Syringe pump system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a syringe pump system. A method for expelling fluid from a syringe and for mitigating an occlusion condition includes actuating a plunger of the syringe into a barrel. The method monitors a fluid pressure within the barrel of the syringe and determines that an occlusion exists when the fluid pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold. The method actuates the plunger out of the barrel a predetermined amount in response to detecting the occlusion and actuates the plunger of the syringe into the barrel until a measured fluid pressure within the barrel of the syringe exceeds another predetermined threshold.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese Patent Application No. 202010138447.0, filed March 3, 2020, having an application date of December 20, 2013, entitled “Syringe Pump System.” The aforementioned Chinese Patent Application No. 202010138447.0 is a divisional application of Chinese Patent Application No. 201610903219.1, filed October 17, 2016, having an application date of December 20, 2013, entitled “Syringe Pump System.” The aforementioned Chinese Patent Application No. 201610903219.1 is a divisional application of Chinese Patent Application No. 201380072074.X (International Application No. PCT / US2013 / 077077), filed December 20, 2013, entitled “Syringe Pump System.”

[0002] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0003] This application is a non-provisional application which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 904,123, filed November 14, 2013, entitled “Syringe Pump and Related Method” (Attorney Docket No. L33), and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 894,801, filed October 23, 2013, entitled “Syringe Pump and Related Method” (Attorney Docket No. K88), the disclosures of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0004] This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 833,432, filed March 15, 2013, entitled “Syringe Pump and Related Method,” now U.S. Publication No. US-2013-0281965-A1, published October 24, 2013 (Attorney Docket No. K21), which claims priority to and the benefit of the following patent applications:

[0005] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 679,117, filed August 3, 2012, entitled “System, Method, and Apparatus for Monitoring, Regulating, or Controlling Fluid Flow” (Attorney Docket No. J30); and

[0006] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 651,322, filed May 24, 2012, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care" (Attorney Docket No. J46), the disclosures of both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0007] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 833,432 (Attorney Docket No. K21) claims priority to and is also a continuation-in-part application of:

[0008] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 333,574, filed December 21, 2011, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care," now U.S. Publication No. US-2012-0185267-A1, published July 19, 2012 (Attorney Docket No. I97), and

[0009] PCT Application Serial No. PCT / US11 / 66588, filed December 21, 2011, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care," now International Publication No. WO 2013 / 095459, published September 12, 2013 (Attorney Docket No. I97WO); and

[0010] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 723,238, filed December 21, 2012, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Clamping," now U.S. Publication No. US-2013-0182381-A1, published July 18, 2013 (Attorney Docket No. J47), which claims priority to and the benefit of:

[0011] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 578,649, filed December 21, 2011, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Infusing Fluid" (Attorney Docket No. J02);

[0012] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 578,658, filed December 21, 2011, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Estimating Liquid Delivery" (Attorney Docket No. J04);

[0013] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 578,674, filed December 21, 2011, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Dispensing Oral Medications" (Attorney Docket No. J05);

[0014] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 679,117, filed August 3, 2012, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Monitoring, Regulating, or Controlling Fluid Flow" (Attorney Docket No. J30); and

[0015] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 651,322, filed May 24, 2012, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care" (Attorney Docket No. J46), the disclosures of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0016] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 723,238 (Attorney Docket No. J47) claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part application of:

[0017] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 333,574, filed December 21, 2011, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care," now U.S. Publication No. US-2012-0185267-A1, published July 19, 2012 (Attorney Docket No. I97), and

[0018] PCT Application Serial No. PCT / US11 / 66588, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care," filed December 21, 2011, now International Publication Number WO 2013 / 095459, published September 12, 2013 (Attorney Docket No. I97WO), the disclosures of both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

[0019] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 833,432 (Attorney Docket No. K21) claims priority to and is also a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 723,235, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Dispensing Oral Medications," filed December 21, 2012, now U.S. Publication No. US-2013-0197693-A1, published August 1, 2013 (Attorney Docket No. J74), which claims priority to and the benefit of:

[0020] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 578,649, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Infusing Fluid," filed December 21, 2011 (Attorney Docket No. J02);

[0021] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 578,658, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Estimating Liquid Delivery," filed December 21, 2011 (Attorney Docket No. J04);

[0022] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 578,674, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Dispensing Oral Medications," filed December 21, 2011 (Attorney Docket No. J05);

[0023] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 679,117, titled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Monitoring, Regulating, or Controlling Fluid Flow," filed August 3, 2012 (Attorney Docket No. J30), and

[0024] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 651,322, titled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care," filed May 24, 2012 (Attorney Docket No. J46), the disclosure of each is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0025] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 723,235 (Attorney Docket No. J74) claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part application of:

[0026] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 333,574, titled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care," filed December 21, 2011, now U.S. Publication No. US-2012-0185267-A1, published July 19, 2012 (Attorney Docket No. I97), and

[0027] PCT Application Serial No. PCT / US11 / 66588, titled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care," filed December 21, 2011, now International Publication No. WO 2013 / 095459, published September 12, 2013 (Attorney Docket No. I97WO), the disclosures of both are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0028] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 833,432 (Attorney Docket No. K21) is also a continuation-in-part application of the following patent applications: PCT Application Serial No. PCT / US12 / 71131, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Dispensing Oral Medications," filed December 21, 2012, now International Publication No. WO 2013 / 096718, published July 27, 2013 (Attorney Docket No. J74WO), which claims priority to and the benefit of the following patent applications:

[0029] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 578,649 (Attorney Docket No. J02), entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Infusing Fluid," filed December 21, 2011;

[0030] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 578,658 (Attorney Docket No. J04), entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Estimating Liquid Delivery," filed December 21, 2011;

[0031] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 578,674 (Attorney Docket No. J05), entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Dispensing Oral Medications," filed December 21, 2011;

[0032] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 651,322 (Attorney Docket No. J46), entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care," filed May 24, 2012; and

[0033] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 679,117, filed August 3, 2012, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Monitoring, Regulating, or Controlling Fluid Flow" (Attorney Docket No. J30), the disclosure of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0034] PCT Application Serial No. PCT / US12 / 71131 (Attorney Docket No. J74WO) claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part application of:

[0035] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 333,574, filed December 21, 2011, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care," now U.S. Publication No. US-2012-0185267-A1, published July 19, 2012 (Attorney Docket No. I97), and

[0036] PCT Application Serial No. PCT / US11 / 66588, filed December 21, 2011, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care," now International Publication No. WO 2013 / 095459, published September 12, 2013 (Attorney Docket No. I97WO), the disclosures of both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0037] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 833,432 (Attorney Docket No. K21) claims priority to and is also a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 578,658, filed December 21, 2012, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Estimating Liquid Delivery," now U.S. Publication No. US-2013-0184676-A1, published July 18, 2013 (Attorney Docket No. J75), which claims priority to and the benefit of:

[0038] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 578,649, filed December 21, 2011, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Infusing Fluid" (Attorney Docket No. J02);

[0039] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 578,658, filed December 21, 2011, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Estimating Liquid Delivery" (Attorney Docket No. J04);

[0040] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 578,674, filed December 21, 2011, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Dispensing Oral Medications" (Attorney Docket No. J05);

[0041] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 679,117, filed August 3, 2012, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Monitoring, Regulating, or Controlling Fluid Flow" (Attorney Docket No. J30); and

[0042] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 651,322, filed May 24, 2012, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care" (Attorney Docket No. J46), the disclosures of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0043] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 724,568 claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part application of:

[0044] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 333,574, filed December 21, 2011, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care," now U.S. Publication No. US-2012-0185267-A1, published July 19, 2012 (Attorney Docket No. I97), and

[0045] PCT Application Serial No. PCT / US11 / 66588, filed December 21, 2011, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care," now International Publication No. WO 2013 / 095459, published September 12, 2013 (Attorney Docket No. I97WO), the disclosures of both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0046] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 833,432 (Attorney Docket No. K21) claims priority to and is also a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 725,790, filed December 21, 2012, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Infusing Fluid," now U.S. Publication No. US-2013-0177455-A1, published July 11, 2013 (Attorney Docket No. J76), which claims priority to and the benefit of:

[0047] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 578,649, filed December 21, 2011, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Infusing Fluid" (Attorney Docket No. J02);

[0048] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 578,658, filed December 21, 2011, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Estimating Liquid Delivery" (Attorney Docket No. J04);

[0049] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 578,674, filed December 21, 2011, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Dispensing Oral Medications" (Attorney Docket No. J05);

[0050] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 679,117, filed August 3, 2012, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Monitoring, Regulating, or Controlling Fluid Flow" (Attorney Docket No. J30), and

[0051] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 651,322, filed May 24, 2012, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care" (Attorney Docket No. J46), the disclosures of each are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0052] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 725,790 (Attorney Docket No. J76) claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part application of:

[0053] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 333,574, filed December 21, 2011, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care," now U.S. Publication No. US-2012-0185267-A1, published July 19, 2012 (Attorney Docket No. I97), and

[0054] PCT Application Serial No. PCT / US11 / 66588, filed December 21, 2011, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care," now International Publication No. WO 2013 / 095459, published September 12, 2013 (Attorney Docket No. I97WO), the disclosures of both are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0055] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 833,432 (Attorney Docket K21) is also a continuation-in-part application of the following patent applications, namely PCT Patent Application Serial No. PCT / US12 / 71490, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Infusing Fluid," filed December 21, 2012, now International Publication Number WO 2013 / 096909, published June 27, 2013 (Attorney Docket J76WO), which claims priority to and the benefit of the following patent applications:

[0056] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 578,649 (Attorney Docket J02), entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Infusing Fluid," filed December 21, 2011;

[0057] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 578,658 (Attorney Docket J04), entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Estimating Liquid Delivery," filed December 21, 2011;

[0058] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 578,674 (Attorney Docket J05), entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Dispensing Oral Medications," filed December 21, 2011;

[0059] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 679,117 (Attorney Docket J30), entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Monitoring, Regulating, or Controlling Fluid Flow," filed August 3, 2012; and

[0060] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 651,322, filed May 24, 2012, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care" (Attorney Docket No. J46), the disclosure of each is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0061] PCT Application Serial No. PCT / US12 / 71490 (Attorney Docket No. J76WO) claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part application of:

[0062] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 333,574, filed December 21, 2011, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care," now U.S. Publication No. US-2012-0185267-A1, published July 19, 2012 (Attorney Docket No. I97), and

[0063] PCT Application Serial No. PCT / US11 / 66588, filed December 21, 2011, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care," now International Publication No. WO 2013 / 095459, published September 12, 2013 (Attorney Docket No. I97WO), the disclosures of both are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0064] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 833,432 (Attorney Docket No. K21) also claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 723,239, filed December 21, 2012, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care," now U.S. Publication No. US-2013-0297330-A1, published November 7, 2013 (Attorney Docket No. J77), which claims priority to and the benefit of:

[0065] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 578,649, filed December 21, 2011, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Infusing Fluid" (Attorney Docket No. J02);

[0066] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 578,658, filed December 21, 2011, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Estimating Liquid Delivery" (Attorney Docket No. J04);

[0067] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 578,674, filed December 21, 2011, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Dispensing Oral Medications" (Attorney Docket No. J05);

[0068] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 651,322, filed May 24, 2012, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care" (Attorney Docket No. J46); and

[0069] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 679,117, filed August 3, 2012, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Monitoring, Regulating, or Controlling Fluid Flow" (Attorney Docket No. J30), the disclosure of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0070] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 723,239 (Attorney Docket No. J77) claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part application of:

[0071] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 333,574, filed December 21, 2011, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care," now U.S. Publication No. US-2012-0185267-A1, published July 19, 2012 (Attorney Docket No. I97), and

[0072] PCT Application Serial No. PCT / US11 / 66588, filed December 21, 2011, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care," now International Publication No. WO 2013 / 095459, published September 12, 2013 (Attorney Docket No. I97WO), the disclosures of both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0073] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 833,432 (Attorney Docket No. K21) claims priority to and is also a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 723,242, filed December 21, 2011, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care," now U.S. Publication No. US-2013-0317753-A1, published November 28, 2012 (Attorney Docket No. I78), which claims priority to and the benefit of:

[0074] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 651,322, filed May 24, 2012, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care" (Attorney Docket No. J76), the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0075] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 833,432 (Attorney Docket No. K21) claims priority to and is also a continuation-in-part application of the following patent applications, namely, U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 723,244, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Monitoring, Regulating, or Controlling Fluid Flow," filed December 21, 2012, now U.S. Publication No. US-2013-0188040-A1, published July 25, 2013 (Attorney Docket No. J79), which claims priority to and the benefit of:

[0076] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 578,649, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Infusing Fluid," filed December 21, 2011 (Attorney Docket No. J02);

[0077] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 578,658, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Estimating Liquid Delivery," filed December 21, 2011 (Attorney Docket No. J04);

[0078] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 578,674, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Dispensing Oral Medications," filed December 21, 2011 (Attorney Docket No. J05);

[0079] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 651,322, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care," filed May 24, 2012 (Attorney Docket No. J46); and

[0080] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 679,117 (Attorney Docket No. J30), entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Monitoring, Regulating, or Controlling Fluid Flow," filed August 3, 2012, the disclosure of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0081] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 723,244 (Attorney Docket No. J79), which claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part application of:

[0082] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 333,574, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care," filed December 21, 2011, now U.S. Publication No. US-2012-0185267-A1, published July 19, 2012 (Attorney Docket No. I97), and

[0083] PCT Application Serial No. PCT / US11 / 66588, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care," filed December 21, 2011, now International Publication No. WO 2013 / 095459, published September 12, 2013 (Attorney Docket No. I97WO), the disclosures of both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0084] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 833,432 (Attorney Docket No. K21), which claims priority to and is also a continuation-in-part application of PCT Patent Application Serial No. PCT / US12 / 71142, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Monitoring, Regulating, or Controlling Fluid Flow," filed December 21, 2012, now International Publication No. WO 2013 / 096722, published June 27, 2013 (Attorney Docket No. J79WO), which claims priority to and the benefit of:

[0085] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 578,649, titled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Infusing Fluid," filed December 21, 2011 (Attorney Docket No. J02);

[0086] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 578,658, titled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Estimating Liquid Delivery," filed December 21, 2011 (Attorney Docket No. J04);

[0087] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 578,674, titled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Dispensing Oral Medications," filed December 21, 2011 (Attorney Docket No. J05);

[0088] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 651,322, titled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care," filed May 24, 2012 (Attorney Docket No. J46); and

[0089] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 679,117, titled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Monitoring, Regulating, or Controlling Fluid Flow," filed August 3, 2012 (Attorney Docket No. J30), the disclosures of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0090] PCT Patent Application Serial No. PCT / US12 / 71142 (Attorney Docket No. J79WO) claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part application of:

[0091] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 333,574, filed December 21, 2011, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care," now U.S. Publication No. US-2012-0185267-A1, published July 19, 2012 (Attorney Docket No. I97), and

[0092] PCT Application Serial No. PCT / US11 / 66588, filed December 21, 2011, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care," now International Publication No. WO 2013 / 095459, published September 12, 2013 (Attorney Docket No. I97WO), the disclosures of both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0093] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 833,432 (Attorney Docket No. K21) claims priority to and is also a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 723,251, filed December 21, 2012, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Estimating Liquid Delivery," now U.S. Publication No. US-2013-0204188-A1, published August 8, 2013 (Attorney Docket No. J81), which claims priority to and the benefit of:

[0094] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 578,649, filed December 21, 2011, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Infusing Fluid" (Attorney Docket No. J02);

[0095] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 578,658, filed December 21, 2011, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Estimating Liquid Delivery" (Attorney Docket No. J04);

[0096] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 578,674, filed December 21, 2011, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Dispensing Oral Medications" (Attorney Docket No. J05);

[0097] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 651,322, filed May 24, 2012, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care" (Attorney Docket No. J46), and

[0098] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 679,117, filed August 3, 2012, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Monitoring, Regulating, or Controlling Fluid Flow" (Attorney Docket No. J30), the disclosures of each are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0099] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 723,251 (Attorney Docket No. J81) claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part application of:

[0100] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 333,574, filed December 21, 2011, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care," now U.S. Publication No. US-2012-0185267-A1, published July 19, 2012 (Attorney Docket No. I97), and

[0101] PCT Application Serial No. PCT / US11 / 66588, filed December 21, 2011, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care," now International Publication No. WO 2013 / 095459, published September 12, 2013 (Attorney Docket No. I97WO), the disclosures of both are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0102] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 833,432 (Attorney Docket K21) claims priority to and is also a continuation-in-part application of the following patent applications, namely, PCT Patent Application Serial No. PCT / US12 / 71112, filed December 21, 2012, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Estimating Liquid Delivery," now International Publication Number WO 2013 / 096713, published June 27, 2013 (Attorney Docket J81WO), which claims priority to and the benefit of:

[0103] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 578,649 (Attorney Docket J02), filed December 21, 2011, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Infusing Fluid";

[0104] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 578,658 (Attorney Docket J04), filed December 21, 2011, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Estimating Liquid Delivery";

[0105] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 578,674 (Attorney Docket J05), filed December 21, 2011, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Dispensing Oral Medications";

[0106] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 651,322 (Attorney Docket J46), filed May 24, 2012, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care"; and

[0107] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 679,117 (Attorney Docket No. J30), entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Monitoring, Regulating, or Controlling Fluid Flow," filed August 3, 2012, the disclosure of each is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0108] PCT Patent Application Serial No. PCT / US12 / 71112 (Attorney Docket No. J81WO) claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part application of:

[0109] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 333,574, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care," filed December 21, 2011, now U.S. Publication No. US-2012-0185267-A1, published July 19, 2012 (Attorney Docket No. I97), and

[0110] PCT Application Serial No. PCT / US11 / 66588, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care," filed December 21, 2011, now International Publication No. WO 2013 / 095459, published September 12, 2013 (Attorney Docket No. I97WO), the disclosures of both are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0111] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 833,432 (Attorney Docket No. K21) claims priority to and is also a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 723,253, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care," filed December 21, 2012, now U.S. Publication No. US-2013-0191513-A1, published July 25, 2013 (Attorney Docket No. J85), which claims priority to and the benefit of:

[0112] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 578,649, filed December 21, 2011, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Infusing Fluid" (Attorney Docket No. J02);

[0113] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 578,658, filed December 21, 2011, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Estimating Liquid Delivery" (Attorney Docket No. J04);

[0114] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 578,674, filed December 21, 2011, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Dispensing Oral Medications" (Attorney Docket No. J05);

[0115] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 651,322, filed May 24, 2012, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care" (Attorney Docket No. J46); and

[0116] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 679,117, filed August 3, 2012, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Monitoring, Regulating, or Controlling Fluid Flow" (Attorney Docket No. J30), the disclosure of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0117] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 723,253 (Attorney Docket No. J85) claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part application of:

[0118] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 333,574, filed December 21, 2011, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care," now U.S. Publication No. US-2012-0185267-A1, published July 19, 2012 (Attorney Docket No. I97), and

[0119] PCT Application Serial No. PCT / US11 / 66588, filed December 21, 2011, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care," now International Publication No. WO 2013 / 095459, published September 12, 2013 (Attorney Docket No. I97WO), the disclosures of both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0120] This application is also related to one or more of the following U.S. Patent Applications filed March 15, 2013, the entire disclosures of each are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties:

[0121] Non-Provisional Application Serial No. 13 / 840,339, entitled "Apparatus for Infusing Fluid" (Attorney Docket No. K14);

[0122] PCT Application entitled "Apparatus for Infusing Fluid" (Attorney Docket No. K14WO);

[0123] Non-Provisional Application Serial No. 13 / 836,497, entitled "System and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care" (Attorney Docket No. K22);

[0124] Non-Provisional Application Serial No. 13 / 833,712, entitled "System, Method and Apparatus for Clamping" (Attorney Docket No. K23);

[0125] U.S. Non-Provisional Application Serial No. 13 / 834,030, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Monitoring, Regulating, or Controlling Fluid Flow" (Attorney Docket No. K28), filed January 22, 2013.

[0126] This application can also be related to the following applications, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety:

[0127] U.S. Non-Provisional Application Serial No. 61 / 297,544, entitled "Electronic Order Intermediation System for a Medical Facility" (Attorney Docket No. H53), filed January 22, 2010;

[0128] U.S. Non-Provisional Application Serial No. 13 / 011,543, entitled "Electronic Patient Monitoring System" (Attorney Docket No. I52), filed January 21, 2011;

[0129] U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 61 / 860,398, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Bubble Detection in a Fluid Line Using a Split-Ring Resonator" (Attorney Docket No. J31), filed January 31, 2013;

[0130] U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 61 / 738,447, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Detecting Air in a Fluid Line Using Active Rectification" (Attorney Docket No. J32), filed December 18, 2012;

[0131] Provisional Application Serial No. 61 / 740,474, filed December 21, 2012, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Communicating Data" (Attorney Docket No. J80);

[0132] Provisional Application Serial No. 61 / 900,431, filed November 6, 2013, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Monitoring, Regulating, or Controlling Fluid Flow" (Attorney Docket No. K52);

[0133] Non-Provisional Application Serial No. 13 / 900,655, filed May 23, 2013, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care" (Attorney Docket No. K66);

[0134] International Application Serial No. PCT / US13 / 42350, filed May 23, 2013, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Electronic Patient Care" (Attorney Docket No. K66WO);

[0135] Provisional Application Serial No. 61 / 843,574, filed July 8, 2013, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Clamping" (Attorney Docket No. K75);

[0136] Non-Provisional Application Serial No. 13 / 971,258, filed August 20, 2013, entitled "Electronic Patient Monitoring System" (Attorney Docket No. K84);

[0137] U.S. Non-Provisional Application Serial No. 14 / 101,848, filed December 10, 2013, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Detecting Air in a Fluid Line Using Active Rectification" (Attorney Docket No. L05);

[0138] U.S. Non-Provisional Application Serial No. 14 / 101,848, filed December 10, 2013, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Detecting Air in a Fluid Line Using Active Rectification" (Attorney Docket No. L05);

[0139] U.S. Non-Provisional Application Serial No. 14 / 101,848, filed December 10, 2013, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Detecting Air in a Fluid Line Using Active Rectification" (Attorney Docket No. L05);

[0140] U.S. Non-Provisional Application Serial No. 14 / 101,848, filed December 10, 2013, entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Detecting Air in a Fluid Line Using Active Rectification" (Attorney Docket No. L05); TECHNICAL FIELD

[0141] The present disclosure relates to pumps. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a system, method, and apparatus for estimating liquid delivery of a syringe pump. BACKGROUND

[0142] Syringe pumps are used in a variety of medical applications, such as intravenous delivery of liquid medication to a patient in an intensive care unit (ICU) over a longer length of time. A syringe pump can be designed such that a needle, tubing, or other accessory can be attached to the syringe pump. The syringe pump typically includes a piston mounted to a shaft that pushes liquid out of a reservoir. The reservoir can be a tubular structure with a port at one end such that the piston can push liquid out of (i.e., expel) the syringe pump. The syringe pump can be coupled to an actuator that mechanically drives the piston to control the delivery of liquid to the patient.

[0143] Syringe pumps can also be used to deliver various medications, including painkillers, anti-emetics, or other fluids. The medication can be administered very quickly through a venous fluid line or over a period of time. Syringe pumps can also be used in non-medical applications, such as in microreactors, in laboratory testing, and / or in chemical processing applications. SUMMARY

[0144] According to one embodiment of the disclosure, a pump for administering medication to a patient can include a housing. Within the housing can be a motor, a gear box operably connected to the motor, a device for detecting rotation of the motor, a controller for controlling operation of the motor and monitoring the amount of medication delivered to the patient, and a pump assembly. The pump can be configured to change from a syringe pump or a peristaltic pump to a peristaltic pump or a syringe pump, respectively, by replacing one pump assembly with a different pump assembly.

[0145] In some embodiments, the pump can change from a syringe pump or a peristaltic pump to a peristaltic pump or a syringe pump, respectively, by replacing one pump assembly with a different pump assembly.

[0146] According to another embodiment of the disclosure, a syringe pump for administering medication to a patient can include a housing, a lead screw, and a slide block assembly. The slide block assembly can include a cam, a cam protrusion fixedly coupled to the cam, and a threaded portion capable of engaging and disengaging the lead screw. The threaded portion can be configured to actuate between engagement and disengagement with the lead screw by rotation of the cam and the cam protrusion.

[0147] In some embodiments, the slide block assembly can include a slot having a straight extension and an arcuate extension.

[0148] In some embodiments, rotation of the cam can cause the cam protrusion to move within the slot. As the cam protrusion moves within the straight extension of the slot, the threaded portion can be configured to actuate between engagement and disengagement with the lead screw.

[0149] In some embodiments, the syringe pump can further include a clamping device configured to clamp any size of a range of piston flange sizes.

[0150] In some embodiments, the cam protrusion can not enter the straight extension of the slot until the device configured to clamp any size of a range of piston flange sizes has released the largest size of the range of piston flange sizes.

[0151] In some embodiments, the syringe pump can further include a piston head assembly coupled to the slide block and operable to drive a piston of a syringe into a barrel of the syringe. A piston tube can couple the piston head assembly to the slide block.

[0152] In some embodiments, the piston tube can perform at least one or more additional functions from the following list of functions: bushing support for at least one rotational shaft, a channel for introducing electrical wires into the piston head assembly and out of it, and a channel for introducing data transmission wires into the piston head assembly and out of it.

[0153] In some embodiments, the syringe pump can further comprise a syringe barrel flange clamp configured to retain a syringe barrel flange of a syringe.

[0154] In some embodiments, the syringe barrel flange clamp can comprise a means for detecting the presence of a syringe barrel flange. The means for detecting the presence of a syringe barrel flange can comprise an optical sensor and a light source. The light source can dim in the presence of a syringe barrel flange.

[0155] In some embodiments, the position of the cam of the slide block assembly can be adjustable so that a user can optimize the engagement of the threaded portion on the lead screw.

[0156] In some embodiments, the slide block assembly can further comprise at least one biasing member. The biasing member can be configured to bias the threaded portion into one of an engaged position on the lead screw and a disengaged position on the lead screw.

[0157] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a syringe pump for administering to a patient can comprise a housing, a lead screw, and a slide block assembly. The slide block assembly can comprise a threaded segment configured to engage and disengage the lead screw. The syringe pump can further comprise a piston head assembly coupled to the slide block and operable to drive a piston of a syringe into a barrel of the syringe. The syringe pump can further comprise a clamping device configured to clamp any size of a range of piston flange sizes. The device configured to clamp any size of a range of piston flange sizes can comprise at least a first piston flange clamping jaw and a second piston flange clamping jaw. The first and second piston flange clamping jaws can be configured to actuate from a first position to a position in which at least a point of each of the first and second piston flange clamping jaws rests against an edge of a piston flange and presses the piston flange against the piston head assembly and functions as an anti-siphon mechanism.

[0158] In some embodiments, the device configured to clamp any size of a range of piston flange sizes can comprise a cam, at least one cam follower, and at least one biasing member. The biasing member can bias the device configured to clamp any size of a range of piston flange sizes toward a first position. In some embodiments, movement of the at least one cam follower along the cam can overcome the biasing member and allow the device configured to clamp any size of a range of piston flange sizes to move toward a second position.

[0159] In some embodiments, the cam, the at least one cam follower, and the at least one biasing member can be coupled to a rotatable shaft. The cam can be non-rotatable with the shaft and displaceable along an axial dimension of the shaft. The at least one cam follower can be fixedly coupled to the shaft and rotatable with the shaft. Rotation of the shaft can cause the at least one cam follower to move along the cam, thereby displacing the cam along the axial dimension of the shaft.

[0160] In some embodiments, the biasing member can automatically return the device configured to clamp any size of a series of piston flange sizes to the first position in the absence of a force sufficient to overcome the biasing member.

[0161] In some embodiments, the cam can include at least one detent, one of the at least one cam follower reaching each of the detents when the device configured to clamp any size of a series of piston flange sizes has been allowed to move to the second position.

[0162] In some embodiments, the piston head assembly can further include a pressure sensor to monitor the pressure of the medicament expelled from the syringe.

[0163] In some embodiments, the piston flange of the syringe can be held against the pressure sensor by the device configured to clamp any size of a series of piston flange sizes.

[0164] In some embodiments, the syringe pump can further include a barrel flange clamp. The barrel flange clamp can be configured to retain a barrel flange of the syringe.

[0165] In some embodiments, the barrel flange clamp can include a device to detect the presence of the barrel flange. The device to detect the presence of the barrel flange can include an optical sensor and a light source. The light source can dim in the presence of the barrel flange.

[0166] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a syringe pump for administering a medicament to a patient can include a housing, a lead screw, and a slide block assembly. The slide block assembly can include a threaded segment configured to engage and disengage the lead screw and be displaceable along the lead screw. The syringe pump can further include a piston head assembly coupled to the slide block and operable to drive a piston of a syringe into a barrel of the syringe. The syringe pump can further include a clamping device configured to clamp any size of a series of piston flange sizes. The syringe pump can further include a device to monitor the clamping device. The device to monitor the clamping device can be capable of generating data to determine at least one characteristic of the clamped syringe.

