Abstract: The present invention is a disposable combination of tubing components for use with the roller pump that limits the negative pressure said pump generates (e.g. during left ventricular venting). The device consists of pump tubing and a shunt with resistance to flow placed between the inlet and outlet of the pump tubing. The device may also incorporate interconnecting tubing and a one way valve at the pump inlet tubing. The valve decreases the likelihood of pumping air or fluid into the ventricle with accidental pump reversal. In one preferred embodiment the device is called the Better-Ventera. The pump tubing of the device collapses more readily than tubing currently being used for either venting or suction applications, thus limiting the negative pressure generated by the pump to safer levels. In addition, the maximum suction generated by the pump is further limited by recirculation of flow between the pump inlet and outlet. The recirculation acts to "break" high suction.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump for pumping liquids through a resilient tube. In one embodiment, the pump includes a curved concave platen against which a resilient tube is placed. A multi lobed cam is positioned adjacent to the platen and tube. A plurality of pump fingers are mounted between tube and cam in a manner permitting radial movement of the pump fingers. As the cam rotates, the fingers are pressed toward the tube sequentially so as to pump liquid through the tube. The lobe end should press the tube sufficiently to occlude the tube and prevent back flow without over pressing and damaging the tube. A transverse pinch finger is provided on each pump finger, extending from the tube pressing face of each pump finger. At the tube occluding position, the pump finger nearly occludes the tube and the pinch finger completes occlusion without pressing the tube beyond the fully occluded position. A fixed or slidable spring pressed pinch finger may be used.

Abstract: A cassette which is adapted to be insertable into and removable from an infusion pump. The cassette has a housing, a length of flexible tubing supported by the housing, and a first vertically movable member disposed in the housing. The first vertically movable member has a slot formed therein, and a portion of the flexible tubing is disposed within the slot. The first vertically movable member is movable between a clamped position in which the flexible tubing is clamped to prevent any substantial liquid flow therethrough and an unclamped position in which substantial liquid flow through the flexible tubing is enabled, and a spring is provided for biasing the first vertically movable member to the clamped position. The first vertically movable member may be designed so that the closure of a door of an infusion pump in which the cassette is inserted will cause the vertically movable member to be in the unclamped position to allow liquid flow through the flexible tubing.

Abstract: A potentiometer-controlled electromechanic system to eject fluids by squeezing flexible plastic containers. The system comprises an electromechanic driving set, including an electric motor-driven shaft with a worm gear engaged to rack gear sections of arms attached to a movable presser plate, that squeeze a fluid-containing flexible plastic bag inserted in a cavity formed at the front portion of the device housing. The cavity is formed by a movable presser plate and a fixed clear and transparent front plate, bent at its sides. The fluid ejection parameters are controlled by an electronic set comprising a precision potentiometer attached to the motor-driven shaft, linked to a microprocessor-based electronic circuitry and a programming set formed by a series of buttons for entering the required ejection parameters, such as fluid flow rate, pressure, ejected volume, etc. The parameters are visualized in a liquid-crystal display.

Abstract: An infusion device comprising a housing having a base plate disposed therein which is slidably moveable between first and second positions. Attached to the base plate and the housing is a biasing mechanism for biasing the base plate to the second position. Also disposed within the housing is an actuator plate which is slidably moveable between inner and outer positions. The actuator plate is cooperatively engaged to the base plate in a manner wherein the movement of the base plate toward the second position facilitates the movement of the actuator plate toward the outer position, with the movement of the base plate toward the first position facilitating the movement of the actuator plate toward the inner position. Slidably attached to the housing in spaced relation to the actuator plate is a lid member. The lid member, the actuator plate and the housing define a medicament chamber when the lid member is in a closed position.

Abstract: A linear peristaltic pump of the type for removable engagement of a portion of a flexible tubing and having a plurality of sequentially actuated pumping elements which act along the engaged portion of the flexible tubing, with the pumping elements reciprocated in a first direction to collapse adjacent segments of the tubing and then in a second direction to release the adjacent segments of the tubing, each pumping element reciprocated in a sequence so that fluid in the flexible tubing is moved along the engaged portion of the tubing. The linear peristaltic pump further comprises a plurality of opposed pairs of pivotable reshaping fingers, with each pair of the reshaping fingers interposed adjacent to one of the pumping elements in sequence along the engaged portion of the flexible tubing.

