Means For Controlling Material Flow To Or From Body, Or Metering A Predetermined Dose Or Amount Patents (Class 604/246)
  • Patent number: 8029468
    Abstract: A dual reservoir fluid dispensing apparatus for use in controllably dispensing fluid medicaments, such as antibiotics, analgesics and like medicinal agents from either or both of the device reservoirs. The fluid dispensing apparatus includes novel fill means for selectively filling each of the reservoirs with the same or different medicaments that are to be dispensed to the patient. Stored energy sources are provided in the form of a pair of constant force spring members of novel design that provide the force necessary to continuously and substantially uniformly expel fluid from the reservoirs. The apparatus also includes novel adjustable flow rate assemblies that are disposed intermediate the outlet port of the fluid reservoirs and the outlet port of the device for precisely controlling the rate of fluid flow from the outlet port toward the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: BioQuiddity, Inc.
    Inventors: Marshall S. Kriesel, Joshua W. Kriesel, Alan D. Langerud
  • Patent number: 8029480
    Abstract: An injection volume regulating device for liquid medicine, including a fixing member, a regulating member, a passage recess-sealing member, an outflow hole-sealing member, and a fastening member. The fixing member includes an inlet connected to a medicine supply hose, an inflow hole to deliver the medicine to the regulating device, an outflow hole to be supplied with the medicine from the regulating member, an outlet to discharge the medicine to the hose to allow the medicine to be supplied to a needle, and an insertion hole to be equipped with the fastening member. The regulating member includes a passage recess that is connected to the inflow hole, a liquid medicine-delivering groove connected to the outflow hole, and an insertion hole to be equipped with the fastening member. The passage recess-sealing member communicates the inflow hole with the passage recess. The fastening member fastens the fixing member to the regulating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Meinntech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sang-Bin Lee
  • Patent number: 8025645
    Abstract: A clamp guard (10,110,210, . . . ) for securing to flexible tubing (50) such as catheters and their extension tubes and about a clamp (60) therealong for housing the clamp at least when the clamp is in a tubing-clamping state, to prevent inadvertent contact of the clamp by a foreign body and undesirable unclamping of the clamp. The clamp guard is removable from around the clamp when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Medical Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Chesnin, John Stephens
  • Publication number: 20110230823
    Abstract: A valve mechanism for a suction or irrigation instrument, that includes a first tubular housing provided with at least one first distal conduit assembly for coupling to the instrument, and a conduit for communicating with a suction or irrigation source. The conduit assembly includes at least first and second proximal conduits, and a first piston movably arranged in the first tubular housing between first and second positions. The first piston has a first through-opening intersecting the longitudinal axis of the first piston, wherein upon movement of the first piston into the first position the first through-opening opens a pathway between the at least one first distal conduit and the first proximal conduit, and upon movement of the first piston into the second position the first through-opening opens a pathway through the at least one first distal conduit and the second proximal conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventor: Jesper Schantz Simonsen
  • Patent number: 8021334
    Abstract: A drug delivery device (10) includes a pressurized reservoir (14) in communication with a flow path to an outlet (12). The flow path includes two normally-closed valves (16, 18) and a flow restriction (18). A pressure measurement arrangement (22) measures a differential fluid pressure between two points (24, 26) along the flow path which span at least part of the flow restriction (18), one of the points being between the valves (16, 18). A controller (28) selectively opens the valves (16,18) to deliver a defined quantity of the liquid medicament to the outlet (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: NiLiMedix Ltd.
