Medical pump

Abstract

A pump for treating a patient is disclosed, the pump comprising: a plunger that is movable between a first position and a second position, which applies force to the tube when the tube is in the second position when the tube is loaded into the pump; a camshaft configured to actuate the plunger and move the plunger from the first position to the second position; a motor connected to the camshaft; and a heat sink (1361) for dissipating heat from the motor, the heat sink comprising a first portion (1361A) and a second portion (1361B); and a housing comprising the plunger, the camshaft, the motor, and at least a portion of the heat sink, wherein the first portion of the heat sink extends through the surface of the housing, the second portion is in thermal contact with the motor, and the first and second portions of the heat sink are movable relative to each other to determine an adjustable length.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications This application claims the priority of U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 198,905 (Attorney Docket No. AA458), filed on May 18, 2023, which is a continuation - in - part application No. 16 / 542,789 (Attorney Docket No. AA032), filed on Aug. 16, 2019, which claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 765,100, filed on Aug. 16, 2018, and the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Background Art

[0002] Related Fields Peristaltic pumps are used in a variety of applications, including medical applications. In medical applications, peristaltic pumps are used to infuse fluids to patients and typically have the advantage of isolating the medical fluid being infused into the patient while maintaining sterility. Some peristaltic pumps function by compressing or squeezing a long, flexible tube material, preventing the fluid being infused from coming into contact with the pump or internal pump mechanisms. The mechanical mechanism of a peristaltic pump pinches a portion of the tube material and pushes the fluid captured in the tube material in the direction of the patient. Examples of peristaltic pumps include rotary peristaltic pumps and finger peristaltic pumps.

[0003] Rotary peristaltic pumps typically move liquid through a flexible tube material arranged in an arc-shaped platen. Rotary peristaltic pumps generally consist of two to four rollers arranged in a roller carrier that is motor-driven. A typical rotary peristaltic pump has a rotor assembly with pinch rollers that apply pressure to the flexible tube material at a distance from it, providing a compressive action to the tube material against an opposing surface. The occlusion of the tube material forces the liquid through the tube material as the rotor assembly moves the pinch rollers along the tube material by resulting in an increase in pressure in front of the compression area and a decrease in pressure behind that area. For operation to work, there must always be an occlusion zone; in other words, at least one of the rollers is always pressing against the tube.

[0004] A finger peristaltic pump is made up of a series of fingers that move periodically to flatten a flexible tube against an opposing surface. The fingers move substantially vertically, forming a zone of occlusion that moves fluid from upstream to downstream. The most commonly used finger pumps are linear, meaning that the opposing surface is flat and the fingers are parallel. In this case, the fingers are controlled by a series of alternately arranged cams, each cam cooperating with a finger. These cams may be arranged in a helically offset manner on a shared shaft that is rotationally driven by a motor. There are also rotary-finger peristaltic pumps that attempt to combine the advantages of a roller pump with the advantages of a finger pump. In this type of pump, the opposing surface is not flat but arc-shaped, and the fingers are positioned radially inward from the opposing surface. In this case, a shared cam with multiple bumps positioned at the center of the arc is used to actuate the fingers. [Overview of the project]

[0005] In embodiments of the present disclosure, a medical pump may include a plunger that is movable between a first position and a second position, and when a tube is loaded into the pump and the plunger is in the second position, the plunger applies force to the tube; a camshaft configured to actuate the plunger and move the plunger from the first position to the second position; a motor connected to the camshaft; and a heat sink for dissipating heat from the motor, the heat sink comprising a first portion and a second portion; and a housing, the housing comprising at least a portion of each of the plunger, the camshaft, the motor, and the heat sink. The first portion of the heat sink may extend through the surface of the housing, the second portion may be in thermal contact with the motor, and the first and second portions of the heat sink are movable relative to each other along a longitudinally extending axis such that the first and second portions determine an adjustable overall length. The first and second portions of the heat sink may be slidable relative to each other while fitted together with friction.

[0006] In embodiments, the heat sink may further include a thermally conductive braided wire having a first end and a second end, where the first end is connected to a motor to dissipate heat from the motor, and / or the second end is connected to the heat sink. For example, the second end may be soldered onto the heat sink. The second end may be clipped onto the heat sink via fasteners, such as clips. The first end may be soldered onto the motor. The first end may be clipped onto the heat sink using clips. The thermally conductive braided wire may include a metal. The metal may be copper, aluminum, and / or alloys thereof. The first end may be soldered onto the motor.

[0007] The first end of the thermally conductive braided wire may be thermally connected to a heat sink, and the second end of the thermally conductive braided wire may be thermally connected to a power bar heat dissipator. The pump may include a heat pipe, which is connected to the power bar heat dissipator and the thermally conductive braided wire to dissipate heat between them. The pump may include a heat pipe, which is connected to the power bar heat dissipator and the heat sink to dissipate heat between them. The heat sink may be located at the rear of the pump and / or positioned to dissipate heat to the ambient air. The pump may include a heat pipe, which is connected to the thermally conductive braided wire and the heat sink to dissipate heat between them. In embodiments, the thermally conductive braided wire may include any suitable thermally conductive material, for example, a nonmetallic thermally conductive material.

[0008] The pump may also include a plunger configured to act on a tube, a camshaft configured to actuate the plunger, a motor connected to the camshaft, a heat sink, and a planar thermal connector having a first end and a second end, wherein the planar thermal connector may be configured to conduct heat from the motor. The planar thermal connector may have at least one arm extending to be in thermal contact with the motor. The planar thermal connector may have two arms extending to be in contact with two metal connectors, and / or the two metal connectors may be in thermal contact with the motor. The first end of the planar thermal connector may be thermally connected to the heat sink, and the second end of the planar thermal connector may be thermally connected to a power bar heat dissipator.

