PUMP SEGMENT RECOVERY MECHANISM

Abstract

A pumping segment recovery device coupled to a pumping mechanism is disclosed. The pumping segment recovery device includes a first arm segment, a second arm segment, a hose-receiving space between the first arm and the second arm, and a connecting segment connecting the first arm segment to the second arm segment. The connecting segment is disposed below the tube-receiving space. The first arm segment has a first flared end for contacting a pumping element before the pumping element contacts a fluid hose received in the hose-receiving space, and the second arm segment has a second flared end for contacting the pumping element before the pumping element contacts the fluid hose received in the hose-receiving space.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to an intravenous (IV) set or infusion pump flow controller, and more particularly to a pump segment reclaim device coupled along a fluid path of an infusion pump configured to rebound an IV tube. BACKGROUND

[0002] Peristaltic pumping mechanisms in large-volume pumps (LVPs) generally comprise one or more pumping fingers that compress a pumping segment of IV tubing (generally made of an elastomeric polymer such as silicone rubber or PVC). When the tubing is fully compressed, it generally flattens (e.g., the inner surface of the tubing flattens against itself), preventing fluid from passing through. When the pumping fingers lift, the pumping segment is expected to quickly or immediately return to its original round cross-section due to its elastic material properties alone. In conventional pumping mechanisms, this does not occur quickly enough due to friction on the internal tubing surfaces (which can be caused by various factors such asHigh-friction elastomer material, PVC plasticizer migration, high cycle count, tube aging, long compression time, high compression force, short cycle time at high flow rates, partial vacuum pressure in the upstream tube, etc.). If the pump segment does not recover promptly, under-infusion occurs because less fluid is delivered to the patient than expected or calculated by the pump software (which assumes rapid / immediate elastic recovery of the tubing).

[0003] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a pumping device that improves the reliability of flow rates and volumes. SUMMARY

[0004] Various implementations of systems, methods, and devices within the scope of the appended claims each have multiple aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for the features described herein. Without limiting the scope of the appended claims, after consideration of this disclosure, and particularly after consideration of the "Detailed Description" section, one will understand how aspects of some implementations are used to provide accurate and consistent flow rates. One or more embodiments provide a pumping segment recovery device coupled along a fluid path of a pumping device including one or more pumping elements. The pumping segment recovery device is configured to receive an IV tube in a tube receiving portion.The pumping segment retrieval device includes at least two arm segments that do not contact the IV tubing when the IV tubing is in an uncompressed state. When a pumping element of the pumping device is engaged and moves toward the IV tubing to compress the IV tubing, the pumping element makes contact with the pumping segment retrieval device, which separates at least two arm segments of the pumping segment retrieval device before compressing the IV tubing. When the pumping element is retracted (e.g., moved away from the IV tubing so that the IV tubing can return to its uncompressed state), the at least two arm segments of the pumping segment retrieval device rebound (or return to their original positions) and apply forces to the opposite sides of the IV tubing, causing the IV tubing to quickly return to its uncompressed state.

[0005] In some embodiments, the pumping segment retrieval device is a generally symmetrical elastic or resilient member mounted near a pumping mechanism or pumping finger. The pumping segment retrieval device includes angled surfaces or flared arms (e.g., two opposing S-shaped members). In some embodiments, the pumping segment retrieval device is a leaf spring, a compression spring, or other similar device. In some embodiments, the pumping mechanism or pumping finger has generally symmetrical beveled edges. In a neutral position, the pumping segment retrieval device does not contact the round outer diameter of the tubing or the pumping finger. When the pumping finger is moved downward onto the tubing (compressing the tubing), the edges (e.g.,The pumping finger's beveled edges engage the angled surfaces of the pumping segment recovery device, while the underside of the pumping finger simultaneously presses down on the tubing. While the pumping finger compresses the tubing, the pumping segment recovery device does not touch the tubing's outer diameter. As the pumping finger moves away from the tubing, the pumping segment recovery device begins to close back into its original shape, pushing the outer diameter of the flattened tubing inward to overcome any potential friction on the tubing's inner surfaces. Once the internal friction of the flattened tubing is removed, the elastic tubing material naturally returns to its original round cross-section.The pump segment recovery device ensures reliable and rapid recovery of a pump segment during each cycle, minimizing under-infusion due to this friction.

[0006] The pump segment recovery device can be made of metal, such as stainless steel, or other materials with elastic recovery properties, creep resistance, and fatigue resistance, maintaining robust and consistent material behavior for the same number of cycles, loads, aging, etc. as the tubing material. This also ensures reliable and rapid recovery of the pump segment from potential internal surface adhesion.

[0007] The foregoing and other features, aspects, and advantages of the disclosed implementations will become more apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate implementations of the disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. Fig. 1 shows a patient care system in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 2 shows the operation of a conventional pumping device. Fig. Figure 3 shows pump segment recovery mechanisms according to some implementations. Fig. Figure 4 illustrates a pump segment recovery device incorporated into an infusion device, in accordance with some implementations. Fig. Figure 5 illustrates the pumping segment recovery device incorporated into another pumping device, in accordance with some implementations. Fig. 6 shows a flow diagram of a method of operating a pumping device including a pumping segment recovery device in accordance with some implementations. Fig. Figure 7 is a conceptual diagram showing an electronic system for controlling the flow rate of a medical device according to aspects of the present technology.

[0009] Like reference numbers refer to corresponding parts in the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] A pump segment recovery mechanism is disclosed. The pump segment recovery mechanism is integrated into an infusion pump, for example, within one or more pump mechanisms, and is configured to facilitate the return of an infusion set to its original (uncompressed) state after it has been compressed. During operation, the pump segment recovery mechanism is configured to be removably connected to the one or more pump elements without restricting the flow of the infusion set and / or interfering with the operation of the one or more pump elements. The pump segment recovery mechanisms reduce or prevent the infusion set from being compressed before it returns to its original state, thereby improving the accuracy and consistency of the flow rate produced by a pump device.

[0011] The following detailed description is intended as a description of various configurations of the present technology and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the present technology may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details to provide a thorough understanding of the present technology. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present technology may be practiced without these specific details. In some cases, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order not to obscure the concepts of the present technology. Like components are designated by identical element numbers for clarity.Reference numbers may have suffixed letters to identify separate instances of a common element, while they are generally referred to by the same number without a suffixed letter.

[0012] While the following description is directed to controlling and maintaining a flow rate during the administration of medical fluid using the disclosed pump segment recovery mechanism incorporated into the pump device, it is to be understood that this description is merely an example of an application and does not limit the scope of the claims. Various aspects of the disclosed pump segment recovery mechanism may be used in any application where it is desirable to control a fluid flow rate.

