Enteral nutrition pump system, valve assembly for an enteral nutrition pump system, and fluid flow control method for an enteral nutrition pump system

Abstract

A flow selector valve assembly for an enteral nutrition pump system (i.e., the enteral nutrition pump system includes a fluid delivery set having a first nutrition tube and a second nutrition tube, an enteral nutrition pump, and a clamping mechanism for controlling the flow of the nutrition formulation or water from the first nutrition tube and the second nutrition tube), and a twin port adapter for use in this valve assembly are provided. The twin port adapter includes a body configured to receive the first nutrition tube and the second nutrition tube within the body, and a nutrition tube guide rotatably connected to the body and configured to fix the first nutrition tube and the second nutrition tube within the body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application is a continuation - in - part of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 820,385, filed on August 17, 2022, and claims the benefit of priority to (1) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 234,451, filed on August 18, 2021, (2) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 280,405, filed on November 17, 2021, and (3) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 355,291, filed on June 24, 2022. The entire disclosures of all of these are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate to enteral nutrition pump systems, and more particularly, to an adapter for a valve assembly for use with an enteral nutrition pump system.

Background Art

[0003] Generally, enteral nutrition pump systems are used to supply liquid nutrition to patients who are unable to eat. The pumping system typically includes a pump and a disposable tubing set (see, for example, FIG. 1). The enteral nutrition pump can be designed to pump liquid nutrition formulations or only nutrition formulations and water separately.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In order to maintain cleanliness and prevent liquid contaminants from being pumped, any component that comes into direct contact with the liquid must be disposable.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The following presents a simplified introduction to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the present invention. This introduction is not an overview of the broad scope of the present invention. It is not intended to identify key or important elements of the present invention nor to delineate the scope of the present invention in detail. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the present invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description presented later.

[0006] In one aspect of the present invention, a flow selector valve assembly for an enteral nutrition pump system is disclosed. The valve assembly includes a twin-port adapter having a first nutrition tube and a second nutrition tube, a first input port and a second input port each configured to receive a portion of the first nutrition tube and a portion of the second nutrition tube respectively, and a body including an output port in communication with the first input port and the second input port, and a nutrition tube guide rotatably connected to the body and configured to secure the first nutrition tube and the second nutrition tube within the body. The twin-port adapter is configured to position the first input port and the second input port relative to a receiving portion, the receiving portion having a central shaft with an eccentric bearing such that at least a portion of the central shaft is received within the twin-port adapter by the twin-port adapter, and the receiving portion is configured to receive the twin-port adapter with the central shaft positioned between the first input port and the second input port, wherein the eccentric bearing is in a first position where neither the first input port nor the second input port is compressed. The eccentric bearing is movable between the first position, a second position rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the first position where the eccentric bearing compresses the first input port within the eccentric bearing to block the flow through the first input port, and a third position rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise from the first position where the eccentric bearing compresses the second input port within the eccentric bearing to block the flow through the second input port, and the eccentric bearing is configured to be actuated by a digital control motor within the enteral nutrition pump system.

[0007] In another aspect of the present invention, a twin-port adapter for use in an enteral nutrition pump system having a first nutrition tube and a second nutrition tube is disclosed. The twin-port adapter includes a body having a U-shaped portion with a lower end having a first side and a second side and an upper end having a first side and a second side, a first input port and a second input port formed at the lower end and configured to receive a portion of the first nutrition tube and a portion of the second nutrition tube, respectively, and an output port in communication with the first input port and the second input port. The twin-port adapter further includes a nutrition tube guide rotatably connected to the first side of the upper end and configured to fix the first nutrition tube and the second nutrition tube within the body.