Abstract: Apparatus for supplying liquid to a body cavity during an endoscopic procedure includes a feedback loop-controlled liquid supply device inherently capable of supplying liquid at a substantially constant pressure substantially independent of the flow rate of liquid delivered by the liquid supply device within a relatively wide range of flow rate. Also disclosed are a disposable plastic pump cassette having an inflow pump in a housing, and an operative cannula. The surgical procedure is performed with continuous control over the body cavity pressure, regardless of the outflow flow rate.

Abstract: A pressure plate for use with a pump includes a top surface configured for receipt of a tube and a plurality of side edges defining a channel communicating with the top surface. The pressure plate also includes a pair of hooks and a loop for releasably attaching the pressure plate to the pump. Attachment structure is provided for fixedly attaching the first end of the top surface to the pump. A method for attaching to a pump a reservoir having a tube includes providing a pressure plate with first and second ends and having an inlet tube slot and an outlet tube slot for holding the tube; attaching the first end of the pressure plate to the pump using a fastener, the fastener allowing the pressure plate to pivot toward and away from the pump; inserting the tube into the inlet tube slot and outlet tube slot; pivoting the second end of the pressure plate toward the pump; and attaching the second end of the pressure plate to the pump.

Abstract: This invention relates to adaptors designed to secure an infusion-type pump to an enclosure for delivery of fluids, including medicaments, and the like to a patient in need of such treatment. The enclosure is of a type designed to house a fluid reservoir and conduit extending from the fluid reservoir to the infusion-type pump. The adaptor forms a substantially planar plate having a back face and a front face. The front face includes guides and a support plate to align the pump onto the adaptor. Securing grips are provided to secure the pump onto the adaptor. The adaptor has a back face to reversibly engage the enclosure.

Abstract: A subcutaneous drug delivery means which comprises a holding reservoir (11), a pumping means (15), a delivery reservoir (18) and an outlet (21). The holding reservoir (11) is connected to the delivery reservoir (18) through the pump (15) which is operable manually to deliver fluid from the holding reservoir (11) to the delivery reservoir (18). The delivery reservoir (18) is resiliently expandable from a minimum volume to a maximum volume and is connected to the outlet (21) through a flow restriction means (23) which controls flow to the outlet.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump is provided with a housing, a pump head in the housing, and a receiving path defined along a housing and pump head for receiving tubing. An air sensor assembly in the pump has a slot for receiving a section of the tubing in the receiving path. A position covering the receiving path and an open position exposing the receiving path. An engaging member is provided for pushing the tubing in the slot. The engaging member is pivotally mounted to the door for rotation about an axis parallel to the door pivot axis. The engaging member has a ram for contacting the tubing. The orientation of the ram relative to the door can change as the ram enters the slot when the door closes so that the tubing is pushed relatively evenly and along a substantially straight line into the slot.

Abstract: A medical infusion pump is disclosed which provides for greatly improved accuracy in the delivery of medicaments to a patient. Among the various features included in the instant invention is a pumping body which serves to deform and reform a tube so as to maintain the initial cross-section thereof and thereby preserve the output accuracy of the pump. Also disclosed with regard to the pumping body is a wholly mechanical synchronization of the pumping body and valves associated therewith and coactive with the aforementioned synchronization a mechanical linearization of output of the pumping body per each pumping cycle. Additionally, several features which serve to enhance the utility of the instant invention are also included therein among which is an associated assembly operative to automatically load or disload a tube or IV set into or out of the pumping body.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump for an implantable medical device includes a pump tube defining an axis lying along a path in a first plane. Spherical rollers compress the tube at one or more points along the path in a direction non-parallel to the first plane, and preferably perpendicular to the first plane. Means for driving the rollers are provided so that liquid is moved through the tube.

