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

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for targeted drug delivery into a living patient using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The apparatus and method are useful in delivery to all types of living tissue and uses MR Imaging to track the location of drug delivery and estimating the rate of drug delivery. An MR-visible drug delivery device positioned at an target site (e.g., intracranial delivery) delivers a diagnostic or therapeutic drug solution into the tissue (e.g., the brain). The spatial distribution kinetics of the injected or infused drug agent are monitored quantitatively and non-invasively using water proton directional diffusion MR imaging to establish the efficacy of drug delivery at a targeted location.

Abstract: A syringe for use with a powered injector includes an elongated body having an interior surface, a plunger movably mounted in the elongated body for pressurizing the fluid medium, and a plunger extension connected to the plunger and extending rearward from the plunger. The plunger extension includes at least one spine member operable to engage at least one engagement member on the interior surface of the elongated body. The at least one spine member and the at least one engagement member cooperate to prevent relative rotation between the plunger extension and the elongated body.

Abstract: A front-loading syringe which comprises a movable plunger for injecting liquid contrast media, is rotatably mountable on a front wall of an injector housing with an interference fit and in sealed relationship with respect thereto, with or without a pressure jacket, by a first-quick release mechanism. At the same time, the plunger is connected to an injector drive mechanism by a second readily releasable mechanism. During the mounting operation, a sensor reads injection information from an indicator device on the syringe and feeds it to an injector control. An audible-and-tactile indicating mechanism also is activated when the syringe is essentially in the desired mounted position. The syringe may include reinforcing ribs which also function as volumetric gradations, and liquid media presence-or-absence indicating dots which appear circular against a liquid media background and oval-shaped against an air background.

Abstract: A device for dosing medicinal fluids, in particular a feeding solution for enteral alimentation, has a pump unit (2) with a displacement element (15) and a drive unit (3) for the displacement element. The pump unit (2) can be separated from the drive unit (3) and is realized in the form of a non-reusable, disposable item. After the device has been used, the pump unit is simply replaced with a new pump unit, so that it is unnecessary to clean the parts of the dosing device that carry the fluid.

Abstract: A fluid infusion system includes a pump having a body that slidably interacts with a handle. The body includes a valve housing fluid coupled with an inlet passageway, an outlet passageway, and a dispensing barrel. A finger rest rigidly projects from the dispensing barrel. A loading chamber is recessed within the finger rest and is configured to receive a fluid supply syringe. A plunger, mounted to the handle, is slidably received within the dispensing barrel. As the plunger is advanced within the barrel, fluid is dispensed from the pump. As the plunge is retracted within the barrel, the barrel is automatically filed with a fluid. The nozzle of the pump is fluid coupled to a hemostasis valve which is in turn fluid coupled to an infusion catheter. The infusion catheter has a distal end with an enlarged tip opening and a plurality of small infusion holes extending through the side thereof. An annular sensing ridge radially inwardly projects from the interior of the catheter at the tip opening.

Abstract: An injector head for medical use is provided with a position plate serving as both the position plate and a nut, placed at a rear end portion of a plunger, as well as a screw axis engaging with the position plate. A mechanical stopper which can slide only in a direction of an axis of the plunger is provided to the plunger. A female thread is formed on the surface of the mechanical stopper. A main body portion is provided which accommodates the mechanical stopper, the plunger, and the position plate and has a male thread formed on its inner surface and screwed together with the female thread. By utilizing this structure, an injector head for medical use can be provided which is scaled down and simplified while keeping its mechanical safety mechanism.

Abstract: An improved syringe is provided for use in a medication infusion pump for operating the syringe to administer a selected medication to a patient. The syringe comprises a hollow barrel adapted to receive a supply of the selected medication for delivery through infusion tubing or the like to the patient, in combination with a syringe plunger formed with an open-sided threaded half nut for engaging a motor-driven lead screw of the medication infusion pump when the syringe is correctly seated within a syringe compartment formed within a pump housing. The half nut on the syringe plunger includes detent tabs for snap-fit engagement with the pump lead screw to provide a direct drive connection therebetween. A compartment door on the pump housing can be moved to a closed position, following syringe placement into the syringe compartment, only when the plunger half nut is properly engaged with the lead screw.

