Abstract: The invention relates to a feeding system (1) for enteral feeding comprising a container (2) preferably constructed as a disposable article for receiving the food. Said container (2) is disposed in a suspension means (3) which is constructed such that the container (2) in the suspended state points with its opening (5) upwardly and assumes a position inclined to the horizontal. As a result when the tubing system (4) is introduced into the container for suppyling the nutrient solution to the patient no leaks can occur because the opening (5) points upwardly so that along the periphery of a piercing tube (17) introduced into the container (12) no solution can drip out. Nevertheless, due to the inclined position of the container (2) and the arrangement of the end of the inserted piercing tube (17) at the lowermost point (6) of the container (2) all the solution can be extracted; for this purpose for the extraction preferably a drip chamber (21) is provided in connection with a tube clamp ( 26).

Abstract: The collection container has a reusable, autoclavable vessel with a resilient plastic reusable insert to which the aspiration instrument is connected. The insert incorporates a fluid passageway which may be blocked by squeezing action of a solenoid-type actuator. The insert includes a breakaway portion which is severed from the body of the insert during installation prior to use. This insert may also stay in place during autoclaving or cleaning.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved methods and apparatus for the collection of blood, which are particularly useful for autotransfusion purposes. The apparatus includes an upper reservoir wherein the collected blood enters the device. A lower container is placed in fluid communication with the upper reservoir. Disposed within the interior of the container is a conventional blood bag which is in turn placed in fluid communication with the upper reservoir. The upper reservoir has two external connections. The first connection is for receiving blood from the patient. The second external connection places the upper reservoir in communication with a source of vacuum. In one embodiment of the present invention a filtering structure is disposed within the upper reservoir and is connected directly to the inlet connection from the patient.

Abstract: S-shaped opening and closing element for controlling the flow of a fluid or body (powder, granulate) and adaptable to any form of package or fitting containing fluids, characterized in that its shape in two S-bends permits both an instantaneous stoppage of the flow of the fluids and an instantaneous flow of said fluids; this, as a function of the given position, by manual or mechanical traction on the element. The S-shape ensures very effective fluid-tightness, without supplementary elements. The opening and closing element can be employed for controlling flow from a container having a supporting device for the element. The container can have more than one compartment.

Abstract: A device for controlling the flow of liquid to a catheter. Two end caps support a capillary tube that provides continuous flow of liquid from one end cap to the other. A flexible, resilient sleeve is connected at its ends to said end caps and surrounds said capillary tube. Said sleeve, when pulled away from said capillary tube, provides an alternate high flow volume flow from one end cap to the other outside of the tube.

Abstract: A tube for use in a flow controller of an intravenous or other slow flow control apparatus has a configuration somewhat like the opening defined by the open eyelids of the human eye whereby to provide relatively sharp corners and narrow width of the opening to reduce materially the force required to close relative to that required to close a round tube and to reduce the movement of the flow control element of the controller, which controller is configured to take advantage of the shape of the tube and employs a shape memory control element to adjust rate of flow of the fluid; the controller also including a brake element to lock the flow rate at a particular preselectable rate.

Abstract: A disposable crimping 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 bent over a sharp ridge element until the wall thereof contacting the sharp ridge collapses in a crimping action. The motor drive assembly provides rotational pressure to a threaded actuator engaging the back section without applying axial pressure thereto. The clamp permits manual adjustment to set flow rates when it is separated from the control housing.

Abstract: Tubing through which fluid flow is to be regulated is placed in a regulating clamp wherein it is clamped between a movable roller wheel and a surface of the clamp. Flow rate through the tubing is changed as determined by longitudinal adjustment of the position of the roller wheel. A full shut-off of flow through the tubing at a particular shut-off zone of the roller clamp is assured by means of ledge elements extending from the sidewall of the housing. These ledge elements, so as to provide a transitional deformation, are located in spaced relation to the clamping surface and are configured monotonically to provide a transitional and monotonically configured deformation of the tubing to avoid accidental rupture thereof, at the same time fully confining the tubing to prevent the formation of lumens in the peripheral edge portions thereof. In addition, full shut-off of the edge portion of the tubing is assured for parallel acting roller clamps, throughout the travel range of the wheel, if so desired.