[0008] In yet another aspect of the present invention, a twin pump adapter for use in an enteral nutrition pump system having a first nutrition tube and a second nutrition tube is disclosed. The twin port adapter includes a body having a U-shaped portion with a lower end having a first side and a second side, and an upper end having a first side and a second side, a first input port and a second input port formed at the lower end, the first input port and the second input port being configured to receive a respective portion of the first nutrition tube and the second nutrition tube, and an output port in communication with the first input port and the second input port. The twin port adapter further includes a nutrition tube guide rotatably connected to the first side of the upper end and configured to fix the first nutrition tube and the second nutrition tube within the body, the nutrition tube guide including a first end and a second end, and a first C-shaped tube receiving member and a second C-shaped tube receiving member located between the first end and the second end and configured to receive and fix the first nutrition tube and the second nutrition tube within the first C-shaped tube receiving member and the second C-shaped tube receiving member respectively. The first C-shaped tube receiving member includes a first protrusion configured to engage the first nutrition tube, and the second C-shaped tube receiving member includes a second protrusion configured to engage the second nutrition tube. The central wall includes a third protrusion facing the first protrusion and configured to engage the first nutrition tube, and a fourth protrusion facing the second protrusion and configured to engage the second nutrition tube.

[0009] These and other features and advantages will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description and a review of the associated drawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the claimed aspects.

[0010] For purposes of illustration, specific embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings described below. Like numbers in the drawings indicate like elements throughout. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the exact arrangements, dimensions, and apparatus shown in the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] To provide a substantial understanding of the present invention, it should be understood that specific aspects, modes, embodiments, variations, and features of the present invention are described below at various levels of detail.

[0013] Definitions For convenience, the meanings of some terms and phrases used in this specification, examples, and the appended claims are listed below. Unless otherwise specified or implicitly meant from the context, the following terms and phrases include the meanings listed below. Since the scope of the present invention is limited only by the claims, the definitions are provided to assist in explaining specific embodiments and are not meant to limit the claimed invention. Unless otherwise specified, all scientific and technical terms used in this specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. In case of an obvious contradiction between the use of a term in the art and its definition listed in this specification, the definition listed in this specification shall prevail.

[0014] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, a reference to "a cell" includes combinations of two or more cells, etc.

[0015] As used in this specification, the term "about" or "approximately" with respect to a value or parameter generally includes numbers that fall within a range of 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20% in either direction (greater or less) of the number, unless otherwise specified or not clear from the context (except when such a number is less than 0% or greater than 100% of the possible values). A reference to "about" or "approximately" a value or parameter in this specification includes (and describes) embodiments related to that value or parameter. For example, an explanation that refers to "about X" includes an explanation of "X".

[0016] As used herein, the term "or" means "and / or". The term "and / or" as used in phrases such as "A and / or B" herein is intended to include both A and B; A or B; A alone; and B alone. Similarly, the term "and / or" as used in phrases such as "A, B, and / or C" is intended to encompass each of the following embodiments, namely, A, B, and C; A, B, or C; A or C; A or B; B or C; A and C; A and B; B and C; A alone; B alone; and C alone.

[0017] As used herein, the term "comprising" means that other elements can be present in addition to the recited defined elements. The use of "comprising" indicates inclusion rather than limitation.

[0018] The term "consisting of" refers to the compositions, methods, and their respective components described herein, excluding elements not recited in the description of that embodiment.

[0019] Enteral nutrition pump pinch valve Disclosed herein is a pinch valve for use with an enteral nutrition pump system. Such a system is shown in FIG. 1.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, an exemplary motor 10, which is part of an exemplary enteral nutrition pump system, is shown and includes a disposable fluid delivery set having two separate supply containers connected by tubing to a tubing adapter that combines the flow from two separate tubes into one fluid stream, an integral peristaltic tube section, and an enteral nutrition pump. The enteral nutrition pump motor 10 includes a rotor that engages the peristaltic tube section and that, when rotated, causes liquid to flow in the rotational direction. The tubing from the two fluid supply containers passes through a clamping mechanism for selectively blocking or opening the flow of fluid from either container to the patient. In various embodiments, the clamping mechanism is actuated by an inflatable bladder connected to a micro air pump or an inflatable bellows connected to a micro air pump. In a preferred embodiment, the inflatable bellows operates in a pressure range of 0.1 to 1 bar.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, an exemplary clamping mechanism 80 of the first embodiment includes tubing 200 within a single pincher 210. The tightening and loosening of the single pincher 210 around the tubing 200 is controlled by an inflatable bladder 220, shown here in an inflated state. The inflatable bladder 200 is connected to a micro air pump (not shown). In operation, the micro air pump inflates the inflatable bladder 200, narrowing the single pincher 210 around the tubing 200. When the tubing 200 is narrowed, no fluid can flow through the tubing 200. When the micro air pump deflates the inflatable bladder 200, the single pincher 210 releases its grip on the tubing 200, allowing fluid flow within the tubing 200.

