Inventors:
William J. Donawick - West Chester PA
Betty L. Teichman - Downingtown PA
International Classification:
A61M 500
Abstract:
A gravitational fluid administration apparatus for large animals includes: a mechanism to allow a person of average strength to lift, lower, and suspend containers of blood, plasma, parenteral fluids, drugs, and supplemental salt solutions weighing as much as 25 kg without injuring the animal or human personnel; a hanger to hold the fluid containers; and a swivel mechanism to allow the suspended fluid containers to turn as the animal moves and to prevent kinking of the associated tubing. Further, there are "primary" and "secondary" tubing systems. The purpose of the primary tubing system is to convey fluids and drugs from fluid containers to the animal through a closed system. The primary tubing system is composed of connectors, securing straps, Y connectors, a drip chamber, shut-off clamps, side ports for the infusion of drugs or supplemental fluids, and sampling blood, and a coil of tubing to permit lengthening or shortening the effective length of the system as the animal moves away from or approaches the suspended fluid containers. The purpose of the secondary tubing system is to interconnect the fluid containers. The secondary tubing system consists of connectors, tubing and a shut-off clamp.