[0167] In some embodiments, the device to monitor the clamping device can be a potentiometer.

[0168] In some embodiments, the data generated by the device monitoring the clamping device can be estimated by referencing the data against a database.

[0169] In some embodiments, the data generated by the device monitoring the clamping device can be estimated by referencing the data against a database and data generated by at least one other sensor.

[0170] In some embodiments, the clamping device can include a cam, at least one cam follower, and at least one biasing member. The biasing member can bias the clamping device toward a first position. Movement of the at least one cam follower can overcome the biasing member and allow the clamping device to move toward a second position.

[0171] In some embodiments, the cam, the at least one cam follower, and the at least one biasing member can be coupled to a rotatable shaft. In some particular embodiments, the cam can not rotate with the shaft, but can be displaced along an axial dimension of the shaft. The at least one cam follower can be fixedly coupled to the shaft and can rotate with the shaft. Rotation of the shaft can cause the at least one cam follower to move along the cam, causing the cam to be displaced along the axial dimension of the shaft.

[0172] In some embodiments, the biasing member can automatically return the clamping device to the first position in the absence of a force sufficient to overcome the biasing member.

[0173] In some embodiments, the cam can include at least one detent. One of the at least one cam follower can reach each detent when the device for clamping any of a range of piston flange sizes has been allowed to move to the second position.

[0174] In some embodiments, the piston head assembly can further include a pressure sensor to monitor the pressure of the medicament expelled from the syringe.

[0175] In some embodiments, the piston flange of the syringe can be held against the pressure sensor by the clamping device.

[0176] In some embodiments, the syringe flange clamp can include a device to detect the presence of a syringe flange. The device to detect the presence of the syringe flange can include an optical sensor and a light source. The light source can be dimmed in the presence of the syringe flange.

[0177] According to another aspect of the disclosure, an infusion pump for administering medication to a patient can include a housing, a lead screw, and a piston head assembly operably coupled to drive a piston of a syringe into a barrel of the syringe as the lead screw is rotated. The infusion pump can also include at least one set of redundant sensors. The redundant sensors can be configured such that, if a portion of the set of redundant sensors is damaged, the infusion pump is configured to operate in a fail-operational mode for at least a duration of a therapy. One or more of the set of redundant sensors are configured to monitor a volume of an infusion being administered.

[0178] According to another aspect of the disclosure, an infusion pump for administering medication to a patient can include a housing and a barrel holder movable between a first position and a second position. The barrel holder can be biased to the first position or the second position by a biasing member. The infusion pump can also include a barrel contact member. The barrel contact member can be coupled to the barrel holder and configured to hold a syringe in place on the housing. The infusion pump can also include a detector capable of detecting a position of the barrel holder and generating position data based on the position of the barrel holder. The barrel holder can be biased to hold the syringe in place on the housing when the syringe is in the proper position on the housing. The position data generated by the detector can be indicative of at least one feature of the syringe and evaluated to determine the feature.

[0179] In some embodiments, the detector can be a linear potentiometer.

[0180] In some embodiments, the detector can be a magnetic linear position sensor.

[0181] In some embodiments, the barrel holder can be configured to lock in at least one of the first position and the second position.

[0182] In some embodiments, the biasing member can cause the barrel holder to automatically adjust to a size of the syringe.

[0183] In some embodiments, the comparison database can reference the position data detected by the detector to determine the at least one feature of the syringe.

[0184] In some embodiments, the comparison database can reference the position data detected by the detector and data from at least one other sensor to determine the at least one feature of the syringe.

[0185] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a method for administering medication to a patient via a syringe pump can include defining one or more parameters of an infusion via a syringe pump interface. The method can also include referencing the parameters to a medical database and applying constraints to further parameters to be defined via the syringe pump interface. One of the further parameters can be a termination of an infusion action to be performed by the syringe pump after a volume of the infusion has been infused. The method can also include infusing the medication into the patient according to the defined parameters for the infusion and performing the specified termination of the infusion action.

[0186] In some embodiments, the termination of the infusion action can be selected from the following actions: stopping the infusion, infusing at a rate to keep a vein open, and continuing to infuse at an end-of-infusion rate.

[0187] In some embodiments, referencing the parameters to the database and applying constraints to the further parameters can include referencing the medication to the database.

[0188] According to one embodiment of the disclosure, a syringe pump includes a housing, a syringe seat, and a bumper. The syringe seat is coupled to the housing. The bumper is coupled to the housing adjacent to the syringe seat. The bumper can at least partially surround a corner of the syringe seat.

[0189] In another embodiment of the disclosure, a syringe pump includes a housing, a syringe seat, and a power source. The syringe seat is coupled to the housing. The power source is coupled to the housing such that the housing is configured as a heat sink for the power source. The syringe pump can include a motor, and the motor can be coupled to the housing such that the housing is a heat sink for the motor. The housing can be molded. The housing can comprise at least one metal, and / or can be monolithic.

[0190] In another embodiment of the disclosure, a syringe pump includes a user interface, an antenna, and an open loop resonator. The user interface has a front side and a back side. The antenna is disposed on the back side of the user interface. The open loop resonator is disposed in a spaced relationship with respect to the user interface and is configured to operate through the antenna.

[0191] The user interface can include a touch screen sensor. The open loop resonator can be disposed on the back side of the touch screen sensor. A frame can surround the touch screen sensor with a gap such that the frame defines the open loop resonator. A dielectric can be disposed within the gap.

[0192] In another embodiment of the disclosure, an infusion pump includes a housing, a lead screw, a motor, a rotary position sensor, a slider block assembly, a linear position sensor, and one or more sensors. The lead screw is rotatable within the housing. The motor is operably coupled to the lead screw and is configured to rotate the lead screw. The motor has an integrated motor rotation sensor configured to provide a motor rotation signal. The rotary position sensor is operably coupled to the motor or the lead screw to provide a rotary signal. The rotary position sensor can be a magnetic encoder sensor. The slider block assembly is configured to engage the lead screw to actuate the slider block assembly along the lead screw in accordance with rotation of the lead screw. The linear position sensor is operably coupled to the slider block assembly and is configured to provide a linear position signal. The one or more processors are configured to control rotation of the motor. The one or more processors are operable to receive the motor rotation signal from the integrated motor rotation sensor of the motor, the rotary signal from the rotary position sensor, and the linear position signal from the linear position sensor. The one or more processors are configured to determine whether there is a contradiction between the motor rotation signal, the rotary signal, and the linear position signal. The one or more processors can be further configured to continue an infusion process by ignoring the one of the integrated motor rotation sensor, the rotary position sensor, and the linear position sensor that is not functioning.

[0193] In another embodiment of the disclosure, an infusion pump includes a housing, a lead screw, a slider block assembly, a piston, and first and second pivot claw members. The lead screw is rotatable within the housing. The slider block assembly is configured to engage the lead screw to move along the lead screw in accordance with rotation of the lead screw. The piston head assembly is coupled to the slider block assembly and is configured to drive a piston of a syringe into a barrel of the syringe. The first and second pivot claw members are each pivotally coupled to the piston head assembly. The first and second pivot claw members are configured to pivot toward each other to retain a piston flange of the syringe. The first pivot claw member and / or the second pivot claw member includes a bend.

[0194] The infusion pump can further include a turntable coupled to the slider block assembly. The turntable can be operably coupled to the first and second pivot claw members to pivotally actuate the first and second pivot claw members. The pump can include a biasing member configured to bias the turntable in a rotational direction. The biasing member can be configured to automatically return the first and second pivot claw members to a position away from each other. The biasing member can be configured to automatically return the first and second pivot claw members to a position toward each other.

[0195] In another embodiment, an infusion pump includes a housing, a syringe seat coupled to the housing, and a retention finger. The retention finger is pivotally coupled to the housing and is configured to rotate toward a syringe disposed within the syringe seat to retain the syringe.

[0196] In another embodiment of the disclosure, a method of eliminating the effects of a slow down within an infusion pump that has loaded a syringe onto the infusion pump is provided. The syringe has a barrel and a piston disposed within the barrel. The method includes the acts of: receiving a target flow rate for the syringe loaded onto the infusion pump; determining a therapeutic actuation speed corresponding to the target flow rate; actuating the piston of the syringe out of the barrel at a first predetermined speed until a force sensor coupled to the piston measures a force less than a first predetermined force threshold; actuating the piston of the syringe into the barrel at a second predetermined speed greater than the therapeutic actuation speed until the force sensor coupled to the piston measures a force exceeding a second predetermined threshold; and actuating the piston of the syringe into the barrel at the therapeutic actuation speed. The therapeutic actuation speed can correspond to the target flow rate when there is no slow down within the infusion pump or the syringe. The method can also include the acts of: estimating a volume expelled from the piston position when the second predetermined threshold is exceeded; and / or stopping the infusion pump when the estimated volume expelled is equal to or exceeds a target delivery volume.

[0197] In another embodiment of the disclosure, a method of eliminating the effects of a slow down within an infusion pump that has loaded a syringe onto the infusion pump is provided. The syringe has a barrel and a piston disposed within the barrel. The method includes the acts of: receiving a target flow rate for the syringe loaded onto the infusion pump; determining a therapeutic actuation speed corresponding to the target flow rate; actuating the piston of the syringe out of the barrel at a first predetermined speed until a force sensor coupled to the piston measures a force less than a first predetermined force threshold, or the piston moves out of the barrel a first predetermined distance; actuating the piston of the syringe into the barrel at a second predetermined speed greater than the therapeutic actuation speed until the force sensor coupled to the piston measures a force less than a second predetermined threshold, or the piston moves into the barrel a second predetermined distance; and actuating the piston of the syringe into the barrel at the therapeutic actuation speed.

[0198] The therapeutic actuation speed can correspond to the target flow rate when there is no slow down within the infusion pump or the syringe. The method can also include the acts of: estimating a volume expelled from the piston position when the second predetermined threshold is exceeded; stopping the infusion pump when the estimated volume expelled is equal to or exceeds a target delivery volume; and / or using an alarm if the piston moves into the barrel the second predetermined distance without the force detector measuring a force exceeding the second predetermined threshold.

[0199] In another embodiment of the disclosure, an injection pump includes a housing, an injection seat, a lead screw, a motor, a slider block assembly, a piston head assembly, and one or more processors. The injection seat is coupled to the housing and is configured to retain a syringe having a barrel and a piston disposed within the barrel. The lead screw is rotatable within the housing. The motor is coupled to the lead screw and is configured to rotate the lead screw. The slider block assembly is configured to engage the lead screw to move along the lead screw in accordance with rotation of the lead screw. The piston head assembly is coupled to the slider block assembly and is configured to drive the piston of the syringe into the barrel of the syringe. The piston head assembly has a force sensor operably coupled to the piston of the syringe to measure a force of the piston head assembly on the piston of the syringe. The one or more processors are operably coupled to the motor and are configured to control rotation of the motor, thereby controlling actuation of the piston head assembly. The one or more processors are also operably coupled to the force sensor to receive the measured force therefrom and are configured to: receive a target flow rate of the syringe loaded onto the injection pump; determine a therapeutic actuation speed corresponding to the target flow rate; command the motor to actuate the piston of the syringe out of the barrel at a first predetermined speed until the force sensor coupled to the piston measures a force less than a first predetermined force threshold; command the motor to actuate the piston of the syringe into the barrel at a second predetermined speed greater than the therapeutic actuation speed until the force sensor coupled to the piston measures a force greater than a second predetermined threshold; and command the motor to actuate the piston of the syringe into the barrel at the therapeutic actuation speed. The therapeutic actuation speed can correspond to the target flow rate when there is no slowdown present within the injection pump or the syringe.

[0200] The one or more processors can be configured to estimate a volume expelled from a position of the piston when the second predetermined threshold is exceeded.

[0201] The one or more processors can be further configured to stop the injection pump when the estimated volume expelled is equal to or greater than a target delivery volume.

[0202] In yet another embodiment of the disclosure, an injection pump includes a housing, an injection seat, a lead screw, a motor, a sled assembly, a piston head assembly, and one or more processors. The injection seat is coupled to the housing and is configured to retain a syringe having a barrel and a piston disposed within the barrel. The lead screw is rotatable within the housing. The motor is coupled to the lead screw and is configured to rotate the lead screw. The sled assembly is configured to engage the lead screw to move along the lead screw in accordance with rotation of the lead screw. The piston head assembly is coupled to the sled assembly and is configured to drive the piston of the syringe into the barrel of the syringe. The piston head assembly has a force sensor operably coupled to the piston of the syringe to measure a force of the piston head assembly on the piston of the syringe. The one or more processors are operably coupled to the motor and are configured to control rotation of the motor, thereby controlling actuation of the piston head assembly. According to embodiments, the one or more processors are also operably coupled to the force sensor to receive the measured force therefrom and are configured to: receive a target flow rate of a syringe loaded onto the injection pump; determine a therapeutic actuation speed corresponding to the target flow rate; command the motor to actuate the piston of the syringe out of the barrel at a first predetermined speed until the force sensor coupled to the piston measures a force less than a first predetermined force threshold or the piston moves a first predetermined distance out of the barrel; command the motor to actuate the piston of the syringe into the barrel at a second predetermined speed greater than the therapeutic actuation speed until the force sensor coupled to the piston measures a force greater than a second predetermined threshold or the piston moves a second predetermined distance into the barrel; and command the motor to actuate the piston of the syringe into the barrel at the therapeutic actuation speed. The therapeutic actuation speed can correspond to the target flow rate when there is no slowdown present within the injection pump or the syringe.

[0203] The one or more processors can be configured to estimate a volume expelled from a position of the piston when the second predetermined threshold is exceeded and / or to stop the injection pump when the estimated volume expelled is equal to or greater than a target delivery volume.

[0204] The one or more processors can be further configured to issue an alert if the piston moves the second predetermined distance into the barrel and the force detector does not measure a force exceeding the second predetermined threshold.

[0205] The injection pump described herein can also include a transceiver and the one or more processors are configured to communicate with a monitoring client through the transceiver.

[0206] In some embodiments, the injection pump includes a patient-controlled analgesia ("PCA") button to deliver at least one pain medication.

[0207] Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a system for securing a syringe of an injection pump to a side of the pump. The side mount mechanism includes a pump housing, a platform, a securing arm, and a force mechanism. The platform extends horizontally from a side of the pump housing when the pump is oriented for use. The securing arm is pivotably connected to the pump housing and the force mechanism. The force mechanism generates a rotational force on the securing arm, driving it into the platform or a syringe positioned on the platform. The force mechanism can allow the securing arm to be locked in an upper position, removing the syringe from the platform. A wire structure can be attached to an end of the securing arm opposite the pivot axis, such that it engages the syringe. The securing arm can exert one to three pounds of force on the syringe.

[0208] In some embodiments, the force mechanism includes a second arm, a roller, and an engagement plate. A first end of the second arm is secured to the first arm. The roller is attached to the second arm at an end opposite the pivot axis. The engagement plate is positioned to be engaged by the second arm and generate a force on the arm that becomes a rotational force in the connected securing arm.

[0209] In particular embodiments of the present disclosure, the engagement plate is connected to a pivot point at its first end and to a spring at its second end. When the second arm engages the plate, the force of the spring and the shape of the plate cause the arm to rotate, ultimately generating a rotational force in the securing arm. A section of the engagement plate surface engaged by the second arm can define a peak. The plate can also be sized to allow the second arm to remain in contact while rotating thirty-five degrees.

[0210] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the engagement plate is on a track that allows it to move freely in a plane substantially perpendicular to the surface engaged by the second arm. The spring pushes the plate toward the engaged second arm. The shape of the plate in combination with the force of the spring cause the arm to rotate, ultimately generating a rotational force in the securing arm. A section of the engagement plate surface engaged by the second arm can define a peak. The plate can also be sized to allow the second arm to remain in contact while rotating thirty degrees.

[0211] In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the force mechanism includes a second arm and an engagement plate. The second arm includes a first component connected to the securing arm, sharing its pivot axis, and extending substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis of rotation. A second component is attached to the first component at an end opposite the pivot axis and has the ability to slide toward and away from the pivot axis while its other movements remain unified with the first component. A spring is connected to the first and second components, causing the two components to separate. A roller is attached to the second component at an end opposite the pivot axis. The engagement plate is positioned to be engaged by the roller and includes a spring that generates a force causing the second arm and the attached securing arm to rotate. A section of the engagement plate surface engaged by the second arm can define a peak. The plate can also be sized to allow the second arm to remain in contact while rotating five degrees.

[0212] In yet another embodiment of the disclosure, the force mechanism includes a shaft, a first cam assembly, a second cam assembly, a spring, and a cradle. The shaft is pivotally connected to a fixed arm such that its longitudinal axis is aligned with the fixed arm's axis of rotation. The first cam assembly is disposed axially around the shaft, but is not connected to it. The first cam assembly is connected to the fixed arm and rotates with it. The first cam assembly has a planar portion at its first end, a portion disposed rearward from the planar portion, and a portion that tapers the two portions together. The second cam assembly is disposed axially around the shaft immediately adjacent to the first cam, but is not connected to the shaft. The second assembly has a fixed direction of rotation and has the ability to reciprocate slidingly on the shaft. The second assembly is a mirror image of the first assembly's shape at one end of the first cam assembly's first end. The spring is disposed around the shaft immediately adjacent to the second cam assembly on the opposite side from the first assembly. The cradle is positioned to compress the spring, causing the spring to push the second assembly toward the first assembly.

[0213] In some embodiments, a sensor can be used to detect the angle of the fixed arm. Such a sensor can be a Halifax sensor. Data from the sensor can be used to determine which syringe is being used. The system can also use this sensor data with sensor data from the piston driver to determine which syringe is being used.

[0214] Particular embodiments of the disclosure relate to a method for securing a syringe of an injection pump to a side of the pump. The method includes: 1.) lifting a fixed arm loaded with a downward force into a locked upper position; 2.) placing a syringe on a syringe retaining edge under the fixed arm; and 3.) releasing the fixed arm from the locked position, thereby engaging the syringe with the force loaded on the fixed arm. In some embodiments, the downward force loaded onto the fixed arm is generated by a spring. In particular embodiments, a sensor tracks the position of the arm. The sensor can be a Halifax sensor. The position of the arm can be used to indicate that the syringe is properly in place, or to determine the type of syringe being used. Data from a piston sensor can be used with the position of the fixed arm to determine the type of syringe being used.

[0215] Particular embodiments of the disclosure use an apparatus for securing a syringe of an injection pump to a side of the pump. The apparatus includes a pump housing, a platform, a fixed arm, and a force mechanism. The platform protrudes horizontally from a side of the pump housing when the pump housing is oriented for use. The rotating fixed arm has a first end that is operably connected to the pump housing above a ledge. The force mechanism is attached to the fixed arm and generates a rotational force on the fixed arm that drives an end of the fixed arm opposite the pivot to the top of the ledge. The fixed arm can have the ability to be locked in an upper position, removed from the ledge. The fixed arm can also have a wire structure configured to engage a syringe connected at its second end. The fixed arm can exert one to three pounds of force on the syringe when it is in the secured position.

[0216] In some embodiments, the force mechanism includes a second arm, a roller, and an engagement plate. The second arm has a first end operably attached to the second arm, sharing its point of rotation. The roller is attached to the second arm at its opposite end. The engagement plate is positioned to engage the second arm with a force that causes the stationary arm to rotate onto the top of the shelf.

[0217] In particular embodiments, one end of the engagement plate is operably attached to the pump housing by a pivot connector, and the opposite end is attached to a spring. The spring is configured to push the engagement plate toward the engaged second arm, creating a rotational force on the connected arm portion. The section of the engagement plate surface engaged by the second arm can define a peak. The plate can also be sized to allow the second arm to continue to contact while rotating thirty degrees.

[0218] In other embodiments, the engagement plate has a range of free motion in a single direction, and the spring exerts a force on the plate parallel to the range of motion. The spring pushes the plate toward the engaged second arm, creating a rotational force on the arm portion. The section of the engagement plate surface engaged by the second arm can define a peak. The plate can also be sized to allow the second arm to continue to contact while rotating thirty degrees.

[0219] In another embodiment of the disclosure, the force mechanism includes a second arm and an engagement plate. The second arm includes a first component connected to the stationary arm, sharing its axis of rotation, and extending substantially perpendicular to the axis. A second component connected to the first component at an end opposite the axis of rotation has a degree of freedom of movement about the longitudinal axis of the first component. A spring urges the two components apart. A roller is connected to an end of the second component opposite the first component. The engagement plate is positioned to be engaged by the roller and compress the spring between the two components, creating a force that urges the second arm to rotate. The section of the engagement plate surface engaged by the second arm can define a peak. The plate can also be sized to allow the second arm to continue to contact while rotating thirty-five degrees.

[0220] In another embodiment of the disclosure, the force mechanism includes a shaft, a first cam component, a second cam component, a spring, and a carriage. The shaft is connected to the stationary arm at its point of rotation, aligning its longitudinal axis with the axis of rotation of the stationary arm. The first cam component is disposed axially around the shaft, but is not connected to it. The first cam component is connected to the stationary arm and rotates with the stationary arm. The first end of the component has a flat portion, a portion set back from the flat portion, and a portion tapering the two portions together. The second cam component is also disposed axially around the shaft and is positioned immediately adjacent to the first end of the first cam. The second component is not connected to the shaft, which remains in a fixed position, and is able to slide the shaft up and down. The second component is a mirror image of the shape of the first component from one end of the first end of the first cam component. The spring pushes the second cam component on the first cam component, with the ability to urge the first component and the shaft to rotate depending on the direction of the cam.

[0221] In some embodiments, a sensor can be used to detect the angle of the fixed arm. Such a sensor can be a Halifax sensor. Data from the sensor can be used to determine which syringe is being used. The system can also use this sensor data with sensor data from the piston driver sensor to determine which syringe is being used.

[0222] In another embodiment of the disclosure, a method of mitigating screw runout is provided. The method can be applied to a syringe pump that uses a screw to control the delivery of fluid from a syringe. The method includes tracking the rotation of the screw using a rotary position sensor, tracking the linear output of the screw using a linear position sensor, converting the rotary position data to distance output data, generating error data by comparing the distance sensor data and the converted rotary data, estimating the phase and amplitude of the error data using a processor, and controlling the output of the screw by including the estimated bias into the assumed direct rotational relationship of the screw distance output. The phase and amplitude of the estimated runout can be achieved by cross correlating a sine and cosine wave with the bias data. Prior to cross correlating the sensor data, the data can be stored as a single value per degree of screw rotation and filtered with a low pass filter. Estimating the runout can include accounting for changes in the bias amplitude as the screw displacement component approaches and the threaded drive shaft stops.

[0223] The distance tracking sensor can be an optical mouse sensor. Data from the optical mouse sensor can be normalized to prevent sensor drift prior to it being used to estimate the phase and amplitude. The CIP data from the optical sensor can be normalized once per ten degrees of screw rotation. The optical sensor can generate data in the range of 3000 CPI to 8200 CPI.

[0224] In another embodiment of the disclosure, a system to mitigate screw runout is provided. The system includes a position sensor, a rotation sensor, a processor, and a controller. The distance sensor has the ability to track linear changes in distance and is configured to track changes in the output distance of the screw mechanism and produce distance data. The rotation sensor has the ability to track rotational changes in the shaft and is configured to track the rotation of the screw drive shaft and produce rotation data. The rotation sensor can be a Halifax sensor. The processor converts the rotation data to estimated distance output data and compares it to the distance data of the distance sensor. The processor then estimates the amplitude and phase of the difference between the distance sensor data and the estimated distance data from the rotation sensor. The amplitude and phase can be estimated by cross correlating sine and cosine waves with the distance sensor data. The processor can estimate the runout bias using only data from the previous four rotations. The processor can also filter the distance data to a single value per degree of rotation. In some cases, the processor can not estimate the phase and amplitude of the runout bias until it has received data for one hundred eighty degrees. The controller uses the rotation sensor to control the output of the screw to produce a linear distance output and incorporates the estimated amplitude and phase of the bias to account for screw runout. The controller can assume that the amplitude of the runout decreases as the half nut approaches the end of the screw.

[0225] The distance tracking sensor can be an optical mouse sensor. The data from the optical mouse sensor can be normalized to prevent sensor drift before it can be used to estimate the phase and amplitude. The CIP data from the optical sensor can be normalized once per ten degrees of screw rotation. The optical sensor can produce data in the range of 3000 CPI to 8200 CPI.

[0226] In another embodiment of the disclosure, an apparatus to provide DC power to an infusion pump is provided. The apparatus includes a power source, a power input module, and an outlet adapter. The power input module is connected to the infusion pump and is configured to receive power from the power source and to power the pump. The power source includes an AC to DC conversion module, an AC input jack configured to receive AC current and to power the AC side of the conversion module, and a DC output jack configured to receive DC current from the conversion module and to output DC current. The power source is configured to be removable from the power input module. The outlet adapter is in electrical communication with the AC input jack in the power source and is configured to be plugged into a wall outlet and to power the power source. A processor can be used to monitor the power requirements of the pump and to adjust the output of the power source based on the requirements of the pump.

[0227] When attached, the power source can be located on the top, bottom, back, or side of the infusion pump. The display of the pump can be biased toward the side of the pump in which the power source is located when attached.

[0228] An AC input cord can be used to connect the AC input jack of the power supply to an outlet adapter and a power source. The power source can have a cord wrap structure attached to an exterior thereof that is configured to wrap the AC input cord thereon when the cord is not plugged into a wall. The power source can also have a port that is configured to receive the outlet adapter once the cord has been wrapped onto the cord wrap structure. The power source can also include a mechanism to automatically release the cord when commanded by a user.

[0229] A DC output cord can be used to connect the DC output jack of the power supply to a power input module. The DC output cord can be removed from the power input module.

[0230] The power input module can be configured to attach to a rack so that the rack and the power supply can be interchangeable.

[0231] In some cases, the power supply can be attached to a pole on which a pump is mounted that is powered thereby.

[0232] The power supply can also include a battery having a negative terminal in electrical communication with the DC output jack of the power supply and a positive terminal in electrical communication with the power input module. A processor and circuitry can also be included. The processor and circuitry will be configured to charge the battery when the power supply receives AC power and to discharge the battery when AC power is not received.

[0233] In some embodiments, the power supply will need to be removed from the pump so that the pump is attached to a pole (poll).

[0234] In another embodiment of the disclosure, a system for providing power to an infusion pump is provided. The system includes a power supply and a pump. The pump includes a DC input jack (hereinafter also referred to as a DC input port). The power supply includes an AC to DC converter, an AC input port (hereinafter also referred to as an AC input jack) and a DC output port, and is configured to power the pump through the DC input jack. The power supply can have the ability to be removed from the pump.

[0235] The DC output port of the power supply can be directly connected into the DC input jack of the pump, securing the power supply to the pump. When attached, the power supply can be located on top, bottom, side or back of the pump.

[0236] A power supply output cord can be used to connect the DC output port on the power supply module in electrical communication with the DC input jack on the pump. For example, when the power supply is connected to the pump with a cord, a power supply rack configured to hold the power supply can be mounted on the pump.

[0237] A power supply input cord can connect the AC input port of the power supply to a wall outlet adapter in electrical communication. The power supply input cord can be removed from the power supply. The power supply can include a cord wrap structure configured to wrap the power supply input cord thereon. The power supply can also include a port configured to receive the wall outlet adapter once the cord has been wrapped.

[0238] The power supply can be configured to power a plurality of pumps. The power supply can be coupled to a bar on which the pumps are mounted. The DC jack of the pumps can be configured to attach the pumps to the rack when the power supply is not attached.

[0239] The power supply can include a battery configured to be charged by the power supply when current flows into the AC port and to power the DC output port when current does not flow into the AC input port. The AC port of the power supply must receive current and convert it to DC current before charging the battery.

[0240] In another embodiment, a syringe pump includes a body, a motor, a lead screw, a syringe seat, and a piston head assembly. The syringe seat can be configured to be tilted toward a downward angle. The motor is operably coupled to the body. The lead screw is operably coupled to the motor and the motor is configured to actuate the lead screw. The piston head assembly includes a dial, a piston tube, a piston head, and a half-nut assembly. The dial has a fully open position and a fully closed position. The dial is configured to be actuated between the fully open position and the fully closed position. The piston tube is configured to slidably engage the body. The piston head is operably coupled to the piston tube. The half-nut assembly is configured to engage the lead screw when the dial is actuated a predetermined amount from the fully open position toward the fully closed position. The predetermined amount can be less than a half-way actuation position between the fully open position and the fully closed position.

[0241] The piston head assembly can include two pivotable claw members configured to grasp onto a syringe located within the syringe seat. The dial can be configured to actuate the pivotable claw members to an open position.

[0242] The syringe pump can further include a shaft operably coupled to the dial such that the shaft and the dial are configured such that actuation of the dial actuates the shaft. A cam can be coupled to the shaft. A rocker arm can be pivotally coupled to the piston head assembly. The rocker arm can have a cam follower configured to engage the cam and one or more pivotable claw members can be operably coupled to the rocker arm.

