Abstract: An angioscope has irrigation system with at least two presettable irrigant flow rates. A footswitch under manual control is operatively connected to a roller pump for switching from a high first flow rate to a low second flow rate. Upon an initial filling of a blood vessel under observation with clear irrigant at the high flow rate, the operator switches to the low flow rate. The rate of fluid flow may alternatively be continuously variable under manual control.

Abstract: A dual source parenteral infusion system includes a primary controller which controls the flow rate of a parenteral solution, a display which displays parameters associated with the delivery of a primary solution, and pushbuttons for entering solution delivery parameters into the controller. The primary controller communicates with a secondary infusion module which is programmed to deliver solution from a secondary source, with the flow rate being controlled by the primary controller. The secondary infusion module includes a display for displaying parameters associated with the delivery of the secondary solution and a drop detector, and mounts about a drip chamber for the secondary solution. The module may also include pushbuttons for entering fluid delivery parameters for the secondary solution into the module.

Abstract: An apparatus for the collection of blood via a collapsible inflow pipe into an inflatable bag having an anticoagulant prefilled therein. The bag is placed on a weighing platform coupled to a load cell, which produces an electric voltage signal representative of the weight of the blood being collected in the bag. The load cell is mounted on a swing cradle capable of oscillation about a horizontal axis, so that the bag is shaken during blood collection for intimately intermingling the collected blood and the anticoagulant. When a predetermined amount of blood is collected, as ascertained from the voltage output of the load cell, a controller actuates a collection stop mechanism thereby causing the same to tightly grip and collapse the inflow pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus for administering a volumetric flow of parenteral liquids into a patient's system, in which the quantity of liquid flowing into the system may be easily adjusted, is disclosed. The apparatus includes two separate hydrostatic head pressure systems. The first head pressure is from a container, through a metering device with an adjustable fixed orifice to a regulator located a fixed distance below the container. The second head is from the regulator, which is designed to prevent air flow through it, to the patient. Several embodiments of the metering device and of the regulator are disclosed.

Abstract: The principal of total internal reflection is utilized in sounding an alarm in a medical fluid infusion system when a downstream blockage occurs. A miniature prism is mounted in a cavity in a rigid exterior tube. The infusing fluid flows in a plastic tubing along the central channel of the rigid tube. The plastic tubing in the interior of this exterior rigid tube is diametrically expansive with an unpressurized outside diameter which is less than the inside diameter of said rigid exterior tube. A light source and light detector is positioned adjacent to the equilateral planes of the prism mounted in the rigid tube.

Abstract: An infusion pump pressure monitor comprises a drive (26, 27, 30, 31) for an infusion pump, a pressure sensor (38) to monitor the delivery pressure downstream of the pump, and a programmed computer (34, 35). The computer (34, 35) is programmed to monitor the maximum delivery pressure that occurs during an initial operating period, and then, subsequently to monitor the delivery pressure downstream of the pump for the remainder of the delivery period of the infusion pump. The programmed computer (34, 35) is programmed to disable the drive (26, 27, 30, 31) for the infusion pump if the monitored delivery pressure differs by more than a predetermined amount from the maximum pressure monitored during the initial operating period. The infusion liquid is carried by a disposable infusion set having a pressure responsive chamber (1) located in a key-hole shaped slot (44) in the pressure monitor.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a fluid flow monitoring method and system for parenteral fluid delivery systems for use in situations, such as with sedentary patients, when wide pressure variations are not expected. The resistance of the fluid delivery system is determined from the ratio of pressure differences at high and low fluid flow rates to differences in the high and low fluid flow rates. The resistance is used to develop a pressure limit from the sum of the pressure at low fluid flow rates and the product of the resistance and the high fluid flow rate. The pressure limit is compared with the pressure monitored and if the pressure monitored exceeds the calculated pressure limit, an alarm is actuated to warn medical personnel of an occlusion or other fluid flow fault. Additionally, if the noise level (pressure) excess predetermined limits during the periods of low and high fluid flow, the pressure monitoring is terminated.

