Abstract: A venous shunt system and method adapted to shunt cerebral spinal fluid in a patient. A fluid control device having a fluid passage is adapted to be placed allowing cerebral spinal fluid to flow through the fluid passage. A catheter having a lumen, the catheter being in fluid communication with the fluid control device. At least a portion of at least one of the catheter and the fluid control device being subjected to an anti-thrombogenic treatment.

Abstract: A fluid conduit connector assembly includes a connector having a body with an inner surface defining a fluid channel. The connector also includes an inlet region for flow of fluid into the fluid channel, and an outlet region for flow of fluid from the fluid channel. The connector further includes an axial alignment member outward of the body, and a pair of flexible tabs arranged generally circumferentially of the alignment member and outward of the body. The connector can be configured as a day-side connector, transfer member with check valve, and/or patient-side connector. An implementation includes a day-side connector, a patient-side connector, and a transfer member, each of which has a pair of flexible tabs. The pairs of tabs are configured such that the transfer member releasably couples the day-side and patient-side connectors. A method for aseptically connecting a fluid conduit is also disclosed.

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.

Abstract: A valve may include (a) a housing defining a valve lumen adapted for fluid connection with a lumen of a catheter; (b) a substantially conical valve member coupled to the housing and extending across the valve lumen to control flow therethrough; (c) a plurality of slits extending through the valve member and separated from one another circumferentially around the valve member; and (d) a ramp formed within a distal end of the valve lumen extending proximally from a distal tip of the valve member toward a ramp vertex separated from the distal tip by a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A pressure responsive slit valve assembly is designed to be used in a variety of configurations of medical devices to manage contemporaneous and pressure responsive fluid communications between such devices and a plurality of fluid sources. The pressure responsive slit valve assembly of the present invention includes a valve housing adapted to receive fluids from at least two sources and a pressure responsive slit valve means corresponding to each fluid sources.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing body fluids from a body cavity by suction, such as a thorax, gastric or any other human body cavity or a wound, comprises means (9) to increase the pressure difference between a pressure in a drainage lumen (3) and a pressure in the atmosphere when an auxiliary lumen (5) is open. The apparatus enables removal of clots or other plugs of the catheter and drainage tube in an efficient and not patient disturbing way.

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.

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.

Abstract: A valve apparatus for medical applications, comprises a flexible member extending across a lumen through which a flow of materials is to be controlled. The flexible member includes a plurality of movable elements formed on opposite sides of a slit extending through the flexible member. The moveable members are biased so that when a pressure less than a predetermined threshold value is applied to the flexible member, the moveable elements are maintained in a closed position in which no flow is permitted past the flexible member and, when a pressure at least as great as the threshold value is applied to the flexible member, the moveable elements are moved to an open position separated from one another along the slit permitting flow through the lumen.

Abstract: Shunts (valves) (100) for controlled flow of bodily fluids, such as cerebrospinal fluid, include a valve actuating member (114) (such as a piston (120)) between inlet (108) and outlet (110) ports. The valve actuating member is biased toward a state wherein the valve is closed, and it includes a face adjacent the upstream side of the valve (and preferably isolated from the downstream side of the valve) whereby fluid pressure in the upstream side exerts an opening force on the face to urge the valve toward an open state. When the opening force on the valve exceeds the closing force by some amount, the valve actuating member moves the valve to the open state, allowing fluid flow through the fluid passage between the inlet and outlet ports.

Abstract: A check valve for use in a Y-site in an infusion system comprises a fixation portion configured to retain the check valve in a common lumen of the Y-site, and a flap member extending axially from the fixation portion. The flap member has an outer surface, at least a portion of which is configured to engage an internal wall of the common lumen overlying an inlet from a main lumen. In one embodiment, the flap member comprises a pocket, which surrounds surrounding the hole and any burr extending from the wall adjacent the hole. In some embodiments, the flap member is resiliently biased towards a sealed position, and can flex to allow fluid flow from the main lumen to the common lumen.

