid contained in a patient fluid bag is described which has a novel teardrop pressurizing chamber. The pressure apparatus includes a door and base which each have complimentary teardrop cavities formed therein. When the door is in the closed position over the base, the teardrop pressurizing chamber is formed. A teardrop bladder bag is located interior to the base and can be inflated to apply pressure to a patient fluid bag. A regulator allows adjustment of the desired pressure. A gauge allows monitoring of the pressure. A valve allows the pressurizing device to be turned on and off. The teardrop pressurizing chamber allows the pressurizing apparatus to come up to pressure in a more expeditious manner. The conformance of the pressurizing means to the teardrop pressurizing chamber also adds to the efficiency of the pressurizing of the patient fluid bag and, additionally, allows for uniform pressure throughout a procedure.

Abstract: A liquid material dispenser, for use, for example, in dispensing liquid medicine over an extended period of time, which includes a housing (10) enclosing a reservoir (12) for storing the liquid to be dispensed and having an outlet (14) through which the liquid is dispensed, and a connecting passageway (16) between the reservoir and the outlet. Located in the passageway is a diaphragm (18), one side of which defines a pumping chamber (20) and the other side of which defines a pressure control chamber (22). The diaphragm (18) is cyclically displaceable through a pumping stroke for pumping liquid through the outlet (14) and a drawing stroke for drawing liquid from the reservoir (12). Also located in the passageway (16) are a pair of valves (30, 33) which serve, during the drawing stroke, to cause the diaphragm (18) to draw liquid from the reservoir (12) into the pumping chamber (20), and during the pumping stroke, to cause the diaphragm (18) to pump liquid from the pumping chamber (20) through the outlet (14).

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: An infusion pump for infusing solutions from IV bags through tubing to patients. The pump comprises a housing having a compartment which receives an IV bag in a solution-dispensing position. The bag is placed over a bladder within the compartment, and the bladder is expanded by a pressurized fluid to apply a pushing force against the bag which collapses to infuse solution through the tubing. A pump in the housing pumps a fluid such as air into the bladder under influence of a control circuit. A pressure sensor indirectly senses pressure of fluid in the bladder through a pressure of pad which contacts the bladder wall. A control circuit generates a pressure signal responsive to movement of the pressure pad for operating a valve which directs fluid between the pump and bladder. A dispensing spike is provided for interconnecting a dispensing port of the bag in fluid communication with the tubing.

Abstract: An infusion pump for providing a pressurized liquid flow from a collapsible, deformable reservoir bag includes a magnetically actuated pressurizing member that applies a pressure to the bag in response to the force of magnetic attraction applied by a magnet. In several embodiments, a bag is seated on a platen of magnetizable metal, and a magnet with a compressing surface is mounted for movement toward and away from the platen. As the magnet is moved toward the platen by the force of magnetic attraction, the bag is pressurized between the magnet and the platen. The magnet may be spring biased either toward or away from the platen to alter the relationship between the decreasing volume of the bag and the pressure applied to it, by compensating in a known manner for the change in the magnitude of the magnetic force with the distance between the magnet and the platen.

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: A fluid delivery device for delivering fluid from a fluid reservoir to a patient. The device includes an inlet channel in communication with a fluid reservoir and a dosing chamber, and an outlet channel disposed in communication with the dosing chamber. A reciprocating dosing actuator is moveable in a reciprocating motion between first and second positions for alternately (i) transporting a dose of fluid conveyed by the inlet channel into the intermediate dosing chamber, and (ii) ejecting the dose from the dosing chamber through the outlet channel to the patient, respectively.

Abstract: An implantable drug delivery apparatus including a housing that has a housing chamber. An outer deformable body having a reserve chamber is mounted within the housing chamber. An inner deformable body having a dispensing chamber is mounted within the reserve chamber. A dispensing valve is actuated to an open position to allow a fluidic drug to flow from the dispensing chamber, through the dispensing valve and through a catheter into a body of a patient. The fluidic drug is discharged from the dispensing chamber at a dispensing mass flowrate which is greater than a refilling mass flowrate of the fluidic drug passing from the reserve chamber to the dispensing chamber, when the dispensing valve is in an open position.

Abstract: A portable and hand held syringe filling device, having a frame that forms a curved channel, and one or more bulkheads fixed to the frame, that grip the barrel and flanges of a hypodermic syringe. A double acting air cylinder is fixed to one of the bulkheads, and is positioned within the frame channel, with the moving rod portion fixed to a slider having a thumb plate gripper that grips the thumb plate and plunger of a hypodermic syringe. The amount of air pressure and flow rate of the air pressure is specifically tailored to actuate the double action air cylinder, to provide an exact draw and dispense force on the syringe plunger. An adjustable stop is used to allow the syringe filling device to act as a pump, that delivers metered portions of liquid to target containers.