[0009] The pump may include a heat pipe, which is connected to the power bar heat dissipator and the planar thermal connector to dissipate heat between them. The pump may include a heat pipe, which is connected to the power bar heat dissipator and the heat sink to dissipate heat between them. The planar thermal connector may include two arms extending from the planar thermal connector, and / or the two arms may be in thermal contact with the motor. The heat sink may be located at the rear of the pump.

[0010] The pump's planar thermal connector may include a power bar heat dissipator and two arms extending to contact two metal connectors, the two metal connectors being in thermal contact with the motor, and a thermal strap bracket configured to be positioned between the power bar heat dissipator and the heat sink, the thermal strap bracket being configured to provide compliance between the power bar heat dissipator and the heat sink. The thermal strap bracket may be electrically insulated. The thermal strap bracket includes a bottom side positioned toward the power bar heat dissipator away from the heat sink, where the first end of the planar thermal connector may be positioned adjacent to the bottom side of the thermal strap bracket. The pump may include a thermal pad positioned between the first end of the planar thermal connector and the power bar heat dissipator. At least one projection may be configured to limit the compression of the thermal pad. The thermal strap bracket may include at least one latch receiver configured to accommodate at least one latch, each of which may be configured to secure a planar thermal connector to a heatsink, and / or the planar thermal connector may include at least one hole for accommodating each of the at least one latch. The heatsink may be positioned to dissipate heat to the ambient air. The pump may include a heat pipe, which is connected to the planar thermal connector and the heatsink to dissipate heat between them. Further or alternatively, the pump may include a heat pipe, which is connected to the planar thermal connector and the motor to dissipate heat between them.

[0011] In embodiments, the pump may also include a platen configured to hold a tube, a plunger having an end effector configured to act on the tube, and a platen positioned within the platen adjacent to the end effector of the plunger, the platen having a first end and a second end, a first adjuster positioned adjacent to the platen at the first end, and a second adjuster positioned adjacent to the platen at the second end. The first adjuster may be configured to actuate the platen toward or away from the plunger. The second adjuster may be configured to actuate the platen toward or away from the plunger. The first and second adjusters are configured to actuate the opposite end of the platen.

[0012] In embodiments, the pump may include a first mount configured to secure a first end of a platen to the pump, and a second mount configured to secure a second end of the platen to the pump. The first end may be positioned adjacent to the first mount, where the central axis of a fastener may be parallel to the platen. The fastener may be a screw. The first adjuster defines a sloping portion, which has a first side positioned away from the first mount and a second side engaging with the first mount at a certain angle. The first adjuster may be configured to actuate the first end of the platen toward an end effector when the first adjuster is actuated away from the second adjuster. The first adjuster may include a planar portion positioned between the platen and the pump. The first adjuster may include an insulating material, which may be, for example, plastic.

[0013] In embodiments, the pump may include a platen which can be configured to hold a tube, and a shaft which has a first end and a second end. The pump also includes a plunger which has an end effector which is configured to act on a tube, and the plunger which can be rotatably mounted on the shaft, and a platen which is positioned adjacent to the end effector of the plunger within the platen, and the platen which has a first end and a second end, and a first shaft adjuster which is operably engaged with the first end of the shaft.

[0014] In embodiments, the pump may include a second shaft adjuster operably engaged with a second end of the shaft. The first and second shaft adjusters are configured to cooperate in actinguating the first end of the shaft. The pump may include an adjustment screw configured to actuate the first shaft adjuster. The pump may include a slanted section, positioned adjacent to the first shaft adjuster and configured to actuate the shaft when the first shaft adjuster is actuated. The pump has a plunger with an end effector configured to actuate toward and away from the tube, the end effector may include a plunger, which may be formed of an insulating material, and a camshaft configured to actuate the plunger. In the pump, the end effector may include and / or be formed of an insulating material. For example, the end effector may include and / or be formed of a plastic material.

[0015] In embodiments, the pump may include a plunger having an end effector configured to act toward and away from a tube, a multistage spring configured to change the bias of the end effector toward the tube, and a camshaft configured to actuate the plunger. The multistage spring may be a torsion spring. The multistage spring may consist of two springs. The multistage spring may be a conical torsion spring. The multistage spring may be a diameter-variable spring. The multistage spring may be a force-variable torsion spring.

[0016] In embodiments, the multistage spring may be a variable-stiffness torsion spring. The multistage spring includes a torsion spring and a leaf spring. The leaf spring may be connected to a cam follower to provide a torsional force between a first position and a second position. A first force may be applied to the tube when a plunger applies a force to the tube and the leaf spring may be between a first stopper and a second stopper. A second force may be applied to the tube when the leaf spring may be stopped by either the first or second stopper and the cam follower of the plunger moves away from the camshaft. The pump may include a position sensor operably connected to the end effector to estimate the position of the end effector, and a processor configured to estimate a first position of the end effector when a first force can be applied to the tube, and to estimate a second position of the end effector when a second force can be applied to the tube. The processor may be configured to use the first and second positions of the end effector to estimate the amount of air in the tube. The processor estimates a first pressure in the tube when a first force can be applied to the tube. The processor estimates a second pressure in the tube when a second force can be applied to the tube. The processor uses the first and second pressures in the tube to estimate the amount of air in the tube. The processor uses the first and second pressures in the tube to estimate the amount of air in the tube by utilizing the law of ideal gases. Embodiments of the described technology may include hardware, methods or processes, or computer software on a computer-accessible medium.

