Enteral supply syringe detection

Abstract

An apparatus and a method of controlling the apparatus. The device may include a controller for controlling operation of the pumping device to generate a fluid flow in the pump set, the controller including a processor and a memory, the controller adapted to store syringe size data in the memory, the controller is configured to execute a syringe detection procedure in the processor to determine the presence and size of a syringe loaded onto the flow control device.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 374,433, filed on September 2, 2022, entitled “ENTERAL FEEDING SYRINGEDETECTION,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to fluid delivery and, more particularly, to an enteral feeding pump assembly configured to detect a syringe loaded on the assembly. Background Art

[0004] Patients who cannot take oral medication or nutrition can be affected by using a peristaltic flow control system. Usually, in such a system, fluid is delivered to the patient by a pump group (including a flexible elastic tube loaded on a flow control device (such as a peristaltic pump)), and the pump group delivers the fluid to the patient at a controlled delivery rate. A peristaltic pump usually has a housing, which includes a rotor operably engaged to a motor by a gear box. The rotor drives the fluid through the flexible tube of the pump group by a peristaltic action, and the peristaltic action is achieved by the reversible compression produced by the impact (such as extrusion) of one or more rollers on the rotor. The rotation of the rotor gradually compresses the elastic tube driving the fluid at a controlled rate. The pump group may have a valve mechanism, which is used to allow or prevent fluid flow to be communicated through the pump group. The flow control system may also have a controller, which operably adjusts one or more motors that effectively control the flow of fluid.

[0005] Peristaltic pumps operate by delivering fluid in small amounts called "aliquots." A rotor engages the elastic tubing of the pump set, squeezing a portion of the tubing off and pushing the fluid forward of the squeezing point, e.g., closer to the patient than the source of the fluid toward the patient. Typically, the volume of fluid administered to the patient in the pump is controlled by counting the number of aliquots (each of substantially the same volume) and stopping when the number reaches an amount corresponding to the total desired volume of fluid to be delivered. Peristaltic pumps are sanitary and generally accurate, and are therefore very useful in administering medications and therapeutic fluids to patients. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a feeding system including an enteral feeding pump, a pump support, a feeding set assembly, and a syringe.

[0007] Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of a feeding system including an enteral feeding pump and a portion of a feeding set assembly.

[0008] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 , but with portions of the box of the supply kit components removed.

[0009] Figure 4 is a front perspective view of an enteral feeding pump.

[0010] Figure 5 is a front perspective view of the pump support and syringe of the supply kit assembly.

[0011] Figure 6 is a front perspective view of the pump support.

[0012] Fig. 7A is a front perspective view of the syringe holder of the pump support.

[0013] Figure 7B yes Fig. 7A Partial view of the aspect.

[0014] Figure 7C yes Fig. 7A Partial view of the aspect.

[0015] Figure 8 is a block diagram illustrating components of an enteral feeding pump that may be used to implement one or more aspects disclosed herein.

[0016] Fig. 9 is a flow chart of the syringe size detection routine.

[0017] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B One example of a flange retainer according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0018] Fig.11 An example of a flange retainer according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0019] Fig.12 An example of a flange retainer according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0020] Fig.13 An example of a flange retainer according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0021] Fig.14 An example of a flange retainer according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0022] Fig.15 An example of a flange retainer according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0023] Fig.16 An example of a flange retainer according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0024] Fig.17A and Fig. 17B An example of a follower according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0025] Fig.18 An example of a follower according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0026] Fig.19 An example of a follower according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0027] Fig. 20 and Fig.21 An example of a follower according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0028] Fig. 22 An example of a follower according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0029] Fig.23 An example of a follower according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0030] Fig.24A and Fig. 24B A top view and a partial perspective bottom view, respectively, of an example of a follower according to aspects of the present disclosure are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] One or more aspects of the present disclosure relate to an enteral feed pump, which is configured to install and detect a syringe assembly for supplying fluid to a patient (e.g., an infant) enterally. Any one or more advantageous features or structures that provide or promote any one or more of these features can be implemented in the enteral feed pumps used in various commercial and industrial applications. Therefore, although the detailed discussion is directed to an enteral feed pump with a supply kit assembly including a cassette, any one or more features of the present disclosure can be adopted or implemented in other pumps. For example, although the example of the pump described herein is a rotary peristaltic enteral feed pump, the present disclosure can be applied to other types of peristaltic pumps (not shown), including medical infusion pumps. In addition, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, one or more of the various features and aspects of the present disclosure can be implemented in a peristaltic pump using a mechanism other than a roller, such as a linear peristaltic pump. In addition, a supply kit assembly (not shown) that does not include a cassette can also be used within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0032] Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to the Figure 1-Figure 4, an exemplary enteral feeding pump (broadly, a "flow control device") constructed according to any one or more principles of the present disclosure is generally indicated at 1. The feeding pump may include a housing, generally indicated at 3, which is configured to mount a cassette, generally indicated at 5, of a feeding set assembly (broadly, a "pump set"), generally indicated at 7. The feeding set assembly 7 may include a syringe assembly 12 connected to the cassette 5 via a tube 77. The cassette 5 of the feeding set assembly 7 is releasably attached to the housing 3. In the illustrated aspect, the cassette housing 9 of the cassette is removably received in a cassette recess 6 ( Figure 4 ). It should be understood that "housing" as used herein may include many forms of support structures (not shown), including but not limited to multi-part structures and structures that do not surround or contain working parts of the pump 1. The pump 1 has a display screen 10 on the housing 3 that is capable of displaying information about the status and operation of the pump. In addition, various aspects and features of the present disclosure can be implemented without the recess 6. One or more buttons 11 that may be proximate to the display screen 10 may be provided for controlling the pump 1 and obtaining information from the pump 1, and one or more light emitting diodes 13 may provide status information of the pump.

[0033] The display screen 10 may be part of a front panel (generally indicated at 19) of the housing 3 and may be removably attached to the housing. The enteral feeding pump also includes a display screen generally indicated at 23 ( Figure 3 and Figure 4 ) of a pumping unit or device, the pumping unit or device comprising a pump motor 27 ( Figure 8 ). A battery (not shown) may be received in the housing 3 for powering the pump motor. A power source other than or in addition to the battery may be used to power the pump, which includes one or more prime movers that drive a pumping unit via a rotor shaft. The pumping unit 23 has a rotor (generally indicated as 37) that may be coupled to the rotor shaft, and the pumping unit 23 may be referred to as a pumping device. The rotor 37 may include an inner disk 39, an outer disk 41, and a roller 43 mounted between the inner and outer disks for rotation about their longitudinal axes relative to the disks. The roller 43 engages a tube 45 ( Figure 3), the tube 45 forms part of a cassette 5 of a pump set (which may be referred to interchangeably throughout the disclosure as a pump set) to deliver fluid to a subject through a supply kit assembly 7 when the cassette 5 is attached to the housing 3. For example, a nutrient solution (e.g., breast milk and / or a fortifier) ​​may be delivered to an infant using the pump 1, the cassette 5, and the supply kit assembly 7 based on a delivery cycle. Other fluids may also be delivered using the pump 1 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In the illustrated aspect, the fluid in the syringe 14 is drawn out of the syringe by vacuum pressure applied by the pumping unit 23. In other words, the plunger is not used to drive the delivery of the fluid, and no pressure is applied to the plunger 20 of the syringe 14. Not applying pressure or other force to the plunger 20 of the syringe 14 may improve the ease of mounting the syringe 14 into the holder 62, as described below, and may improve the accuracy of syringe detection and the supply of the contents of the syringe 14. Not applying pressure may also allow greater freedom of movement using a plunger follower without accidentally introducing motion into the syringe plunger. However, aspects of the present disclosure have the same application if fluid from syringe 14 is delivered from the syringe in other ways, such as by driving the plunger into the barrel of the syringe.