Abstract: A Supplementary Liquid Dispensing Device is disclosed. The Supplementary Liquid Dispensing Device is particularly useful in lithographic printing presses and in particular for dampening systems within such presses. The device dispenses from an enclosed source of a given liquid a continuous flow of the given liquid which is part of a fountain solution of the dampening system by metering the continuous flow of liquid proportionate to the rate of evaporization of the liquid in a fountain solution with very minimal evaporization loss of the liquid by the device. The device reduces air polution particularly when a volitile liquid such as alcohol is a part of the fountain solution. The device also has the advantage of supplementing and replacing alcohol in a fountain solution in a very inexpensive way without the use of a highly sophisticated and complex electronic system.

Abstract: A piggyback IV administration system uses a solenoid actuated sequence valve to control the flow of fluid from a pair of IV fluid sources to the inlet of an IV pump or controller. The sequence valve pinches off a first tube while allowing fluid to flow through the second tube and then, in response to a control signal, changes state so that the second tube is pinched off and fluid can flow through the first tube unimpeded. Improper placement of the first and second tubes within the sequence valve during setup is prevented.

Abstract: A tube for use in a flow controller of an intravenous or other slow flow control apparatus has a configuration somewhat like the opening defined by the open eyelids of the human eye whereby to provide relatively sharp corners and narrow width of the opening to reduce materially the force required to close relative to that required to close a round tube and to reduce the movement of the flow control element of the controller, which controller is configured to take advantage of the shape of the tube and employs a shape memory control element to adjust rate of flow of the fluid; the controller also including a brake element to lock the flow rate at a particular preselectable rate.

Abstract: A multiple solution IV administration system includes a plurality of IV fluid sources which are connected by flexible tubing to the inlet of an IV pump. A sequence valve suspended from the tubing selectively pinches off all but one tube so that one source at a time is connected to the inlet. The sequence valve is controlled as a function of the accumulated volume pumped by the pump for each fluid and a stored volume limit for that fluid. When the accumulated volume of one IV fluid reaches its volume limit, the sequence valve is changed to connect a different source to the inlet of the IV pump. The desired volume limits and rates are entered manually and are checked automatically to protect against setup errors.

Abstract: A pinch valve device is disclosed for a disposable, inexpensive irrigation/aspiration handpiece system used for the removal of unwanted material in a very small, enclosed operative site in which it is important to maintain pressure within a certain range, such as in the surgical operation for removal of a cataract lens from the human eye. The device includes a foot pedal for selectively: (1) restricting the flow of irrigation and aspiration fluid in the handpiece system; (2) permitting irrigation by the handpiece system, without permitting concurrent aspiration by the handpiece system; (3) permitting both irrigation and aspiration by the handpiece system; and (4) providing selective increase in aspiration force.

Abstract: A dispenser for fluids includes an elastic bladder having an open end and a closed end and includes a bladder mounting structure for maintaining the bladder in tension. The bladder mounting structure includes a fixed structural element having a convex curved surface. The mounting structure also includes mounting elements for fixing the two ends of the bladder relative the curved surface so that bladder is stretched over the curved surface. A flow controller communicates with the open end of the bladder to regulate the flow of fluid from the bladder. The flow controller includes a body having a fluid flow path through it. A shutoff element in the fluid flow path controls the cross-sectional flow area of the flow path. Movement of the shutoff element is controlled by a mechanism sealed from the fluid flow path.

Abstract: A clamp for regulating the flow of parenteral solutions is disclosed which includes a clamp body having a channel for accommodating a length of administration set tubing so that a portion of the tubing is compressed to a closed position while at least one side of the tubing is left uncompressed to provide a passageway for the solution. A cam member or platen is moveably mounted on the clamp body for applying an adjustable compressive force against the uncompressed side of the tubing to vary the area of the passageway and the rate of flow of the solution.