[0013] The disclosed pumping segment recovery mechanisms overcome several challenges discovered with certain conventional pumping devices. One challenge with certain conventional pumping devices is that the accuracy and consistency of the flow rate can change over time and / or based on the selected flow rate. Because inaccuracies and / or inconsistencies in the pumping devices can alter the flow rate of the delivered medical fluid, the pumps of the pumping devices must be monitored to ensure the effectiveness of a treatment delivered by the pumping devices. Monitoring the performance of the pumps of the pumping devices can be expensive and difficult, requiring additional sensors and / or programs to continuously monitor the performance of the pumps.Therefore, according to the present disclosure, it is advantageous to provide pumping segment recovery devices, as described herein, that can be incorporated into pumping devices to significantly reduce or eliminate inaccuracies and discrepancies in the generated flow rates of pumping devices. The disclosed pumping segment recovery mechanisms can be coupled to various parts of pumping elements of a pumping device and provide additional forces to assist the infusion set in rebounding (to a resting state) before compression, thereby improving the accuracy and consistency of the generated flow rate.

[0014] An example of a pumping device that improves the accuracy and consistency of the generated flow rates is now described.

[0015] Fig. 1 shows a patient care system in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The patient care system 20 includes four infusion pumps 22, 24, 26, and 28, each of which is fluidly connected to an upstream fluid line 30, 32, 34, and 36, respectively. Each of the four infusion pumps 22, 24, 26, and 28 is also connected to a downstream fluid line 31, 33, 35, and 37, respectively. The fluid lines may be any type of fluid line, such as an IV administration set, through which fluid can flow. It should be appreciated that a variety of pumping devices, including syringe pumps, may be used.

[0016] The fluid supplies 38, 40, 42, and 44, which can take various forms but are shown here as bottles, are inverted and suspended above the pumps. Fluid supplies can also be used in the form of bags or other containers, including syringes. Both the patient care system 20 and the fluid supplies 38, 40, 42, and 44 are attached to a rolling stand, an IV pole 46, a tabletop, etc.

[0017] A separate infusion pump 22, 24, 26, and 28 is used to infuse each of the fluids from the fluid supply into the patient. The infusion pumps are flow control devices that act on the respective fluid line to move the fluid from the fluid supply through the fluid line to the patient 48. Because individual pumps are used, each can be individually adjusted to the pumping or operating parameters required to infuse the respective medical fluid from the respective fluid supply into the patient at the rate prescribed by the physician for that fluid. Such medical fluids can be medications, nutrients, or other fluids. The infusion pumps 22, 24, 26, and 28 are controlled by a control unit 60.In some embodiments, the control unit 60 is communicatively coupled to a memory 61 in which one or more instructions for operating the infusion pumps 22, 24, 26 and 28 and / or other collected data, as described below, are stored.

[0018] Fluid reservoirs 38, 40, 42, and 44 are each connected to an electronic data tag 81, 83, 85, and 87, respectively, or to an electronic transmitter. Each device or component connected to the infusion system can be equipped with an electronic data tag, reader, or transmitter.

[0019] Medical sets for administering fluids usually consist of more parts than in Fig. 1. Many have check valves, drip chambers, valves with injection ports, connectors, and other devices well known to those skilled in the art. These other devices have been omitted from the drawings to maintain clarity of illustration.

[0020] Fig. Figure 2 illustrates the operation of a conventional pumping device. A first sequence 200 shows a pumping finger 210 and a pumping surface 215 (e.g., a plate) of the conventional pumping device and an infusion tube 220. The pumping finger 210 and the pumping surface 215 are configured to compress the IV tube 220 and allow fluid to flow through the IV tube 220. In particular, the pumping finger 210 is an actuated component of the conventional pumping device, such as a pumping finger or similar device, and the pumping surface 215 is a stationary surface of the conventional pumping device that compresses the IV tube 220. As shown in Fig. 4, the pumping surface can be integrated into a door of the pump.

[0021] As shown in the second sequence 230, the pump finger 210 is actuated (e.g., moved toward the pumping surface 215) to compress the IV tubing 220 against the pumping surface 215. In the third sequence 250, the infusion tubing 220 begins to return to its original (uncompressed) state after the pump finger 210 is actuated and returned to its initial position (e.g., moved away from the pumping surface 215). However, in many cases, the infusion tubing 220 is unable to return to its original state before the pump finger 210 is actuated again, compressing the infusion tubing 220 a second time. As shown in the third sequence 250, the infusion tube 220 may have friction that further hinders the ability of the infusion tube 220 to return to its original state before the pump finger 210 is actuated again.As shown in a fourth sequence 270, the IV tube 220 has a delayed recovery (i.e., the IV tube 220 does not immediately return to its original state). Because the IV tube 220 cannot return to its original state before the pumping finger 210 compresses the IV tube 220 a second time, the flow rate produced by the conventional pumping device may be inaccurate. In particular, the conventional pumping device relies on the infusion tube 220 being able to rebound quickly enough before being compressed again to achieve consistent flow rates, which is not always possible. Because the medical device targets faster flow rates, the infusion tube 220 is allowed less time to return to its original state before being compressed a second time.In addition, the fluid volume displaced per stroke in conventional pumping devices varies due to variations in hose diameter, wall thickness and hardness along with other mechanical properties.

[0022] Fig. Figure 3 illustrates pump segment recovery mechanisms in accordance with some embodiments. A first example sequence 300 shows the disclosed pump segment recovery mechanism, including a pump segment recovery device 320 incorporated into a pumping device (e.g., infusion pumps 22, 24, 26, and 28; Fig. 1). In some embodiments, the pumping device includes a first pumping element 310 and a second pumping element 315 configured to compress an infusion tube 220. When the pumping element 310 is actuated and the tube 220 is compressed, fluid flows through the infusion tube 220. In some embodiments, the first pumping element 310 is a pumping finger with beveled ends (adjacent to the second pumping element 315), square ends, and round ends. In some embodiments, the first pumping element 310 is also a wedge, a cone, a sphere, or another shape. Similarly, in some embodiments, the second pumping element 315 is a stationary surface of the pumping device. In some embodiments, the first pumping element 310 is actuated to cause compression of the tube 220. In some embodiments, the second pumping element 315 is actuated to effect compression (e.g.,by moving the surface against element 310). In some embodiments, both the first pumping element 310 and the second pumping element 315 are actuating components. Alternatively, as shown in . Fig. 3, at least one pumping element is stationary (e.g., the second pumping element 315 is a flat, planar surface).