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).

Abstract: A catheter has a lumen for a thrombectomy device and at least two balloons of different compliancies. In one embodiment, the catheter is adapted to clear dialysis grafts. One balloon is adapted to expand a stenosis at a venous junction of a dialysis graft and another balloon is adapted to pull a stenosis at an arterial junction of a dialysis graft. A single catheter may be used to perform a dialysis thrombectomy procedure.

Abstract: An autoinflating catheter and balloon assembly having an autoregulating structure to prevent overinflation of the balloon as a result of variable fluid flow rates through the catheter lumen. A tight-fitting elastomeric balloon is provided on the distal end of the catheter body, and the assembly is constructed so that at least a portion of the fluid flow through the lumen is directed to the balloon to inflate it. As the balloon is inflated, more and more of the fluid flow through the catheter is discharged from the catheter, thereby preventing overinflation of the balloon.

Abstract: A valved catheter is provided which includes a slit that opens readily in both directions either when a fluid is caused to flow from the interior to the exterior thereof or when a fluid is caused to flow from the exterior to the interior thereof, and that prevents inadvertent closure thereof from the opened state. The valve includes an openable slit that penetrates from the inner surface to the outer surface of a distal end section of a valved catheter with a closed distal end, and edge portions on the two sides of the slit are formed along the direction in which the valved catheter extends. The slit includes a linear shape in the cross-section of the distal end section of the valved catheter that extends in a position away from a center line “c” that passes through the center of the valved catheter in parallel with this center line “c” whereupon, either one of the edge portions deforms more readily than either one of the other edge portions.

Abstract: A medical valve having a close mode and an open mode includes a housing having a proximal end, a distal end, and an interior. The valve also has a valve mechanism within the interior. In illustrative embodiments, the valve mechanism has a gland member and a lifter member. The lifter member moves the gland member toward the proximal end of the housing as the valve transitions from the closed mode to the open mode.

Abstract: A catheter for use in delivery or withdrawal of a formulation, wherein the catheter has an outer layer comprising a bio-compatible material and a barrier layer comprising a material that provides a more effective barrier than the outer layer against inward and outward diffusion of substances that may cause destabilization of the formulation. The catheter may include a flared distal end tip to aid in the release, during a bolus delivery or catheter flush, of any obstruction situated at the distal end tip of the catheter. The catheter may also include a slit valve at the distal end tip which has one or more and, preferably a plurality of slits that may be elastically extended to an open position by the expulsion of the formulation during an IIP pump stroke. During the interval between IIP pump strokes, the slits return to a closed position and hinder the inflow of body fluid into the distal end tip.

Abstract: A fluid control device is characterized in that the device is structured of a hollow first fluid path (21) and second fluid path (22), a housing portion (1) formed between the first fluid path and the second fluid path and having a hollow portion with a cross-sectional area larger than cross-sectional areas of both fluid paths, and a valve member (3) that has a main body (31) and a projection portion (32) that are installed in an opening portion where the first fluid path is connected to the hollow portion and that is formed of an elastic material. The fluid control device enables the circulation of liquid when the pressure of liquid flowing from the first fluid path toward the second fluid path is more than a predetermined level. The fluid control device enables accurate and safe measurement of pressure including blood pressure, and, when flushing operation of an infusion circuit etc.

Abstract: A device for administering a fluid includes a sterilization cassette having a shell, a fluid chamber, and an ultraviolet light transmitting window. An input tube directs fluid into the chamber. An ultraviolet light source is positioned to direct ultraviolet light through the window into the fluid chamber at an intensity sufficient to kill or render non-reproducible at least one species of a microorganism in the fluid while the fluid is in the chamber. An outlet tube receives fluid from the cassette and directs the fluid to a destination. The fluid is substantially uniformly exposed to the light while in the chamber. The cassette and light source are contained in a housing that prevents ultraviolet light from escaping the housing.