[0017] In embodiments, a method for operating a peristaltic pump may include: acting a plunger toward a tube; moving a first spring within the plunger when a predetermined force can be applied to the plunger; determining a first position of the plunger when the first spring is moved; acting the plunger toward the tube after the first spring has moved until the cam follower of the plunger is separated from the cam; determining a second position of the plunger after the cam follower of the plunger is separated from the cam; determining the difference between the first and second positions; and calculating the volume of fluid according to the difference.

[0018] In embodiments, the method may be configured such that a first spring moves after sufficient force can be applied to the tube to substantially compress any gas in the tube. A second spring may be configured to actuate a plunger toward the tube. A cam follower may be configured to actuate a plunger toward the tube away from the tube. A second spring may be configured to actuate a plunger toward the tube when the cam follower of the plunger is separated from the cam. The first spring may be a leaf spring configured to connect the cam follower to the plunger. Embodiments of the described technology may include hardware, methods or processes, or computer software on a computer-accessible medium.

[0019] In an embodiment, the pump may include a platen, a plunger having an end effector configured to act toward and toward the platen, a piezoelectric transmitter located at a first position adjacent to the platen, the piezoelectric transmitter configured to generate ultrasonic waves from the piezoelectric transmitter, a piezoelectric receiver located at a second position adjacent to the platen and opposite the platen to the first piezoelectric transmitter, the piezoelectric receiver configured to receive ultrasonic waves from the piezoelectric transmitter, and a processor operably connected to the piezoelectric transmitter to generate ultrasonic waves, the processor operably connected to the piezoelectric receiver to receive ultrasonic signals corresponding to the received ultrasonic waves, wherein the processor may be configured to set a trigger threshold to a first bubble threshold, and to set a trigger threshold to a second bubble threshold when the ultrasonic signal may be below the first threshold for a first predetermined amount of time.

[0020] In embodiments, the processor may be further configured to set a trigger threshold to a second bubble threshold when the ultrasonic signal may be below a first threshold and above a second threshold for a predetermined amount of time, wherein the second threshold is lower than the first threshold. The processor may be further configured to set a trigger threshold to a third bubble threshold when the ultrasonic signal may be below a second threshold and below a third threshold for a second predetermined amount of time, wherein the second threshold is lower than both the first and second bubble thresholds. The processor may be further configured to detect a bubble state when the ultrasonic signal may be below a trigger threshold. The processor may be further configured to estimate the size of the bubble in a bubble state by integrating the volume of fluid delivered by the pump over time until the ultrasonic signal rises above a trigger threshold. The processor may be configured to set a trigger threshold to a first bubble threshold when the ultrasonic signal rises from below a first threshold to above a first threshold. Embodiments of the described technology may include hardware, methods or processes, or computer software on a computer-accessible medium.

[0021] In the embodiment, the pump for pumping the fluid may include a platen, a plunger having an end effector configured to act toward and toward the platen, and an ultrasonic air detector positioned at a distance from the platen, wherein the ultrasonic air detector may include a first piezoelectric transmitter positioned at a first position adjacent to the platen, a first piezoelectric receiver positioned at a second position adjacent to the platen and on the opposite side of the platen from the first piezoelectric transmitter, a second piezoelectric transmitter positioned at a third position adjacent to the platen, and a second piezoelectric receiver positioned at a fourth position adjacent to the platen and on the opposite side of the platen from the first piezoelectric transmitter, wherein the first piezoelectric transmitter may be upstream of the second piezoelectric transmitter. The pump also includes a processor operably connected to an ultrasonic air detector to receive a first ultrasonic signal corresponding to a first piezoelectric receiver and a second ultrasonic signal corresponding to a second piezoelectric receiver, wherein the processor may be configured to monitor the first ultrasonic signal for an air bubble, monitor the second ultrasonic signal for an air bubble only after detecting the air bubble from the first ultrasonic signal, and determine that the air bubble has moved downstream and estimate the size of the air bubble only after the air bubble can be detected by the second ultrasonic signal.

[0022] In embodiments, the processor may further be configured to estimate the size of an air bubble by monitoring the amount of air passing through an ultrasonic air detector. The size of an air bubble may be estimated when the first ultrasonic signal and the second ultrasonic signal do not simultaneously detect an air bubble. To update the estimate of the air bubble size, the processor may further be configured to estimate a raw upstream estimate corresponding to a first volume of fluid being pumped when the first ultrasonic signal corresponds to an air bubble, and a raw downstream estimate corresponding to a second volume of fluid being pumped when the second ultrasonic signal corresponds to an air bubble, and to update the estimate of the air bubble size according to the first and second ultrasonic signals. To update the estimate of the air bubble size according to the first and second ultrasonic signals, the processor may be configured to estimate the size of the air bubble as zero if at least one of the raw upstream estimate and the raw downstream estimate may be zero. To update the estimate of the air bubble size according to the first and second ultrasonic signals, the processor may be configured to determine the ratio of the raw upstream estimate to the raw downstream estimate. To update the estimates of air bubble sizes according to the first and second ultrasonic signals, the processor may be configured to estimate the air bubble size as the raw downstream estimate if the ratio can be greater than 2. To update the estimates of air bubble sizes according to the first and second ultrasonic signals, the processor may be configured to estimate the bubble size as the raw upstream estimate if the ratio can be less than 0.5. To update the estimates of air bubble sizes according to the first and second ultrasonic signals, the processor may be configured to estimate the bubble size as the average of the raw upstream estimate and the raw downstream estimate. To update the estimates of air bubble sizes according to the first and second ultrasonic signals, the processor may be configured to estimate the bubble size as the raw downstream estimate if the ratio can be greater than 2, as the raw upstream estimate if the ratio can be less than 0.5, and as the average of the raw upstream estimate and the raw downstream estimate if the ratio can be 2 or less or 0.5 or greater.