Abstract: A flexible tubing occluding device is provided for releasably occluding flexible tubing. The tubing occluding device includes housing that is adapted to receive the tubing and defines a tubing occluding surface against which a transverse section of the tubing is transversely urged and compressed when in an occluded position. A wedge-shaped tongue member is provided for urging the transverse section of the tubing against the tubing occluding surface. The geometry of the tubing occluding surface and the wedge-shaped tongue member cooperate to distribute a relatively low amount of force at the center portion of the occluded tubing and a relatively large force at the distal ends of the occluded tubing, utilizing the mechanical advantage of the wedge-shaped tongue member.

Abstract: An IV tube activator for use with a peristaltic IV infusion pump comprises means that require the closure of a tube associated clamp upon engagement of the IV tube with the pump and upon any subsequent disengagement of the IV tube from the pump. The activator further comprises means which simultaneously move the tube associated clamp to open the IV tube when the pump is being operated.

Abstract: An intravenous system is provided which includes a source of intravenous fluid, a needle or catheter for insertion into the vascular system of a patient, a pump for pumping the intravenous fluid via the needle or catheter into the patient and catheters coupling the pump to the source and to the needle. The pump includes an arrangement to terminate pumping upon an opening upon one of the catheters to ambient atmosphere. A flow control is provided in at least one of the catheters to prevent movement of air through the corresponding catheters into the patient.

Abstract: Manually overridable servo controlled valve mechanisms for controlling the flow of fluids through a flexible tube for use in a photoactivatable agent treatment system wherein photoactivatable agents, in contact with patient blood cells, are irradiated extracorporeally and then returned to the patient.

Abstract: A piggyback IV administration system uses a solenoid actuated sequence valve to control the flow of fluid from a pair of IV fluid sources to the inlet of an IV pump or controller. The sequence valve pinches off a first tube while allowing fluid to flow through the second tube and then, in response to a control signal, changes state so that the second tube is pinched off and fluid can flow through the first tube unimpeded.

Abstract: A multiple solution IV administration system includes a plurality of IV fluid sources which are connected by flexible tubing to the inlet of an IV pump. A sequence valve suspended from the tubing selectively pinches off all but one tube so that one source at a time is connected to the inlet. The sequence valve is controlled as a function of the accumulated volume pumped by the pump for each fluid and a stored volume limit for that fluid. When the accumulated volume of one IV fluid reaches its volume limit, the sequence valve is changed to connect a different source to the inlet of the IV pump.

Abstract: A multiple suctioning system, particularly for use in endoscopic procedures or the like, which is provided with a suction source, a Y-shaped connector which is provided with a rotatable stopcock and a plug-like stopper, at least three segments of pliable tubing, and a suction catheter which comprises an elongated handle, a deformable tip, means for preventing the tip from plugging, means for anchoring the catheter in a convenient location, bright-colored vinyl plastic tubing to connect the catheter to a suction source, means for attaching the tubing to the catheter, and means for controlling the flow of suction forces through the catheter.

Abstract: For use independent of a stand, a monolithic, miniaturized gravity infusion regulating apparatus comprises a single casing (6) housing the photoelectric drop detector (7), the electronics with controls (8) and the regulating mechanism and which can be fitted to the drop chamber (1) of an infusion instrument (FIG. 2).

Abstract: A system for delivering a drug to a patient according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown as being of modular construction including a control module and a reservoir module. The reservoir module is removably secured to the control module by a removable hinge member at one end and a locking member at the other end. The reservoir module includes a pressure plate upon which a tube extending from a drug container bag to the patient is supported. The control module includes a pumping mechanism including a camshaft which reciprocates valves and an expulsor in the control module engaging and interacting with the tube located on the pressure plate for forcing the drug from the drug container bag to the patient. In its most preferred form, the pressure plate includes standoffs which abut with the pump chassis for insuring proper spacing maintenance between the pressure plate of the reservoir module and the control module.

