U.S. patent application number 13/829854 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-18 for infusion pump configured to engage a sensor with tubing.
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.
Application Number | 20140271247 13/829854 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51527748 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140271247 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Abal; Daniel |
September 18, 2014 |
INFUSION PUMP CONFIGURED TO ENGAGE A SENSOR WITH TUBING
Abstract
A pump device includes a pumping mechanism and a housing
containing the pumping mechanism. A structure on a door of the
housing is configured to urge the tube of a pump set toward
engagement with a sensor as the door is closed with the pump set is
mounted housing.
Inventors: |
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: |
51527748 |
Appl. No.: |
13/829854 |
Filed: |
March 14, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
417/53 ;
417/63 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 5/14228 20130101;
F04B 43/08 20130101; A61M 2205/6081 20130101; A61M 2205/121
20130101; A61M 2205/128 20130101; A61M 5/365 20130101; A61M
2205/6045 20130101; F04B 51/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
417/53 ;
417/63 |
International
Class: |
F04B 51/00 20060101
F04B051/00 |
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 set 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 set, wherein the pump set is attached to a
tube that delivers fluid to the fluid lumen; a sensor in the
housing, the sensor configured to sense a characteristic of the
tube when the tube engages the sensor; a door movably attached to
the housing, wherein the door transitions between an open position
that exposes the seat and a closed position that covers the seat; a
structure on the door that urges the tube toward engagement with
the sensor as the door is closed with the pump set is mounted in
the seat.
2. A pump device as in claim 1, wherein the sensor is an
air-in-line sensor.
3. A pump device as in claim 1, further comprising a recess in the
housing, the recess sized and shaped to receive the tube when the
pump set is mounted in the seat.
4. A pump device as in claim 3, wherein the structure on the door
also urges tube into the recess in the housing as the door is
closed.
5. A pump device as in claim 3, wherein the recess is
chamfered.
6. A pump device as in claim 1, wherein the door is rotatably
attached to the housing.
7. A pump device as in claim 1, wherein the pumping mechanism is a
peristaltic pumping mechanism.
8. A pump device as in claim 1, further comprising: the pump set
for coupling with the pump device, the pump set 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.
9. A pump device as in claim 1, 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 set 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 method of coupling a pump set with a pump device, comprising:
inserting the pump set into a seat of the pump device, wherein the
pump device includes a sensor configured to sense a characteristic
of fluid flowing through the pump set; and closing a door of the
pump device to secure the pump set in the seat, wherein the door
includes protrusion that pushes a fluid tube of the pump set toward
engagement with the sensor as the door moves to a closed
position.
12. A method as in claim 11, wherein, as the door closes, the door
pushes the fluid tube of the pump set away from a position that
would cause pinching of the fluid tube.
13. A method as in claim 11, further comprising locking the door,
wherein locking the door automatically causes a valve of the pump
set to open.
14. A method as in claim 11, further comprising unlocking the door,
wherein locking the door automatically causes a valve of the pump
set to close.
15. A method as in claim 11, further comprising activating a pump
mechanism of the pump device such that the pump mechanism
cooperates with the pump set and the platen member to pump fluid
through the pump device.
16. A method as in claim 11, wherein closing the door comprises
rotating the door from an open position to a closed position.
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 set that enables
the pumping of fluid. The modular pump may include a seat that is
sized to receive the pump set, with a door being provided to cover
or exposed the seat. The pump set typically includes one or more
tubes through which an infusion fluid is pumped from an IV bag
toward a patient.
[0003] The modular pump device typically includes at least one
sensor that interacts with the pump set to sense a characteristic
of the pump set. It is generally desirable to have the tube of the
pump set properly engage the sensor. In addition, there is a risk
that the tube of the pump set may become pinched by the door of the
pump device as the door is closed.
[0004] In view of the foregoing, there is a need for infusion pump
systems that facilitate the proper mounting of tubes of the pump
set within a modular pump device.
SUMMARY
[0005] 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 set 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 set, wherein the pump set is attached
to a tube that delivers fluid to the fluid lumen; a sensor in the
housing, the sensor configured to sense a characteristic of the
tube when the tube engages the sensor; a door movably attached to
the housing, wherein the door transitions between an open position
that exposes the seat and a closed position that covers the seat;
and a structure on the door that urges the tube toward engagement
with the sensor as the door is closed with the pump set is mounted
in the seat.
[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
set for use with the system of FIG. 1.
[0009] FIGS. 4 and 5 show top and bottom plan views, respectively,
of the pump set.
[0010] FIG. 6 shows an enlarged view of a valve assembly of the
pump set.
[0011] FIG. 7 shows a front view of the pump set 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 region of an inner door of the modular pump
device where a tube seats in the modular pump device.
[0015] FIG. 11 shows an interior portion of the modular pump device
where an air-in-line sensor is located.
[0016] FIG. 12 shows another region of an inner door of the modular
pump device where a tube seats in the modular pump device.