[0023] When the processor uses an ultrasonic air detector to determine whether each air bubble has moved upstream, the processor may be configured to discard any bubble from the total air volume. To update estimates of air bubble sizes according to first and second ultrasonic signals, the processor may be configured to ignore air bubbles if the estimate of air bubble size may be less than the hold-up volume. The hold-up volume may be the cross-sectional area of ​​a tube placed in the ultrasonic air detector multiplied by the distance along the platen between the first and second piezoelectric transmitters. The pump may include ribs projecting from the ultrasonic air detector in a direction perpendicular to the length of the platen, the ribs being positioned between one of the first piezoelectric transmitters and first piezoelectric receivers and one of the second piezoelectric transmitters and first piezoelectric receivers. The first and second piezoelectric transmitters are on the same side of the platen. Embodiments of the described technology may include hardware, methods or processes, or computer software on a computer-accessible medium.

[0024] Embodiments may include a pump comprising a platen, a plunger having an end effector configured to act toward and toward the platen, and an ultrasonic air detector positioned at a distance from the platen, wherein the ultrasonic air detector may include a first piezoelectric transmitter positioned adjacent to the platen, a first piezoelectric receiver positioned adjacent to the platen and on the opposite side of the platen from the first piezoelectric transmitter, a second piezoelectric transmitter positioned adjacent to the platen and on the opposite side of the platen from the first piezoelectric transmitter, and a second piezoelectric receiver positioned adjacent to the platen and on the opposite side of the platen from the first piezoelectric transmitter, wherein the first piezoelectric transmitter may be upstream of the second piezoelectric transmitter. The pump may also include a processor operably connected to an ultrasonic air detector to receive a first ultrasonic signal corresponding to a first piezoelectric receiver and a second ultrasonic signal corresponding to a second piezoelectric receiver, wherein the processor may be configured to have a plurality of states corresponding to the ultrasonic air detector, the plurality of states including an upstream air monitoring state, a downstream air monitoring state and a fluid monitoring state, wherein the upstream air monitoring state transitions to the downstream air monitoring state when the first ultrasonic signal indicates air, the downstream air monitoring state transitions to the fluid monitoring state when the second ultrasonic signal indicates air, and the fluid monitoring state estimates the volume of an air bubble when the first and second ultrasonic signals indicate that the volume of an air bubble may be greater than the fluid clear volume, or when one of the first and second ultrasonic signals indicates that a fluid has been detected that may be greater than the single sensor clear volume.

[0025] Embodiments may include one or more of the following features: In a pump, the single-sensor clear volume may be the volume of continuous fluid detected by a single of a first ultrasonic signal or a second ultrasonic signal used to determine the termination of bubbles. The single-sensor clear volume may be larger than the fluid clear volume. The fluid clear volume may be the volume of continuous fluid detected by at least one of a first ultrasonic signal or a second ultrasonic signal used to determine the termination of bubbles.

[0026] To update the estimates of air bubble sizes according to the first and second ultrasonic signals, the processor may be configured to ignore bubbles if the estimated size of an air bubble is less than the hold-up volume. The hold-up volume may be the cross-sectional area of ​​a tube placed in the ultrasonic air detector multiplied by the distance along the platen between the first and second piezoelectric transmitters. To update the estimates of air bubble sizes according to the first and second ultrasonic signals, the processor may be configured to estimate the size of an air bubble as zero if at least one of the raw upstream estimate and the raw downstream estimate is zero. To update the estimates of air bubble sizes according to the first and second ultrasonic signals, the processor may be configured to determine the ratio of the raw upstream estimate to the raw downstream estimate. To update the estimates of air bubble sizes according to the first and second ultrasonic signals, the processor may be configured to estimate the size of a bubble as the raw downstream estimate if the ratio can be greater than 2. To update the estimates of air bubble sizes according to the first and second ultrasonic signals, the processor may be configured to estimate the size of an air bubble as the raw upstream estimate if the ratio can be less than 0.5. To update estimates of air bubble sizes according to first and second ultrasonic signals, the processor may be configured to estimate the air bubble size as the average of the raw upstream estimate and the raw downstream estimate. To update estimates of air bubble sizes according to first and second ultrasonic signals, the processor may be configured to estimate the air bubble size as the raw downstream estimate if the ratio can be greater than 2, as the raw upstream estimate if the ratio can be less than 0.5, and as the average of the raw upstream and raw downstream estimates if the ratio can be 2 or less or 0.5 or greater. Embodiments of the described technology may include hardware, methods or processes, or computer software on a computer-accessible medium.

[0027] An embodiment may include a pump for treating a patient. The pump may also include an inlet valve, an outlet valve, a spring-biased plunger biased to actuate towards a tube, and a processor, and the processor is configured to deliver fluid downstream for a predetermined amount of time, reverse the flow of the fluid by a predetermined amount, and repeat the delivery and reverse operations.

[0028] An embodiment may include one or more of the following features. In the pump, the predetermined amount may be a predetermined volume. The predetermined volume may be a function of the fluid delivery rate. The predetermined amount may be the volume of the fluid adjacent to the spring-biased plunger when the inlet valve and the outlet valve are closed. The predetermined amount may be another predetermined amount of time that is a function of the fluid delivery rate. The reverse and repeat operations may occur only when the downstream fluid delivery operation is within the range of 0.1 ml / hour to 500 ml / hour. The predetermined amount may be 30 minutes. Before the reverse operation of the fluid flow, the processor may be configured to close the outlet valve, open the inlet valve, and actuate the spring-biased plunger away from the tube, where, in the reverse operation of the fluid flow, the processor may be configured to reverse the flow of the fluid by a predetermined amount by actuating the spring-biased plunger towards the tube, and the predetermined amount is the volume of the fluid adjacent to the spring-biased plunger when the inlet valve and the outlet valve are closed.