[0023] In some embodiments, the pumping segment recovery device 320 is a substantially symmetrical device. In some embodiments, the pumping segment recovery device 320 is formed of metal (e.g., stainless steel), elastomers, or another material with a predetermined elasticity to return to its original shape, as discussed in detail below. The material properties of the pumping segment recovery device 320 are such that the recovery properties, creep strength, and fatigue strength of the pumping segment recovery device 320 maintain robust and consistent material behavior for the same number of cycles, loads, aging, etc. as the pumping segment. In some embodiments, the pumping segment recovery device 320 is a leaf spring, a compression spring, an extension spring, etc.

[0024] In the illustrated example, the pumping segment retrieval device 320 includes a first arm segment 325a, a second arm segment 325b, and a tube receiving space 329 between the first arm segment and the second arm segments 325a and 325b. The pumping segment retrieval device 320 is configured to receive and retain an IV tube 220 within the tube receiving space 329. The connecting segment 327 couples the first arm segment 325a to the second arm segment 325b. Further, the connecting segment 327 is disposed below the tube receiving space 329. The first arm segment 325a includes a first flared end 326a configured to contact a pumping element (e.g., the first pumping element 310) before the pumping element contacts a fluid tube (e.g.,The first arm segment 326a contacts the infusion tube 220 received in the tube receiving space 329, and the second arm segment 325b includes a second flared end 326b configured to contact the pumping element before the pumping element contacts the fluid tube received in the tube receiving space 239. In some embodiments, the first arm segment 326a has a first S-shape, and the second arm segment 326b has a second S-shape opposite the first S-shape. In some embodiments, the pumping segment recovery device 320 may include cams that cooperate with the various pumping elements.

[0025] As shown in the first sequence 200, the first arm segment 325a and the second arm segment 325b of the pumping segment recovery device 320 are separated by a gap width (e.g., Ringer) that is greater than an outer diameter (Od) of the infusion tube 220 received in the tube receiving space 329. In this way, the pumping segment recovery device 320 does not come into contact with the infusion tube 220 before the infusion tube 220 is compressed. At this point, the gap width (e.g., Ringer) of the pumping segment recovery device 320 can be predetermined based on the type and size of the IV tube 220 used to facilitate the flow of medical fluid to a patient 48 ( Fig. 1).

[0026] In some embodiments, the first and second flared ends 326a and 326b are separated by a width equal to or greater than the width of a pumping segment. Fig. 3, for example, the separation width of the first and second flared ends 326a and 326b is equal to or greater than the width (e.g., W Element ) of the first pump element 310. In some embodiments, the separation width of the first and second flared ends 326a and 326b is greater than the gap width (W rest ) of the pumping segment recovery device 320 in the idle state. In some embodiments, the gap width (W rest ) of the pumping segment recovery device 320 is predefined based on the respective s-shapes of the first and second arm segments 325a and 325b. Alternatively or additionally, in some implementations, the gap width (W rest ) of the pumping segment recovery device 320 based on the connecting segment 327.

[0027] In a second sequence 330, the first pumping element 310 is actuated in the direction of the second pumping element 315, whereby the infusion tube 220 is pressed against the second pumping element 315. When the first pumping element 310 engages and is actuated towards the second pumping element 315 (e.g., in contact with the infusion tube 220 received in the tube receiving space 329), the first arm segment 325a and the second arm segment 325b separate to at least the width of a portion of the first pumping element 325a (e.g., W exp). The first pumping element 310 contacts the first and second flared ends 326a and 326b upon initial contact with the pumping segment recovery device 320 and slides along the first arm segment 325a and the second arm segment 325b while moving toward the second pumping element 315 and before contacting the infusion tube 220. The force required to separate the first arm segment 325a and the second arm segment 325b is substantially less than the force used to actuate the pumping element. More specifically, the first arm segment 325a and the second arm segment 325b do not substantially interfere with the actuation of a pumping element and do not reduce the force applied to the infusion tube 220 and / or alter the desired flow rate.In some embodiments, the force exerted by the pumping element may be adjusted to compensate for the resistance provided by the first arm segment 325a and the second arm segment 325b.

[0028] If the first arm segment 325a and the second arm segment 325b extend at least to the width of a part of the first pumping element 325a (e.g. W exp ), the first arm segment 325a and the second arm segment 325b do not contact the infusion tube 220. This further ensures that the first arm segment 325a and the second arm segment 325b do not interfere with the flow created by compression of the infusion tube 220 (e.g., by ensuring that the first arm segment 325a and the second arm segment 325b do not add additional resistance to the infusion tube 220).

[0029] In a third sequence 350, the IV tube 220 begins to return to its original (uncompressed) state as the first pumping element 310 returns to its initial position (e.g., moves away from the second pumping element 315), which occurs quickly using the pumping segment recovery device 320, as described below. Likewise, the pumping segment recovery device 320 returns to its initial gap width w Rest In some embodiments, the pumping segment recovery device 320 has a predetermined elasticity such that the first arm segment 325a and the second arm segment 325b have the gap width (w exp ) after the first pump element 310 has retracted from the tube receiving space 329 and no longer touches the infusion tube 220. When the pump segment recovery device 320 is separated from the separation width w exp to the original gap width (w exp), the pumping segment recovery device 320 exerts a force on the infusion tube 220, causing the infusion tube 220 to quickly rebound. Specifically, after the first pumping element 310 contacts the IV tube 220 received in the tube receiving space 329, and as the first pumping element 310 retracts from the tube receiving space 329, the first arm segment 325a and the second arm segment 325b contact the IV tube 220, causing it to quickly return to its original state (e.g., without friction holding the IV tube 220 together).

[0030] In the illustrated example, the pumping segment recovery device 320 is configured to be coupled to the first pumping element 310 or the second pumping element 315 of the pumping device. In some embodiments, the pumping segment recovery device 320 is coupled opposite the other pumping element. For example, the pumping segment recovery device 320, as shown in Fig. 3, coupled to the second pumping element 315, which is opposite the first pumping element 310. In some embodiments, the pumping segment recovery device 320 is connected to a first surface (adjacent to the first pumping element 310) of the second pumping element 315 via a fastener that connects the connecting segment 327 to the first surface of the second pumping element 315. In some embodiments, the fastener is a mechanical fastener such as a bolt, screw, clamp, etc. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the pumping segment recovery device 320 is connected to the first surface of the second pumping element 315 via an adhesive and / or a weld.Alternatively, in some embodiments, the pumping segment retrieval device 320 is configured to receive the second pumping element 315 via the tube-receiving space 329 between the first and second arm segments 325a and 325b (e.g., before receiving the infusion tube 220). In other words, the second pumping element 315 is placed within the tube-receiving space 329 of the pumping segment retrieval device 320 such that the connecting segment 327 is adjacent to a second surface of the second pumping element 315 that is opposite the first surface (adjacent to the first pumping element 310). In some embodiments, the first and second arm segments 325a and 325b exert pressure and / or clamping on the second pumping element 315 when the second pumping element 315 is within the tube-receiving portion 329 so that it does not move during use.Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, when the second pumping element 315 is located within the tube receiving portion 329, a fastener, an adhesive, or a weld is used to couple the connecting segment 327 of the pumping segment recovery device 320 to the second surface of the second pumping element 315 and / or to couple a portion of the first and second arm segments 325a and 325b to side portions (adjacent sides to the first and second surfaces) of the second pumping element 315.