[0022] In another embodiment, the clamping mechanism is controlled by an inflatable bellows connected to a micro air pump. In a preferred embodiment, the inflatable bellows operates in a pressure range of 0.1 to 1 bar.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 3, an exemplary clamping mechanism 180 of the second embodiment includes a pinch 300 having a first channel 310 and a second channel 320. The double pinch channels 310, 320 allow the placement of tubing (not shown) in both. The pinch 300 clamping and relaxing around the tubing in the channels 310, 320 is controlled by an inflatable bladder (not shown) connected to a micro air pump (not shown). When the micro air pump inflates the inflatable bladder, the first channel 310 and the second channel 320 immediately block the tubing, preventing the fluid flow in the tubing. When the micro air pump contracts the inflatable bladder, the pinch 300 releases its clamping force on the tubing 200, allowing the fluid flow in the tubing in the channels 310, 320.

[0024] In another embodiment, instead of an inflatable bladder, an inflatable bellows connected to a micro air pump is used. In a preferred embodiment, the inflatable bellows operates in a pressure range of 0.1 to 1 bar.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary double pinch system.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 5, an exemplary enteral nutrition pump system 110 is shown, including a disposable fluid delivery set having two separate supply source containers connected by tubing to a tubing adapter that combines the flow from two separate tubes into one fluid stream, an integral peristaltic tube section, and an enteral nutrition pump. The enteral nutrition pump includes a rotor that engages the peristaltic tube section and includes a rotor that, when rotated, flows liquid in the rotational direction, and the tubing from the two fluid supply source containers passes through an eccentric clamping mechanism for selectively blocking or opening the flow of fluid from either container to the patient, and the eccentric clamping mechanism is actuated by a quarter turn clockwise or a quarter turn counterclockwise of the motor rotation.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 6, an exemplary clamping mechanism 280 of the first embodiment includes two flexible tubes (typically PVC or other flexible material) within the flow selector adapter 410. The adapter forms a pinch valve system when attached to the eccentric bearing 150.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 7, two views of the exemplary clamping mechanism 280 include, first, the eccentric bearing 150 oriented in a centered (neutral) position to consider adapter attachment, and second, the eccentric bearing 150 rotated 90 degrees with sufficient force to clamp and stop the fluid flow through either one of the intervening tubes. Reversing the rotation allows the flow to begin passing through the tube again. Continued rotation up to 180 degrees (more than 90 degrees from the centered position) clamps the second intervening tubing section and stops the fluid flow.

[0029] FIG. 8 shows an exemplary disposable tubing set having an adapter 410 that allows fluid flow from either one of the selected sources.

[0030] Flow selector valve assembly and its operation A flow selector valve assembly for use with an enteral nutrition pump is also disclosed herein.

[0031] Referring again to FIG. 1, an exemplary motor 10 of an exemplary enteral nutrition pump constitutes a durable actuator and is shown, with a disposable fluid delivery set having two separate supply containers connected by tubing to a tubing adapter that combines the flow from two separate tubes into one fluid stream, and is used with an integral peristaltic tube section (see FIGS. 9 and 10A - 10C). The enteral nutrition pump motor 10 is a motor that engages the disposable tube adapter and, when rotated, includes a motor that controls the fluid flow through one of the two tubes as described below.

[0032] Figures 9, 10A - 10C, and 11A - 11D show an exemplary flow selector valve assembly 20 of the present invention for use with the enteral nutrition pump motor 10 of FIG. 1. The flow selector valve assembly 20 is operably connected to the enteral nutrition pump motor 10, as further described below.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 9, 10A - 10C, and 11A - 11D, the enteral nutrition pump motor 10 engages a flow selector valve assembly 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The flow selector valve assembly 20 includes a disposable tube adapter 22 (i.e., a disposable set section) having two flexible input tubing channels 24, 26 and one output tubing channel 28. The two input tubing channels 24, 26 are configured to receive two respective tubes 24a, 24b connected to two fluid sources (not shown). The output tubing channel 28 is configured to receive a nutrition tube (i.e., an integral peristaltic tube section) inserted into a patient to supply fluid / nutrients (not shown).