Abstract: The present invention provides prefillable syringes and injectors for use therewith that expand and/or facilitate a variety of medical procedures involving the injection of a liquid medium. In several embodiments, the present syringes and injectors enable the use of current syringe materials at higher pressures than previously attainable or the use of other materials not previously usable with current high pressure-syringe and injector designs. In one embodiment, a syringe comprises an elongated cylindrical main body having a first pair and a second pair of mounting flanges encompassing collectively an arcuate length equal to at least approximately 180.degree. of the circumference of the rear portion of the cylindrical main body for releasably mounting the syringe in a desired position relative to the front wall of the injector housing.

Abstract: The pressure jacket systems of the invention are used to permit the front loading and removal of a syringe from an injector and include a first jacket segment and a second jacket segment surrounding the exterior surface of the syringe, interior surfaces comformable to the exterior surface of the syringe, a mechanism which allows movement of the first jacket segment in relation to the second jacket segment to permit insertion and removal of the syringe from the pressure jacket, and a mechanism for securing the first and second jacket segments in a fixed relationship upon insertion of the syringe.

Abstract: A medical fluid injector includes: an air detection system for detecting air in the neck of the syringe; a hand-operated control lever for controlling movement of the injector ram; magnetic conductors for delivering magnetic fields from a power head face plate to an internal circuit board to permit detection of different face plates; a tilt sensor detecting the tilt angle of the power head to control the speed of motion brought about by the hand-operated control lever and to control an invertible display; and a monitor microcontroller for monitoring the behavior of the central processing unit to detect and react to error conditions.

Abstract: An infusion and microdialysis pump comprises a casing (100, 200) and an insertable cylinder and plunger (300) of the injection syringe type. Seated on the plunger rod is a runner element (4) which runs on a motor-driven screw (3), thereby to cause the plunger to dispense fluid.

Abstract: A power injector is provided for injecting fluid from a replaceable syringe and through an injection tube into the body of an animal. The syringe includes one or more operator-removable and interchangeable syringe mounting heads, at least one of which mounts syringes of a rear loadable type. Preferably an alternative head is provided that accepts front loadable syringes. The mounting head includes an opening and a moveable syringe holder that preferably pivots open to receive a syringe from the back of the holder and pivots closed to orient the rear of the syringe over the ram. The holder has a slot therethrough having a width sufficient to permit an injection tube attached to the syringe nozzle to be moved transversely through the slot to permit the syringe to be removed from the holder without disconnecting the tube from the orifice of the syringe and without withdrawing the tip of the tube rearwardly through the opening.

Abstract: The pressure jacket systems of the invention are used to permit the front loading and removal of a syringe from an injector and include a first jacket segment and a second jacket segment surrounding the exterior surface of the syringe, interior surfaces comformable to the exterior surface of the syringe, a mechanism which allows movement of the first jacket segment in relation to the second jacket segment to permit insertion and removal of the syringe from the pressure jacket, and a mechanism for securing the first and second jacket segments in a fixed relationship upon insertion of the syringe.

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: A power injector is provided for injecting fluid from a replaceable syringe into the body of an animal. The syringe includes a syringe adapter interface for accepting side mountable syringes having pushrod extensions for actuating the syringe plungers from a point behind the syringe body. The injector is provided with an operator-removable and interchangeable interface in the form of a syringe mounting head. The interface includes a holder that has two halves, one fixed and one moveable, that open and close in a clam-shell fashion to respectively load or unload a syringe and to operate the syringe by driving the plunger thereof with a power driven ram that extends form the injector housing. The end of the injector ram, which is configured to normally couple to a button or key on the back of the plunger of a front or rear loadable syringe, is provided with an adapter that couples to the ram and to the large disk shaped end of a side loadable syringe pushrod.