[0031] In Fig. 4, the pump segment recovery device 320 is integrated into an infusion pump according to some embodiments. In Fig. 4, an infusion pump 22 having a body 27 is shown in perspective view, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The infusion pump 22 is shown with the front door 50 open, showing the upstream fluid line 30 and the downstream fluid line 31 in operative engagement with the pump 22. The infusion pump 22 acts directly on a tube 66 (analogous to the infusion tube 220; Fig. 3) connecting the upstream fluid line 30 to the downstream fluid line 31 to form a continuous fluid line extending from the respective fluid supply 38 ( Fig. 1) extends to the patient 48 and through which fluid is impinged by the pump to move fluid downstream to the patient. In particular, a pumping mechanism 70 acts as the pump's flow control device to move the fluid through the conduit. The upstream and downstream fluid conduits and / or tubing 66 may be connected to a pump cassette or cartridge configured to be coupled to the pump 22.

[0032] The type of pumping mechanism can vary and can, for example, be a multi-finger pumping mechanism. For example, the pumping mechanism can be of the "four-finger" type and include an upstream occluding finger 72, a primary pumping finger 74, a downstream occluding finger 76, and a secondary pumping finger 78. The "four-finger" pumping mechanism, and mechanisms used in other linear peristaltic pumps, function by sequentially pressing on a segment of the fluid line using the cam-following pumping fingers and valve fingers 72, 74, 76, and 78. Pressure is applied at successive locations along the line, starting at the upstream end of the pumping mechanism and working toward the downstream end. At least one finger always presses hard enough to occlude the line.Conveniently, a finger withdraws from the tube only after the next one in line has already closed the tube; thus, there is never a direct fluid path from the fluid supply to the patient. The operation of peristaltic pumps, including four-finger pumps, is well known to those skilled in the art, and no further details of their operation are provided here.

[0033] In some embodiments, one or more pumping segment recovery devices 320 are coupled to one or more pumping elements of the pumping mechanism and configured to receive the hose 66 (e.g., via corresponding hose receiving spaces 329; Fig. 3). In some embodiments, one or more pump segment recovery devices 320 are part of or coupled to the door 50. As shown in Fig. 4, for example, a pumping segment recovery device 320 may be coupled to a pumping element (e.g., a flat surface 91) on the door 50. In some embodiments, the one or more pumping segment recovery devices 320 may be coupled to one of the pumping fingers and valve fingers 72, 74, 76, and 78. For example, a pumping segment recovery device 320 may be coupled to each of the pumping fingers and valve fingers 72, 74, 76, and 78. The pumping segment recovery device 320 is configured to receive the hose 66 when the door 50 of the pumping device is closed. As described above with reference to Fig. 3, the one or more pumping segment recovery devices 320 are configured to rebound the hose 66 after it has been compressed by the pumping device.

[0034] Fig. Figure 4 further shows a downstream pressure sensor 82 disposed in the pump 22 at a downstream location relative to the pumping mechanism. The downstream pressure sensor 82 is attached to the control unit 70 and is located adjacent to and downstream of the control unit. The downstream pressure sensor is located downstream of the flow control device, i.e., at a location between the patient 48 ( Fig. 1) and the flow control device so that the connection of the correct fluid supply to the correct pump can be checked before any fluid is pumped to the patient.

[0035] As in Fig. 4, the pump 22 may also include an upstream pressure sensor 80. The upstream pressure sensor is associated with the flow control device or pumping mechanism 70 and, in this embodiment, is further provided as an integral part of the pump 22. It is attached to the flow control device 70 and is located adjacent to and upstream of the flow control device. The upstream pressure sensor is located upstream of the control unit, i.e., at a location between the fluid supply 38 ( Fig. 1) and the control unit so that the connection of the correct fluid supply to the correct pump can be checked before any fluid is pumped to the patient.

[0036] The pump 22 or a part of the pump 22 may also be equipped with an electronic data tag or data transmitter. As in Fig. For example, as shown in Figure 4, the pump 22 may be equipped with a data tag 89 or a reader 90 to provide or receive infusion data. The data readers may be RFID readers (or receivers) or other wireless devices compatible with the data tags associated with the fluid containers. A data transmitter may send interrogation signals to the electronic data tags 81, 83, 85, 87 associated with the fluid containers to obtain infusion data from those tags. Although referred to as data transmission devices or RFID tags or RFID transponders, data transmission devices may also receive or read data and may also be writable.

[0037] Typically, medical tubing (e.g., tubing 66) is a disposable product that is used once and then disposed of. The medical tubing can be made of any suitable material, e.g., soft PVC, silicone, thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) (ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) + polypropylene (PP)), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic styrene elastomer (TPS) (styrene butadiene styrene (SBS) / styrene ethylene butylene styrene (SEBS) / styrene isoprene rubber (SIS) / styrene ethylene propylene styrene (SEPS)) and its blends with polyolefins, thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPEE) (polyether ester). As in Fig. 4, the medical tubing 66 may be inserted into or otherwise connected to the pump 22. The pump 22 may be a high-volume, patient-controlled analgesic (PCA) pump, an ambulatory pump, or an insulin pump that drives tubing segments to deliver medication or nutrients in controlled amounts into a patient's body. The medical tubing 66 is compressed when the pump door 50 is closed. With the pump door 50 closed, the medical tubing 66 is forced into a gap 54 and directly contacted by the upstream force sensor 80. Similarly, the medical tubing 66 is received within the tubing receiving space 329 of each pump segment retrieval device 320. As described above, there are many sources of variation in the measurement of force on the medical tubing 66 by the sensor 80.

[0038] Fig. 5 shows an exemplary pump segment recovery device integrated with another exemplary pumping device, in accordance with some implementations. According to various embodiments, the illustrated pumping device 502 is analogous to the infusion pumps 22, 24, 26, and 28 described above with reference to FIG. Fig. 1 and Fig. 4. In some embodiments, the pumping device 502 includes a door 550. When the door 550 is opened, the user gains access to one or more pump elements 510, 512, 513, and 515 of the pumping device 502 and / or an infusion tube 220 ( Fig. 3). Similarly, the user may attach the infusion tube 220 to the pumping device 502 (e.g., place the infusion tube in the pumping device 502 and / or in a tube receiving portion 329 of a pumping segment recovery device 320, as described above with reference to Fig. 3). In some embodiments, the infusion tube 66 is received via a tube receiving portion 505 of the pumping device 502. In some embodiments, the infusion tube 66 is manually placed into the tube receiving portion 329 of the pumping segment retrieval device 320 before the door 550 is closed. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the pumping segment retrieval device 320 is configured to automatically push the infusion tube 66 into the tube receiving portion 329 when the door 550 is closed.

