Box for a flow control device

Abstract

A pump device for use with a pumping apparatus includes a tube for conveying a liquid. A valve mechanism is mounted to the tube between an inlet section and a pump engagement section. The valve mechanism includes a first port connected to the inlet section of the tube, a second port connected to the pump engagement section of the tube, and a valve disposed between the first port and the second port. The valve includes a valve stem rotatably mounted within a valve stem retainer. The valve stem includes a flow passage that extends through the valve stem and has an open V-shape such that a narrow open end of the flow passage communicates with the first port and a wide open end of the flow passage communicates with the second port to place the inlet section of the tube in communication with the pump engagement section of the tube.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the patent application with the application date of February 21, 2019, application number 201980054328.2, and invention title "Box for Flow Control Devices". Technical Field

[0002] The present invention generally relates to a flow control system with a flow control device and a feeding device, and more particularly to a box for use with a flow control device. Background Art

[0003] Administering a drug or nutritional component to a patient who cannot take the drug or nutritional component orally can be achieved by using a peristaltic flow control system. Generally, in such a system, fluid is delivered to the patient through a pump device that includes a flexible elastomeric tube loaded on a flow control device, such as a peristaltic pump, which delivers the fluid to the patient at a controllable delivery rate. A peristaltic pump typically has a housing that includes a rotor operatively engaged to a motor through a gearbox. The rotor drives the fluid through the flexible tube of the pump device by a peristaltic action achieved by a reversible compression generated by the impact (e.g., clamping) of one or more rollers on the rotor. The rotation of the rotor gradually compresses the elastomeric tube, which drives the fluid at a controllable speed. The pump device may have a valve mechanism for allowing or blocking the flow of fluid through the pump device. The flow control system may also have a controller that operatively adjusts one or more motors, which effectively controls the fluid flow.

[0004] A peristaltic pump operates by delivering fluid in small displacements of "equal parts". The rotor engages the elastomeric tube of the pump device, thereby pinching off a portion of the elastomeric tube and pushing the fluid forward of the pinch point, e.g., closer to the patient than to the source of the fluid directed towards the patient. Generally, the volume of fluid to be administered to the patient is controlled in the pump by counting the number of equal parts, each equal part having substantially the same volume, and stopping when the number reaches the number corresponding to the total desired volume of fluid to be delivered. Peristaltic pumps are hygienic and generally accurate, and thus are very useful when administering drugs and therapeutic fluids to patients. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one aspect, a pump assembly for use with a pumping device generally includes a tube for conveying a liquid. The tube includes an inlet section for connection to a liquid source and a pump engagement section configured to be engaged by the pumping device to pump the liquid through the tube. A valve mechanism attached to the tube between the inlet section and the pump engagement section includes a first port connected to the inlet section of the tube, a second port connected to the pump engagement section of the tube, and a valve disposed between the first port and the second port. The valve includes a rotatable valve stem for selectively communicating the first port with the second port. The valve stem includes a flow passage that extends through the valve stem from an inlet end of the flow passage to an outlet end of the flow passage, whereby the inlet end of the flow passage is in communication with the first port and the outlet end of the flow passage is in communication with the second port to place the inlet section of the tube in communication with the pump engagement section of the tube. The cross-sectional area of the flow passage increases from the inlet end toward the outlet end.

[0006] In another aspect, an assembly component for use in a housing configured to be attached to a pumping device generally includes a first port, a second port, and a valve disposed between the first port and the second port. The valve includes a valve stem that is rotatably mounted to selectively communicate the first port with the second port. The valve stem includes a flow passage that extends through the valve stem from an inlet end of the flow passage to an outlet end of the flow passage, whereby the inlet end of the flow passage is in communication with the first port and the outlet end of the flow passage is in communication with the second port to place the inlet section of the tube in communication with the pump engagement section of the tube, and the cross-sectional area of the flow passage increases from the inlet end toward the outlet end.

[0007] In yet another aspect, a housing for use with a pumping device generally includes: a body configured to be releasably attached to the pumping device to mount the housing to the pumping device; and a fitting releasably mounted to the body. The fitting includes a valve mechanism that includes a first port, a second port, and a valve disposed between the first port and the second port. The valve includes a valve stem that is rotatably mounted to selectively communicate the first port with the second port. The valve stem includes a flange configured to engage a fastener on the pumping device to secure the fitting to the pumping device when the valve stem is rotated to communicate the first port with the second port.

[0008] In yet another aspect, a housing for use with a pumping device generally includes a body configured to be releasably attached to the pumping device to mount the housing to the pumping device. The body includes a front portion, a rear portion, a top portion, a bottom portion, and a curved guide wall extending downward from the top portion of the body. A fitting is mounted on the body. The fitting has an inlet port for attaching an inlet tube to the housing and an outlet port for attaching an outlet tube to the housing. The outlet port is recessed from the top portion of the body. The curved guide wall extends adjacent to the outlet port of the fitting to support the outlet tube and prevent the outlet tube from kinking. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a feed system having a pumping device and a fragmentary portion of a feed device and a box;

[0010] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a perspective view of the system of , which shows the pumping device, but a portion of the box is removed;

[0011] Figure 2A is a fragmentary view of the perspective view in having the feed device and the removed portion of the box; Figure 2

[0012] Figure 3 is a perspective view of without the feed device and the box; Figure 1

[0013] Figure 4 is a front perspective view of the box;

[0014] Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of the box;

[0015] Figure 6 is a rear elevation view of the box;

[0016] Figure 7 is a rear perspective view of the box with the assembly component removed from the box;

