Cooperation Of Platen And Pump Cassette For Pump Device

Zollinger; Chris ;   et al.

Patent Application Summary

U.S. patent application number 13/828777 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-18 for cooperation of platen and pump cassette for pump device. This patent application is currently assigned to CAREFUSION 303, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is CAREFUSION 303, INC.. Invention is credited to Daniel Abal, Chris Zollinger.

Application Number20140271246 13/828777
Document ID /
Family ID51527747
Filed Date2014-09-18

United States Patent Application 20140271246
Kind Code A1
Zollinger; Chris ;   et al. September 18, 2014

COOPERATION OF PLATEN AND PUMP CASSETTE FOR PUMP DEVICE

Abstract

A pumping mechanism includes a housing containing the pumping mechanism, the housing defining a seat configured to receive a pump cassette having a fluid lumen that can be acted upon by the pumping mechanism so as to pump fluid through the fluid lumen of the pump cassette. A platen pad is movably attached to the housing mechanism, wherein the platen pad can movably adjust in position relative to the pump cassette as the pump cassette is secured in the seat of the housing.


Inventors: Zollinger; Chris; (San Diego, CA) ; Abal; Daniel; (San Diego, CA)
Applicant:
Name City State Country Type

CAREFUSION 303, INC.

San Diego

CA

US
Assignee: CAREFUSION 303, INC.
San Diego
CA

Family ID: 51527747
Appl. No.: 13/828777
Filed: March 14, 2013

Current U.S. Class: 417/53 ; 29/888.02; 417/474
Current CPC Class: A61M 2205/12 20130101; Y10T 29/49236 20150115; A61M 2205/6081 20130101; A61M 2205/582 20130101; F04B 53/16 20130101; A61M 2205/128 20130101; A61M 2205/583 20130101; A61M 2205/121 20130101; A61M 2205/581 20130101; A61M 39/281 20130101; A61M 2205/6045 20130101; A61M 5/14228 20130101; A61M 2205/14 20130101; F04B 43/12 20130101
Class at Publication: 417/53 ; 417/474; 29/888.02
International Class: F04B 43/12 20060101 F04B043/12

Claims



1. A pump device, comprising: a pumping mechanism; a housing containing the pumping mechanism, the housing defining a seat configured to receive a pump cassette having a fluid lumen that can be acted upon by the pumping mechanism so as to pump fluid through the fluid lumen of the pump cassette; a platen pad movably attached to the housing mechanism, wherein the platen pad can movably adjust in position relative to the pump cassette as the pump cassette is secured in the seat of the housing.

2. A pump device as in claim 1, further comprising a door movably attached to the housing, wherein the platen pad is movably mounted in the door.

3. A pump device as in claim 2, wherein the door is rotatably attached to the housing.

4. A pump device as in claim 2, wherein the platen pad is spring-mounted in the door.

5. A pump device as in claim 1, wherein the pump cassette defines a platen.

6. A pump device as in claim 1, wherein the pumping mechanism is a peristaltic pumping mechanism.

7. A pump device as in claim 1, further comprising: the pump cassette for coupling with the pump device, the pump cassette comprising: a fluid lumen adapted for passage of an infusion fluid toward a patient; a valve assembly that can be actuated to regulate fluid flow through the fluid lumen; and a frame coupled to the fluid lumen and the valve assembly, the frame adapted to be inserted into a seat of a pump device.

8. A pump device as in claim 2, wherein the door transitions between an open position wherein the seat is exposed for receipt of the pump cassette and a closed position wherein the door secures the pump cassette within the seat.

9. A pump device as in claim 8, further comprising a door actuator configured to transitioned to a locked state that locks the door in the closed position, wherein the door actuator is configured to automatically transition a valve assembly of the pump cassette to the open state when the door actuator is transitioned to the locked state.

10. A pump device as in claim 9, wherein the door actuator automatically transitions the valve assembly to the off state when the door actuator is transitioned to the unlocked state.

11. A device as in claim 7, wherein the pump cassette can only be inserted into the seat when the pump cassette is aligned in a predetermined orientation relative to the seat.

12. A method of coupling a pump cassette with a pump device, comprising: inserting the pump cassette into a seat of the pump device; closing a door of the pump device to secure the pump cassette in the seat, wherein the door includes a platen pad that adjusts in position relative to the pump as the door is closed.