    Inventor: Avraham Shekalim
  • Patent number: 8021342
    Abstract: A liquid medication dispenser includes a housing that has open top and bottom. The housing includes a central channel and a plurality of internal compartments disposed around the central channel. Each internal compartment is configured to hold liquid medication. The central channel is provided with symmetrically disposed bottom apertures configured to open into respective internal compartments. A shaft is configured to rotate and advance within the central channel. The shaft has a bottom hollow portion and at least one lateral aperture thereon configured to align with each one of the bottom channel apertures. The lateral shaft aperture aligns with a respective bottom channel aperture to allow transfer of liquid medication under gravity from the corresponding internal compartment into the bottom hollow portion of the shaft. The bottom hollow portion is apertured at one end to allow for transferred liquid medication to drip out of the dispenser in a controlled fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Inventors: Deborah Girgis, Victoria Lombardi
  • Publication number: 20110224624
    Abstract: The invention relates to a valve, which is fixedly connected to a catheter-like or charging valve-like medical installation for supplying drugs to a patient through a blood vessel or for withdrawing a body fluid from a blood vessel, with a blocking device being provided on the valve, ensuring trouble-free retraction of the medical installation from the vessel or replacement of the medical installation. This is preferably a three-way valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventor: Johan-Christoph Geller
  • Publication number: 20110224644
    Abstract: A dosing unit for an ambulatory infusion device and a method of operation are disclosed. The dosing unit includes a stationary member, a movable member, and a plunger. The movable member and the stationary member, together, make a charging valve and a discharging valve. The plunger is located, at least in part, in a metering cavity of the movable member and the movable member is adapted to selectively couple and decouple a driving unit, such that, by operating the driving unit with the movable member being coupled with the driving unit, the movable member moves with the plunger to maintain a position of the plunger relative to the movable member along a displacement axis, and by operating the driving unit with the movable member being decoupled from the driving unit, the plunger is displaced while the position of the movable member is maintained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS INTERNATIONAL LTD.
    Inventors: Ulrich Haueter, Martin Wyss, Florian Kuehni
  • Patent number: 8016798
    Abstract: A fluid delivery system capable of delivering a precise amount of fluid, such as a fluid required for medical treatment. The delivery system makes use of an inline sensing unit that includes a housing comprising an inlet for receiving a fluid from a fluid source, an outlet for discharging the fluid from the housing, and at least one cavity between the inlet and the outlet. A sensing element and electronic circuitry are disposed within the at least one cavity. The electronic circuitry is adapted to produce an electrical output based on at least one response of the sensing element. The sensing unit is further equipped with a communication element for providing communication between the electronic circuitry and an electronic device remote from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Integrated Sensing Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Ray Sparks, Nader Najafi
  • Patent number: 8012134
    Abstract: A dialysis valve includes a tube attached between an artery and a vein which, when elongated, simultaneously narrows in diameter at at least one location. The narrowed portion of the tube decreases the volume and velocity between the arterial and venous side of the patient to prevent damage or intimal hyperplasia on the venous side between dialysis treatments. When the valve is opened for dialysis, an unrestricted blood flow exists between the arterial and venous side, permitting a controlled, open blood flow during dialysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: INTERRAD Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Claude, Edward A. Barlow, David W. Hunter, Michael S. Rosenberg
  • Publication number: 20110208020
    Abstract: A system for perfusion management that monitors, maintains, diagnoses, or treats perfusion deficiencies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventor: Lowell L. Wood, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110208127
    Abstract: A dosing device for an infusion system comprises a dosing unit having a variable volume and at least one opening in fluid connection with the variable volume, through which opening the variable volume can be filled with a substance or the substance can be dispensed from the variable volume. The dosing device is operable in a first state for filling the substance from a supply conduit, in a second state for preventing filling and dispensing, or in a third state for dispensing through a dispensing conduit. No direct fluid connection exists between the supply conduit and the dispensing conduit at any time. Methods for dosing a substance with the dosing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: Ulrich Haueter, Florian Kuehni
  • Patent number: 8002749
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve collar, a rotatable valve control member, and a flexible valve member disposed therebetween. The valve control member and the valve collar are aligned to define an elongated passageway, and the flexible valve member is disposed along the passageway. The valve collar is structured such that at least a portion thereof is capable of radial flexure upon engagement with a mechanism on the rotatable valve control member. One end of the valve member is secured to the valve collar, and the other end is secured to the rotatable valve control member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Edwin E. Macatangay, William L. Howat
  • Publication number: 20110196282
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for autoretroperfusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: CVDevices, LLC (a California limited liability company)
    Inventor: Ghassan S. Kassab
  • Publication number: 20110196305
    Abstract: A disclosed flow rate control apparatus includes a first substrate, a second substrate partially bonded to the first substrate, and a piezoelectric material. The first substrate includes a separation section separating first and second flow paths in the first substrate, the piezoelectric material is adhered to an upper surface of the second substrate above the separation section, and the first substrate is not bonded to the second substrate near the separation section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventor: Seiichi Katoh
  • Patent number: 7993304
    Abstract: A compact fluid dispenser for use in controllably dispensing fluid medicaments, such as antibiotics, blood clotting agents, analgesics, and like medicinal agents from collapsible containers at a uniform rate. The dispenser includes a novel stored energy source that is provided in the form of a compressible-expandable member that functions to continuously and uniformly expel fluid from the apparatus reservoir. The apparatus further includes a novel fluid flow control assembly that precisely controls the flow of the medicament solutions from the apparatus reservoir to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: BioQuiddity, Inc.