[0039] As mentioned above with reference to the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the pumping segment recovery device 320 may be coupled to one or more pumping elements 510, 512, 513, and 515. For example, the pumping segment recovery device 320 is coupled to a second pumping element 515 of the pumping device 502. In some embodiments, the second pumping element 515 is an actuated element (e.g., it moves toward and / or away from a first pumping element 510). As described above with reference to Fig. 3, the pumping segment recovery device 320 is configured to expand when a corresponding pumping element 510, 512, 513, or 515 is actuated toward the infusion tube 66 (thereby compressing the infusion tube) and rebound after the corresponding pumping element 510, 512, 513, or 515. For example, when either the first pumping element 510, the second pumping element 515, or both are actuated, the pumping segment recovery device 320 is expanded to at least a width of a pumping element 510, 512, 513, or 515, and after the first pumping element 510, the second pumping element 515, or both have retracted, the pumping segment recovery device 320 rebounds to its original gap width. When the pump segment recovery device 320 rebounds, it exerts pressure on a portion of the infusion tube 66, causing the infusion tube 66 to rebound rapidly.

[0040] In some embodiments, the pumping segment recovery device 320 can be removed from the pumping device 502 when it is nearing its end of life. This allows the pumping segment recovery device 320 to be replaced with a new pumping segment recovery device 320. In some embodiments, the door 50 can be removed and replaced with another door that contains the pumping segment recovery device 320. In this way, existing pumping devices 502 can be retrofitted and / or the downtime of a pumping device 502 can be reduced by reducing the downtime required for maintenance.

[0041] Fig. 6 shows a flowchart of a method for operating a pump with a pump segment recovery device in accordance with various implementations. The method 600 may be performed on a medical device described above with reference to Fig. 1 and 3-5. In particular, the method may be performed on a medical device comprising a body, a pumping mechanism, and a pumping segment retrieval device 320. The body is configured to receive and secure an IV tube 66 in an extended position. The IV tube 66 is configured to facilitate the transport of a fluid. As described above with reference to Fig. 3 to 5, in some embodiments, the pumping mechanism includes one or more pumping elements and one or more pumping segment recovery devices. At least some of the Fig. 6 correspond to instructions stored in a computer memory or computer-readable storage medium (e.g., memory, RAM and / or storage 61; Fig. 1). Operations 610-650 may also be performed in part using one or more processors and / or using instructions stored in a memory or computer-readable medium of an electronic device communicatively coupled to the medical device (e.g., a server or patient care system 20 ( Fig. 1) perform operations 610-650 alone or in conjunction with the one or more processors of the medical device).

[0042] The method 600 includes receiving (610) a fluid tube (e.g., IV tube 220; Fig. 3) in a pumping segment recovery device 320 having at least two arms (e.g., a first arm segment 325a and a second arm segment 325b; Fig. 3). The at least two arms are coupled via a connecting segment 327, which forms a hose receiving space 329 with the at least two arms, as described above in Fig. 3. The method 600 further comprises actuating (620) a pumping element into the hose receiving space in the direction of the fluid hose to contact the at least two arms of the pumping segment recovery device. The contact of the pumping element with the at least two arm segments of the pumping segment recovery device causes (625) a distance between the at least two arm segments to increase. For example, as in the second sequence 330 of the Fig. 3, the first pumping element 310 is actuated toward the second pumping element 315, whereby the first and second arm segments 325a and 325b of the pumping segment recovery device 320 separate by a width of the first pumping element 310.

[0043] The method 600 further comprises, after contacting the pumping segment retrieval device, moving (630) the pumping element to contact the fluid tube. The contact of the pumping element with the fluid tube causes (635) a compression of the fluid tube and an increase in the flow of the medical fluid within the fluid tube. After compressing the fluid tube, the method 600 comprises moving (640) the pumping element out of the tube receiving space such that when the pumping element moves out of the fluid receiving space, the at least two arm segments of the pumping segment retrieval device are caused (645) to press the fluid tube into an uncompressed shape. For example, as in the third sequence 350 of Fig. 3, the first pumping element 310 is withdrawn from the tube receiving space 329 and returns to its original position, and the first and second arm segments 325a and 325b of the pumping segment recovery device 320 press against the opposite side of the infusion tube 220, causing the infusion tube 220 to spring back to its original, uncompressed state. Further examples of the pumping segment recovery device 320 are described above with reference to Fig. 3-5 shown.

[0044] Many of the example steps of method 700 described above, and related features and applications, may also be controlled by software processes specified as a set of instructions recorded on a computer-readable storage medium (also referred to as a computer-readable medium) that can be executed automatically (e.g., without user intervention). When executed by one or more processing units (e.g., one or more processors, processor cores, or other processing units), these instructions cause the processing unit(s) to perform the actions specified in the instructions. Examples of computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, CD-ROMs, flash drives, RAM chips, hard disks, EPROMs, etc. Computer-readable media does not include carrier waves and electronic signals transmitted wirelessly or over wireless connections.

[0045] The term "software" may also include firmware residing in read-only memory or applications stored in magnetic storage that can be read into memory for processing by a processor. In some implementations, multiple software aspects of the present disclosure may also be implemented as sub-parts of a larger program, while remaining distinct software aspects of the present disclosure. In some implementations, multiple software aspects may also be implemented as separate programs. Finally, any combination of separate programs that together implement a software aspect described herein is within the scope of the present disclosure.In some implementations, the software programs, when installed for operation on one or more electronic systems, define one or more specific machine implementations that execute and perform the operations of the software programs.

[0046] A computer program (also known as a program, software, software application, script, or code) can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, declarative or procedural languages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, object, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program may, but is not necessarily, equivalent to a file in a file system. A program may be stored in a portion of a file that also contains other programs or data (for example, one or more scripts stored in a markup language document), in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordinated files (for example, files storing one or more modules, subroutines, or portions of code).A computer program may be provided for execution on one computer or on multiple computers located at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communications network.

[0047] Fig. Figure 7 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of an electronic system 700 for controlling a pump having a pump segment recovery device according to aspects of the present technology. The electronic system 700 may be a specially configured computing device for executing software associated with one or more portions or steps of the method 700 or the Fig. 1 to 6, including, but not limited to, the control unit 60 of the patient care system 20 and / or the infusion pumps 22, 24, 26 and 28. The electronic system 700 may be used in combination with the disclosure of Fig. 1 to 6 should be representative.