Abstract: An angiographic injector system includes a manifold and valve which selectively connects either a syringe pump or a low pressure system to a catheter which is inserted into a patient. The valve is normally biased to a state which connects the low pressure system to the catheter for pressure monitoring, saline flushing, or aspirating functions. When an injection is to be made, the valve automatically switches so that the low pressure system is disconnected and not exposed to high pressure, while the syringe pump is connected through the manifold to the catheter.

Abstract: A front-loading syringe which comprises a movable plunger for injecting liquid contrast media, is rotatably mountable on a front wall of an injector housing with an interference fit and in sealed relationship with respect thereto, with or without a pressure jacket, by a first-quick release mechanism. At the same time, the plunger is connected to an injector drive mechanism by a second readily releasable mechanism. During the mounting operation, a sensor reads injection information from an indicator device on the syringe and feeds it to an injector control. An audible-and-tactile indicating mechanism also is activated when the syringe is essentially in the desired mounted position. The syringe may include reinforcing ribs which also function as volumetric gradations, and liquid media presence-or-absence indicating dots which appear circular against a liquid media background and oval-shaped against an air background.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a conversion kit for converting a machine designed for intravascular injection of solutions, such as parenteral solutions, using high-pressure syringes, to a machine that can be used for injection using smaller manual syringes. The conversion kit, includes at least one conversion vessel (13) for releasable but substantially non-rotary reception of a high-pressure syringe with a cylindrical guide (19) formed through a receiving head (14) of the conversion vessel (13) and a recess (17) formed in the upper surface of the receiving head (14). The recess (17) may also receive the radial end regions of wing extensions of a manual syringe of predetermined size. The conversion kit also includes at least one reducing sleeve (23) for reducing the effective inner diameter of the guide (19), the reducing sleeve (23) adapted to snugly receive the outer diameter of a manual syringe (12).

Abstract: A front-loading syringe which comprises a movable plunger for injecting liquid contrast media, is rotatably mountable on a front wall of an injector housing with an interference fit and in sealed relationship with respect thereto, with or without a pressure jacket, by a first-quick release mechanism. At the same time, the plunger is connected to an injector drive mechanism by a second readily releasable mechanism. During the mounting operation, a sensor reads injection information from an indicator device on the syringe and feeds it to an injector control. An audible-and-tactile indicating mechanism also is activated when the syringe is essentially in the desired mounted position. The syringe may include reinforcing ribs which also function as volumetric gradations, and liquid media presence-or-absence indicating dots which appear circular against a liquid media background and oval-shaped against an air background.

Abstract: An animal fluid injector, replaceable syringe and method of replacement of the syringe in the injector are provided in which the syringe is loadable and unloadable into and from the injector through the open front end of a pressure jacket of the injector, thereby permitting replacement without retraction of the syringe plunger drive or disconnection of the injection tubing. The syringe is provided with a pressure restraining front end, such as an integral or removable cap with structure such as threads that lock the syringe to the front end of the jacket by mating with threads on the jacket. A mechanism in the injector, which includes, for example, a key on cam ring operated by a lever with one hand of an operator, interacts with structure such asymmetrically spaced notches on the back end of the syringe to, for example, rotate the syringe and simultaneously translate or rotate a coupling on the syringe plunger into and out of engagement with the plunger drive in the injector.

Abstract: A syringe driver device is able to effect the controlled, parenteral infusion of a medical fluid using an available disposable syringe. The driver device includes a frame heaving a movable carriage, which houses a force applying element, mounted thereto. A disposable syringe mounts upon the frame and a lengthy microbore tubing attaches to the outlet tip of the syringe. As a force is applied to the syringe plunger, fluid is expelled from the syringe, but its flow rate is dependent upon the diameter of the microbore tubing. The driver device enables the delivery of multiple, sequential doses of fluid.

