Abstract: A solution is proposed for operating an injection system comprising a pressurizing unit and at least one supply station for supplying a medical fluid to the pressurizing unit, the supply station comprising at least one receptacle for containing said medical fluid, a delivery arrangement in fluid communication with the receptacle and the pressurizing unit for delivering the medical fluid to a patient, and clamping means associated with the delivery arrangement for regulating the flow of the medical fluid through the delivery arrangement. The method comprises the steps of: operating the pressurizing unit till a first injection procedure is completed; maintaining the injection system in a standby condition before a second injection procedure is started, and operating the pressurizing unit till the second injection procedure is completed. The step of maintaining the injection system in a standby condition comprises the step of acting on the clamping means for de-clamping the delivery arrangement.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention described herein include low cost infusion devices having basal and/or bolus fluid delivery options. Embodiments of the device include a housing, a reservoir to contain the fluid, a source of pressure to exert a force to expel the fluid contained in the reservoir, a bolus port adapted to receive an optional extra dose of fluid, and a cannula in fluid communication with the reservoir and the bolus port. The cannula is adapted for insertion into the user's skin for delivery of the fluid to the user's body. The device can provide a continuous delivery of the fluid along a first fluid flow path from the reservoir to the cannula and the optional extra dose of fluid along a second fluid flow path from the bolus port to the cannula.

Abstract: An intravenous delivery system may have a liquid source containing a liquid, tubing, and a vent cap. The tubing may be connected to the liquid source and the vent cap to convey liquid from the liquid source to the vent cap. The vent cap may have a vent that is substantially impermeable to the liquid and permeable to air, and therefore releases air from the liquid from the vent cap. The vent cap may also have a chamber in communication with the vent. The chamber may have a volume selected to enable the chamber to receive a quantity of liquid from the tubing in which the air, if entrained in the liquid, is likely to reside after the tubing has been primed with the liquid.

Abstract: A method and a system are described for administrating an infusion liquid pulse. The system includes a tubing system having an inlet connected to an external reservoir adapted to contain infusion fluids and an outlet connected to a catheter. The tubing system includes a check valve proximate to the inlet and an anti-siphon valve proximate to the outlet. The system further includes an automatic pulse flow generation device. The automatic pulse flow generation device includes an internal reservoir and a bidirectional pump configured to pump infusion fluid from the external reservoir to the internal reservoir and further pump an infusion fluid pulse from the internal reservoir to be infused by a catheter, the infusion liquid pulse has a volume of at least 2 ml and a velocity of at least 5 ml/min.

Abstract: A medical pump or the like provides for a multi-function flow monitor that provides for capacitive plates positioned on opposite sides of the IV line to sense changes in the electrical environment within the IV line to deduce IV line pressure, the presence of IV fluid bubbles, the presence of the IV line within the pump, and/or correct pump operation. Each of these conditions may be determined by different analysis of the capacitance across the capacitive plates.

Abstract: A device includes at least one housing, a first input line operatively connected to a fluid source that is external to the at least one housing, and a second input line operatively connected to the fluid source. The device further includes a first fluid reservoir operatively connected to the first input line and a second fluid reservoir operatively connected to the second input line. An output line is operatively connected to the first fluid reservoir and the second fluid reservoir. An actuator is configured to facilitate a flow of fluid from the fluid source, through the first input line and second input line, and through the first fluid reservoir and second fluid reservoir. Each of the first and second input lines remains operatively connected to the fluid source during operation of the actuator.

Abstract: A medical fluid control device includes an actuator that is selectively operable to cause a fluid to be delivered from a fluid source to a patient at a basal rate of flow via a first flow path, or cause a bolus dose of the fluid to be delivered from a bolus reservoir to the patient via a second flow path.

Abstract: A medical fluid control device includes an actuator that is selectively operable to cause a fluid to be delivered from a fluid source to a patient at a basal rate of flow via a first flow path, or cause a bolus dose of the fluid to be delivered from a bolus reservoir to the patient via a second flow path.