Abstract: A valved catheter that allows placement and withdrawal of an accessing device or attachable unit without the risk of air embolism or blood loss. In one variation, the valved catheter includes a catheter tube having a necked portion in its proximal end that forms an integral valve, the necked portion being surrounded by a compression sleeve that biases the valve in a closed position. In another variation, the valved catheter is a dual lumen catheter with a corresponding bifurcating extension for engaging the valves in the catheter in order to establish fluid communication through the catheter.

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.

Abstract: A coupling device (1) for the connection of two ends (3, 9) of respective tubular members (2, 5), allowing the contact of the flowing fluid only with elements inside a closed container, circumstances and an inherently easy connection operation, thus it can be carried out, comprising: a closed container (10) housing said ends (3, 9) of respective tubular members (2, 5), one of said tubular members having a flexible terminal section (8) thereof inside said closed container; a mobile connection member (15), coupled at the end of said flexible terminal section (8), having a nozzle (16) apt to be inserted within a receiving end of the other tubular member,—and a cam device, located inside said closed container (10) and apt to be actuated from the outside of said closed container, apt to cooperate with said mobile connection member (15), the cam device causing the insertion and the ejection of said nozzle in and from said receiving end, and the corresponding connection and the disconnection of the two ends.

Abstract: Fluid transfer devices for use in, for example, ambulatory infusion devices and infusions devices including fluid transfer devices.

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 device reservoir. The apparatus further includes a novel fluid flow control assembly that precisely controls the flow of the medicament solutions from the device reservoir to the patient.

Abstract: An irrigation system for irrigation of a body cavity, the system comprising a reservoir with an inlet for pouring liquid into the reservoir, an insertion member defining an insertion end for insertion into a body cavity through a body opening of a human being, the insertion member defining at least one opening, and a liquid tube fluidly connecting the reservoir with the insertion member, wherein the reservoir comprises front and rear walls formed of flexible, non-elastic polymer material, said walls having edges sealed together, and the reservoir comprises an upper liquid chamber and a lower liquid chamber, the two chambers being separated by a first one-way valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical device that is in the form of a catheter (3) for supplying fluid to but in particular removing fluid from body cavities. The catheter head (1) on the proximal end (4) comprises an inlet (5) that is provided with one or more sealing and/or blocking elements (6, 7) and that is used to introduce a hollow or Verres needle (18) into the catheter (3). In the region between the sealing or blocking element(s) and the region of the catheter shaft (2) that is introduced into the body, a branch connection (8 ) is arranged, said branch connection being connected to a suction pump arrangement (10) via a branch tube (9 ). Said branch tube (9) leads to a suction valve (11) that enables a fluid to flow in the direction of the suction device, but blocks the flow in the counter direction.

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. The occluder may also be configured to allow flow when the infusion set adjacent the occluder is moved sideways relative to the occluder or maintained at an angle relative to the occluder. When a pair of occluders are used in sequence, an in-line pump may be formed.

Abstract: Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to a medical connector having a backflow resistance module configured to prevent fluid from being drawn into the connector when a backflow inducing event occurs. In some embodiments, the backflow resistance module can include a variable-volume chamber configured to change in volume in response to a backflow-inducing event and a check valve configured to resist backflow. In some embodiments, the medical connector can include a fluid diverter configured to direct fluid flowing through the medical connector into the variable volume chamber to prevent fluid stagnation therein. In some embodiments, the medical connector includes a body member, a base member, a seal member, a support member, and a valve member.