[0034] refer to Figure 1 as well as Figure 5 7, the pump support is generally indicated as 16. The pump support 16 includes a base 60 for supporting the pump support on a horizontal support surface (such as a desktop) and a syringe holder 62 attached to the base for fixing the syringe 14 to the base. It will be understood that the base can also be configured to support the pump on other surfaces or structures, including but not limited to non-horizontal surfaces. As will be explained in more detail below, the holder 62 is configured to detect the presence and / or size of the syringe 14 mounted to the holder. In one aspect, the syringe 14 and the syringe holder 62 include a syringe assembly 12. However, a separate syringe 14 or a syringe and a tube connected to the syringe may include a syringe assembly. When the pump is mounted on the pump support, the pump support 16 supports the syringe 14 relative to the pump 1. Alternatively, the pump support 16 can be configured as a syringe bracket so that the holder receives and supports the syringe 14 but does not mount and / or support the pump 1. The syringe 14 may be a conventional syringe including a barrel 18, which may be graduated, and a plunger 20 slidably received in the barrel 18. The syringe 14 may also have other configurations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0035] The base 60 has a flat bottom surface 64 for resting the base on a horizontal support surface. A rear wall 66 extends upward from the bottom surface 64 and mounts the pump 1 to the base 60. A pair of side walls 68 extend laterally from the back wall 66 opposite to the opposite sides of the pump 1 (when the pump is mounted to the base 60). The rear wall 66 and the side walls 68 together define a receiving space for the pump 1. The rear wall 66 is attached to the retainer 62 to position the retainer relative to the base 60.

[0036] refer to Figure 6 7, the syringe holder 62 includes a base plate 86, a rear wall 88 extending from the base plate, and an opposing side wall 90 extending laterally from the rear wall and away from the base plate. The base plate 86, the rear wall 88, and the side wall 90 together define a receiving space 92 for at least a portion of the syringe 14. A first pair of flanges 94 extend from the corresponding side wall 90 of the holder 62 near the top of the holder. Each side wall 90 has a recessed portion 99 above the flange 94, which forms a second pair of flanges 96 spaced longitudinally upward from the first pair of flanges 94. A portion of the barrel 18 of the syringe 14 is received between the first pair of flanges 94 and between the second pair of flanges 96. The flanges 94, 96 prevent the barrel 18 from moving in the holder 62 along an axis parallel to the rear wall 88. A pair of track guides 98 may extend between the base plate 86 and the first pair of flanges 94.

[0037] A flange retainer 100 (which may be interchangeably referred to as a flange plate) is fixedly disposed at the top end of the track 98, and a plunger follower 102 (which may alternatively be referred to as a slide plate) is configured to move or slide along the track in response to movement of the syringe plunger 20. In some examples, the plunger follower 102 is freely slidable along the track 98 to follow the movement of the syringe plunger 20. A gap 104 is formed between the first pair of flanges 94 and the flange retainer 100. The gap 104 is configured to receive the flange 58 ( Figure 5). The gap 104 can be configured to slidably receive or otherwise engage the flange 58 of the syringe 14. In some examples, the gap 104 can have a dimension (e.g., width or length) that is slightly less than the thickness of the flange 58 of the syringe 14. Thus, the flange 58 remains fixed between the flange 94 and the flange retainer 100, thereby preventing longitudinal movement of the barrel 18 of the syringe 14 within the retainer 62. The flange 94 and / or the flange retainer 100 can be formed of an elastic or otherwise semi-rigid or rigid elastic material to allow either or both of the flange 94 and / or the flange retainer 100 to bend sufficiently to allow the flange 58 of the syringe 14 to be inserted into the gap 104 and to controllably retain the flange 58 until the user or technician intentionally removes the syringe 14 from the retainer 62. Additionally, the flange retainer may be connected to the holder 62 via a spring mechanism that further allows the flange of the syringe to be installed and controlled to be retained until the user or technician intentionally removes the syringe 14 from the holder 62 . Figure 7C A partial enlarged view of the flange holder 100 is shown. The flange holder can have one or more mounting points or portions 103 that are concave and have an opening for receiving a fastener 105 therethrough and a spring or biasing member 101 therein. The fastener 101 can be passed through the center of the spring or biasing member 101 and can then be threaded into the holder 62. The partial threads on the fastener 105 and the concave mounting portion can accommodate the spring therein (held in place by the fastener 105) and allow the flange holder 100 to be biased upward while allowing movement in a downward direction when the flange of the syringe 14 is installed.

[0038] The flange retainer 100 can be U-shaped and, as described above, can be formed of a semi-flexible or rigid elastomeric material (such as plastic), which can include any one or combination of thermoplastic elastomers, monomers, polyester copolyesters, and / or their equivalents, to name a few non-limiting examples. The flange retainer 100 can be shaped and / or can include features that improve the ease of installation of the syringe 14, allow for the use of multiple sizes of syringes, and / or tactilely or mechanically guide the user or technician to properly install the syringe into the gap 104 of the retainer 62. The following reference Figure 10A-Figure 16 Additional details of the flange retainer 100 and alternatives that may be used with aspects of the present disclosure are described in further detail.

[0039] In one example, when the syringe 14 is received in the holder 62, the flange 44 of the plunger 20 can be held between the latch 121 (which can alternatively be referred to as a slider) and the plunger follower 102. The latch 121 can be actuatable, for example, in a manner typically provided by Figure 4The latch 121 can then be moved back in the opposite direction toward the rear wall 88 (i.e., in a direction generally opposite to the direction of arrow 123) to secure the plunger flange 44 to the plunger follower 102. The plunger follower 102 can have one or more biasing members or springs (not visible) configured to bias the slider 121 to the rear wall 88. Fig. 7A Thus, the catch 121 is biased into the engaged position to controllably engage the flange 44 of the plunger 20, such that the plunger follower 102 is removably connected to the flange 44 (and thus follows the path of the plunger 20), e.g., as the pump 1 withdraws the contents of the syringe 14, until the user disengages the flange 44 from the plunger follower 102. Fig. 7A In the example shown, to engage or otherwise install the flange 44 of the plunger 20 when installing the syringe 14 into the holder 62, the user can place their thumb or other finger on the pressing surface 127 of the plunger follower 102. The user can then use their index and middle fingers or other fingers to pull the two or more gripping portions 121a, 121b toward the pressing surface 127 (i.e., generally in the direction of arrow 123). The user can then place the flange 44 onto the top surface 129 of the plunger follower 102 and release or otherwise reduce the pulling force applied to the gripping portions 121a and / or 121b (and thereby allow the lock 121 to return toward the rest position). The spring force biasing the lock 121 in a direction opposite to the direction of arrow 123 can then cause a portion of the lock to engage the flange 44 in a controlled manner until the user or technician intentionally removes the flange 44 by pulling the gripping portion 121a and / or portion 121b toward the pressing surface 127 again in the direction of arrow 123. Figures 17A-24B Additional details of the plunger follower 102 and alternatives that may be used with aspects of the present disclosure are described in greater detail.

[0040] As will be explained in more detail below, fluid drawn from the barrel 18 of the syringe 14 causes the plunger 20 to move away from the base plate 86. Because the flange 44 of the plunger 20 is captured between the catch 121 and the plunger follower 102, the plunger follower 102 follows the movement of the plunger, and the plunger follower 102 moves along the track 98 in response to the movement of the plunger. A connecting arm that allows the retainer 62 to be fastened to the base 60 or the pump support 16 can extend from one of the side walls 90 and be configured to attach the retainer 62 to the base 60.