Abstract: A system for delivering a drug to a patient according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown as including a plunger assembly reciprocally received in a reservoir for forcing the drug therefrom for delivery to the patient. The plunger assembly is axially advanced by the rotation of a lead screw rotatably mounted and axially movable with respect to the chassis. In a first axial position, the end of the lead screw deflects contacts of a switch member into electrical engagement which interrupts operation of the motor which rotates the lead screw. The lead screw is biased out of its first axial position such that the first end of the lead screw does not actuate the switch member and rotation of the lead screw is not interrupted.

Abstract: A device for connecting two or more bulk compounding systems for mixing hyperalimentation solutions is described. The device allows electrical signals from each bulk compounding system to be connected to one another so that each bulk compounding system may act in concert with other bulk compounding systems to fill an individual receiving container with minimal modifications to the internal circuitry of an individual bulk compounding system.

Abstract: An infusion pump has a removable reservoir including a piston and drive member. The drive member is an internally threaded elongated portion of the piston. A motor rotates a short drive screw, which engages the threads of the drive member to displace the piston in the reservoir. In one embodiment the piston is attached to the drive member by a severable central stem which breaks away to allow engagement with the drive screw. With the stem severed, the piston cannot be retracted, or the reservoir refilled. Other safety features are shown for locking the displaced piston in the reservoir. A digital metering system has a safety circuit to prevent dangerous failure modes of the rotation sensor and motor drive systems.

Abstract: A detector and counter for drainage devices is provided which will detect the passage of air through an underwater seal chamber. A signal is transmitted as a result of the detection of the presence of air or a bubble within an underwater seal chamber and an output circuit responsive to these signals measures the time interval between bubbles. In addition, a counter counts the total number of bubbles passing through the underwater seal over a selected period of time. The bubble detector when used with a pleural drainage device provides a diagnostic tool for a physican in determining the condition of a patient with a pleural air leak by indicating the elapsed time between bubbles and the total volume of air leak over the selected period of time.

Abstract: A bio-medical injector apparatus comprising a base unit having a skin engaging portion disposed at an angular orientation with respect to the longitudinal axis of the base unit for supporting and maintaining a hypodermic needle at an optimum angular orientation for effecting an injection procedure, a carriage assembly reciprocally mounted on the base unit and carrying the hypodermic needle simultaneously therewith, a motor drive unit operably connected with the hypodermic needle for the preloading thereof with a suitable medication, a solenoid secured to the base unit and operably connected with the carriage assembly for a controlled reciprocation thereof for effecting the injection operation of the needle, and an electronic circuitry operably connected between a power supply and the motor drive and the solenoid for creating the logic necessary to perform the functions of the injector apparatus.

Abstract: A flow status monitoring method is disclosed for a gravity flow metering system employing a metering chamber separated by a movable diaphragm into two compartments, each with a valved inlet and valved outlet. The system alternately opens pairs of valves on opposite sides of the diaphragm at preselected time intervals to deliver a fixed increment of fluid. Each preselected interval is divided into a series of discrete sub-intervals, and flow monitoring information is generated by displaying a a discrete indicator representative of the sub-interval in which movement of the diaphragm across the chamber is completed.

Abstract: In combination with a blood reservoir, a blood volume detecting apparatus is used to ensure safe operation of the reservoir which includes a conduit in fluid communication with a lower part of said blood reservoir, a diaphragm associated with the other end of the conduit and movable by a differential hydraulic pressure applied by the blood through the conduit, and means for detecting the swelling and contracting movement of the diaphragm.

Abstract: An intravenous drip rate control device includes a trough in the rear face of the housing for receiving intravenous tubing. The intravenous tubing is placed within the trough between and in functional communication with a pair of resilient bands. A cam driven by a reversible DC motor moves a lever between a first and second position. In the first position, a blade extending upwardly from the lever is capable of contacting and engaging the tubing and restricting the tubing opening. A tubing door is pivotable about the rear face of the housing between an open and closed position. In the closed position, a plastic material layer extending downwardly from the tubing door contacts and engages the tubing to restrict the tube opening and also provides support for the tubing when the blade applies an upward force on the tubing. The resilient bands ensure minimal "plastic flow" of the tubing and constantly resist the tendency of the side walls of the tubing to extend out and thus the tubing to flatten out.