Abstract: A modular clamp system in one embodiment has a case having an inlet and an outlet port, forming a housing for a resilient flow tube. Attached to the housing is a clamping member having two arms between which the flow tube passes. One end of the pair of arms fits within and is engaged by the hollow bore of threaded adjuster which is guided by the case. Turning the adjuster advances it, causing the arms to be pushed closer together, so as to progressively constrict the flow tube at a controllable rate. The arms may be tapered and the bore a right cylindrical bore, or the bore may be tapered and the arms untapered, in which case the tips of the arms contact with the interior face of the bore. The fineness of the screw threads and the degree of taper of the adjuster contacting surfaces may be so chosen that a full rotation of the adjuster causes a very small adjustment in flow rate.

Abstract: A unitary disposable conduit extends from the intravenous reservoir along a gravity-flow path to the patient, and incorporates a valve block containing an externally controlled flow-control valve. An electronic controller monitors the drop rate in a drop chamber which is an integral part of the disposable conduit, compares this rate with an operator-selected rate, and controls the valve by varying the current in a shape-memory actuator element whose movements, caused by the resultant Joule heating, are coupled to the valve to proportionally vary the flow rate in the conduit. The valve block is securely received within a recess in the controller, and is automatically coupled to the controller when inserted within this recess. The shape-memory actuator element may be incorporated within the disposable valve block, or may form a part of the controller, with a simple mechanical coupling to transmit its movements to the valve.

Abstract: A tap or valve comprising a first tube and a second tube with a flexible elastic coupling between said tubes to allow fluid passage between said tubes when said tubes are substantially coaxially aligned and to allow displacement of one of said tubes relative to the other in order to close said fluid passage. The tap or valve is primarily intended for use with wire drawings tubing or intravenous drip tubing. The tap or valve further comprises means for releasably locking the tap or valve in the closed position.

Abstract: A piggyback IV administration system uses a solenoid actuated sequence valve to control the flow of fluid from a pair of IV fluid sources to the inlet of an IV pump or controller. The sequence valve pinches off a first tube while allowing fluid to flow through the second tube and then, in response to a control signal, changes state so that the second tube is pinched off and fluid can flow through the first tube unimpeded. The sequence valve automatically senses conditions which indicate a failure of the sequence valve to occlude the second tube when the valve changes state.

Abstract: A clamp valve is made which comprises a hollow member open at one end and which has a pair of apertures through side walls thereof. A slide is movable in the hollow member and has a transverse aperture therethrough so that a conduit which has a pliable resilient wall can in use be passed through both of the apertures in the hollow member and the aperture in the slide. Biassing means are provided to bias the slide relative to the hollow member so that the conduit is in use normally clamped between an edge of the aperture in the slide and an edge of one of the apertures in the hollow member so that the conduit is normally closed to fluid flow.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for controlling the flow rate in the parenteral administration of medical fluids, wherein a stored energy solenoid is utilized to move a pincher element against and away from a flexible IV tube in a repetitive manner to thereby control the flow of fluids through the tube.

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 or crimped 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 by turning the actuator by hand or by the use of a motor-driven actuator in an axially sliding engagement.

Abstract: A device for regulating the flow rate in the tube, e.g. in infusion- and transfusion assemblies. The flow rate can be regulated by twisting a portion of the tube by means of a twisting device. The tube comprises at least along the portion of its length which is intended to be twisted a plurality of separate or communicating flow passages. Between said flow passages there are provided distance members arranged about or forming an inner core in the tube about which the tube is twisted and which reduces compression of the tube. When the tube is twisted the free space between said distance members is gradually reduced in the twisted cross-section of the tube and by that a reduction of the flow area is obtained.

Abstract: In order to be able to regulate in a simple and reliable manner the quantity of liquid that is administered to a patient through a hose in an infusion device, there is provided, according to the invention, a motor-driven eccentric, which presses the hose against a blocking device and clamps it off to a greater or lesser degree. The blocking device forms a part of at least one guide for the hose and can assume two positions. In one of the positions the guide is released; in the other position it is closed. A lever mounted with freedom to rotate, which can be spring-loaded, is particularly well suited for the blocking device. In addition, a clamping lever which can be activated through an electromagnetic latch, can be provided as an emergency stop.