[0041] refer to Figure 17 , a sensor 115 may be attached to the rear wall 88 of the holder 62 to detect placement of the syringe 14 in the holder and / or movement of the syringe's plunger 20 relative to the holder. In the illustrated aspect, the sensor 115 includes a linear potentiometer or may include a linear resistance potentiometer. However, other sensor types may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the sensor 115 may be a Hall effect sensor, a plurality of Hall effect sensors or an array thereof, and / or an array of Hall effect devices. When the syringe 14 is properly loaded onto the holder 62, a contact feature 116 on the holder (e.g., the plunger follower 102) engages (i.e., directly contacts) the sensor 115. In some examples, the contact feature 116 may be, for example, a ball stop (e.g., as provided by Fig. 24B 2416 in the figure) or a spring-loaded mechanical contact feature. For example, the plunger 20 can make the contact feature 116 contact the sensor 115. In one aspect, the circuit of the sensor 115 is normally closed. However, the pressure from the contact feature 116 can be divided, causing the analog signal to change, thereby indicating that the syringe 14 has been properly loaded onto the holder 62. If no change in the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) value is detected when the syringe 14 is loaded onto the holder 62, the pump 1 can continue to prompt the user to load the syringe onto the holder. The sensor 115 and the contact feature 116 may include a first syringe presence detection component, and the process of using the sensor and the contact feature to detect the presence of the syringe 14 may include a first syringe presence detection routine, which can be operated by a controller 72 of the pump 1 operably connected to the sensor.

[0042] Additionally, the flange sensor 112 may be associated with (eg, disposed on or attached to) the retainer 62 , and the magnet 118 may be associated with (eg, disposed on or attached to) the flange retainer 100 .

[0043] In one aspect, the magnet 118 may, for example, include one or more permanent magnets. The permanent magnets may, for example, include magnetized ferromagnetic materials or materials containing magnetized materials and / or particles. Because the flange retainer 100 is cantilevered from the rear wall 88, and the gap 104 may be slightly smaller than the thickness of the barrel flange 58, the free end of the plate may deflect (i.e., move downward) when the barrel flange is received in the gap. The downward deflection of the flange retainer 100 causes the movement of the magnet 118, which may be sensed by the flange sensor 112. For example, the flange sensor 112 may be a Hall effect sensor that detects changes in magnetic field strength caused by the movement of the magnet 118. This change in magnetic field strength may provide a secondary indication that the syringe 14 is present in the retainer 62. In a broad sense, the flange sensor 112 and the magnet 118 may include a second syringe presence detection assembly, and the process of using the sensor and the magnet to detect the presence of the syringe 14 may include a second syringe presence detection routine operated by the controller 72 of the pump 1 operably connected to the sensor.

[0044] A door or gate 106 (broadly, a syringe clamp) can be pivotally attached between one of the first pair of flanges 94 and one of the second pair of flanges 96 and can be moved between an open position allowing the syringe 14 to be received in the receiving space 92 and a closed position for retaining the syringe (i.e., barrel 18) in the receiving space. Figure 7B 1 shows a view of an example of a pivot axis 107 about which the gate 106 is configured to pivot. One or more springs 111 can bias the gate 106 to a closed position. The sensor 108 ( Fig. 7A ) may be provided on the retainer 62 to detect the position of the door 106 as the door 106 moves between the open position and the closed position. For example, the magnets 109a and / or 109b ( Figure 7B) may be located in the gate 106 so that a magnetic field change is detected based on the angular position of the magnet relative to the sensor 108. Thus, when the gate 106 is opened to provide a passage for the syringe barrel 18 to be received in the holder 62 and then closed around the barrel to fix the syringe to the holder, the angular position of the gate 106 is detected. Although two examples of magnet positions 109a, 109b are shown, it should be noted that in one example, the magnet may be located at any position on the gate 106. As will be explained in more detail below, when the barrel 18 is fixed in the holder by the gate, the angular position of the gate 106 can be used to determine the size of the syringe 14. In one aspect, the sensor 108 includes an angle sensor. In some aspects, the angle sensor may be embedded or otherwise located at the surface of the body of the rear wall 88 or the holder 62 or approximately at the surface of the body of the rear wall 88 or the holder 62. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the angle sensor may be located on and / or within a flexible circuit board or a flexible printed circuit board. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the location of the flexible printed circuit board and / or the angle sensor may allow the surface of the body of the holder to be easily cleaned and / or sterilized.Broadly speaking, the sensor 108 and magnet 109 may comprise a syringe size detection assembly.

[0045] refer to Figure 7A-Figure 9, the controller 72 in the pump 1 can initiate a syringe size detection routine to determine the size of the syringe received in the holder 62. The syringe size detection can be based on stored syringe size data stored in the memory 93 as described below. Once the gate 106 has fully secured the barrel 18 of the syringe 14 to the holder 62, the sensor 108 detects the position of the dividing line between the north pole and the south pole on the magnet 109 at 200. The angle of the magnet 109 is then determined by the sensor 108 using an integrated Hall device at 202. The proportional digital value of the magnetic field is then transmitted to the controller 72 at 204. The magnetic field signal or syringe size reading is compared to the corresponding statistically generated digital size range data 85 previously programmed and stored in the memory 93 of the controller 72 at 206. If the magnetic field angle falls within one of the programmed size ranges, and the presence of the syringe 14 has been previously detected and confirmed by two syringe presence detection routines, the size of the syringe is indicated by the pump 1 at 208. For example, the display screen 10 of the pump 1 can show the size of the syringe that has been detected (e.g., a 60 mL syringe). The pump 1 may then prompt the user at 210 to confirm that the detected syringe size is correct. For example, the pump 1 may display a question on the display screen 10 with the option to select "Yes" or "No" to confirm that the detected syringe size is correct. However, if the magnetic field angle falls outside the programmed size range, the pump 1 may display a prompt on the display screen 10 for the user at 212 to select a syringe size from a list of options or to manually enter the syringe size. For example, the display screen 10 may show four syringe sizes and an "other" option for the user to select. Once the user detects or selects the syringe size, the pump 1 may be operated to pump fluid from the syringe assembly. In one aspect, unless both the first syringe presence detection routine and the second syringe presence detection routine indicate that a syringe is present, the syringe size detection routine determines the size of the syringe, and the syringe size has been confirmed or identified, the operation of the pump 1 to deliver fluid from the syringe 14 is prevented.

[0046] The holder 62 may also be configured to detect movement of the plunger 20 during pumping of fluid from the syringe 14. The contacts of the potentiometer 115 may be disposed on a movable portion of the holder 62, such as the plunger follower 102, such that movement of the plunger follower 102 causes the contacts to move along the potentiometer 115. Some non-limiting examples of the one or more contacts are shown in Fig. 7A114a and / or 114b. Because the barrel 18 is held fixed in the holder 62, the plunger 20 will move into the barrel as the fluid is withdrawn from the barrel (e.g., via the pump 1). The flange 44 of the plunger 20 is fixed to the plunger follower 102, so that as the plunger moves into the barrel 18, the plunger follower 102 is caused to move along the track 98. Therefore, in this aspect of the present disclosure, the movement of the contact 114 represents the movement of the plunger 20 relative to the barrel 18 and the holder 62, which is caused by the supply fluid withdrawn from the syringe 14. In other words, the movement of the contact corresponds to the distance that the plunger 20 has been advanced into the barrel 18. In addition, the outer diameter of the barrel 18 can be inferred from the angular position of the gate 106 to identify the appropriate calibration constant to be used, which directly relates the change in the position of the plunger 20 to the change in the volume of fluid delivered. Alternatively, since the cross-sectional area of ​​the lumen of the barrel 18 is known from the detection of the syringe size, the potentiometer 115 can be calibrated so that the movement of the contact 114 indicates the volume of fluid expelled from the syringe 14. Specifically, by knowing the inner diameter of the barrel 18 of the syringe 14, combined with the distance that the plunger follower 102 / plunger 20 has moved, the volume of fluid delivered from the syringe 14 can be determined. The potentiometer 115 can be electrically connected to the controller 72 for receiving a position signal from the potentiometer 115, which indicates the movement of the plunger follower 102, such as when the contents of the barrel 18 of the syringe 12 are drawn out by the pump 1. The controller 72 can be located in the pump 1 or can be located away from the pump 1 and communicate with the pump 1. For example, the controller 72 can be located in the pump support 16. In aspects where the plunger 20 is held fixed and the barrel 18 moves relative to the plunger, the movement of the contact indicates the movement of the barrel 18.