[0017] Figure 8 is a front perspective view of the assembly component;

[0018] Figure 9 is a rear perspective view of the assembly component;

[0019] Figure 10A is a top view of the assembly component;

[0020] Figure 10B is a front perspective view of the assembly component with the valve stem of the cock valve removed;

[0021] Figure 11A is a rear and side perspective view of the valve stem;

[0022] Figure 11B is a front and side perspective view of the valve stem;

[0023] Figure 11C is a side view of the valve stem;

[0024] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the valve stem;

[0025] Figure 13A is a vertical cross-sectional view of the assembly component, which shows the valve stem in a position where fluid flow is obstructed;

[0026] Figure 13B is a vertical cross-sectional view of an assembly component, showing the valve stem in the flushing position;

[0027] Figure 13C is a vertical cross-sectional view of an assembly component, showing the valve stem in the fluid delivery position;

[0028] Figure 14 is a perspective view of a box of another embodiment;

[0029] Figure 15 is Figure 14 an exploded view of the box;

[0030] Figure 16 is Figure 14 a front view of a part of the feeding device of the box;

[0031] Figure 17 is Figure 16 a vertical cross-sectional view of the feeding device;

[0032] Figure 18 is a perspective view of a box of another embodiment;

[0033] Figure 19 is Figure 18 an exploded view of the box;

[0034] Figure 20 is Figure 18 a front view of a part of the feeding device of the box;

[0035] Figure 21 is Figure 20 a vertical cross-sectional view of the feeding device;

[0036] Figure 22 is a perspective view of a box of another embodiment;

[0037] Figure 23 is Figure 22 an exploded view of the box;

[0038] Figure 24 is Figure 22 a front view of a part of the feeding device of the box; and

[0039] Figure 25 is Figure 24 a vertical cross-sectional view of the feeding device.

[0040] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts in the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] One or more aspects of the present invention relate to peristaltic pumps, such as rotary peristaltic pumps, and more particularly to a rotary peristaltic pump utilizing a cassette having a valve for selecting between multiple fluid flow configurations. The cassette also has a configuration for preventing kinking of the outlet tube attached to the cassette. Any one or more advantageous features or structures that provide or facilitate one or more of these characteristics can be implemented in peristaltic pumps employed in a variety of commercial and industrial applications. Thus, while the detailed discussion relates to an enteral feeding pump with a cassette, any one or more features of the present invention can be specifically implemented or practiced in other peristaltic pumps with or without a cassette. For example, while the pump discussed exemplarily is a rotary peristaltic enteral feeding pump, the present invention has been applied to other types of peristaltic pumps (not shown), including medical infusion pumps. Except as set forth below, the general construction and operation of an enteral feeding pump are generally the same as those disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 7,608,059, entitled "FLOW CONTROL APPARATUS," filed on October 27, 2009, commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 7,092,797, entitled "FLOW MONITORING SYSTEM FOR A FLOW CONTROL APPARATUS," filed on August 15, 2006, and commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 7,534,099, entitled "ALIQUOT CORRECTION FOR FEEDING SET DEGRADATION," filed on May 19, 2009, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Without departing from the scope of the present invention, one or more of the various features and aspects of the present invention can be implemented in peristaltic pumps (such as linear peristaltic pumps) using mechanisms other than rollers. Additionally, while an exemplary feeding device 7 is shown, other types of pump devices (not shown) can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0042] Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to Figures 1 to 3 , an exemplary enteral feeding pump (broadly referred to as a "pumping device") constructed in accordance with any one or more of the principles of the present invention is generally designated by 1. The feeding pump can include: a housing (generally designated by 3), which is configured to mount a cassette (generally designated by 5) and a feeding device (broadly referred to as a "pump device"); a segment portion (generally designated by 7), which is removably received within the cassette 5. The cassette 5 is releasably attached to the housing 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the cassette 5 is removably received within the housing 3 ( Figure 3) into the box recess 6 in. It will be appreciated that as used herein, "housing" may include many forms of support structures (not shown), including but not limited to multi-part structures and structures that do not enclose or house the working components of the pump 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump 1 and the pump device 7 form a "feeding system". Additionally, various aspects and features of the present invention may be implemented without the recess 6. The pump 1 may also have a display screen 9 on the housing 3, which is capable of displaying information about the status and operation of the pump. One or more buttons 11 may be provided near the display screen 9 for controlling and obtaining information from the pump 1, and one or more light-emitting diodes 13 may provide status information of the pump. Legs (not shown) may be provided at the bottom of the housing 3 to support the housing such that the display screen 10 is slightly tilted upward for the convenience of viewing by the user or operator.

[0043] The display screen 9 may be part of the front panel (generally denoted by 19) of the housing 3 and may be removably attached to the housing. The enteral feeding pump 1 may further include a pumping unit (generally denoted by 23), which includes a pump motor (not shown) connected to a rotor shaft (not shown). A battery (not shown) may be housed in the housing 3 for powering the pump motor. A power source different from the battery or in addition to the battery may be used to power the pump, including one or more prime movers that drive the pumping unit through the rotor shaft.