[0034] The disposable tube adapter 22 (i.e., the set section) is easily attachable to the enteral nutrition pump motor 10 (i.e., the durable actuator) as part of the flow selector valve assembly 20.

[0035] The flow selector valve assembly 20 is configured to select either one or both of two fluid sources simultaneously. The two flexible input tubing channels 24, 26 are separate from a mechanism for blocking the fluid flow through either one of them (i.e., their respective tubes 24a, 24b). The tube adapter 22 positions the flexible tubing channels 24, 26 relative to a receiving portion 30. As shown in FIG. 11A, the receiving portion 30 has a central shaft 32 and an eccentric bearing 34 extending from a digital control motor (e.g., in the nutrition pump system 10).

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 10B and 11B, during operation, the bearing 34 is positioned at the 12 o'clock orientation, and neither of the flexible input tubing channels 24, 26, nor any of their respective tubes 24a, 26b within them are being compressed. This position facilitates the removal and attachment of the adapter 22 / tubing assembly 20.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 10C and 11C, when the bearing 34 is moved to the 9 o'clock position (e.g., by counterclockwise rotation of the motor 10 of the enteral nutrition pump), the bearing 34 compresses the flexible input tubing channel 24, clamping the tube 24a within the channel in a closed state and blocking the flow through the tube. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 11D, when the bearing 34 is moved to the 3 o'clock position (e.g., by clockwise rotation of the motor 10 of the enteral nutrition pump), the bearing 34 compresses the flexible input tubing channel 26, clamping the tube 26a within the channel in a closed state and blocking the flow through the tube.

[0038] Accordingly, the flow selector valve assembly 20 operates in cooperation with the enteral nutrition pump motor 10 to selectively block one of the flexible input tubing channels 24, 26 and their respective tubes 24a, 26a within them.

[0039] One advantage of the invention disclosed herein is the ease of attachment of the disposable tube adapter 22 (i.e., the set section) to the enteral nutrition pump motor 10 (i.e., the durable actuator).

[0040] Twin Port Adapter and Its Operation Next, reference is made to FIGS. 12-20, which show an embodiment of a twin port adapter (TPA) 500 for use with a flow selector valve assembly (including its pinch valve) and a nutrient pump system according to the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 12-15, the TPA 500 includes a body having a U-shaped portion 502 with a first (i.e., lower) end 504 and a second (i.e., upper) end 506. The lower end 504 includes a first (e.g., left) side 504a and a second (e.g., right) side 504b, and the upper end 506 includes a first (e.g., left) side 506a and a second (e.g., right) side 506b. The TPA body further includes input ports (i.e., input tubing channels) 508a, 508b formed at the lower end 504 of the U-shaped portion 502 (i.e., between the left side 504a and the right side 504b of the lower end 504) and extending downwardly from the lower end 504, an output port (i.e., output tubing channel) 510 in communication with the input ports 504a, 504b, and a thumb handle 512 extending from the upper end 506 of the U-shaped portion 502 (i.e., between the left side 506a and the right side 506b of the upper end 506) for attaching the TPA 500 to a nutrient pump system and, in other cases, for handling and operating the TPA 500.