Abstract: A system and method determine when fluid is not flowing properly from a secondary infusion source during a secondary infusion. The system includes an upstream pressure sensor and a processor programmed to receive signals from the sensor and analyze the signals to determine if secondary fluid flow is proper. The processor samples the output signals from the upstream pressure sensor and analyzes the sampled signals to determine if a pressure rise in the infusion line has occurred when the secondary infusion is initiated. If a pressure rise, indicating that fluid from the secondary container has begun flowing into the infusion line, has not been detected, the processor is programmed to provide a signal indicating that attention should be given to the infusion set up.

Abstract: A system and method determine when fluid is not flowing properly from a secondary infusion source during a secondary infusion. The system includes an upstream pressure sensor and a processor programmed to receive signals from the sensor and analyze the signals to determine if secondary fluid flow is proper. The processor samples the output signals from the upstream pressure sensor and analyzes the sampled signals to determine if a pressure rise in the infusion line has occurred when the secondary infusion is initiated. If a pressure rise, indicating that fluid from the secondary container has begun flowing into the infusion line, has not been detected, the processor is programmed to provide a signal indicating that attention should be given to the infusion set up.

Abstract: An ingestible material delivery device for sequentially delivering first and second ingestible materials to a user through a feeding tube provides a tube body having first and second chambers separated by a seal. A puncture tool is disposed in the second chamber extending toward the seal. The puncture tool engages and disrupts the seal when the second chamber is compressed. In some embodiments, the second chamber includes a plurality of interconnected bellows operable for axial compression of the second chamber. Another embodiment of a delivery device provides a tube body having first and second chambers with exit nozzles extending in opposite flow directions. A method of sequentially delivering first and second ingestible materials to a user through a feeding tube is also provided.

Abstract: A blood chamber for an extracorporeal blood circuit comprises a blood inlet port (2), a blood containment chamber (3), a first conduit (8) which connects the blood inlet port (2) with the blood containment chamber (3) and which has an end tract (8a) that terminates in the blood containment chamber (3) with a horizontal inlet component. The first conduit (8) comprises a pre-terminal tract (8b) which precedes the end tract (8a) and which has at least a second horizontal component which is directed in an opposite direction to the horizontal inlet component. The blood chamber is used in an arterial line of a dialysis set for guaranteeing a regular and gentle blood flow.

Abstract: A sequential delivery syringe which has an internal chamber located within a body with the internal chamber being substantially closed at one end except for a discharge opening and totally open at the opposite end. A luer is connected to the discharge opening with the luer including a piercing member. A mid-piston is movably mounted within the internal chamber of the syringe with there also being a separate stopper piston which is connected to plunger. Between the stopper piston and the mid-piston is mounted a collapsible structure within which is an internal chamber. A liquid is to be contained within this internal chamber of the collapsible structure.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device for delivering a substance to a patient by way of infusion delivers the preparation at a rate of flow which varies in steps from a substantially constant higher rate, to a stepped-down substantially constant lower rate or rates. The delivery device includes one or more reservoirs, and one or more Belleville springs for applying generally constant pressures to the substance contained in the reservoirs. Each reservoir will have a different constant pressure applied in a mid-range of operation. The reservoirs can be interconnected to each other and to an infusion device in a number of arrangements, including various manifolds and flow restrictors, such that the rate of flow is controlled in steps in accordance with the pressures applied by the springs of the plurality of reservoirs.

Abstract: The injector according to the invention serves for applying contrast media for X-ray and nuclear spin tomography and has a tube system (5) consisting of connection tubes (6) and a pump tube (7), as well as several storage vessels (4), each connected via one of the connection tubes (6) as well as a branching piece (8) to a pump tube (7) leading to a cannula. To each connection tube (6) a gas bubble detector (15) as well as a valve (11) are assigned, whereby further to the pump tube (7) a pumping organ (16) reversing the fluid flow from the storage vessel (4) to the cannula is assigned.