[0048] Electronic system 700 may include various types of computer-readable media and interfaces for various other types of computer-readable media. In the illustrated example, electronic system 700 includes a bus 708, processing unit(s) 712, system memory 704, read-only memory (ROM) 710, a permanent storage device 702, an input device interface 714, an output device interface 706, and one or more network interfaces 716. In some embodiments, electronic system 700 may include or be integrated with other computing devices or circuitry for operating the various components and processes described above.

[0049] Bus 708 represents all system, peripheral, and chipset buses that communicatively connect the numerous internal devices of electronic system 700. For example, bus 708 communicatively connects processing unit(s) 712 with ROM 710, system memory 704, and non-volatile storage device 702.

[0050] From these various memory units, the processing unit(s) 712 retrieve instructions to be executed and data to be processed to perform the processes of the present disclosure. The processing unit(s) may be a single processor or a multi-core processor in various implementations.

[0051] ROM 710 stores static data and instructions required by the processing unit(s) 712 and other modules of the electronic system. Permanent storage device 702, on the other hand, is a read-write storage device. This storage device is a non-volatile memory unit that stores instructions and data even when the electronic system 700 is powered off. In some implementations of the present disclosure, a mass storage device (e.g., a magnetic or optical disk and its corresponding disk drive) is used as permanent storage device 702.

[0052] Other implementations use a removable storage device (such as a floppy disk, a flash drive, and the corresponding disk drive) as the permanent storage device 702. Like the permanent storage device 702, the system memory 704 is a read-write storage device. However, unlike the storage device 702, the system memory 704 is a volatile read-write memory, such as random access memory. The system memory 704 stores some of the instructions and data required by the processor at runtime. In some implementations, the processes of the present disclosure are stored in the system memory 704, the permanent storage 702, and / or the ROM 710. From these various storage devices, the processing unit(s) 712 retrieves the instructions to be executed and the data to be processed to perform the processes of some implementations.Such memory and / or storage devices 702, 704 may be representative of the memory 61 of the control unit 60.

[0053] Bus 708 is also connected to input and output device interfaces 714 and 706. Input device interface 714 allows the user to transmit information and selected commands to the electronic system. Input devices used with input device interface 714 include, for example, alphanumeric keyboards and pointing devices (also called "cursor control devices") such as those used in control unit 60 of Fig. 1. Output device interfaces 706 (e.g., as a display in the control unit 60 of Fig. 1) enable, for example, the display of images generated by the electronic system 700. Output devices used with the output device interface 706 include, for example, printers and display devices such as cathode ray tubes (CRTs) or liquid crystal displays (LCDs). Some implementations include devices such as a touchscreen that functions as both an input and output device.

[0054] As in Fig.7, bus 708 couples electronic system 700 to a network (not shown) via network interfaces 716. Network interfaces 716 may include, for example, a wireless access point (e.g., Bluetooth or WiFi) or radio circuitry for connecting to a wireless access point. Network interfaces 716 may also include hardware (e.g., Ethernet hardware) for connecting the computer to a portion of a computer network such as a local area network ("LAN"), a wide area network ("WAN"), a wireless LAN, or an intranet, or a network of networks such as the Internet. Any or all components of electronic system 700 may be used in connection with the present disclosure.

[0055] The functions described above may be implemented in computer software, firmware, or hardware. The techniques may be implemented with one or more computer program products. Programmable processors and computers may be included in or packaged as mobile devices. The processes and logic flows may be executed by one or more programmable processors and one or more programmable logic circuits. General-purpose and special-purpose computing devices and storage devices may be interconnected via communications networks.

[0056] Some implementations include electronic components, such as microprocessors, memory, and storage, that store computer program instructions in a machine-readable or computer-readable medium (also referred to as computer-readable storage media, machine-readable media, or machine-readable storage media). Some examples of such computer-readable media are RAM, ROM, read-only compact discs (CD-ROM), recordable compact discs (CD-R), rewritable compact discs (CD-RW), read-only digital versatile discs (e.g., DVD-ROM, dual-layer DVD-ROM), a variety of recordable / rewritable DVDs (e.g., DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, etc.), flash memory (e.g., SD cards, mini SD cards, micro SD cards, etc.), magnetic and / or solid-state hard drives, read-only and recordable Blu-ray® discs, ultra-density optical discs, any other optical or magnetic media, and floppy disks.The computer-readable media may store a computer program executable by at least one processing unit and containing sets of instructions for performing various operations. Examples of computer programs or computer code include machine code, such as that generated by a compiler, and high-level code files executed by a computer, electronic component, or microprocessor using an interpreter.

[0057] While the above discussion primarily refers to microprocessors or multicore processors executing software, some implementations are executed by one or more integrated circuits, such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). In some implementations, such integrated circuits execute instructions stored on the circuit itself.

[0058] As used in this specification and the claims of this application, the terms "computer," "server," "processor," and "memory" all refer to specially configured electronic or other technical devices. These terms exclude humans or groups of humans. For the purposes of this specification, the terms "display" or "displays" mean the display on an electronic device. The terms "computer-readable medium" and "computer-readable storage medium" are entirely limited to tangible, physical objects that store information in a form readable by a computer. These terms exclude all wireless signals, wired download signals, and all other transient signals.

[0059] To enable interaction with a user, implementations of the subject matter described in this specification may be implemented on a computer having a display device, such as a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, for displaying information to the user, and a keyboard and pointing device, such as a mouse or trackball, for the user to provide input to the computer. Other types of devices may also be used to enable interaction with the user; for example, the feedback to the user may be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and the user input may be received in any form, including auditory, voice, or tactile input.In addition, a computer can interact with a user by sending and receiving documents to and from a device used by the user, for example, by sending web pages to a web browser on a client device of the user in response to requests received from the web browser.

[0060] Implementations of the subject matter described in this specification may be implemented in a computer system that includes a back-end component, e.g., a data server, or a middleware component, e.g., an application server, or a front-end component, e.g., a client computer with a graphical user interface or a web browser through which a user can interact with an implementation of the subject matter described in this specification, or any combination of one or more such back-end, middleware, or front-end components. The components of the system may be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication, e.g., a communications network. Examples of communications networks include a local area network (“LAN”) and a wide area network (“WAN”), an internetwork (e.g., the Internet), and peer-to-peer networks (e.g.,Ad hoc peer-to-peer networks).

[0061] The computer system may include clients and servers. A client and a server are generally remote from each other and can communicate with each other over a communications network. The relationship between client and server arises because computer programs run on the respective computers and have a client-server relationship with each other. In some implementations, a server transmits data (e.g., an HTML page) to a client device (e.g., to display data and receive user input from a user interacting with the client device). Data generated on the client device (e.g., a result of user interaction) can be received from the client device at the server.