[0041] Continuing to refer to FIGS. 12 - 16 and FIG. 19, the TPA500 further includes a movable nutrient tube guide 514. The nutrient tube guide 514 includes a first end 516 and a second end 518 opposite the first end 516. The second end 518 is configured to engage firmly with the second side 506b of the upper end 506 of the U - shaped portion 502 (e.g., by a latch mechanism). The nutrient tube guide 514 further includes adjacent first and second C - shaped tube receiving members 520 and 522, which are located between the first end 516 and the second end 518 and are configured to receive and secure the flexible first nutrient tube 524 and the second nutrient tube 526 of the nutrient pump system, respectively, within (i.e., within the openings formed by) the adjacent first and second C - shaped tube receiving members 520 and 522 (see FIG. 16). The tube receiving members 520, 522 each include a first retainer ridge or protrusion 521 and a second retainer ridge or protrusion 523, respectively, configured to engage with the first nutrient tube 524 and the second nutrient tube 526, respectively. The nutrient tube guide 514 further includes a Y - shaped central wall 528 common to the first and second tube receiving members 520 and 522 that separates the respective openings formed by those tube receiving members. In the illustrated embodiment, the wall 528 is Y - shaped and includes a third retainer ridge or protrusion 530 that extends into the opening formed by the first tube receiving member 520 (i.e., opposite the first protrusion 521) and a fourth retainer ridge or protrusion 532 that extends into the opening formed by the second tube receiving member 522 (i.e., opposite the second protrusion 523). The third protrusion 530 and the fourth protrusion 532 are configured to engage with the first nutrient tube 524 and the second nutrient tube 526, respectively. In alternative embodiments of the present invention (e.g., those without a Y - shape), other configurations of the wall 528 are possible.

[0042] The first end 516 of the nutrition tube guide 514 is rotatably attached to the first side 506a of the upper end 506 of the U-shaped portion 502. In various embodiments, the first end 516 is attached to the first side 506a as a living hinge shaped as a single-action tool, which allows the nutrition tube guide 514 to move in an arc to the left or right. Thereby, the nutrition tube guide 514 is movable from the open position as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 to the closed position or the locked position as shown in FIGS. 14 to 17. In various embodiments, the nutrition tube guide 514 serves to enable simple straight-pull injection molding in its open position / open configuration. In various embodiments, the nutrition tube guide 514 (when molded) is moved (i.e., folded) only once to its permanent closed position / permanent locked position.

[0043] Referring further to FIGS. 16, 17, 19 and 20, the first nutrient tube 524 and the second nutrient tube 526 are shown fixed within the respective openings of the first C-shaped tube receiving member 520 and the second C-shaped tube receiving member 522 of the nutrient tube guide 514 to the TPA 500, and are fixed by the respective first protrusions 521 and second protrusions 523 and the third protrusions 530 and fourth protrusions 532 of the wall 528. The first nutrient tube 524 and the second nutrient tube 526 are further fixed to the TPA 500 by bonding the nutrient tubes 524, 526 to the respective input ports 508a, 508b with an adhesive. This is shown in FIG. 20, where the nutrient tube 526 is shown bonded to the input port 508b. The nutrient tube 524 is similarly bonded to the input port 508a (not shown). In various embodiments, the nutrient tubes 524, 526 are bonded to the respective input ports 508a, 508b with a UV curable adhesive, a non-limiting example of which is Dymax 1405-M. The adhesive is applied to portions of the nutrient tubes 524, 526 to bond to the respective input ports 508a, 508b (i.e., the lower ends of each nutrient tube), and the nutrient tubes 524, 526 are inserted into the respective input ports 508a, 508b. The tubes 524, 526 and the respective input ports 508a, 508b are then subjected to UV irradiation having the intensity and wavelength required to cure the applied adhesive, and this UV irradiation cures (i.e., solidifies) the adhesive, thereby fixing the lower ends of the nutrient tubes 524, 526 within the respective input ports 508a, 508b to the respective input ports 508a, 508b. In various embodiments, the UV intensity is 13 - 30 W / cm 2extends to. In various embodiments, the UV wavelength extends from 300 nm to 500 nm. As shown in FIG. 20, the first protrusion 521 and the second protrusion 523, and the third protrusion 530 and the fourth protrusion 532 of the wall 528 temporarily hold the nutrient tubes 524, 526 while the adhesive is applied and cured. When the adhesive cures, the nutrient tubes 524, 526 are fully pushed into the first C-shaped tube receiving member 520 and the second C-shaped tube receiving member 522 of the nutrient tube guide 514, respectively. The upper ends of the nutrient tubes 524, 526 are not fixedly coupled in place, thereby being repositionable to allow their movement during use.