[0047] An exemplary supply kit assembly 7 can be used for enteral feeding of newborns to achieve metered fluid delivery using enteral feeding pump 1. In this method, enteral liquid is sucked into syringe 14 by pulling back plunger 20. The amount of enteral liquid can be measured using the scale marks on the barrel 18 of syringe 14. When syringe 14 is loaded in the holder 62 of pump support 16 and attached to tube 77, pump 1 is configured to deliver the supply solution in syringe to the subject. The operation of pump 1 causes roller 43 to engage with tube 45 in box housing 9 to pump supply solution from syringe 14 to the subject. The engagement of tube 45 with roller 43 causes roller 43 to occlude tube 45. If pump support 16 is configured so that syringe is oriented in the vertical direction, wherein tip 24 faces upward, gravity does not assist in drawing supply fluid out of syringe. In addition, there is no direct actuation of plunger 20 that forces fluid to leave barrel 18 upward. Thus, when rotor 37 rotates to occlude tube 45 with roller 34, air (not liquid) is first drawn from inlet tube 77 and barrel 18 of syringe 14, which increases the vacuum pressure within the syringe. After a sufficient number of rotor rotations, vacuum pressure is created in inlet tube 77 and syringe 14. Continued rotation of rotor 37 draws the contents of barrel 18 (e.g., feed fluid or product) through inlet 69 of cartridge housing 9 and tube 45 into inlet tube 77 to be pumped by pump 1 into outlet tube 83 to the subject.

[0048] The pump 1 may be programmed or otherwise controlled to operate in a desired manner. For example, the pump 1 may begin operation to provide a supply of fluid from the syringe 14 to the subject. A user (such as a caregiver) may select, for example, the amount of fluid to be delivered, the flow rate of the fluid, and the frequency of fluid delivery. The pump 1 may have a controller 72 ( Figure 8 ), the controller 72 includes a processor such as a microprocessor 89 that allows it to be programmed and / or includes a pre-programmed operating routine, such as an algorithm, that can be initiated by a user. The controller 72 can also be connected to the pump motor 27 for controlling its operation to actuate the rotor 37.

[0049] The amount of supply fluid delivered to the subject is typically controlled by the number of revolutions of rotor 37 (e.g., Figure 345 ). In one aspect, the rotor 37 may include three rollers 43 such that each third of a rotation delivers an aliquot of fluid to the subject. As each roller 43 first engages the tube 45, it squeezes the tube off, thereby shutting off a certain amount of fluid from the fluid source forward (i.e., toward the subject). The rollers 43 continue to rotate counterclockwise, pushing the roller's squeezed-off fluid volume (e.g., aliquot) forward toward the subject. Finally, the guide roller 43 releases engagement with the tube 45, and at about the same time, the traction roller engages the tube to squeeze it off, thereby delivering the next aliquot of the fluid. Thus, in one aspect, an algorithm may be used to determine the correct flow rate. In one aspect, when the microprocessor 89 receives a command to deliver a selected fluid flow rate, it may calculate the number of revolutions that will deliver multiple aliquots that produce the desired flow rate within a given time period (e.g., a delivery cycle). The selected flow rate may be a rate entered or selected by a physician, nurse, or other caregiver, or may be a default delivery rate preprogrammed into the pump 1.

[0050] Aspects of the present disclosure may be described in the general context of computer executable instructions (such as program modules) executed by one or more computers or other devices. Computer executable instructions may be organized into one or more computer executable components or modules, including but not limited to routines, programs, objects, parts, and data structures that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. Aspects may be implemented with any number and organization of such parts or modules. For example, different features or aspects are not limited to specific computer executable instructions or specific parts or modules illustrated in the figures and described herein. Other aspects may include different computer executable instructions or parts with more or less functionality than illustrated and described herein.

[0051] Further, unless otherwise specified, the order in which the operations in any aspect illustrated and described herein are performed or executed is not essential. That is, unless otherwise specified, the operations may be performed in any order, and aspects may include more or fewer operations than those disclosed herein. For example, it is contemplated that it is within the scope of one or more aspects to perform or execute a particular operation before, simultaneously with, or after another operation.

[0052] In operation, the microprocessor 89 of the controller 72 executes computer executable instructions (such as those illustrated in the figure) to implement one or more aspects disclosed herein. Any of the different aspects may also be practiced in a distributed computing environment in which tasks are performed by remote processing devices linked via a communication network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in local and remote computer storage media including memory storage devices.

[0053] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10BAn example of a flange retainer 1000 that can be used with aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The flange retainer 1000 can be used with the flange retainer 1000 described above. Figure 1 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 7 and the flange retainer 100 shares features and / or may be used with the flange retainer 100 described above with respect to Figure 1 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 7 . The flange retainer 1000 may be specially shaped and / or may include features that improve the ease of installing the syringe 14, allow for the use of multiple sized syringes, and / or tactilely or mechanically guide a user or technician to properly install the syringe into the gap 104 of the retainer 62. For example, the flange retainer 1000 may include a tactile or guiding portion 1052 for guiding or otherwise preventing incorrect orientation of the flange 58. Fig. 10A An example of a guide portion 1052 in the embodiment is an elongated protrusion extending from an upper surface 1053 of the flange holder 1000. The tactile or guide portion 1052 prevents the flange 58 of the syringe from being incorrectly mounted on the flange holder 1000 and the flange (e.g., Figure 6 and the gap between the flange 94 in FIG. 7 . Fig. 10A As shown, when the flange 58 is correctly installed, the flange does not contact (clears) the tactile or guide portion 1052 of the flange retainer 1000. If the flange is installed incorrectly (e.g., Fig. 10B ), the flange 58 interferes with or otherwise impacts the tactile or guide portion 1052, thereby indicating to the user that the flange 58 and / or associated syringe (e.g., Figure 1 and Figure 8 The syringe 14 in the embodiment should be rotated (e.g., in the direction of arrow RR) to a correct orientation that does not contact the tactile or guide portion 1052 (e.g., Fig. 10A ). The flange retainer 1000 may additionally have an opening or gap portion 1054 for circumventing or otherwise allowing the plunger (e.g., Figure 1 and Figure 5 The plunger 20 of the syringe 14 in the embodiment of the present invention passes through the syringe 14. Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B As shown in the example of , the gap portion 1054 can be u-shaped. The flange retainer 1000 can additionally include one or more syringe flange guide portions 1050. The syringe flange guide portion 1050 can, for example, be inclined or otherwise shaped to go or slope from a thinner profile to a thicker profile to further assist the user in installing the syringe into the gap 104 (between the flange 94 and the flange retainer (100, 1000a) of the retainer 62. Fig. 7A )middle.