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 apparatus for supporting a flexible bag containing fluid and for applying pressure to the bag to thereby facilitate the dispensing of the fluid from the bag, comprising a cuff adapted to support a bag of fluid to be dispensed and to apply pressure to facilitate the dispensing of the fluid; A gauge to determine and display the pressure within the cuff, the gauge being formed of a housing with a fluid port; and a manifold having a passageway in fluid communication with the cuff, a passageway in fluid communication with a pump for inflating the cuff, and a passageway coupled with respect to the gauge.

Abstract: A disposable pumping cassette having an integral auxiliary flow control and pressure monitoring member is used for delivering a medicinal fluid to a patient. The pumping cassette includes an elastomeric member mounted in a rigid body having an inlet and an outlet. An inlet valve and an outlet valve on the cassette are opened, and the flow control is positioned to allow the medicinal fluid to flow freely through the cassette, priming it before the outlet is connected to the patient. The cassette is then coupled to an associated pump driver, closing the flow control to disable free fluid flow through the cassette, and the outlet to the cassette is coupled in fluid communication with the patient's body.

Abstract: The specification describes several uses for pressure sensitive valves during extracorporeal pumping in one embodiment, an improved pumping loop for a roller pump is used in an extracorporeal circuit with a pressure relief valve and pump tubing. The inlet and outlet of the tubing are connected respectively to the outlet and inlet of said valve via two 3 way connections, across the outlet of the pump. The pumping loop allows recirculation of pumped liquid between the inlet and outlet of the pump when the outlet pressure generated by said pump exceeds a set value thereby limiting the pump outlet pressure to the set pressure. The pressure relief valve can also be placed at the inlet if the pump to protect the circuit from excess negative pressure that the pump can generate. The pressure relief valve in combination with the pump loop provides an accurate means to dynamically set the occlusion of the tubing within the roller pump.

Abstract: An intelligent material unit formed of an intelligent gel encapsulated within an enclosure. When the gel is actuated by a change in temperature thereof, such as heat and/or by an externally applied field such as an electrical current, electric field, magnetic field, ultrasonic energy (or sonic), microwave energy, a laser beam or a combination thereof, at least a portion of the wall of the container or enclosure is deformed to perform a mechanical function or operation; such as to valve a fluid or cause movement of the container and gel through a fluid or in a passageway. The container may be a thin-skinned flexible plastic, such as an elastomer and may be elongated or sausage-like in shape, or strip-like. It may be free travelling, cantilever-supported or otherwise mounted or attached to a device, machine or element. It may also carry a drug for delivery therefrom at a select location and time.

Abstract: An intravenous infusion system is provided comprising (a) a mechanical clamp for expelling intravenous infusion liquids from a bag containing liquids; (b) a hollow tube connected to the mechanical clamp; and (c) a hollow needle connected to the hollow tube capable of being inserted into the vein of a patient requiring an intravenous infusion.

Abstract: A self-priming pulsatile surgical irrigation device is disclosed. The irrigation device comprises a housing, a variable volume pumping chamber liquid pump contained within the housing, and a self-priming valve system operatively associated with the liquid pump. The self-priming valve system, which facilitates the priming of the device, includes a valve housing, a liquid inlet to admit liquid into the valve housing and a liquid outlet to emit liquid from the housing. The housing is configured to define a flow path that directs liquid from the liquid inlet into the pumping chamber. The flow path ensures that the pumping chamber is maintained full during operation of the pump.

Abstract: A curvilinear peristaltic pump for pumping liquids through a resilient tube. The pump includes a curved concave platen against which a resilient tube is placed. A multi-lobed cam is positioned adjacent to the platen and tube. A plurality of pump fingers, each carrying a pinch finger, are mounted between tube and cam in a manner permitting radially outward movement of the pump fingers toward the platen. As the cam rotates, the fingers are pressed against the tube sequentially so as to pump liquid through the tube. A strain gauge beam is secured to the pump just beyond each end of the pump finger set. A sensing member secured to the free end of the beam is pre-loaded against the tube next to each endmost pump finger. When an input occlusion occurs, the tubing will collapse causing the beam to deflect toward the tube, changing its pre-load state. This motion will cause a negative voltage change indicative of the input occlusion.