[0044] In various embodiments, the TPA500 is molded by injection molding.

[0045] In various embodiments, the TPA500 is molded from rigid PVC or ABS. The TPA500 may also be molded from other suitable polymers and materials.

[0046] Next, referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, these figures show that each of the input ports 508a, 508b includes a check ball 534a, 534b, respectively, and the check balls 534a, 534b constitute and are configured as check ball valves that function to block the fluid from moving in either direction within the input ports 508a, 508b and the nutrient tubes 524, 526. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the TPA500 and the nutrient tubes 524, 526 fixed within the TPA500. FIG. 18 is a detailed view of the input ports 508a, 508b and the nutrient tubes 524, 526. The check ball 534a is supported by three concentrically arranged ribs 536, while the check ball 534b is supported by three concentrically arranged ribs 538 (see also FIG. 19 in which the check balls 534a, 534b are removed for clarity). In alternative embodiments, there are different numbers of ribs and / or different rib configurations.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 18, when both check balls 534a and 534b are in the first low position, the fluid flows (as indicated by arrow F) by gravity from the highest fluid supply source container (i.e., one connected to one of the nutrient tubes 524, 526) to the lowest fluid supply source container. When this occurs in either one of the flow directions (i.e., upstream or downstream in the nutrient tubes 524, 526), the check ball 534a or 534b in the flow direction suddenly rises to prevent the fluid in the nutrient tube 524 or 526 from flowing further (see arrows B1, B2, and B3 showing the movement of check ball 534b). The rib 538 also allows the fluid to flow in the forward / downstream flow direction (see arrows B1 and B2). The check ball 534a is separated from the support rib 536 by the pressure in the reverse flow direction (see arrow B3) to block the flow to the nutrient tube 524. The blocking operation of the check balls 534a and 534b keeps the water and food in a separated state until the user is ready to pump water and food with the nutrient pump system. The check balls 543a and 534b thereby block backflow when one of the tubes 524 or 526 has a higher pressure than the other in either one of the flow directions.

[0048] In various embodiments, the check balls 534a and 534b are formed from polyethylene. In other embodiments, the check balls 534a and 534b may be formed from other materials, non-limiting examples of which include polypropylene and polystyrene.

[0049] During operation, the nutrient tubes 524, 526 are fixed within the TPA500 as described above. The TPA500 (with the nutrient tubes 524, 526 therein) is then connected to an eccentric bearing clamping mechanism that is the same as or similar to the exemplary clamping mechanism shown in FIGS. 7, 10A - 10C and FIGS. 11A - 11D and described above. The TPA500 is attached to a clamping mechanism having an eccentric bearing (see eccentric bearing 150 in FIG. 7). When the TPA500 is being attached, the eccentric bearing is oriented to a centered (neutral) position to account for the TPA500. After attachment, the eccentric bearing is rotated 90 degrees to the left or right with sufficient force to clamp and stop the fluid flow through each of the first / left nutrient tube 524 or the second / right nutrient tube 526 as shown in FIGS. 10A - 10C and FIGS. 11A - 11D described above.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the TPA500 is disposable.

[0051] Unless otherwise specifically defined herein, scientific and technical terms used in connection with this application shall have the meanings commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The present invention is not limited to the specific methodologies, protocols, examples, etc. described herein, and thus it should be understood that they can vary. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined only by the claims.

[0052] Other terms are defined within the description of the various aspects of the invention herein.

[0053] The description of embodiments of the present disclosure is not intended to be exclusive or to limit the present disclosure to the exact form disclosed. Specific embodiments of the present disclosure and examples for the present disclosure are described herein for illustrative purposes, but as will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the relevant art, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, although method steps or functions are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments may perform the functions in a different order or the functions may be performed substantially simultaneously. The teachings of the present disclosure provided herein can be applied to other procedures or methods as needed. Combinations of the various embodiments described herein can provide further embodiments. Aspects of the present disclosure can be modified as necessary and still further embodiments of the present disclosure can be provided using the above-recited and applicable components, functions, and concepts. These and other modifications can be made to the present disclosure in light of the detailed description. All such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