13. A method as in claim 12, further comprising locking the door, wherein locking the door automatically causes a valve of the pump cassette to open.

14. A method as in claim 12, further comprising unlocking the door, wherein locking the door automatically causes a valve of the pump cassette to close.

15. A method as in claim 12, further comprising activating a pump mechanism of the pump device such that the pump mechanism cooperates with the pump cassette and the platen pad to pump fluid through the pump device.

16. A method as in claim 12, wherein closing the door comprises rotating the door from an open position to a closed position.

17. A method as in claim 12, wherein the pump cassette comprises a fluid lumen adapted for passage of an infusion fluid toward a patient; a valve assembly that can be actuated to regulate fluid flow through the fluid lumen; and a frame coupled to the fluid lumen and the valve assembly, the frame adapted to be inserted into a seat of a pump device.
Description



BACKGROUND

[0001] Infusion pump and sensing device systems are widely used in the medical field for infusing a fluid, such as a medication, to a patient in the environment of intensive care units, cardiac care units, operating rooms or trauma centers. Several types of infusion pump systems permit the infusion of several medications using pumps that are modularly coupled to one another, as it may often be necessary to simultaneously infuse into the patient several different kinds of fluids. Some of the several types of fluids, such as drugs, may not be directly compatible with each other and therefore need to be infused into the patient at different points of the body or at different times.

[0002] In this regard, there exist modular systems in which pump and monitoring modules can be selectively attached, both physically and electrically, to a central management unit. The central management unit controls the operation of pump modules attached to it, and receives and displays information regarding the pump modules. Each module may include a modular pump that is configured to be removably coupled to a corresponding pump cassette that enables the pumping of fluid. The pump cassette may include a platen portion that is positioned relative to a pump segment of a fluid lumen so act as a platen for pumping of fluid through the fluid lumen. It can be important for the platen portion to be properly positioned relative to the fluid lumen to achieve proper pumping of fluid.

[0003] In view of the foregoing, there is a need for infusion pump systems that facilitate the proper positioning and alignment of a pump platen relative to a fluid lumen through which fluid is pumped.

SUMMARY

[0004] Disclosed is a pump device, comprising: a pumping mechanism; a housing containing the pumping mechanism, the housing defining a seat configured to receive a pump cassette having a fluid lumen that can be acted upon by the pumping mechanism so as to pump fluid through the fluid lumen of the pump cassette; and a platen pad movably attached to the housing mechanism, wherein the platen pad can movably adjust in position relative to the pump cassette as the pump cassette is secured in the seat of the housing.

[0005] Further disclosed is a method of coupling a pump cassette with a pump device, comprising: inserting the pump cassette into a seat of the pump device; and closing a door of the pump device to secure the pump cassette in the seat, wherein the door includes a platen pad that adjusts in position relative to the pump as the door is closed.

[0006] The details of one or more variations of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages of the subject matter described herein will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 shows a schematic view an infusion system configured for pumping a fluid to a patient.

[0008] FIGS. 2 and 3 shows perspective views of an exemplary pump cassette for use with the system of FIG. 1.

[0009] FIGS. 4 and 5 show top and bottom plan views, respectively, of the pump cassette.

[0010] FIG. 6 shows an enlarged view of a valve assembly of the pump cassette.

[0011] FIG. 7 shows a front view of the pump cassette mounted in a seat of a modular pump device.

[0012] FIG. 8 shows the modular pump device with a door in a closed state.

[0013] FIG. 9 shows an enlarged view of an inner portion of the door of the modular pump device.

[0014] FIG. 10 shows a platen region of the door of the modular pump assembly.

[0015] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Disclosed is a medical fluid infusion system configured for pumping a fluid to a patient, such as in a hospital environment. The system includes one or more modular pump devices each of which is configured to be removably coupled to a pump cassette. When coupled to one another, the modular pump device and pump cassette can collectively pump a fluid to a patient. The pump cassette is configured to be coupled to the modular pump device such as by inserting the pump cassette into a seat of the pump device.

[0017] The pump cassette forms a platen that is coupled mounted to a door of the modular pump device. The door includes a pad that can translate and rotate relative to the pump cassette as the door is closed. This permits the door to automatically adjust in position relative to the pump cassette as the door is closed so that the platen of the pump cassette automatically achieves a proper position relative to a fluid lumen of the pump cassette.