[0029] The processor may be configured to actuate the spring-biased plunger away from the tube at 400 degrees per second before the reverse operation of the fluid flow. The processor may be configured to actuate the spring-biased plunger towards the tube at 800 degrees per second during the reverse operation of the fluid flow. The processor may be configured to actuate the spring-biased plunger away from the tube at a first rotational speed before the reverse operation of the fluid flow, and the processor may be configured to actuate the spring-biased plunger towards the tube at a second rotational speed during the reverse operation of the fluid flow, and the absolute ratio value of the second rotational speed to the first rotational speed may be 2. The first rotational speed may be less than 266.6 degrees per second.

[0030] The processor can be configured to operate the spring-biased plunger away from the tube at 200 degrees per second before reverse operation of the fluid flow. The processor can be configured to operate the spring-biased plunger towards the tube at 800 degrees per second during reverse operation of the fluid flow. The processor can be configured to operate the spring-biased plunger towards the tube at 200 degrees per second during reverse operation of the fluid flow.

[0031] Before reverse operation of the fluid flow, the processor can be configured to close the outlet valve, open the inlet valve, and operate the spring-biased plunger away from the tube, and in the reverse operation of the fluid flow, the processor can be configured to reverse the fluid flow by a predetermined amount by operating the spring-biased plunger towards the tube, where the predetermined amount can be less than the full pumping cycle.

[0032] Before reverse operation of the fluid flow, the processor can be configured to close the outlet valve, open the inlet valve, and operate the spring-biased plunger away from the tube, where in the reverse operation of the fluid flow, the processor can be configured to reverse the fluid flow by a predetermined amount by operating the spring-biased plunger towards the tube, where the predetermined amount can be more than the full pumping cycle. The upstream fluid pressure can increase by the check valve when the pump reverses the fluid flow.

[0033] Before reverse operation of the fluid flow, the processor can be configured to close the outlet valve, open the inlet valve, and operate the spring-biased plunger away from the tube, where in the reverse operation of the fluid flow, the processor can be configured to reverse the fluid flow by a predetermined amount by operating the spring-biased plunger towards the tube, where the predetermined amount corresponds to having an upstream fluid pressure below a predetermined threshold. Embodiments of the described technology can include hardware, a method or process, or computer software on a computer-accessible medium.

[0034] The embodiment may include a pump for treating a patient, which may include an inlet valve, an outlet valve, a spring-loaded plunger biased to act toward a tube, an actuator configured to actuate the spring-loaded plunger, and a processor, which is configured to deliver a predetermined amount of fluid downstream according to a first parameter, close the downstream valve, actuate the spring-loaded plunger toward the tube, separate the actuator from the spring-loaded plunger, stop the operation of the actuator, reverse the operation of the actuator according to a predetermined amount of a second parameter, and repeat the delivery and reversal operations.

[0035] Embodiments may include one or more of the following features: In a pump, the first parameter may be time; the first parameter may be fluid volume; the first parameter may be the number of peristaltic pumping cycles; the first parameter may be the amount of air pumped through a downstream air sensor; the second parameter may be time; the second parameter may be fluid volume; the second parameter may be the number of peristaltic pumping cycles; the second parameter may be the movement of an actuator; the actuator may be a camshaft. Embodiments of the described technology may include hardware, methods or processes, or computer software on a computer-accessible medium.

[0036] Embodiments may include an infusion set, which includes a tube having a first end configured to connect to a bag of fluid; a length of tubular material configured to be operated by a peristaltic pump, the length of which defines a portion of the tube; a nucleation site in the tube configured to cause bubble formation within the tube; and an air trap connected to the tube and configured to capture any bubbles upstream of the nucleation site.

[0037] In embodiments, in an infusion set, the nucleation site may be a limiting section of the tube. The nucleation site may be an hourglass-shaped section of the tube. An air trap may be configured to capture about 50 microliters of air. The air trap includes a dome for capturing bubbles. The air trap may be located downstream of a length of tube. The air trap may be located upstream of a length of tube. A nucleation site may be formed at the connection between a length of tubing material and another section of the tube, where one of the length of tubing material and the other section of the tube may be wound inward during joining. The inwardly wound section forms a toroid. The underside of the toroid defines the air trap. A nucleation site may be formed by roughing a section of the toroid. A nucleation site may be formed by cutting a section of the toroid. A nucleation site may be formed by etching a section of the toroid. A nucleation site may be formed by roughing the inner wall of the tube. A nucleation site may be formed by cutting a section of the inner wall of the tube. Nucleation sites may be formed by etching the inner wall of a tube. A system relating to one may include protrusions positioned within the tube to generate nucleation sites. Embodiments of the described technology may include hardware, methods or processes, and / or computer software on a computer-accessible medium.

[0038] Embodiments may include a system for an infusion fluid, comprising a peristaltic pump having a plunger. The system may also include an infusion set, the infusion set comprising: a tube having a first end configured to connect to a bag of fluid; a length of tubular material configured to be actuated by a plunger of a peristaltic pump, the length of which defines a portion of the tube; a nucleation site within the tube configured to cause bubble formation within the tube; an air trap connected to the tube and configured to capture any bubbles upstream of the nucleation site; and a heater located upstream of the nucleation site, the heater configured to promote bubble formation at the nucleation site by heating the tube.