    Inventors: Marshall S. Kriesel, Joshua W. Kriesel
  • Patent number: 7981090
    Abstract: A luer activated device for infusing and aspirating fluids to and from a variety of fluid systems. The luer activated device includes a housing and employs a variety of valves that permit and prevent the transfer of fluids through the housing into or out of various fluid systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Michael Plishka, Anthony D. Friend, Vincent C. Desecki, Steven C. Jepson
  • Publication number: 20110172601
    Abstract: A bladder arrangement is provided for a microneedle-based drug delivery device. The bladder arrangement includes a flexible membrane having an inner surface, an outer surface and an outer periphery. A bladder member, having a rigidity greater than the flexible membrane, includes an inner surface, an outer surface and an outer periphery. The inner surface of the flexible membrane and the inner surface of the bladder member define a chamber for receiving a drug therein. At least one microneedle is operatively connected to the bladder member. The at least one microneedle has an input and an output receivable within the individual. A valve operatively connects the input of the at least one microneedle and the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventors: David J. Beebe, Benjamin J. Moga, Kent B. Chase, Garrick D.S. Smith, Jake W. Myre
  • Patent number: 7976513
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for preventing free flow through an infusion set utilizes an occluder disposed within the infusion set to selectively prevent flow therethrough. The occluder may be responsive to a pressure differential within the infusion set or may respond to compression of the infusion set. When a pair of occluders are used in sequence, an in-line pump may be formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Zevex, Inc.
    Inventors: David Cise, David J. McNally, Kent F. Beck
  • Patent number: 7976514
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an injection device (1) comprising:—a container (5) receiving a product, and provided with an injection needle (6),—a housing (9, 11) receiving said container, said container being movable relative to said housing between an initial position, an insertion position, and a final position,—retaining means (12, 15), for maintaining said container in said insertion position,—deactivating means (20), for releasing said retaining means, said device being characterized in that it comprises:—temporizing means (19, 26, 27), for controlling the release of said retaining means until substantially all of the product contained within said container has passed through said injection needle before said container moves to said final position, and—a needle shield (2) coupled with said housing (9, 11) removal of said needle shield being with limited or no rotation of said needle shield. The invention also concerns a kit comprising such a device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Herve Abry, Franck Carrel, Guillaume Grunhut, Lionel Maritan, Frederic Perot
  • Patent number: 7972307
    Abstract: An introducer assembly includes a sheath having a sheath proximal end and distal end, and a passage therethrough. The introducer assembly further includes a valve assembly that is sealingly associated with the passage of the sheath. The valve assembly includes a valve having a first seal and a second seal, where the first and second seal optionally have different sealing properties. For example, the first seal and the second seal have different thicknesses, different sealing durometers, or otherwise different sealing features. In another option, the sheath is removable from the instrument disposed therethrough. In yet another option, the valve of the valve assembly further includes a chamber disposed between the first and second seals. The seals are spaced to accommodate devices with multiple flow holes therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Greatbatch Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark C. Kraus, Grant A Mauch
  • Publication number: 20110160679
    Abstract: A medical port includes a disc-shaped valve 1 in which an insertion hole is formed in a central portion 1a, a base seat 7 that supports the valve from a lower surface side, and a cover 2 that has a fitting hole exposing an upper surface of the central portion of the valve and covers at least a peripheral edge of the valve from the upper surface side, the fitting hole being formed so that when an inserting body has been inserted into the insertion hole, a fit between the inserting body and the fitting hole can cause the inserting body to be locked against the cover. An annular protrusion 1d is formed in the valve 1, the annular protrusion being continuous in the circumferential direction, and formed in the valve 1 so that in the state in which the inserting body is locked against the cover, the annular protrusion is in contact with an outer circumferential surface of a leading end portion of the inserting body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: JMS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tadashi Okiyama, Hitoshi Tachizaki
  • Patent number: 7967797
    Abstract: An intravascular valve component broadly includes a valve case and a flexible pressure-actuated flow control valve. The valve case includes attached proximal and distal case portions that present respective spaced apart fluid ports and a fluid passageway extending between the ports. The flexible pressure-actuated flow control valve is disposed within the fluid passageway and includes a slitted central valve wall and an annular flange surrounding the central valve wall. The annular flange includes a radially-extending flange wall and a projection extending axially from the flange wall, with the projection engaging one of the case portions to restrict radial movement of the flow control valve relative to the valve case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Nexus Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Winsor, W. Cary Dikeman, Larry C. Smith
  • Publication number: 20110152786
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a sterilized medical device including a non-polymerized blend including a silicone matrix material and a radiation resistant component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: SAINT-GOBAIN PERFORMANCE PLASTICS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Mark W. Simon
  • Publication number: 20110152787
    Abstract: A connector for transferring fluid and method therefor. The connector may have a first port, a second port, and a third port which may be coupled together at a main channel with a first valve element therein controlling fluid flow through the first port. The first valve element is supported by a valve element support positioned between the first port and the third port, and the second port joins the main channel to provide a fluid path around the first valve element and through the third port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: CareFusion 303, Inc.
