Abstract: For safely inserting a catheter into a chest cavity of a child or corpulent patient to be retained therein and for preventing atmospheric air from proceeding into the chest cavity during a removal of a penetrating needle, discharge equipment for medical procedures is provided which equipment includes a connector cap and a storage bottle detachably connectable to each other, a connector to be connected to the catheter retained in the patient, a check valve including an outer periphery covered by a protective cover and being openable only toward a storage bottle side, and a coupling device to the storage bottle mounted on the connector cap. The storage bottle is a hollow container including an inlet port and a discharge port, a detachably connecting device for the connector cap mounted on the inlet port, and a check valve openable only toward an exterior of the storage bottle is mounted on the discharge port.

Abstract: A medical/surgical irrigating handpiece with both a discharge line through which fluid is applied to the site and a suction line through which the discharge fluid is drawn away. The handpiece has a variable speed pulse pump. A single, variable-speed motor actuates the pump to regulate the pumping rate. Power to actuate the motor comes from a battery pack that remote to the handpiece. A control mechanism attached to the handpiece regulates the energization signal applied to the motor so as to regulate motor speed.

Abstract: An infusion pump has a housing (10) accommodating a pump finger mechanism (12). The pump finger mechanism (12) acts on a pump hose (13) fastened at holders (16, 21) of the housing. The pump hose (13) is supported by a door (24). In order to facilitate proper and positionally correct placement of the pump hose, one of the holders (16) includes an oblique pin. The associated transition piece (15) of the pump hose (13) has a hole (18) with the same inclination angle as the oblique pin. The other transition piece (20) is of a different structure so that the transition pieces cannot be mixed up. A longitudinal color strip (29) on the pump hose is provided to visually indicate any twisting of the hose.

Abstract: A surgical system having a cassette latching mechanism having two pivoting latching rails. The rails are connected to a rotating latching wheel by spring-loaded latching arms. The latching wheel is connected to a motor by a latching pushbar. The cassette is pressed into the rails which initiates the rotation of the rails, which close onto the cassette. The motor next rotates the latching wheel, producing cam-like movement of the latching arms and thereby further pivoting the latching rails to the fully closed and locked position.

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

Abstract: A pump which is bladeless, and uses a substantially cylindrical outer cylinder to rotate inside a ridged inner chamber.

Abstract: A unit for pumping fluid, particularly blood, is provided with an enclosure that has two half-shells and an elastic membrane fixed perimetrically to the enclosure in order to divide its space into two parts. One of the half-shells is provided with valves that are located at the opening of two connecting ducts for the intake and delivery of the fluid, and the other half-shell is connected to a line of working fluid that is alternately pressurized and depressurized. The first valve is a disk-shaped sheet made of elastic material. The first valve is in a central position with a support that is fixed to the opening of the first duct for connection to the outside and is suitable to rest at its peripheral region on the support. A second valve is a sheet of elastic material located at the peripheral region of the disk at the opening of the second duct for connection to the outside which lies at the peripheral region of the opening of the first duct.

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

Abstract: The invention concerns an implantable device (1) for delivering medicines in liquid form comprising: a reservoir (2) provided with an inlet (3) and an outlet (10), said reservoir (2) being adapted to expel the liquid; a variable volume chamber (5) provided with an inlet (11) and an outlet (12), the volume of the variable volume chamber (5) being in particular smaller than that of the reservoir (2); a first conduit (6) communicating the outlet (10) of the reservoir (2) with the inlet (11) of the variable volume chamber (5) to fill the latter; a second conduit (8) whereof one of the ends is connected on the outlet (12) of the variable volume chamber (5).

Abstract: A cassette having a molded flow channel contained on an elastomeric sheet that is bonded or mechanically attached to a rigid substrate. The flow channel projects outwardly from the exterior of the cassette so that a peristaltic pump having pump head rollers mounted radially from the axis of rotation of the pump motor compress the elastomeric flow channels against the rigid substrate during operation.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for performing peritoneal dialysis are provided. To this end, in part, a pump for a dialysis system is provided. The pump includes a first chamber wall including a first aperture, a second chamber wall including a second aperture, a piston, at least a portion of which can move through the second aperture, the piston including a third aperture, and first and second membranes disposed between the first and second chambers walls. A vacuum can be applied through the first aperture to pull the first membrane towards the first chamber wall and can be applied through the third aperture to pull the second membrane towards the piston. The piston can thereafter move the second membrane.