[0062] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various blocks, modules, elements, components, methods, and algorithms described herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various blocks, modules, elements, components, methods, and algorithms have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented in hardware or software depends on the particular application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system. The described functionality may be implemented in different ways for each particular application. Various components and blocks may be arranged differently (e.g., in a different order or partitioned in a different manner) without exceeding the scope of the present technology.

[0063] Illustration of the present technology in the form of clauses: For convenience, various examples of aspects of the disclosure are described as numbered clauses (1, 2, 3, etc.). These are examples that do not limit the present technology. The identifications of the figures and reference numbers are provided below merely as examples and for illustrative purposes, and the clauses are not limited by these identifications.

[0064] Clause 1. A pumping segment recovery device comprising a first arm segment, a second arm segment, a hose receiving space between the first arm and the second arm, and a connecting segment connecting the first arm segment to the second arm segment. The connecting segment is disposed below the pipe receiving space. The first arm segment has a first flared end for contacting a pumping element before the pumping element contacts a fluid hose received in the hose receiving space, and the second arm segment has a second flared end for contacting the pumping element before the pumping element contacts the fluid hose received in the hose receiving space.

[0065] Clause 2. The pumping segment recovery device according to clause 1, wherein the first arm segment and the second arm segment are separated by a gap width that is greater than the outer diameter of the fluid hose accommodated in the hose-accommodating space. In some embodiments, the gap width is equal to or less than the width of the pumping element. In some embodiments, the connecting segment separates the first arm and the second arm by a predetermined distance (i.e., the gap width). The predetermined distance is greater than the outer diameter of the fluid hose.

[0066] Clause 3. The pumping segment recovery device according to clause 2, wherein the first arm segment and the second arm segment are separated by at least the width of the pumping element when the pumping element engages and contacts the fluid hose received in the hose receiving space.

[0067] Clause 4. A pumping segment recovery device according to Clause 3, wherein after contact of the pumping element with the fluid hose received in the hose receiving space and while the pumping element withdraws from the hose receiving space, the first arm segment and the second arm segment contact the fluid hose received in the hose receiving space.

[0068] Clause 5. The pumping segment recovery device according to any one of clauses 3 and 4, wherein the pumping segment recovery device has a predetermined elasticity such that the first arm segment and the second arm segment are separated by the gap width after the pumping element has retracted from the hose receiving space and no longer contacts the fluid hose received in the hose receiving space. In other words, the first arm segment and the second arm segment return to the gap width in the rest state.

[0069] Clause 6. The pumping segment recovery device according to any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the pumping element is a first pumping element and the pumping segment recovery device is coupled to a second pumping element opposite the first pumping element.

[0070] Clause 7. The pumping segment recovery device of Clause 6, wherein the pumping segment recovery device is coupled to a first surface of the second pumping element via a connecting element connecting the connecting segment to the first surface of the second pumping element, the first surface of the second pumping element being adjacent to the first pumping element.

[0071] Clause 8. The pumping segment recovery device according to Clause 6, wherein the second pumping element is received via the hose receiving space between the first arm segment and the second arm segment before the fluid hose is received in the hose receiving space, and the first arm segment and the second arm segment couple the second pumping element to the pumping segment recovery device.

[0072] Clause 9. A pumping segment recovery device according to any one of clauses 6 to 8, wherein the second pumping element is part of an infusion device.

[0073] Clause 10. A pump segment recovery device according to Clause 9, wherein the part of the infusion device is a door.

[0074] Clause 11. A pump segment recovery device according to Clause 9, wherein the part of the infusion device is part of a pump mechanism of the infusion device.

[0075] Clause 12. A pumping segment recovery device according to any one of clauses 1 to 11, wherein the pumping segment recovery device is formed of a metallic material.

[0076] Clause 13. A pumping segment recovery device according to any one of clauses 1 to 12, wherein the distance between the first flared end and the second flared end is equal to or greater than the width of the pumping element.

[0077] Clause 14. A pumping segment recovery device according to any one of clauses 1 to 13, wherein the first arm segment has a first s-shape and the second arm segment has a second s-shape opposite to the first s-shape.

[0078] Clause 15. An infusion device comprises a housing, a fluid path for conducting fluid from a container via a fluid tube, and a pumping segment recovery device mounted along the fluid path within the housing. The pumping segment recovery device comprises a first arm segment, a second arm segment, a tube-receiving space between the first arm segment and the second arm segment, and a connecting segment connecting the first arm segment to the second arm segment. The connecting segment is disposed below the tube-receiving space. The first arm segment has a first flared end for contacting a pumping element before the pumping element contacts the fluid tube received in the tube-receiving space, and the second arm segment has a second flared end for contacting the pumping element before the pumping element contacts the fluid tube received in the tube-receiving space.

[0079] Clause 16. The infusion device of Clause 15, wherein the pump segment recovery device is configured according to any one of sentences 2 to 14.

[0080] Clause 17. A method for compressing a fluid hose, comprising receiving a fluid hose in a pumping segment recovery device having at least two arm segments. The at least two arm segments are coupled via a connecting segment that forms a hose receiving space with the at least two arm segments. The method also includes actuating a pumping element into the hose receiving space toward the fluid hose to contact the at least two arm segments of the pumping segment recovery device. Contact of the pumping element with the at least two arm segments causes an increase in the distance between the at least two arms. The method includes, after the pumping element has contacted the pumping segment recovery device, moving the pumping element to contact the fluid hose. Contact of the pumping element with the fluid hose causes compression of the fluid hose.The method further comprises, after the pumping element has compressed the fluid tube, moving the pumping element out of the tube receiving space. As the pumping element moves out of the fluid receiving space, the at least two arm segments of the pumping segment recovery device are caused to compress the fluid tube into an uncompressed shape.

[0081] Clause 18. The method of Clause 17, wherein the pumping segment recovery device is configured according to any one of clauses 1 to 14. Further consideration:

[0082] In some embodiments, each of the clauses contained herein may depend on each of the independent clauses or each of the dependent clauses. In one aspect, each of the clauses (e.g., dependent or independent clauses) may be combined with one or more other clauses (e.g., dependent or independent clauses). In one aspect, a claim may include some or all of the words listed in a clause, sentence, phrase, or paragraph (e.g., steps, acts, means, or components). In one aspect, a claim may include some or all of the words listed in one or more clauses, sentences, phrases, or paragraphs. In one aspect, some of the words in each of the clauses, sentences, phrases, or paragraphs may be removed. In one aspect, additional words or elements may be added to a clause, sentence, phrase, or paragraph.In one aspect, the present technology may be implemented without using some of the components, elements, functions, or operations described herein. In one aspect, the present technology may be implemented using additional components, elements, functions, or operations.

