Abstract:
A battery structure using a plurality of cells in stacked array wherein each cell comprises an anode having a centrally positioned opening and flange positioned about the periphery of the opening for contact with the periphery of the opening of an adjacent anode. Each cell includes a pelletized depolarizer material that extends beyond the perimeter of the anode but coextensive with the anode flange. An outer encasement member receives the stacked array so that the depolarizer pellets are in electrical contact with the inner surface of the encasement. The encasement means includes a top member having an opening located to align with the openings in the anode and anode collector positioned through said opening in the top member and electrically insulated therefrom and in electrical contact with each of said anode flanges.
Abstract:
A flow regulator for liquid to be administered parenterally to a patient comprises a first member having a flow passage therein for the liquid and a second member arranged to be adjustably telescoped in the passage. The first and second members are constructed such that they can be telescopingly positioned to form a flow rate controlling channel which restricts the flow rate as a function of the length of the channel. The length of the channel is adjustable by changing the relative position of the first and second members. An adjustment force applied to the outside of the regulator is transmitted to the second member within the flow regulator for changing the channel length and therefore the flow rate. The flow regulator can include a drip chamber positioned immediately above the second member for convenient adjustment of the flow rate. Sealing against leakage of air into the flow regulator is attainable because the flow rate controlling second member is located entirely within the first member.
Abstract:
A fluid dispensing device useful as an inexpensive, light-weight ambulatory disposal drug infusion pump comprises a flexible reservoir for liquid to be administered parenterally to a patient, a mechanism for placing the liquid in the reservoir under a constant pressure for dispensing the liquid from the device, a distal septum for introducing liquid in the reservoir, and a flow control mechanism for adjustably controlling the flow rate of the liquid dispensed from the device.
Abstract:
A lithium halide battery appropriate for low-cost, mass production is disclosed in which the battery comprises an outer encasement member having top and bottom portions and an opening through one with at least one pelletized depolarizer positioned within the encasement member and in electrical contact therewith. The battery includes a lithium anode in contact with the depolarizer but electrically separated from the encasement member. At least one insulator means is positioned in contact with the anode and includes an opening therethrough located to align with the opening in the encasement. A terminal pin is positioned through the opening in the encasement member, but insulated from the periphery thereof, and in electrical contact with the anode through the opening in the insulator means.
Abstract:
An angioplasty balloon catheter particularly adapted for ablation of a stenosis in vivo has a balloon which may be inflated with a conductive contrast fluid injected proximally to the balloon, and is furthermore metalized on the outside of the balloon and catheter shaft. The balloon has piezoelectric properties, and may be excited by application of an ultrasonic signal across the balloon between the metalized surface and the contrast fluid. The catheter is guided by a centrally located guide wire to the site of the stenosis. If the distal tip of the catheter shaft cannot pass through the stenosis, excitation of the piezoelectric balloon in a deflated state at the site of the stenosis causes ultrasonic hammering vibrations at the tip of the catheter shaft which ablate the stenosis. After the tip of the catheter has hammered its way across the stenosis, and while maintaining the ultrasonic excitation signal, the balloon is inflated to keep the vibrating balloon surface in contact with the stenosis. Unlike the case with other inflatable balloon catheters which simply press the stenosis against the blood vessel wall, the stenosis is broken up by ultrasonic vibrations and is carried away by the blood flow, minimizing the risk of re-stenosis.
Abstract:
Apparatus for changing the temperature of an infusible liquid from a first temperature to a second predetermined temperature. The apparatus includes a receiver assembly for changing the temperature of the liquid. The apparatus also includes a cartridge to be received in the assembly and which defines an enclosed passageway for movement of the fluid. The cartridge has a first end, a second end, a liquid inlet disposed adjacent the first end, a liquid output disposed adjacent the second end, and a first wall extending between the ends and made of a material having good heat transfer properties. The assembly includes a thermoelectric heat pump, and a slot is provided for releasably receiving the cartridge so that the heat pump engages the wall of the cartridge. The assembly also includes a temperature sensor engaging the wall adjacent the ouptut and an electric circuit which is responsive to the temperature sensor for controlling operation of the heat pump so that the liquid exiting the cartridge is at the predetermined temperature.
Abstract:
An improved peristaltic pump is disclosed which comprises a plurality of peristaltic tubes which extend from a central suction port to a common discharge chamber. A spiral cam engages the tubes and closes the lumens defined thereby. The spiral cam is rotated relative to the tubes to effect pumping.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a lithium halide primary cell having means to indicate its end of life. The cell includes at least one lithium anode and a cathode in contact with a major surface of the anode wherein the indicating means comprises a stepped portion on the major surface of said anode which is not in contact with the cathode. The stepped portion of the anode comprises a surface area of from about 40 to 60% of the area of the major surface in contact with the cathode and about 15 to 5% of the total thickness of said anode.
Abstract:
An angioplasty balloon catheter particularly adapted for ablation of a stenosis in vivo has a balloon which may be inflated with a conductive contrast fluid injected proximally to the balloon, and is furthermore metalized on the outside of the balloon and catheter shaft. The balloon has piezoelectric properties, and may be excited by application of an ultrasonic signal across the balloon between the metalized surface and the contrast fluid. The catheter is guided by a centrally located guide wire to the site of the stenosis. If the distal tip of the catheter shaft cannot pass through the stenosis, excitation of the piezoelectric balloon in a deflated state at the site of the stenosis causes ultrasonic hammering vibrations at the tip of the catheter shaft which ablate the stenosis. After the tip of the catheter has hammered its way across the stenosis, and while maintaining the ultrasonic excitation signal, the balloon is inflated to keep the vibrating balloon surface in contact with the stenosis. Unlike the case with other inflatable balloon catheters which simply press the stenosis against the blood vessel wall, the stenosis is broken up by ultrasonic vibrations and is carried away by the blood flow, minimizing the risk of re-stenosis.
Abstract:
A variable infusion device for administering liquids parenterally to a patient is formed of inexpensive plastic members. The device includes an elongated passage defined between two members of the device which are bonded to one another. A third member is movable relative to the first and second members to change the length of the elongated passage through which liquid flows thereby changing the flow rate of the liquid through the device. The liquid flow rates to the patient can be incrementally adjusted over a wide range of flow rates. Settings also include a low flow rate for merely keeping the patient's vein open.