Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus and method are disclosed for an IV pump which can act also as a passive infusion controller. The apparatus has a disposable flow chamber with two pumping subchambers connected by a first collapsible passageway. A pump drive is used to operate the pumping subchambers and includes a first control valve for depressing the first collapsible passageway to control flow between the subchambers and an outlet control valve for depressing an outlet collapsible passageway to control flow of infusate out of the flow chamber. The flow chamber has a base surface and first and second caps, each cap being spaced apart from the base surface and having means for attachment to one of two moveable connector rods. The caps each act as one side of the first and second pumping subchambers, respectively, the base surface being the other side. A flexible wall is connected to the base surface and to each of the caps providing the subchamber volumes therebetween. The flexible wall is constructed of a material having a thickness and modulus of elasticity such that when the connector rods are not moving the flexible wall element does not collapse when subjected to a negative gauge pressure.

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First Claim