Abstract: A flexible tubing occluding device is provided for releasably occluding flexible tubing. The tubing occluding device includes housing that is adapted to receive the tubing and defines a tubing occluding surface against which a transverse section of the tubing is transversely urged and compressed when in an occluded position. A wedge-shaped tongue member is provided for urging the transverse section of the tubing against the tubing occluding surface.The geometry of the tubing occluding surface and the wedge-shaped tongue member cooperate to distribute a relatively low amount of force at the center portion of the occluded tubing and a relatively large force at the distal ends of the occluded tubing, utilizing the mechanical advantage of the wedge-shaped tongue member.

Abstract: A microwave sterilizer for sterilizing a connector or coupling that interconnects a first conduit from a source of liquid to be infused into a living body to a second conduit implanted in the body. The apparatus of the invention comprises a housing having first and second members forming a guided wave structure adapted to be removably closed around the coupling or connector and further including first and second clamping means. The clamping means are adapted to clamp respective conduits and are operable to isolate a charge of the liquid within the connector. A microwave source is used to generate energy which in turn is coupled to the guided wave structure to cause heating of the liquid charge to a temperature level to cause sterilization so as to destroy substantially all form of bacteria therein. After a predetermined heating sequence, the apparatus is released and the bag side clamping means is first released so as to pass the sterilized charge of liquid into the source or bag.

Abstract: A tube closure device for closing a flexible tube has a first member having a tube portion for insertion into an end of the flexible tube, and a second member hinged to said first member and having means for securing the flexible tube to the second member. It also has a latch for releasably holding said first and second members in a hinged together "closed" position, and a plug for closing the tube portion of the first member when it is in its closed position.

Abstract: A volumetric infusion actuator providing a slot means for receiving a valved cassette having exposed valve pads. An actuation means for automatically moving individual arms into and out of engagement with the valve pads according to a predetermined cycle which governs flow through the cassette.

Abstract: Manually overridable servo controlled valve mechanisms for controlling the flow of fluids through a flexible tube for use in a photoactivatable reagent treatment system wherein photoactivatable reagents, in contact with patient blood cells, are irradiated extracorporeally and then returned to the patient.

Abstract: A safety slide clamp to prevent free flow when tubing is disconnected from an I.V. administration device comprises a blade formed with a tear-drop shaped aperture through which the tubing is positioned. The aperture includes an enlarged portion and a narrow portion which is tapered to form a slot that is engageable with the tubing to prevent flow therethrough. A base formed with a well is attached to the pump and is adapted to slidably receive the blade of the slide clamp. Retaining means formed on the base are spaced to support the blade and retain the tubing in a recess between the fingers and the base. Placement of the tubing into the recess and subsequent insertion of the blade into the well permits operational fluid flow through the tube. Subsequent retraction of the blade urges the tubing into the slot to prevent free flow from the tube upon its removal from the device.

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: The invention relates to a dosing device for fluids used in infusion or transfusion systems comprising a flexible fluid line transversing a housing to compress the fluid line. The device comprises a housing and an elastomeric tubular element having leading and trailing sections which traverses said housing to interconnect respective ends of said fluid line. The tubular element comprises a thicker portion between the leading and trailing sections whereby the thicker portion protects against longitudinal displacement of the housing. A pressing element engages the tubular element outside the region of the thicker portion.

Abstract: This invention relates to a controller and in particular to a liquid flow controller for intravenous injection comprising a first cylindrical member provided at one end surface with a pair of threaded tongues which extend outwardly therefrom and form a recess thereof, a flange being properly disposed on said end surface, a second cylindrical member being hollowed and threadedly engaged with said first cylindrical member, an annular member provided at a first end surface with a hole being received within and secured to said second cylindrical member, a controlling rod being inserted into and located within said annular member, a rubber hose partially surrounded by a rubber ring being positioned in said recess and clamped between said flange and said controlling rod, a solid rubber rod being inserted into and received within said rubber hose, and a pair of connectors being disposed on the both terminals of said rubber hose of a better connection.