    Inventors: Tim L. Truitt, Alex Truman Mazza, Cliff Colwell
  • Patent number: 7963950
    Abstract: A blood sampling device for allowing a fluid pressure measurement and a fluid sample to be taken from a patient, having an inlet port configured to receive blood from the patient, an outlet port configured to be coupled to a monitoring channel having an infusion fluid, a sampling port configured for extraction of blood from the patient, a sampling channel configured to self-flush, after extraction, the blood with the infusion fluid, and an auxiliary channel for self-flushing the sampling channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventor: James R. Madonia
  • Publication number: 20110144585
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drug delivery device (1, 100), in particular for the delivery of drugs comprising molecules tending to spontaneously form nucleation seeds leading to fibrils, comprising a drug reservoir (2, 102) having a reservoir outlet (107) connected to a device outlet, adapted to deliver a drug fluid to a patient's body, through a pathway (5) including a fluid flow controlling system (4, 104). The pathway further includes a filtration module (6, 106) adapted to retain the nucleation seeds, preferably by forcing them through a filtering membrane pores and on the basis of hydrophobic interaction with the membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Francois Bianchi, Christophe Conan
  • Publication number: 20110144619
    Abstract: Embodiments of an implantable device for delivering a therapeutic agent to a patient include a reservoir configured to contain a liquid comprising the therapeutic agent, and a cannula in fluid communication with the reservoir. A valve for maintaining a constant flow rate through the cannula independent of the pressure applied to the device may be included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: The University of Southern California
    Inventors: Ellis MENG, Yu-Chong Tai, Mark S. Humayun, Rajat Agrawal, Ronalee Lo, Jason Shih, Kenrick Kuwahara, Po-Ying Li, Damien Rodger, Po-Jui Chen
  • Patent number: 7959614
    Abstract: A pressure actuated flow control valve for an infusion catheter permits gravity flow of a liquid through the catheter and into a patient while resisting back flow of blood from the patient and into the catheter. The valve has a hemispherical body with an outstanding circumferential flange and a normally closed, diametric slit. The slit is longer on the convex outer surface than on the concave inner surface. Dome thickness diminishes in the area adjacent the slit, reducing total apical deflection upon collapse of the slit toward the concave surface. An inner orthogonal rib biases the slit closed. Upon application of a predetermined pressure, the slit opens toward the concave surface to permit forward fluid flow. At lower pressures, the slit closes to check fluid flow. Greater reverse pressure is required to collapse the slit toward the concave surface to permit reverse fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Nexus Medical, LLC
    Inventors: W. Cary Dikeman, Thomas J. Solomon, Kerry L. Spiker
  • Publication number: 20110137255
    Abstract: A medical device is provided comprising a transcutaneous device unit and a reservoir unit. The transcutaneous device unit comprises a transcutaneous device for transporting a fluid through a skin portion of a subject, and a mounting surface adapted for application to the skin of the subject. The reservoir unit comprises a reservoir adapted to contain a fluid drug, the reservoir comprising an outlet means allowing the transcutaneous device to be arranged in fluid communication with an interior of the reservoir, and an expelling assembly for expelling a fluid drug out of the reservoir and through the skin of the subject via the transcutaneous device. The transcutaneous device unit and the reservoir unit further comprise coupling means allowing the reservoir unit to be secured to the transcutaneous device unit in the situation of use. By this arrangement a two-unit system is provided which can be used in a convenient and cost-effective manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: Novo Nordisk A/S
    Inventors: Ole Christian Nielsen, Jim Radmer, Jan Harald Preuthun
  • Publication number: 20110130657
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided that is useful in an embolization procedure and enables substantially unrestricted forward flow of blood in a vessel and reduces or stops reflux (regurgitation or backward flow) of embolization agents which are introduced into the blood. A method of using the apparatus is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventors: James E. Chomas, Leonard Pinchuk, John Martin, Aravind Arepally
  • Patent number: 7947018
    Abstract: A medical device having a vascular access device including a rotationally activated flow control valve having, a body including a distal adapter and a proximal adapter defining a lumen extending therethrough and a septum. A method of use in which the connection of first and second medical devices results in the automatic activation of the rotational flow control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventor: Austin Jason McKinnon