Abstract: A gravity bolus feeding device having a cylindrical body with and intake valve to control or prevent flow of fluid through the feeding device. The device also has a check valve to receive fluids expelled from the patient back into the feeding device. The check valve allows such fluids to rejoin the fluid path and be re-fed to the patient, while allowing air to vent. A burp baffle for use with this or another feeding device to prevent spillage or splashing, while taking in or venting air. The burp baffle has a bottom section which snugly fits into the device, with a notch or opening near its outer periphery, allowing fluid to pass. A center section connected to the bottom section allows fluid to flow around it and into an opening generally opposite the notch. A top section covers the feeding device, and has a hole that allows fluid to vent out the top of the feeding device.

Abstract: An intravenous fluid administration apparatus may include a proximal conduit having a spiked first end for attaching to a reservoir of fluid and a second end, a distal conduit, an intermediate conduit network providing fluid communication from the proximal conduit's second end to the distal conduit and including first and second constituent conduits that provide parallel paths from the proximal conduit to the distal conduit, a flow regulator so engaged with the first constituent conduit as to enable control of fluid flow therethrough, and a pressure-responsive valve so interposed in the second constituent conduit as to permit flow from the proximal conduit to the distal conduit through the second constituent conduit when a fluid pressure difference across the valve exceeds a threshold and to prevent such flow when the difference does not exceed the threshold.

Abstract: Embodiments of luer-type needle-free valve devices are disclosed. One of the novel aspects of the invention is its ability to transform from an open state to a closed state. The open position eliminates the potential for a differential pressure to exist between the volume connected to the inlet and outlet of the valve fitting. The closed position enables the device to maintain a differential pressure between the volume connected to the inlet and outlet of the valve fitting. The invention is useful in manufacturing sterile medical devices by allowing all surfaces to communicate with the sterilizing agent when the valve is in an open configuration when it is in a closed position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self service cleaning device for woman comprising a handle and a flexible conduit. The handle has a connector at its one end and is removably connected with a water supply pipe by the connector. The flexible conduit has one end connected with the handle and the other end which has a curved portion with a closed top corresponding to a curvature of vagina, wherein an opening is arranged at an introverted segment of the curved portion, and a plurality of outlets are orderly arranged on a circumferential surface of the curved portion, a plurality of circular protrusions are projecting outwardly and radially from the circumferential surface; and a counterflow preventer is arranged around an inlet of the flexible conduit. The present invention is low in cost, portable, simple in use, and good in cleaning effect, whereby it is easy to promote and widely adapted for effective prevention and treatment of diseases.

Abstract: A delivery device and a method for administering a fluid from a fluid reservoir, wherein an unintended free flow of the fluid from the reservoir to a recipient is reliably prevented, are disclosed. The delivery device has a tank for the fluid; a fluid delivery device which delivers the fluid from the tank; a valve body providing an input hole and an output hole; and an infusion set in order to guide the fluid from the tank to a distal end of the delivery device. The delivery device further provides a shutter assembly which is or can be mounted to the valve body and prevents the fluid from flowing inside the infusion set when the fluid exhibits a pressure which is lower than a predefined pressure.

Abstract: A locking assembly is provided to simply and effectively prevent any unintentional adjustment of the adjustable valve mechanism in a fluid flow control device, without compromising the function of the device. The locking assembly generally includes at least one gripping arm for frictionally engaging at least a portion of the adjustable valve mechanism, and an actuating mechanism for controlling the deployment and release of the gripping arm. The locking assembly prevents unintentional adjustments that can adversely affect the pressure settings of the fluid flow control device. In particular, the locking assembly prevents unintentional adjustment, such as may be caused by the presence of a strong external magnetic field. The locking assembly can be easily disengaged, such as through the application or removal of an external mechanical force, to allow a clinician to adjust the pressure settings of the fluid flow control device as necessary.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating fluid flow between an internal body structure and a device external to the body comprises a housing having proximal and distal chambers separated from one another by a wall and fluidly connected to proximal port and distal ports. The wall includes a valve selectively sealing first and second openings thereof and a canopy biased toward a sealing position sealingly surrounding the first opening. The bias of the canopy is set to define a first pressure differential at which the canopy is moved out of the sealing position to permit fluid transfer therepast in a first direction. A duck-bill stem extends through the second opening and includes a lumen extending therethrough with walls of the stem being biased toward a sealing position and configured so that, when a second pressure differential is applied at at least a second level, the first end opens to permit flow therepast.