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 infusion system having a pumping mechanism with tube-engaging members for pumping fluid through a tube, a releasable pressure plate that can be attached and detached from the pumping mechanism having a releasable attachment mechanism for attaching an infusion tube to the pressure plate such that the infusion tube can be engaged by the tube-engaging members when the pressure plate is attached to the pumping mechanism, and an infusion tube for delivering fluid from a fluid source to a patient that is arranged and configured to be attached to the pressure plate by the attachment mechanism and used with the pumping mechanism. The infusion tube can be quickly replaced by detaching the infusion tube from the releasable attachment mechanism and attaching a new infusion tube to the pressure plate.

Abstract: The peristaltic pump includes a motor and an assembly driven by the motor. The assembly includes a rotating member, a retaining member having a slot, and a tubing advance pad sized to be substantially disposed in the slot, wherein in a first time interval the tubing advance pad is substantially disposed in the slot and the rotating member is configured to compress a tube along a path defined by the retaining member and at least a portion of the tubing advance pad, and in a second time interval the retaining member is configured to release the tubing advance pad from the slot, the tubing advance pad is coupled to the rotating member and the tube is prepared to advance from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: A self contained pulsatile surgical irrigation device that includes a housing, a trigger moveably connected to the housing, a motor within the housing, a pump within the housing, and a mechanical drive train for coupling the motor to the pump. The trigger is mechanically connected to the drive train to enable the stroke of the pump to be varied, thereby varying the output flow from the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a peristaltic pump system. The pump system comprises both an insert (10) and a motor assembly (30). The insert essentially comprises a wall (16) and a duct (22) of deformable material. The motor assembly comprises a drive shaft (38), a plate (50) on which rotary means (54, 64) are mounted to guide wheels (48) suitable for co-operating with the duct (22). When the shaft (38) is inserted, the wheels (48) are spread outwards and compress the duct (22) between themselves and the wall (16) of the insert.

Abstract: An IV fluid delivery system for use with a resilient, deformable tube, wherein a mechanism is provided to deform and occlude said tube by a plurality of fingers, as well as, to restore the cross-sectional area of said tube by those fingers, so as to improve the accuracy, consistency, and predictability of flow through the tube.

Abstract: A device for the pulsed pumping of liquids, particularly blood, has a body in which are formed a pumping chamber in which a pulsed flow is imparted to the liquid, an inlet duct upstream of the pumping chamber and communicating therewith, and a delivery duct downstream of the pumping chamber and communicating therewith. Two valve members constituted by lip valves are provided for regulating the one-way flow of fluid in the body from the inlet duct to the pumping chamber and from the latter to the delivery duct. Low levels of hemolysis can be achieved, if the device is pumping blood. Moreover, the device has a low production cost and is quiet. The pumping device may be incorporated into a cardiopulmonary bypass device which includes a venous reservoir, a heat exchanger and an oxygenator.

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: An extra-corporal blood pump comprises a support means equipped with a pumping means and a driving means.

Abstract: An IV pump actuates a disposable cassette having two parallel fluid paths that include first and second pumping chambers. The disposable cassette (12) has a housing(14) that includes a back portion (152) in which is defined a fluid path (60) between an inlet port (16) and an outlet port (18). An elastomeric membrane (150) is sealed between the back portion and a front portion (52). The elastomeric membrane is exposed through the front portion at a first pumping chamber (82), a second pumping chamber (84), inlet valves (70, 76), and outlet valves (86, 92). The inlet valves operate in a fully open mode, a fully closed mode, and a cracking mode. The cracking mode of the inlet valve occurs as the elastomeric membrane is initially forced further into the pumping chamber. If the pressure of the fluid in the pumping chamber exceeds a predetermined cracking pressure, the inlet valve is forced open so that the fluid flows from the pumping chamber back toward the inlet port.