Abstract: An IV fluid control system having an IV set and a control device (such as an IV controller or fusion pump) includes a flow sensor which senses the flow of fluid through the IV set. Fluid runaway is prevented by an interlock which prevents removal of the IV set from the control device unless the fluid flow through the IV set is stopped. As a result, the medical personnel must clamp the outlet tubing of the IV set to stop fluid flow before removing the IV set from the control device.

Abstract: A disposable pinch valve assembly for parenteral solution delivery systems comprises a two-piece tubing receptor housing hingedly connected and with an irreversible snap connection which will not permit removal of the device from parenteral tubing after assembly. A back section has an integral movable pressure plate attached to the housing by integral flexible web connectors. When the movable plate is actuated toward the stationary press surface, tubing is pinched therebetween and the cross-section area of the flow passage through the tubing is reduced. The movable pressure plate is designed to engage a actuator connector which engages the device with a motor-driven actuator in an axially sliding engagement.

Abstract: Bubble detecting infusion apparatus for infusing a liquid from a source into a patient through the lumen of a light transmissive conduit member, which lumen has a flat wall surface portion contacted by the liquid in the lumen, the conduit member having an operative position within a yoke in which it is removable disposed, the yoke having a light source for directing a light beam through the conduit member wall toward the flat lumen wall surface portion thereof and having a light sensor positioned to receive light from the source reflected through the conduit member wall by the flat lumen wall surface portion, the angularity between the incident light beam and the normal to the flat lumen wall surface portion being such that when a gas bubble is in contact with the lumen flat wall surface portion, substantially all light from the source incident thereon is reflected by said surface portion toward the light sensor, and when a bubble-free liquid is in contact with the lumen flat wall surface portion, said surfac

Abstract: A small, light weight, battery operated, fixed speed syringe infusion pump is capable of being IV pole mounted. A disposable syringe is secured in a snap-in holder and the syringe plunger is moved by a pusher. The pusher is advanced to the syringe plunger by squeezing a finger tab. This simultaneously decouples the pusher from the internal drive and opens the antisiphon catch to allow quick and easy set-up. To initiate flow, a switch is moved to the "on" position. The pusher is moved by the engagement of a nut on a threaded lead screw. The lead screw is rotated, through appropriate gearing, by a direct current motor. A force sensing system is included as part of the syringe holder and is used to detect end of syringe and occlusion. Visual indicators and audio alarms for infusion and warning and to sense condition of the batteries are provided.

Abstract: For the supply, control or taking of a medium contained in an implanted container the valve has a valve body (2) in which the flow channel (3) is formed by two pocket bores running into each other at an angle. The first pocket bore serves as an introduction channel (5) for the injection needle (15) and is outwardly provided with a conical widening (4). Into the second pocket bore (6) a particularly spherical closure member (7) is inserted which projects into the introduction channel (5) in the closed condition and whose part protruding into a chamber (11) connected with the container is acted upon by an elastic element (9). Preferably an O-ring sunk into an annular groove of the second pocket bore (6) serves as valve seat (8) for the closure member (7).

Abstract: The present invention provides a fast, efficient, precise method and apparatus for compounding solutions for use in hyperalimentation therapy. The apparatus includes a controller for entering the volume and specific gravity of the solution to be compounded.A load cell monitors the weight of the solutions that have been transferred to a collection vessel and in connection with the controller thereby maintains the precise amount of each therein. The controller also surveys various process conditions and warns of any failure of those conditions. Peristaltic pumps are used for the delivery of the compounding solution to maintain the solutions in a sterile condition.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting the presence of gas bubbles passing through an infusion tube (10). Sensing means (24, 26) responsive to fluid flow through the infusion tube develop a signal having a characteristic representative of a gas bubble to start a counter (28) which counts timing signals which also drive the pumping means (12, 14, 22) which force infusion liquid through the infusion tube. After a predetermined number of timing signals have been counted corresponding to a gas bubble having a size which may cause injury to a patient being infused, an alarm (30) is actuated.