Abstract: A method and device for the simultaneous or sequential introduction of multiple fluids into the bloodstream including a multiple lumen catheter with corresponding multiple hole sets. By introducing a second fluid such as saline, the concentration and bolus of a first fluid, such as a contrast agent, can be controlled and optimized.

Abstract: One-way valve, especially low-pressure check valve, for use in the medical technology, having a housing consisting of an inlet half and an outlet half and having an inlet channel and an outlet channel with a diaphragm being positioned in a pressure space which is contacting an annular valve seat under pre-tension which is opening into the outlet channel. The pressure space is consisting of two pressure chambers. In the direction of flow before the closing mechanism formed by the valve seat and the diaphragm a second valve mechanism is provided which is opening in the same sense with the first closing mechanism at an over-pressure in the entry channel and which is closing at an over-pressure in the exit channel.

Abstract: A perfusion liquid is suctioned from a perfusion liquid reservoir (16) through the automatic two-way valve (4) by drawing a syringe (5) serving as the perfusion liquid displacement device. For this purpose, the connection from the syringe (5) to the cannula (14) is closed by the two-way valve (4). The two-way valve (4) closes the connection to the perfusion liquid reservoir due to the pressure increase during the insertion of the syringe plunger and opens the connection from the syringe (5) to the cannula (14). A pressure relief valve (7) is attached at the T piece (6), exposing a discharge line (8) in case a threshold pressure is exceeded. A check valve (11) is attached at the extension of the cannula (14), preventing the backflow from the cannula (14) into the remaining system.

Abstract: A bowel management system includes a waste collection catheter having at least two distinct sections. The first section is patient proximal when disposed in the patient's rectum and has durometer hardness in the range of about 50 A to about 90 A. The second catheter section is connected to the first section and has durometer hardness in the range of about 5 A to about 49 A. A selectively collapsible, substantially spherical retention balloon is attached coaxially and exterior of the first catheter section such that the proximal-most end of the retention balloon is coincident to the proximal-most end of the first section of the waste collection catheter, the substantially spherical retention balloon having an inflated size so as to be sufficiently large enough to retain the patient proximal end of the catheter in the patient's rectum without being so large as to trigger a defecatory response in the patient.

Abstract: An infusion assembly for delivering therapeutic fluid to plural body sites is provided. The assembly includes a positive displacement pump that discharges the therapeutic fluid. The assembly also includes a flow regulator valve including a valve housing that defines a pressure chamber, an inlet bore that opens into the pressure chamber, and first and second outlet passageways. The first and second outlet passageways extend, respectively, from separate first and second outlet openings to a first catheter and a second catheter through which the therapeutic fluid is directed to the body sites. A controller cyclically regulates the operation of the pump so that, in a first phase of each cycle, the pump is actuated so as to cause a fluid pulse to be presented through the inlet bore of the valve housing to the diaphragm and in a second phase of each cycle, the pump is not actuated.

Abstract: A fluid ejection system (20) comprising a cartridge (24), an ejector (32, 300) and, optionally, a fill station (28) for filling the cartridge with a fluid, such as a vaccine. In some embodiments (52), the cartridge includes a transfer passageway (96) for receiving fluid from the fill station. In other embodiments (200, 400), the cartridge includes a vented fluid reservoir (208, 408) offset from an ejection chamber (224, 420). In yet other embodiments (500, 600), the cartridge includes a vented fluid reservoir chamber (512, 636) inline with the ejection chamber (508, 644). In still other embodiments (700, 1000, 1100), the cartridge includes first and second chambers (728, 736, 1036, 1048, 1136, 1148) initially fluidly sealed from on another by a valve, e.g., either a traveling valve (704, 800, 900, 1200, 1300) or a temporarily stationary valve (1004, 1104).

