PROGRAMMABLE FLEXIBLE-TUBE FLOW REGULATOR AND METHODS

摘要

Flow regulation for flexible tubes is provided by pressing the opposite sides of a tube (3) or a tubular section together to close or to selectively open the tube programmably thereby with electrically-motorized members. It is a form of valve that does not require flow of fluid through a valve-operating mechanism. A medical, hospital and home-care unit for bladder cycling of patients is provided with a pressure transducer (22) that opens and closes the valve in accordance with programmed pressure or time intervals. A medication infusion system that can be implantable is provided by regulating flow of fluid from a medication reservoir (27) into the blood or digestive system of patients (28) with appropriate electrochemical transducers and with appropriate medication reservoir and tubing. Industrial and consumer applications can be provided with appropriately designed size and construction modifications.