Abstract: A Feeding tube spike set with integrated Y-port is disclosed. The preferred spike set includes a spike, a drip chamber, a y-port fitting, a stepped connector, and tubing connecting these components to one another in series. The y-port fitting further includes a body, a plug assembly and an undulating retaining member connecting the plug assembly to the body. The plug assembly further includes a plug from which a pair of tabs extend. The body also includes a flushing port formed within it; the preferred flushing port includes a plurality of ridges formed along it's bore to assist in retaining a secure seal between the inserted plug and the body.

Abstract: A sterile solution infusion apparatus having a first line to intake infusion liquid and transport it via two anti-syphon one way valves to an output end and having a branch intake line to the first line between the anti-syphon one way valves to allow the input under pressure of a different infusion feed.

Abstract: It is a primary object of the present invention to provide an automated system based on an integral fluid bag for administering a variety of intravenous drug regimens and reducing the vagaries of existing manual systems. The fluid has multiple chambers configured to implement a prescribed intravenous medical therapy. Each chamber's geometry (size, shape), sequence and position, alone and in combination with the other chambers, matches the prescribed intravenous therapy or drug regimen. The bag's configuration assures that the intravenous therapy is administered in accordance with the prescribed drug regimen, thus automating the previous manual method. A choice of fluid bag configurations may be stocked so that a prescription for well known and widely accepted drug regimens may be filled by merely selecting a bag with the appropriate chamber configuration and filling it with the prescribed medications.

Abstract: A flow set which enables the sequential administration of two liquids from a pair of containers to a patient. The flow set has a pair of valve assemblies each in communication with a container. Each valve assembly has three ports communicating through a communication chamber; an inlet port being sealed with a first one-way valve allowing flow of liquid through it only into the chamber, an outlet port being sealed with a second one-way valve allowing flow of liquid through it only out of the chamber, and a pump communication port. A pair of inlet tubing segments each connect a container to the inlet port of a valve assembly. A connecting tubing segment connects the pump communicating ports of the two valve assemblies. An outlet tubing segment connects to the outlet port of each valve assembly for delivery of the liquid to the patient. A pump is connected to the connecting tubing segment. By reversing the pumping direction of the pump, liquid may be sequentially draw from one container or the other.

Abstract: A method and infusion set for consecutively draining liquid medicines from a plurality of containers, such as two containers (1, 2) containing said liquid medicines, the liquid medicine via a differential pressure valve (5a) is fed into a drip chamber (6), wherein the fluid flow is permitted initially from one container (1) by the higher fluid pressure and differential force area from the first container (1) on a diaphragm disk (15), whereby the fluid flow from the second container (2) is stopped and, later an automatic switch to a second container (2) as a source of fluid is effected when the fluid flow from the almost drained first container (1) is at a lower fluid pressure and a smaller differential force area and is exceeded by a higher fluid pressure of the second container (2) and the larger differential force area.

Abstract: A cardioplegia administration system includes a tubing set, a positive displacement pump and a mixing system. The tubing set has a cardioplegia supply tube; a blood supply tube; and a cardioplegia administration tube connected to the cardioplegia and blood supply tubes. The positive displacement pump engages the cardioplegia administration tube to pump fluid therethrough. The mixing system includes pinch valves for alternately-continually pinching the cardioplegia and blood supply tubes to close and open the cardioplegia and blood supply tubes such that only one of the cardioplegia and blood supply tubes is open at a time, and a controller that controls the intervals during which the pinch valves are open to control the ratio of the cardioplegia medication and blood or blood substitute administered through the cardioplegia administration tube.

Abstract: A method for teaching artistic methods and techniques by providing images on a television screen and providing means for copying such images by painting and methods for transferring the painted image to a sheet of material for display purposes.

Abstract: An intravenous piggyback tubing flush apparatus includes a flush chamber attached to an intravenous (IV) set on the vertical tube and located lower than an IV medication bag for following administration of medication with a flush solution of normal saline from the flush chamber, which flushes the medication from the IV tubing and from a venous access device that is inserted into the patient, thereby preventing clotting of the venous access device. The flush solution automatically follows administration of the medication. An air vent on the flush chamber and a separate air vent on the medication bag facilitate the flow of medication and flush solution through the IV tubing and the venous access device. The flush chamber is located lower than the medication bag.