[0243] The syringe pump can further include first and second gears. The first gear is coupled to the rocker arm and the pivotable claw members. The second gear is coupled to another pivotable claw member. The first and second gears are configured to engage each other and grasp onto a syringe disposed within the syringe seat. The cam and the rocker arm can be configured such that further actuation of the dial toward the closed position causes the cam follower to disengage from the cam when the pivotable claw members grasp onto the syringe. The cam can include a detent configured to retain the cam within the detent until a predetermined amount of torque is applied to the dial to urge the dial toward the closed position. The piston head can be a shaft having a rod actuator coupled thereto. The piston tube can include a rod and the rod is coupled to a link within the piston head. The half-nut assembly can further include a linear cam and the rod can be operably coupled to the linear cam.

[0244] The half-nut assembly can further include first and second half-nut arms each having a first end and a second end. The first ends of the first and second half-nut arms are configured to engage the lead screw. The first and second half-nut arms can be pivotably coupled together. The first ends of the first and second half-nut arms can be configured to engage the linear cam such that actuation of the linear cam toward the half-nut assembly causes the second ends of the first and second half-nut arms to pivotally approach one another. The first ends of the first and second half-nut arms each include a thread configured to engage the lead screw when the second ends of the first and second half-nut arms approach one another.

[0245] In another embodiment, a syringe pump includes a body, a motor, a lead screw, a syringe seat, and a piston head assembly. The motor is operably coupled to the body. The lead screw is operably coupled to the motor and is configured to actuate the lead screw. The piston head assembly includes a dial, a piston tube, a piston head, and a half-nut assembly. The dial has a fully open position and a fully closed position. The dial is configured to actuate between the fully open position and the fully closed position. The piston tube is configured to slidably engage the body. The piston head is operably coupled to the piston tube. The half-nut assembly is configured to engage the lead screw when the dial is actuated a predetermined amount from the fully open position toward the fully closed position. The half-nut assembly includes first and second half-nut arms that are pivotably coupled together and configured to engage the lead screw.

[0246] In another embodiment, a system for securing a syringe to a syringe pump includes a pump housing, a platform, a pivotable securing arm, a force mechanism, and a display. The platform (syringe seat) extends horizontally from a side of the pump housing. The pivotable securing arm is configured to engage a syringe seated on the platform. The force mechanism is connected to the securing arm and is configured to apply a rotational force to the securing arm, which causes a downward force to be applied to the syringe. The display can be coupled to a side of the pump housing. The display can further include a power button, an alarm mute button, and / or a menu button. A monitoring client can be provided that is configured to at least one of receive data from or control the syringe pump as described herein. The monitoring client can be a tablet computer.

[0247] A method for expelling liquid from a syringe and for mitigating an occlusion condition includes actuating a piston of the syringe into a barrel of the syringe. The method monitors a fluid pressure within the barrel of the syringe and determines that an occlusion exists when the fluid pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold. The method actuates the piston out of the barrel a predetermined amount in response to the detected occlusion and actuates the piston of the syringe into the barrel until a measured fluid pressure within the barrel of the syringe exceeds another predetermined threshold.

[0248] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a system for securing a syringe to a syringe pump can include a pump housing, a platform extending horizontally from a side of the pump housing, a pivotably secureable arm configured to engage a syringe seated on the platform, and a force mechanism connected to the secureable arm. The force mechanism can be configured to apply a rotational force to the secureable arm, which causes a downward force to be applied to the syringe.

[0249] In some embodiments of the system, the force mechanism can include a second arm having a first end connected to the secureable arm and an opposite second end. In some embodiments, a roller can be attached to the second arm at the second end. An engagement plate can be included that is configured to engage the roller and push the second arm in a direction that creates a rotational force in the connected secureable arm.

[0250] In some embodiments, the system can include a first end of the engagement plate connected to the pivot point, and an opposite second end attached to a biasing member. The biasing member can be configured to create a force that pushes the second arm. The biasing member can be a spring.

[0251] In some embodiments, a surface of the engagement plate engaged by the second arm can define a peak. The plate can also be sized to allow the second arm to remain in contact while rotating at least thirty degrees. The engagement plate can be configured to move freely in a plane substantially perpendicular to the surface engaged by the second arm. A biasing member can be included that pushes the engagement plate toward the second arm. The engagement plate can be oriented to create a force that pushes the second arm. A surface of the engagement plate engaged by the second arm can define a peak. The engagement plate can be sized to allow the second arm to remain in contact while rotating substantially at least thirty degrees.

[0252] In some embodiments, the force mechanism can include a second arm connected to the secureable arm. A first component can be included having a first end connected to the secureable arm and an opposite second end. A second component can be included attached to the first component at its opposite second end. The second component can be configured to move reciprocally about a longitudinal axis of the first component while movement in other directions is coordinated with movement of the first component. A biasing fastener can be included connected to the first and second components to push the two parts apart. A roller can be included attached to an end of the second component opposite the first component. An engagement plate can be included positioned to be engaged by the roller, thereby exerting a force on the second arm to create a rotational force in the secureable arm. A surface of the engagement plate engaged by the second arm can define a peak. The engagement plate can be sized to allow the second arm to remain in contact while rotating substantially at least thirty degrees.

[0253] In some embodiments, a force mechanism can include a shaft attached to a fixed arm, where the longitudinal axis of the shaft is coaxial with the rotational axis of the fixed arm. A first cam assembly can be included disposed about the shaft, configured to rotate with the fixed arm. A first end of the assembly can have a planar portion, a portion disposed rearward from the planar portion, and a tapered portion tapering the two portions together. A second cam assembly can be included disposed about the shaft adjacent to the first end of the first cam. The assembly can have a fixed rotational direction, and the ability to translate reciprocally on the shaft. An end of the second cam assembly in reliance on the first cam assembly can be a mirror image of the shape of the first cam assembly. A biasing member can be disposed about the shaft adjacent to the second cam assembly on an opposite side from the first cam assembly. A carriage can be included positioned to bias the biasing member, and to translate the force of the biasing member into biasing the second cam assembly toward the first cam assembly. The tapered portion of the cams can taper at about a forty-five degree angle with respect to the planar portion.

[0254] In some embodiments, the force mechanism can be configured to allow the fixed arm to be locked in an upper position, removed from the syringe on the platform.

[0255] Some embodiments can also include a wire structure connected to an end of the fixed arm opposite the rotational axis. The wire structure can be configured to engage the syringe when the arm portion is rotated downward.

[0256] In some embodiments, the fixed arm can exert a force of about one to about three pounds on the syringe when in the fixed position. Some embodiments can also include a sensor configured to track the angle of the fixed arm. The sensor can be a Hall effect sensor. Data from the sensor can be used to determine one or more characteristics of the syringe. In some embodiments, data from a piston driver sensor and data from the sensor can be used in conjunction to determine one or more characteristics of the syringe.

[0257] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for securing a syringe to a syringe pump includes overcoming a biasing force by displacing a fixed arm to a first, locked position; placing a syringe onto a syringe holding platform beneath the fixed arm; and releasing the fixed arm from the first position, thereby securing the syringe with the fixed arm by the biasing force.

[0258] In some embodiments, the biasing force can be generated by a spring. Some embodiments can also include detecting a position of the securing arm. Some embodiments of the method can include warning a user if the securing arm does not properly secure the syringe based on the position of the securing arm. Some embodiments of the method can also include determining at least one characteristic of the syringe using data collected by detecting the position of the securing arm. Some embodiments can also include determining a fluid flow using a processor based on a change in position of a plunger of the syringe in combination with determining at least one characteristic of the syringe. Some embodiments can include using data from the plunger drive arm in combination with the position of the securing arm to determine at least one characteristic of the syringe. Some embodiments of the method can also include determining a fluid flow using a processor based on a change in position of a plunger of the syringe in combination with determining at least one characteristic of the syringe. In some embodiments, the position of the securing arm is detected using a Hall effect sensor.

[0259] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus for securing a syringe to a syringe pump can include a pump housing having a top, a bottom, and two sides; a platform protruding horizontally from one side of the pump housing; a rotating securing arm having a first end attached to the pump housing above the platform, and an opposite second end configured to engage the top of the platform at a rotating position of the securing arm; and a force mechanism attached to the securing arm. The force mechanism can be configured to generate a rotating force on the securing arm, thereby pushing the second end toward the top of the platform. In some embodiments, the force mechanism can include a second arm having a first end operably attached to the securing arm, sharing a rotational axis thereof, and an opposite second end. A roller can be included attached to the second arm at the second end, wherein the roller extends beyond the second end of the second arm. An engagement plate can be included configured to engage the roller with a force that causes the second arm to rotate in a direction that generates a downward force on the securing arm. A first end of the engagement plate can be operably attached to the pump housing by a pivot connector. A second end of the engagement plate can be operably attached to a biasing member. The biasing member can push the engagement plate toward the engaged second arm, thereby generating the force that rotates the second arm. A surface of the engagement plate engaged by the second arm can define a peak. The engagement plate can be sized to allow the second arm to continuously contact the engagement plate while rotating substantially at least thirty degrees. The engagement plate can have a one degree of freedom linear range of motion in a single plane. The biasing member can exert a force on the engagement plate, at least one component of which can be in the direction of the range of motion. The biasing member can push the engagement plate toward the engaged second arm, thereby generating the force that rotates the second arm. A segment of a surface of the engagement plate engaged by the second arm can define a peak. The engagement plate can be sized to allow the second arm to continuously contact the engagement plate while rotating substantially at least thirty degrees. In some embodiments, the force mechanism can include a second arm having a first end operably attached to the securing arm, such that a rotational axis thereof is shared. The second arm can include a first component having a first end connected to the securing arm, and a second end extending from the first end and oriented substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis. A second component can be included having a first end connected to the second end of the first component, and an opposite second end. The second component can have a single degree of freedom of movement, but is otherwise constrained to move in cooperation with the first component. A biasing member can be included having a first portion attached to the first component, and a second portion attached to the second component. The biasing member can be configured to exert a biasing force that biases the first component and the second component apart from one another. A roller can be included attached to the second end of the second component. The roller can extend beyond the second end of the second component. An engagement plate can be included configured to be engaged by the roller, thereby compressing the biasing member, and thereby generating a rotating force that is transmitted to the securing arm.

[0260] In some embodiments, a surface of the engagement plate engaged by the second arm can define a peak. The engagement plate can be sized to allow the second arm to continuously contact the engagement plate while rotating substantially at least thirty degrees.

[0261] In some embodiments, the force mechanism can include a shaft attached to the fixed arm such that they share a rotational axis and such that their longitudinal axes are aligned with the rotational axis. A first cam assembly can be included disposed about the shaft configured to rotate with the fixed arm. A first end of the assembly can have a planar portion, a portion disposed rearward from the planar portion, and a tapered portion tapering the two portions together. A second cam assembly can be included disposed about the shaft adjacent to the first end of the first cam. The assembly can have a fixed rotational direction and the ability to translate reciprocally on the shaft. One end of the assembly can be a mirror image of the shape of the first cam assembly. A biasing member can be included configured to urge the second cam assembly toward the first cam assembly.

[0262] In some embodiments, the force mechanism can be configured to allow the fixed arm to lock in an upper position in which the fixed arm does not contact the platform. A wire structure can be included connected to the second end of the fixed arm configured to engage the syringe when the fixed arm is rotated to a fixed position. When in the fixed position, the fixed arm can exert one to three pounds of force on the syringe. A sensor can be included configured to detect the angle of the fixed arm. The sensor can be a Hall effect sensor. Data from the sensor can be used to determine at least one feature of the syringe. In some embodiments, data from the sensor can be used with data from a piston driver sensor to determine one or more features of the syringe.

[0263] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, an apparatus to provide DC power to an infusion pump can include at least one power input module connected to a housing of the infusion pump configured to receive DC current from a power source and to power the infusion pump. The module can have a port configured to receive current. The power source can be configured to be removably attached to the power input module, when attached, creating an electrical communication between the power source and the power input module. The power source can include an AC to DC conversion module configured to convert AC current to DC current and to provide a constant voltage current to the pump. An AC input jack can be included configured to receive AC current and to power an AC side of the conversion module. A DC output jack can be included configured to receive DC current from the conversion module and to output DC current. An outlet adapter can be included in electrical communication with the AC input jack in the power source and configured to be plugged into an AC wall outlet, thereby supplying AC current to the AC input jack. The power source can be located on any one of the top, bottom, back or side of the infusion pump when attached. A display can be arranged at a location proximate to the power source when the power source is attached. An AC input cord (hereinafter also referred to as a power cord) can connect the outlet adapter to the AC input jack of the power source. The AC input cord can be removable from the power source. A cord wrap structure can be included attached to an exterior of the power source configured to wrap the power cord on it when the cord is not plugged in. The power source can include a port configured to receive the outlet adapter once the cord has been wrapped around the cord wrap structure. An enclosed reel can be included that automatically winds up the power cord when commanded by a user. A DC output cord can be included that connects the DC output jack of the power source to the power input module, creating an electrical communication between the two. The DC output cord can be removable from the power input module. The power input module can be configured to be attached to a rack, making the rack and the power source interchangeable. Attaching the power source to the power input module can secure the power source to the pump. The power source can be configured to power multiple pumps. A plurality of DC output cords can be included configured to connect the DC output jack of the power source to power input modules of multiple pumps, creating an electrical communication between the power source and the pumps. The power source can be mounted on a pole on which the pumps it powers are also mounted. A battery can be included having a negative terminal operably connected to the DC output jack of the power source and a positive terminal operably connected to the power input module. A processor and circuitry can be included configured to charge the battery when the power source receives AC current and to discharge the battery when AC current is not received. In some embodiments, the power source must be removed from the pump so that the pump is attached to the pole. A processor can be included to monitor the power requirements of the pump and to adjust the output of the power source based on those requirements. The conversion module can adjust the voltage and current of the electricity that enters the pump. In some embodiments, the pole can include a power source and one or more attachment components to attach an infusion pump to the pole.

[0264] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a system for providing DC power to an infusion pump can include a pump, an AC-to-DC converter, an AC input adapter, a DC output adapter, and an AC outlet adapter configured to be plugged into an AC outlet in communication with the AC input adapter of the power supply. The DC output adapter of the power supply can be directly connected into the DC input jack of the pump, securing the power supply to the pump and creating electrical communication between the power supply and the DC output adapter. The attached power supply can be located on any of the back, side, top, and bottom of the pump. The power supply can also include a DC output cord configured to connect the DC output adapter of the power supply module to the DC input jack of the pump, thereby creating electrical communication between the two. The pump can include a power supply rack configured to secure the AC-to-DC converter of the power supply to the pump. An AC input cord can be included having a first end configured to connect to the AC input port of the power supply and a second end having a wall outlet adapter. The AC input cord can be removable from the power supply. The power supply can also include a cord winding mechanism to wind the AC input cord around. The cord winding mechanism can be configured to be wound around by a user. The power supply can include a port configured to receive the wall outlet adapter once the cord is wound around. A single power supply can be configured to power multiple pumps. The power supply can be capable of coupling to a pole including at least one attachment component for an infusion pump. The DC input jack of the pump can be configured to secure the pump to a rack and receive current from the rack when the power supply is not attached. The power supply can include a battery configured to be charged by the power supply when current flows into the AC input port and to power the DC output port when no current flows into the AC input port.

[0265] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a method of mitigating screw jump error can include tracking rotation of a screw using a rotary position sensor. The method can include tracking distance output of a screw mechanism using a linear position sensor. The method can include converting the rotary position sensor output to a linear displacement output of the screw mechanism. The method can include generating error data by determining a difference from the linear position sensor data and the converted data from the rotary position sensor. The method can include estimating a phase and amplitude of a bias using a processor based on the error data from an assumed direct relationship to the distance output of the screw mechanism. The method can include controlling an output of the screw mechanism with a controller. The controller can compensate for the estimated bias.

[0266] In some embodiments, the linear position sensor can be an optical mouse sensor. The optical mouse sensor can output data at a frequency of about 3000 CPI to about 8200 CPI. The method can further include normalizing the optical mouse sensor data prior to estimating the phase and amplitude, thereby mitigating sensor drift. Normalizing the optical mouse sensor can include recalibrating the optical mouse sensor CPI every ten degrees of screw rotation. Estimating the phase and amplitude can include cross correlating sine and cosine waves with the bias data. The method can further include storing the error data for every degree of screw rotation as a single value prior to cross correlating. The estimating step can account for a change in bias amplitude as the displacement assembly of the screw approaches the end of the threaded drive shaft of the screw. The rotary position sensor can be a Hall effect sensor. The phase and amplitude of the runout bias can be estimated using only data from the previous four rotations of the screw. The method can further include filtering the error data prior to estimating its phase and amplitude. The error data can be filtered using a low pass filter.

[0267] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a system to mitigate screw runout error can include a linear position sensor configured to track a distance output of a screw mechanism and generate distance data. A rotary position sensor can be included that is configured to track rotation of the screw and generate rotary data. A processor can be included. The processor can be configured to convert the rotary data to a converted distance output of the screw mechanism. The processor can be configured to generate error data by determining a difference between the converted rotary data and the distance data. The processor can be configured to estimate an amplitude and a phase of the error data. A controller can be included that is configured to control the distance output of the screw mechanism. The controller can compensate for the amplitude and the phase of the error data.

[0268] In some embodiments, the linear position sensor can be an optical mouse sensor. The optical mouse sensor can output data at a frequency of about 3000 CPI to about 8200 CPI. The distance data can be normalized to account for drift prior to generating the error data. The distance data can be normalized by the processor once every ten degrees of screw rotation. The phase and amplitude of the error data can be estimated by cross correlating sine and cosine waves with the bias data. The rotary sensor can be a Hall effect sensor. The controller can assume that the amplitude of the error data decreases as the half nut of the screw mechanism approaches the end of the screw. The phase and amplitude of the error data can be estimated using only error data from the previous four rotations. The distance data for every degree of rotation of the screw displacement can be filtered as a single data. The processor can not estimate the phase and amplitude of the error data until it has received one hundred eighty degrees of sensor data. The error data can be filtered prior to estimating its phase and amplitude. The error data can be filtered using a low pass filter.

[0269] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, an injection pump can include a body, a motor, and a lead screw operably coupled to the motor. The motor can be configured to actuate the lead screw. An injection seat and a piston head assembly can be included. The piston head assembly can include a dial having a first position and a second position. The dial can be configured to actuate between the first position and the second position. A piston tube configured to slidably engage the body can be included. The piston head can be operably coupled to the piston tube. A half-nut assembly configured to engage the lead screw until the dial is actuated a predetermined amount from the first position toward the second position can be included. The predetermined amount can be less than a halfway position between the first position and the second position.

[0270] In some embodiments, the piston head assembly can include two pivotable claw members configured to grasp onto a piston located within the injection seat. The dial can be configured to actuate the pivotable claw members. A shaft can be operably coupled to the dial. The shaft and the dial can be configured such that actuation of the dial actuates the shaft. A cam can be coupled to the shaft. A rocker arm can be included that is pivotably coupled to the piston head assembly. The rocker arm can have a cam follower configured to engage the cam. The pivotable claw members can be operably coupled to the rocker arm.

[0271] In some embodiments, a first gear coupled to the rocker arm and the pivotable claw members can be included. A second gear coupled to the other pivotable claw member can be included. The first and second gears can be configured to engage one another. The pivotable claw members can be configured to grasp onto the piston. The cam and the rocker arm can be configured such that further actuation of the dial toward the second position causes the cam follower to disengage from the cam when the pivotable claw members grasp onto the piston. A biasing member configured to urge the cam follower of the rocker arm toward the cam can be included. The cam can include a detent configured to retain the cam within the detent until a predetermined amount of torque is applied to the dial to urge the dial toward the second position. The piston head can include a shaft having a lever actuator coupled thereto. The piston tube can include a lever. The lever can be coupled within the piston head by a link. The half-nut assembly can include a linear cam. The lever can be operably coupled to the linear cam. The half-nut assembly can further include first and second half-nut arms each having a first end and a second end. The first ends of the first and second half-nut arms can be configured to engage the lead screw. The first and second half-nut arms can be pivotally coupled to one another. The second ends of the first and second half-nut arms can be configured to engage the linear cam such that actuation of the linear cam toward the half-nut assembly causes the second ends of the first and second half-nut arms to pivotally approach one another. The first ends of the first and second half-nut arms can each include a thread configured to engage the lead screw when the second ends of the first and second half-nut arms approach one another. The injection seat can include at least one ramped surface.

[0272] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, an injection pump can include a body, a motor, and a lead screw operably coupled to the motor. The motor can be configured to actuate the lead screw. An injection seat and a piston head assembly can be included. The piston head assembly can include a dial having a fully open position and a fully closed position. The dial can be configured to actuate between the fully open position and the fully closed position. A piston tube configured to slidably engage the body can be included. The piston head can be operably coupled to the piston tube. A half-nut assembly configured to engage the lead screw until the dial is actuated a predetermined amount from the fully open position toward the fully closed position can be included. The half-nut assembly can include first and second half-nut arms that are pivotably coupled together and configured to engage the lead screw.

[0273] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a system for securing a syringe to an injection pump can include a pump housing. A platform extending horizontally from a side of the pump housing can be included. A pivotable securing arm configured to secure a syringe seated on the platform can be included. A force mechanism coupled to the arm configured to apply a rotational force to the arm that causes a securing force to be applied to the syringe can be included. A user interface coupled to the pump housing can be included.

[0274] In some embodiments, the user interface can include a power button, an alarm mute button, and a menu button.

[0275] A monitoring client can be configured to at least one of receive data from or control the injection pump. The monitoring client can be a tablet computer. The monitoring client can be configured to receive data from the injection pump.

[0276] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, an injection pump includes a housing, an injection seat, a piston head, a pressure sensor, and a motor, and one or more processors. The injection seat is operably coupled to the housing and configured to retain a syringe. The piston head is configured to engage a piston of the syringe to actuate the piston of the syringe. The pressure sensor is configured to be coupled to the syringe to operably estimate a fluid pressure within the syringe. The motor is operably coupled to the piston head to actuate the piston head, thereby actuating the piston of the head.

[0277] According to embodiments, the one or more processors can be configured to cause the actuator to actuate in a first direction, thereby causing the syringe to expel fluid. The processor can monitor the pressure sensor to estimate a fluid pressure within the syringe and determine that an occlusion exists when the fluid pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold. The processor can cause the actuator to actuate the piston out of the barrel a predetermined amount and cause the actuator to actuate the piston of the syringe into the barrel until a measurement of the fluid pressure within the syringe exceeds another predetermined threshold.

[0278] In some embodiments, the predetermined amount of the piston that can be actuated out of the barrel can be a function of a barrel inner diameter. The other predetermined threshold can be a function of the barrel inner diameter.

[0279] In some embodiments, the predetermined threshold may fall within a plurality of predetermined thresholds in a lookup table. The predetermined threshold corresponds to the syringe model found in the lookup table.

[0280] In some embodiments, another predetermined threshold may fall within a plurality of predetermined thresholds in a lookup table. The other predetermined threshold corresponds to the syringe model found in the lookup table.

[0281] The predetermined volume piston actuated from the syringe is located within multiple predetermined volumes in a lookup table. The predetermined volume piston actuated from the syringe can correspond to the syringe model.

[0282] In some embodiments, a force sensor coupled to the piston can be used to monitor the fluid pressure within the syringe barrel. This predetermined amount may be a predetermined distance that actuates the piston out of the syringe, and / or may be a predetermined change in the expansion volume within the syringe barrel. Attached Figure Description

[0283] These and other aspects will become clearer with reference to the accompanying drawings and through a detailed description of the various embodiments disclosed in the following text, wherein:

[0284] Figure 1 This is an illustration of an electronic patient care system with an infusion pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0285] Figures 2-5 Several figures are shown of a hospital bed system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0286] Figure 6 This illustrates attachmentable to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figures 2-5 A close-up view of a portion of the clamp interface of the pump shown;

[0287] Figure 7 This illustrates attachmentable to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 6 Another close-up image of another part of the interface shown;

[0288] Figure 8 This illustrates attachmentable to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figures 2-5 A perspective view of the pumps in the hospital bed system;

[0289] Figure 9 Illustrations of embodiments according to this disclosure Figures 2-5 A perspective view of the pump shown;

[0290] Figures 10-13 Several figures are shown of an infusion pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0291] Figure 14 The image shows a mounting on a pole according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 10-13 A view of the syringe pump;

[0292] Figures 15-16 illustrates the operation portion of the injection pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figures 10-13

[0293] Figures 17-18 illustrates several medical devices mounted on a pole according to an embodiment of the present disclosure

[0294] Figures 19-22 illustrates several medical devices mounted on a pole according to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figures 17-18

[0295] Figure 23 illustrates several medical devices mounted on a pole according to an embodiment of the present disclosure

[0296] Figures 24-26 illustrates several medical devices mounted on a pole according to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 23

[0297] Figure 27 illustrates several medical devices mounted on a pole according to an embodiment of the present disclosure

[0298] Figure 28 illustrates several medical devices mounted on a pole according to an embodiment of the present disclosure

[0299] Figure 29 illustrates several medical devices mounted on a pole according to an embodiment of the present disclosure

[0300] Figure 30 is a view of an exemplary embodiment of an injection pump assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure

[0301] Figure 31 is another view of an exemplary embodiment of an injection pump assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure

[0302] Figure 32 is another view of an exemplary embodiment of an injection pump assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure

[0303] Figure 33 is another view of an exemplary embodiment of an injection pump assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure

[0304] Figure 34 is another view of an exemplary embodiment of an injection pump assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure

[0305] Figure 35 is a view of an exemplary embodiment of a piston head assembly, a piston tube, and a sliding block assembly of an injection pump assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure

[0306] Figure 36 ​​​is another view of an exemplary embodiment of a piston head assembly, a piston tube, and a slider block assembly of an injection pump assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure with a half of the piston head assembly removed;

[0307] Figure 37 is an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a piston head assembly top with a half of the piston head assembly removed according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0308] Figure 38 is an assembled view of an exemplary embodiment of a piston head assembly top with a half of the piston head assembly removed according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0309] Figure 39 is a bottom view of an exemplary embodiment of a top of a piston head assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0310] Figure 40 is an assembled top view of an exemplary embodiment of a piston head assembly and a piston tube bottom according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0311] Figure 41 is an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a carousel shaft and associated parts of an injection pump according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0312] Figure 42 is an assembled view of an exemplary embodiment of a Figure 41 according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0313] Figure 43 is a partially assembled view of an exemplary embodiment of a piston head assembly and a piston tube according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0314] Figure 44 is a view of an exemplary embodiment of a piston head assembly with a top of a piston head assembly housing removed according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0315] Figure 45 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a Figure 44 according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0316] Figure 46 is a partial view of an exemplary embodiment of a piston head assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure with a cross section of a D-shaped connector shown;

[0317] Figure 47 is a view of an exemplary embodiment of a piston head assembly, a piston tube, and a slider block assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure with a slider block assembly exploded;

[0318] Figure 48A is an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a slider block assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0319] Figure 48Bis a view of exemplary embodiments of a lead screw, half nut, syringe cam, and drive shaft according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0320] Figure 49 is a partial front view of exemplary embodiments of a half nut and syringe cam according to embodiments of the present disclosure in which the half nut is transparent;

[0321] Figure 50 is a front view of exemplary embodiments of a slider block assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure in which the half nut is in an engaged position;

[0322] Figure 51 is a front view of exemplary embodiments of a slider block assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure in which the half nut is in an engaged position;

[0323] Figure 52 is a front view of exemplary embodiments of a slider block assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure in which the half nut is in an unengaged position;

[0324] Figure 53 is a cross-sectional view of exemplary embodiments of a slider block assembly on a lead screw and guide rod according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0325] Figure 54 is a view of exemplary embodiments of a rear of an injection pump assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0326] Figure 55 is another view of exemplary embodiments of a rear of an injection pump assembly with a gear box in place according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0327] Figure 56 is an internal view of exemplary embodiments of an injection pump assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0328] Figure 57A is another internal view of exemplary embodiments of an injection pump assembly with a slider block assembly and linear position sensor in place according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0329] Figure 57B is a top view of an embodiment of a magnetic linear position sensor according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0330] Figure 58 is a partial assembled front view of exemplary embodiments of a slider block assembly, piston tube, and piston head assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0331] Figure 59A is a view of exemplary embodiments of an injection pump assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0332] Figures 59B-59J is an electrical schematic of an injection pump according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0333] Figure 60 is a bottom partial view of an exemplary embodiment of a syringe pump assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0334] Figure 61 is a partial view of an exemplary embodiment of a syringe pump assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure in which the flange of the syringe of the small syringe has been clamped by the syringe flange clamp;

[0335] Figure 62 is a partial view of an exemplary embodiment of a syringe pump assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure in which the flange of the syringe of the small syringe has been clamped by the syringe flange clamp;

[0336] Figure 63 is a view of an exemplary embodiment of a syringe holder according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0337] Figure 64 is a partial view of an exemplary embodiment of a syringe holder according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0338] Figure 65 is a view of an exemplary embodiment of a syringe holder according to embodiments of the present disclosure in which the syringe holder is locked in a fully open position;

[0339] Figure 66 is a view of an exemplary embodiment of a syringe holder linear position sensor according to embodiments of the present disclosure in which the linear position sensor printed circuit board is shown to be transparent;

[0340] Figure 67 is a view of an exemplary embodiment of a phase change detector linear position sensor according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0341] Figure 68 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary view of a phase change detector linear position sensor according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0342] Figure 69 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary view of a phase change detector linear position sensor according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0343] Figure 70 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary view of a phase change detector linear position sensor according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0344] Figure 71 is a perspective view of a pump showing a graphical user interface on a screen according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0345] Figure 72 shows an example infusion programming screen of a graphical user interface according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0346] Figure 73 An example infusion programming screen of a graphical user interface according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0347] Figure 74 An example infusion programming screen of a graphical user interface according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0348] Figure 75 An example infusion programming screen of a graphical user interface according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0349] Figure 76 An example infusion programming screen of a graphical user interface according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0350] Figure 77 A graphical representation of infusion rate versus time for an example infusion according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0351] Figure 78 A graphical representation of infusion rate versus time for an example infusion according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0352] Figure 79 A graphical representation of infusion rate versus time for an example infusion according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0353] Figure 80 A graphical representation of infusion rate versus time for an example infusion according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0354] Figure 81 A graphical representation of infusion rate versus time for an example infusion according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0355] Figure 82 An example drug library screen of a graphical user interface according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0356] Figure 83 A block software diagram according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0357] Figure 84 A state diagram of a method of providing a monitoring function according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0358] Figures 85A-85F A circuit diagram of a monitoring system according to one embodiment of a monitoring function as a specific implementation Figure 84 of the state diagram according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0359] Figure 86 Another embodiment of a syringe pump with a buffer according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0360] Figure 87Illustrations of embodiments according to this disclosure Figure 86 An exploded view of the syringe pump;

[0361] Figure 88 Illustrations of embodiments according to this disclosure Figure 86 Close-up view of the upper casing, lower casing, and power supply of the syringe pump;

[0362] Figure 89A Illustrations of embodiments according to this disclosure Figure 86 Front view of the pump's display;

[0363] Figure 89B Illustrations of embodiments according to this disclosure Figure 86 Rear view of the pump's display;

[0364] Figure 90 The rear portion of the sensor section of a touchscreen according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and a frame-based open-loop resonator used with a near-field antenna are shown.