[0044] The pumping unit 23 may include a rotor (generally denoted by 37), which may be coupled to the rotor shaft. The rotor 37 may include an inner disk 39, an outer disk 41, and four rollers 43 (only three of which are shown), which are mounted between the inner disk and the outer disk for free rotation about its longitudinal axis ( Figure 2 and [[ID= ). The rollers 43 engage with the tube 45 of the feeding device 7 ( ​ ) to deliver fluid to the subject through the feeding device 7 when the feeding device 7 is housed in the box 5 and the box 5 is attached to the housing 3. Other numbers of rollers are also contemplated. For example, five or six rollers may also be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0045] Referring to ​ , the box 5 may include a box body 51, which has a front portion 53, a rear portion 55, a top portion 57, and a bottom portion 59. Side walls 61 and a top wall 63 may extend from the rear portion 55 of the box body 51 to form a rear cavity configured to house the fitting 65. The tube 45 may be attached to the fitting 65. The fitting 65 may have a tongue that allows the fitting 65 to be fixed or snapped into the box. In some cases, the fitting may be removably fixed to the box 5.

[0046] The fitting 65 may include a base 67, an inlet 69, an outlet 71, and a valve stem retainer 66. The inlet 69 may include a first attachment portion 73 for insertion into the inlet end of the tube 45 and a pair of second attachment portions 75A, 75B for receiving the inlet tube 77 ( ​ ). The outlet port 71 may include a first attachment portion 79 for engaging or attaching to the outlet end of the tube 45 (such as by insertion into the outlet end of the tube 45) and a second attachment portion 81 for attaching to the outlet tube 83 (such as by receiving the outlet tube 83). The opening of the second attachment portion 81 that receives the outlet tube 83 may form a funnel or taper downward from the opening to secure the tube in the opening. The outlet tube 83 may also be treated with a solvent to soften the tube for insertion into and bonding with the attachment portion 81. The second attachment portion 75A may be placed in fluid communication with a feed source (such as a nutrient fluid bag), and the second attachment portion 75B may be placed in fluid communication with a flush source (such as a flush fluid bag) via the inlet tube 77. To assist in identifying the preferred attachment of the fluid sources, the second attachment portion 75A extends above the second attachment portion 75B. Thus, the user can easily identify the higher second attachment portion 75A as the feed source port. Alternatively, the second attachment portion 75B may be attached to the feed source, and the second attachment portion 75A may be attached to the flush source.

[0047] The tube 45, the fitting 65, the inlet tube 77, and the outlet tube 83 may include a pump device 7. It is also contemplated that the box 5 may be considered part of the pump device. In a preferred embodiment, the box 5 is made of a polymeric material such as polycarbonate.

[0048] Referring ​ , the stopcock valve 64 includes a cylindrical valve stem 68 received in a cylindrical socket 70 in the valve stem retainer 66 of the fitting 65. The valve stem 68 is movable (i.e., rotatable) in the opening 70 to selectively communicate the second attachment portions 75A, 75B with the first attachment portion 73 to place the pump device in one of a fluid delivery configuration, a flush configuration, or a fluid flow blocked configuration. Each of the second attachment portions 75A, 75B has an outlet that communicates with the opening 70 in the fitting 65, and the first attachment portion 73 has an inlet that communicates with the opening in the fitting. In one embodiment, the outlet of the second attachment portion 75A is non-uniformly circular to increase the outlet area without increasing the size of the stopcock valve 64. For example, ​ the exemplary oval outlet shown allows, for example, a thicker and more viscous feed solution to be fed more easily into the pump device 7 without enlarging the stopcock valve. The valve stem 68 includes a cylindrical body 72 that has a first opening 74 formed in the body ( ​ ) and a second opening 76 ( ​)。The first opening 74 has a circular shape, and the second opening 76 is elongated such that a first dimension of the opening 76 is greater than a second orthogonal dimension. In the illustrated embodiment, the second opening 76 has a slotted dimension that is longer than the diameter of the first opening 74. The first and second openings 74, 76 are generally located on opposite sides of the body 72 and are positioned such that they are in the same or substantially similar plane such that fluid flow through the valve stem 68 extends downward from the second attachment portions 75A, 75B to the first attachment portion 73 that is generally in a single plane( ​ and ​ ). More specifically, fluid can flow through the valve stem 68 from the first opening 74 to the second opening 76 along a single axis. This improves the efficiency of the valve by providing a straight flow path through the valve stem 68. In other embodiments, the configuration of the openings 74, 76 can be reversed.

[0049] The flow passage 88 extends within the body 72 of the valve stem 68 from an inlet end at the first opening 74 to an outlet end at the second opening 76. The passage 88 widens such that its cross-sectional area increases from the first opening 74 to the second opening 76. The passage 88 can include a curved inner wall 92 that gives the passage a generally inverted, modified V-shaped configuration. The curved inner wall 92 defines a first section 130 and a second section 132. The first section 130 widens at a generally constant rate from the first opening 74 to the end of the first section. The second section 132 widens at a non-constant rate from the first section 130 to the end of the second section 132. The rate at which the second section 132 widens increases toward the end of the second section 132. A third section 134 widens at a non-constant rate from the second section 132 to the end of the third section 134. The rate at which the third section 134 widens decreases toward the end of the third section. A fourth section 136 widens at a constant rate from the third section 134 to the second opening 76. Broadly speaking, the valve stem 68 and the valve stem retainer 66 can be considered a valve mechanism.