[0039] Embodiments may include one or more of the following features: In the system, a heater may be active when the flow rate of the peristaltic pump may be below a threshold. The heater may be upstream of the peristaltic pump, and a nucleation site may be downstream of the peristaltic pump, where the temperature of the fluid flowing through the tube decreases as it passes through the peristaltic pump. The temperature of the fluid flowing through the tube reaches a peak temperature at the nucleation site. The nucleation site may be a limiting section of the tube. The nucleation site may be an hourglass-shaped section of the tube. An air trap may be configured to capture about 50 microliters of air. The air trap includes a dome for capturing bubbles. The air trap may be downstream of a length of tube. The air trap may be upstream of a length of tube. A nucleation site may be formed at the connection between a length of tube material and another section of the tube, where one of the length of tube material and the other section of the tube may be wound inward during joining. The inwardly wound section forms a toroid. The underside of the toroid defines an air trap. A nucleation site can be formed by rough machining a portion of the toroid. A nucleation site can be formed by making cuts in a portion of the toroid. A nucleation site can be formed by etching a portion of the toroid. A nucleation site can be formed by rough machining the inner wall of the tube. A nucleation site can be formed by making cuts in the inner wall of the tube. A nucleation site can be formed by etching the inner wall of the tube. Embodiments of the described technology may include hardware, methods or processes, or computer software on a computer-accessible medium.

[0040] Embodiments may include a pressure sensor for measuring fluid pressure. The pressure sensor also includes a first port configured to extend a first tube along a first direction, and a second port configured to be attached to a second tube, the second port being fluidically connected to the second port, where the first tube is fluidically connected to the second tube.

[0041] Embodiments may include one or more of the following features: In a pressure sensor, the first port may include a first arm positioned adjacent to and parallel to the central axis of a first tube, and a second arm positioned adjacent to and parallel to the central axis of the first tube, wherein the first arm may be positioned on the opposite side of the central axis. The distal end of the first arm is arc-shaped toward the central axis of the first tube. The distal end of the second arm is arc-shaped toward the central axis of the first tube. The first port includes a raised flange positioned along the inner wall of the first tube. The first port defines a first flat side and a second flat side by extending the first tube. The first elongated member may be rotatably connected to the second elongated member. The distal ends of the first and second elongated members are attached to the first and second flat side, respectively. The pressure sensor may include an actuation sensor configured to detect the amount of rotation of a first elongated member and a second elongated member of the clip. The pressure sensor may include a processor operably connected to the actuation sensor to receive the amount of rotation in order to calculate the fluid pressure inside the first tube. Embodiments of the described technology may include hardware, methods or processes, or computer software on a computer-accessible medium.

[0042] Embodiments may include a fluid pumping system, which is an infusion set, the system may include a tube having a first end configured to connect to a bag of fluid, a lengthwise tubular material configured to be actuated by a peristaltic pump, and a fluid bladder downstream of the lengthwise tubular material. The system may also include a peristaltic pump, the peristaltic pump may include a platen configured to hold the tube, a plunger having an end effector configured to actuate the tube, and a platen positioned within the platen adjacent to the end effector of the plunger. The fluid bladder may be configured to smooth the periodic pumping of fluid from the peristaltic pump.

[0043] Embodiments may include one or more of the following features: In the system, the bladder may be formed as a rectangular column. The bladder may have a portion having a reduced diameter configured to remove air bubbles in the tube. Embodiments of the described technology may include hardware, methods or processes, or computer software on a computer-accessible medium.

[0044] Embodiments may include a system for pumping a fluid. The system may also include an infusion set, which may include a tube having a first end configured to connect to a bag of fluid, a lengthy tube configured to be actuated by a peristaltic pump, and a lengthy compliance tube downstream of the lengthy tube. The system may also include a peristaltic pump, which may include a platen configured to hold the tube, a plunger having an end effector configured to actuate the tube, and a platen positioned within the platen adjacent to the end effector of the plunger. The system may also include cases where the lengthy compliance tube is configured to smooth the periodic pumping of fluid from the peristaltic pump.

[0045] Embodiments may include one or more of the following features: In the system, the compliance tubing material is low plasticity and highly elastic. The tubing has a second end, where the infusion set includes a Luer fitting positioned at the second end of the tubing, where the Luer includes a limiting section configured to further smooth the periodic pumping of fluid from the peristaltic pump by restricting the flow of fluid. The limiting section may be 0.017 inches (about 0.04318 cm). The tubing may be at least 60 inches (about 152.4 cm). The limiting section may be configured to absorb a volume of 50 microliters per periodic pump.

[0046] In the embodiment, the anti-loosening screw system may include a screw having a head end, a shaft, and a threaded end, wherein the shaft may be positioned between the head and the threaded end and has a diameter less than the diameter of the threaded end, and a receiving hole having a threaded opening, an anti-loosening vertical hole, and a threaded hole configured to engage complementaryly with the threaded end of the screw, wherein the anti-loosening vertical hole may be between the threaded opening and the threaded hole.

[0047] In an embodiment, a clamp for clamping to a pole may include a body having a first end and a second end, a first jaw member positioned at the first end of the body, the first jaw member configured to grip the pole, the first jaw member fixedly attached to the body, a second jaw member positioned at a distance from the first jaw member, and a shaft positioned in a hole defined by the second end of the body, the shaft having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end connected to the second jaw member, the shaft having a collar and a threaded length, the threaded length extending from the proximal end to the collar, the collar containing two horizontally opposite cam followers opposite the central axis of the shaft, where the hole at the second end of the body defines a plurality of partial rotation cam grooves configured to accommodate the two horizontally opposite cam followers. The plurality of partial rotation cam grooves may be a plurality of quarter-turn cam grooves. The clamp may include a knob positioned at the proximal end of the shaft. The embodiments of the technology described may include hardware, methods or processes, or computer software on a computer-accessible medium.