Abstract: An air elimination system is provided for an intravenous fluid delivery system for intravenous injection of fluid into a patient. An air-detection apparatus 5 is disposed in an intravenous fluid line 3. At the top end of the line 3 is attached a chamber 1, 2, 12 where air may be separated from the fluid. The separation chamber may be a drip chamber 12, a metering chamber 2 or the intravenous supply 1. When air is detected, a valve 11 or valves 7, 9 are switched, so that the intravenous fluid is prevented from flowing to the patient, and so that, when a pump 4 is turned on, the fluid is pumped to the separation chamber 1, 2, 12. In a preferred embodiment, the volume of pump's fluid capacity is greater than the volume of the fluid capacity of the intravenous line 31 between the pump 4 and the separation chamber 1, 2, 12, so that the pump can force air back up the intravenous line all the way to the separation chamber.

Abstract: An IV pump for delivering fluid through a resilient, deformable tube to improve the accuracy, consistency, and predictability of flow through the tube, wherein a plurality of pinching fingers occlude the tube against a flat portion of a pressure pad, and a plurality of pumping fingers interspaced between said pinching fingers deform the tube (without occluding it) from different directions against a V-shaped portion of the pressure pad to pump the fluid downstream as well as to urge the tube to restore its cross-sectional area.

Abstract: An implantable infusion system has a neutral pressure medication supply container for liquid medication to be delivered to the patient, the supply container being devised so that its volume changes according to the amount of medication it contains, and a pump for pumping medication from the supply container, via a catheter, to the patient's body. The supply container and the pump are arranged inside an enclosure to which the catheter is connectable at the output of the pump. A closed space, at least partly contained inside the enclosure, in which the supply container is arranged, and in which essentially atmospheric pressure prevails, is arranged to change its volume to a corresponding degree when the volume of the supply container changes, so that the pressure is kept essentially unchanged.

Abstract: A reusable cartridge assembly for a phaco machine includes a plurality of flexible tubes for handling of irrigation and aspiration fluids to and from a handpiece. A plate having a plurality of channels formed therein supports and removably holds the flexible tubes within said plate. Apertures in said plate aligned with said channel means are provided for enabling plunger access to the flexible tubes in order to regulate fluid flow therethrough.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for monitoring pressure conditions in the fluid pressure upstream and downstream of an intravenous fluid administration system and to detect upstream and/or downstream occlusions. In addition, the invention incorporates a method for detecting pressure conditions at an upstream or downstream detector across the wall of the tubing to identify upstream or downstream occlusions, respectively. The present invention also relates to a process for determining the fluid pressure in a fluid tube across the tube wall where the normal tube force changes over time, and more particularly, using a normalization process to eliminate changes in the tubing resilience.

Abstract: An infusion method and apparatus for infusing liquid into a patient, the infusion apparatus being compatible with a plurality of different types of cassettes which are adapted to be insertable into and removable from the infusion apparatus. The infusion apparatus has a housing adapted to receive a first type of cassette and a second type of cassette, a pump disposed in the housing and adapted to pump liquid through a conduit, and a cassette sensor disposed in the housing, the cassette sensor being capable of determining whether the first type of cassette is inserted into the housing or the second type of cassette is inserted into the housing. The infusion apparatus includes control means for controlling the operation of the pump which causes a first course of control action to be taken when the first type of cassette is inserted into the housing and a second course of control action to be taken when the second type of cassette is inserted into the housing.

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: Pumping apparatus for dispensing or otherwise metering precise and minute volumes (measured in microliters) of fluid (e.g. human blood) from a flexible conduit containing such fluid. According to a preferred embodiment, such apparatus includes a pinch valve for selectively captivating a certain volume of fluid in the conduit between the pinch valve and the conduit's outlet end, and a pinch pump for selectively expelling a predetermined portion of the captivated fluid through the conduit's outlet end. The pinch pump is located and adapted to pinch closed a predetermined length of the conduit's fluid passageway. Preferably, such length is adjustable to adjust the volume of fluid dispensed or metered, and the pinch pump is structured to assure that, during activation of the pinch pump, the captivated fluid is advanced towards the outlet end of the conduit.