[0018] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of an infusion system 100 configured to be used in pumping a fluid to a patient. The infusion system 100 includes a fluid container, such as an intravenous (IV) bag 105, fluidly coupled to a pump cassette 110 via a fluid conduit, such as a tube 115. The pump cassette 110 is configured to pump fluid from the IV bag 105 toward a patient via a tube 120 when the pump cassette 110 is coupled to a modular pump device 112. The pump cassette 110 is configured to be removably coupled to the modular pump device 112 such as by inserting the pump cassette 112 into a seat of the modular pump device 112. The following U.S. patent application describes an exemplary pump system and is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety: U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ entitled "Modular Medical Device System" (attorney docket no. 45004-038F01US), filed concurrently herewith.

[0019] With reference still to FIG. 1, the tube 115 has a proximal end fluidly coupled to (such as via a drip chamber) the IV bag 105, and a distal end fluidly coupled to a fluid lumen 205 of the pump cassette 110. Likewise, the tube 120 has a proximal end fluidly coupled to a fluid lumen of the pump cassette 110 and a distal end that attaches to the patient via an IV connection. Either of the tubes 105 or 100 may be formed of a single tube or may be formed of a series of tubes removably attached to one another, such as in an end-to-end manner using any of a variety of connectors such as Luer connectors. The tubes 115 and 120 and the fluid lumen 205 (FIG. 2) of the pump cassette 110 collectively form a continuous fluid lumen that provides a fluid pathway from the IV bag 105 toward the patient. The combinations of components 115 (with drip chamber), 110 and 120 (with luer fitting) comprise what is termed an "IV set", which can include additional components along the continuous fluid lumen. This continuous fluid lumen may include any of a variety of components that facilitate or otherwise are used in connecting the tubes and/or pumping fluid, including, for example, valves, filters, free-flow stop valves, pressure and air detection regions or components and access connectors, etc. Any of a variety of additional components may be used, including, for example, anti-free flow devices, pressure sensing components, air detection components, etc.

[0020] FIGS. 2 and 3 shows perspective views of an exemplary pump cassette 110. FIGS. 4 and 5 show top and bottom plan views, respectively, of the pump cassette 110. As mentioned, the pump cassette 110 may be in the form of a cassette assembly that removably inserts into a modular pump device. With reference to FIG. 2, the pump cassette 110 includes a fluid lumen 205. When the pump cassette 110 is attached to the tubes 115 and 120, the fluid lumen 205 fluidly connects the tube 115 to the tube 120. The fluid lumen 205 may be acted upon by any of a variety of pump mechanisms of the modular pump device to pump fluid through the fluid lumen 205 in order to achieve fluid flow from the IV bag 105 to or toward the patient.

[0021] As mentioned, the pump cassette 110 may be particularly adapted for coupling only to a particular type of modular pump device. For example, the pump cassette may be adapted to be coupled only to a modular pump device having a particular type of pumping mechanism (such as a peristaltic pump) or to a pump that pumps a particular type of fluid, such as a particular type of drug.

[0022] For such circumstances, an identifier may be associated with the pump cassette wherein the identifier matches with a corresponding or complementary identifier on the particular modular pump device to which the pump cassette matches. The identifier may be any type of identifier that uniquely identifies the pump cassette and that can be associated with a corresponding identifier on the modular pump device. For example, the identifier may be a color code on the pump cassette that is identical to or otherwise matches with a corresponding color code on the modular pump device. Any type of identifier may be used, such as, for example, a symbol, sound, or color. The identifier may be used to, for example, to facilitate quick and accurate installation of the pump cassette into the device.

[0023] Any of a variety of structures may be used to form the fluid lumen 205 of the pump cassette 110. For example, with reference to FIGS. 2 and 5, the fluid lumen 205 may be formed of a tubular structure that defines the fluid lumen 205. The tubular structure may be formed of any of a variety of materials, including for example polysiloxane (e.g., "silicone rubber"), plasticized Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), silicone, thermoplastic elastomers, elastomeric plastics, butyl rubber, or other materials. Any of a variety of connectors and/or valves may be used to attach the fluid lumen 205 to the tubes 115 and 120.