[0365] Figure 91 This illustrates a scenario where one or more sensors are unavailable according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 86 The diagram shows the sensor used in the pump;

[0366] Figure 92 A side view of an injection pump having a retaining finger to retain the syringe according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0367] Figure 93 Illustrations of embodiments according to this disclosure Figure 92 A close-up image of the syringe pump;

[0368] Figure 94 A circuit for storing data within an RFID tag associated with an infusion pump, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown.

[0369] Figure 95 The following is illustrated according to an embodiment of the present disclosure: Figure 94 The equivalent circuit for impedance observed by the RFID tag;

[0370] Figure 96 Another circuit for storing data within an RFID tag associated with an infusion pump, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, is shown;

[0371] Figure 97 The illustration shows the relationship between the present disclosure and the embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 96 An open-loop resonator used in a circuit;

[0372] Figure 98 A flowchart illustrating a method for eliminating the slowing effect in an infusion pump with a syringe already loaded onto it, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0373] Figure 99A Figure 1 1 shows a perspective view of the device for side loading of syringes onto an infusion pump showing the syringe holding arm in the loading position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0374] Figure 99B Figure 12 shows another perspective view of the device for side loading of syringes onto an infusion pump showing the syringe holding arm in the fixed position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 99A

[0375] Figure 100A Figure 13 shows a force mechanism driving the syringe holding arm, showing an embodiment of the syringe holding arm in the fixed position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0376] Figure 100B Figure 14 shows a force mechanism driving the syringe holding arm, showing the syringe holding arm in the loading position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 100A

[0377] Figure 101A Figure 15 shows a force mechanism driving the syringe holding arm, showing another embodiment of the syringe holding arm in the fixed position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0378] Figure 101B Figure 16 shows a force mechanism driving the syringe holding arm, showing the syringe holding arm in the loading position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 101A

[0379] Figure 102A Figure 17 shows a force mechanism driving the syringe holding arm, showing another embodiment of the syringe holding arm in the loading position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0380] Figure 102B Figure 18 shows a force mechanism driving the syringe holding arm, showing the syringe holding arm in the fixed position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 102A

[0381] Figure 103A Figure 19 shows a force mechanism driving the syringe holding arm, showing another embodiment of the syringe holding arm in the loading position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0382] Figure 103B Figure 20 shows a force mechanism driving the syringe holding arm, showing the syringe holding arm in the fixed position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 103A

[0383] Figure 21 shows a cam of the force mechanism when the holding arm is in the fixed position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 104A Figures 103A-103B

[0384] Figure 104B ​​​​​​A cam of the force mechanism when the fixed arm is in the middle position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 103A-103B A cam of the force mechanism when the fixed arm is in the middle position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0385] Figure 104C A cam of the force mechanism when the fixed arm is in the middle position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 103A-103B A cam of the force mechanism when the fixed arm is in the middle position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0386] Figure 105 A flow chart of a method for side loading a syringe onto an infusion pump, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0387] Figure 106 An embodiment of a system for mitigating screw runout error, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0388] Figure 107 A flow chart of a method for mitigating screw runout error, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0389] Figure 108 A side view of a pump with a module power supply attached to the back of the pump, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0390] Figure 109 A side view of a pump with an external power supply, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0391] Figure 110 A side view of a pump with a power supply attached to the bottom of the pump, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0392] Figure 111 A side view of a pump with a power supply attached to the top of the pump, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0393] Figure 112 A structure for securing a power cord to a power supply, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0394] Figure 113 A rack with power supplies powering several pumps attached to the rack, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0395] Figures 114A-114J Several views of a syringe pump assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0396] Figures 115A-115B Two views of a retention clip of a syringe pump assembly shown in Figures 114A-114J

[0397] Several views of a syringe pump assembly with a syringe seat removed, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 116A-116C Figures 114A-114J

[0398] ​​Figures 117A-117C FIGS. 1-3 illustrate an injection pump assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure; Figures 114A-114J FIGS. 4-6 illustrate several views of the injection seat of the injection pump assembly shown in FIGS. 1-3;

[0399] Figures 118A-118B FIGS. 7-9 illustrate several views of the injection pump assembly shown in FIGS. 1-3, showing the removal of the injection seat according to embodiments of the present disclosure; Figures 114A-114J FIGS. 10-12 illustrate several views of the injection pump assembly shown in FIGS. 1-3, showing the removal of the injection seat according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0400] Figures 119A-119B FIGS. 13-15 illustrate several views of the injection pump assembly shown in FIGS. 1-3, showing the action of the pawl member gripping onto the flange of the piston of the syringe according to embodiments of the present disclosure; Figures 114A-114J FIGS. 16-18 illustrate several views of the injection pump assembly shown in FIGS. 1-3, showing the mechanical effect of the rotation of the dial according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0401] Figure 120 FIGS. 19-21 illustrate several views of the injection pump assembly shown in FIGS. 1-3, showing the removal of the cap plate from the piston head according to embodiments of the present disclosure; Figures 114A-114J FIGS. 22-24 illustrate several views of the injection pump assembly shown in FIGS. 1-3, showing the mechanical effect of the rotation of the dial according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0402] Figures 121A-121C FIGS. 25-27 illustrate several views of the injection pump assembly shown in FIGS. 1-3, showing the removal of the cap plate and the removal of the piston head from the circuit board according to embodiments of the present disclosure; Figures 114A-114J FIGS. 28-30 illustrate several views of the injection pump assembly shown in FIGS. 1-3, showing the mechanical effect of the rotation of the dial according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0403] Figures 122A-122B FIGS. 31-32 illustrate two views of the cam used in the piston head assembly of the injection pump assembly shown in FIGS. 1-3 according to embodiments of the present disclosure; Figures 114A-114J

[0404] FIGS. 33-34 illustrate two close-up views of the internal cavity of the piston head assembly of the injection pump assembly shown in FIGS. 1-3 according to embodiments of the present disclosure; Figures 123A-123B Figures 114A-114J FIGS. 35-36 illustrate the piston head assembly of the injection pump assembly shown in FIGS. 1-3 according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0405] Figure 124 Figures 114A-114J FIGS. 37-38 illustrate the piston head assembly of the injection pump assembly shown in FIGS. 1-3 according to embodiments of the present disclosure, showing the removal of the piston tube;

[0406] Figures 125A-125B FIGS. 39-40 illustrate two views of the piston head assembly of the injection pump assembly shown in FIGS. 1-3 according to embodiments of the present disclosure, showing the removal of the piston tube; Figures 114A-114J FIGS. 41-42 illustrate two views of the piston head assembly of the injection pump assembly shown in FIGS. 1-3 according to embodiments of the present disclosure, showing the removal of the piston tube;

[0407] Figures 126A-126I FIGS. 43-45 illustrate several additional views of the injection pump assembly in FIGS. 1-3 according to embodiments of the present disclosure; Figures 114A-114J

[0408] FIGS. 46-47 illustrate a perspective side view of the injection pump assembly shown in FIGS. 1-3, with the assembly coupled to a display according to embodiments of the present disclosure; and Figure 127 Figures 114A-114J

[0409] Figure 128 ​​​​A flowchart showing a method for expelling fluid from a syringe and providing mitigation of occlusion conditions according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0410] Figure 1 An exemplary arrangement of a system 1 for electronic patient care according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The system 1 includes a monitoring client 2 linked via stands 3 and 11 to a plurality of patient care devices, including an infusion pump 4 connected to and infusing from a smaller liquid bag 5, an infusion pump 6 connected to and infusing from a larger liquid bag 7, a drip detection device 8 connected to tubing from the smaller bag 5, and a micro-infusion pump 9. The system 1 also includes a syringe pump 10 wirelessly connected to the monitoring client 2. In some embodiments, the monitoring client 2 can communicate with these patient care devices in a wired manner, as shown in Figure 1 FIG. 1. Additionally or alternatively, the monitoring client 2 can communicate wirelessly with the patient care devices, as suggested where there is no wired connection between the syringe pump 10 and the monitoring client 2.

[0411] In some embodiments, the wired connection between the monitoring client 2 and the patient care devices also provides an opportunity to supply electrical power from the monitoring client 2 to the patient care devices. In this exemplary embodiment, the monitoring client 2 can include electronic circuitry necessary to convert voltage from a battery attached to the monitoring client 2, or from an alternating current ("AC") line voltage supplied to the monitoring client 2 from an electrical outlet (not shown) in a patient room, to power the patient care devices. Additionally or alternatively, the stand 3 powers the infusion pumps 4 and 6, and provides a signal to the micro-infusion pump 9, for example generated from the AC line voltage.

[0412] In embodiments, the monitoring client 2 is capable of receiving information about each patient care device, either directly linked with the device of the patient care device, or through a docking station, such as the stand 3 on which the patient care device can be mounted. The stand 3 can be configured to receive one or more patient care devices through a standard connection dock, or in some cases through a connection dock individualized to a particular device. For example, the infusion pumps 4 and 6 can be mounted to the stand 3 through similar connection docks, while the micro-infusion pump 9 is mounted to the stand 3, for example through a connection dock specially sized for the housing of the micro-infusion pump 9.

[0413] The stand 3 can be configured to electronically recognize a particular patient care device that is installed on the docking station and wirelessly or through a wired connection send that recognition information to the monitoring client 2. Additionally or alternatively, a wireless patient care device can wirelessly send the recognition information to the monitoring client 2, for example, during a discovery protocol. In addition, a particular patient care device can be programmed with therapy information (e.g., patient therapy parameters such as an infusion rate for a scheduled infusion of a liquid) that is sent to the monitoring client 2. For example, the syringe pump 10 can include recognition information and processing information such as which medication has been prescribed for the patient, which liquid is present in the syringe pump's 10 reservoir, how much liquid is to be delivered to the patient and over what period of time, who is the authorized caregiver, etc. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the monitoring client 2 communicates with an EMR record to verify that the preprogrammed therapy information is safe for the identified patient and / or that the preprogrammed therapy information matches a prescribed therapy stored in the EMR record.

[0414] In some embodiments, the drip detection device 8 can communicate wirelessly or through a wired connection with the monitoring client 2. If an abnormal liquid flow condition is detected (e.g., a tube leading to the patient has become occluded), a signal can be sent to the monitoring client 2 that (1) can display the flow rate of the liquid from the liquid container 5 in a user interface located on the monitoring client 2, or in a more remote user interface at a nurses' station or handheld communication device, (2) can trigger an audible or visual alarm, and / or (3) can cause the monitoring client 2 to change the infusion rate of the pump 4 connected to the bag 5 by terminating the infusion or otherwise changing the pumping rate. The abnormal liquid flow condition can also cause an audible alarm (and / or a vibrating alarm) on the infusion pump 4 or the drip detection device 8, or cause the infusion pump 4 to change or stop pumping, for example, when the abnormal liquid flow condition exceeds a predetermined operating range.

[0415] The alarms can occur simultaneously on several devices or in a predetermined sequence. For example, when an occlusion occurs in a line connected to the infusion pump 4, (1) the drip detection device 8 alerts using its internal speaker and internal vibration motor, (2) then the infusion pump 4 alerts using its internal speaker and internal vibration motor, (3) then the monitoring client 2 alerts using its internal speaker and internal vibration motor, and (4) finally, a remote communication client (e.g., a smart phone, a Blackberry phone, an Android phone, an Apple phone, etc.) alerts using its internal speaker and internal vibration motor. In some embodiments, the syringe pump 10 can be connected to the drip detection device 8 and detect the abnormal liquid flow condition described above.

[0416] In some embodiments, the syringe pump 10 can be programmable to allow the communication between the monitoring client 2 and the syringe pump 10 to fail, continue to operate at a predetermined pumping speed, i.e., fail in the monitoring client 2 or the syringe pump 10 itself in the communication channel between the monitoring client 2 and the infusion pump 10. In some embodiments, this independent functionality option can be enabled when the medication being infused is pre-designed to not hang or hold up in the event of a failure in other parts of the system. In some embodiments, the syringe pump 10 is programmed to operate independently in a fail-safe mode, and can also be configured to receive information directly from the drip detection device 8, rather than through the monitoring client 2 (e.g., in embodiments in which the drip detection device 8 is used in conjunction with the syringe pump 10); with this option, the syringe pump 10 can be programmed in some embodiments to stop the infusion if the drip detection device 8 detects an abnormal flow condition, such as the presence of a free-flow condition or air bubble in the infusion tubing. In some embodiments, one or more of the pumps 4, 6, and 10 can have an internal fluid flow meter, and / or can operate independently as a stand-alone device. Additionally or alternatively, in embodiments in which the devices 8 and 10 are used together, the internal fluid flow meter of the syringe pump 10 can be determined independently by the monitoring client 2 through the flow meter of the drip detection device 8.

[0417] The monitoring client 2 can also send a prescription to a pharmacy. The prescription can be for an infusion using the syringe pump 10. The pharmacy can include one or more computers connected to a network, such as the Internet, to receive the prescription and queue the prescription in the one or more computers. The pharmacy can fill the prescription using the prescription (e.g., using an automated filling device coupled to the one or more computers, or manually by a pharmacist observing the queue in the one or more computers), pre-fill a reservoir or cartridge of the syringe pump 10, and / or program the syringe pump 10 according to the prescription at the pharmacy (e.g., program a therapy regimen into the syringe pump 10). The reservoir or cartridge can be automatically filled by the automated filling device, and / or the syringe pump 10 can be automatically programmed by the automated filling device. The automated filling device can generate a barcode, RFID tag, and / or data. The information in the barcode, RFID tag, and / or data can include the therapy regimen, the prescription, and / or patient information. The automated filling device can: affix the barcode to the syringe pump 10, or to a reservoir, cartridge, or disposable portion of the syringe pump 10; affix the RFID tag to the syringe pump 10, or to a reservoir, cartridge, or disposable portion of the syringe pump 10; and / or program the information or data into an RFID tag or memory in the syringe pump 10, or in a reservoir, cartridge, or disposable portion of the syringe pump 10. The data or information can be sent to a database that associates the prescription with the syringe pump 10, or with a reservoir, cartridge, or disposable portion of the syringe pump 10, using a serial number or other identifying information in the barcode, RFID tag, or memory.

[0418] The syringe pump 10 can have a scanner, such as an RFID interrogator, that interrogates the syringe pump 10's reservoir, disposable portion, or cartridge to determine whether the correct fluid is in the reservoir, or whether the correct reservoir, disposable portion, or cartridge is in the syringe pump 10, whether the therapy programmed into the syringe pump 10 corresponds to the fluid in the reservoir, disposable portion, or cartridge, and / or whether the syringe pump 10 and the syringe pump 10's reservoir, disposable portion, or cartridge are correct for the particular patient (e.g., as determined from the patient's barcode, RFID, or other patient proof). For example, the serial number of the reservoir, disposable portion scanned by the syringe pump 10 is compared to the serial number in the electronic medical record to determine whether it correctly corresponds to the patient's serial number in the electronic medical record; the syringe pump 10 can scan the patient's RFID tag or barcode to obtain the patient's serial number, which is also compared to the patient's serial number in the electronic medical record (e.g., the serial number of the syringe pump 10's reservoir, disposable portion, or cartridge or stored in the syringe pump 10's memory should be associated with the patient's serial number scanned in the electronic medical record). In some embodiments, if the serial numbers do not match, the syringe pump 10 can issue an error or alarm. Additionally or alternatively, the monitoring client 2 can scan the reservoir, disposable portion, cartridge, or syringe pump 10 to determine whether the correct fluid is in the reservoir, whether the correct reservoir is in the syringe pump 10, whether the therapy programmed into the syringe pump 10 corresponds to the fluid in the reservoir, disposable portion, or cartridge, and / or whether the reservoir and syringe pump 10 are correct for the particular patient (e.g., as determined from the patient's barcode, RFID, or other patient proof). Additionally or alternatively, the monitoring client 2 or syringe pump 10 can interrogate the electronic medical record database and / or pharmacy to verify or download a prescription, e.g., using the barcode serial number of the syringe pump 10 or the syringe pump 10's reservoir, cartridge, or disposable portion.

[0419] The fluids delivered to the patient can be monitored by the monitoring client 2 to determine if all of the medications being delivered to the patient are safe. For example, the monitoring client 2 can record the medications delivered from the syringe pump 10 that the syringe pump 10 sends to the monitoring client 2, and the monitoring client 2 can also record the medications being delivered from the infusion pumps 4 and 6 and / or the micro-infusion pump 9. The monitoring client 1 can determine from the recorded data if the total amount and type of medications being delivered is safe. For example, the monitoring client 2 can determine if the IV bag 5 disables the medications in the syringe pump 10. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the monitoring client 2 can monitor the fluid delivery from the IV bag 8 and the bolus delivery from the syringe pump 10 to determine if the total dosage exceeds a predetermined threshold, for example, the medications in the IV bag 5 and the syringe pump 10 can be the same type or class of medication, and the monitoring client 2 can determine if it is safe to deliver the medications to the patient in combination. The syringe pump 10 can also communicate with the infusion pumps 4 and 6 and / or the micro-infusion pump 9 to make the same determination; in this example embodiment, the syringe pump 10 can communicate directly with the devices (through wireless or wired communication), or through the monitoring client 2 (through wireless or wired communication). In some embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more communication modules (e.g., each having the ability to communicate through one or more protocols) can be connected to the syringe pump 10, and / or can be connected together and then to the syringe pump 10 to enable the syringe pump 10 to communicate through the communication modules.

[0420] The syringe pump 10 includes a touch screen interface 11 (detachable), a start button 12, and a stop button 13. However, in some alternative embodiments, the button 12 is a PCA button to deliver pain medication to the patient. The user interface 11 can be used to program a therapy regimen, such as a flow rate, a bolus amount, or other therapy parameters. After programming a therapy regimen into the syringe pump 10, the syringe pump 10 can query a database (e.g., an electronic medical record ("EMR"), a reduced medication error system ("DERS"), or other database) to determine if the therapy regimen is safe for the particular patient or for any patient. For example, the syringe pump 10 can query an EMR database (e.g., through a wireless link, a wired link, WiFi, a cellular phone, a network, or other communication technology) to determine if the therapy regimen from the syringe pump 10 is safe based on patient information (e.g., age, weight, allergies, medical conditions, etc.) stored in the EMR record. Additionally or alternatively, the syringe pump 10 can query a DERS database (e.g., through a wireless link, a wired link, WiFi, a cellular phone, a network, or other communication technology) to determine if the therapy regimen from the syringe pump 10 is safe based on predetermined safety criteria in the DERS record.

[0421] In some embodiments, if the treatment regimen is determined to be safe, a prompt can be presented asking the user of the treatment regimen for confirmation. After user confirmation, the user (e.g., a caregiver, nurse, or other authorized personnel) can press a start button 12. In some embodiments, a stop button 13 can be pressed at any time to stop the treatment.

[0422] In some embodiments, if the EMR and / or DERS determines that the treatment regimen exceeds a first set of criteria, the treatment continues if the user confirms the treatment (e.g., through an additional warning, a user password, and / or additional proof or authorization, etc.); in this embodiment, if the EMR and / or DERS determines that the treatment regimen exceeds a second set of criteria, e.g., the treatment is unsafe under any conditions for any patient, the EMR or DERS can prevent the treatment from being administered.

[0423] Exemplary bed arrangement

[0424] Figures 2-9 Various views are shown involving system 200. Figure 2 System 200 is shown including several pumps 201, 202, and 203. Pumps 201, 202, 203 can be coupled together to form a pump set that can be connected to a pole 208. System 200 includes two syringe pumps 201, 202, and a peristaltic pump 203; however, other combinations of medical devices can be employed.

[0425] Each pump 201, 202, 203 includes a touchscreen 204 that can be used to control the pump 201, 202, 203. The touchscreen 204 of one of the pumps (e.g., 201, 202, 203) can also be used to coordinate the operation of all of the pumps 201, 202, 203, and / or to control the other pumps 201, 202, 203.

[0426] Pumps 201, 202, 203 are daisy-chained together such that they are in electrical communication with each other. Additionally or alternatively, pumps 201, 202, and / or 203 can share power with or between each other; for example, one of the pumps 201, 202, and / or 203 can include an AC / DC converter that converts AC electrical power to DC power suitable for powering the other pumps.

[0427] Within system 200, pumps 201, 202, and 203 are stacked together using respective Z-frames 207. Each Z-frame 207 includes a lower portion 206 and an upper portion 205. The lower portion 206 of one Z-frame 207 (e.g., the lower portion 206 of pump 201) can engage the upper portion 205 of another Z-frame 207 (e.g., the upper portion 205 of the Z-frame 207 of pump 202).

[0428] A clamp 209 can be coupled to one of the pumps 201, 202, 203 (e.g., as shown inFigure 3 (Pump 202 shown). That is, clamp 209 can be connected to any of pumps 201, 202, 203. Clamp 209 can be attached to the back of any of pumps 201, 202, 203. Figure 5 As clearly shown, each pump 201, 202, 203 includes an upper attachment member 210 and a lower attachment member 211. A clamp adapter 212 facilitates attachment of a clamp 209 to a pump 202 via the upper attachment member 210 and the lower attachment member 211 of the respective pump (e.g., 201, 202, or 203). In some embodiments, the clamp adapter 212 may be integrated with the clamp 209.

[0429] Figure 6 This illustrates attachmentable to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figures 2-5 A close-up view of a portion of the interface of the clamp (i.e., clamp adapter 212) of the pump 202 (or pump 201 or 203) shown. The clamp adapter 212 includes a hole 213 and a lower attachment member 211 (see...). Figure 5 It can be attached thereto. That is, the lower attachment member 211 is a curved hook-shaped protrusion that can be inserted into the hole 213 and then rotated to secure the lower attachment member 211 therein.

[0430] like Figure 7 As clearly shown, the clamp adapter 212 also includes a latch 214. The latch 214 is pivotally mounted to the clamp adapter 212 via a pivot 216. The latch 214 can be spring-biased by a spring 218 attached to the hook 220. A braking member 219 prevents the latch 214 from pivoting beyond a predetermined amount. The attachment member 211 (see [reference]) is inserted into the hole 213. Figure 5 and 6 Afterward, the clamp adapter 212 can rotate to drive the latch 214 toward the upper attachment member 210, so that the latch 214 is pressed downward by the upper attachment member 210 until the protrusion 215 engages in the complementary space of the upper attachment member 210. The hook 220 helps to secure the clamp adapter 212 to the pump 202.

[0431] Each Z-frame 207 of pumps 201, 202, and 203 includes a recess 223 (see...). Figure 5 ) and protrusion 224 (see Figure 8 The protrusion 224 of the Z-frame 207 of one pump (e.g., pump 201, 202, or 203) can engage the recess 223 of another pump, thereby allowing the pumps to be stacked on top of each other. Each pump 201, 202, 203 includes a latching engagement member 221, which allows another pump 201, 202, 203 to be attached to it via a latch 222 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 8The latch 222 may include a small spring-loaded flange that may "lock" into a space formed beneath the latch engagement member 221. The latch 222 may be pivotally coupled to the lower portion 206 of the Z-frame 207.

[0432] like Figure 3 As shown, the latch 222 of pump 201 can be pulled, thereby withdrawing a portion of the latch 222 from the space under the latch engagement member 221 of pump 202. Then, pump 201 can be rotated, thereby pulling the protrusion 224 of pump 201 out of the recess 223 of the Z-frame 207 of pump 202, so that pump 201 can be removed from the stack of pumps 202 and 203 (see [link]). Figure 4 ).

[0433] Each pump 201, 202, 203 includes a top connector 225 (see...) Figure 9 ) and bottom connector 226 (see Figure 8 Connectors 225 and 226 allow the stacked pumps 201, 202, and 203 to communicate with each other and / or supply power to each other. For example, if the intermediate pump 202 has a battery (see...) Figure 2 In the event of a malfunction, the top pump 201 and / or the bottom pump 203 can act as backups to supply power to the intermediate pump 202, while simultaneously issuing an audible alarm.

[0434] Exemplary syringe pump embodiment and related bed arrangement

[0435] Figures 10-13 Several figures are shown illustrating an infusion pump 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The infusion pump 300 may have a left-facing orientation (e.g., Figures 10-13 (as shown) or on the right (reference) Figure 16 (As described below) the syringe 302 is loaded. That is to say, the syringe pump 300 is a bidirectional syringe pump.

[0436] The syringe 302 can be loaded into the syringe holder 306 of the syringe pump 300. The flange end 310 of the syringe 302 can be placed in the left flange receiver 311 or the right flange receiver 312. When the flange end 310 is inserted into the flange receiver 311, the syringe 302 faces the left outlet 308, which maintains fluid connection to the conduit of the syringe 302. When or after the syringe 302 is loaded into the syringe holder 306, the engagement member 314 can be engaged to the end interface 315 of the syringe 302. A threaded shaft 315 rotatably coupled to the motor allows the engagement member 314 to move in any direction from which fluid is discharged from the syringe 302.

[0437] Syringe 302 can also be loaded onto the right side ( Figures 10-13The movable and / or adjustable syringe holder 306 is moved to the right so that the syringe 302 can be loaded. The syringe holder 306 can be moved manually and / or an electric motor can move the syringe holder 306 to the right. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the syringe holder 306 extends sufficiently to the left and right so that no adjustment is used.

[0438] When the syringe 302 is loaded facing to the right, the flange end piece 310 is loaded into the right flange receiver 312. Then, the engagement member 314 is moved to the right so that fluid can be expelled through the tubing that traverses the right outlet 309.

[0439] The pump 300 can be controlled via the touchscreen 304 to set flow rates, flow states, and / or to otherwise monitor or control the syringe pump 300. The syringe pump 300 can be secured to a pole using a clamp 316 (e.g., using a screw-type clamp).

[0440] Figure 14 A system 320 using several syringe pumps 300 mounted on a pole 322 is shown in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. Figures 10-13 That is, the syringe pump 300 is loaded facing to the left. Figure 14 A system 320 using several syringe pumps 300 mounted on a pole 322 is shown in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. The pole 322 can be used in a hospital and / or in a home.

[0441] Figures 15-16 A system 320 using several syringe pumps 300 mounted on a pole 322 is shown in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. Figures 21-24 A portion 327 of the operation of the syringe pump 300 is shown in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. Figure 15 The syringe pump 302 is shown loaded facing to the left, and the syringe 302 is shown loaded facing to the right. Figure 16 The syringe pump 302 is shown loaded facing to the right. As shown in Figures 15-16 The motor 326 is coupled to the threaded shaft 315 so that the motor 326 can rotate the threaded shaft 315.