[0050] The profile of the passage 88 provides benefits during the molding process of the valve stem 68. In particular, by forming the passage with a modified 'V' shape, the thickness of the wall between the passage and the cylindrical outer surface of the valve stem 68 can be kept smaller on each side. The smaller wall thickness helps to maintain a more consistent cylindrical shape of the outer surface. This prevents deviations in the outer surface of the valve stem 68 that would create a gap between the valve stem 68 and the valve stem retainer 66 that would allow fluid flow between the second attachment portions 75A, 75B when the valve stem 68 is in a fluid flow obstructed position. In contrast, having a true 'V' shape (using ​The dashed lines in ) the passage will result in the thickness of the valve stem 68 around the passage 88 (usually near the middle of the passage), which is too large to be produced during the molding process without causing inconsistencies in the circumference of the valve stem. However, by contouring the passage 88 such that the width (and thus the cross-sectional area) of one or more segments located midway between the inlet end (opening 74) and the outlet end (opening 76) increases more rapidly, the maximum thickness of the wall is reduced to a thickness that will maintain its shape during the molding process. Thus, the thickness of the wall of the valve stem 68 around the second, third, and fourth segments 132, 134, 136 is smaller than in the case of a passage following a standard 'V' contour. This smaller wall thickness allows the valve stem 68 to be molded without creating irregularities in the outer circumference of the valve stem 68.

[0051] As ​ shown, the flange 78 projects radially from the body 72 of the valve stem 68 and extends partially around the circumference of the body 72. In one embodiment, the flange 78 is generally fan-shaped. A cavity 80 is formed in the body 72, and this cavity 80 allows the shaft 93 ( ​ ) of the pump 1 to engage the body of the valve stem 68 to rotate the body in the opening 70. The flange 78 is configured to engage the hooks 108 ( ​ and ​ ) in the groove 6 of the pump 1 to prevent the removal of the feeding device 7 when the valve is open. When the cartridge 5 is attached to the pump 1, the hooks 108 are received in the grooves 110 in the valve stem retainer 66 ( ​ ). This positions the flange 78 adjacent to and behind at least a portion of the hooks 108. As will be explained in more detail below, the movement of the valve stem 68 places the flange 78 behind the hooks 108, thereby preventing the removal of the feeding device 7 when the valve is open. This safety feature prevents free-flow conditions in the feeding device 7 in the case where an uncontrolled amount of fluid is being delivered to the patient, which could potentially be harmful to the patient. Additionally, the flange 78 functions as a stop-engagement feature for restricting the rotation of the valve stem 68, as further explained below. The fitting 65 and the valve stem 68 together can be considered an assembly component 82. The configuration of the assembly component 82 removes the fluid flow selection valve from the inlet tube 77 and places it within the body of the cartridge 5.

[0052] In ​ and ​In the configuration shown, the assembly component 82 is in a fluid flow obstructed configuration, in which the body 72 prevents the outlets of the second attachment portions 75A, 75B from communicating with the opening 70 and the inlet of the first attachment portion 73. Rotation of the valve stem 68, such as by engaging the cavity 80 and rotating the shaft 93 of the pump 1 clockwise in the opening 70, will place the first opening 74 in communication with the outlet of the second attachment portion 75B and will place the second opening 76 in communication with the inlet of the first attachment portion 73, thereby placing a fluid source connected to the second attachment portion 75B in fluid communication with the outlet 71 and the outlet pipe 83 via the pipe 45( ​ ). The second attachment portion 75A remains blocked from communicating with the first attachment portion 73. Additionally, when the valve stem 68 is rotated from the closed position to place the first opening 74 in communication with the outlet of the second attachment portion 75B, the flange 78 moves behind the hook 108 on the pump 1, such that the feed device 7 is prevented from being removed from the pump 1( ​ ). Further rotation of the valve stem 68 will place the first opening 74 in communication with the outlet of the second attachment portion 75A and the second opening 76 will remain in communication with the inlet of the first attachment portion 73, thereby placing a fluid source connected to the second attachment portion 75A in communication with the outlet 71 and the outlet pipe 83 via the pipe 45( ​ ). This is accomplished because the position and length of the second opening 76 are such that at least some portions of the second opening will communicate with the inlet of the first attachment portion 73 throughout the movement of the valve stem 68 to place the first opening 74 in communication with the second attachment portions 75A, 75B. The second attachment portion 75B is now blocked from communicating with the first attachment portion 73. A stop 94 on the valve stem retainer 66 engages the flange 78 to limit rotation of the body in the opening 70.

[0053] Referring to ​ , the second attachment portion 81 of the outlet 71 of the fitting 65 is recessed from the top 57 of the box 5 such that the outlet pipe 83 extends downward into the body 51 of the box before being inserted into the second attachment portion 81. This provides a section of the outlet pipe 83 that extends near a curved guide wall 96 that extends downward from the top wall 63. The curved guide wall 96 provides an arcuate surface with a gradually decreasing slope for the outlet pipe 83 to rest on, thereby preventing the pipe from sharply bending at the lateral edge of the box 5. As a result, the outlet pipe 83 is prevented from kinking, which can inhibit fluid flow through the pipe. Additionally, because a section of the outlet pipe 83 extends from the top of the box 5 to the fitting 65 between the pipe attachment, the section of the pipe inserted into the second attachment portion 81 is not located at a position where the pipe is subject to bending forces that may have softened the second attachment portion 81 through solvent treatment. Rather, the section is spaced from the top 57 of the box 5 and is generally held straight by the curved guide wall 96. This further reduces any chance of kinking or pinching in the outlet pipe 83.

[0054] As exemplarily shown, the tongue 84 ( ​ and ​ ) can extend from the lateral sides of the base 67 and can be configured to be received in corresponding openings 86 (e.g., ​ and ​ ) in the front portion 53 of the box 5 to releasably attach the fitting 65 to the box 5. A pair of guiding ramps 91 ( ​ and ​ ) in the side walls 61 can form a funnel towards the opening 86. The tongue 84 on the fitting 65 can travel along the ramp 91 and be received in the opening 86 to hold the fitting to the box body 51. The valve stem retainer 66 of the fitting 65 is received in a valve retainer 98 ( ​ ) formed in the body 51 of the box 5. Alternatively, the fitting 65 can be integrally formed with or omitted from the box body 51.