Abstract: A device for transferring liquid between the body of a patient and a syringe includes a syringe barrel defining a bore, a plunger that may slide through the bore to force liquid into or out of the bore, and a pump capable of sliding the plunger. The pump housing positively connects to the bore by sliding a protrusion formed on the exterior of the pump housing into an indentation formed within the interior surface of the bore.

Abstract: A syringe assembly for an inflation control system having a mounting head at one end is pivotally mounted in a mounting bracket for engagement with a drive arm. The mounting bracket is stationary in relation to the drive arm of the system. The mounting head includes a lateral projection on each of its sides having a shape and size selected for pivotal engagement with notches formed in side walls of the mounting bracket. The handle of the syringe plunger includes a driver retainer for capturing the drive arm in the longitudinal directions so that the longitudinal plunger movement is controlled by the drive arm. Neither the retainer nor the drive arm limits movement in the normal direction so that the syringe can be easily separated from the drive arm by an operator. A clamp secures the syringe barrel in the normal direction. Overcoming the force of the clamp is facilitated by the mechanical advantage provided by the pivotal mounting arrangement of the syringe assembly.

Abstract: Method for the controlled injection of a liquid in a tube by means of a peristaltic type pump actuated by a rotary d.c. motor (12) controlled by a control unit (10) such as a microprocessor, wherein an optical encoder (18) sends pulses to said control unit (10) during the intermittent operation of the motor. The method comprises operating the motor for period corresponding to a number of pulses equal to a set value. For each operating phase of the motor (12), equal to a predetermined number of pulses, the set value is reduced by the number of pulses transmitted during the preceding deceleration phase when the power supply is interrupted. The resulting error in the level of the volume of liquid to be injected thus remains approximately constant for the entire length of the injection period. The method according to the invention may be advantageously used in a programmable portable infusion system.

Abstract: A system for creating a customized drug library for an electronically loadable drug infusion pump, the system including a drug library containing a plurality of drug entries, there being associated with each drug entry a set of associated drug delivery parameters and/or drug delivery protocols for configuring the drug infusion pump; a tool for selecting a set of drug entries from among the plurality of drug entries in said drug library; a tool for adding the selected drug entries along with the sets of drug delivery information associated therewith to a customized library; and a loading tool for causing the system to electronically load the customized library into the drug infusion pump.

Abstract: A computer-controlled injector of the type having a motor which advances and retracts a plunger located within a syringe housing toward and away from a nozzle located in the front of the syringe to inject fluid into or out of an animal subject. The injector includes a display for querying the operator as to operating parameters for an injection, such as the capacity of the syringe, prior to an injection. The injector may be configured so as to generate a different sequences of displays prior to an injection, e.g., to not include a query as to the syringe capacity if the injector will not be used with syringes of differing capacities.

Abstract: A body having a syringe receptacle for receiving and retaining a syringe having a plunger, a housing containing a drive assembly for moving the plunger of the syringe between a depressed position and an extended position, a grip containing a control assembly for controlling the operation of the drive assembly in programmable modes of operation.

Abstract: An expandable, biodegradable stent for use within a body lumen comprises a hollow tube made from a copolymer of L-lactide and .epsilon.-caprolactone that is not plastically expandable at normal body temperatures, and that is expandable using thermo-mechanical means at a temperature between about 38.degree.-55.degree. C. using a balloon catheter. The invention also relates to a method of making such a stent and to a method of deploying such a stent within the body.

Abstract: An animal fluid injector, replaceable syringe and method of replacement of the syringe in the injector are provided in which the syringe is loadable and unloadable into and from the injector through the open front end of a pressure jacket of the injector, thereby permitting replacement without retraction of the syringe plunger drive or disconnection of the injection tubing. The syringe is provided with a pressure restraining front end, such as an integral or removable cap with structure such as threads that lock the syringe to the front end of the jacket by mating with threads on the jacket. A mechanism in the injector, which includes, for example, a key on cam ring operated by a lever with one hand of an operator, interacts with structure such as symmetrically spaced notches on the back end of the syringe to, for example, rotate the syringe and simultaneously translate or rotate a coupling on the syringe plunger into and out of engagement with the plunger drive in the injector.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a cassette assembly for use in a medical, dental or therapeutic lavage system, including a cassette housing and a pump disposed within the housing. The pump has an inlet and an outlet, with the inlet and outlet being attachable to a tubing set. The pump is attachable to and driveable by a motor disposed outside the cassette housing. A pressure sensing device disposed within the cassette housing senses a fluid pressure within the outlet.