[0024] The fluid lumen 205 has a cross-sectional shape along a plane generally normal to the direction of fluid flow through which fluid can flow. The cross-sectional shape may vary along the interior or exterior of the fluid lumen. For example, the cross-sectional shape may be circular. Or, the cross-sectional shape may be a non-circular shape that facilitates compression of the outer walls of the fluid lumen when a pump mechanism is acting on the fluid lumen. The pump mechanism may achieve pumping through the fluid lumen 205 such as by compressing and/or deforming one or more portions of the fluid lumen to achieve fluid flow through the lumen. The non-circular cross-sectional shape may be, for example, a generally flattened shape, such as oval shape, eye, or diamond shape, that facilitates further flattening of the fluid lumen when a pump mechanism acts on the fluid lumen.

[0025] A proximal end of the fluid lumen tubular structure is fluidly and/or mechanically attached to the tube 115, such as via a valve assembly 210. A distal end of the fluid lumen tubular structure is attached to the tube 120, such as via a connector 220. The fluid lumen 205 may also be formed of two or more structures that collectively define the fluid lumen 205 therebetween.

[0026] With reference still to FIGS. 2-5, the fluid lumen 205 is positioned on a frame 225. The frame 225 is formed of a relatively hard or rigid material such that the frame may act as a platen 227 relative to the fluid lumen 205 for pumping fluid through the fluid lumen 205. The platen 227 may be flat or curved to cooperate in the reduction of forces required to ensure adequacy of occlusion of the moving occluding elements (such as fingers) of a pump mechanism. That is, the platen 227 may be shaped so as to cooperate with or form the non-circular cross-section of the fluid lumen 205 discussed above.

[0027] In addition, the relatively rigid structure of the frame 225 can be used to secure the fluid lumen 205 in a fixed position and/or shape relative to the frame 225, such as to eliminate or reduce the risk of the fluid lumen 205 being unintentionally stretched or moved during positioning of the frame 225 into the modular pump device.

[0028] As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, one or more attachment members, such as clips 230, are configured to secure the fluid lumen 205 to the frame 225. In the illustrated version, two clips 230a and 230b are positioned over the fluid lumen 205 and attached to the frame 225 such that the clips 230 secure the fluid lumen 205 to the frame 225. The first clip 230a is located near one end of the fluid lumen 205 and the second clip 230b is located near an opposite end of the fluid lumen 205. It should be appreciated, however, that various quantities of clips may be used at any of a variety of locations along the fluid lumen 205 and/or the frame 225.

[0029] With reference again to FIGS. 2-5, the pump cassette 110 may be configured so that it can only be inserted into the modular pump device when aligned in a predetermined manner relative to the modular pump device. This eliminates or reduces the likelihood that the pump cassette 110 will be inserted in an incorrect or improper orientation into the modular pump device. In this regard, the pump cassette 110 may be shaped so that it can only be inserted into the modular pump device when positioned in a predetermined orientation relative to the modular pump device. For example, the frame 225 can have an asymmetric shape that fits into a complementary-shaped seat in the modular pump device housing. Or the frame 225 can have one or more prongs or protrusions that must be aligned with complementary-shaped seats in the modular pump device in order for the frame 225 to be inserted into the modular pump device.

[0030] In the version of FIGS. 2-5, the frame 225 has shape that is asymmetric about a vertical axis. The frame 225 has a head region that is rounded and enlarged relative to a relatively thinner elongated body region. This provides the frame 225 with a key-like shape that can only be inserted into a complementary-shaped seat in the modular pump device housing when the frame 225 and the modular pump device housing are properly aligned. Any of a variety of asymmetric shapes can be used. The manner in which the frame 225 inserts into the seat of the modular pump is described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 7-10.

[0031] As mentioned, the pump cassette 110 includes a valve assembly 210. The valve assembly 210 includes a valve coupled to the fluid lumen 205 for controlling fluid flow through the fluid lumen 205. The valve can function in a variety of manners relative to the fluid lumen. For example, the valve can function as a flow stop in that it has an "on" (flow) state that permits flow through the fluid lumen 205 and an "off" (no flow) state that stops or blocks flow through the fluid lumen 205. Or, the valve can function as flow regulator that permits various levels of flow rate through the fluid lumen 205 based upon various, corresponding states of the valve.