[0055] Referring to ​ and ​ , cutouts 85A, 85B can be formed in the top wall 63 of the box body 51 to receive the second attachment portions 75A, 75B of the inlet 69 of the fitting 65 and the outlet tube 83, respectively. A locator wall 87 can extend vertically near the top of the box body 51. A generally U-shaped wall 89 can be provided between the side walls 61 that is generally located at the center of the box body 51. The base 67 of the fitting 65 is received between the locator wall 87 and the U-shaped wall 89. The base 67 can engage the bottom of the locator wall 87 and the top of the vertical protrusion of the U-shaped wall 89 to position the fitting 65 in the box 5.

[0056] An arcuate wall 95 can generally be provided at the middle of the box body 51 to at least partially define a rotor groove 97 for receiving at least a portion of the rotor 37 of the pump 1 when the box 5 is attached to the housing 3. The rotor groove 97 can include a protrusion 99 ( ​)。The inlet and outlet outer curved guide walls 101 may extend substantially parallel to opposite sides of the arcuate wall 95. The inlet and outlet inner curved guide walls 103 may extend upward from the arcuate wall 95 substantially parallel to the inlet and outlet outer curved guide walls 101, respectively, thereby forming inlet and outlet openings for receiving and supporting corresponding inlet and outlet portions of the tube 45. The guide walls 101, 103 and the arcuate wall 95 may form a tube passage 114 for receiving a lower portion of the tube 45 in an annular configuration, thereby properly positioning the tube relative to the rotor 37 when the box 5 is attached to the housing 3. The arcuate wall 95 and the curved guide walls 101, 103 may receive the tube in a close-fitting relationship around the sides of the rotor groove 97. The tongue 100 may extend over the tube passage 114 to hold the tube 45 in the tube passage 114 and hold the tube 45 in the box, thereby constraining the tube according to the third axis. The outer curved guide wall 101 may terminate substantially at the bottom side of the rotor groove 97 such that the tube 45 is not directly opposite the guide walls 101, 103 or the arcuate wall 95 at the bottom of the rotor groove 97.

[0057] The insert 105 may be received in the box groove 6 in the housing 3 to assist in securing the box 5 and the tube 45 in the box groove 6 ( ​ )。The insert 105 may be positioned in the groove 6 such that when the box 5 is attached to the housing 3, the insert 105 is received in the rear cavity of the box 5 above the curved guide walls 101, 103. The insert 105 may include a pair of opposing first protrusions 107 provided at the inlet side of the insert for receiving the inlet portion of the tube 45 and a pair of opposing second protrusions 109 provided at the outlet side of the insert for receiving the outlet portion of the tube. The ribs 111 ( ​ and ​ ) on the rear portion 55 of the box body 51 may be positioned to engage the outlet portion of the tube 45 between the second protrusions 109 to assist in inserting the outlet portion between the protrusions. A marking 112 may be provided on at least one of the second protrusions 109 to indicate the direction of fluid flow in the tube 45. In the illustrated embodiment, the marking 112 is in the form of an arrow.

[0058] Referring to ​, the stator member 113 can be arranged as the bottom portion of the cartridge body 51 in a cavity (such as a stator opening 115 that is typically at or near the bottom of the rotor groove 97). Thus, when the cartridge 5 is attached to the housing 3, the stator member 113 is generally positioned opposite the bottom of the rotor 37. In an advantageous configuration, when the roller 43 engages the tube, the stator member 113 can support the tube 45 of the feeding device 7, as explained below. In some cases, the stator member 113 can have an arcuate shape that extends along the length of the stator member. As in the exemplary illustrated embodiment, the stator member 113 can be a cantilevered member that is anchored to the cartridge body 51 only at a first end and is at least partially free-floating in the stator opening 115 relative to the cartridge body 51. As shown, the flexible stator member 113 can pivot or be anchored around its connection to the remainder of the cartridge 5 and can flatten partially or completely when engaging the roller 43. For example, the stator member can have a first end that adheres to the cartridge body and a second end that is not fixed, and the second end can float or be displaced to allow a reaction section with the surface of the stator member to have a deflection displacement. For example, when the at least one roller moves laterally along the tube while rotating about the axis of rotation of the rotor, the flexible stator member 113 can be displaced or deflected to a deflection displacement under the action of the force applied by one or more rollers 43 during its rotation about the axis of rotation.

[0059] The transverse rib 116 on the bottom of the first section can provide structural stiffness to the flexible stator member 113 and can serve as a contact surface that facilitates the removal of the flexible stator member from the mold cavity, such as by ejection. In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible stator member 113 can be integrally formed with the cartridge body 51 as one piece. However, the flexible stator member 113 can be formed separately from the cartridge body 51 and attached to the cartridge body by a suitable means. For example, a flexible stator (not shown) can have an elongated extension that engages a mating cavity in the cartridge body, where the size and shape of the mating cavity are correspondingly designed to accommodate the extension. In this way, the stator member can be selected from a plurality of candidates with different mechanical properties (such as modulus and radius of curvature) to customize the cartridge operating parameters with or without considering any tube properties and to provide specific flow performance attributes during the pumping operation.