Abstract: An improved occlusion detector is provided in a medication infusion pump to monitor medication delivery to a patient, and to provide an early alarm in the event of medication nondelivery. The detector comprises a force sensor and related control circuit for reading and comparing the pressure applied to the medication at the time of pump operation to administer a dose to the patient, with the same pressure at a later point in time preceding the next dose. If the difference between the pressure readings is less than a predetermined value, an occlusion of the medication delivery line is indicated and an alarm is activated.

Abstract: A medication infusion pump is provided for controlled delivery of medication to a patient, wherein the pump includes a space-efficient flexible drive plunger for advancing a piston within a medication-containing syringe or cartridge for administration of the medication to a patient. The infusion pump comprises a compact housing defining a syringe chamber for receiving and supporting the barrel of a medication-containing syringe or cartridge having a nose end adapted for luer connection to catheter tubing through which the medication is delivered to the patient. An open rear end of the syringe barrel carries a piston which can be advanced in a controlled manner to dispense the medication. In the preferred form, the flexible drive plunger comprises a spring tape with a free end adapted for removable connection to the piston.

Abstract: A plunger driver system which engages a plurality of different sizes of syringes. A pushing surface includes a detector to determine syringe plunger presence. In the event that the plunger is not present and the pump is operating, a processor provides an alarm and may stop the pump motor. Arms retain the plunger flange in a fixed position in relation to the plunger driver. The arms have anti-siphon flanges to prevent too rapid movement of the plunger into the syringe barrel. A shelf for opposing downward movement of the syringe plunger and a ramp to guide the syringe plunger into position in relation to the plunger driver are included in the plunger driver. A cradle for containing all sizes of syringe barrels yet aligning the syringes with the plunger driver is included with a clamp to hold the syringe barrel in position in the cradle. The detector button includes a bevel at its top edge to facilitate loading the plunger in the driver.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the field of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) systems for generating diagnostic images of a patient's internal organs and more particularly, this invention relates to improved MRI systems with decreased interference between the magnetic field used for producing diagnostic images and the magnetic fields generated by the electric motors used for driving the pistons of the contrast media injectors. Additionally, the system employs an improved communication link between an externally located system controller and the injection head control unit located within the electromagnetic isolation barrier which defines the magnetic imaging room.

Abstract: A fluid administration set with an infusion pump tube having indentations near its ends within its inner cylindrical wall. The indentations are preferably V-shaped annular grooves. Each groove engages an annular barb on a hollow fitting. The hollow fittings have base members for engaging retaining walls in the pump set apart from one another at a precise predetermined distance. The outer circumference of the infusion pump tube is enlarged in the area of the indentation. Tabs are provided on the hollow fitting assembly for securing the administration set against the infusion pump. The set may include a pressure dome for occlusion sensing on one of the hollow fitting assemblies.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting liquids different in kind from a flexible primary container storing therein liquid components fractionated into three layers to some satellite containers, by virtue of forming a adhering portion inside the primary container, and communicating with a first outlet and a second outlet, and guiding the upper liquid component to either outlets and the lower liquid component to the remaining outlet.