[0442] The left syringe diameter sensor 324 measures the diameter of the syringe 305 to estimate the cross-sectional size of the interior space of the syringe barrel of the syringe 302. The left syringe diameter sensor 325 can be a rod attached to a post so that the rod is lifted to cover the syringe 302; the movement of the post out of the body of the syringe pump 300 can be measured by a linear sensor to estimate the diameter of the syringe barrel of the syringe 302. Any linear sensor can be used, including linear potentiometric technology, optical linear sensor technology, Hall effect sensor technology, and the like. Thus, the movement of the motor 326 is correlated to the fluid expelled from the syringe 302 using the estimate of the diameter of the interior space of the syringe barrel of the syringe 302. Similarly, the right syringe diameter sensor 325 can be used to estimate the inner diameter of the syringe barrel of the syringe 302, which can be used to estimate the fluid expelled from the syringe 302 to the right.

[0443] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, when the syringe 302 is loaded into the syringe pump 300 (left or right configuration), the touchscreen 304 asks for information from the user and uses the syringe diameter sensor 324 or 325 to estimate the diameter of the interior space of the barrel of the syringe 305; the touchscreen 304 prompts the user to enter the manufacturer of the syringe 305 into the touchscreen 304. An internal database within the syringe pump 300 can be used to reduce the range of possible models associated with the diameter estimation of the syringe 305. When the user enters the manufacturer of the syringe 305, the database can be used to identify the specific model of the syringe 305 and / or a subset of the possible models corresponding to the diameter estimation of the syringe 305 and the user input information, which in turn can provide a more accurate internal diameter value (stored within the database). The user can be prompted by a display on the touchscreen 304 to select the syringe model from a list, or enter the model of the syringe that will be delivering the medication. The user can be guided through a selection process on the touchscreen 304 to identify the loaded syringe using one or more of the following: barrel size, piston head size, manufacturer name, image of the syringe, and model number. The selection process can access a database of syringes, including manufacturer, model, internal diameter, and image. The syringe pump 300 can use the identified syringe to set the internal diameter value for volume calculations.

[0444] Exemplary bed arrangement

[0445] Figures 17-18 Several medical devices 402 mounted on a pole 403 are illustrated, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Figures 19-22 Several views of a medical device 402 are shown. Figures 17-18 The medical device 402 is mounted to a pole via a clamp 401. The clamp 401 allows the medical device 402 to be pulled out and adjusted. The medical device 402 can be any medical device, such as an infusion pump, a syringe pump, a monitoring client, etc.

[0446] The medical device 402 is coupled to the pole 403 via an arm 403, such that the medical device 402 can be pulled away from the pole (see Figure 20 ) and / or pivoted on the arm 403.

[0447] Figure 23 Several bases 406 mounted on a pole 405 are shown, and Figures 24-26 Several views of a base, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, are shown. Figure 23 Each base 406 includes a clamp 407 (e.g., a screw clamp), a first arm 408 pivotably mounted to the clamp 407, and a second arm 411 pivotably mounted to the first arm 408 via a hinge 409. One end of the second arm 411 includes a coupling member 410 that can be coupled to a medical device.

[0448] Exemplary battery and speaker testing

[0449] Figure 27 A circuit diagram 420 with a speaker 423 and a battery 421 is shown in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The battery 421 can be a backup battery and / or the speaker 423 can be a backup alarm speaker. That is, the circuit 420 can be a backup alarm circuit, such as a backup alarm circuit within a medical device, such as a syringe pump.

[0450] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery 421 can be tested simultaneously with the speaker 423. When the switch 422 is in the open position, the open circuit voltage of the battery 421 can be measured using a voltmeter 425. Thereafter, the switch 422 can be closed and the pass-through voltage of the battery 421 can be measured. The internal resistance of the battery 421 can be estimated using a known impedance Z of the speaker 423. A processor can be used to estimate the internal resistance of the battery 421 (e.g., a processor of a syringe pump). The processor can correlate the internal resistance of the battery 421 to a state of health of the battery 421. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, if the pass-through voltage of the battery 421 is not within a predetermined range (which can be a function of the open circuit voltage of the battery 421), it can be determined that the speaker 423 has failed.

[0451] In some further embodiments of the present disclosure, the switch 422 can be modulated such that the speaker 423 and the battery 421 are tested simultaneously. A microphone can be used to determine whether the speaker 423 is audibly broadcasting a signal that is within predetermined operating parameters (e.g., volume, frequency, spectral components, etc.) and / or the internal impedance of the battery 421 can be estimated to determine whether it is within predetermined operating parameters (e.g., complex impedance). The microphone can be coupled to a processor. Additionally or alternatively, a test signal can be applied to the speaker 423 (e.g., by modulating the switch 422) and the current waveform of the speaker 423 can be monitored by a current sensor 426 to determine the total harmonic distortion of the speaker 423 and / or the magnitude of the current; the processor can use the current sensor 426 to monitor these values to determine whether a fault condition exists within the speaker 423 (e.g., the total harmonic distortion or the magnitude of the current is not within a predetermined range).

[0452] Various sinusoidal, periodic waveforms, and / or signals can be applied to speaker 423 to measure its impedance and / or measure the impedance of battery 421. For example, the processor of the syringe pump disclosed herein can modulate switch 422 and measure the voltage across battery 421 to determine whether battery 421 and speaker 423 have impedances within a predetermined range; if the estimated impedance of battery 421 is outside a first range, the processor will determine that the battery is in a fault state, and / or if the estimated impedance of speaker 423 is outside a second range, the processor will determine that speaker 423 is in a fault state. Alternatively, if the processor cannot determine whether battery 421 or speaker 423 is in a fault state, but has determined that at least one of them is in a fault state, the processor issues a warning or alarm that circuit 420 is in a fault state. The processor can warn or alarm the user or a remote server about the fault state. In some embodiments of this disclosure, the syringe pump will not operate until the fault is resolved, mitigated, and / or corrected.

[0453] Exemplary syringe pump embodiment

[0454] In example embodiments, such as Figure 28 As shown in the diagram, an infusion pump 500 is illustrated. The infusion pump 500 can be used to deliver medications to a patient, such as, but not limited to, analgesics, drugs, nutrients, chemotherapeutic agents, etc. The infusion pump can be used to precisely deliver a specific amount of medication to a patient, or to deliver a precise amount of medication over a period of time. The infusion pump 500 can be used in any suitable application, such as, but not limited to, intravenous delivery, intrathoracic delivery, arterial delivery, intestinal delivery, or feeding, etc.

[0455] The infusion pump 500 includes a housing 502 and an infusion pump assembly 501. Figure 28 In the example embodiments, housing 502 is essentially a rectangular box. In alternative embodiments, housing 502 may take any of a variety of other suitable shapes. Housing 502 may be made of any many materials or combinations thereof, including but not limited to metals or plastics. Housing 502 may be extruded, injection molded, die-cast, etc. In some embodiments, housing 502 may consist of a number of individual parts, which may be joined together by any suitable means. In some embodiments, housing 502 may be separable or include a removable panel to allow for easy maintenance of the syringe pump 500.

[0456] like Figure 28 As shown, syringe 504 may be seated on syringe pump assembly 501. Syringe 504 may be glass, plastic, or any other type of syringe 504. Syringe 504 may be a syringe 504 of any capacity. In some embodiments, including Figure 28In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the syringe 504 can sit on a syringe seat 506 that comprises a portion of the syringe pump assembly 501. The syringe seat 506 can comprise a profile that allows the syringe 504 to be cradled by the syringe seat 506. The syringe seat 506 can be made of the same material as the rest of the housing 502, a different material, or can be made of several materials. The syringe seat 506 can be coupled to the housing 502 by a base 508 that also functions as an overflow, splash, droplet, fluid, or debris guard.

[0457] In some embodiments, the syringe seat 506 can comprise a portion of the housing 502. In these embodiments, the syringe seat 506 can be formed during the molding of the housing 502. Figure 28 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the syringe seat 506 is a portion of the syringe pump assembly housing 503 of the syringe pump assembly 501. In some embodiments, the syringe pump assembly housing 503 can be formed at least in part as an extrusion. In these embodiments, the profile of the syringe seat 506 can be formed during the extrusion.

[0458] The syringe pump assembly 501 can be inserted into or coupled with the housing 502. In example embodiments, the syringe pump assembly 501 is arranged primarily inside the housing 502. In these embodiments, the syringe seat 506, the syringe barrel holder 518, the syringe barrel flange clamp 520, the piston head assembly 522, and the piston tube 524 are arranged primarily inside the housing 502. Figure 28 In example embodiments, the syringe pump assembly 501 is arranged primarily inside the housing 502. In these embodiments, the syringe seat 506, the syringe barrel holder 518, the syringe barrel flange clamp 520, the piston head assembly 522, and the piston tube 524 are arranged primarily inside the housing 502. Figure 28 In example embodiments shown in FIG. 5, the syringe seat 506, the syringe barrel holder 518, the syringe barrel flange clamp 520, the piston head assembly 522, and the piston tube 524, each of which is a portion of the syringe pump assembly 501, are not arranged inside the housing 502. In embodiments where the syringe seat 506 is not a portion of the housing 502, the base 508 can comprise a gasket that functions as a seal to keep unwanted foreign matter from entering the housing 502 and from entering the portions of the syringe pump assembly 501 that are arranged inside the housing 502. In some embodiments, the base 508 can overhang from the syringe seat 506 and can function as a drip edge, a splash guard, or the like that will cause liquid to flow down and out of the syringe pump 500.

[0459] In some embodiments, the syringe pump 500 can be converted into a different device, such as but not limited to a peristaltic large volume pump. This can be accomplished by removing the syringe pump assembly 501 from the housing 502 and replacing the syringe pump assembly 501 with another desired assembly. The replacement assembly can comprise, for example, other infusion pump assemblies, such as a peristaltic infusion pump assembly.

[0460] In some embodiments, clamp 510 may be coupled to housing 502. Clamp 510 may be any type of clamp, such as a standard hole clamp 510 or a quick-release lever clamp 510 (as shown). Clamp 510 is used to hold the infusion pump 500 in a desired position on an object, such as an infusion stand. Clamp 510 may be removably coupled to housing 502 via clamp base 512. In some embodiments, clamp base 512 may include any variety of fasteners, such as screws, bolts, adhesives, hooks and loops, snaps, friction joints, magnets, etc. In some embodiments, clamp 510 or a portion of clamp 510 may be formed as an integrated part of housing 502 during manufacturing.

[0461] like Figure 28 As shown, housing 502 may also include display 514. Display 514 functions as a graphical user interface and allows the user to program and monitor the operation of the pump. Display 514 may be an electronic visual display, such as a liquid crystal display, touchscreen, LED display, plasma display, etc. In some embodiments, the display may be equipped with any number of data input devices 516. In an example embodiment, data input devices 516 are several user-pressable buttons. Buttons may have fixed functions, such as "power," "stop," "mute," "emergency stop," "start treatment," or "lock," etc. The locking function can lock all user input to prevent unintentional commands to the infusion pump 500 from being issued due to touching the touchscreen display 514, pressing or touching a button, or any other careless gesture. The data input devices 516 in other embodiments may be different. In embodiments where display 514 is a touchscreen display, data input devices 515 may include a number of physical pressable buttons. Physical pressable button data input devices 516 may serve as a backup for the touchscreen display 514 and may be used if the touchscreen display 514 is damaged or otherwise malfunctions.

[0462] In a non-limiting embodiment, the data input device 516 may be integrated into the functionality of the touchscreen display 514. The touchscreen display housing detects the position of a user's finger or multiple fingers on the screen. The touchscreen may be a capacitive touchscreen or any other type of touchscreen. The software may display virtual buttons, sliders, and other controls. The software may also detect user touch or stylus touch to control the machine and interact with a remote computer that may communicate with the infusion pump 500. The software may also recognize multiple touch gestures that can control: the display, the functionality of the infusion pump 500, the interaction of the infusion pump 500 with one or more remote computers, etc. In some embodiments, the infusion pump 500 may include sensors that detect user gestures when the user is not touching the display. These motion detection sensors may include means that emit invisible near-infrared light and measure its "time of flight" after the near-infrared light is reflected from an object. This measurement may allow the infusion pump 500 to detect the position of the object and the distance from the infusion pump 500 to the object. Thus, the infusion pump 500 may monitor and acquire commands through the movement of the user's limbs, hands, and fingers. An example of a motion detector is the PrimeSense 3D sensor manufactured by the Israeli company PrimeSense. In some embodiments, the display 514 and data input device may be mounted onto the housing 502 during the manufacture of the injection pump 500. The display 514 may be removed and replaced during maintenance if necessary.

[0463] The syringe pump 500 may include a syringe holder 518. The syringe holder 518 securely holds the syringe 540 on the injection seat 506. The syringe holder 518 can be easily adjusted by the user to accommodate syringes 504 of various sizes. In some embodiments, the syringe holder 518 may be biased such that it automatically adjusts to the diameter of any size syringe 504 after the user pulls out the syringe holder 518. The syringe holder 518 will be described in further detail later in this specification.

[0464] The syringe pump 500 may also include a syringe flange clamp 520. Figure 28 In the illustrated embodiment, the syringe flange clip 520 is disposed on one end of the syringe pump assembly housing 503 and is capable of holding the syringe flange 542 in a proper position on one end of the syringe pump assembly housing 503. The syringe flange clip 520 is also capable of securing syringe flanges 542 of any of various types and sizes available to the user. The syringe flange clip 520 will be described in further detail later in this specification. For a more detailed description of the syringe flange clip 520, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 61 and Figure 62 .

[0465] The infusion pump 500 may additionally include a piston head assembly 522. The piston head assembly 522 may be attached to the infusion pump assembly 501 via a piston tube 524. Figure 28 In the example embodiment shown, the piston head assembly and piston tube 524 extend out of the housing 502 toward the right side of the page.

[0466] Injection pump 500 may also include Figure 28 The downstream pressure sensor 513 is shown. The downstream pressure sensor 513 may include a portion of the infusion pump assembly 501 or the housing 502. The downstream pressure sensor 513 can acquire pressure measurements from a fluid line, i.e., a tubing extending from the syringe 504 to the patient. In some embodiments, the fluid line may include a section of tubing different from the rest of the tubing. For example, a section of the fluid line may be made of deformable PVC material. This embodiment makes it easier to determine the pressure in the fluid line.

[0467] Downstream pressure sensor 513 may include a bracket with a pressure sensor, such as a force sensor. In these embodiments, the fluid line may be held against the bracket and the pressure sensor of downstream pressure sensor 513 by a non-deformable or non-skewed structure. If the detected pressure is outside an acceptable range, downstream pressure sensor 513 may cause syringe pump 500 to issue an alarm. The measurement value of downstream pressure sensor 513 can be referenced in a lookup table to determine the pressure within the fluid line. If an abnormal pressure reading is obtained (e.g., high pressure exceeding a predetermined threshold generated during a closure event), the control system of syringe pump 500 may stop delivering fluid. In some embodiments, syringe pump 400 may be caused to reverse and release some pressure in response to the detection of pressure indicating closure.

[0468] Figure 29 Another perspective of the syringe pump 500 is shown. In this figure, the display 514 and data input device 515, connected to the housing 502, face the front of the page. A clamp 510 is connected to the housing 502 via a clamp base 512. The syringe pump assembly 501 is primarily disposed inside the housing 502. An injection seat 506, comprising a portion of the syringe pump assembly 501, forms a large portion of one side of the housing 502. A base 508 secures the syringe pump assembly 501 and helps seal the interior of the housing 502, preventing exposure to debris. In embodiments where the base 508 acts as a drip edge, the base 508 may cover the syringe pump assembly 501 and facilitate liquid flow from the interior of the housing 502. A syringe clamp 518 extends through the injection seat 506. FIG. 29 In the position shown, the syringe clamp 518 has been pulled out from its rest position and biased so that it can automatically retract toward the housing 502. In some embodiments, the syringe clamp 518 can be locked in a non-rest position, such as... FIG. 31The syringe flange clip 520 is visible and is disposed on the end of the syringe pump assembly housing 503 closest to the piston head assembly 522. As described above, the piston tube 524 connects the piston head assembly 522 to the rest of the syringe pump assembly 501. The downstream pressure sensor 513 is disposed on the syringe seat 506.

[0469] In some particular embodiments, a camera 8127 is provided to view the syringe. The camera 8127 can be coupled to the RTP 3500 and / or the processor 3600 to provide image data thereto. The camera 8127 can comprise a CCD image sensor, a CMOS image sensor, or any other type of imaging sensor. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the camera 8127 comprises an array of image sensors. FIG. 59J

[0470] An image of the syringe loaded into the syringe seat 506 as viewed by the camera 8127 can be displayed on the display 514. The processor 3500 and / or 3600 can use the image from the camera 8127 to: read a QR code on the syringe to identify the syringe; detect particulates or air bubbles within the syringe; measure the position of the piston to measure the volume delivered and thus the volume remaining; determine when the syringe state has changed; determine if a syringe is present; estimate rapid infusion discharge; check the color of the fluid to determine if it is the correct fluid; and / or determine if a syringe is missing or if it is loaded incorrectly.

[0471] Moving particulates can be detected by using frame differencing to detect motion and a Gaussian filter to help reduce salt and pepper noise, which looks like speckles, but is smaller. To locate the piston of the syringe, a fiducial line on the syringe can be used, and template matching (the piston is the template) can use pattern recognition to locate the fiducial line and thus the piston.

[0472] FIGS. 30-34 Figure 8 illustrates how a user can arrange a syringe 504 into the syringe pump assembly 501. In FIG. 30 The syringe pump assembly 501 itself is shown in Figure 8. The syringe 504 is not seated against the syringe seat 506. As shown, the piston head assembly 522 includes two jaws, an upper piston clamp jaw 526 and a lower piston clamp jaw 528. The upper piston clamp jaw 526 and the lower piston clamp jaw 528 are in an open position. The upper piston clamp jaw 526 and the lower piston clamp jaw 528 are capable of clamping and retaining the piston flange 528 on the piston 544 of the syringe 504. The upper piston clamp jaw 526 and the lower piston clamp jaw 528 can be actuated to an open or closed position by rotation of a dial 530, which comprises a portion of the piston head assembly 522. The piston head assembly 522 can include a piston pressure sensor 532.

[0473] In FIG. 31 ​The infusion pump assembly 501 itself is shown again in the image. FIG. 30 The syringe 504, which is not located on the injection seat 506, is in FIG. 31 The syringe 540 is positioned appropriately on the injection seat 506. The syringe flange 542 is held in place by the syringe flange clamp 520. The syringe holder 518 has been pulled out, allowing the syringe 504 to be positioned into the injection pump assembly 501, but the syringe holder 518 is not yet allowed to automatically adjust to the diameter of the syringe 540. FIG. 31 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the syringe holder 518 has been removed from its... FIG. 30 Rotate the cylinder holder 518 90° clockwise to lock it in place. Alternative embodiments may require counter-clockwise rotation, rotation at different angles, or no rotation at all to lock the cylinder holder 518 in place. The piston tube 524 and the attached piston head assembly 522 extend fully from the rest of the injection pump assembly 501. Since the rotary table 530 has not yet been removed from the cylinder... FIG. 30 The direction of rotation is shown, so the upper piston clamping jaw 526 and the lower piston clamping jaw 528 remain in the open position.

[0474] exist FIG. 32 The syringe pump assembly 501 itself is shown again. The syringe 504 rests on the injection seat 506. The syringe holder 518 has been screwed out of its locked position and has been allowed to automatically adjust to the diameter of the syringe 540. The syringe holder 518 holds the syringe 504 in the proper position on the syringe pump assembly 501. The syringe flange clamp 520, which retains the syringe flange 542, further holds the syringe 504 in the proper position on the syringe pump assembly 501. The piston tube 524 and the attached piston head assembly extend fully from the rest of the syringe pump assembly 501. Since the rotary table 530 has not yet been removed... FIG. 30 The direction of rotation is shown, so the upper piston clamping jaw 526 and the lower piston clamping jaw 528 remain in the open position.

[0475] exist FIG. 33 The syringe pump assembly 501 itself is shown again. The syringe 504 rests on the syringe holder 506. The syringe holder 518 presses against the syringe 540 and holds the syringe 504 in the proper position on the syringe pump assembly 501. The syringe flange clamp 520 holds the syringe flange 542 and helps hold the syringe 504 in the proper position on the syringe pump assembly 501. The piston tube 524 has been adjusted to extend from the rest of the syringe pump assembly 501 such that the piston head assembly 522 contacts the piston flange 548 on the syringe piston 544. Since the rotary table 530 has not yet... FIG. 30The upper piston clamp jaw 526 and the lower piston clamp jaw 528 are still in the open position, as the direction of rotation shown in

[0476] In FIG. 34 , the syringe pump assembly 501 itself is shown again. The syringe 504 sits on the syringe seat 506. The syringe barrel holder 518 presses against the syringe barrel 540 and holds the syringe 504 in place on the syringe pump assembly 501. The syringe barrel flange clamp 520 holds the syringe barrel flange 542 and helps to hold the syringe 504 in place on the syringe pump assembly 501. The amount by which the piston tube 524 has been extended from the rest of the syringe pump assembly 501 has been adjusted so that the piston head assembly 522 contacts the piston flange 548 on the syringe piston 544. The turntable 530 has been rotated from the direction shown in FIGS. 30-33 . Thus, the upper piston clamp jaw 526 and the lower piston clamp jaw 528 have moved to the following closed position, in which the piston flange 548 of the syringe piston 544 is secured by the piston head assembly 522. Since the upper piston clamp jaw 526 and the lower piston clamp jaw 528 close around the horizontal centerline of the piston head assembly 522, the center of the piston flange 548 has come to rest on the piston head assembly 522.

[0477] In the preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 34 , the upper piston clamp jaw 526 and the lower piston clamp jaw 528 each include a tab 529. The tab 529 exits the piston head assembly 522 and points toward the left side of the page (relative to the direction of rotation shown in FIG. 34) exit. The tabs 529 are arranged around the upper piston clamp jaw 526 and lower piston clamp jaw 528 such that the tabs 529 only contact a portion of the piston flange 548 when the syringe 504 is arranged on the syringe pump assembly 501. As the upper piston clamp jaw 526 and lower piston clamp jaw 528 close on the piston flange 548, the thickness and diameter of the piston flange 548 determine when the upper piston clamp jaw 526 and lower piston clamp jaw 528 stop moving. At least some of the tabs 529 will overhang the piston flange 548 and ensure that the piston flange 548 is retained. Since the upper piston clamp jaw 526 and lower piston clamp jaw 528 are not deflected, this forces the piston flange 548 to press against the rest of the piston head assembly 522. That is, the angle of contact of the upper piston clamp jaw 526 and lower piston clamp jaw 528 on the piston flange 548 creates a force that has a component that pushes the piston flange 548 against the piston head assembly 522. This resultant force additionally has a component that centers the piston flange 548 on the piston head assembly 522. This is particularly desirable because this arrangement does not allow for any "play" between the piston flange 548 and the rest of the upper piston clamp jaw 526 and lower piston clamp jaw 528 and the piston head assembly 522. Additionally, this arrangement is desirable because it not only holds the piston flange 548 securely in place against the piston head assembly 522, but also functions as an anti-siphon mechanism. Furthermore, this arrangement ensures that the piston flange 548 is in constant contact with the piston pressure sensor 532. Any force components that the upper piston clamp jaw 526 and lower piston clamp jaw 528 create that can affect the piston pressure sensor 532 are predictable and can be subtracted out, or otherwise compensated for.

[0478] In other embodiments, the upper piston clamp jaw 526 and lower piston clamp jaw 528 can not include tabs 529. Instead, the upper piston clamp jaw 526 and lower piston clamp jaw 528 overhang a portion of the piston flange 548 when in the clamped position. The upper piston clamp jaw 526 and lower piston clamp jaw 528 can stop moving when they rest against a crosspiece that includes the piston rod 546. In other embodiments, the upper piston clamp jaw 526 and lower piston clamp jaw 528 can clamp the piston rod 546 that need not be a crosspiece. In another embodiment, the upper piston clamp jaw 526 and lower piston clamp jaw 528 can include a wedge, bevel, or tapered rib feature on the surface of the jaw that faces the piston head assembly 522. The wedge, bevel, or tapered rib serves to push the piston flange 548 toward the piston head assembly 522 until the piston flange 548 is securely retained against the piston head assembly 522.

[0479] To dispense the contents of syringe 504, syringe pump 500 can actuate piston head assembly 522, thereby pushing piston 544 into syringe barrel 540. Since the contents of syringe 504 can not flow through or past piston pusher 550, as piston 544 advances into syringe barrel 540, the contents of syringe 504 are forced out of syringe outlet 552. Any pressure created as piston 544 advances into syringe barrel 540 is transmitted to piston pressure sensor 532. In some embodiments, piston pressure sensor 532 can comprise a force sensor, such as a strain beam. When an occlusion occurs, the fluid within syringe barrel 540 and / or fluid line prevents piston 544 from moving. As piston head assembly 522 continues to advance, a higher force is created between piston 544 and piston head assembly 522. The pressure transmitted to piston pressure sensor 532 can have a programmed acceptable range, such that a possible occlusion can be identified. If the pressure applied to piston pressure sensor 532 exceeds a predetermined threshold, syringe pump 500 can alert, or issue a warning.

[0480] FIG. 35 Piston head assembly 522 is shown with upper piston clamp jaw 526 and lower piston clamp jaw 528 in the fully closed position. Turntable 530 is oriented such that the raised portion of turntable 530 is in a plane that is substantially parallel to the top surface of piston head assembly 522 and the floor. Piston tube 524 is shown extending from piston head assembly 522 to sled assembly 800. One end of flexible connector 562 is attached to sled assembly 800. For illustration, the other end of flexible connector 562 is attached to syringe pump 500. FIG. 35 And FIG. 36 Position indicator markings have been placed on turntable 530 in

[0481] FIG. 36 The view shown in FIG. 35 is similar to the view shown in FIG. 36 In

[0482] In FIG. 37An exploded view of the upper half of the piston head assembly 522 is shown in FIG. 6. As shown, the upper piston clamp jaw 526 includes two racks 570. In other embodiments, there can be only one rack 570. In some embodiments, there can be more than two racks 570. When the piston head assembly 522 is fully assembled, the racks 570 can be interleaved with a corresponding number of upper jaw pinions 572. The upper jaw pinions 572 rotate about an upper jaw drive shaft 574. The upper jaw drive shaft 574 can also include an upper jaw drive gear 604, which will be described in further detail below.

[0483] The piston head assembly 522 can include a number of bearing surfaces for the upper jaw drive shaft 574. In the example embodiment of FIG. 6, the piston head assembly 522 includes two upper bearing surfaces 576 and a lower bearing surface 578 for the upper jaw drive shaft 574. FIG. 37

[0484] In some embodiments, there can also be an upper turntable shaft bearing surface 651 coupled into the piston head assembly housing top 600. The upper turntable shaft bearing surface 651 can be coupled into the piston head assembly housing top 600 by any of a variety of means, including but not limited to screws, bolts, adhesives, snaps, friction fits, magnets, welds, tongue and groove arrangements (as shown), pins, or can be formed as a continuous part of the piston head assembly housing top 600. The upper turntable shaft bearing surface 651 will be described in further detail below.

[0485] In some embodiments, there can also be an upper turntable shaft bearing surface 651 coupled into the piston head assembly housing top 600. The upper turntable shaft bearing surface 651 can be coupled into the piston head assembly housing top 600 by any of a variety of means, including but not limited to screws, bolts, adhesives, snaps, friction fits, magnets, welds, tongue and groove arrangements (as shown), pins, or can be formed as a continuous part of the piston head assembly housing top 600. The upper turntable shaft bearing surface 651 will be described in further detail below.

[0486] The upper jaw drive shaft 574 can also include a D-shaped segment 582. As shown, the D-shaped segment 582 is a continuous part of the upper jaw drive shaft 574. In other embodiments, the D-shaped segment 582 can be coupled to the upper jaw drive shaft 574 by any of a variety of means, including but not limited to screws, bolts, adhesives, snaps, friction fits, welds, tongue and groove arrangements, pins, or can be formed as a continuous part of the upper jaw drive shaft 574. FIG. 37 ​As shown in the example embodiment in FIG. 58, a D-shaped segment 582 can be on one end of the upper jaw drive shaft 574. The D-shaped segment 582 of the upper jaw drive shaft 574 can couple into a complementary shaped aperture in one side of a D-shaped connector 584. The D-shaped segment 582 of the upper jaw drive shaft 574 can not extend all the way through the D-shaped connector 584. In some embodiments, the aperture can extend all the way through the D-shaped connector 584. The other side of the D-shaped connector 584 can couple to a D-shaped shaft 586 that protrudes from the piston clamp jaw position sensor 588. Any rotation of the upper jaw drive shaft 574 can cause the D-shaped connector 584 to also rotate. In turn, this can cause the D-shaped shaft 586 that protrudes from the piston clamp jaw position sensor 588 to rotate. In some embodiments, the D-shaped segment 582 of the upper jaw drive shaft 574 can extend directly into the piston clamp jaw position sensor 588. In these embodiments, the D-shaped connector 584 and the D-shaped shaft 586 can not be needed. In some embodiments, the D-shaped segment 582, the D-shaped connector 584, and the D-shaped shaft 586 do not need to be D-shaped. In some embodiments, they can have a triangular shape, a square shape, a star shape, etc.