Abstract: The invention relates to membrane pumps for delivering liquids. More specifically, a pump is provided having a pump housing with a pump cavity formed between first and second wall portions thereof, and an pump membrane pump membrane having first and second membrane surfaces arranged within the pump cavity, whereby a pump chamber is provided between the first wall portion and the first membrane surface, and an actuation chamber is provided between the second wall and the second membrane surface. Inlet means comprising an inlet valve in fluid communication with the pump chamber, and outlet means comprising an outlet valve in fluid communication with the pump chamber are provided. The pump membrane has a maximum volume position, and a drained volume position in which the first membrane surface in a stretched state abuts the first wall.

Abstract: A pump includes a housing defining a tube receiving portion and a blade mounted for reciprocating movement between first and second positions. In its first position, the leading edge of the blade compresses a length of tube against a first surface disposed in the tube-receiving portion, while in the second position, the blade does not compress the tube. The tube-receiving portion can receive the tube directly or indirectly through a tube set detachably mounted to the housing. The tube set includes a tube and a base having first and second end portions that respectively define first and second tube-receiving apertures for slidably receiving a length of the tube therethrough. The base has a first surface constructed to engage the length of tube between the apertures for compression by the pump blade.

Abstract: A pump assembly for a penile implant is provided having a mechanism which prevents spontaneous inflation of the cylinders implanted within the user. The preventative mechanism uses overpressure generated by the reservoir during unintentional compression to effectively seal the pump assembly from unintended fluid flow. The prevention mechanism itself creates all necessary forces to prevent the undesired fluid flow to the cylinders. This is accomplished by incorporating appropriate mechanisms within the pump itself.

Abstract: The invention concerns a detector for detecting malfunction in a peristaltic pump wherein a flexible tubing (44) containing a fluid is locally compressed against a support part by rollers (32) mounted on a rotor (28) driven by a motor. Said detector is characterized in that it comprises: a ring (68) mounted sliding on the tubing between two extreme positions; driving means (64, 80, 84), actuated by the rotor, for subjecting said ring to a specific reciprocating motion between said positions; and detection means (74a, 74b, 84) reacting to an abnormal reciprocal motion by producing a warning signal.

Abstract: By providing a mixture of surfactants and water, with the water content ranging between bout 40% and 95% by weight based upon the weight of the entire composition, a unique, improved, liquid based foaming soap formulation is realized which is useable for a wide variety of applications, including wet shaving and dry shaving. In the preferred embodiment, the improved liquid based foaming soap formulations incorporate one or more therapeutic active in sufficient quantities to assure its efficacy. As a result, the formulation is useable for a wide variety of medical applications for preventing, treating, or reducing the spread or transmission of bacteria, virus, infections, and the like.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump mechanism comprises a base plate (11) having a generally planar surface for supporting a pump tube (12) to extend at least partially around a circular path defined on said surface, an operating section (10) connectable to the base member (11). At least one rotatable pumping element (21) is mounted on the operating section (10) locally to compress the pump tube (12) and roll around the circular path when the operating section (10) is connected to the base member. A power drive causes the pumping element (21) to roll around the circular path, the pumping element (21) being of conical shape and mounted on the operating section (10) so that the axis of the element is substantially co-incident with the centre of the circular path. In this way essentially no slippage takes place between the pumping element and the base plate.

Abstract: A pulsed irrigation handpiece comprises a pulsed irrigation liquid outlet for applying liquid pulses to a surgical site, a pump unit reciprocatingly driveable for pumping pulses of irrigation liquid through the outlet, an electric powered drive unit for reciprocatingly driving the pump unit, and a housing containing the pump and drive units. A irrigation inlet hose leads from the pump unit out of the handpiece housing and is connectable to a remote irrigation liquid source. An irrigation inlet hose adjacent the remote end thereof and electric conductors extending along the irrigation inlet hose transfer electric power from the supply unit to the drive unit in the handpiece. Removable tips are alternatively removably attachable to the irrigation liquid outlet adjacent the front end of the handpiece.