Abstract: An animal fluid injector, replaceable syringe and method of replacement of the syringe in the injector are provided in which the syringe is loadable and unloadable into and from the injector through the open front end of a pressure jacket of the injector, thereby permitting replacement without retraction of the syringe plunger drive or disconnection of the injection tubing. The syringe is provided with a pressure restraining front end, such as an integral or removable cap with structure such as threads that lock the syringe to the front end of the jacket by mating with threads on the jacket. A mechanism in the injector, which includes, for example, a key on cam ring operated by a lever with one hand of an operator, interacts with structure such asymmetrically spaced notches on the back end of the syringe to, for example, rotate the syringe and simultaneously translate or rotate a coupling on the syringe plunger into and out of engagement with the plunger drive in the injector.

Abstract: An animal fluid injector is provided with a syringe guide, preferably in the form of a pressure jacket, having an open front end through which a replaceable disposable syringe is loadable into and unloadable from, thereby permitting replacement without retraction of the syringe plunger drive or disconnection of the injection tubing. The injector is provided with structure, preferably in the form of thread sections, which mates with cooperating structure on the syringe, to connect and lock the syringe to the injector, preferably by rotational motion of, preferably, less than a full turn, of for example, 90.degree.. In the illustrated embodiment, the structure is at the front end of the guide or at the front periphery of a jacket to connect to threads on a pressure restraining front end of the syringe.

Abstract: An animal fluid injector, replaceable syringe and method of replacement of the syringe in the injector are provided in which the syringe is loadable and unloadable into and from the injector through the open front end of a pressure jacket of the injector, thereby permitting replacement without retraction of the syringe plunger drive or disconnection of the injection tubing. The syringe is provided with a pressure restraining front end, such as an integral or removable cap with structure such as threads that lock the syringe to the front end of the jacket by mating with threads on the jacket. A mechanism in the injector, which includes, for example, a key on cam ring operated by a lever with one hand of an operator, interacts with structure such asymmetrically spaced notches on the back end of the syringe to, for example, rotate the syringe and simultaneously translate or rotate a coupling on the syringe plunger into and out of engagement with the plunger drive in the injector.

Abstract: A method and system for the infusion of a drug into a patient involving: (i) calculating a multiplicity of infusion rate profiles for a selected drug by monitoring drug efflux from the body of a group of patients for a corresponding multiplicity of target concentrations of the selected drug; (ii) determining the body size of the patient, such as their Lean Body Mass; (iii) selecting a target concentration of the drug to, in turn, cause selection from the multiplicity of infusion rate profiles of an infusion rate profile substantially corresponding to the infusion rate profile for the selected target concentration; (iv) scaling the selected infusion rate profile by the determined body size or Lean Body Mass of the patient; and (v) administering the drug to the patient in accordance with the scaled profile by means of an infusion device which is controlled to deliver said drug at said scaled infusion rate profile.

Abstract: A slit disk having a hole at a specified portion of its flat surface and a plurality of slits at regular intervals at a peripheral portion thereof is mounted to a shaft of an infusion pump. A controller clears a live band determination counter based on a light detection signal from a sensor when the hole is detected, and increments the count value of a live band determination counter when an side edge of one of the plurality of slit is detected. When the count value of the live band determination counter falls within "10" to "24" or "0" to "2", it is determined that the infusion pump is in a live band, and the count value of the live band counter is incremented. Thus an operation amount of the infusion pump in the live band is detected to measure a fluid delivery rate taking a dead band into account.

Abstract: An injection device for a dental anesthetic or the like is constituted such that the linkage between the rear end side of an operating rod provided so as to freely go in and out of a main body and a drive mechanism operated by a motor provided in the main body is made detachably and the connecting or disconnecting operation of the drive mechanism and the rear end side of the operating rod is carried out by means of a manipulation portion provided in the main body.

Abstract: An animal fluid injector, replaceable syringe and method of replacement of the syringe in the injector are provided in which the syringe is loadable and unloadable into and from the injector through the open front end of a pressure jacket of the injector, thereby permitting replacement without retraction of the syringe plunger drive or disconnection of the injection tubing. The syringe is provided with a pressure restraining front end, such as an integral or removable cap with structure such as threads that lock the syringe to the front end of the jacket by mating with threads on the jacket. A mechanism in the injector, which includes, for example, a key on cam ring operated by a lever with one hand of an operator, interacts with structure such asymmetrically spaced notches on the back end of the syringe to, for example, rotate the syringe and simultaneously translate or rotate a coupling on the syringe plunger into and out of engagement with the plunger drive in the injector.