[0487] In some embodiments, the piston clamp jaw position sensor 588 can include a potentiometer. As the D-shaped shaft 586 that protrudes from the piston clamp jaw position sensor 588 rotates, the wiper of the potentiometer slides across the resistive element of the potentiometer, thus changing the resistance measured by the potentiometer. The resistance value can then be interpreted to indicate the position of the upper piston clamp jaw 526 and the lower piston clamp jaw 528. Alternatively, the piston clamp jaw position sensor 588 can include a magnet on one end of the upper jaw drive shaft 574 and a rotary encoder, such as the AS5030 ATSU by Austrian microsytems. Alternatively, the position of the upper jaw 526 and / or the lower jaw 528 can be measured with a linear encoder or a linear potentiometer.

[0488] By obtaining a position from the piston clamp jaw position sensor 588, the piston pump 500 can be able to determine a number of things. The position can be used to indicate whether the piston flange 548 has been clamped by the piston head assembly 522. The position can indicate whether the piston flange has been clamped properly by the piston head assembly 522. This can be accomplished by referencing the determined position to an acceptable position or range of positions for a particular syringe 504. The user can input information about the particular syringe 504 being used, or this information can be gathered by one or more other sensors that include other parts of the syringe pump 500.

[0489] Since the position measured by the piston clamp jaw position sensor 588 depends on the diameter and thickness of the clamped piston flange 548, the position information can also be used to determine information about the specific syringe 504 being used (e.g., its type, brand, volume, etc.). This can be achieved by referring to a database of expected positions for different syringes 504. In embodiments where multiple sensors collect information about the syringe 504, the position information generated by the piston clamp jaw position sensor 588 can be examined against data from other sensors to make a more reliable decision based on the specific syringe 504 being used. If the position measured by the piston clamp jaw position sensor 588 is not correlated with data collected by other sensors, the syringe pump 500 can issue an alarm.

[0490] like FIG. 37 As shown, the piston head assembly housing top 600 may also accommodate the aforementioned piston pressure sensor 532. The piston pressure sensor 532 may include a piston pressure sensor push plate 590. The piston pressure sensor push plate 590 may be a small piece, a disc, or any other suitable shape. The piston pressure sensor push plate 590 may be flat or circular. The piston pressure sensor push plate 590 may extend beyond the piston head assembly 522 such that it can physically contact the piston flange 548 clamped on the piston head assembly 522. The piston pressure sensor push plate 590 may directly transmit any force applied thereto to the piston pressure sensor input surface 596. In some embodiments, the piston pressure sensor push plate 590 may be attached to the piston pressure sensor link 592. The piston pressure sensor link 592 may be pivotally coupled to a piston pressure sensor pivot 594. The piston pressure sensor pivot 594 may be arranged at any point along the length of the piston pressure sensor link 594. FIG. 37 In one example embodiment, the force applied to the piston pressure sensor push plate 590 is transmitted to the piston pressure sensor input surface 596 via the piston pressure sensor link 592. In some specific embodiments, the piston pressure sensor link 592 and the piston pressure sensor pivot 594 can be used to constrain the movement of the piston pressure plate 590 to a plane perpendicular to the piston flange 548 and minimize resistance to the free movement of the piston pressure plate 590. Although the position of the piston pressure sensor link 594 relative to the piston pressure sensor push plate 590 does not double the abutment. FIG. 37 The piston pressure sensor input surface 596 in the embodiment applies the force, but other embodiments may use different arrangements to produce mechanical advantages.

[0491] The force measurements read via the piston pressure sensor 532 can be interpreted to determine the hydraulic pressure of the fluid being dispensed. This can be helpful for safe operation, as detected fluid pressure can be used to identify possible occlusions, so that these occlusions can be corrected. The pressure can be monitored so that if the pressure exceeds a predetermined value, the syringe pump 500 can issue an alert. In embodiments that include both the piston pressure sensor 532 and the downstream pressure sensor 513, the pressure measurements from the piston pressure sensor 532 can be checked against the pressure measurements from the downstream pressure sensor 513 (see FIG. 28 ). This can help to ensure greater accuracy. If the pressure measurements are not correlated, an alert can be generated. Additionally, since the sensors are redundant, if one of the piston pressure sensor 532 or the downstream pressure sensor 513 fails during a treatment, the syringe pump 500 can operate in a fail-safe mode based on only one sensor.

[0492] As shown in FIG. 37 , many electrical wires 598 enter and exit both the piston pressure sensor 532 and the piston clamp jaw position sensor 588. The wires 598 provide power to the piston pressure sensor 532 and the piston clamp jaw position sensor 588. The electrical wires 598 can also include data communication paths to and from the piston pressure sensor 532 and the piston clamp jaw position sensor 588.

[0493] FIG. 38 An assembly drawing of the upper half of the piston head assembly 522 is shown. In FIG. 38 , the upper piston clamp jaw 526 is in the closed position. Two racks 570 on the upper piston clamp jaw 526 engage two pinions 572 on the upper jaw drive shaft 574, so that any rotation of the upper jaw drive shaft 574 is translated into linear displacement of the upper piston clamp jaw 526. The upper jaw drive shaft 574 is surrounded by an upper bearing surface 576 and a lower bearing surface 578.

[0494] The D-shaped segment 582 of the upper jaw drive shaft 574 and the D-shaped shaft 586 of the piston clamp jaw position sensor 588 are coupled together by a D-shaped connector. Any rotation of the upper jaw drive shaft 574 will cause the D-shaped segment 582, the D-shaped connector 584, and the D-shaped shaft 586 to rotate. As described above, in embodiments in which the piston clamp jaw position sensor 588 includes a potentiometer, this rotation will cause the wiper to slide across the resistive element of the piston clamp jaw position sensor 588.

[0495] The piston pressure sensor 532 is also shown in FIG. 38 . The piston pressure sensor push plate 590 can extend out of the piston head assembly 522 so that it can physically contact the piston flange 548 clamped against the piston head assembly 522 (seeFIG. 30 ). The piston pressure sensor push plate 590 can transmit any force applied to it directly to the piston pressure sensor input surface 596. In some embodiments, including the embodiment shown in FIG. 38 , the piston pressure sensor push plate 590 can be attached to the piston pressure sensor link 592. The piston pressure sensor link 592 can be pivotably coupled to the piston pressure sensor pivot 594. The piston pressure sensor pivot 594 can be disposed at any point along the length of the piston pressure sensor link 592. In the example embodiment in FIG. 38 , any force applied to the piston pressure sensor push plate 590 by the piston pressure sensor link 592 is transmitted to the piston pressure sensor input surface 596. While the position of the piston pressure sensor pivot 594 with respect to the piston pressure sensor push plate 590 does not multiply the force applied on the piston pressure sensor input surface 596 in FIG. 38 , other embodiments can use different arrangements to produce mechanical advantages.

[0496] The piston head assembly housing top 600 also includes the upper half of the carousel axle passage 648 for the carousel axle 650 (not shown) that will be explained below in this specification. In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 38 , the carousel axle passage 648 passes through the right face of the piston head assembly housing top 600.

[0497] FIG. 39 Another assembly drawing showing the upper half of the piston head assembly 522. As shown in FIG. 39 , the piston head assembly housing top 600 can include upper jaw guides 569. The upper jaw guides 569 are sized and arranged so that they form a track along which the upper piston clamp jaw 526 can move. In the example embodiment, the upper jaw guides 569 form as a continuous portion of the piston head assembly housing top 600 and span the entire height of the sidewall of the piston head assembly housing top 600. In other embodiments, the upper jaw guides 569 can span only a portion of the height of the sidewall of the piston head assembly housing top 600.

[0498] As shown in FIG. 39As shown in FIG. 52, the piston pressure sensor 532 can include a piston pressure sensor force concentrator 595. In embodiments where the piston pressure sensor push plate 590 transfers force directly to the piston pressure sensor input surface 596, the piston pressure sensor force concentrator 595 can help concentrate the force applied to the piston pressure sensor push plate 590 while applying it to the piston pressure sensor input surface 596. In embodiments where the piston pressure sensor 532 includes a pivot pressure sensor link 592 on the piston pressure sensor pivot 594, the piston pressure sensor force concentrator 595 can be on the end and face of the piston pressure sensor link 592 that presses against the piston pressure sensor input surface 596. This can help concentrate the force applied against the piston pressure sensor input surface 596, which can improve accuracy. This can also help concentrate the force in the center of the piston pressure sensor input surface 596, making the measurement more consistent and accurate.

[0499] In FIG. 40 The lower half of the piston head assembly 522 and the piston tube 524 are shown in FIG. 52. As shown, the lower piston clamp jaw 528 includes two lower piston clamp jaw racks 610. In other embodiments, there can be only one lower piston clamp jaw rack 610. In some embodiments, there can be more than two lower piston clamp jaw racks 610. Each lower piston clamp jaw rack 610 is intermeshed with a lower piston clamp jaw pinion 612. The lower piston clamp jaw pinion 612 is rotatable about the axis of the lower clamp jaw drive shaft 614. A lower jaw drive gear 620 is also provided on the lower clamp jaw drive shaft 614. The lower jaw drive gear 620 is described in more detail below.

[0500] Similar to the upper half of the piston head assembly 522, the lower half of the piston head assembly 522 can include a number of bearing surfaces for the lower jaw drive shaft 614. In FIG. 40 In the example embodiment of FIG. 52, the piston head assembly 522 includes one upper bearing surface 616 and two lower bearing surfaces 618 for the lower jaw drive shaft 614. The upper bearing surface 616 is coupled into the piston head assembly housing bottom 602. The upper bearing surface 616 can be coupled to the piston head assembly housing bottom 602 by any of a variety of means, including but not limited to screws 617 (not shown), bolts, adhesives, snaps, friction joints, welds, tongue and groove arrangements, pins, or can be formed as a continuous part of the piston head assembly housing bottom 602. The upper bearing surface 616 provides a bearing surface to at least an upper half of the lower jaw drive shaft 614.

[0501] The lower bearing surface 618 can be coupled into the piston head assembly housing bottom 602 by any suitable means, such as but not limited to screws, bolts, adhesives, snaps, friction fit, magnets, welding, tongue and groove arrangements, pins (not shown), and the like. In some embodiments, the lower bearing surface 618 can be formed as a continuous portion of the piston head assembly housing bottom 602. The lower bearing surface 618 provides a bearing surface for at least a lower half of the pawl drive shaft 614.

[0502] In some embodiments, there can also be a lower carousel shaft bearing surface 649 coupled to the piston head assembly housing bottom 602. The lower carousel shaft bearing surface 649 can be coupled into the piston head assembly housing bottom 602 by any of a variety of means, including but not limited to screws, bolts, adhesives, snaps, friction fit, welding, tongue and groove arrangements, pins, or can be formed as a continuous portion of the piston head assembly housing bottom 602 as shown. A lower half of the carousel shaft passage 648 cuts through the right face of the piston head assembly housing bottom 602. The lower carousel shaft bearing surface 649 and the carousel shaft passage 648 will be described in further detail below.

[0503] As shown in FIG. 40 The piston tube 524 can be coupled into a lower half of the piston head assembly 522. In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 40 The piston tube 524 is coupled to the piston tube bracket 631 by two screws 630 in the example embodiment shown. In other embodiments, the number or type of fastener / coupling method can be different. For example, the piston tube 524 can be coupled to the piston tube bracket 631 by any other suitable means, such as but not limited to bolts, adhesives, snaps, friction fit, magnets, welding, tongue and groove arrangements, pins, and the like. The piston tube bracket 631 can include arcuate ribs 633 that are arcuate so that they are flush with the outer surface of the piston tube 524 and support the piston tube 524. In some embodiments, a portion of the arcuate portion of the piston tube 524 can be eliminated on a section of the piston tube 524 that is coupled inside the piston head assembly 522 when the syringe pump 500 is fully assembled. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 40 In the embodiment shown in

[0504] In FIG. 41In some embodiments, a turntable 530 of the piston head assembly 522 is shown exploded from a turntable shaft 650 to which it is coupled when assembled. As shown, the turntable shaft 650 includes a square end 653. The square end 653 of the turntable shaft 650 fits into a square orientation aperture 655 in the turntable 530 such that as the turntable 530 rotates, it also causes the turntable shaft 650 to rotate. In other embodiments, the square end 653 of the turntable shaft 650 and the square aperture 655 on the turntable 530 need not necessarily be square, but can be D-shaped, hexagonal, or any other suitable shape.

[0505] A turntable shaft gear 652 can be disposed about the turntable shaft 650. As the turntable shaft 650 rotates, it can cause the turntable shaft gear 652 to rotate about the axis of the turntable shaft 650. A turntable shaft cam 654 can be slidably coupled to the turntable shaft 650 such that the turntable shaft cam 654 can slide along the axis of the turntable shaft 650 and the turntable shaft 650 is free to rotate inside the turntable shaft cam 654. The turntable shaft cam 654 can include one or more turntable shaft cam lugs 656. The turntable shaft cam lugs 656 can also be referred to as turntable shaft cam guides as they perform a guiding function. In an example embodiment, the turntable shaft cam 654 includes two turntable shaft cam lugs 656. In an example embodiment, the cam surface of the turntable shaft cam 654 is substantially a double helix. At one end of the cam surface of the turntable shaft cam 654, there can be one or more turntable shaft cam pawls 660. The end of the turntable shaft cam 654 opposite the cam surface can be substantially flat.

[0506] A turntable shaft cam follower 658 can be coupled into the turntable shaft 650 such that it rotates with the turntable shaft 650. In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 41 In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the turntable shaft cam follower 658 extends through the turntable shaft 650 such that at least a portion of the turntable shaft cam follower 658 protrudes from the turntable shaft 650 on each side of the turntable shaft 650. This effectively creates two turntable shaft cam followers 658 that are offset 180° from each other. Each end of the turntable shaft cam follower 658 follows one helix of the double helix shaped cam surface of the turntable shaft cam 654.

[0507] A biasing member can also be disposed on the turntable shaft 650. In an example embodiment, a turntable shaft compression spring 662 is disposed on the turntable shaft 650. The turntable shaft compression spring 662 can have a coil diameter sized to fit concentrically about the turntable shaft 650. In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 41 In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the turntable shaft compression spring 662 is retained on each end by a turntable shaft washer 664. A turntable shaft retaining ring 665 can fit in an annular groove 666 recessed into the turntable shaft 650.

[0508] In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the turntable shaft compression spring 662 is retained on each end by a turntable shaft washer 664. A turntable shaft retaining ring 665 can fit in an annular groove 666 recessed into the turntable shaft 650. FIG. 41In the design, one end of the turntable shaft 650, opposite to one square end 653, is characterized by including a nail-shaped protrusion 770. The nail-shaped protrusion 770 can be coupled to the joint of a double universal joint 772. The nail-shaped protrusion 770 can be coupled to the double universal joint 772 by any suitable means, such as, but not limited to, screws, bolts, adhesives, snap-fits, friction fits, magnets, welding, tongue and groove arrangements, pins (not shown), etc. The other joint of the double universal joint 772 can also be coupled to the driven shaft 774. The other joint of the double universal joint 772 can be coupled to the driven shaft 774 by any suitable means, such as, but not limited to, screws, bolts, adhesives, snap-fits, friction fits, magnets, welding, tongue and groove arrangements, pins (not shown), etc. The turntable shaft 650 and the driven shaft 774 can be oriented to be approximately perpendicular to each other.

[0509] In some embodiments, a driven shaft bushing 776 may be included on the driven shaft 774. FIG. 41 In an example embodiment, the driven shaft bushing 776 is a sleeve bushing. The inner surface of the driven shaft bushing 776 includes a bearing surface for the driven shaft 774. The outer surface of the driven shaft bushing 776 may include a plurality of driven shaft bushing protrusions 778 extending outward from the outer surface of the driven shaft bushing 776. FIG. 41 In an example embodiment, the driven shaft bushing protrusions 778 are spaced approximately 120° apart from each other along the arc of the outer surface of the driven shaft bushing 776. FIG. 41 In the illustrated example embodiment, the driven shaft bushing protrusion 778 projecting toward the top of the page includes a protrusion 780 extending from the top edge of the driven shaft bushing protrusion 778 toward the top of the page. The driven shaft bushing 776 can be held in place on the drive shaft 774 by a driven shaft retaining ring 782. One of the driven shaft retaining rings 782 can be clamped in place on the driven shaft 774 on each side of the driven shaft bushing 776. One end of the driven shaft 774 not coupled to the dual universal joint 772 may include a driven shaft D-joint 784.

[0510] When already assembled, such as FIG. 42 As shown, the turntable shaft compression spring 662 biases the turntable shaft cam 654 onto the turntable shaft cam follower 658, such that one end of the turntable shaft cam follower 658 is on the bottom of the cam surface of the turntable shaft cam 654. One turntable shaft washer 664 rests against the turntable shaft retaining ring 665, and the other turntable shaft washer 664 rests against the flat side of the turntable shaft cam 654. Preferably, the distance between the turntable shaft washers 664 is not at a point greater than or equal to the rest length of the turntable shaft compression spring 662. This ensures that there is no "overflow," and that the turntable shaft cam 654 is always biased onto one end of the turntable shaft cam follower 658.

[0511] As shown, when assembled, the double universal joint 772 connects the turntable shaft 650 to the driven shaft 774. The driven shaft bushing 776 is clamped in place on the driven shaft 774 by the driven shaft retainer ring 782 (see FIG. 41 ). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 42 , the turntable shaft 650 acts as a drive shaft for the driven shaft 774. Any rotation of the turntable shaft 650 resulting from rotation of the turntable 530 will be transmitted to the driven shaft 774 via the double universal joint 772.

[0512] FIG. 43 The entire piston head assembly 522 is shown coupled in place with the piston tube 524. The upper half of the piston head assembly 522 is uncoupled from the lower half of the piston head assembly 522. The lower half of the turntable shaft 650 is seated in the lower turntable shaft bearing 649 on the piston head assembly housing bottom 602. Another segment of the lower half of the turntable shaft 650 sits on the partial turntable shaft channel 648 on the piston head assembly housing bottom 602. As shown, the turntable shaft channel 648 acts as a second bearing surface for the turntable shaft 650. The square end 653 of the turntable shaft 650 extends beyond the turntable shaft channel 648 and is coupled into the square orifice 655 on the turntable 530.

[0513] As shown in FIG. 43 , the turntable shaft gear 652 on the turntable shaft 650 is intermeshed with the lower jaw drive gear 620. As the turntable 530 rotates, the turntable shaft 650 and the turntable shaft gear 652 also rotate. Rotation is transmitted to the lower jaw drive gear 620 by the turntable shaft gear 652. Rotation of the lower jaw drive gear 620 rotates the lower clamp jaw drive shaft 614 and the lower clamp jaw pinion 612 on the lower clamp jaw drive shaft 614. Since the lower clamp jaw pinion 612 is intermeshed with the lower piston clamp jaw rack 610, any rotation of the lower clamp jaw pinion 612 is translated into linear displacement of the lower piston clamp jaw 528. Thus, in the embodiment shown, rotating the turntable 530 is a measure by which a user can actuate the lower piston clamp jaw 528 to an open or clamped position.

[0514] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 43 , rotation of the turntable 530 can also cause the turntable shaft cam 654 to displace linearly away from the turntable 530 and in the axial direction of the turntable shaft 650. As shown in the example embodiment, the upper bearing surface 616 for the lower clamp jaw drive shaft 614 includes a turntable shaft cam lug slot 690 that acts as a track for the turntable shaft cam lugs 656. One of the turntable shaft cam lugs 656 protrudes into the turntable shaft cam lug slot 690. This ensures that the turntable shaft cam lugs 654 can not rotate with the turntable 530 and the turntable shaft 650, as rotation of the turntable shaft cam lugs 656 is impeded by the rest of the upper bearing surface 616 for the lower clamp jaw drive shaft 614.

[0515] However, the turntable shaft cam lug slit 690 allows the turntable shaft cam 654 to move linearly along the axial direction of the turntable shaft 650. As the turntable 530 and the turntable shaft 650 rotate, the turntable shaft cam follower 658 also rotates. The position of the turntable shaft cam follower 658 on the turntable shaft 650 is fixed, preventing linear displacement. As one end of the turntable shaft cam follower 658 straddles the cam surface of the turntable shaft cam 654, it forces the turntable shaft cam 654 to move towards the right side of the bottom 602 of the piston head assembly housing (relative to...). FIG. 43 The turntable shaft cam lug 656 also slides in this direction within the turntable shaft cam lug slit 690. This causes the turntable shaft compression spring 662 to compress between the turntable shaft washer 664 relying on the turntable shaft cam 654 and the turntable shaft retaining ring 665. The return force of the turntable shaft compression spring 662 is used to bias the turntable 530 and bias all parts actuated by the turntable 530 back to their original positions before any rotation of the turntable 530. If the turntable 530 is released, the expansion of the compressed turntable shaft compression spring 662 will cause the turntable 530 and all parts actuated by the turntable 530 to automatically return to their original orientations before any rotation of the turntable 530. In the example embodiment, the original position before any rotation of the turntable 530 is FIG. 35 The position shown indicates that the upper piston clamping jaw 526 and the lower piston clamping jaw 528 are fully closed.

[0516] In some embodiments, including FIG. 43 In the illustrated embodiment, the turntable shaft cam 654 may include a turntable shaft cam pawl 660 along the cam surface of the turntable shaft cam 654. The turntable shaft cam pawl 660 allows the user to "stop" the turntable shaft cam follower 658 at a desired point along the cam surface of the turntable shaft cam 654. In an example embodiment, the turntable shaft cam follower 658 may engage the turntable shaft cam pawl 660 when the turntable 530 has been fully rotated. When the turntable shaft cam follower 658 is in the turntable shaft cam pawl 660, the turntable shaft compression spring 662 prevents the turntable 530 and all actuated parts of the turntable 530 from automatically returning to their orientation before the turntable 530 was inserted and rotated. The user may need to rotate the turntable 530 so that the turntable shaft cam follower 658 moves out of the turntable shaft cam pawl 660 before the return force of the compressed turntable shaft compression spring 662 expands the turntable shaft compression spring 662 to a less compressed state.

[0517] FIG. 44 Showing with FIG. 43 The view shown is similar to the view shown. FIG. 44In the middle, the top 600 of the piston head assembly housing and some portions of the upper half including the piston head assembly 522 are not visible. The visible portions are the upper turntable shaft bearing 651, the upper clamping jaw drive shaft 574, the upper clamping jaw pinion 572, and the upper jaw drive gear 604. (See image below.) FIG. 44 As shown, when assembled, the turntable shaft 650 is clamped between the upper turntable shaft bearing 651 and the lower turntable shaft bearing 649, and the turntable shaft gear 652 on the turntable shaft 650 is interleaved with the upper jaw drive gear 604. As the turntable 530 rotates, the turntable shaft 650 and the turntable shaft gear 652 also rotate. The rotation is transmitted to the upper jaw drive gear 604 through the turntable shaft gear 652. The rotation of the upper jaw drive gear 604 causes the upper clamping jaw drive shaft 574 and the upper clamping jaw pinion 572 on the upper clamping jaw drive shaft 574 to rotate.

[0518] Re-reference FIG. 38 The upper clamping jaw pinion 572 and the upper piston clamping jaw rack 570 are interleaved. Any rotation of the upper clamping jaw pinion 572 is converted into linear displacement of the upper piston clamping jaw 526. Therefore, the rotation of the turntable 530 allows the user to move the upper piston clamping jaw 526 ( FIG. 44 (Not shown) A means of actuating to the open or clamping position.

[0519] exist FIG. 44 The lower bearing surface 578 for the upper jaw drive shaft 574 is also visible. In embodiments where the turntable shaft cam 654 includes more than one turntable shaft cam lug 656, the lower bearing surface 578 for the upper jaw drive shaft 574 may include a second turntable shaft cam lug slit 690. The second turntable shaft cam lug slit 690 can act as a track for the turntable shaft cam lug 656. One of the turntable shaft cam lugs 656 protrudes into the second turntable shaft cam lug slit 690. This ensures that the turntable shaft cam 654 does not rotate with the turntable 530 and the turntable shaft 650, because the rotation of the turntable shaft cam lug 656 is hindered by the lower bearing surface 578 of the upper jaw drive shaft 574.

[0520] However, the second turntable shaft cam lug slit 690 allows the turntable shaft cam 654 to move linearly along the axial direction of the turntable shaft 650. As the turntable 530 and the turntable shaft 650 rotate, the turntable shaft cam follower 658 also rotates. The position of the turntable shaft cam follower 658 on the turntable shaft 650 is fixed, preventing linear displacement. As one end of the turntable shaft cam follower 658 straddles the cam surface of the turntable shaft cam 654, it forces the turntable shaft cam 654 to move towards the right side of the bottom 602 of the piston head assembly housing (relative to...). FIG. 44). The dial shaft cam lobe 656 also slides in this direction, within the second dial shaft cam lobe slot 690. This causes the dial shaft compression spring 662 to compress between the dial shaft washer 664 that relies on the dial shaft cam 654 and the dial shaft washer 664 that relies on the dial shaft retainer ring 665. Then, the dial shaft compression spring 662, the dial 530, and all parts actuated by the dial 530 function as described above.

[0521] In some embodiments, the upper jaw drive gear 604 (as best shown in FIG. 37 ) and the lower jaw drive gear 620 (as best shown in FIG. 43 ) can be substantially identical gears. Additionally, the upper jaw pinion 572 (as best shown in FIG. 37 ) and the lower jaw pinion 612 (as best shown in FIG. 40 ) can be substantially identical gears. In these embodiments, for each degree of rotation of the dial 530, the upper piston clamp jaw 526 and the lower piston clamp jaw 528 (see FIGS. 30-34 ) will experience the same amount of linear displacement. Since the upper jaw drive gear 604 is offset on the dial shaft gear 652 from the lower jaw drive gear 620, the upper piston clamp jaw 526 and the lower piston clamp jaw 528 will displace linearly in opposite directions.

[0522] FIG. 45 A view similar to that shown in FIG. 44 is shown. FIG. 45 An assembly view of the piston head assembly 522 is shown from a slightly different perspective. As shown in FIG. 45 , the dial 530 is coupled to the dial shaft 650. The dial shaft gear 652 is in an interlocking relationship with both the upper jaw drive gear 604 and the lower jaw drive gear 620. The upper jaw drive gear 604 is disposed on the upper jaw drive shaft 574 along with two upper jaw pinions 572. As shown in FIG. 45 , the upper jaw pinions 572 can be spaced apart by a lower bearing surface 578 for the upper jaw drive shaft 574.

[0523] FIG. 45 The piston pressure sensor 532 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 34 includes a piston pressure sensor push plate 590 that extends out of the piston head assembly 522 so that it physically contacts the piston flange 548 clamped on the piston head assembly 522 (as shown in FIG. 45 ). The piston pressure sensor push plate 590 is attached to a piston pressure sensor link 592. The piston pressure sensor link 592 is pivotably attached to a piston pressure sensor pivot 594. The piston pressure sensor pivot 594 is disposed at the left end of the piston pressure sensor link 594 (relative to FIG. 45 ). InIn example embodiments in which the piston pressure sensor 532 includes a potentiometer, the piston pressure sensor 532 also includes a piston pressure sensor force concentrator 595, which is a small protrusion that extends from the piston pressure sensor link 592 to the piston pressure sensor input surface 596. The piston pressure sensor force concentrator 595 concentrates the force that is applied to the piston pressure sensor input surface 596 to help facilitate more accurate pressure readings. FIG. 45 In example embodiments in which the piston pressure sensor 532 includes a potentiometer, the piston pressure sensor 532 also includes a piston pressure sensor force concentrator 595, which is a small protrusion that extends from the piston pressure sensor link 592 to the piston pressure sensor input surface 596. The piston pressure sensor force concentrator 595 concentrates the force that is applied to the piston pressure sensor input surface 596 to help facilitate more accurate pressure readings. FIG. 45 In example embodiments in which the piston pressure sensor 532 includes a potentiometer, the piston pressure sensor 532 also includes a piston pressure sensor force concentrator 595, which is a small protrusion that extends from the piston pressure sensor link 592 to the piston pressure sensor input surface 596. The piston pressure sensor force concentrator 595 concentrates the force that is applied to the piston pressure sensor input surface 596 to help facilitate more accurate pressure readings.

[0524] FIG. 46 A close-up view is shown of how the upper jaw drive shaft 574 is connected to the D-shaped shaft 586 that protrudes from the piston clamp jaw position sensor 588. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 46 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the upper jaw drive shaft 574 includes a D-shaped segment 582. The D-shaped segment 582 of the upper jaw drive shaft 574 protrudes into a complementary shaped orifice in the D-shaped connector 584. In FIG. 46 A cross-section of the D-shaped connector 584 is shown in FIG. 6. The D-shaped shaft 586 that protrudes from the piston clamp jaw position sensor 588 also protrudes into the D-shaped connector 584. Any rotation of the upper jaw drive shaft 574 can also cause the D-shaped connector 584 to rotate. In turn, this can cause the D-shaped shaft 586 that protrudes from the piston clamp jaw position sensor 588 to rotate. As mentioned above, in embodiments in which the piston clamp jaw position sensor 588 includes a potentiometer, this rotation can cause the wiper to slide across the resistive element of the piston clamp jaw position sensor 588.