Abstract: The invention relates to an infusion apparatus for use in combination with an infusion bag (10) comprising and/or being connectable with a conduit means (12) for transport of infusion liquid to a patient. The infusion apparatus comprises a first space (14) in which the infusion bag (10) is disposed. The infusion apparatus comprises also a second space (16). The volume of this second space (16) can be varied by supplying a pressure generating liquid to the second space (16). This change in volume of the second space (16) exerts a pressure on the infusion bag (10). The infusion apparatus comprises also a closing means (20) which exerts a load on the conduit means (12). If the pressure generating liquid exerts a pressure on the infusion bag (10) the load will decrease. This allows infusion liquid to leave the infusion bag (10) via the conduit means (12).

Abstract: A pulsed irrigation handpiece comprises a pulsed irrigation liquid outlet for applying liquid pulses to a surgical site, a pump unit reciprocatingly driveable for pumping pulses of irrigation liquid through the outlet, an electric powered drive unit for reciprocatingly driving the pump unit, and a housing containing the pump and drive units. A irrigation inlet hose leads from the pump unit out of the handpiece housing and is connectable to a remote irrigation liquid source. An irrigation inlet hose adjacent the remote end thereof and electric conductors extending along the irrigation inlet hose transfer electric power from the supply unit to the drive unit in the handpiece. Removable tips are alternatively removably attachable to the irrigation liquid outlet adjacent the front end of the handpiece.

Abstract: A cassette for delivering fluids, especially dialysis fluids, with connecting elements for connecting solution bags and lines leading to the patient for to the dialysis machine, with at least one delivery chamber with an inlet and outlet, with lines for carrying the fluids supplied and delivered, with the walls of the lines being designed at least in some sections so that the lines can be closed by applying a compressive force acting on the walls. Heating and delivery of fluids, in particular dialysis fluids, can be performed effectively and simply by providing at least one area in the cassette where the lines are arranged in such a way that the medium in the lines can be heated to a predetermined set point by means of a heating device arranged outside the cassette.

Abstract: A tubing installation checking device is provided for determining proper installation of a tubing along a tube receiving channel in a peristaltic pump of the type having a tube receiving channel and a door for holding a tubing therein. The tubing installation checking device includes a pressure sensor held in the peristaltic pump positioned along the tube receiving channel downstream from the pumping mechanism for sensing pressure in the tubing and for providing a signal representing the sensed pressure. A valve is provided held in the peristaltic pump along the tube receiving channel downstream from the pressure sensor for closing the tubing when it is installed in the tube receiving channel.

Abstract: A valve (7) for use in controlling the flow of IV fluid from a source to a patient. A cassette may include along the fluid passage through the cassette, first and second membrane-based valves (6, 7) on either side of a pressure-conduction chamber (50), and a stopcock-type valve (20). The stopcock valve is preferably located downstream of the second membrane-based valve (7), which is preferably located downstream of the pressure-conduction chamber (50). The membrane defining the valving chamber of the second membrane-based valve (7) is preferably large and resilient, so that the valving chamber(75) may provide a supply of pressurized intravenous fluid to the patient, when the valve (6) is closed and the stopcock valve (20) provides a restriction downstream of the valve (7). The pressure-conduction chamber (50) preferably has a membrane (41) that is stable in the empty-chamber position but relatively unstable in the filled-chamber position.

Abstract: When a door is opened, a midway part of an infusion tube is temporarily held in a fixed position of a pump body and the door is to be closed, in order to actively prevent the door from being closed if the infusion tube is not properly set in its fixed position, so that a back plate base 132 can be placed in a state of interposition in which the infusion tube is properly held and an immovable state in relation to the door 4 can be ensured, there are provided a stopper member 70 to be shifted in the direction of arrow d1 by a shift energizing force to be placed in a state of engagement with the back plate base 132 when the door is open and a shape 64 provided on the pump body for shifting the stopper member 70 so as to eliminate the state of engagement when the infusion tube 2 is properly held temporarily in said fixed position and the door is shifted to a closed state in relation to the pump body 3.

Abstract: Pump chambers are disclosed that include at least one spacer element therein to prevent any gas in the pump chamber from being pumped from the pump chamber during pumping. In some embodiments, the pump chambers are included in removable pumping cartridges that are constructed and configured for coupling with reusable pump drives. Some embodiments of pump chambers including spacer elements therein comprise a substantially rigid component forming a wall of the pump chamber with a flexible or movable membrane disposed on the wall to form the chamber. Spacer elements in such pump chambers are, in some embodiments, attached to a wall of the substantially rigid component so as to prevent the movable/flexible membrane from contacting the wall during pumping.