[0048] In embodiments, the pump also includes a lever which may be operable between a closed position and an open position. The pump also includes a first linkage mechanism connected to the lever. The pump also includes a second linkage mechanism connected to a pivot. The pump also includes a first rigid member rotatably connected to the first linkage mechanism. The pump also includes a second rigid member rotatably connected to the second linkage mechanism, the second rigid member being rotatably connected to the first rigid member. The pump also includes a hold. The pump also includes a first spring connected to the hold and the first rigid member. The pump may also include a second spring connected to the hold and the second rigid member. The first rigid member may include a projection which may extend away from the pivot of the first rigid member, where the first spring may be connected to the distal end of the projection. The first rigid member, the second rigid member, the hold, the first spring, and the second spring are configured to provide bending motion. The hold may be positioned on the opposite side of the first and second rigid members from the first and second linkage mechanisms. The first and second springs are in a relaxed state when the first and second rigid members rotate at their respective pivots over the maximum distance between their pivots. The first and second springs are in a loaded state when the first and second rigid members rotate at their respective pivots over the minimum distance between their pivots. The first and second springs are in a relaxed state when the first and second rigid members rotate at their respective pivots over the maximum distance between their pivots, where the second rigid member includes a stopper, where the first and second rigid members cooperate to lock together at the maximum distance. The first rigid member, the second rigid member, the hold, the first spring, and the second spring are configured to provide a bending motion, which is configured to be reset by the actuation of a lever to the open position.

[0049] In the embodiment, a peristaltic pump for pumping fluid may include a platen configured to house a tube. The pump also includes a plunger configured to act toward and away from the platen. The pump also includes a position sensor configured to provide a position sensor signal for the plunger. The pump also includes a spring configured to bias the plunger toward the platen. The pump also includes an actuator configured to actuate the plunger. The pump also includes an inlet valve located adjacent to the platen and upstream of the plunger. The pump also includes an outlet valve located adjacent to the platen and downstream of the plunger. The pump also includes a processor configured to control the operation of the actuator, the processor configured to receive the position sensor signal.

[0050] A peristaltic pump may be configured to pump in multiple cycles, each cycle comprising a first stage, a second stage, a third stage, and a fourth stage, where, in the first stage, the inlet valve is opened and the plunger acts away from the tube; in the second stage, the inlet valve is closed and the plunger moves toward the tube by spring force, an actuator is mechanically separated from the plunger, and the pump is configured to determine the first position of the plunger; in the third stage, the outlet valve is opened and the actuator moves the plunger toward the tube by spring force to discharge fluid downstream through the outlet valve; in the fourth stage, the outlet valve is closed before the complete discharge of fluid by the plunger, an actuator is mechanically separated from the plunger, and the pump may be configured to determine the second position of the plunger, and a processor may be configured to adjust the air adjacent to the plunger in the second stage by determining the amount of fluid discharged downstream. The first stage may be a fluid filling stage, and / or the pump may be configured to prevent the plunger from engaging with a mechanical stopper in the fourth stage.

[0051] In an embodiment, the fluid pumping system may include a first tube configured to connect to a secondary fluid source. The system also includes a second tube configured to connect to a primary fluid source. The system also includes a check valve fluidically connected to the second tube, which is configured to allow fluid to flow away from the primary fluid source. The system also includes a three-port connector having first, second, and third connectors, where the first connector may be fluidically connected to the first tube, the second connector may be fluidically connected to the second tube, and the check valve is located between the three-port connector and the primary fluid source. The system also includes a third tube fluidly connected to a third connection, the third tube having a section of tubing configured to actuate, and a peristaltic pump having a plunger, a processor, and a graphical user interface, the peristaltic pump being configured to actuate the plunger toward the section of tubing of the third tube, the peristaltic pump having an inlet valve, where during the fluid filling phase the inlet valve is open and the plunger acts toward the tube, where the graphical user interface is configured to set the peristaltic pump to secondary infusion mode, where in secondary infusion mode the processor may be configured to reduce resonant flow from the check valve by imposing actuatement limits on the plunger during the fluid filling phase.

[0052] In embodiments, the operating limiter may be configured to maintain the upstream fluid pressure above a predetermined threshold, which may be above the crack pressure of the check valve. For example, the crack pressure may be between 1.5 force pounds per square inch (approximately 10.3421 kPa) and 5 force pounds per square inch (approximately 34.4738 kPa). The operating limiter may be a plunger speed limiter for a plunger. The operating limiter may be a camshaft rotation limiter. The processor may be configured to activate the operating limiter when the flow rate of the peristaltic pump is greater than 250 milliliters per hour. The processor may be configured to limit the flow rate of the peristaltic pump to 500 milliliters or less when the peristaltic pump is set to secondary infusion mode. The operating limiter may be configured to limit the resonant flow to less than 5% of the volume being infused. The volume being infused may be between 50 milliliters and 1000 milliliters. The flow rate of the peristaltic pump may be configured to be 500 milliliters per hour or less when the peristaltic pump is in secondary infusion mode. Embodiments of the technology described may include hardware, methods or processes, or computer software on a computer-accessible medium.