[0525] FIG. 46 A turntable shaft 650 is also shown connected to the double universal joint 772. As FIG. 46 As shown in example embodiments in FIG. 6, the driven shaft 774 that is also coupled to the double universal joint protrudes down into the hollow piston tube 524. The protrusion 780 on the driven shaft bushing protrusion body 778 of the driven shaft bushing 776 sits in the piston tube notch 786 in the edge of the recessed piston tube 524 to lock the protrusion 780 in the piston tube notch 786. Sitting the protrusion 780 in the piston tube notch 786 restricts rotation of the driven shaft bushing 776 because the protrusion 780 can not rotate past one side of the piston tube notch 786. Each driven shaft bushing protrusion body 778 rests against the interior surface of the piston tube 524, which keeps the center of the driven shaft bushing 776 in the piston tube 524.

[0526] The piston tube 524 also serves as a passageway to the piston clamp jaw position sensor 588 and the piston pressure sensor 532, as well as the electrical wire 598 leading from them. Because the piston tube 524 is sealed to the liquid when the syringe pump is fully assembled, it protects the electrical wire 598 from liquid exposure. FIG. 47 As shown, the electrical wire 598 passes through the wire opening 632 of the piston tube 524 and exits the piston tube 524.

[0527] FIG. 47 An exploded view of the slider assembly 800 is shown. As shown, the piston tube 524 extending from the piston head assembly 522 includes two piston tube cutouts 802. The piston tube cutouts 802 cut into the front and rear sides of the piston tube 524. FIG. 47 In this embodiment, only the front piston tube cutout 802 is visible. The piston tube cutout 802 allows the piston tube to be coupled to the slider assembly 800 without rotation. In an exemplary embodiment, two piston tube coupling screws 804 pass through the piston tube support 806, descend into the piston tube opening 802, and enter the piston tube support 808. This slightly clamps the piston tube 524 between the piston tube support 806 and the piston tube support 808. Any rotation of the piston tube 524 is blocked by the piston tube coupling screws 804 along the top and bottom edges of the piston tube cutout 802. Similarly, any axial displacement of the piston tube 524 is blocked by the piston tube coupling screws 804 along one side of the piston tube cutout 802. In other embodiments, the piston tube 524 may be coupled to the slider assembly 800 by any other suitable means, such as, but not limited to, bolts, adhesives, snaps, friction fits, magnets, welding, tongue and groove arrangements, pins, etc.

[0528] A more detailed exploded view of the slider assembly 800 is shown in 48A. The slider assembly 800 comprises several parts. The slider assembly 800 includes a half-nut housing 810, a syringe cam 820, a half-nut 830, and a half-nut cover 840. The half-nut housing 810 may be made of any suitable robust material that does not deform significantly under applied load, such as metal, nylon, glass-filled plastic, molded plastic, polyoxymethylene plastic, such as Delrin, etc. Preferably, the half-nut 830 is made of a bearing metal that interacts well with the typical stainless steel surface of the lead screw, such as brass, bronze, etc. Preferably, the syringe cam 820 is made of a hard metal, such as stainless steel, thereby forming a good bearing pair with the half-nut 830. The half-nut housing 810 includes a lead screw clearance 810A. The lead screw clearance 810A allows the lead screw 850 (not shown, see...) FIG. 48BThe lead screw clearance 810A passes through the half-nut housing 810. The lead screw clearance 810A has a larger diameter than the lead screw 850, which ensures that the lead screw 850 passes unimpeded through the lead screw clearance 810, independent of the point on the lead screw 850 where the slider assembly 800 is located. The slider assembly 800 includes a ribbon cable to connect to the circuit board 1150 (reference). FIG. 59A It receives power and communicates with it.

[0529] The half-nut housing 810 may also include a guide rod bushing 810B. FIG. 48A In the example embodiment shown, the guide rod bushing 810B is formed as a continuous part of the half-nut housing. Guide rod 852 (not shown, see...) FIG. 48B The guide rod bushing 810B extends through the half-nut housing 810, and the inner surface of the guide rod bushing 810B serves as a bearing surface for the guide rod 852. In some embodiments, the guide rod bushing 810B is not formed as a continuous part of the half-nut housing 810, but is coupled to the half-nut housing 810 in any of a number of suitable ways. The guide rod bushing 810B may be made of a smooth material, such as bronze, brass, PTFE, delrin, etc., which provides a low-friction surface to match the hard surface of the guide rod 852. FIG. 48B ).

[0530] The half-nut housing 810 may also include a syringe cam clearance 810C. The syringe cam clearance 810C may be sized such that it has a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the syringe cam 820. When the slider assembly 800 is fully assembled, the syringe cam 820 can engage with the syringe cam clearance 810C on the half-nut housing 810. In some embodiments, the syringe cam clearance 810C may extend completely through the half-nut housing 810. FIG. 48A In the illustrated embodiment, the syringe cam clearance 810C may not extend completely through the half-nut housing 810. The syringe cam clearance 810C may function as a bushing for the syringe cam 820 when the slider assembly 800 is fully assembled. The syringe cam clearance 810C and the syringe cam 820 may be manufactured with a clearance fit. In one example, the diameter clearance between the syringe clearance 810C and the syringe 820 is 0.001 to 0.005 inches.

[0531] In some embodiments, including FIG. 48AIn the example embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the half-nut housing 810 can include a half-nut void 810D. The half-nut void 810D can be recessed into the half-nut housing 810 such that the half-nut 830 can fit into the half-nut void 810D when the sled assembly 800 is fully assembled. In some embodiments, the lead screw void 810A, the syringe cam void 810C, and the half-nut void 810D can all be part of a single void recessed into the half-nut housing 810.

[0532] The half-nut housing 810 can include a driven shaft aperture 810E. The driven shaft aperture 810E extends through the half-nut housing 810 and into the syringe cam void 810C. In FIG. 48A In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the driven shaft D-ring or collar 784 protrudes through the driven shaft aperture 810E into the syringe cam void 810C.

[0533] The half-nut housing 810 can additionally include a half-nut housing groove 810F. In FIG. 48A In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the half-nut housing groove 810F is recessed into the half-nut housing 810. The half-nut housing groove 810F is recessed along an entire side of the half-nut housing 810. The half-nut housing groove 810F extends in a direction parallel to the direction of elongation of the piston rod 524, the lead screw 850, and the guide rod 852 (e.g., in the direction shown in FIG. 48B

[0534] In some embodiments, the half-nut housing 810 can include at least one limit switch 810G (not shown). In FIG. 48A In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the half-nut housing 810 can include two limit switches 810G (not shown). One limit switch 810G is located on the front of the half-nut housing 810 and the other limit switch 810G is located on the back of the half-nut housing 810. The limit switches 810G can be used to limit the range of motion of the sled assembly along the lead screw 850 (e.g., to prevent the sled assembly from being over-extended). FIG. 48B The limit switches 810G will be described in further detail below.

[0535] ​As described above, the syringe cam 820 fits into the syringe cam void 810C in the half nut housing 810 when the slide block assembly 800 is fully assembled. As shown, the syringe cam 820 includes a D-shaped aperture 820A that extends through the entire syringe cam 820 in the axial direction of the syringe cam 820. The D-shaped aperture 820A is sized and shaped to allow the syringe cam 820 to be coupled to the drive shaft D-shaped hub 784. When the D-shaped aperture 820A of the syringe cam 820 is coupled to the drive shaft D-shaped hub 784, any rotation of the drive shaft 774 and the drive shaft D-shaped hub 784 causes the syringe cam 820 to also rotate. The syringe cam 820 can be coupled to the drive shaft 774 in any standard method, including but not limited to set screws, pins, adhesives, friction fit, welding, and the like.

[0536] As shown in FIG. 48A the syringe cam 820 is generally a truncated cylinder and includes a syringe cam plane 820B cut into the syringe cam 820 along a chord of the cylinder of the syringe cam 820 facing the front bottom surface. The syringe cam plane 820B can be cut such that there is some distance from the centerline of the syringe cam such that the full diameter of the syringe cam 820 is preserved. The remaining material of the syringe cam 820 distal to the centerline of the half nut 830B bearing surface provides a bearing surface to transfer force from the half nut 820 to the syringe cam void 820C along the entire length of the syringe cam 820.

[0537] The syringe cam plane 820B can not extend along the entire syringe cam 820 such that some of the cylinder of the syringe cam 820 has a purely, classic cylindrical shape. This is desirable because the classic cylindrical portion of the syringe cam 820 can act as a journal in the syringe void 810C where it can act as a bearing. In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 48A the syringe cam plane 820B extends along the syringe cam 820 until the syringe cam shoulder 820C begins. The syringe cam shoulder 820C can extend perpendicularly from the surface of the syringe cam plane 820B. In the example embodiment in FIG. 48A the syringe cam 820 having a purely, classic cylindrical shape is the syringe cam shoulder 820C.

[0538] As shown, the syringe cam 820 can also include a syringe cam pin 820D. FIG. 48A The syringe cam pin 820D in the example embodiment in extends perpendicularly from the front bottom surface of the cylinder of the syringe cam 820. The syringe cam pin 820D protrudes from the front bottom surface of the syringe cam 820 proximally from the chord from which the syringe cam plane 820B has extended into the cylinder of the syringe cam 820.

[0539] The sliding block assembly 800 may also include the aforementioned half-nut 830. FIG. 48A In an example embodiment, the half-nut 830 includes a half-nut slot 835. The half-nut slot 835 is dimensionally formed such that it serves as a track for the syringe cam pin 820D. The half-nut slot 835 includes an arcuate section 835 and a non-bent or arcuate end section 835B. The half-nut slot 835 can intersect into a half-nut slot plate 835C extending perpendicularly from the half-nut cam follower surface 830B. The half-nut cam follower surface 830B and the half-nut slot 835 will be described in further detail in the following paragraphs.

[0540] The half-nut 830 may include a guide rod bushing clearance 830A. The guide rod bushing clearance 830A of the half-nut 830 allows the guide rod bushing 810B to pass through the half-nut 830. FIG. 48A In the illustrated embodiment, the guide rod bushing clearance 830A is sufficiently larger than the diameter of the guide rod bushing 810B. Additionally, the guide rod bushing clearance 830A in the half nut 830 may have an elliptical or racetrack shape. This shape allows the guide rod bushing 810 to properly fit within the guide rod bushing clearance 830A when the half nut 830 is in the engaged, disengaged, or transitional position between either position.

[0541] The half-nut 830 may also include a half-nut thread 830C. The half-nut thread 830C is capable of engaging the thread of the lead screw 840 (not shown, see...). FIG. 48B ).exist FIG. 48A In the embodiment shown, the half-nut thread 830C is a V-shaped thread. A V-shaped thread may be desirable because this shape helps the half-nut thread 830C to self-align on the lead screw 850.

[0542] As described above, the slider assembly 800 may also include a slider cover plate 840. The slider cover plate 840 is coupled to the half-nut housing 810 such that, when the slider assembly 800 is fully assembled, it holds the syringe cam 820 and the half-nut 830 in their proper positions within the slider assembly 800. FIG. 48A In the illustrated embodiment, the sliding block cover 840 may be attached to the half-nut housing 810 by the sliding block cover screw 840A as shown, or by any suitable means, such as, but not limited to, bolts, adhesives, snap-fits, friction fits, magnets, welding, tongue and groove arrangements, pins, etc. The sliding block cover 840 may include a cover recess 840B to facilitate guiding the half-nut housing 810. The cover recess 840B may be recessed into the sliding block cover 840. FIG. 48AIn the example embodiment shown, the cover plate recess 840B is recessed along the entire side edge of the sliding block cover plate 840. The cover plate recess 840B may be sized and configured to align with the half-nut housing recess 810F on the half-nut housing 810.

[0543] The sliding block cover 840 may include a guide rod bushing aperture 840C. The guide rod bushing aperture 840C is sized and configured such that the guide rod bushing 810B can protrude through the guide rod bushing aperture 840C. The guide rod bushing aperture 840C may have a diameter substantially equal to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the guide rod bushing 810B.

[0544] The edge of the sliding block cover 840 opposite to the cover groove 840B may include a screw groove 840D. The screw groove 840D may be an arc-shaped section recessed into the edge of the sliding block cover 840. The screw groove 840D engages with the screw clearance 810A of the half-nut housing 810, allowing the sliding block assembly 800 to be arranged on the screw 850.

[0545] During operation, the rotation of the lead screw 850 causes the sliding block assembly 800 to move axially along the lead screw 850 and guide rod 852. The user can also move the sliding block assembly 800 axially along the lead screw 850 and guide rod 852. To enable the user to move the sliding block assembly 800 axially along the lead screw 850, as follows... FIGS. 32-33 As shown and described, the user may need to adjust the position of the piston head assembly 522 relative to the rest of the injection pump assembly 501. This may only be done by the user when the half nut 830 is not engaged with the lead screw 850.

[0546] FIG. 48B This shows the half-nut 830 in the engaged position on the lead screw 850. (Already from...) FIG. 48B Removed from FIG. 48A The half-nut housing 810 and half-nut cover plate 840 are visible in the image. When the half-nut 830 engages the lead screw 850, the half-nut thread 830C operably engages the thread of the lead screw 850. Any rotation of the lead screw 850 will cause the half-nut 830 to move in the axial direction of the lead screw 850.

[0547] To move the half-nut 830 between the engaged and disengaged positions on the lead screw 850, the syringe cam 820 must be rotated. When the syringe cam 820 is rotated, the syringe cam pin 820D can move along the half-nut slot 835 in the half-nut slot plate 835C. FIG. 48BIn the illustrated embodiment, when the syringe cam pin 820D is located in the arcuate section 835A of the half-nut slot 835, the half-nut 830 engages the lead screw 850. The arcuate section 835A of the half-nut slot 835 may be shaped such that any movement of the syringe cam pin 820D within the arcuate section 835A of the half-nut slot 835 does not cause any movement of the half-nut 830.

[0548] As the syringe cam 820 rotates, causing the syringe cam pin 820D to enter the straight, end section of the half-nut slot 835, further rotation of the syringe cam 820 can cause the half-nut 830 to separate from the lead screw 850. The straight characteristic of the end section 835B ensures that further rotation of the syringe cam 820 causes the syringe cam pin 820D to pull the half-nut 830 away from the lead screw 850 until the syringe cam pin 820 reaches the end of the end section 835B. Rotation of the syringe cam 820 in the opposite direction will cause the syringe cam pin 820D to push the half-nut 830 in the opposite direction to engage the lead screw 850.

[0549] exist FIG. 48B In the example embodiment, when the syringe cam 820 has disengaged the half nut from the screw 850, the half nut cam follower surface 830B sits in the gap created by the syringe cam plane 820B. When the half nut 830 disengages, the distance between the half nut threads 830C and their full engagement points on the screw 850 is less than or equal to the length of the arc length removed from the syringe cam 820 to create the cylindrical segment of the syringe cam plane 820B. As the syringe cam 820 rotates to engage the half nut 830 with the screw 850, the pin 820D in the straight end section 835B moves the half nut toward the screw 850 until the half nut 830 is at least partially engaged with the screw 850. As the pin 820D leaves the end section 835B, the truncated arcuate portion of the syringe cam 820 rotates onto the half nut cam follower surface 830B of the half nut 830. The truncated bow-shaped portion of the syringe can push the half nut 830 to fully engage the lead screw 850, and supplement the movement of the syringe cam pin 820D within the half nut slot 835.

[0550] Re-reference FIG. 48AIn the example embodiment shown in the figures, the drive shaft 774 to which the injection barrel cam 820 is coupled can not deflect when the injection barrel cam 820 has engaged, disengaged, or is transitioning the half nut 830 between the engaged or disengaged positions on the lead screw 850. As shown, the injection barrel cam void 810C in the half nut housing 810 supports the injection barrel cam 820 when the carriage assembly 800 is fully assembled. Thus, any forces that promote deflection of the drive shaft 774 are checked by the injection barrel cam 820 relying on the sides of the injection barrel void 810C. This ensures that the half nut threads 830C can not jump on the threads of the lead screw 850 under high axial loads. This also creates minimal drag when the carriage assembly 800 travels with the lead screw 850 through rotation of the lead screw 850.

[0551] In some embodiments, the mating of the half nut 830 and the injection barrel cam 820 can be adjustable. In these embodiments, a portion of the injection barrel cam housing 810 that defines the injection barrel cam void 810C can have an adjustable position relative to the guide rod, such as can be adjusted by rotation of a set screw or other adjustment device. This can also allow a user to adjust the injection barrel cam 820 to an optimal or near optimal position. Alternatively, an insert can be added to the injection barrel void 810C, or perhaps a different size injection barrel cam 820 is substituted for the injection barrel cam 820 to position the half nut 830D / injection barrel cam 820 interface at an optimal position. In this position, the injection barrel cam 820 can engage the half nut threads 830C on the lead screw 850 such that there is zero or minimal backlash, no loading of the half nut threads 830C on the lead screw 850, and minimal excess drag.

[0552] In alternative embodiments, the injection barrel cam pin 820D is optional. In some alternative embodiments, the injection barrel cam pin 820D can be replaced by one or more biasing members. The biasing members can bias the half-nut 830 to the disengaged position. In these embodiments, rotation of the injection barrel cam 820 can cause the half-nut 830 to engage or disengage the lead screw 850. When the injection barrel cam face 820B does not contact the half-nut cam follower surface 830B, the one or more biasing members can be overcome, and the half-nut threads 830C can engage the threads of the lead screw 850. As the injection barrel cam face 820B rotates onto the half-nut cam follower surface 830B, the biasing members can act as a spring return that automatically biases the half-nut 830 to disengage the lead screw 850 and biases it against the injection barrel cam face 820B. The injection barrel cam 820 can include a transition cam surface between the injection barrel cam face 820B and the truncated arc of the injection barrel cam 820 to facilitate displacement of the half-nut 830 toward the lead screw 850. It can be desirable to use the injection barrel cam pin 820D so that this arrangement requires less torque to engage or disengage the half-nut 830 than embodiments that can employ one or more biasing members in its place. Some embodiments can use the injection barrel cam pin 820D and one or more biasing members to effect engagement or disengagement of the half-nut 830.

[0553] In some embodiments, the biasing members can bias the half-nut 830 toward the engaged position, in which case the injection barrel cam pin 820 can be configured to lift the half-nut threads 830C from the lead screw 850.

[0554] In another alternative embodiment, the injection barrel cam 820 can not include the injection barrel cam pin 820D, and the half-nut 830 can not include the half-nut slot 835. In such embodiments, the injection barrel cam face 820B can include a magnet, and the half-nut cam follower surface 830B can also include a magnet. Instead of using the injection barrel cam pin 820D to pull the half-nut 830 away from the lead screw 850, when the injection barrel cam 820 has rotated the appropriate amount, the magnet on the half-nut cam follower surface 830B can attract to the magnet on the injection barrel cam face 820B and pull the lead screw 850 away from the injection barrel cam face 820B. In some embodiments, the injection barrel cam 820 can be a simple bipolar magnet. In these embodiments, the injection barrel cam 820 can be arranged so that it can either repel or attract the magnet on the half-nut cam follower surface 830B. When the same poles of the magnets face each other, the half-nut is forced to engage the lead screw 850. By rotating the drive shaft 774 and thus the magnetic injection barrel cam 820, the opposite poles can be brought to face each other. In turn, this can cause the half-nut 830 to disengage the lead screw 850 as it is attracted to the magnetic injection barrel cam 820.

[0555] In some embodiments, the magnet can be configured to bias the half nut 830 toward the engaged position, in which case the syringe cam pin 820 can be configured to lift the half nut threads 830C from the lead screw 850.

[0556] In FIG. 48B the guide rod 852 can also be seen. In FIG. 48B the guide rod 852 extends in an axial direction parallel to the lead screw 850. The guide rod passes through a guide rod bushing void 830A in the half nut 830. In example embodiments, the guide rod 852 is made of a hard and durable material. For example, in some embodiments, the guide rod 852 can be made of a material such as stainless steel. In other embodiments, the guide rod 852 can be chrome plated.

[0557] FIG. 49 A close-up view of the half nut slot plate 835C is shown. In FIG. 49 the half nut slot plate 835C is transparent. The half nut slot 835 is shown within the half nut slot plate 835C. As described above, the half nut slot 835 includes an arcuate segment 835A and a straight, end segment 835B. The syringe 820 is shown behind the transparent half nut slot plate 835C. As shown, the syringe cam pin 820D is located in the arcuate segment 835A of the half nut slot 835. As described above, when the syringe cam pin 820D is in the arcuate segment 835A of the half nut slot 835, the half nut 830 is engaged with the lead screw 850, as shown in FIG. 48B the syringe cam 820 is disposed in a syringe cam void 810C in the half nut housing 810. The syringe cam void 810C functions as a bushing for the syringe cam 820 and supports the syringe cam 820.

[0558] FIGS. 50-52 The sled assembly 800 is shown with the half nut cover plate 840 and the half nut 830 shown as transparent. In FIGS. 50-52 the half nut 830 is transitioning from an engaged position ( FIG. 50 ) to a disengaged position ( FIG. 52 ). As FIG. 50 shown, the half nut 830 is in the engaged position. The syringe cam pin 820D is located in the arcuate segment 835A of the half nut slot 835. The half nut threads 830C are at the far left extreme of their range of motion (relative to FIGS. 50-52 ). The guide rod bushing 810B of the half nut housing 810 protrudes through the guide rod bushing void 830A of the half nut 830. As shown, the guide rod bushing 810B is located at the far right end of the guide rod bushing void 830A. In the example embodiment shown in FIGS. 50-52 the guide rod bushing void 830A in the half nut 830 is generally racetrack shaped.

[0559] The barrel cam 820 has rotated so that the barrel cam pin 820D is about to cross over from the arcuate segment 835A of the half nut slot 835 and into the end segment 835B of the half nut slot 835. FIG. 51 As shown, the half nut threads 830C have not moved from the engaged position and are still at the far left extreme of their range of motion (relative to the FIGS. 50-52 ). Similarly, the half nut 830 can not have moved from the position shown and described with respect to FIG. 50 .

[0560] In FIG. 52 , the barrel 820 has rotated so that the barrel cam pin 820D has moved into the linear, end segment 835B of the half nut slot 835. As described above, once the barrel cam pin 820D enters the end segment 835B of the half nut slot 835, further rotation of the barrel cam 820 causes the half nut 830 to disengage. As shown, the half nut 830 and thus the half nut threads 830 have moved from the far left extreme of their range of motion (relative to the FIGS. 50-52 ) and are moving toward the right side of the page. The half nut 830 has moved with respect to the guide rod bushing 810B so that the guide rod bushing 810B is now near the far left end of the guide rod bushing void 830A.

[0561] FIG. 53 A cross section showing most of the components of an embodiment including the sled assembly 800. In FIG. 53 , the sled assembly 800 is fully assembled. In FIG. 53 , the cross section of the lead screw 850 and the guide rod 852 are not shown. As shown, the lead screw 850 passes through the lead screw void 810A in the half nut housing 810 and extends above the lead screw slot 840D in the half nut cover plate 840. The guide rod extends through the guide rod bushing 810B. The guide rod bushing 810B extends through both the guide rod bushing void 830A in the half nut 830 and the guide rod bushing aperture 840C in the half nut cover plate 840.

[0562] In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 53 , the half nut 830 is in the disengaged position. The half nut threads 830C are inoperable with the threads of the lead screw 850. The guide rod bushing 810B is near the top of the guide rod bushing void 830A in the half nut 830. The half nut cam follower surface 830B is near or against (depending on the embodiment) the barrel cam flat 820B on the barrel cam 820. Additionally, the barrel cam pin 820D is at the end of the linear, end segment 835B of the half nut slot 835 cut into the half nut slot plate 835C.

[0563] FIG. 53 A D-shaped hole 820A of the syringe cam 820 coupled to the driven shaft D-shaped hub 784 of the driven shaft 74 is also shown. It can be seen that the piston tube 524, through which the driven shaft 774 is disposed, is coupled to the sled assembly 800 by a screw extending through the piston tube cutout 802 and into the piston tube support 808.

[0564] FIG. 54 A view showing a portion of an embodiment of the syringe pump assembly 501 is shown. In FIG. 54 At the left side of the view, a portion of the piston head assembly 522 is visible. As shown in FIG. 54 The back 900 of the syringe pump assembly 501 can include a back guide rod hole 901, as shown in

[0565] The back 900 of the syringe pump assembly 501 can include a gear box depression 902. As shown, the gear box depression 902 is recessed into the back 900 of the syringe pump assembly 501. In example embodiments, the gear box depression 902 is generally rectangular. In other embodiments, the gear box depression 902 can have an alternative shape.

[0566] As shown in FIG. 54 The anti-rotation pin 904 protrudes from the gear box depression 902, as shown in FIG. 54 The anti-rotation pin 904 in the example embodiment shown in FIG. 54 As shown in

[0567] In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 54 It can be seen that the diameter of the portion of the lead screw 850 protruding beyond the back 900 of the syringe pump assembly 501 is smaller than the lead screw void 906. This is desirable because it can allow the back lead screw bearing 908 to be disposed in the lead screw void 906 to provide a bearing surface for the lead screw 850. In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 54 In the example embodiment shown in

[0568] As shown, the end of the portion of the lead screw 850 protruding beyond the back 900 can include a threaded hole 910. In FIG. 55In the example embodiment shown, the gearbox attachment fastener 912 is engaged with a threaded hole 910 on the end of the lead screw 850. In the example embodiment, the gearbox attachment fastener 912 is a hexagonal head screw. In other embodiments, any other suitable fastener or fastener head may be used.

[0569] exist FIG. 55 Another view showing a portion of an embodiment of the infusion pump assembly 501. FIG. 54 A portion of the piston head assembly 522 is also visible on the left side. The gearbox 940 is shown properly positioned in the gearbox recess 902 on the rear of the injection pump assembly 501. As shown, an anti-rotation pin 904 protrudes through an anti-rotation pin hole 942 in the gearbox 940. The anti-rotation pin 904 ensures that the gearbox 940 causes the lead screw 850 to rotate, and that the gearbox 940 does not rotate about the axis of the lead screw 850. As shown, the anti-rotation pin 942 does not help hold the gearbox 940 on the rear 900 of the injection pump assembly 501. In an alternative embodiment, the anti-rotation pin 904 may have the same characteristics as described above. FIG. 28 The end of the lead screw 850 has a similar threaded anti-rotation pin hole 944 (not shown). An anti-rotation pin gearbox fastener 945 can be screwed into the threaded anti-rotation pin hole 944 to help hold the gearbox 940 on the rear 900 of the injection pump assembly 501. The gearbox 940 can be frictionally locked to the lead screw 850 to ensure that rotation of the gears in the gearbox 940 is transmitted to the lead screw 850 with zero or minimal backlash.

[0570] In this embodiment, the injection pump assembly 501 can be removed from the housing 502 (see FIG. 56 In embodiments where another component, such as a peristaltic mass pump assembly, can be replaced, the gearbox 940 may be compatible with the replacement component.

[0571] FIG. 56 An embodiment of the interior of the infusion pump assembly 501 is shown. As shown, the front 888 of the infusion pump assembly 501 is transparent. As shown, a guide rod 852 extends vertically from the interior of the rear 900 of the infusion pump assembly 501 and projects towards the front of the page. A lead screw 850 may similarly project into the interior of the infusion pump assembly 501 through the rear of the lead screw bearing 908 at an angle perpendicular to the interior of the rear 900 of the infusion pump assembly 501. The guide rod 852 and the lead screw 850 may extend parallel to each other. FIG. 56 In one example embodiment, the lead screw 850 is offset from the guide rod 852 toward the left side of the page.