[0054] Fig.11 An example of a flange retainer 1100 that can be used with aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The flange retainer 1100 can be used with the flange retainer 1100 described above. Figure 1 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 7 and the flange retainer 100 shares features and / or may be used with the flange retainer 100 described above with respect to Figure 1 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 Similar to the flange retainer 100 described in FIG. 7. Fig.11 The tactile or guiding portion 1052 in the embodiment is similar or analogous and may provide Fig.11 In addition to the tactile or guide portion 1152 having similar advantages as the tactile or guide portion 1052 in the embodiment of the present invention, the flange retainer 1100 can additionally include a surface depression 1156, which is concave or stepped down from the upper surface 1153. The surface depression 1156 can additionally include a first depression portion 1156b and a second depression portion 1156a, which is stepped down from the first depression portion 1156b. The second depression portion 1156a and the first depression portion 1156b can be sized to receive flanges of syringes of different sizes or types. For example, the first depression portion 1156b can be configured to receive or otherwise engage a first type of syringe flange, and the first depression portion 1156b can be configured to receive or otherwise engage a second type of syringe flange that is different from the first type of syringe flange. In one example, a first syringe flange may correspond to a syringe having a smaller volume capacity than a second syringe corresponding to a second syringe flange, or vice versa.The surface depressions described below may aid in placement and detection of syringes by helping guide a user to correctly place the flange of the syringe into the depression.

[0055] The flange retainer 1100 may additionally have an opening or gap portion 1154 for circumventing or otherwise allowing the plunger (e.g., Figure 1 and Figure 5 The plunger 20 of the syringe 14 in the embodiment of the present invention passes through the syringe 14. Fig.11 As shown in the example of , the gap portion 1054 may have a first gap portion 1154a of a first size (e.g., diameter or radius), and the gap portion 1054 may have a second gap portion 1154b corresponding to a second size. In one example, the first gap portion 1154a may correspond to a smaller syringe (e.g., having a smaller radius and diameter) than the second gap portion 1154b (e.g., a syringe having a larger radius or diameter than a smaller syringe).

[0056] Similar to Fig. 10A and Fig. 10BThe flange holder 1000 of the embodiment of the present invention may additionally include one or more syringe flange guide portions 1150. The syringe flange guide portion 1150 may, for example, be sloped or otherwise shaped to progress or slope from a thinner profile to a thicker profile to further assist the user in installing the syringe into the gap 104 (between the flange 94 and the flange holder (100, 1100) of the holder 62. Fig. 7A )middle.

[0057] Fig.12 Another example of a flange retainer 1200 that can be used with aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The flange retainer 1100 can be used with the flange retainer 1200 described above. Figure 1 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 7 and the flange retainer 100, Fig. 10A and 10B The flange holder 1000 and / or Fig.11 The flange retainer 1100 shares features and / or may be used with the flange retainer 1100 described above. Figure 1 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 7 and the flange retainer 100, Fig. 10A and 10B The flange holder 1000 and / or Fig.11 The flange retainer 1100 is similar. Fig.12 As shown, the flange retainer 1200 may have a single surface depression 1254, rather than the above-mentioned Fig.11 The stepped depression. Fig.12 In the example shown, the surface depression 1254 can be compared to Fig.11 The clearance portion 1154 extends further toward the front of the flange holder 1200. The surface depression 1254 can be configured to receive or engage various sizes and types of syringe flanges.

[0058] Fig.13 Another example of a flange retainer 1300 that can be used with aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The flange retainer 1300 can be used with the flange retainer 1300 described above. Figure 1 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 7 and the flange retainer 100, Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B Flange retainer 1000, Fig.11 The flange retainer 1100 and / or Fig.12 The flange retainer 1200 shares features and / or may be used with the above referenced Figure 1 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 7 and the flange retainer 100, Fig. 10A and Fig. 10BFlange retainer 1000, Fig.11 The flange retainer 1100 and / or Fig.12 The flange retainer 1200 is similar. Fig.13 In the example shown, the surface depression 1354 can be compared to Fig.12 The surface depression 1254 extends further toward the front of the flange holder 1200. The surface depression 1356 can be configured to receive or engage multiple sizes and types of syringe flanges. Fig.13 In the example shown in , the tactile or guiding portion (e.g., Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B 1052 of them Fig.11 1152 in ).

[0059] Fig.14 Another example of a flange retainer 1400 that can be used with aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The flange retainer 1400 can be used with the flange retainer 1400 described above. Figure 1 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 7 and the flange retainer 100, Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B Flange retainer 1000, Fig.11 Flange retainer 1100, Fig.12 The flange holder 1200 and / or Fig.13 The flange retainer 1300 shares features and / or may be used with the above referenced Figure 1 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 7 and the flange retainer 100, Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B Flange retainer 1000, Fig.11 Flange retainer 1100, Fig.12 The flange holder 1200 and / or Fig.13 The flange retainer 1300 is similar. Fig.14 In the example shown, the tactile or guide portion 1452 may include a first protrusion 1452a and a second protrusion 1452b. The first protrusion 1452a and the second protrusion 1452b may be spaced or otherwise sized to allow the flange (e.g., Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B The flange 58 in the first protrusion 1452a is fitted between the first protrusion 1452a and the second protrusion 1452b, or the flange is not fitted between the first protrusion 1452a and the second protrusion 1452b. The first protrusion 1452a and the second protrusion 1452b can be Fig. 10A , Fig. 10B The tactile or guiding portion 1052 and Fig.11That is, the first protrusion 1452a and the second protrusion 1452b can ensure the correct alignment of the syringe flange relative to the flange holder 1400. The flange holder 1400 may also include a chamfered portion or angled portion 1456 surrounding or partially surrounding the gap portion 1454, which may further assist in guiding the syringe into the holder.

[0060] Fig.15 A variation of the example of a flange retainer 1500 for use with aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The flange retainer 1500 may be used with the flange retainer 1500 described above. Figure 1 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 7 and the flange retainer 100, Fig. 10A and 10B Flange retainer 1000, Fig.11 Flange retainer 1100, Fig.12 Flange retainer 1200, Fig.13 The flange retainer 1300 and / or Fig.14 The flange retainer 1400 shares features and / or may be used with the flange retainer 1400 described above. Figure 1 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 7 and the flange retainer 100, Fig. 10A and 10B Flange retainer 1000, Fig.11 Flange retainer 1100, Fig.12 Flange retainer 1200, Fig.13 The flange retainer 1300 and / or Fig.14 The flange retainer 1400 is similar. Fig.15 The flange retainer 1500 may include Fig. 10A , Fig. 10B , Fig.11 and Fig.12 The tactile or guiding portion of the flange holder 1500 may also include a chamfered or angled portion 1556 surrounding or partially surrounding the gap portion 1554, which may further assist in guiding the syringe into the holder.

[0061] Fig.16 Another variation of an example of a flange retainer 1600 for use with aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The flange retainer 1600 may be used with the flange retainer 1600 described above. Figure 1 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 7 and the flange retainer 100, Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B Flange retainer 1000, Fig.11 Flange retainer 1100, Fig.12 Flange retainer 1200, Fig.13 Flange retainer 1300, Fig.14 The flange retainer 1400 and / or Fig.15 The flange retainer 1500 shares features and / or may be used with the flange retainer 1500 described above with respect to Figure 1 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 7 and the flange retainer 100, Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B Flange retainer 1000, Fig.11 Flange retainer 1100, Fig.12 Flange retainer 1200, Fig.13 Flange retainer 1300, Fig.14 The flange retainer 1400 and / or Fig.15 The flange retainer 1500 is similar. Fig.16 The flange holder 1600 may include a tactile or guide portion 1642, which is a recessed or stepped down section relative to the surface 1653, which can be sized to receive the flange of the syringe. The tactile or guide portion 1642 can assist the user or technician or ensure the correct alignment of the syringe flange relative to the flange holder 1600.