Abstract: A pumping system is provided for administering a secondary treatment fluid to a patient intravenously in cooperation with a primary treatment fluid administration set already in place. The system includes a self-contained pumping unit having a pumping chamber and a secondary treatment fluid reservoir integral therewith. A secondary fluid line extending from the unit merges with a primary fluid line at a fitting for delivery of the fluids carried in the primary and secondary lines to the patient via a combined IV line.

Abstract: A suction drainage control system wherein waste-treating material is released into a sealed chamber. The chamber comprises of a cover with a flexible liner sealed to and suspended therefrom. A normally closed reservoir is provided on an underside of the cover for storing the waste-treating material therewithin as long as the reservoir remains closed. An externally operated actuator is provided on the cover for opening the reservoir to release the waste-treating material into the sealed chamber.

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

Abstract: A medical liquid administration set is provided with a check valve which is configured to relieve excess pressure downstream from the check valve. The check valve includes a resilient valve disc and a valve seat, which engages the disc when the valve is closed. The administration set includes primary and secondary liquid sources connected through a Y-connector to a pump, which pumps liquids sequentially from the first and second sources to a patient. The check valve is disposed in the set between the Y-connector and the primary liquid source and is in its closed position with the valve disc on the valve seat when the liquid level in the secondary liquid source is higher than the liquid level in the primary source to thereby prevent backflow of liquid from the secondary source into the primary. The check valve is in its open position, allowing flow from the primary source to the patient when the liquid level in the secondary source has fallen to the level of liquid in the primary source.

Abstract: The intravenous (I.V.) system provides for successive administration to a patient of two or more solutions but at different flow rates. Such system includes a primary or first intravenous set including tubing which at one end thereof enters a container having a first solution at a predetermined level and which extends from that point towards the patient. The tubing of the primary set includes a check valve above the connector site. A secondary set may be temporarily or permanently connected to the connector site and includes tubing attached to a second container having a second solution at a level above the level of the first fluid.

Abstract: Flow of fluid from primary and secondary reservoirs is induced along parallel flow paths to a common infusion device under gravity or pump inducing modes, respectively. The fluid delivered to the infusion device is monitored by a flow meter to measure its actual flow rate and adjust flow along the parallel flow paths to maintain a substantially constant selected flow rate by means of a programmed control system through which selection of the flow inducing mode and the reservoir may be effected.

Abstract: A polyene antibiotic emulsion formulation comprising a therapeutically effective amount of the antibiotic incorporated into an oil-in-water emulsion, and a method of treating an active infection in an animal caused by a microorganism with sterols in its cell membrane by parenterally administering the emulsion formulation to such animal.

Abstract: An infusion system capable of intravenous administration of fluid to a patient has a drop chamber, including a plurality of drop tubes having drop forming orifices of different preselected cross-sectional areas for forming droplets of different sizes and volumes of the same given fluid, selection means for selecting the drop tube through which the administered fluid will pass and a metering chamber to allow the rate of droplet flow to be observed. The drop tube having a drop orifice capable of producing droplets of the desired size and volume appropriate for the viscosity and purpose of the fluid being administered is selected and a conventional fluid flow rate control device is adjusted, while the drop rate is observed, to set the fluid flow rate.

Abstract: A drip infusion system is disclosed in which a pulling mechanism is connected to a needle for automatically pulling the needle from the vein of a patient. The pulling mechanism is actuated to pull the needle from the vein responsive to the amount of solution in a drip source mounted on a stand.

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

Abstract: This invention relates to the parenteral infusion of fluids into patients, and particularly to the addition of drugs or other secondary fluids in infusion systems operating on an automatic basis.

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 method of sequential intravenous infusion of a plurality of fluid solutions is disclosed in which a spacer solution is administered alternately with the fluid solutions to prevent the fluid solutions from substantially mixing with one another.