Abstract: An infusion pump for infusing a medical treatment fluid intravenously to a patient includes a collapsible treatment fluid bag juxtaposed with an inflatable drive fluid bladder confined between a pair of opposing containment members which cause the bladder to impinge against the bag as the bladder is inflated. A drive fluid pump controllably inflates the bladder, thereby displacing treatment fluid from the bag into an outlet tube affixed thereto which conveys the treatment fluid to the patient where it is received intravenously. The treatment fluid flow rate through the tube is controlled by increasing or decreasing the drive fluid pump output and consequently the pressure in the bladder in response to a pressure sensor in fluid communication with the bladder. Alternatively, the treatment fluid flow rate is adjusted by opening or closing the outlet tube by means of an occluder or restrictor positioned along the tube.

Abstract: We disclose apparatus and methods for delivering for patient infusion or other use two or more fluids either sequentially or simultaneously. The apparatus has a fluid delivery compartment containing a first infusion fluid, a flexible membrane, and an openable bag containing a second infusion fluid. An attached gas reaction compartment contains chemical reactants which, when combined, react to evolve gas. The gas expands a gas expansion chamber causing the membrane to move into the fluid delivery compartment, displacing the first infusion fluid. The membrane eventually contacts and compresses the openable bag. Pressure from the membrane causes the bag to open and discharge its contents out of the infusion device.

Abstract: A portable infusion pump for infusing solutions from IV bags. The pump includes a housing having a compartment for removably receiving the bag in a solution-dispensing position. A push plate is mounted on the upper end of a flexible bladder having an outer wall which encloses a pressure chamber. The fluid is moved from a reservoir by a peristaltic pump into the pressure chamber so that the bladder is expanded to move the pressure plate toward the IV bag for dispensing the solution through IV tubing to the patient. The bladder has a predetermined configuration so that the differential volume required to fully dispense the solution from the IV bag is less than about 75% of the volume which is swept by movement of the push plate through its full stroke length. The IV tubing is connected to the IV bag by a filling spike having an annular groove which registers with a lock structure on the end of a lid. The lid is manually opened for insertion and removal of the bag to and from the housing compartment.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing device and the method of dispensing liquid are disclosed. The device is uniquely suited to meet the requirements of hospitals and other institutions for long shelf life in inert-condition and ready activation when needed. The device includes a hollow gas- and liquid-tight casing (preferably spherical or cylindrical), a flexible gas- and liquid-tight membrane disposed entirely across the casing interior dividing the interior into a propellant chamber and a liquid chamber; an outlet port from the liquid chamber; two mutually reactive chemicals in the propellant chamber but separated by a barrier; and a member to breach the barrier and permit the chemicals to come into contact; the two chemicals being reactive upon contact to form a propellant gas. The propellant gas thereupon expands against the membrane, moves the membrane to enlarge the propellant chamber, decrease the liquid chamber, and expel the contained liquid from the liquid chamber through the outlet port.

Abstract: A medication delivery device having a reduced weight due to the configuration of the end terminal of the pleated bellows reservoir. The end terminal includes an indented portion which is sized such that when the reservoir is in the compressed/empty position there is substantially no separation between the indented portion and the base portion of the reservoir. This construction allows the reservoir to be almost completely emptied of medication when the reservoir is collapsed but does so in a manner which does not add to the weight of the device.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for filling mammary prostheses and tissue expanders using pumping systems are disclosed. In accordance with the method, a pumping system is used to deliver flow at the desired flow rate or pressure through a tube to the injection needle, allowing the surgeon to concentrate his attention on the injection itself to fill the inflatable mammary prosthesis or the tissue expander without having to operate and count filling syringes, all in a much faster manner than in the prior art. The pumping system used may include fluid volume measuring capabilities, pressure measuring capabilities, and other capabilities such as the capability, for viscosity reduction purposes, of heating the fluid to a temperature still compatible with injection.

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 implantable medication infusion pump is provided of the type having a pressure reservoir with a selected pressure fluid therein for maintaining liquid medication in an adjacent medication chamber under a substantially constant pressure. The reservoir comprises a hollow structural enclosure defined by at least one movable wall and adapted to be filled with a selected quantity of the pressure fluid, particularly such as a selected fluorocarbon in a liquid-vapor state. The movable wall of the pressure reservoir is shared with and defines one side of the medication chamber, with the pressure fluid undergoing appropriate change of state to expand or contract the pressure reservoir in a manner maintaining the medication under substantially constant pressure. The improved pressure reservoir includes an internal spacer element to prevent contraction of the pressure reservoir beyond a minimum volume at least slightly greater than the liquid state volume of the pressure fluid therein.

Abstract: An infusion pump for infusing a medical treatment fluid intravenously to a patient includes a collapsible treatment fluid bag juxtaposed with an inflatable drive fluid bladder confined between a pair of opposing containment members which cause the bladder to impinge against the bag as the bladder is inflated. A drive fluid pump controllably inflates the bladder, thereby displacing treatment fluid from the bag into an outlet tube affixed thereto which conveys the treatment fluid to the patient where it is received intravenously. The treatment fluid flow rate through the tube is controlled by increasing or decreasing the drive fluid pump output and consequently the pressure in the bladder in response to a pressure sensor in fluid communication with the bladder. Alternatively, the treatment fluid flow rate is adjusted by opening or closing the outlet tube by means of an occluder or restrictor positioned along the tube.