Abstract: A catheter and closure device in the form of a valve which remains in place at the hose during normal urination and has to be separated from the hose only for flushing out; the catheter valve includes a conical part serving for the insertion into the catheter hose; additionally, the valve includes on its inside a rubber-elastic valve hose adapted to be influenced from the outside, which during actuation of the valve is opened uninterruptedly but is closed in the non-actuated rest position by a single or multiple kink, fold or twist; the valve includes a fixed part with a through-bore as well as the rubber-elastic hose in extension of this bore; a sleeve with a spring 5 is placed over these parts, whereby the kinked hose is straightened out by the axial displacement of the sleeve opposite the spring force.

Abstract: A medical device is disclosed herein for patient care in connection with syringe and catheter drainage and feeding procedures which includes an elongated, flexible extension tube having an adapted plug or fitting at each end and a control clamp operably carried along the length of tube. Each plug or fitting is provided with a pair of dissimilar sized connections adapted to insertably receive a plurality of sized syringe or catheter dispensing nozzles or tips. Caps are provided for covering the connections and a flexible clip is employed for releasably attaching the device to a support or to the clothing of an attending nurse or the patient himself.

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: Apparatus for sequentially dispensing a plurality of solutions through an intravenous supply catheter includes a disposable tubing manifold that is connected to each of the solutions to be administered. Flow of solution through the branches of the tubing manifold is stopped by valves mounted upon a manifold plate which engage each branch. The quantity of solution dispensed is metered by a volumetric infusion pump and controlled by sequentially opening and closing the valves individually. Electronically operable motors or solenoids are connected to each valve for automatically opening and successively closing each valve. A sequencer-timer in accordance with a predetermined program such as from a program card, controls the automatic energization and successive de-energization of each motor, one at a time and successively energizes additional motors for intermittent individual operation through a preselected cycle of machine operation.

Abstract: A fluid flow regulating and control unit for intravascular catheter systems used in medical and surgical procedures with a slidably mounted closure member for the control fluid to the in-dwelling catheter. Force is exerted axially on an annular resilient member causing it to deform and bypass a relatively large flow of fluid through a fluid flow passage about the outer surface of a restrictor member therein; permitting the flow to pass with a predetermined minimum flow of fluid.

Abstract: A catheter placement device is provided which includes a catheter, a pair of relatively rotatable valve members connected to the catheter, an elastomeric longitudinally extending tubular member connected between the valve members and twistable in response to relative rotation of the valve members, and an introducer needle extending longitudinally through the tubular member and catheter for introducing the distal end of the catheter into a blood vessel. Predetermined relative rotation between the valve members effects twisting of the tubular member about the needle and closure of the tubular member. A side port may be connected to a valve member for introducing fluid into a patient.

Abstract: A system for controlling the flow of intravenous fluids to a patient provides for the sequential administration of two different intravenous fluids at independently preselected drop rates. The system includes a primary administration set associated with a first fluid container, a secondary administration set associated with a second fluid container, and a controller having a control valve operatively associated with both administration sets to control the fluid flow rate through the particular administration set in use. The system further comprises a connector means in the primary administration set, upstream from the control valve, for joining the secondary administration set to the primary administration set. A one-way valve, disposed in the primary administration set upstream from the connector means, prevents fluid flow through the one-way valve whenever hydrostatic pressure in the secondary set is greater than the hydrostatic pressure in the primary set.

Abstract: A novel improved pinch valve for controlling the flow of fluids in an unrestricted manner in, at least, two flexible tubes, including a housing for holding a solenoid coil between its outer wall and inner cylindrical core member. The solenoid armature is a truncated cone shape which coacts with a similarly shaped opening at the end of the inner cylindrical core member to optimize the flux path of the solenoid and thus its efficiency. A tube retention member includes openings for holding the flexible tubes. A further opening in the tube retention member holds a plunger member which is captured by a retaining pin. The plunger member is secured to the solenoid armature prior to assembly of the tube retention member to the solenoid housing. The plunger member moves with the armature as the solenoid is energized and deenergized. When the solenoid is unenergized, one of the flexible tubes is compressed between a knife like edge on the plunger member and a body portion of other tube retention member.