Abstract: An implantable drug infusion device includes a pump tube for holding a liquid to be pumped. A race is configured to support the tube. A roller assembly is configured to compress the tube against the race at one or more points along the path, and the roller assembly includes at least one roller. A drive assembly drives the roller assembly relative to the tube along the path so as to move the liquid through the tube. A biasing member is operably connected to the at least one roller to bias the at least one roller against the tube.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a novel drug delivery unit. The drug delivery unit comprises a medical material and a quantity of gel. Also provided is a permeable membrane. The permeable membrane surrounds the gel. In addition, the present invention also includes an electrical transmission mechanism. The electrical transmission mechanism is operably coupled to the gel to cause the gel to controllably change in shape in response to a voltage applied to the electrical transmission mechanism.

Abstract: A fluid infusion pump includes a platen between an outer door and the pumping mechanism. The platen is located so that as the outer door of the pump is moved to the closed position, it moves the platen to position the fluid flow tube into occlusive contact with the pumping mechanism before the platen engages a flow stop formed integrally with the tube and releases the flow stop to permit fluid flow, thus avoiding a free flow condition. The door also includes a handle having a sear with a hook that engages the flow stop when the door is in the closed position. As the door is opened, the hook moves the flow stop to the occluded position before the platen is moved away from the tube thus preventing a free flow condition. The platen includes a flow stop release portion that is offset from the remainder of the platen that operatively engages a release tab on the flow stop to permit movement of the flow stop to the fluid flow configuration.

Abstract: An implantable drug infusion device includes a pump tube for holding a liquid to be pumped. A race is configured to support the tube. A roller assembly is configured to compress the tube against the race at one or more points along the path, and the roller assembly includes at least one roller. A tube guide is operably connected to the roller assembly to align the pump tube with respect to a corresponding roller.

Abstract: A linear pump for pumping a fluid includes a generally tubular shaped bladder 50 sealingly engaged on each end to an end cap 20, 25, forming an inner chamber 14, and including each of an inlet 70 and an outlet 75 inner chamber check valve to fluidly interconnect the inner chamber with the fluid. Each of a plurality of linear motors 40 each may be connected on one end to a respective support rib 30 and on an opposing end pivotally connected to one of the end caps. The support ribs are flexible and have a central portion of the rib engaged with a central portion of the bladder. The plurality of linear motors may be selectively actuated to cause the plurality of support ribs to alternately flex and/or straighten out such that the bladder is condensed or expanded respectively to effect a change in volume of the inner chamber, thereby drawing in or displacing fluid. Bladder extensions 160 may be used to slidably connect the bladder to a respective rib.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for delivery of infusion medium a coil capable of being electrically activated to provide an electromagnetic field. The coil surrounds a piston channel extending in an axial direction. The piston channel provides a passage for communication of infusion medium to an outlet chamber located at one end of the piston channel. An armature is located adjacent the coil, on one side of the axial channel. The armature is moveable toward a forward position, in response to the electromagnetic field produced by activation of the coil. A piston is located within the piston channel and is moveable axially within the channel to a forward position, in response to movement of the armature to its forward position. The armature and piston are moved toward a retracted position, when the coil is not energized. In the retracted position of the piston, a piston chamber is formed between the piston and a valve member and is filled with infusion medium.

Abstract: A syringe pump has a plunger head retainer with two retainer arms mounted on shafts extending parallel to the syringe axis. Each shaft carries a gear, which is engaged by common gear wheel mounted on a threaded shaft. Initially, the shaft is rotated to displaces the gear and hence the retainer arms axially forwardly, and thereafter swing the retainer arms outwardly to an open position. After the syringe has been loaded in the pump, the plunger head retainer is driven forwards until a pad coupled with a force sensor detects contact with the head. This causes the retainer arms to be swung in across the forward side of the plunger head and to be pulled rearwardly against the plunger head. The pump then reduces the force applied by the retainer arms to ensure that the force sensor can respond to force on the plunger during expulsion of liquid from the syringe.

Abstract: A portable painkilling system comprises: a first continuous injector (1) for liquid medicine which continuously discharges liquid medicine through a control path (131) in an outlet portion (13) for a given period of time; a flexible, elastic reservoir (3) connected to the outlet portion (13) of the first continuous injector (1) for liquid medicine at one end thereof, the reservoir (3) being adapted to constrict in a normal condition and to expand when liquid medicine from the first continuous injector (1) is being charged into the reservoir (3) so as to contain a maximum quantity of liquid medicine; and a second continuous injector (2) for liquid medicine having an inlet portion (22) connected to the other end (32) of the reservoir (3), the second continuous injector (2) being adapted to receive liquid medicine from the reservoir (3) and to continuously discharge liquid medicine stored in the second continuous injector (2) through a control path (231) in an outlet portion (23) for a given period of time.

