Abstract:
A push button flow stop is mounted on a disposable infusion pumping cassette provided for use with a drug infusion pump. The flow stop is operative to enable or to block fluid flow through the cassette in a first mode and to monitor fluid pressure in the cassette in a second mode.
Abstract:
A volumetric pump (30) includes a motor (146) that rotatably drives a cam assembly (142), which actuates a plunger (48), causing it to compress a pumping portion (34b) of a flexible tubing (34). Compression of the tubing displaces fluid trapped within the pumping portion, causing it to flow past an outlet cracking valve (52). A proximal pressure sensor (44) and a distal pressure sensor (56) each produce signals indicative of the pressure within the proximal portion and distal portion of the flexible tubing, which are used to determine whether a proximal or distal occlusion of the flexible tubing has occurred. Both pressure sensors comprise strain gauges connected to flexures that apply a spring-biased force against the proximal and distal portions of the flexible tubing. These sensors thereby respond to the cross-sectional size (diameter) of the tubing, as affected by fluid pressure therein. Proximal and distal pressures are thus monitored without violating the integrity of the flexible tubing.
Abstract:
A simple disposable infusion pumping cassette is provided for use with a drug infusion pump. The cassette includes internal means for mounting an elastomeric member (16) between a face member (12) and a base member (14) and in fluid-tight engagement within the cassette. The cassette includes a pumping chamber (22) and a proximal (56) and a distal pressure monitoring chamber (57) adjacent thereto. A flow stop (24) mounted on the cassette is operative to prevent fluid flow through the cassette in a first mode and to monitor fluid pressure in the cassette in a second mode.
Abstract:
A method for determining if fluid is being displaced by a volumetric pump. During a pumping segment of a pumping cycle for the volumetric pump, an outlet cracking valve (52) compresses the flexible tubing until the pressure of the fluid displaced by the plunger exceeds a cracking pressure, at which time the outlet cracking valve opens to enable fluid flow. A cracking flexure (182) provides the cracking force. A flow detector (54) mounted to the cracking flexure responds to the stress generated in the cracking flexure thereby, producing a signal indicative of fluid flow from the volumetric pump. The flow detector also provides an indication when a source of liquid (31) for the volumetric pump has run dry. The method comprises the steps of processing the signal to determine if it exceeds a predefined threshold that varies as a function of the rate at which the pump is set to deliver fluid.
Abstract:
A drive connector for elastomerically coupling a drive shaft to a driven shaft. An elastomeric coupling (42) includes openings (74, 80) on opposite ends that are generally 'D'-shaped forming an interference fit with correspondingly shaped ends of the drive shaft and the driven shaft. A web (98) extends transversely within the interior of the elastomeric coupling, limiting the distance that the drive shaft and driven shaft are inserted within the openings of the coupling. The coupling includes a rib (72) that runs longitudinally along its outer length. A sleeve (86) having a groove (90) corresponding in size and shape to the rib is slipped over the coupling and is connected to the driven shaft. The sleeve includes a rigid interior element that is overmolded with an elastomeric material. A cam bearing (48) is fitted over a cam surface (96) on the sleeve (86) and provides a force in one direction, urging a plunger (58) to displace an elastomeric membrane (20) in a pumping cassette (10), forcing medicinal fluid to flow through the pumping cassette. The elastomeric membrane provides the restoring force to the plunger, so that a loop formed on the upper portion of the plunger and disposed around the cam bearing does not receive any force from the cam bearing to move the plunger away from the pump cassette. The elastomeric coupling and sleeve form a relatively compact assembly for coupling the drive shaft to the driven shaft and accommodate minor misalignment between the center lines of the drive shaft and the driven shaft.
Abstract:
A simple disposable infusion pumping cassette is provided for use with a drug infusion pump. The cassette includes internal means for mounting an elastomeric member (16) between a face member (12) and a base member (14) and in fluid-tight engagement within the cassette. The cassette includes a pumping chamber (22) and a proximal (56) and a distal pressure monitoring chamber (57) adjacent thereto. A flow stop (24) mounted on the cassette is operative to prevent fluid flow through the cassette in a first mode and to monitor fluid pressure in the cassette in a second mode.
Abstract:
A system and a method for detecting the presence of air bubbles in an intravenous (IV) line supplying a medicinal liquid to a patient. An air bubble sensor includes an ultrasonic transmitter acoustically coupled to an ultrasonic receiver to detect the presence of a gas (e.g., air) in a portion of a tube comprising the IV line. The transmitter and receiver are mounted on pivoting transducers that are disposed on opposite sides of the tube. A spring biases the transducers inwardly toward each other so that the transmitter and receiver contact opposite sides of the tubing. This assembly automatically accommodates different sizes of tubing and tubing of a relatively wide range of stiffness. The tube is connected to a disposable pumping cassette that is engaged in a pump chassis on which the transducers are pivotally mounted. A user actuated plunger on the pump chassis is depressed to cause the transmitter and receiver to move away from the tube when the pumping cassette is removed from or inserted into the interior of the pump chassis. A controller precisely monitors the flow of medicinal liquid through the tubing to detect the size of gas bubbles and total volume of gas infused. The controller automatically compensates for minor contamination of the exterior surface of the tube, e.g., if the surface is wet with a liquid.
Abstract:
A push button flow stop is mounted on a disposable infusion pumping cassette provided for use with a drug infusion pump. The flow stop is operative to enable or to block fluid flow through the cassette in a first mode and to monitor fluid pressure in the cassette in a second mode.
Abstract:
A push button flow stop is mounted on a disposable infusion pumping cassette provided for use with a drug infusion pump. The flow stop is operative to enable or to block fluid flow through the cassette in a first mode and to monitor fluid pressure in the cassette in a second mode.
Abstract:
A cover for a battery compartment in a medical device such as an ambulatory pump that is used for infusing a medicinal fluid. The battery compartment cover includes a lever (18) that is pivotal between an open and a closed position. The lever is connected to a plunger (22) that applies a compressive force against an O-ring, which is trapped between a shoulder on a washer through which the plunger extends and an end of the plunger. When the lever is pivoted to its open position, the compressive force on the O-ring is released, enabling the battery compartment cover to be removed from the opening into the battery compartment. However, when the lever is pivoted to its closed position, it draws the plunger outwardly, applying a compressive force to the O-ring that causes the O-ring to expand radially outward, sealing the opening into the battery compartment against the intrusion of water or other liquids and securing the battery compartment cover in engagement with the opening.