Abstract: A microprocessor-based controller for regulating the operation of a fluid pump motor is disclosed, wherein the controller includes a protection circuit which prevents fluid over- or under-delivery conditions from occurring by shutting down the pump motor whenever the actual speed of the pump motor differs from a desired pump motor speed by more than a predetermined amount. A simulation means interconnected with the protection circuit simulates fluid over- or under-delivery conditions to test the accuracy of protection circuit operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides an accurate method and apparatus for monitoring the drop flow rate from a fluid source. The method and apparatus allows for an intermittent drop flow rate by accumulating a weighted drop period rate error factor which is adjusted for each drop period detected.A drop period window is adjusted by each drop period and is utilized to determine if the current drop period is within the window indicating a normal operation. Drop periods outside the window cause a factor to be added to the accumulated error factor and drop periods within the window cause a factor to be subtracted from the accumulated error factor. This allows good periods to offset bad periods, so that minor fluctuations in the drop periods during normal operation can be ignored.

Abstract: A combination load and latch mechanism for fluid flow control apparatus, wherein a latch mounted for pivotal movement may be manually opened to disengage an electromechanical manipulating device to permit loading or unloading a feeding tube, the latch automatically closing and the device re-engaging upon release of the latch. The latch includes a slotted side wall that defines a retaining surface for capturing the tube relative to the manipulating device, and a cam surface upon which the tube acts during loading to cam the latch open. Means are included for sensing movement of the latch prior to any disengagement of the manipulating device.

Abstract: An apparatus for the continuous flow fractionation of whole blood incorporates motor driven whole blood, anticoagulant and replacement pumps, negative and positive pressure monitors, and a dual bubble detector which function in conjunction with a disposable single-use flow system and a hollow fiber filter to separate and collect plasma from whole blood. Operation of the pump motors, pressure monitors and bubble detector is controlled by a control circuit within the apparatus to provide one of several operator-selected operating modes, including run, prime and reinfuse modes. The control circuit provides an alarm which can be cancelled by the operator when certain system parameters fall outside of normal operating limits, and interrupts operation of the pumps when the parameters exceed maximum limits. A failsafe circuit independent of the control circuits interrupts power to the pump motors in the event the motors do not stop upon detection of a bubble or fluid absence in the flow system.

Abstract: A system for sensing flow faults in a membrane system for intravenous fluid introduction is provided. A scanner is pulsed to generate reflected energy signals representative of the position of a membrane within a chamber. The scanner is pulsed both before and after the membrane is commanded to move within the chamber. The signals are then compared by an electronic circuit to determine the difference between them. If there exists a sufficiently large difference between the signals, this indicates that the membrane is moving in response to the command signals and the system is functioning properly. If there exists little or no difference between the signals, this indicates that there is a flow fault in the system, and an alarm is sounded.

Abstract: A needless vacuum-compression injector stabilizes a nozzle over the tissue to be penetrated by means of a continuous vacuum applied to an annular area surrounding the point of penetration. The vacuum draws the tissue toward the annular region and immobilizes the tissue over the nozzle without puncturing the tissue and without substantially displacing the tissue from its initial condition. Pressurized gas is used to express a medicament through an orifice in the nozzle and into the immobilized tissue.

Abstract: A parenteral solution administration system having a conduit for communication with a source of parenteral solution, a drip chamber carried by the conduit, drop detector circuit for detecting drops falling through the drip chamber and flow control circuit including an occlusion device moving between first and second positions for opening and closing the conduit. Feedback circuit is provided for controlling the flow control circuit to cause the rate of drops falling through the drip chamber, as sensed by the drop detector circuit, to correspond to a predetermined drop rate. The occlusion device is preferably operated by a stepper motor, and the system is disengagable so that at the occurrence of a predetermined circumstance, the occlusion device can be disengaged from the motor circuit and can be moved without corresponding action of the motor circuit.

Abstract: A system for injecting fluid into a patient and monitoring the blood pressure of the patient comprising an injector for incrementally injecting the fluid through a delivery tube into the vascular system of the patient at selected prescribed rates with display means and rate indicator means generating an output indicative of the rate of fluid injection connected to the display means for visually displaying the rate at which the fluid is being injected; a blood pressure monitor including transducer means communicating with the vascular system of the patient through the delivery tube on the injector for providing an output indicative of the patient's blood pressure and pressure detector means responsive to the output of the transducer means to generate an output indicative of the systolic and diastolic blood pressures of the patient; and mounting means for selectively mounting the blood pressure monitor on the injector and including connector means connecting the output of the pressure detector means in the bloo