[0060] The stop member 117 can be disposed at the bottom of the stator opening 115 to limit the floating movement of the flexible stator member 113 to a maximum displacement. The stop member 117 can be spaced relative to the lower side of the flexible stator member 113 to prevent flexure of the stator member that would result in plastic deformation of the stator member. For example, the stop member can be positioned to limit the magnitude of the deflection displacement distance of the unfixed end to the maximum displacement. In the illustrated embodiment, the stop member 117 is formed as part of the box body 51. However, the stop member 117 can be formed separately from the box body 51 and attached to the box body in a suitable manner. In other cases, the stop member 117 can be formed on the housing 3 and configured to limit the displacement of the flexible stator member 113 to the maximum displacement. The stop member 117 can have a width greater than the width of the flexible stator member 113 such that the stop member provides sufficient surface area to limit the movement of the stator member. The stop member 117 can be used to shield the flexible stator member 113 and is generally sized to prevent or reduce the likelihood of hooking or snagging the member 113.

[0061] Before attaching the box 5 to the pump housing 3, the inlet and outlet tubes 77, 83 can be attached to the inlet and outlet 69, 71 of the box, respectively. To attach the box 5 to the pump housing 3, one or more pins or protruding bosses 119 at the bottom 59 of the box body 51 can be inserted into slots 124 at the bottom of the grooves 6 in the housing 3. The engagement between the protruding bosses 119 and the slots 124 generally positions the box 5 on the housing 3. The box body 51 can then be rotated upward until the rung 123 on the tongue 125 at the top 57 of the box body is captured by the fastener 127 at the top of the groove 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the protruding bosses 119 and the rungs 123 are integrally formed with the box body 51. However, the protruding bosses 119 and the rungs 123 can be formed separately from the box body 51 and attached to the box body in a suitable manner. To remove the box 5 from the pump housing 3, the tongue 125 can be pressed to disengage the rung 123 from the fastener 127.

[0062] Once the box 5 is attached to the pump housing 3, the tube 45 of the feeding device 7 is positioned to be engaged by the roller 43 of the pump 1. The roller 43 engages the tube 45 at the portion of the tube supported by the flexible stator member 113. The engagement of the tube 45 by the roller 43 causes the flexible stator member 113 to flex or move away from the roller. In particular, this movement allows the tube 45 to at least partially straighten into a more linear configuration, thereby allowing the roller 43 to block the tube in a semi-linear manner. Thus, instead of pulling and stretching the tube 45 as can be the case with rollers in conventional pumps, the roller 43 slides along the tube and blocks the tube in a state of reduced tension. As a result, the roller 43 produces equalized portions consistent with the actual linear dimensions of the tube 45. Therefore, the calculated equalized portion volume of the pump 1 more closely matches the actual equalized portion volume produced by the pump, resulting in a more accurate feed.

[0063] Referring to ​ , the pump device of another embodiment is generally designated by 7'. The pump device includes: a cartridge 5', which includes a cartridge body 51'; an assembly component 82', which includes a fitting 65' received in the cartridge body and a valve stem 68' movably received in the fitting; and a tube 45' attached to the fitting. Except for the configuration of the fitting 65', the cartridge 5' is similar to the cartridge of the first embodiment and particularly the second attachment portion 81' of the outlet 71' of the fitting. In this embodiment, the second attachment portion 81' extends laterally away from the inlet 69' and extends through a notch 102' in the side wall 61' of the cartridge 5'. The outlet tube 83' is received in the second attachment portion 81' and extends laterally away from the housing 51' of the cartridge 5'. The laterally extending outlet tube 83' provides an orientation that is better resistant to kinking than an outlet tube that extends vertically upward from the second attachment portion 81'. This is because the downward force generated by the fluid flowing through the outlet tube 83' will result in less bending in the laterally extending outlet tube, thereby reducing the chance of forming a kink. Also, since the outlet tube 83' generally bends downward from the cartridge 5' to reach the patient, extending the outlet tube laterally from the cartridge positions the tube in a location that is more suitable for reaching the patient without the weight of the fluid causing the tube to kink.

[0064] Referring to ​, the pump device of another embodiment is generally designated by 7″. The pump device includes: a cartridge 5″, which includes a cartridge body 51″; an assembly component 82″, which includes a fitting 65″ received in the cartridge body and a valve stem 68″ movably received in the fitting; and a tube 45″ attached to the fitting. Except for the configuration of the fitting 65″, the cartridge 5″ is similar to the cartridge of the previous embodiment, and in particular, the outlet 71″ of the fitting. In this embodiment, the outlet 71″ includes an angled arcuate portion 104″ and a deflector 106″ received in the arcuate portion. The deflector 106″ has an open top, which is closed by the arcuate portion 104″, thereby providing an arcuate flow passage through the outlet 71″ of the fitting 65″. The downstream portion of the tube 45″ is connected to a first attachment portion 79″ of the deflector 106″, and a second attachment portion 81″ of the deflector is connected to an outlet tube 83″. Due to the arcuate shape of the outlet 71″, the second attachment portion 81″ extends downward through an opening 102″ in the front portion 53″ of the cartridge 5″. The outlet tube 83″ is received in the second attachment portion 81″ and extends downward adjacent to the front portion 53″ of the housing 51″ of the cartridge 5″. The downwardly extending outlet tube 83″ provides an orientation that better resists kinking than an outlet tube that extends vertically upward from the second attachment portion 81″. This is because the downward force generated by the fluid flowing through the outlet tube 83″ will cause less bending in the outlet tube that has already extended downward, thereby reducing the chance of forming a kink. Also, since the outlet tube 83″ generally bends downward from the cartridge 5″ to reach the patient, having the outlet tube already extend downward from the cartridge positions the tube in a location more suitable for reaching the patient without causing kinking due to the weight of the fluid.