Abstract: A dialysis catheter includes an elongate catheter member having an outer wall member defining proximal and distal end regions and a longitudinal axis, and defining first and second longitudinal lumens. The outer member includes first and second ports in respective fluid communication with the first and second longitudinal lumens. The first opening and the first lumen define an inflow passage for removal of blood under vacuum for circulation within a hemodialysis machine. The second opening and the second longitudinal lumen define an outflow passage for return of the blood from the hemodialysis machine. A valve is disposed relative to the outer member proximal of the first port. The valve is adapted to move from a closed position to an open position in response to a predetermined vacuum pressure level realized within the first longitudinal lumen to permit flow of blood through the valve and into the first longitudinal lumen.

Abstract: Disclosed therein is a medicinal liquid supply apparatus, which includes a fixed-type medicinal liquid supply volume controller adapted to supply medicinal liquid only as much as a paramedic sets and fixes and an arbitrary medicinal liquid supply volume controller adapted to allow a patient or the third party to arbitrarily supply the medicinal liquid as occasion demands during the paramedic's absence, thereby effectively supplying the medicinal liquid according to the patient's disease and pain conditions.

Abstract: A check valve for use in a Y-site in an infusion system comprises a fixation portion configured to retain the check valve in a common lumen of the Y-site, and a flap member extending axially from the fixation portion. The flap member has an outer surface, at least a portion of which is configured to engage an internal wall of the common lumen overlying an inlet from a main lumen. In one embodiment, the flap member comprises a pocket surrounding the hole and any burr extending from the wall adjacent the hole. In some embodiments, the flap member is resiliently biased towards a sealed position, and can flex to allow fluid flow from the main lumen to the common lumen.

Abstract: An apparatus regulates fluid flow supplied to a patient through an intravenous infusion system. The apparatus includes a first fluid passageway, a second fluid passageway, an inlet, and a control device. The first fluid passageway is for discharging fluid therefrom at a first predetermined rate of flow. The second fluid passageway is for discharging fluid therefrom at a second predetermined rate of flow, wherein the second predetermined rate of flow is different than the first predetermined rate of flow. The inlet is in flow communication with the first and second fluid passageways. The control device is between the inlet and the first and second fluid passageways, and is variably positionable for controlling fluid flow into the first and second fluid passageways.

Abstract: A football-shaped blockage within a vessel lumen designed to prevent any flow material from passing through the vessel lumen when suction is applied below the blockage or when the flow material pressure is below a given value, and further designed to allow flow when the flow material pressure increases above the given value by allowing the vessel lumen walls to expand around the football-shaped blockage or, alternately, to allow the football-shaped blockage to collapse in response to the increased pressure. A series of compressible members contained within the vessel lumen may also be coupled with the above mentioned blockage device to limit the flow rate beyond the given value. The compressible members are designed to partially restrict flow so as to initially allow for only moderate increases in flow rate with respect to flow material pressure, but with a pressure above a second given material pressure, greater increases in flow rate are allowed.

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.

Abstract: A valve assembly is provided which includes a housing having an inlet end and an outlet end and defining a fluid channel and a central chamber. A dissolvable valve member is positioned to obstruct flow through the channel within the chamber. The dissolvable valve member is formed of a material which is dissolvable at a predetermined rate upon contact with a preselected fluid. The preselected fluid is selected from the group consisting of blood, urine, saline and antimicrobial solutions. The dissolvable valve member can be formed from a fluid soluble glass or a starch based material.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a liquid blocking apparatus and a system thereof, wherein if the liquid contained in an IV bag or a liquid tank is oozed out completely, the flow of liquid is blocked, the alarm lamp is turned on, the alarm sound is generated, and then the supply of liquid is maintained for a predetermined time.