[0083] It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the disclosed processes is an illustration of example approaches. It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes can be rearranged based on design preferences. Some of the steps may be performed concurrently. The appended method claims depict elements of the various steps in an example order and are not limited to the specific order or hierarchy depicted.

[0084] The foregoing description is intended to enable one skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. The foregoing description contains various examples of the present technology, and the present technology is not limited to these examples. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects as well. Therefore, the claims are not limited to the aspects shown here, but have the full scope consistent with the language of the claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular does not mean "one and only one" unless expressly stated, but rather "one or more." Unless expressly stated otherwise, the term "some" refers to one or more. Masculine pronouns (e.g., "sein") include the feminine and neuter (e.g., "sein").her and his) and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, if any, are for convenience only and do not limit the invention described herein.

[0085] The predicate words "configured for," "operable for," and "programmed for" do not imply any specific tangible or intangible modification of an object, but are intended to be used interchangeably. For example, a processor configured to monitor and control an operation or component may also mean that the processor is programmed to monitor and control the operation, or that the processor is operable to monitor and control the operation. Similarly, a processor configured to execute code may be understood as a processor programmed to execute code, or as capable of executing code.

[0086] The term "automatic," as used herein, may include execution by a computer or machine without user intervention, for example, through instructions responding to a predetermined action of the computer or machine or other triggering mechanism. The word "example" is used herein to mean "as an example or illustration." Any aspect or design described herein as an "example" should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs.

[0087] A phrase like "aspect" does not imply that this aspect is essential to the present technology or that this aspect applies to all configurations of the present technology. A disclosure that relates to an aspect may apply to all configurations or to one or more configurations. An aspect may include one or more examples. A phrase like "an aspect" may relate to one or more aspects and vice versa. A phrase like "implementation" does not imply that such implementation is essential to the present technology or that such implementation applies to all configurations of the present technology. A disclosure that relates to an implementation may apply to all implementations or to one or more implementations. An implementation may include one or more examples.A phrase such as "implementation" may refer to one or more implementations, and vice versa. A phrase such as "configuration" does not imply that such a configuration is essential to the present technology or that such a configuration applies to all configurations of the present technology. A disclosure referring to a configuration may apply to all configurations or to one or more configurations. A configuration may include one or more examples. A phrase such as "a configuration" may refer to one or more configurations, and vice versa.

Claims

[1] A pump segment recovery device comprising: a first arm segment; a second arm segment; a hose receiving space between the first arm and the second arm; and a connecting segment coupling the first arm segment to the second arm segment, the connecting segment being arranged below the hose receiving space, wherein the first arm segment has a first flared end for contacting a pumping element before the pumping element contacts a fluid hose received in the hose receiving space, wherein the second arm segment has a second flared end for contacting the pumping element before the pumping element contacts the fluid hose received in the hose receiving space. [2] The pumping segment recovery device according to claim 1, wherein the first arm segment and the second arm segment are separated by a gap width larger than the outer diameter of the fluid hose accommodated in the hose accommodating space. [3] The pumping segment recovery device according to claim 2, wherein the first arm segment and the second arm segment are separated by at least the width of the pumping element when the pumping element engages and contacts the fluid hose accommodated in the hose accommodating space. [4] The pumping segment recovery device according to claim 3, wherein the first arm segment and the second arm segment contact the fluid hose accommodated in the hose accommodating space after the pumping element contacts the fluid hose accommodated in the hose accommodating space and while the pumping element retracts from the hose accommodating space. [5] The pumping segment recovery device according to any one of claims 3 to 4, wherein the pumping segment recovery device has a predetermined elasticity so that the first arm segment and the second arm segment are separated by the gap width after the pumping element has retracted from the hose accommodating space and no longer contacts the fluid hose accommodated in the hose accommodating space. [6] The pumping segment recovery device according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein: the pumping element is a first pumping element; and the pumping segment recovery device is coupled to a second pumping element opposite the first pumping element. [7] The pumping segment recovery device of claim 6, wherein the pumping segment recovery device is coupled to a first surface of the second pumping element via a fastener that couples the connecting segment to the first surface of the second pumping element, the first surface of the second pumping element being adjacent to the first pumping element. [8] The pumping segment recovery device according to claim 6, wherein: the second pumping element is received via the hose receiving space between the first arm segment and the second arm segment before the fluid hose is received in the hose receiving space; and the first arm segment and the second arm segment connect the second pumping element to the pumping segment recovery device. [9] The pumping segment recovery device according to any one of claims 6-8, wherein the second pumping element is part of an infusion device. [10] The pump segment recovery device of claim 9, wherein the part of the infusion device is a door. [11] The pump segment recovery device of claim 9, wherein the part of the infusion device is a part of a pump mechanism of the infusion device. [12] The pumping segment recovery device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the pumping segment recovery device is formed of a metallic material. [13] The pumping segment recovery device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the distance between the first flared end and the second flared end is equal to or greater than the width of the pumping element. [14] The pumping segment recovery device according to any one of claims 1-13, wherein the first arm segment has a first S-shape and the second arm segment has a second S-shape opposite to the first S-shape. [15] An infusion device comprising: a housing; a fluid path for conveying a fluid from a container via a fluid hose; a pumping segment recovery device mounted along the fluid path within the housing, the pumping segment recovery device comprising: - a first arm segment; - a second arm segment; - a hose receiving space between the first arm segment and the second arm segment; and - a connecting segment coupling the first arm segment to the second arm segment, wherein the connecting segment is arranged below the hose receiving space, wherein the first arm segment has a first flared end for contacting a pumping element before the pumping element contacts the fluid hose received in the hose receiving space, wherein the second arm segment has a second flared end for contacting the pumping element before the pumping element contacts the fluid hose received in the hose receiving space. [16] A method for compressing a fluid hose, comprising: - Receiving a fluid hose in a pump segment recovery device having at least two arm segments, wherein the at least two arm segments are coupled via a connecting segment which forms a hose receiving space with the at least two arm segments; - Actuating a pump element into the hose receiving space in the direction of the fluid hose to contact the at least two arm segments of the pump segment recovery device, wherein the contact of the pump element with the at least two arm segments of the pump segment recovery device causes a distance between the at least two arm segments to increase; - after contacting the pumping segment recovery device, moving the pumping element to contact the fluid hose, wherein the contact of the pumping element with the fluid hose causes compression of the fluid hose; and - after compressing the fluid hose, moving the pump element out of the hose receiving space, wherein, as the pump element moves out of the hose receiving space, the at least two arm segments of the pump segment recovery device are caused to urge the fluid hose into an uncompressed shape.

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