[0032] In the version shown in FIGS. 2-5, the valve assembly 210 comprises a rotary valve that transitions between an off state and an on state. The valve assembly 210 is located at the head region of the frame 225 where the tube 115 attaches to the fluid lumen 205, although the position of the valve assembly 210 may vary. The valve assembly 210 includes a valve handle 250 that is functionally coupled to a body 255 so as to collectively form a rotary valve, as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 5. The valve handle 250 can be actuated to open and close the valve assembly 210. For example, the valve handle 250 can rotate between an open and a closed position. When valve handle 250 is in the open position, the valve is open to permit fluid flow through the fluid lumen 205. Likewise, when the valve handle 250 is in the closed position, the valve is closed to stop or block fluid flow through the fluid lumen 205.

[0033] The valve assembly 210 may also functional as a "dial-a-flow." That is, the valve assembly 210 is able to be utilized to control the flow rate (e.g., mL/hr). For example, the valve handle 250 may have markings that indicate flow rates. A user may actuate the valve handle 250 (e.g., manually or automatically) and indicate the desired flow rate based on the markings/indications on valve handle 250. The valve assembly 210 may be shipped to a customer in a closed or open position based on the customer's desires.

[0034] FIG. 6 shows an enlarged view of the valve assembly 210 and the attached fluid lumen 205. For clarity of illustration, the remaining components of the pump cassette 110 are not shown in FIG. 6. The valve handle 250 and the body 255 collectively form a rotary valve, although the type of valve may vary. The body 255 is fluidly attached to the fluid lumen 205. The handle 250 has portion that extends into the body 255 such that the handle 250 can be rotated relative to the body to a variety of positions. Depending on the position of the valve handle 250 relative to the body 255, fluid flow from the body 255 into the fluid lumen 205 can be opened or blocked. Thus, the valve handle 250 can be actuated via rotation so as to open or close the valve assembly.

[0035] Due to the use of a rotary valve, fluid flow is able to be consistent because it is difficult to unintentionally actuate the rotary valve during use. In contrast, during use, tubing wants to relax to its original form. As such, pinch clamps or roller clamps are unintentionally urged to open up which may unintentionally change flow rate.

[0036] The valve assembly 210 may be configured to be actuated to an open position when a pumping mechanism (e.g., pumping fingers) occludes the fluid lumen. For example, the pump cassette may be properly seated in the modular pump device but the valve assembly 210 is not allowed to open because the pumping mechanism is not occluding the fluid lumen. However, once the pumping segment is occluded, the valve assembly 210 is allowed to be actuated into an open position.

[0037] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 6, the valve handle 250 may have a disk-like shape in that the valve handle 250 is relatively round and planar or substantially flat. In the illustrated version, the valve handle 250 is circular with an undulating circumference that forms a series of knobs. One or more coupling elements, such as slots 305, are located on the valve handle 250. As described more fully below, the slots 305 are configured to mate with complementary coupling elements, such as tabs, of the modular pump device. When properly coupled to the modular pump device, the act of coupling (or a portion thereof) causes the modular pump device to automatically transition the valve handle 250 to an open position that opens the valve body so as to permit fluid flow through the fluid lumen 205.

[0038] FIG. 7 shows a front view of the pump cassette 110 mounted in a seat 700 of a modular pump device 705. The seat 700 has a shape that is configured to snugly receive the pump cassette 110. The seat may have one or more features, such as tabs or prongs, configured to yield when the pump cassette 110 is pushed into the seat 700 and then snap into place to secure the pump cassette 700 within the seat 700 once the pump cassette 110 is mounted therein. A feedback, such as a tactile, audio, or visual feedback, may be provided when the pump cassette 110 is securely mounted in the seat 700. For example, a snapping sound may occur when the pump cassette 110 is securely mounted in the seat.

[0039] With reference still to FIG. 7, the modular pump device 705 is formed of an outer housing 710 having a front panel 715 on which a user interface or display panel may be positioned. The housing 710 defines an internal cavity in which is mounted a pump mechanism that is configured to act on the fluid lumen 205 (FIG. 2) of the pump cassette 110 for pumping fluid through the fluid lumen 205. Any type of pump mechanism may be used, including a peristaltic pump mechanism.