[0065] Refer to ​, the pump device of another embodiment is generally designated by 7″′. The pump device includes: a cartridge 5″′ that includes a cartridge body 51″′; an assembly component 82″′ that includes a fitting 65″′ received in the cartridge body and a valve stem 68″′ movably received in the fitting; and a tube 45″′ attached to the fitting. Except for the configuration of the fitting 65″′, the cartridge 5″′ is similar to the cartridge of the previous embodiment and particularly the outlet 71″′ of the fitting. In this embodiment, the outlet 71″′ includes an arched portion 104″′ and a diverter 106″′ received in the arched portion. The arched portion 104″′ has an open top that is closed by the diverter 106″′, thereby providing an arched flow passage through the outlet 71″′ of the fitting 65″′. The downstream portion of the tube 45″′ is connected to a first attachment portion 79″′ of the arched portion 104″′, and a second attachment portion 81″′ of the arched portion is connected to an outlet tube 83″′. Due to the arched shape of the outlet 71″, the second attachment portion 81″′ extends downward through an opening (not shown) in a side projection of the cartridge 5″′. The outlet tube 83″ is received in the second attachment portion 81″′ and extends downward adjacent to the side wall 61″ of the cartridge 5″. The downwardly extending outlet tube 83″′ provides an orientation that is better resistant to kinking than an outlet tube that extends vertically upward from the second attachment portion 81″′. This is because the downward force generated by the fluid flowing through the outlet tube 83″′ will result in less bending in the outlet tube that has already extended downward, thereby reducing the chance of forming a kink. Also, because the outlet tube 83″′ typically must bend downward from the cartridge 5″′ to reach the patient, having the outlet tube already extend downward from the cartridge will orient the tube in a position that is more suitable for reaching the patient without causing kinking due to the weight of the fluid.

[0066] In a non-exclusive statement of the present invention, a cartridge for use with a pumping device generally includes a body configured to be releasably attached to the pumping device to mount the cartridge to the pumping device. The body includes a front portion, a rear portion, a top portion, a bottom portion, and a curved guide wall extending downward from the top of the body. A fitting mounted on the body has an inlet port for attaching an inlet tube to the cartridge and an outlet port for attaching an outlet tube to the cartridge. The outlet port is recessed from the top of the body, and the curved guide wall extends adjacent to the outlet port of the fitting for supporting the outlet tube to prevent kinking of the outlet tube.

[0067] When introducing elements of the present invention or its (multiple) preferred embodiments, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean that there is one or more elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be other elements in addition to the listed elements.

[0068] In view of the foregoing, it will be seen that several objects of the present invention have been achieved and other advantageous results have been obtained.

[0069] Since various changes have been made to the above construction without departing from the scope of the present invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. A pump device for use with a pumping apparatus, the pump device comprising: A tube for conveying a liquid, the tube including an inlet section for connection to a liquid source and a pump engagement section configured to be engaged by the pumping apparatus to pump the liquid through the tube; A valve mechanism attached to the tube between the inlet section and the pump engagement section, the valve mechanism including a first port connected to the inlet section of the tube, a second port connected to the pump engagement section of the tube, and a valve disposed between the first and second ports, the valve including a valve stem retainer for mounting a rotatable valve stem, the valve stem retainer defining a stop positioned to be engaged by a flange of the valve stem to limit rotation of the valve stem in the valve stem retainer, the valve stem retainer having a recess configured to receive a fastener when attached to the pumping apparatus, the rotatable valve stem selectively communicating the first port with the second port, the valve stem including a flow passage extending through the valve stem from an inlet end of the flow passage to an outlet end of the flow passage, whereby the inlet end of the flow passage is in communication with the first port and the outlet end of the flow passage is in communication with the second port to place the inlet section of the tube in communication with the pump engagement section of the tube, the cross-sectional area of the flow passage increasing from the inlet end toward the outlet end, wherein the cross-sectional area of the flow passage varies at different rates through the flow passage from the inlet end to the outlet end; and A box configured to be releasably attached to the pumping apparatus, the tube and the valve mechanism being releasably mounted to the box.

2. The pump device according to claim 1, wherein, The maximum rate of increase of the cross-sectional area of the flow passage occurs midway between the inlet end and the outlet end of the flow passage.

3. The pump device according to claim 1, wherein, The tube includes a first tube for connection to a first liquid source and a second tube for connection to a second liquid source, the first port being connected to the first tube, the valve mechanism including a third port connected to the second tube, the valve stem being rotatably mounted to selectively communicate one of the following: i) the first port with the second port, or ii) the third port with the second port, and when the inlet end rotates between the first and third ports, the outlet end of the flow passage remains in communication with the second port.

4. The pump device according to claim 3, wherein, The longitudinal axes of the first port, the second port, the third port, and the flow passage are substantially coplanar.

5. The pump device according to claim 1, wherein, The first port has a non-uniform circular opening for communicating liquid to the flow passage in the valve stem of the valve.