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 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 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 system for the sequential infusion of medical solutions comprises a fluid source connected in fluid communication to a fluid flow device and having in the fluid line downstream from the fluid source a one-way check valve and a fluid access port. A spring activated syringe is connected into fluid communication with the access port to raise hydrostatic pressure downstream from the one-way check valve to prevent fluid flow therethrough during infusion by the fluid flow device of fluid from the syringe.

Abstract: A valve is disclosed which includes a hollow cylindrical housing having a plurality of input sites and a rotary core member having an output pasageway. The input sites which are not in communication with the output passageway are sealed. The valve may also include a primary input site connected to a conduit surrounding the rotary core member of the valve. The valve is demountable on a control apparatus for performing a method of administering a plurality of fluids intravenously to a patient. According to the method of the present invention, a neutral solution is provided in between each of the other different fluid solutions being infused into the patient. The control apparatus of the present invention may be programmed to automatically provide the patient with a prescribed amount of each fluid solution through the catheter tube.

Abstract: A hose assembly for use to regulate flow from a dispensing device that provides a generally constant pressure on a liquid to be dispersed. The hose assembly includes a length of capillary tubing through which the liquid must pass as it is dispersed which has a length of at least 45 centimeters and a volume of less than about 0.25 cubic centimeters so that the assembly can provide a slow steady predetermined flow rate while containing a small amount of the liquid being dispensed.

Abstract: A medical liquid administration set is disclosed for the sequential administration of two medical liquid sources which can be delivered at different liquid flow rates without readjustment of the administration set. The set includes first and second conduits for connection to first and second medical liquid sources, respectively. A cross-over branch places the second conduit in communication with the distal end of the first conduit. A common conduit extends downstream of the first conduit and cross-over branch. The common and second conduits are in communication at their downstream ends, just upstream of the set outlet. Separately adjustable liquid delivery rate control means are disposed on the common and second conduits to allow for separate delivery rates of the first and second liquid sources. One-way valves are disposed in the cross-over branch and the first conduit to permit liquid flow only in the downstream direction.

Abstract: A pump-actuated sequencing valve for sequentially administering, to a patient, two fluids contained in separate respective reservoirs, wherein the fluid is pumped from a first one of the two reservoirs by means of a pump associated therewith. The valve comprises a first portion connected to the first reservoir, a second portion connected to the second reservoir, and a third portion connected between the first and second portions, on the one hand, and the patient, on the other hand. The second portion includes a ball valve which is pressure-responsive to operation of the pump for blocking flow of fluid to and from the second reservoir, thus blocking both forward flow from the second reservoir and backflow from the sequencing valve toward the second reservoir.

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 controller (34) is disclosed for use with a dual delivery system including a primary fluid container (12) and a secondary fluid container (14). The display (48) on the controller (34) presents a representation of the primary and secondary containers and prompts the operator to input the desired primary and secondary fluid flow rates and primary and secondary fluid volumes to be infused. During operation of the controller, a series of flow lines displays (118, 126, 144) represent motion of fluid from the container being drained to indicate to the operator which fluid is being infused. An alarm will be sounded upon the detection of an occlusion within the flow lines, the presence of air within the flow lines or an open door on the controller. During the flow from a particular container, the displays associated with the other container are deactivated to prevent confusion to the operator.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a medical device which mixes a primary medication with a secondary medication before administration to a patient. The device is also capable of automatically sequentially administering the primary medication alone to the patient. The device includes a medication chamber which is reduced in volume to deliver the secondary medication for mixing with the primary medication.

Abstract: A sequential medication delivery device for intravenous administration of plural medications is disclosed. A secondary medication can be administered to a patient followed by an automatic resumption of the delivery of the primary medication at a predetermined flow rate. The disclosed medication delivery device includes an internal valving system and an associated medication chamber that contains the secondary medication to be delivered. While the medication chamber contains such secondary medication, the flow of primary medication to the patient is interrupted. However, once the medication chamber has been substantially emptied the flow of primary medication to the patient is resumed automatically.

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.