[0062] Fig.17A and Fig. 17B An example of a follower 1702 that can be used with aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The follower 1702 can be used with the Figure 1 and Figure 5 - The plunger follower 102 described in FIG. 7 is similar or identical to the above Figure 1 and Figure 5 - The plunger follower 102 described in FIG. 7 shares features. The follower 1702 may be slidably mounted on the track 98 via a corresponding follower slider 1726 and although Fig.17A and Fig. 17B 1702 may include the contacts 114 and sensor aspects described above. Figure 1 and Figure 5 The syringe 14 in the embodiment is installed in the holder 62, and the flange (e.g., flange 44) can be removably engaged with the follower 1702 so that the follower 1702 can move with the plunger of the syringe. The dotted circle 1744 represents the plunger flange (e.g., Figure 5 The plunger flange 1744 may be held between a latch engaging portion 1729 (which may alternatively be referred to as a slide) and a second engaging portion 1728 of the latch 1721. The latch 1721 may be actuable so as to, for example, be normally engaged by Fig.17A1723 in the direction indicated by the arrow 1723 in the figure slides away from the second engagement portion 1728 to provide clearance for mounting the plunger flange 1744. The latch 1721 can then be moved in the opposite direction (i.e., with the latch 1724 being moved in the opposite direction). Fig.17A 1729) to secure the plunger flange 1744 by controlled engagement of the plunger flange within a formed groove or recess or otherwise beneath the second engagement portion 1728 and the latch engagement portion 1729. Once the plunger flange 1744 is controlledly engaged between the latch engagement portion 1729 and the second engagement portion 1728, any movement of the plunger causes movement of the follower 1702. The follower 1702 may have one or more biasing members or springs (hidden from view) that are configured to engage with the latch engagement portion 1729 and the second engagement portion 1728. Fig.17A 1744 is biased to a resting state in a direction opposite to the arrow 1723 in FIG. Thus, the latch 1721 is biased to an engaged position to controllably engage the flange of the plunger, such that the plunger follower 1702 is removably connected to the flange 1744 (and thus follows the path of the plunger) until the user disengages the flange 1744 from the plunger follower 1702. Fig.17A and Fig. 17B In the example shown, in order to engage or otherwise mount the flange 1744 of the plunger when installing the syringe into the holder 62, the user can place their thumb or other finger on the pressing surface 1727 of the plunger follower 1702. The user can then use their index and middle fingers or other fingers to pull the two or more gripping portions 1720a (and / or the gripping features not visible on the opposite side of the follower 1702) toward the pressing surface 1727 (i.e., generally in the direction of arrow 1723). As an alternative, the user can simply pull the lock 1721 in the direction of arrow 1271 without contacting the pressing surface 1727. The user can then place the flange 1744 onto the top surface 1772 of the plunger follower 1702 and release the gripping portion 1720a or otherwise reduce the pulling force applied to the gripping portion 1720a, thereby allowing the lock 1721 to return toward the rest position due to the biasing force of the biasing member or spring described above. The biasing force / spring force of the lock 1721 in the direction opposite to the direction of arrow 1723 can then cause the lock engagement portion 1729 and the second engagement portion 1728 to engage the flange 1744 in a controlled manner until the user or technician intentionally removes the flange 1744 by pulling the gripping portion 1720a toward the pressing surface 1727 again in the direction of arrow 1723. FIG. 17b shows a variation of the lock 1721 with a protrusion 1720b, which can further assist the user or technician in installing and removing the flange 1744 when installing or removing the syringe. Although in Fig.17A and Fig. 17B 1702 (and additional variations described below) may include the contact feature 116 described above, which engages (ie, directly contacts) the sensor 115. In some examples, the contact feature 116 may be, for example, a ball stop (e.g., as provided by Fig. 24B 2416 in the figure) or a spring loaded mechanical contact feature.

[0063] Fig.18 1802 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The follower 1802 may be used in conjunction with the Figure 1 and Figure 5 - the plunger follower 102 described in FIG. 7 and / or Fig.17A and Fig. 17B The follower 1702 shares features or may be similar to the above Figure 1 and Figure 5 - the plunger follower 102 described in FIG. 7 and / or Fig.17A and Fig. 17B The follower 1702 is similar. Fig.18 In the variation shown, the latch 1821 has a downwardly projecting gripping portion that may further assist a user in installing and / or removing the plunger flange.

[0064] Fig.19 1 shows a follower 1902 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The follower 1902 can be used with the Figure 1 and Figure 5 - The plunger follower 102 described in FIG. 7, Fig.17A and Fig. 17B The follower 1702 and / or Fig.18 The follower 1802 in the embodiment may share features or may be similar to the above Figure 1 and Figure 5 - The plunger follower 102 described in FIG. 7, Fig.17A and Fig. 17B The follower 1702 and / or Fig.18 The follower 1802 in is similar. Fig.19 In the variation shown, the lock 1921 has a semicircular front portion and multiple gripping portions 1920a, 1920b and 1920c, which have protrusions and / or recesses with protrusions therein, which can further assist the user in installing and / or removing the plunger flange.

[0065] Fig. 20 and Fig.21 Additional examples of followers according to aspects of the present disclosure are shown. Followers 2002, 2102 may be similar to those described above with respect to Figure 1 and Figure 5 - The plunger follower 102 described in FIG. 7, Fig.17A and Fig. 17B Follower 1702, Fig.18 The follower 1802 and / or Fig.19 The follower 1902 in the embodiment may share features or may be similar to the above Figure 1 and Figure 5 - The plunger follower 102 described in FIG. 7, Fig.17A and Fig. 17B Follower 1702, Fig.18 The follower 1802 and / or Fig.19 The follower 1902 in is similar. Fig. 20 and Fig.21 In the illustrated variation, the latches 2021, 2121 have downwardly protruding gripping portions 2020, 2120, respectively, which may further assist a user in installing and / or removing the plunger flange.

[0066] Fig. 22 2202 is a diagram showing an example of a follower according to aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 1 and Figure 5 - The plunger follower 102 described in FIG. 7, Fig.17A and Fig. 17B Follower 1702, Fig.18 The follower 1802, Fig.19 Follower 1902, Fig. 20 Follower 2002 and / or Fig.21 The follower 2102 in the embodiment may share features or may be similar to those described above with respect to Figure 1 and Figure 5 - The plunger follower 102 described in FIG. 7, Fig.17A and Fig. 17B Follower 1702, Fig.18 The follower 1802, Fig.19 Follower 1902, Fig. 20 Follower 2002 and / or Fig.21 The follower 2102 in is similar. Fig. 22 An example of a follower slide 2226 having an opening for receiving the track 98 therethrough is shown.

[0067] Fig. 22 An example of a recess or groove 2228a of the second engagement portion 2228 is shown, which is configured to receive and engage a flange (e.g., Figure 5Flange 44 in FIG. 17 and flange 1744 in FIG. 17 ). Fig. 22 Alternative examples of slidable latch 2221 and gripping portions 2220a and 2220b are shown that may be used in any combination with aspects described herein.

[0068] Fig.23 is an example of a follower according to aspects of the present disclosure. Fig.23 The variation of follower 2302 shown has a latch 2321 with a gripping feature 2320 formed as an annular protruding lip that may improve a user's ability to install or remove a syringe. Fig.23 The follower 2302 can be the same as above Figure 1 and Figure 5 - The plunger follower 102 described in FIG. 7, Fig.17A and Fig. 17B Follower 1702, Fig.18 The follower 1802, Fig.19 Follower 1902, Fig. 20 Follower 2002, Fig.21 The follower 2102 and / or Fig. 22 The follower 2201 in the embodiment may share features or may be similar to the above Figure 1 and Figure 5 - The plunger follower 102 described in FIG. 7, Fig.17A and Fig. 17B Follower 1702, Fig.18 The follower 1802, Fig.19 Follower 1902, Fig. 20 Follower 2002, Fig.21 The follower 2102 and / or Fig. 22 The follower 2201 in is similar.