Abstract: A fine-needle aspirator for collecting a biosample from a subject into a closed sterile system. The aspirator is adapted for use with a variety of needles and comprises a motor drive pump capable of continuous suction in a biosample collection system. The biosample collection system may comprise a biosample connector such as elastomeric tubing in communication with the needle and a collection space in a biosample container whereby a biosample collected by the needle may be transferred to the collection space. A flushing substance flushes the biosample through the biosample collection system. Additives may be added to the biosample after collection in order to treat, preserve or analyze the biosample.

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 linear peristaltic pump of the type for removable engagement of a portion of a flexible tubing and having a plurality of sequentially actuated pumping elements which act along the engaged portion of the flexible tubing, with the pumping elements reciprocated in a first direction to collapse adjacent segments of the tubing and then in a second direction to release the adjacent segments of the tubing, each pumping element reciprocated in a sequence so that fluid in the flexible tubing is moved along the engaged portion of the tubing. The linear peristaltic pump further comprises a plurality of reshaping fingers, with each of the reshaping fingers interposed adjacent to one of the pumping elements in sequence along the engaged portion of the flexible tubing.

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

Abstract: An infusion apparatus includes a pump and a fluid delivery set. The infusion apparatus is adapted to monitor the fluid delivery set for insuring proper placement in relation to the pump. The infusion apparatus further includes a sensor which operates to detect the proper alignment of the fluid delivery set and also the proper operating position of the infusion apparatus. The infusion apparatus includes a cover which is adapted to be in a closed position when the infusion apparatus is in proper operating position. The cover operates to secure the fluid delivery set within the mounted position in the infusion apparatus.

Abstract: An irrigation system for use in endoscopic procedures for maintaining and controlling flow of irrigation fluid to an internal body irrigation site. The system includes a tubing set comprising inflow and outflow lines and a cassette, and an fluid control module comprising a race and a pumping mechanism that squeezes the inflow line of the tubing set against the race to pump fluid to the irrigation site. The cassette includes a through opening exposing a portion of the inflow line to the race and pumping mechanism so that the cassette merely holds the inflow line in alignment with the pumping mechanism but is not required to resist the compressive force of the pumping mechanism. The cassette may include a second through opening exposing a portion of the outflow line to a valve mechanism to regulate pressure independently of the pump mechanism, and rib-or-groove alignment mechanism to align the inflow line with the pumping mechanism and the outflow line with the valve mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tubing set in cassette form and an irrigation system employing the cassette and tubing set for use in endoscopic procedures. The tubing set includes a generally arcuate cassette which is inserted into the pump housing to effect a change in tubing sets between procedures. A valve assembly and flattened tubing segment are preferably used to provide pressure control/relief in the tubing set/irrigation system. Also provided in combination with the preferred cassette is a fitting for coupling a pressure monitoring line with pressure monitoring equipment in the irrigation system.

Abstract: An infusion apparatus for infusing liquid into a patient and having a housing adapted to receive a cassette with a flexible tube through which liquid may be pumped, a pump disposed within the housing and adapted to pump liquid through the flexible tube of the cassette, and a door, connected to the housing, which has an open position and a closed position. The apparatus includes latching means for maintaining the door in the closed position and first and second release means operatively coupled to the latching means. The first and second release means are independently operable so that the door is released by the latching means only upon actuation of both the first and second release means. As a result, inadvertent opening of the door due to jarring of the infusion apparatus is minimized or prevented.

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

Abstract: A fluid 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: Impedance to fluid flow in a fluid delivery line is measured. Two techniques are used depending on the flow rate selected. For high flow rates, the pump is controlled to vary the flow rate and the change in pressure is divided by the change in flow to directly determine the resistance. For low flow rates, a processor controls the pump to pump flow quantities in accordance with a pseudo-random binary code. The resulting pressure signal sensed at the conduit is decoded in accordance with that code. Pressures received during code periods of no flow are subtracted from pressures received during code periods of flow. Pressure offset is also removed and a least squares estimation approach is used with a linear prediction model to determine impedance. The coefficients determined in the model are used to calculate the resistance to fluid flow of the system. A quality supervisor monitors the resistance determination process and controls the display of resistance depending on the quality determined.