Abstract: A bladeless pump is described which uses a rotating impeller which is substantially smooth. The rotating impeller pumps fluid in a direction perpendicular to its direction of rotation. The moving part of the pump includes a substantially smooth or bumped outer surface, which rotates within a substantially unmoving part. The unmoving part includes grooves which are canted in a specified direction. The innermost surfaces of the grooves form a diameter which is similar to the outermost surfaces of the substantially smooth impeller. When the impeller is spinning, fluid flow between the grooves is prevented. This causes fluid flow generally in the direction of the grooves.

Abstract: A catheter flushing device includes a chamber covered with a movable member (e.g., a flexible diaphragm) that can be compressed by exertion of pressure on the diaphragm; and a valve having a first position allowing fluid from a fluid source to fill the chamber, and a second position allowing fluid from the chamber to flow through the catheter when pressure is exerted on the movable member. In particular, the catheter flushing device includes a housing having a cylindrical valve opening, an inlet port for connection with the fluid source, and an outlet port for connection with the catheter. The chamber is defined by a flexible diaphragm sealed about a region of the housing. The chamber can be compressed by manually exerting pressure on the diaphragm by means of a thumb or finger. A passageway extends through the housing from the chamber to the valve opening.

Abstract: A pump used to infuse a fluid into a patient is controlled in accordance with an algorithm that enables a microprocessor to monitor and adjust each pump cycle to compensate for a differential pressure between the pump's inlet and outlet. The algorithm defines a fluid delivery protocol that is applied in controlling the operation of the pump to achieve a desired rate, volume, and timing of the fluid infusion. Fluid is delivered by the pump when a plunger compresses an elastomeric membrane overlying a fluid chamber. Due to the small volume of the chamber, an incremental change in the plunger position before the delivery stroke produces a significant change in the delivery pressure. At the beginning of a pump cycle, the microprocessor determines the differential pressure between the inlet and outlet of the pump, and adjusts the plunger position before the delivery stroke to compensate for the differential pressure.

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

Abstract: A disposable device is provided which accurately and reliably delivers an infusable liquid to a patient. The infusion device includes a housing which defines a bladder chamber. A compressible bladder is disposed in the bladder chamber and is compressed by the housing upon filling the bladder with an infusable liquid to create a pressurized bladder. The infusion devices further includes a delivery system for subcutaneously delivering the infusable liquid to a body. The delivery system includes a collapsible member that supports an injection needle and a cannula. The injection needle is used to insert the cannula into the skin of the body being treated. The cannula is in communication with the bladder during delivery of the infusable liquid. The housing includes microfluidic passageways that allow communication between fluid in the bladder and the cannula.

Abstract: An implantable drug infusion device includes a pumphead assembly and a motor assembly operably connected to the pumphead assembly. The motor assembly is adjacent to and laterally offset from the pumphead assembly, advantageously reducing the overall height of the implantable drug infusion device.

Abstract: An implantable drug infusion device includes a pump tube for holding a liquid to be pumped. A race is configured to support the pump tube. A roller assembly is configured to compress the tube against the race at one or more points along the path, and the roller assembly includes at least one roller and a hub. A drive assembly drives the roller assembly relative to the tube along the path so as to move the liquid through the tube. A retracting roller is operably connected to the hub and/or one or more adjacent rollers to permit retraction of the roller during installation of the pump tube between the roller and the race.

Abstract: The linear pump (10,110) includes a housing (12, 112) and either two(20, 22) or one (120) flexible bladders each within a pump housing and interconnected to respective end caps (30, 32, 130, 132, 134, 136). Upon movement of a movable end cap relative to a stationary end cap, the volume in each bladder may be variably controlled to pump blood or another selected fluid. Linear movement of the end caps may be controlled by an attractive or repulsive force between end caps. The pump (110) with a permeable bladder (120) may be used to pump wastewater.