[0017] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like
elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] 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 set. When coupled
to one another, the modular pump device and pump set can
collectively pump a fluid to a patient. The pump set is configured
to be coupled to the modular pump device such as by inserting the
pump set into a seat of the pump device.
[0019] The modular pump device includes at least one sensor, such
as an air-in-line (AIL) sensor that is configured to detect whether
air is located in a tubing of the medical infusion system. In use,
a door is opened on the modular pump device to expose a seat that
is sized to receive the pump set. The pump set is then seated in
the modular pump device and the door is closed to secure the pump
set within the seat. The door includes a structure that is
configured to exert a force onto a tube of the infusion set so that
the tube properly engages the AIL sensor. The structure presses the
tube into proper engagement with the AIL sensor as the door is
closed.
[0020] The door of the modular pump device is shaped to minimize or
eliminate the risk of the infusion tube being pinched between the
door and a housing of the modular pump device as the door is
closed. The housing of the modular pump device includes a recess
that is sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the tube
when the pump set is seated in the modular pump device and the door
is closed. The door is shaped to interact with the modular pump
device housing in a manner that urges the tube into the recess as
the door is closed so that the tube does not become pinched between
the door and the housing of the modular pump device. This is
described in more detail below.
[0021] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of an infusion
system 100 configured to be used in pumping a fluid to or from a
patient. The infusion system 100 includes a fluid container, such
as an intravenous (IV) bag 105, fluidly coupled to a pump set 110
(also referred to as an IV set) via a fluid conduit, such as a tube
115. The pump set 110 is configured to pump fluid from the IV bag
105 toward a patient via a tube 120 when the pump set 110 is
coupled to a modular pump device 112. The pump set 110 is
configured to be removably coupled to the modular pump device 112
such as by inserting the pump set 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.
[0022] With reference still to FIG. 1, the tube 115 has a proximal
end fluidly coupled to (such as via a drip connector) the IV bag
105, and a distal end fluidly coupled to a fluid lumen of the pump
set 110. Likewise, the tube 120 has a proximal end fluidly coupled
to a fluid lumen of the pump set 110 and a distal end that attaches
to the patient via an IV connection. Either of the tubes 115 or 120
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 of the pump
set 110 collectively form a continuous fluid lumen that provides a
fluid pathway from the IV bag 105 toward the patient. 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,
connectors, etc.
[0023] FIGS. 2 and 3 shows perspective views of an exemplary pump
set 110. FIGS. 4 and 5 show top and bottom plan views,
respectively, of the pump set 110. As mentioned, the pump set 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 set
110 includes a fluid lumen 205. When the pump set 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.
[0024] As mentioned, the pump set 110 may be particularly adapted
for coupling only to a particular type of modular pump device. For
example, the pump set 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.
[0025] For such circumstances, an identifier may be associated with
the pump set wherein the identifier matches with a corresponding or
complementary identifier on the particular modular pump device to
which the pump set matches. The identifier may be any type of
identifier that uniquely identifies the pump set 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
set 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.
[0026] Any of a variety of structures may be used to form the fluid
lumen 205 of the pump set 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. Any of a variety of
connectors and/or valves may be used to attach the fluid lumen 205
to the tubes 115 and 120.
[0027] 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 or diamond shape,
that facilitates further flattening of the fluid lumen when a pump
mechanism acts on the fluid lumen.
[0028] 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.
[0029] 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
relative to the fluid lumen 205 for pumping fluid through the fluid
lumen 205. 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.
[0030] 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.
[0031] With reference again to FIGS. 2-5, the pump set 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 set 110 will be inserted in an incorrect or improper
orientation into the modular pump device. In this regard, the pump
set 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.
[0032] 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.
[0033] As mentioned, the pump set 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" state that permits flow through the fluid lumen
205 and an "off" 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.
[0034] 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.
[0035] 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.
[0036] 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 set 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.
[0037] 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.
[0038] 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 set 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.
[0039] 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.
[0040] FIG. 7 shows a front view of the pump set 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 set 110. The seat may
have one or more features, such as tabs or prongs, configured to
yield when the pump set 110 is pushed into the seat 700 and then
snap into place to secure the pump set 700 within the seat 700 once
the pump set 110 is mounted therein. A feedback, such as a tactile,
audio, or visual feedback, may be provided when the pump set 110 is
securely mounted in the seat 700. For example, a snapping sound may
occur when the pump set 110 is securely mounted in the seat.
[0041] 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 set 110 for pumping fluid through the fluid lumen 205. Any
type of pump mechanism may be used, including a peristaltic pump
mechanism.
[0042] 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 set 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.)
[0043] 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 set 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.
[0044] 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 set 110 to the "on" state to permit
fluid flow through the pump set 110. In addition, actuation of the
knob 805 to the unlocked state automatically transitions the valve
assembly of the pump set 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 set is always closed upon removal of the
pump set 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.