[0040] In the example shown in FIG. 7, the seat 700 is positioned adjacent the front panel 715 although the relative positions may vary. The modular pump device 705 includes an access element, such as an access door 720. The access door 720 can be opened to access and expose a seat where the pump cassette 110 can be inserted into the pump. The access door 720 is movably attached to the housing 710 such as via a hinge assembly that permits the door 720 to transition between an open state (as shown in FIG. 7) and a closed state (as shown in FIG. 8.)

[0041] With reference to FIG. 10, a movable platen pad 1005 is disposed on an inner region of the door 720. The platen pad 1005 is a movable, rigid structure that protrudes from the inner region of the door 720. In the illustrated version, the platen pad 1005 is a substantially elongated body with straight sides and rounded ends. The platen pad 1005 defines a flat or substantially flat surface 1010 that is juxtaposed or spaced from the pump cassette 110 when the pump cassette 110 is seated in the modular pump device 705 and the door is closed. The surface 1010 provides a hard surface against which the pump cassette 110 is positioned when the door is closed. In this manner, the platen pad 1005 secures the pump cassette and its platen in place relative to the pump mechanism of the pump device. The pump mechanism may be, for example, a plurality of fingers that progressively compress the fluid lumen 205 in sequence and thereby pump fluid through fluid lumen 205.

[0042] The platen pad 1005 is disposed on or in the door 720 such that the platen pad 1005 may move relative to the door and relative to the pump cassette 110 seated in the pump device 705. That is, the platen pad 1005 is movably disposed in the door 720 such that the platen pad 1005 may move along an axis parallel and/or normal to the surface 1010 and may also rotate relative to the door. This permits the platen pad 1005 to "give" as a force is exerted onto the platen pad, such as onto the surface 1010. This permissible movement of the platen pad 1005 enables the platen pad 1005 to self-adjust in position relative to the pump cassette 110 as the door 720 so as to achieve an optimal position relative to the pump cassette 110. In this manner, the platen pad 1005 is essentially pliable so that it automatically achieves proper positioning relative to the pump cassette 110 as the door of the pump device is closed.

[0043] One or more biasing members, such as springs, may be disposed within the door 720 and coupled to the platen pad 1005 to bias the platen pad toward a certain position. The spring may vary and may be, for example, a non-linear spring. That is, the spring may be "soft" as the door 720 is initially closing. However, as the door 720 is fully seated and locked, the compression force of the spring may increase in order to provide sufficient force for proper seating of the platen pad 1005 relative to the pump cassette 110.

[0044] As best shown in FIG. 8, an actuator, such as knob 805, is coupled to the door 720. The knob 805 can be actuated by a user to lock the door 720 once the door is closed with the pump cassette 110 mounted in the seat 700 of the modular pump device 705. Actuation of the knob 805 to the locked state actuates a lock assembly, such as via a pair of latches 915 that latch with or otherwise engage the housing 710 to secure the door in the closed state. In the illustrated version, the knob 805 can be actuated via rotation. It should be appreciated that mechanisms other than knobs can be used as well as non-rotational actuation.

[0045] As will be described in more detail below, the actuation of the knob 805 to the locked state also automatically transitions the valve assembly of the pump cassette 110 to the "on" state to permit fluid flow through the pump cassette 110. In addition, actuation of the knob 805 to the unlocked state automatically transitions the valve assembly of the pump cassette 110, when mounted in the modular pump device 705, to the "off" state. This acts as a safeguard to ensure that the valve of the pump cassette is always closed upon removal of the pump cassette from the modular pump device and that the valve opens automatically upon being seated and secured (with the door 720 closed) in the modular pump device 700.

[0046] The operation of the knob 805 and its interaction with the pump cassette 110 is now described in more detail with reference to FIG. 9, which shows an enlarged view of an inner region of the door 720 where the knob 805 is located. As mentioned, the inner portion of the door includes a pair of protrusions, such as tabs 905. The tabs 905 protrude toward the pump cassette 110 when the pump cassette is mounted in the seat 700 of the modular pump device 700. The tabs 905 may move inward and outward relative to the door 720. The tabs 905 may be spring-mounted such that they are biased toward the protruded state shown in FIG. 9. In addition, the tabs 905 are positioned such that they can be aligned with and inserted into the slots 305 (FIG. 3) of the valve handle 250 when the pump cassette 110 is seated in the modular pump device and the door 720 closed. Rotation of the knob 805 (FIG. 8) results in corresponding rotation of the tabs 905. In this manner, the tabs 905 can be rotated to a position that align with and insert into the slots 305 of the valve handle 250.