[0069] Fig.24A and Fig. 24B 2402 is a top view and a partial perspective bottom view of a follower according to aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 1 and Figure 5 - The plunger follower 102 described in FIG. 7, Fig.17A and Fig. 17B Follower 1702, Fig.18 The follower 1802, Fig.19 Follower 1902, Fig. 20 Follower 2002, Fig.21 The follower 2102, Fig. 22 The follower 2201 and / or Fig.23 The follower 2302 in the embodiment may share features or may be similar to the above Figure 1 and Figure 5 - The plunger follower 102 described in FIG. 7, Fig.17A and Fig. 17B Follower 1702, Fig.18 The follower 1802, Fig.19 Follower 1902, Fig. 20 Follower 2002, Fig.21 The follower 2102, Fig. 22 The follower 2201 and / or Fig.23 In one aspect, the exemplary follower 2402 can differ from the above-described followers in that a user can press a release portion 2427 (e.g., in direction PP) to open the first and second latches 2421a, 2421b generally in the direction indicated by arrow OO. Once the user presses the release portion 2427, the user can move the plunger flange (e.g., as Figure 5 The flange 44 shown in FIG. 24 is placed onto the surface 2472 and the release portion 2427 is released, thereby causing the first and second lock catches 2421a, 2421b to close again (i.e., move in a direction generally opposite to arrow OO) onto the plunger flange and be controlled to engage the flange. As with the above aspects, the follower 2402 according to this aspect allows a variety of syringe sizes (and therefore flange sizes) to be installed into the holder 62 ( Figure 1 and Figure 5 -Figure 7).

[0070] In one aspect, the first lock catch 2421a and / or the second lock catch 2421b can be biased toward each other via one or more biasing members 2411a and / or 2411b. In one aspect, the biasing members 2411a and / or 2411b can pull the first lock catch 2421a and / or the second lock catch 2421b toward each other until the user presses the release portion 2427 to overcome the biasing force of the biasing members 2411a and / or 2411b. In one example, the biasing members 2411a and / or 2411b can be push springs or pull springs. The release portion 2427 can, for example, have one or more inner tracks 2426, which are configured to engage with the follower 2412a and / or 2412b corresponding to each of the first lock catch 2421a and / or the second lock catch 2421b. Pressing the release portion 2427 in direction PP with a force sufficient to overcome the biasing force of the biasing member causes the follower 2412a and / or 2412b to move along one or more internal tracks 2426, which separates the first lock 2421a and the second lock 2421b, thereby allowing the syringe flange to be installed into or removed from the follower 2402.

[0071] like Fig. 24BAs further shown, the follower may additionally include a contact feature 2416 that can indicate when the syringe 14 is properly loaded on the retainer 62 and / or loaded into the follower. In the example shown in Figure 24b, the contact feature 2416 can be a ball stop or contact feature that moves in the direction CC when the syringe (e.g., the plunger flange) is installed in the follower. In some examples, the plunger flange can directly contact and apply force in the direction CC when installed in the follower. In other examples, the release of the tension change in the spacing (e.g., the increased distance between the first lock and the second lock and / or the lock engagement portion and the second engagement portion associated with the installed plunger) can cause the contact feature 2416 to advance in the direction CC. As described above, in some examples, the contact feature in contact with the sensor 115 indicates the correct installation of the syringe. In one example, the circuit of the sensor 115 is normally closed. However, the pressure from the contact feature 2416 can be divided, causing a change in the analog signal, thereby indicating that the syringe 14 ( Figure 5 ) has been properly loaded onto the holder 62. If no change in the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) value is detected when the syringe 14 is loaded onto the holder 62, the pump 1 may continue to prompt the user to load the syringe onto the holder. Note that although Figure 17A-Figure 23 The contact feature 2416 is hidden from view, but the contact feature can be applied to and included in the above description of Figure 17A-Figure 23 described in the features.

[0072] Additional example aspects are described in the following clauses:

[0073] Item 1: A flow control device for use with a pump group to deliver fluid from a supply source to a subject through the pump group, the flow control device comprising: a pumping device capable of acting on the pump group to generate fluid flow within the pump group during a supply cycle; and a controller in communication with the pumping device, for controlling the operation of the pumping device to generate fluid flow in the pump group, the controller comprising a processor and a memory, the controller being adapted to store syringe size data in the memory, the controller being configured to execute a syringe detection program in the processor to determine the presence and size of a syringe loaded on the flow control device, the syringe detection program comprising a first syringe presence detection routine for indicating the presence of a syringe, a second syringe presence detection routine for confirming the presence of a syringe, and a syringe size detection routine, wherein a syringe size reading is compared with the syringe size data to determine the size of the syringe.

[0074] Clause 2: A flow control apparatus according to clauses 1 and / or 2, wherein operation of the pumping device is prevented until the first syringe presence detection routine and the second syringe presence detection routine indicate the presence of the syringe, and the syringe size detection routine identifies the size of the syringe.

[0075] Clause 3: The flow control device of any preceding clause, wherein the first syringe presence detection routine comprises detecting the presence of a plunger of a syringe.

[0076] Clause 4: The flow control device of any preceding clause, further comprising a sensor and a ball stopper configured to contact the sensor when a syringe is loaded on the flow control device.

[0077] Clause 5: The flow control device of any preceding clause, wherein a change in the analog-to-digital converter signal sensed by the sensor indicates the presence of a plunger of the syringe.

[0078] Clause 6: The flow control apparatus of any preceding clause, wherein the sensor is one of a linear potentiometer or an array of Hall Effect devices.

[0079] Clause 7: The flow control device of any preceding clause, wherein the second syringe presence detection routine comprises detecting the presence of a barrel of a syringe.

[0080] Clause 8: The flow control device of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising a sensor and a magnet configured to indicate the presence of a barrel of a syringe.

[0081] Clause 9: The flow control device of any preceding clause, wherein a change in magnetic field strength sensed by the sensor indicates the presence of the barrel of a syringe.

[0082] Clause 10: The flow control device of any preceding clause, wherein the syringe size detection routine comprises detecting an angle of a magnetic field generated by a magnet on the flow control device.

[0083] Item 11: A syringe detection device for use in a flow control device for delivering fluid from a syringe to a subject, the device comprising: a syringe holder, the syringe holder being used to secure the syringe to the flow control device, the syringe holder comprising a body for receiving at least a portion of the syringe and a clamp pivotally attached to the body, the clamp being used to hold the barrel of the syringe to the syringe holder; a magnet located at the clamp; and an angle sensor attached to the body and configured to detect an angle of a magnetic field generated by the magnet, the angle of the magnetic field indicating a size of the syringe when the clamp is pivoted to hold the barrel of the syringe to the syringe holder.

[0084] Clause 12: The device of clause 11, wherein the magnet is embedded in the clamp and the angle sensor is embedded in the body.

[0085] Clause 13: The device of clause 11 and / or clause 12, wherein the angle sensor is located on a flexible printed circuit board.

[0086] Clause 14: The device of any preceding clause, wherein the magnet comprises a permanent magnet.

[0087] Item 15: A syringe detection device that can be used with a flow control device for delivering fluid to a subject, the device comprising: a syringe holder for removably securing a syringe to the syringe holder, the syringe holder comprising a body for receiving at least a portion of the syringe and a flange plate that is movably attached to the body and configured to engage a flange of the syringe when the syringe is held in the holder; a magnet attached to the flange plate; and a sensor that is attached to the body and configured to detect changes in a magnetic field generated by movement of the magnet caused by movement of the flange plate when the flange of the syringe engages the flange plate, the changes in the magnetic field indicating the presence of the syringe in the holder.

[0088] Clause 16: The device of clause 15, wherein the flange plate is cantilevered from the body to facilitate movement of the flange plate relative to the body.