[0054] Any particular elements of the above-described embodiments can be combined or can serve as alternatives to elements in other embodiments. Further, although the advantages associated with specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in the context of these embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments necessarily exhibit such advantages so as to fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0055] The specification described above is considered to be sufficient for one of ordinary skill in the art to practice this aspect and the embodiments. Since the examples provided are intended as one illustration of one aspect, they should not be limited by those examples, and other functionally equivalent embodiments are within the scope of this disclosure. In addition to the changes shown and described herein, various changes will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from the above description and fall within the scope of the appended claims. The advantages and objectives described herein are not necessarily encompassed by each embodiment. One of ordinary skill in the art can recognize or confirm many equivalents to the specific embodiments described herein using only routine experimentation. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the scope of the appended claims.

[0056] All patents and other publications, including the references, issued patents, published patent applications, and co-pending patent applications cited throughout this application, are hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein for the purpose of explaining and disclosing, for example, the methodologies described in such publications that may be used with respect to the technologies described herein. These publications are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of this application. In this regard, it should not be construed as an admission by the inventors that they have no right to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention or for any other reason. All statements as to the date of these documents or representations as to the content of these documents are based on the information available to the applicant, and do not constitute any admission as to the correctness of the dates or contents of these documents.

Claims

Claim 1 A flow selector valve assembly for an enteral nutrition pump system, comprising a twin-port adapter having a first nutrition tube and a second nutrition tube, the twin-port adapter including a first input port and a second input port configured to receive a portion of the first nutrition tube and a portion of the second nutrition tube, respectively, and a body including an output port in communication with the first input port and the second input port, and a nutrition tube guide rotatably connected to the body and configured to fix the first nutrition tube and the second nutrition tube within the body, the twin-port adapter being configured to position the first input port and the second input port relative to a receiving portion, the receiving portion including a central shaft having an eccentric bearing such that at least a portion of the central shaft is received within the twin-port adapter by the twin-port adapter, the receiving portion being configured to receive the twin-port adapter with the central shaft positioned between the first input port and the second input port, wherein the eccentric bearing is in a first position where neither the first input port nor the second input port is compressed, the eccentric bearing being movable between the first position, a second position rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the first position where the eccentric bearing compresses the first input port within the eccentric bearing to block flow through the first input port, and a third position rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise from the first position where the eccentric bearing compresses the second input port within the eccentric bearing to block flow through the second input port, the eccentric bearing being configured to be actuated by a digital control motor within the enteral nutrition pump system, the flow selector valve assembly. Claim 2 A portion of the twin-port adapter body is U-shaped and includes a lower end having a first side and a second side and an upper end having a first side and a second side, the nutrition tube guide being rotatably attached to the first side of the upper end, the flow selector valve assembly according to claim 1. Claim 3 The nutrient tube guide includes a first end and a second end, and a first C-shaped tube receiving member and a second C-shaped tube receiving member, which are located between the first end and the second end, and the first nutrient tube and the second nutrient tube are respectively received and fixed in the first C-shaped tube receiving member and the second C-shaped tube receiving member. The flow selector valve assembly according to claim 2.

4. The first C-shaped tube receiving member includes a first protrusion configured to engage with the first nutrient tube, and the second C-shaped tube receiving member includes a second protrusion configured to engage with the second nutrient tube. The flow selector valve assembly according to claim 3.

5. The nutrient tube guide includes a central wall common to the first C-shaped tube receiving member and the second C-shaped tube receiving member. The flow selector valve assembly according to claim 4.

6. The central wall is Y-shaped. The flow selector valve assembly according to claim 5.

7. The central wall includes a third protrusion facing the first protrusion and configured to engage with the first nutrient tube, and a fourth protrusion facing the second protrusion and configured to engage with the second nutrient tube. The flow selector valve assembly according to claim 5.

8. The nutrient tube guide is rotatably attached to the first end of the upper end of the main body by a living hinge, and the nutrient tube guide is movable from an open position to a closed position. The flow selector valve assembly according to claim 2.

9. A part of the first nutrient tube and a part of the second nutrient tube are respectively bonded to the first input port and the second input port by an adhesive. The flow selector valve assembly according to claim 1.