  • Publication number: 20110112508
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to drug delivery devices, systems, and methods. In some aspects, a drug delivery device includes an elongate member defining a fluid passage and an opening in fluid communication with the fluid passage, and a projection extending radially from the elongate member. A portion of the elongate member extending axially from the projection to a distal end of the elongate member has a length sufficient to allow the distal end of the elongate member to reach subdermal tissue of a patient when the elongate member is inserted into the patient and the projection is in contact with an outer surface of skin of the patient, and the opening is positioned at a location along the elongate member such that the opening is disposed within a dermis of the patient when the elongate member is inserted into the patient and the projection is in contact with the outer surface of the skin of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventor: David Panzirer
  • Publication number: 20110112488
    Abstract: A medical apparatus for controlling a flow includes: an internal pipe member which has a pipe shape and uniform inner and outer diameters; an external pipe member which has an inner diameter which is more uniform and larger than the outer diameter of the internal pipe member; and a housing means which fixes and supports the internal and external pipe members so that a part of the internal pipe member is inserted into and overlaps with the external pipe member to maintain a uniform gap from an inner wall of the external pipe member in the overlapping part between the internal and external pipe members and which forms a flow path through which a liquid, such as a medicine or the like, supplied from the outside flows into the internal pipe member, moves to a surrounding part of the external pipe member through the uniform gap, and flows out to the outside or flows inversely, wherein the liquid flows at a flow velocity determined according to a length of the overlapping part between the internal and external pipe
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventor: Hyun Bai Shu
  • Patent number: 7938809
    Abstract: A hemostasis valve apparatus having a quick release apparatus that allows for the exchange of guidewires and other medical instruments into a patient's vasculature while controlling the flow of blood during the exchange. The quick release capability allows tools and instruments to be introduced and removed from the patient's body in a quick and efficient manner without requiring undue attention or manipulation. The quick release capability comprises a lever mechanism which selectively seals or unseals a lumen of the hemostasis valve apparatus. The hemostasis valve apparatus can include a supplemental securement valve assembly which provides a secondary mechanism to secure an instrument positioned in the hemostasis valve and/or control the flow of blood from during the procedure. According to yet another aspect, the quick release mechanism allows for access to the lumen of the hemostasis valve apparatus when the quick release mechanism is in both a released and secured position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Merit Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred P. Lampropoulos, Brian W. Stevens
  • Publication number: 20110106048
    Abstract: A fluid flow rate control system and method comprises a capillary tube having a proximal end that projects into a chamber with a cross-sectional area that is larger than or equal to the fluid supply tube's cross-sectional area. The inner cross-sectional area of the capillary tube is configured less than the inner cross-sectional area of the chamber. The chamber has a volume large enough to slow the fluid conducted to it by the upstream fluid line to permit contaminants to fall out of solution. In another aspect, a sleeve is used to mount the capillary tube into the chamber. The sleeve provides a mounting surface for tube segments from the pump and downstream of the capillary restrictor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: CareFusion 303, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan Walborn
  • Publication number: 20110098660
    Abstract: An enteral feeding device and methods of using such device to unclog a feeding tube are described herein, wherein the device includes a first tube having a distal end and a proximal end. The first tube defines a feeding lumen that extends longitudinally through at least a portion of the first tube. The first tube has at least one distal opening capable of allowing introduction of nutrients and/or medicaments from within the feeding lumen through the opening into a gastrointestinal area of a patient when the enteral feeding tube is implanted in a patient. The device also has a wall having a distal end and a proximal end, which extends longitudinally within at least a portion of the first tube. The wall has an exterior surface and an interior surface. At least a portion of the exterior surface of the wall contacts the feeding lumen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventor: Louis O. Porreca, JR.
