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 Number | 20140271246 13/828777 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51527747 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-18 |
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.
* * * * *