Abstract: A drug pump testing system and method comprise a pump control module having tube engaging members, with the pump control module coupled to a calibration cassette. The calibration cassette houses a reservoir bag comprising a fluid chamber and a collection area. The fluid chamber contains a known test volume prior to the initiation of the test cycle. The fluid chamber of the reservoir bag is coupled with a tube leading to the collection area, and the tube is positioned along the calibration cassette for occlusion by the tube engaging members of the pump control module. The reservoir bag comprises a fluid chamber and a collection area. The cassette can be a dual purpose cassette which tests sensors on the pump control module and also tests the accuracy of the pump control module.

Abstract: Pumping cartridges are disclosed for use in pumping systems. One such cartridge includes a series of fluid flow paths therein and a bypass valve therein, the bypass valve can selectively block fluid flow along one or both of two fluid flow paths through the valve. In some embodiments, the pumping cartridges are removable from a reusable pump drive component. In some embodiments the pumping cartridges comprise a substantially rigid component having one or more channels and/or depressions therein covered by a membrane so that together the rigid component and the membrane define a series of fluid flow paths, pump chambers and fluidic valves, including a bypass valve.

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, 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. The apparatus also includes a highly novel fluid flow indicator that provides a readily discernible visible indication of fluid flow through the apparatus. Additionally, the apparatus includes a fill assembly comprising a prefilled vial that can be used to fill the fluid reservoir of the device with a selected medicinal fluid.

Abstract: An elastomeric bladder stored energy type infusion apparatus that can be filled with a medicinal fluid and, after being filled, can efficiently delivery the medicinal fluid to the patient at a selected rate. The apparatus includes a delivery component for delivering medicinal fluid to the patient and a fill component that can expeditiously be used to fill the fluid reservoir of the delivery component in the field.

Abstract: A propulsion system suitable for a single-use or a multi-use needleless injection device comprises a container and a source of potential energy for propelling a fluid (2) with sufficient pressure through an orifice to create a jet enabling subcutaneous or intracutaneous delivery of the fluid, the source of potential energy primarily in the form of a compressible substance (7) under pressure within the container. The compressible substance is preferably a polysiloxane or vulcanized silicon rubber.

Abstract: Pump chambers are disclosed that include at least one spacer element therein to prevent any gas in the pump chamber from being pumped from the pump chamber during pumping. In some embodiments, the pump chambers are included in removable pumping cartridges that are constructed and configured for coupling with reusable pump drives. Some embodiments of pump chambers including spacer elements therein comprise a substantially rigid component forming a wall of the pump chamber with a flexible or movable membrane disposed on the wall to form the chamber. Spacer elements in such pump chambers are, in some embodiments, attached to a wall of the substantially rigid component so as to prevent the movable/flexible membrane from contacting the wall during pumping.

Abstract: A syringe for vaginal irrigation is disclosed. This syringe is easily and effectively used for irrigating monstrous secretions from the vagina particularly during or after a menstruation, thus removing monstrous odor from the vagina and allowing the user to feel refreshed at the vagina in addition to keeping the vagina clean and sanitary. The syringe is comprised of an elastic barrel containing a vaginal irrigating solution, an L-shaped elbow pipe engaging with the externally-threaded mouth of the barrel, and a hollow vaginal insert engaging with the elbow pipe through a screw type engagement. This vaginal insert has a linear and tapered profile with the outside diameter of the insert being gradually reduced in a direction from its end around the elbow pipe to its distal end.

Abstract: Thermal treatment apparatus for thermally treating selected tissues of a subject located in or near a body cavity, includes a catheter insertable into the subject's body cavity and having a proximal end formed with an inflatable anchoring section for anchoring the catheter in the body cavity, a distal end to be located externally of the body cavity, and an inflatable heating section adjacent the proximal end to be located near the tissue to be heated. The catheter is formed with passageways extending from the distal end to the inflatable heating section for circulating heated fluid through the inflatable heating section but not through the inflatable anchoring section, and a further passageway from the distal end to the inflatable anchoring section for inflating the inflatable anchoring section with a non-heated fluid.

Abstract: A one-piece unitary occluder is disclosed which is utilized with a fluid administration set to occlude a portion of a tube assembly which is interconnected between a source of fluid and a patient. The one-piece unitary occluder has a body with a pair of openings which are diametrically aligned with an aperture to allow fluid flow therethrough; however, once activated, the openings are misaligned relative to the aperture to occlude a portion of the tubing to prevent fluid free-flow if the tube assembly becomes disassociated from the pump.