[0047] For example, FIG. 7 shows the pump cassette with both the slots 305 and the tabs 905 positioned at a "12 o'clock and 6 o'clock" alignment. If the door 720 is closed, the tabs 905 will insert into and engage the slots 305 of the valve handle 250. The door 720 can then be manually or automatically closed such that the prongs insert into the slots of the valve handle 250. In this manner, the door 720 of the modular pump device physically engages the valve handle 250 via the tabs 905. Upon closing of the door, the knob 805 can be rotated to a locked position. Because the knob 805 is engaged with the valve handle 250 via the tabs 905, locking of the knob 805 rotates and actuates the valve handle 250 to the open position to permit fluid flow through the fluid lumen of the valve set. Upon unlocking of the knob 805, the knob automatically rotates the valve handle 250 back to the closed position.

[0048] The tabs 905 and slots 305 do not have to be initially aligned when the pump cassette is positioned in the seat 700 of the modular pump device 705. Rather, the valve handle 250 may be in any position (open, closed, or between the two) and the tabs 905 will automatically engage the valve handle 250 upon rotation of the knob 805. If not aligned, when the door 720 is closed the tabs 905 will just be pushed inward of the door. When the knob 805 is rotated, the tabs 905 will eventually align with the slots 305 and spring into the slots by virtue of their spring loading. In this manner, the locking of the door 720 will automatically transition the valve assembly to the on position. Likewise, unlocking of the door automatically transition the valve assembly to the off position.

[0049] One or more aspects or features of the subject matter described herein may be realized in digital electronic circuitry, integrated circuitry, specially designed ASICs (application specific integrated circuits), computer hardware, firmware, software, and/or combinations thereof. These various implementations may include implementation in one or more computer programs that are executable and/or interpretable on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor, which may be special or general purpose, coupled to receive data and instructions from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a storage system, at least one input device (e.g., mouse, touch screen, etc.), and at least one output device.

[0050] These computer programs, which can also be referred to as programs, software, software applications, applications, components, or code, include machine instructions for a programmable processor, and can be implemented in a high-level procedural and/or object-oriented programming language, and/or in assembly/machine language. As used herein, the term "machine-readable medium" refers to any computer program product, apparatus and/or device, such as for example magnetic discs, optical disks, memory, and Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), used to provide machine instructions and/or data to a programmable processor, including a machine-readable medium that receives machine instructions as a machine-readable signal. The term "machine-readable signal" refers to any signal used to provide machine instructions and/or data to a programmable processor. The machine-readable medium can store such machine instructions non-transitorily, such as for example as would a non-transient solid state memory or a magnetic hard drive or any equivalent storage medium. The machine-readable medium can alternatively or additionally store such machine instructions in a transient manner, such as for example as would a processor cache or other random access memory associated with one or more physical processor cores.

[0051] To provide for interaction with a user, the subject matter described herein can be implemented on a computer having a display device, such as for example a cathode ray tube (CRT) or a liquid crystal display (LCD) monitor for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointing device, such as for example a mouse or a trackball, by which the user may provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices can be used to provide for interaction with a user as well. For example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, such as for example visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user may be received in any form, including, but not limited to, acoustic, speech, or tactile input. Other possible input devices include, but are not limited to, touch screens or other touch-sensitive devices such as single or multi-point resistive or capacitive trackpads, voice recognition hardware and software, optical scanners, optical pointers, digital image capture devices and associated interpretation software, and the like.

[0052] The subject matter described herein can be embodied in systems, apparatus, methods, and/or articles depending on the desired configuration. The implementations set forth in the foregoing description do not represent all implementations consistent with the subject matter described herein. Instead, they are merely some examples consistent with aspects related to the described subject matter. Although a few variations have been described in detail above, other modifications or additions are possible. In particular, further features and/or variations can be provided in addition to those set forth herein. For example, the implementations described above can be directed to various combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed features and/or combinations and subcombinations of several further features disclosed above. In addition, the logic flow(s) when depicted in the accompanying figures and/or described herein do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. Other implementations may be within the scope of the following claims.

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