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Abstract

A controller provides precisely regulated flow of intravenous fluid on a gravitational basis to a patient. The controller includes a storage chamber with first and second compartments and a diaphragm separating the compartments and movable in the chamber to vary the volumes of the first and second compartments. The storage chamber may be disposed in a replaceable cassette. Control means provide at first times for the introduction of fluid from the source to the first compartment and the passage of fluid from the second compartment to the patient. The control means provide at other times for the introduction of fluid from the source to the second compartment and the passage of fluid from the first compartment to the patient. The control means may also be included at least partially in the cassette. Means operate upon the control means, upon the movement of the diaphragm to a particular position in the second compartment, to obtain the introduction of fluid from the source to the first compartment and the passage of fluid from the second compartment to the patient. Such means operate on the control means, upon the movement of the diaphragm to a particular position in the first compartment, to obtain the introduction of fluid from the source to the second compartment and the passage of fluid from the first compartment to the patient. The control means also control at each instant the rate at which fluid flows from each of the compartments to the patient by comparing at such instant desired and actual rates of fluid flow and by providing adjustments in accordance with such comparison.

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