[0045] The operation of the knob 805 and its interaction with the
pump set 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 set 110 when the pump set 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 set 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.
[0046] For example, FIG. 7 shows the pump set 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.
[0047] The tabs 905 and slots 305 do not have to be initially
aligned when the pump set 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.
[0048] FIG. 10 shows a close-up view of an inside region of the
door 720 with the pump set 110 seated in the modular pump device
112. The inside region faces or is juxtaposed with the pump set 110
when the pump set 110 is seated in the modular pump device and the
door 720 is closed. A protrusion 1005 extends out from an inner
surface of the door 720. The protrusion 1005 is positioned on that
the door 720 such that it engages a portion 1020 of the tube 115
when the door 720 is moved to the closed position. The protrusion
1005 is sized and shaped such that, when the door is closed, at
least a portion of the protrusion 1005 pushes, contacts, or
otherwise engages the portion 1020 of the tube 115. That is, as the
door 720 is closed, the protrusion 1005 contacts the tube 115 and
exerts a force onto the tube 115 to push the tube 115 into a
position that engages a sensor of the modular pump device.
[0049] In the illustrated variation, the protrusion 1005 is an
elongated and relatively thin structure, although the shape of the
protrusion can vary. For example, the thickness of the protrusion
1005 can be less than the diameter of the tube 115. In the
illustrated version, the protrusion is positioned near a lateral
edge of the door 720, although the position of the protrusion 1005
and shape of the protrusion may vary to accommodate a shape and
position of an AIL sensor.
[0050] As mentioned when the door 720 is closed with the pump set
110 mounted in the modular pump device, the protrusion 1005 exerts
a force onto the tube 115 at the region 1020. The force is
sufficient to push the tube 115 so that the tube 115 contacts or
engages a sensor, such as an air-in-line (AIL) sensor that is
disposed in the modular pump device. As shown below with reference
to FIG. 11, the AIL sensor 1205 is positioned in the housing of the
modular pump device 112.
[0051] The AIL sensor can engage the tube 115 when the door 720 is
closed. For example, FIG. 11 shows an interior region of the
modular pump device 112 adjacent a location where the protrusion
1005 would be positioned when the door 720 is closed. An AIL sensor
1105 is positioned so that it can register with the tube 115. When
the door 720 is closed, the protrusion 1005 (FIG. 10) presses the
tube 115 against the AIL sensor 1105.
[0052] With reference again to FIG. 10, the door 720 and the
housing 710 of the modular pump device have a shape that complement
one another in a manner that eliminates or reduces the likelihood
that the tube 115 will get kinked, pinched, or bent between the
housing 710 and the door 720 as the door is closed. In this regard,
the housing 710 forms a recess, seat or indentation 1025 that is
sized and shaped to receive the tube 115 when the door 720 is
closed. In other words, the tube 115 sits within the indentation
1025, as shown in FIG. 10, when the pump set 110 is mounted in the
modular pump device and the door 720 closed. The indentation 1020
is formed by a round or chamfered surface in the housing 710 that
forms into a recess.
[0053] A complementary rounded or chamfered edge 1030 of the door
720 is sized and shaped relative to the indentation 1025 such that,
as the door 720 closes, the edge 1030 exerts a force that is
directed toward the indentation 1025 upon any item (such as the
tube 115) that is positioned between the door 720 and the housing
710. In this manner, as the door 720 closes, the edge 1030 of the
door 720 pushes the tube 115 toward and into the indentation 1020
rather than constricting or squeezing the tube 115 between the door
720 and the housing 710. This reduces the likelihood that the tube
115 will become improperly caught between the door and the housing
when the door is closed, rather properly seating within the
indentation 1025.
[0054] FIG. 12 shows a portion of the modular pump device where the
pump set 110 connects to the tube 120. For clarity of illustration,
the tube 120 is not shown in FIG. 12. As with the tube 115, the
housing 710 forms a recess, seat or indentation 1205 that is sized
and shaped to receive the tube 120 when the door 720 is closed. The
tube 120 sits within the indentation 1205 when the pump set 110 is
mounted in the modular pump device and the door 720 closed. The
indentation 1205 is formed by a round or chamfered surface in the
housing 710 that forms into a recess.
[0055] A complementary rounded or chamfered edge 1210 of the door
720 is sized and shaped relative to the indentation 1205 such that,
as the door 720 closes, the edge 1210 exerts a force that is
directed toward the indentation 105 upon any item (such as the tube
120) that is positioned between the door 720 and the housing 710.
In this manner, as the door 720 closes, the edge 1210 of the door
720 pushes the tube 120 toward and into the indentation 1205 rather
than constricting or squeezing the tube 120 between the door 720
and the housing 710. This reduces the likelihood that the tube 120
will become improperly caught between the door and the housing when
the door is closed, rather properly seating within the indentation
1205.
[0056] 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.
[0057] 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 language, an object-oriented programming language, a
functional programming language, a logical 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.
[0058] 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.
[0059] 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.
* * * * *