[0089] Clause 17: The device of clause 15 and / or clause 16, wherein the sensor is a Hall effect sensor.

[0090] Clause 18: A device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the syringe holder further comprises a follower configured to move with the plunger of the syringe when the contents of the syringe are withdrawn from the syringe, wherein the follower further comprises a movable lock configured to controllably engage the plunger of the syringe when the syringe is held in the holder.

[0091] Clause 19: The device of any preceding clause, wherein the follower is configured to slidably move along a track of the syringe holder as the contents of the syringe are withdrawn.

[0092] Item 20: A method for detecting a syringe loaded onto a flow control device, the method comprising: executing a first syringe presence detection routine to detect the presence of a syringe on the flow control device; executing a second syringe presence detection routine to confirm the presence of a syringe on the flow control device; and executing a syringe size detection routine to determine the size of the syringe.

[0093] Clause 21: The method of clause 20, further comprising operating the flow control device to deliver fluid through a pump set on the flow control device only after the first syringe presence detection routine and the second syringe presence detection routine indicate the presence of a syringe and the syringe size detection routine identifies the size of the syringe.

[0094] Clause 22: The method of clause 20 and / or clause 21, wherein the first syringe presence detection routine detects the presence of a plunger of a syringe, and the second syringe presence detection routine detects the presence of a barrel of a syringe, and the third syringe detection routine confirms the presence of a syringe flange.

[0095] When introducing elements of the disclosure or one or more aspects of the disclosure, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

[0096] Throughout this disclosure, the terms "substantially" or "approximately" may be used as modifiers of the geometric relationship between elements or the shape of an element or component. Although the terms substantially or approximately are not limited to specific variations and may encompass any variation that a person skilled in the art understands to be an acceptable variation, some examples are provided below. In one example, the term substantially or approximately may include variations of less than 10% of the size of an object or component. In another example, the term substantially or approximately may include variations of less than 5% of an object or component. If the term substantially or approximately is used to define the angular relationship of one element to another element, a non-limiting example of the term substantially or approximately may include variations of 5 degrees or less of angle. These examples are not intended to be limiting and may be increased or decreased based on the understanding of acceptable limitations for a person skilled in the relevant art.

[0097] For purposes of this disclosure, when the systems and devices described herein are mounted in an orientation for use, directional terms are generally expressed relative to a standard reference system. Further, to provide context for this disclosure, a broad overview of the discovered deficiencies of different systems and exemplary embodiments of the disclosure and the advantages provided by the disclosure are described below. Further details of exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are described in detail with reference to the following drawings.

[0098] In other numerical values, the terms "first", "second", "third", and "fourth" may be used in the present disclosure. It should be understood that, unless otherwise indicated, these terms are used only in their relative sense. Specifically, in some aspects, certain components may exist in interchangeable and / or identical multiples (e.g., pairs). For these components, the designations of first, second, third, and / or fourth may be applied to these components merely for the convenience of describing one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0099] In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the disclosure are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

[0100] As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. A flow control device for use with a pump assembly to deliver a fluid from a supply source through the pump assembly to a subject, the flow control device comprising: a pumping device capable of acting on the pump group to generate a fluid flow within the pump group during a feed cycle; as well as a controller in communication with the pumping device, the controller being used to control the operation of the pumping device to generate a flow of fluid in the pump group, the controller comprising a processor and a memory, the controller being adapted to store syringe size data in the memory, the controller being configured to execute a syringe detection program in the processor to determine the presence and size of the syringe loaded on the flow control device, the syringe detection program comprising a first syringe presence detection routine for indicating the presence of the syringe, a second syringe presence detection routine for confirming the presence of the syringe, and a syringe size detection routine, wherein a syringe size reading is compared with the syringe size data to determine the size of the syringe.

2. The flow control device according to claim 1, wherein: Operation of the pumping device is inhibited until the first syringe presence detection routine and the second syringe presence detection routine indicate the presence of the syringe, and the syringe size detection routine identifies the size of the syringe.

3. The flow control device according to claim 1, wherein: The first syringe presence detection routine includes detecting the presence of a plunger of the syringe.

4. The flow control device of claim 3, further comprising a sensor and a ball stop, the ball stop configured to contact the sensor when the syringe is loaded on the flow control device.

5. The flow control device according to claim 4, wherein: A change in the analog-to-digital converter signal sensed by the sensor indicates the presence of the plunger of the syringe.

6. The flow control device according to claim 5, wherein: The sensor is one of a linear potentiometer or an array of Hall effect devices.

7. The flow control device according to claim 3, wherein: The second syringe presence detection routine includes detecting the presence of a barrel of the syringe.

8. The flow control device of claim 7, further comprising a sensor and a magnet configured to indicate the presence of the barrel of the syringe.

9. The flow control device of claim 8, wherein: A change in magnetic field strength sensed by the sensor indicates the presence of the barrel of the syringe.

10. The flow control device according to claim 7, wherein: The syringe size detection routine includes detecting the angle of a magnetic field generated by a magnet on the flow control device.

11. A syringe detection device for use in a flow control apparatus for delivering fluid from a syringe to a subject, the device comprising: a syringe holder for securing the syringe to the flow control device, the syringe holder comprising a body for receiving at least a portion of the syringe and a clamp pivotally attached to the body, the clamp for retaining a barrel of the syringe to the syringe holder; a magnet located at the clamping member; as well as An angle sensor is attached to the body and is configured to detect an angle of a magnetic field generated by the magnet, the angle of the magnetic field being indicative of a size of the syringe when the clamp is pivoted to retain the barrel of the syringe to the syringe holder.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein The magnet is embedded in the holder, and the angle sensor is embedded in the body.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein: The angle sensor is located on a flexible printed circuit board.

14. The device according to claim 11, wherein: The magnet comprises a permanent magnet.

15. A syringe detection device for use with a flow control device for delivering a fluid to a subject, the device comprising: a syringe holder for removably securing a syringe thereto, the syringe holder comprising a body for receiving at least a portion of the syringe and a flange plate movably attached to the body and configured to engage a flange of the syringe when the syringe is retained thereto; a magnet attached to the flange plate; as well as A sensor is attached to the body and is configured to detect changes in the magnetic field generated by movement of the magnet caused by movement of the flange plate when the flange of the syringe engages the flange plate, the changes in the magnetic field indicating the presence of the syringe in the holder.

16. The device according to claim 15, wherein: The flange plate is cantilevered from the body to facilitate movement of the flange plate relative to the body.

17. The device according to claim 15, wherein: The sensor is a Hall effect sensor.

18. The device according to claim 15, wherein: The syringe holder also includes a follower configured to move with the plunger of the syringe as the contents of the syringe are withdrawn from the syringe, wherein the follower also includes a movable lock configured to controllably engage the plunger of the syringe when the syringe is held in the holder.

19. The device according to claim 18, wherein: The follower is configured to slidably move along a track of the syringe holder as the contents of the syringe are withdrawn.

20. A method for detecting a syringe loaded onto a flow control device, the method comprising: executing a first syringe presence detection routine to detect the presence of the syringe on the flow control device; executing a second syringe presence detection routine to confirm the presence of the syringe on the flow control device; as well as A syringe size detection routine is performed to determine the size of the syringe.

21. The method of claim 20 further comprising operating the flow control device to deliver fluid through a pump group on the flow control device only after the first syringe presence detection routine and the second syringe presence detection routine indicate the presence of the syringe and the syringe size detection routine identifies the size of the syringe.

22. The method according to claim 20, wherein: The first syringe presence detection routine detects the presence of a plunger of the syringe, and the second syringe presence detection routine detects the presence of a barrel of the syringe, and the third syringe detection routine confirms the presence of a syringe flange.

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