6. The pump device according to claim 1, wherein, ​ 7. The pump device according to claim 6, wherein, ​ 8. The pump device according to claim 1, wherein, ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ A valve mechanism, the valve mechanism being attached to a pipe between the inlet section and the pump engagement section, the valve mechanism including a first port connected to the inlet section of the pipe, a second port connected to the pump engagement section of the pipe, and a valve disposed between the first and second ports, the valve including a valve stem retainer for mounting a rotatable valve stem, the valve stem retainer defining a stop, the stop being positioned to be engaged by a flange of the valve stem to limit rotation of the valve stem in the valve stem retainer, the valve stem retainer having a recessed portion for receiving a fastener when attached to the pumping device, the rotatable valve stem selectively communicating the first port with the second port, the valve stem including a flow passage extending from an inlet end of the flow passage to an outlet end of the flow passage through the valve stem, whereby the inlet end of the flow passage communicates with the first port and the outlet end of the flow passage communicates with the second port to place the inlet section of the pipe in communication with the pump engagement section of the pipe, the cross-sectional area of the flow passage increasing from the inlet end toward the outlet end, wherein the cross-sectional area of the flow passage varies at different rates through the flow passage from the inlet end to the outlet end; and A box configured to releasably receive the pump device, the box including: A body configured to be releasably attached to the housing to mount the box to the pumping device; and A fitting releasably mounted to the body, the fitting including a valve mechanism, the valve mechanism including a first port, a second port, and a valve disposed between the first port and the second port, the valve including a valve stem rotatably mounted to selectively communicate the first port with the second port, the valve stem including a flange to secure the fitting to the pumping device when the valve stem rotates to communicate the first port with the second port.

10. The pumping device according to claim 9, wherein, The maximum rate of increase in the cross-sectional area of the flow passage occurs midway between the inlet end and the outlet end of the flow passage.

11. The pumping device according to claim 9, wherein, The pipe includes a first pipe for connection to a first liquid source and a second pipe for connection to a second liquid source, the first port being connected to the first pipe, the valve mechanism including a third port connected to the second pipe, the valve stem being rotatably mounted to selectively communicate one of the following: i) the first port with the second port, or ii) the third port with the second port, and when the inlet end rotates between the first and third ports, the outlet end of the flow passage remains in communication with the second port.

12. The pumping device according to claim 11, wherein, The longitudinal axes of the first port, the second port, the third port, and the flow passage are substantially coplanar.

13. The pumping device according to claim 9, wherein, The pumping device further includes a box configured to be releasably attached to the pumping device, and the pipe and the valve mechanism are releasably mounted to the box.

14. The pumping device according to claim 9, wherein, The first port has a non-uniform circular opening for communicating liquid into the flow passage in the valve stem of the valve.

15. The pumping device according to claim 9, wherein, The flange projects radially outward from the valve stem.

16. The pumping device according to claim 15, wherein, The flange has a generally fan-shaped shape extending radially around the valve stem.

17. The pumping device according to claim 9, wherein The liquid source is one of a nutrient liquid bag or a flushing fluid bag.

18. The pumping device according to claim 9, wherein, The housing further includes a display screen configured to display information about the status and operation of the pump.

19. A pumping device, comprising: a housing including: a pumping unit for pumping a liquid; and a box recess configured to receive a box; a fitting assembly including: a first port, a second port, and a valve disposed between the first and second ports, the valve including a valve stem retainer for mounting a rotatable valve stem, the valve stem retainer defining a stop member positioned to be engaged by a flange of the valve stem to limit rotation of the valve stem in the valve stem retainer, the valve stem retainer having a recessed portion configured to receive a fastener when attached to the pumping device, the valve stem being rotatably mounted to selectively communicate the first port with the second port, the valve stem including a flow channel extending through the valve stem from an inlet end of the flow channel to an outlet end of the flow channel, whereby the inlet end of the flow channel communicates with the first port and the outlet end of the flow channel communicates with the second port to place an inlet section of a tube in communication with a pump engagement section of the tube, the cross-sectional area of the flow channel increasing from the inlet end toward the outlet end, wherein the cross-sectional area of the flow channel varies at different rates through the flow channel from the inlet end to the outlet end; and a box including: a body configured to be releasably attached to the pumping device to mount the box to the pumping device; and a fitting releasably mounted to the body, the fitting including a valve mechanism including a first port, a second port, and a valve disposed between the first port and the second port, the valve including a valve stem rotatably mounted to selectively communicate the first port with the second port, the valve stem including a flange to fix the fitting to the pumping device when the valve stem rotates to communicate the first port with the second port; wherein the tube is releasably mounted to the box.

20. The pumping device according to claim 19, wherein, The maximum rate of increase in the cross-sectional area of the flow channel occurs midway between the inlet end and the outlet end of the flow channel.

21. The pumping device according to claim 19, wherein, The tube includes a first tube for connection to a first liquid source and a second tube for connection to a second liquid source, the first port being connected to the first tube, the valve mechanism including a third port connected to the second tube, the valve stem being rotatably mounted to selectively communicate one of the following: i) the first port with the second port, or ii) the third port with the second port, and when the inlet end rotates between the first and third ports, the outlet end of the flow channel remains in communication with the second port.

22. The pumping device according to claim 21, wherein, The longitudinal axes of the first port, the second port, the third port, and the flow channel are substantially coplanar.

23. The pumping device according to claim 19, wherein, The first port has a non-uniform circular opening for communicating liquid into the flow channel in the valve stem of the valve.

24. The pumping device according to claim 19, wherein, The flange projects radially outward from the valve stem.

25. The pumping device according to claim 24, wherein, The flange has a generally sector-shaped configuration that extends radially about the valve stem.

26. The pumping device according to claim 21, wherein, The liquid source is one of a nutrient liquid bag or a flushing fluid bag.

27. The pumping device according to claim 19, wherein, The housing further includes a display screen configured to display information regarding the status and operation of the pump.

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