  • Patent number: 7931642
    Abstract: Infusion pump for the delivery of a quantity of a medicament to the body of a patient determinable by means of an electronic control device, the pump being provided with a computer for calculating the maximum permitted administration quantity for each case as a function of the previously delivered quantity and with a blocking device for preventing further administration of the medicament on exceeding a predetermined, permitted maximum value, in which the computer determines the quantity or concentration of the active substance in the body of the patient resulting from the delivered medicament quantity and its breaking down in the body and compares it with the predetermined maximum value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Codman Neuro Sciences Sarl
    Inventor: Jan G. Tonnies
  • Publication number: 20110092967
    Abstract: A method and system for delivering coolant to a medical device having an expandable element, a guidewire lumen movable within the medical device, and an actuator element coupled to the guidewire lumen for manipulation of longitudinal movement thereof is provided, including transferring a fluid from a console to the medical device to inflate the expandable element; manipulating the actuator element, and initiating a predetermined fluid control sequence of the console in response to the manipulation of the actuator element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC CRYOCATH LP
    Inventors: Daniel HARVEY-PONCELET, Teresa Ann MIHALIK
  • Publication number: 20110092892
    Abstract: The present invention provides a body passage cleansing device suitable for being passed through an internal channel of an endoscope, comprising a distal plug having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein said plug comprises channels, apertures and/or nozzles which are capable of allowing the passage of a fluid therethrough from said proximal end to said distal end, wherein said plug is connected to the distal end of a wire or other actuating means; wherein at least an outer portion of said distal plug is capable of being elastically deformed such that the external diameter and/or outline thereof may be reduced in response to inwardly-directed compression forces exerted thereon; and wherein said channels, apertures and/or nozzles are in a closed conformation when said distal plug is subject to said compression forces, and in an open conformation when said plug is not subject to said compression forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: JETPREP LTD.
    Inventors: David Nitsan, Shay DUBI, Nadav BEN-DA'AT, Anat KEREM-ANGEL, Jacek KRZYZANOWSKI
  • Patent number: 7922700
    Abstract: In general, this disclosure relates to techniques for sealing, or pinching, high-pressure fluid tubing (e.g., braided tubing) that may be used to deliver medical fluid from a powered medical fluid injection device, such as an injector that delivers contrast media and/or saline during angiographic or computed tomography (CT) procedures. In some cases, one or more low-friction, solenoid-based pinch valve mechanisms may be used. One example powered medical fluid injection device comprises an injector head and at least one pinch valve mechanism that is coupled to the injector head. The at least one pinch valve mechanism comprises a plunger, a reciprocating arm driven by the plunger, and a tube pinching area. The at least one pinch valve mechanism, when deactivated by the injector head, is configured to cause the reciprocating arm to pinch fluid tubing that runs through the tube pinching area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Acist Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Evans, Marty Hieb, Khoi Le, Chris Lins, Steven Paul Plager, Bill West, Darryl T. Wrolson
  • Publication number: 20110077603
    Abstract: A device for nasal lavage is described. The device ejects a gentle flow of fluid under pressure. The fluid stream provides a high quantity of fluid at low pressure. The low pressure fluid stream is more comfortable for a user than a high pressure fluid stream that are delivered by some types of pressurized cans of solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventor: Ketan C. Mehta
  • Publication number: 20110077682
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition comprising a plurality of small, liquid-expandable articles and their use to induce hemostasis when applied to bleeding wounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Kenton W. Gregory, Lauryn L. Baranowski, Arjun Kalyanpur, Seanna Vine, Grant Blackwell, Benjamin Margolis, Steven Dell
  • Patent number: 7914502
    Abstract: A gland member within a medical valve is configured to have a substantially consistent or enlarging internal volume as the valve transitions from a closed mode to an open mode. To that end, the valve has a housing forming an interior containing a flow path, and a stationary post member within the interior. The post member has a lumen that is a part of the flow path. The lumen has an opening to the interior of the housing. The valve further includes a gland member circumscribing the post member to produce a variable volume region formed at least in part between the gland member itself and the post member. In addition, the variable volume region is a part of the flow path, while the gland member occludes the post lumen opening when in the closed mode. The variable volume region has an open volume (i.e., when the valve is in the open mode) that is no less than its closed volume (i.e., when the valve is in the closed mode).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Nypro Inc.