10. The adhesive is a UV curable adhesive. The flow selector valve assembly according to claim 8.

11. Further comprising a first check ball near the first input port and a second check ball near the second input port, wherein the first check ball and the second check ball are configured as check ball valves that function to block the fluid from moving in either direction within the first input port, the second input port, the first nutrient tube, and the second nutrient tube. The flow selector valve assembly according to claim 1.

12. The twin-port adapter is disposable. The flow selector valve assembly according to claim 1.

13. A twin-port adapter for use in an enteral nutrition pump system having a first nutrient tube and a second nutrient tube, the twin-port adapter comprising: A body, A U-shaped portion having a lower end with a first side and a second side, and an upper end with a first side and a second side; A first input port and a second input port formed at the lower end, the first input port and the second input port being respectively configured to receive a portion of the first nutrient tube and a portion of the second nutrient tube; An output port in communication with the first input port and the second input port; Including, a body; A nutrient tube guide rotatably connected to the first side of the upper end and configured to fix the first nutrient tube and the second nutrient tube within the body; Comprising, a twin-port adapter.

14. The nutrient tube guide is rotatably attached to the first side of the upper end of the body by a living hinge, whereby the nutrient tube guide is movable from an open position to a closed position. The twin-port adapter according to claim 13.

15. The nutrient tube guide includes a first end and a second end, and a first C-shaped tube receiving member and a second C-shaped tube receiving member, the first C-shaped tube receiving member and the second C-shaped tube receiving member being located between the first end and the second end and configured to receive and fix the first nutrient tube and the second nutrient tube within the first C-shaped tube receiving member and the second C-shaped tube receiving member respectively. The twin-port adapter according to claim 13.

16. The first C-shaped tube receiving member includes a first protrusion configured to engage with the first nutrient tube, and the second C-shaped tube receiving member includes a second protrusion configured to engage with the second nutrient tube. The twin-port adapter according to claim 15.

17. The nutrient tube guide includes a central wall common to the first C-shaped tube receiving member and the second C-shaped tube receiving member. The twin-port adapter according to claim 16.

18. The central wall is Y-shaped. The twin-port adapter according to claim 17.

19. The central wall includes a third protrusion facing the first protrusion and configured to engage with the first nutrient tube, and a fourth protrusion facing the second protrusion and configured to engage with the second nutrient tube. The twin-port adapter according to claim 18.

20. The twin-port adapter further includes a first check ball near the first input port and a second check ball near the second input port. The first check ball and the second check ball are configured as check ball valves that block fluid from moving in either direction within the first input port, the second input port, the first nutrient tube, and the second nutrient tube. The twin-port adapter according to claim 13.

21. The twin-port adapter is disposable. The twin-port adapter according to claim 13.

22. A twin-port adapter for use in an enteral nutrition pump system having a first nutrient tube and a second nutrient tube, the twin-port adapter comprising: a body, a U-shaped portion having a lower end with a first side and a second side, and an upper end with a first side and a second side, a first input port and a second input port formed at the lower end, the first input port and the second input port being respectively configured to receive a portion of the first nutrient tube and a portion of the second nutrient tube, an output port in communication with the first input port and the second input port, including a body, A nutrient tube guide rotatably connected to the first side of the upper end and configured to fix the first nutrient tube and the second nutrient tube within the main body, the nutrient tube guide including a first end and a second end, and a first C-shaped tube receiving member and a second C-shaped tube receiving member located between the first end and the second end and configured to receive and fix the first nutrient tube and the second nutrient tube within the first C-shaped tube receiving member and the second C-shaped tube receiving member respectively. The first C-shaped tube receiving member includes a first protrusion configured to engage with the first nutrient tube. The second C-shaped tube receiving member includes a second protrusion configured to engage with the second nutrient tube. The central wall includes a third protrusion facing the first protrusion and configured to engage with the first nutrient tube, and a fourth protrusion facing the second protrusion and configured to engage with the second nutrient tube, the twin-port adapter.

23. The twin-port adapter according to claim 22, wherein the twin-port adapter is disposable.

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