[0572] As shown in the figure, one end of the guide rod 852 is located in the rear guide rod hole 901. The other end of the guide rod 852 is located in the front hole 888 of the injection pump assembly 501. FIG. 56In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the end of the guide rod 852 facing the front of the page is smaller in diameter than the rest of the guide rod 852. This section of the guide rod 852 can be placed in a guide rod hole 1002 in the front face 888 of the syringe pump assembly 501 when the syringe pump assembly 501 is fully assembled. The guide rod hole 1002 can extend through the entire front face 888 of the syringe pump assembly 501 at an angle substantially perpendicular to the front face 888. The smaller diameter section of the guide rod 852 can have a diameter slightly, but not substantially, smaller than the diameter of the guide rod hole 1002 so that the guide rod 852 can fit substantially within the guide rod hole 1002 when the syringe pump assembly 501 has been assembled. The end of the guide rod 852 can be flush with the plane of the front face 888 of the syringe pump assembly 501. Although the example embodiment shown in FIG. 8 has the guide rod hole 1002 and the section of the guide rod 852 that sits within the guide rod hole 1002 both cylindrical, in alternative embodiments they can have different shapes. FIG. 56

[0573] The lead screw 850 sits in a lead screw depression 1000 in the front face 888 of the syringe pump assembly 501. In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the lead screw depression 1000 is substantially cylindrical. In alternative embodiments, the lead screw depression 1000 can have a different shape. FIG. 56 In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the depth of the lead screw depression 1000 is substantially the thickness of the front face 888 of the syringe pump assembly 501. In embodiments in which the depth of the lead screw depression 1000 is substantially the depth of the front face 888, a circular elevation 1004 can rise from the front face 888 of the syringe pump assembly 501 to accommodate the depth of the lead screw depression 1000. As shown in FIG. 8, the center of the circular elevation 1004 can be concentric with the center of the cylindrical lead screw depression 1000. In some embodiments, the edge of the circular elevation 1004 can extend perpendicularly from the front face 888 of the syringe pump assembly 501 to the raised circular elevation. In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the edge of the circular elevation 1004 curves upward from the front face 888 of the syringe pump assembly 501 to the circular elevation 1004. FIG. 56 FIG. 56

[0574] As shown in FIG. 8, the lead screw depression 1000 can house a front lead screw bearing 1006 that surrounds one end of the lead screw 850 and provides a bearing surface for the lead screw 850. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, a Belleville washer 1008 can sit on the bottom of the lead screw depression 1000. The Belleville washer 1008 can ensure that the lead screw 850 does not "walk" when the lead screw 850 is seated in the lead screw depression 1000. FIG. 57A

[0575] ​​​​In some embodiments, the Belleville washer 1008 can be replaced by a non-compliant end cap that loads the front lead screw bearing 1006 against the lead screw 850. In these embodiments, the end cap can be threaded on its outer diameter. The features of the lead screw sink 1000 can be in a complementary thread into which the end cap can be threaded. As such, the end cap can also ensure that the lead screw 850 does not "walk" when seated in the lead screw sink 1000.

[0576] FIG. 57 shows a view of the interior of the syringe pump assembly 501. In FIG. 56 the front face 888 shown as transparent in FIG. 56 The front face 888 shown as transparent in FIG. 57. As shown, the slide block assembly 800 described above is in place in the syringe pump assembly 501. The guide rod 852 extends through the guide rod bushing 810B in the half nut housing 810. When the half nut 830 is disengaged from the lead screw 850, the slide block assembly 800 can slide freely about the axial direction of the guide rod 852.

[0577] The motion of the slide block assembly 800 is also guided by the syringe pump assembly rail 1010. In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 57, the syringe pump assembly rail 1010 extends from the interior surface of the syringe seat 506. The syringe pump assembly rail 1010 is formed in a shape such that the half nut housing groove 810F and the cover plate groove 840B on the slide block assembly 800 can fit over the syringe pump assembly rail 1010 and slide along the syringe pump assembly rail 1010. The syringe pump assembly rail 1010 also ensures that the slide block assembly 800 cannot rotate within the syringe pump assembly 501. In embodiments in which the syringe pump assembly housing 503 is formed by extrusion, the syringe pump assembly rail 1010 can be formed as part of the extrusion.

[0578] As shown in FIG. 57, when the half nut 830 of the slide block assembly 800 engages the lead screw 850, the lead screw 850 can cause linear motion of the slide block assembly 800 in the axial direction of the lead screw 850. In order to cause linear motion of the slide block assembly 800, the lead screw 850 must rotate. In the example embodiment in FIG. 57, the rotational motion of the lead screw 850 causes the half nut 830, and thus the slide block assembly 800, to move along the lead screw 850 due to the pitch of the threads of the lead screw 850. The amount of linear motion per 360° rotation of the lead screw 850 can vary depending on the pitch of the threads of the lead screw 850, which can be different in various embodiments.

[0579] As described above, the half-nut housing 810 of the sled assembly 800 can include one or more limit switches 810G. The limit switches 810G are not shown in the example embodiment of FIG. 57, but are indicated as possibly being located on the front of the half-nut housing 810. In other embodiments, there can be multiple limit switches 810G that can be arranged around other portions of the sled assembly 800. In embodiments where the limit switches can be arranged on the front of the half-nut housing 810, the limit switches 810G can prevent the sled assembly 800 from being driven into the front face 888 (as shown in FIG. 56) of the syringe pump assembly 501. FIG. 57B

[0580] In embodiments that include limit switches 810G, the limit switches 810G can be micro switches, but Hall sensors and magnetic, optical sensors, etc. can also be used. In embodiments where the limit switches 810G include micro switches, the micro switches can be actuated when the sled assembly 800 is near a predetermined position along the leadscrew 850. In some embodiments, when the limit switches 810G are in the actuated position, the leadscrew 850 can not be further rotated, thereby not advancing the sled assembly 800 in the direction of the predetermined position.

[0581] As shown in FIG. 57, the syringe pump assembly 501 can additionally include a sled linear position sensor 1050 to determine the position of the sled assembly 800 on the leadscrew 850. In some embodiments, the sled linear position sensor 1050 can be used to determine the amount of contents remaining in the syringe 504 that can be in the proper position on the syringe pump assembly 501. In these embodiments, the sled linear position sensor 1050 can be used to determine the dosing volume of the syringe 504, or can be used as a "barometer" to generate a larger reading of the volume of the contents of the syringe 504.

[0582] In some embodiments, the sled linear position sensor 1050 can include a linear potentiometer. In these embodiments, the brushes of the sled linear position sensor 1050 can be arranged to slide across the resistive element of the potentiometer as the sled assembly 800 is moved along the leadscrew 850. The resistance measured by the sled linear position sensor 1050 can be used to determine the position of the sled assembly 800 along the leadscrew 850.

[0583] ​In some embodiments, including the example embodiment shown in FIG. 57, the slider linear position sensor 1050 can include an array of slider magnetic linear position sensors 1054. The slider magnetic linear position sensors 1054 can be any suitable magnetic linear position sensor. An example of a suitable magnetic linear position sensor is the "AS5410 Absolute Linear 3D Hall Encoder" commercially available from Austria Microsystems, AG. As shown, the slider assembly 800 can include a slider assembly magnet 1056 mounted at a suitable distance from the slider magnetic linear position sensors 1054 and can be used in conjunction with the array of slider magnetic linear position sensors 1054 to determine the position of the slider assembly 800 on the lead screw 850. In some embodiments, the positions of the slider magnetic linear position sensors 1054 can be different. As shown, the slider 800 includes a second magnet 1057 arranged to interact with the slider magnetic linear position sensors 1054 when arranged in alternating positions.

[0584] FIG. 57B An example of a possible linear position sensor 1100 arrangement to estimate the position of a slider assembly 800 is shown. In the example linear position sensor 1100 arrangement, the linear position sensor 1100 includes an array of magnetic linear position sensors 1102, such as the "AS5410 Absolute Linear 3D Hall Encoder" commercially available from Austria Microsystems, AG, described above. A position changing block 1104 (e.g., a slider assembly 800) is shown at a position along a position changing block lead screw 1106. The position changing block arm 1108 protruding from the page is indicated with a dashed line defining its rightmost edge. As the position changing block 1104 moves with the lead screw 1106, an object attached to the position changing block arm 1108 can be caused to move with the position changing block 1104. The position changing block 1104 in FIG. 57A FIG. 57B the slider assembly 800 in

[0585] In FIG. 58 ​In the example linear position sensor 1100 arrangement shown in FIG. 11, the position change block 1104 includes a position change block magnet 1110. As shown, the position change block magnet is located on the face of the position change block closest to the array of magnetic linear position sensors 1102. The position change block magnet 1110 is a bipolar magnet. The north pole of the position change block magnet 1110 is facing to the right of the page, while the south pole is facing to the left of the page. As the position change block 1104 moves with the position change block leadscrew 1106, the position change block magnet 1110 also moves. This motion can be measured by the array of magnetic linear position sensors 1102, and analyzed to determine the absolute position of the position change block 1104 along the position change block leadscrew 1106. In some embodiments, the array of magnetic linear position sensors 1102 can be used to determine differential motion of the position change block 1104.

[0586] As FIG. 42 shown in FIG. 48, an embodiment of the assembled sled assembly 800 is shown with the half nut cover plate 840 removed. The half nut 830 is shown in the engaged position, and is shown transparent so that the half nut housing 810 and the syringe cam 820 behind it can be observed. The driven axle D-shaped joint 784 of the driven axle 774 is shown in the D-shaped orifice 820A of the syringe cam 820. The driven axle 774 extends through the piston tube 524 that couples the sled assembly 800 and the piston head assembly 522 together.

[0587] Referring back to FIG. 43 , the driven axle 774 is coupled into the double universal joint 772. The double universal joint 772 converts any rotational motion from the turntable 530 that rotates the turntable axle 650 into rotational motion of the driven axle 774. The rotational motion of the driven axle 774, in turn, causes the syringe cam 820 to rotate. The rotation of the syringe cam 820 engages or disengages the half nut 830 described above.

[0588] As also described above, rotation of the turntable 530 causes the upper and lower piston clamp jaws 526, 528 to linearly displace. Thus, the turntable 530 is multifunctional. When rotated, the turntable 530 engages or disengages the half nut 830, and opens or closes the upper and lower piston clamp jaws 526, 528. It should be appreciated that the arcuate segments 835A of the half nut slot 835 are shaped so that the half nut 830 does not begin to disengage until the upper and lower piston clamp jaws 526, 528 have loosened the maximum piston flange 548 (not shown) that the upper and lower piston clamp jaws 526, 528 can accept. When the piston flange 548 (not shown) has been loosened, and the half nut 830 has disengaged, the turntable axle cam follower 658 on the turntable axle 650 can seat in the turntable axle cam detent 660 of the turntable axle cam 654 described above. As FIG. 43 described above, the turntable axle cam 654 is shaped so that the turntable axle cam follower 658 seats in the turntable axle cam detent 660 when the half nut 830 has disengaged. Thus, the turntable 530 is multifunctional. When rotated, the turntable 530 engages or disengages the half nut 830, and opens or closes the upper and lower piston clamp jaws 526, 528.FIG. 58 As described in the detailed specifications, this will allow the user to "stay" the turntable 530 in the fully rotated position, with the half nut 830 disengaged and the upper piston clamping jaw 526 and lower piston clamping jaw 528 in the fully open position. FIGS. 30-34 In the example embodiment shown, when the turntable 530 is in the "stay" position, the user can remove their hand from the turntable 530, and the piston head assembly 552 can be easily adjusted so that the syringe 504 (not shown) can be inserted into the injection pump assembly 501 (see [link to documentation]). FIG. 59A (Illustrations and discussion of examples for arranging syringe 504 onto injection pump assembly 501).

[0589] FIGS. 59A-59J An embodiment of an infusion pump assembly 501 is shown. As shown, the infusion pump assembly 501 is fully assembled. A syringe 504 is seated on the injection port 506 of the infusion pump assembly housing 503. A gearbox 940 is shown in its proper position on the infusion pump assembly 501. A motor 1200 driving the gearbox 940 is also shown coupled to the gearbox 940. A main printed circuit board (PCB) 1150 is transparently shown on the infusion pump assembly 501. The main PCB 1150 is coupled to the infusion pump assembly housing 503. In an exemplary embodiment, a flexible connector 562 extending from the slider assembly 800 is connected to the main PCB 1150. FIGS. 59B-59J The description includes the electrical system of the main PCB.

[0590] by FIG. 28 The block diagram in the image describes the syringe pump 500 (see [link]). FIG. 59J The electrical system 4000 controls the operation of the infusion pump 500 based on inputs from the user interface 3700 and sensors 3501. The electrical system 4000 includes a power system consisting of a rechargeable main battery 3420 and a battery charger 3422 plugged into an AC power source. The electrical system 4000 is configured to provide safe operation with redundant safety checks and allows the infusion pump 500 to operate in a fault-tolerant mode for some errors and in a fail-safe mode for others.

[0591] exist FIG. 48B The final block diagram detailing the electrical system 4000 illustrates a high-level architecture with multiple processors. In one example, the electrical system 4000 consists of two main processors: a real-time processor 3500 and a user interface / security processor 3600. The electrical system 4000 may also include a watchdog circuit 3460, a motor control element 3431, a sensor 3501, and input / output elements. A main processor, referred to as the real-time processor (RTP) 3500, controls the lead screw 850 (see [link to RTP]). FIG. 59J) the speed and position of the rotating motor 1200. The RTP 3500 can control the motor 1200 based on input from the sensors 3501 and commands from the user interface & safety processor (hereinafter, UIP) 3600. The UIP 3600 can manage telecommunications, manage the user interface 3701, and provide safety checks on the RTP 3500. The UIP 3600 can estimate the volume pumped based on the output of the motor encoder 1202 and can signal an alarm or warning if the estimated volume differs from the expected volume or the volume reported by the RTP 3500 by more than a certain amount. A watchdog circuit 3460 monitors the functioning of the RTP 3500. If the RTP 3500 does not clear the watchdog circuit 3460 as scheduled, the watchdog circuit 3460 can deactivate the motor controller 3431, sound an alarm, and turn on one or more fault lights at the user interface 3701. The RTP 3500 uses sensor input to control the position and speed of the motor 1200 in a closed loop controller (described further below). The telecommunications can include a WIFI driver and antenna to communicate with a central computer or accessories, a Bluetooth driver and antenna to communicate with accessories, tablets, cell phones, etc., and a near field communication (NFC) driver and antenna for RFID tasks and Bluetooth. In FIG. 28 In some embodiments, the components are unified as reference numeral 3721. The user interface 3701 can include a display 514 (see FIG. 28 ). In some embodiments, the display 514 can be a touch screen. In some embodiments, the user interface 3701 can include one or more buttons or data input devices 516 (see FIGS. 59B-59I ) through which a user communicates with the syringe pump 500.

[0592] In FIGS. 59B-59I the detailed electrical connections and components of the electrical system 4000 are shown. FIG. 59B Many of the line traces 5000-5169 that lead into and out of the various components are also shown. In FIG. 59CThe figure illustrates a number of sensors in the syringe pump 500. As shown, a piston position sensor 3950, a syringe barrel diameter sensor 3951, a piston capture potentiometer sensor 3952, a piston force sensor 3953, and other sensors 3954 are shown. The piston position sensor 3950 may be any piston position sensor described herein. The syringe barrel diameter sensor 3951 may be the syringe barrel holder linear position sensor 1540, which will be described below. The piston capture potentiometer sensor 3952 need not be a potentiometer sensor in all embodiments. In some embodiments, the piston capture potentiometer sensor 3952 may be the piston clamp jaw position sensor 588 described herein. The piston force sensor 3953 may be the piston pressure sensor 532 described herein. The piston capture potentiometer sensor 3952 may be a switch that detects the insertion of the syringe 504 into the syringe holder 506. The aforementioned sensors may respectively transmit their detected indications and signals to the RTP 3500 or another component.

[0593] like FIGS. 59B-59I As shown, the thermistor 3540 can provide a signal to the RTP 3500 indicating the temperature of the infusion fluid in the infusion tubing. Alternatively, the thermistor 3540 can measure the temperature in the infusion pump 500 or the temperature of the circuit 4000. In different embodiments, suitable replacement components may be used instead. FIGS. 59B-59J The specific parts listed herein. In some embodiments, the electrical system 4000 may include additional components. In some embodiments, the electrical system 4000 may include more than FIG. 59C The component shown has a smaller number of components.

[0594] exist FIG. 59D Two sensors, possibly located downstream of the infusion pump 500, are shown. One sensor is an in-tubular air sensor 3545. The other is an occlusion sensor 3535. Both are connected to the RTP 3500. These sensors are optional. The in-tubular air sensor 3545 detects air present in the infusion tubing segment near the in-tubular air sensor 3545. In an exemplary embodiment, the in-tubular air sensor 3545 may include an ultrasonic sensor 3545B, a logic unit 3545A, and a signal conditioning unit 3545C. In some embodiments, the infusion pump 500 may not include the in-tubular air sensor 3545.

[0595] An occlusion sensor 3535 can measure the internal pressure of the infusion fluid within the infusion tubing. In some embodiments, the occlusion sensor 3535 can be a downstream pressure sensor 513 as described herein. In example embodiments, the occlusion sensor 3535 can include a force sensor 3535B, an amplifier 3535A, a signal amplifier 3535C, and a buffer 3535D. The buffer 3535D protects the RTP 3500 from overvoltage caused by large forces applied to the force sensor 3535B. In alternative embodiments, the occlusion sensor 3535 can be different.

[0596] In FIG. 59F , a watchdog circuit 3460 is shown. The watchdog circuit 3460 can be enabled by an I2C command from the RTP 3500. If a signal of a particular frequency is not received from the RTP 3500, the watchdog circuit 3460 can send an error signal and deactivate the motor controller 3430 (e.g., by chip 3434). The watchdog circuit 3460 can signal the user by an audible alarm. The audible alarm can be emitted only by the amplifier 3464 and / or the backup speaker 3468. If an abnormal condition is detected, the watchdog circuit 3460 can signal the user by a visual alarm LED 3750 (as shown in FIG. 59E ). In one embodiment, the RTP 3500 must "clear" the watchdog circuit 3460 between 10 ms and 200 ms after the watchdog circuit 3460 was last cleared. In some embodiments, the watchdog circuit 3460 is comprised of a window watchdog 3460A, a logic circuit 3460B (which can include one or more flip chip switches), and an IO expander 3460C that communicates with the RTP 3500 over an I2C bus. In the event of a failure of the primary battery 3420 (see FIG. 59C ), the backup battery 3450 (see FIG. 59C ) can power the watchdog circuit 3460 and the backup speaker system (which can include the audio amplifier 3464 and the backup speaker 3468). The backup battery 3450 can power the RTP 3500 and the UIP 3600 to maintain an internal time record, which is particularly desirable when replacing the primary battery 3420. The RTP 3500 can also monitor the voltage of the backup battery 3450 with a switch, such as the "FAIRCHILD FPF1005 LOAD SWITCH" 3452 shown in FIGS. 59B-59J .

[0597] The RTP 3500 directly controls the speed and position of the motor 1200. The motor 1200 can be any of a number of types of motors 1200, such as a brushed DC motor, a stepper motor, or a brushless DC motor. In FIG. 59EIn the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the syringe pump 500 is driven by a brushless direct current (BLDC) servo motor 1200. In one example embodiment, the RTP 3500 receives signals from the Hall sensors 3436 of the brushless DC motor 1200 and performs calculations to rectify power to the windings of the motor 1200 to achieve a desired speed or position. The rectified signals can be sent to a motor controller 3430, which selectively connects the windings to a motor power supply 3434. The motor 1200 can be monitored for damage or dangerous operation by a current sensor 3432 and a temperature sensor 1200A.

[0598] The signals from the Hall sensors 3436 can be provided to the RTP 3500 and to the encoder 1202. In one embodiment, three Hall signals are generated. Any two of the three Hall signals can be sent to the encoder 1202. The encoder 1202 can use these signals to provide a position signal to the UIP 3600. The UIP 3600 estimates the total volume of fluid dispensed by the syringe pump 500 from the position signal of the encoder 1202. In some particular embodiments, each syringe pump 500 can be calibrated during assembly to establish a nominal volume / stroke, which can be stored in memory. The UIP 3600 can then compare the estimated volume to the volume expected for a commanded therapy at regular intervals. In some embodiments, the interval between comparisons can be shorter for different infusion fluids, such as short half-life infusion fluids. A therapy can specify parameters such as flow rate, duration, and total volume of infusion (VTBI). In any case, the expected volume can be calculated based on the programmed therapy at a given time during the therapy and compared to the UIP 3600 estimated volume. If the difference between the UIP 3600 estimated volume and the expected volume for the therapy is outside a predetermined threshold, the UIP 3600 can signal an alarm or warning. If the difference between the UIP 3600 estimated volume and the expected volume for the therapy is outside a second predetermined threshold, the UIP 3600 can signal a warning.

[0599] The UIP 3600 can also compare the estimated volume to the volume reported by the RTP 3500. If the UIP 3600 estimated volume and the RTP 3500 reported volume are outside a predetermined threshold, the UIP 3600 can signal a warning. If the UIP 3600 estimated volume and the RTP 3500 reported volume are outside a second threshold, the UIP 3600 can signal a warning.

[0600] In some embodiments, the UIP 3600 can compare the volume reported by the RTP 3500 to the expected volume of the treatment and signal a warning if the two values differ by more than a predetermined threshold. The UIP 3600 can signal a warning if the difference between the volume reported by the RTP 3500 and the expected volume of the treatment exceeds another predetermined threshold. The values of the alarm and warning thresholds can be different for comparisons between different volume sets. The thresholds can be stored in memory. The thresholds can vary depending on a number of different parameters, such as but not limited to drug, drug concentration, clinical usage, patient, treatment type, or location. The thresholds can be predetermined in a DERS (Drug Error Reduction System) database and downloaded from a device gateway server.

[0601] Optionally, in some embodiments, the rotation of the motor threaded screw 1200 can be estimated using a rotary encoder 5430. The motor sensor 5430 can be formed on the shaft of the motor 1200 by a magnet with a Hall effect sensor in proximity to estimate the position of the threaded shaft.

[0602] The RFID tag 3670 (see FIG. 59E ) can be connected to the UIP 3600 and the near field antenna 3955 by an I2C bus. The RFID tag 3670 can be used by a medical technician or other user or personnel to retrieve or store information when the syringe pump 500 is in an unpowered state. The UIP 3600 can store service records, error codes, and the like in the RFID tag 3670. The RFID reader can access the stored service records, error codes, and the like. For example, a medical technician can check a stored unpowered syringe pump 500 through the RFID reader and estimate the unoperated syringe pump 500 to interpret the RFID tag 3670. In another example, a medical technician or other personnel can perform service on the syringe pump 500 and store any relevant service information in the RFID tag 3670. The UIP 3600 can then pull the last service information from the RFID tag 3670 and store it in the memory 3605 (see FIG. 59E ).

[0603] The main battery 3420 can supply all the power to the syringe pump 500. The main power supply 3420 can be connected to the motor power supply 3434 via a system power gate element 3424. All the sensors and processors described herein are powered by one of several voltage regulators 3428 (see FIG. 59E ). The main battery 3420 can be charged from an AC power source by a battery charger 3422 and an AC / DC converter 3426. The UIP 3600 is connected to one or more memory chips 3605.

[0604] UIP 3600 controls the main audio system, which includes main speaker 3615 and audio chips 3610 (audio codec), 3612 (audio amplifier) (see FIG. 28 ). The main audio system can be capable of producing a series of sounds, for example, indicating an alarm or warning. The audio system can also provide confirmation sounds to facilitate and improve user interaction with display 514 and / or data entry device 516 (see FIG. 59E ). The main audio system can include microphone 3617, which can be used to confirm operation of main speaker 3615 as well as backup speaker 3468. The main audio system can produce one or more tones, modulated sequences, and / or sound patterns, and audio codec chip 3610 can compare the signal received from microphone 3617 with the signal sent to main speaker 3615. The use of one or more tones and comparison of signals can allow the system to verify the functionality of main speaker 3615 independent of any ambient noise. Alternatively, UIP 3600 or audio codec 3610 can verify that microphone 3617 produces a signal at the same time as the signal is sent to speaker amplifier 3612.

[0605] UIP 3600 can provide a series of different wireless signals for different uses. UIP 3600 can use chips 3621, 3620, and 3622 and antennas 3720 and 3722 to communicate with the hospital wireless network via dual-band WiFi. Spatially diverse dual-band can be desirable because it can be able to overcome dead spots within a room due to multipath and cancellation. The hospital device gateway can transmit DERS, CQI (continuous quality improvement), prescriptions, patient data, and the like to infusion pump 500 via the WiFi system.

[0606] A Bluetooth system using the same chips 3621, 3620, and 3622 (see FIG. 59F ) and antennas 3720 and 3722 (see FIG. 59E ) can provide a convenient method of connecting the following accessories to infusion pump 500, which can include pulse oximeters, blood pressure readers, bar code readers, tablet computers, telephones, and the like. Bluetooth can include version 4.0 to allow low-power accessories, which can periodically communicate with infusion pump 500, such as a continuous glucose meter that sends an updated reading once a minute.

[0607] An NFC system can be provided by NFC controller 3624 (see FIG. 59F ) and antenna 3724 (see FIG. 59IThe NFC controller 3624 can also be referred to as an RFID reader. The NFC system can be used to identify RDID chips containing pharmaceutical or other invention information. RFID can also be used to identify patients and caregivers. The NFC controller 3624 can also interact with similar RFID readers on, for example, a telephone or tablet computer to input information including prescriptions, barcode information, patient and caregiver identities, etc. The NFC controller 3624 can also provide information such as the history or maintenance status of the infusion pump 500 to the telephone or tablet computer. Preferably, the RFID antennas 3720 and 3722 and / or the NFC antenna 3724 are positioned around or near the display 514 screen, so that whether reading RFID chips or interacting with the touchscreen display 514 or other data input devices 516 near the display, the interaction with the infusion pump 500 occurs on or near the display 514.

[0608] UIP 3600 may include medical-grade connector 3665 (see FIG. 60 This allows other medical devices to be inserted into the infusion pump 500 and provides additional capabilities. Connector 3665 can be specifically implemented as a USB interface.

[0609] Display 514 may include RFID antennas 3720 and 3722, NFC antenna 3724, display 514, touchscreen 3735, LCD backlight driver 3727, light sensor 3740, 16-channel LED driver 3745, LED indicator lights 3747 and 3749, and three buttons 3760, 3765, and 3767. These buttons may be collectively referred to herein as data input device 516. Display 514 may include a backlight 3727 and a backlight sensor 3740 to allow the brightness of display 514 to automatically respond to and / or adjust to backlight. The first button 3760 may be a "power" button, and the other button 3765 may be an infusion stop button. These buttons 3760 and 3765 may not provide direct control of the infusion pump 500, but rather provide signals to the UIP 3600 to start or terminate the infusion. The third button 3767 may mute the alarm or warning from the main speaker 3615 and the backup speaker 3468. Mute the alarm or warning; instead of clearing the error, it will terminate the audible alarm or warning. The electrical system 4000 described above, or alternative embodiments thereof, may be used in conjunction with the syringe pump 500 described herein.

[0610] FIG. 60 An example embodiment of the infusion pump assembly 501 is shown. FIG. 59A It has been removed from the middle. FIG. 60The syringe pump assembly housing 503 is shown. As shown, the syringe pump 504 is positioned on the syringe pump assembly 501 and held by the syringe holder 518. The slider assembly 800 is located approximately at the midpoint of the axial length of the lead screw 850. Because the piston tube 524 connects the slider assembly 800 to the piston head assembly 522, the piston head assembly 522 is positioned such that it has caused the syringe piston 544 to dispense approximately half of the c...

Claims

1. An infusion pump for administering medication to a patient, the infusion pump comprising: Lead screw; A cam, which is connected to a rod, the rod being spring-biased; An assembly having a first arm and a second arm, each having a first end and a second end, wherein the second end of the first arm and the second arm is configured to engage the lead screw, the first arm and the second arm are pivotally connected together, the first end of the first arm and the second arm is configured to engage the cam such that actuating the cam toward the assembly causes the second end of the first arm and the second arm to pivotally approach each other, and each of the second ends of the first arm and the second arm includes a thread configured to engage the lead screw when the second end of the first arm and the second arm approaches each other by actuation of the cam; and A piston head, which is connected to the assembly via a cam coupled to the rod, and which is connected to the flange of the syringe piston via a pivotable pawl member, to operatively drive the syringe piston into the syringe barrel.

2. The syringe pump according to claim 1, further comprising: First piston flange clamping claw; and Second piston flange clamping claw The first piston flange clamping pawl and the second piston flange clamping pawl are configured to actuate from a first position to a second position.

3. The syringe pump according to claim 2, wherein, The piston head also includes a pressure sensor for monitoring the pressure of the medication being discharged from the syringe.

4. The syringe pump according to claim 3, wherein, The piston flange of the syringe is held against the pressure sensor.

5. The syringe pump according to claim 4, wherein, The piston flange of the syringe is held against the pressure sensor by at least one of the first piston flange clamping claw and the second piston flange clamping claw.

6. The syringe pump according to claim 1, wherein, The syringe pump also includes a syringe flange clamp configured to secure the syringe barrel flange.

7. The syringe pump according to claim 6, wherein, The syringe flange clamp includes an optical sensor and a light source configured to detect the presence of the syringe flange, wherein the light source is blocked when the syringe flange is present.

8. The syringe pump according to claim 1, wherein, The piston head includes a user actuator operatively coupled to the cam to actuate the cam toward or away from the assembly.

9. The syringe pump according to claim 1, further comprising: A spacer is connected to one of the first arm and the second arm.

10. The syringe pump according to claim 1, further comprising: A pivot pin configured to provide a pivotal connection between the first arm and the second arm.

11. The syringe pump according to claim 1, wherein, The cam includes two ramp surfaces configured to engage the first ends of the first arm and the second arm.

12. The syringe pump according to claim 1, further comprising: A biasing member configured to bias the second ends of the first arm and the second arm away from each other.

13. The syringe pump according to claim 12, wherein, The biasing component is a spring.

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