    Inventors: Brian L. Newton, Andrew L. Cote, Sr., Charles F. Ganem, David B. Woyak, Richard T. Boisjoly
  • Patent number: 7914482
    Abstract: An apparatus and method to suppress vacuum surges in a surgical aspiration system is disclosed and claimed. A vacuum surge suppressor includes a first fluid path for coupling to a surgical instrument, and a filter attached to the first fluid path. A flow restrictor is coupled to the filter with the filter disposed upstream of the flow restrictor. The vacuum surge suppressor also includes a second fluid path for coupling to a vacuum pump. The second fluid path is connected to the flow restrictor and disposed downstream of the flow restrictor. The second fluid path defines a path internal pressure. A third fluid path is coupled to the filter and is connected to the second fluid path, bypassing the flow restrictor. A valve in the third fluid path obstructs flow in the third fluid path in response to the path internal pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Dana LLC
    Inventors: Alex Urich, Armand Maaskamp
  • Publication number: 20110071496
    Abstract: A system for moving particles suspended in a first fluid, and for infusing them into the stream of a second fluid, includes a catheter with a multi-lumen distal tip. The tip is formed with a plurality of parallel lumens, wherein each lumen has a predetermined diameter. Importantly, the diameter of each lumen is dimensioned to sequentially receive particles therethrough, to prevent the particles from flocculating before they enter the stream of the second fluid. A valve, affixed to the outside of the catheter, can be provided to regulate flow of the second fluid and thereby facilitate entry of the particles into the stream of the second fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventor: Nabil Dib
  • Publication number: 20110065997
    Abstract: Systems and methods provide for more efficient cleaning and sterilizing of surgical handpieces by using a removable valve assembly. The valve assembly is removable to provide access to a first suction passageway and a second suction passageway for cleaning purposes. The first suction passageway may also be removable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: James Hamer, Philip O'Quinn, Kenneth M. Adams, Randall Hacker
  • Patent number: 7905710
    Abstract: A medical pump with an improved continuity low flow delivery system and method for use with a pumping chamber, for example in a cassette, is disclosed. The pump includes a pump drive for exerting a force on the pumping chamber and a sensor for sensing the force/pressure exerted by the pump drive on the pumping chamber. The pump drive position sensor senses the position of the pump drive. The medical pump also includes a processing unit and a memory having a programming code adapted to calculate the rate of change of the sensed force/pressure values and determine whether the rate of change of the sensed force/pressure values meets a rate of change threshold. Once the rate of change threshold is met, the programming code is adapted to calculate a remaining pump drive travel value for determining how much farther the pump drive should travel before the end of an effective pump cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Hospira, Inc.
    Inventors: David T. Wang, Peter J. Scaramuzzi, Mansour A. Saleki, Robert P. Cousineau, Kent D. Abrahamson, Michael W. Lawless, Marwan A. Fathallah, Brian A. Kidd, Robert R. Boyd, Howard L. Greene, Eric R. Navin, Lori E. Lucke, Benjamin T. Mullin
  • Publication number: 20110060293
    Abstract: A valve connector for medical lines includes a tubular body having a male inlet fitting with external luer cone, which can be coupled to a female tubular fitting with internal luer cone, wherein the inlet fitting includes an internally threaded external tubular element for screwed engagement with the female fitting, and an internal tubular element that can be displaced axially from a retracted position of closing to an advanced position of opening of the valve means that control the passage of flow through the connector. The internally threaded external tubular element is free to turn, and the arrangement is such that, when it is screwed off the female fitting and the passage of flow is closed by the valve means, the external luer cone and the internal luer cone remain axially coupled to one another by friction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: INDUSTRIE BORLA S.P.A.
    Inventor: Gianni Guala
  • Publication number: 20110054440
    Abstract: A system and method for disinfecting an exposed portion of a female luer connector is disclosed. A male luer connector coupled to a male luer connector cap is provided where the male luer connector cap has a chamber containing a disinfectant and a sealing member for sealing the disinfectant in the chamber. The chamber is at least partly opened and the disinfectant exposed by movement of the sealing member. An exposed surface of a female luer connector is caused to come in contact with the disinfecting fluid in the chamber prior to the female luer connector mating with the male luer connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: CareFusion 303, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Lewis