Abstract: A belt driven infusion pump for emptying the contents of a syringe is disclosed. The pump includes a syringe pusher including an antisiphon catch and a pressure detector which is used for detecting occlusions or the end of infusion. A syringe clamp for locking a syringe in place is also provided. The syringe clamp is spring loaded and lockable. A syringe position detector is provided to ensure the proper placement of the syringe prior to and during pumping. A control knob is provided on the face of the pump for controlling both the locking of the syringe barrel clamp and the coupling of the drive belt with a d.c. motor. The pump includes a housing having an elongated slot through which the syringe pusher is connected to the drive belt. A sealing band is connected to the syringe pusher and is moveable with the syringe pusher for sealing the slot against moisture or other contaminants.

Abstract: A syringe pump is disclosed having a transducer for detecting the force on the syringe pusher. The detected force is translated into a pressure which is continuously displayed so that the user can anticipate the occurrence of an occlusion. The syringe pump also has a device for pre-selecting a range of acceptable pressures.

Abstract: An animal fluid injector, replaceable syringe and method of replacement of the syringe in the injector are provided in which the syringe is loadable and unloadable into and from the injector through the open front end of a pressure jacket of the injector, thereby permitting replacement without retraction of the syringe plunger drive or disconnection of the injection tubing. The syringe is provided with a pressure restraining front end, such as an integral or removable cap with structure such as threads that lock the syringe to the front end of the jacket by mating with threads on the jacket. A mechanism in the injector, which includes, for example, a key on cam ring operated by a lever with one hand of an operator, interacts with structure such asymmetrically spaced notches on the back end of the syringe to, for example, rotate the syringe and simultaneously translate or rotate a coupling on the syringe plunger into and out of engagement with the plunger drive in the injector.

Abstract: A belt driven infusion pump for emptying the contents of a syringe is disclosed. The pump includes a syringe pusher including an antisiphon catch and a pressure detector which is used for detecting occlusions or the end of infusion. A syringe clamp for locking a syringe in place is also provided. The syringe clamp is spring-loaded and lockable. A syringe position detector is provided to ensure the proper placement of the syringe prior to and during pumping. A control knob is provided on the face of the pump for controlling both the locking of the syringe barrel clamp and the coupling of the drive belt with a d.c. motor. The pump includes a housing having an elongated slot through which the syringe pusher is connected to the drive belt. A sealing band is connected to the syringe pusher and is moveable with the syringe pusher for sealing the slot against moisture or other contaminants.

Abstract: An angiographic injector has an injector portion which includes a rotating turret for housing two angiographic syringes in readiness for injection. The injector further employs a driving mechanism for connecting with and controlling the movement of a syringe plunger once one of the syringes is in place for injection. Through the use of guide means on each syringe and corresponding alignment means on a pressure jacket, the syringe is alignably and securely mounted within the pressure jacket on the rotating turret. Each syringe plunger is releasably connected to the driving mechanism for an injection operation, and released from the driving mechanism when the injection operation has been completed, such that the driving mechanism can be withdrawn from the syringe relative to the plunger without drawing body fluid of a patient into the syringe. Various types of plunger release mechanisms for this purpose are disclosed.The questions raised in reexamination request No. 90/003,918 filed Aug.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the field of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) systems for generating diagnostic images of a patient's internal organs and more particularly, this invention relates to improved MRI systems with decreased interference between the magnetic field used for producing diagnostic images and the magnetic fields generated by the electric motors used for driving the pistons of the contrast media injectors. Additionally, the system employs an improved communication link between an externally located system controller and the injection head control unit located within the electromagnetic isolation barrier which defines the magnetic imaging room.