[0053] Embodiments may include a system for pumping fluid. The system also includes a peristaltic pump having a pump body, a plunger, an inlet valve, an outlet valve, an ultrasonic air sensor, and a platen, wherein the plunger is configured to act toward and toward the platen, and the peristaltic pump includes a door, wherein the door and the pump body form a vertical bore of a retainer upstream of the ultrasonic air sensor. The system also includes a first dosing tubing material section. The system also includes a second dosing tubing material section. The system also includes a tubing section configured to actuate, wherein the tubing section is fluidically connected to the first dosing tubing material section at a first end, and the tubing section is fluidically connected to the second dosing tubing material section at a second end, thereby forming a connection. The system may also include a retainer, which is located in the connection and configured to be fixed within the vertical bore of the retainer when the door is closed toward the pump body. The connection may be joined with a solvent. The vertical bore of the retainer may be located downstream of the outlet valve. The vertical bore of the retaining portion may be located downstream of the plunger. The vertical bore of the retaining portion may be located downstream of the inlet valve. The vertical bore of the retaining portion may be located downstream of the plunger and upstream of the outlet valve. The retaining portion may include a key, and the vertical bore of the retaining portion may include a key bore configured to accommodate the key.

[0054] In embodiments, a system for pumping fluid may include a tube configured to move fluid, and a peristaltic pump having a plunger, an inlet valve, an outlet valve, a platen, an actuator, and a spring, wherein the actuator is configured to actuate the plunger, the plunger is configured to act toward and toward the platen, the spring is configured to bias the plunger toward the platen, the tube is configured to be positioned within the platen, the inlet valve is located upstream of the plunger adjacent to the platen, and the outlet valve is located downstream of the plunger adjacent to the platen, wherein the peristaltic pump is configured to pump in multiple cycles, where each cycle includes a first stage, a second stage, and a third stage. The system also includes a check valve operably connected to the tube, the check valve having a crack pressure, wherein the check valve is positioned away from the peristaltic pump so that it is downstream of the peristaltic pump when the tube is positioned within the platen. In the first stage, the inlet valve is opened and the plunger acts away from the tube, thereby providing a minimum (nadir) pressure in the tube; in the second stage, the inlet valve is closed and the plunger moves toward the tube by spring force, and the actuator is mechanically separated from the plunger; in the third stage, the outlet valve is opened and the actuator moves the plunger toward the tube under spring force, thereby discharging fluid downstream through the outlet valve; the crack pressure is configured to raise the minimum pressure above a predetermined threshold pressure, where the predetermined pressure is above the gas release pressure, and the system also includes cases where this threshold pressure is above the gas release pressure.

[0055] The gas release pressure may be a function of the expected temperature range of the fluid. In the first stage, the peristaltic pump is configured to maintain a minimum pressure above the gas release pressure by controlling the operation of the plunger away from the tube. The crack pressure may be adjustable. The pump is configured to control the crack pressure to adjust a given pressure to be above the calculated gas release pressure, which corresponds to the gas release pressure. The calculated gas release pressure is based on the measured temperature of the fluid. The calculated gas release pressure is based on the measured pressure of the fluid. The calculated gas release pressure is based on the measured ambient pressure. The calculated gas release pressure is based on the expected amount of dissolved gas. The calculated gas release pressure is calculated using the law of ideal gases.

[0056] The foregoing are merely exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. These and other embodiments of the present disclosure are described more fully herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. Other embodiments may include corresponding computer systems, apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the operation of the method. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0057] These and other embodiments will become more apparent from the following detailed description of various embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the drawings.

[0058] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a front perspective view of a peristaltic pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the peristaltic pump of Figure 1 with the door open and the lever in the open position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2A] Figure 2A shows the peristaltic pump of Figure 1A with the door open and the lever in the open position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an enlarged view of the open door of the peristaltic pump shown in Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the peristaltic pump of Figure 1 with the door open and the flow stopper loaded into the carriage of the peristaltic pump, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the peristaltic pump of Figure 1 after the flow stopper has been loaded into the carriage and the door has been closed, but before the lever has been closed, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the back of the pump of Figure 1 with the rear housing, cables, and electronic circuit board removed, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a pump as shown in Figure 6, but with the motor removed, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a pump as shown in Figure 7, but from a different angle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows a pump as shown in Figure 7, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, but from the back of the pump, at an angle from bottom to top. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows a front view of a mechanical assembly including a shaft connected to the lever of the pump in Figure 1, with the lever in the open position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows the mechanical assembly of Figure 10 with the lever in the closed position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows a rear view of the mechanical assembly of Figure 10 with the lever in the open position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows a rear view of the mechanical assembly of Figure 10 with the lever in the closed position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the peristaltic pump of Figure 1 showing the lift cam when the lever is in the closed position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15]Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the peristaltic pump of Figure 1 showing the lift cam when the lever is between the closed and open positions, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the peristaltic pump of Figure 1 showing the lift cam when the lever is in the open position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] Figure 17 shows a close-up view of the latch thread of the mechanical assembly of the peristaltic pump of Figure 1 when the lever is in the closed position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] Figure 18 shows an enlarged view of the latch thread of the mechanical assembly of the peristaltic pump of Figure 1 when the lever is between the closed and open positions, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] Figure 19 shows a close-up view of the latch thread of the mechanical assembly of the peristaltic pump of Figure 1 when the lever is in the open position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] Figure 20 shows the door catch and latch thread of the peristaltic pump of Figure 1 from the front side, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 21] Figure 21 shows the latch thread of a peristaltic pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 22] Figure 22 shows the door catch and latch thread of the peristaltic pump of Figure 1 from the rear side of the pump, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, with the claw of the latch thread in the locked position. [Figure 23] Figure 23 shows the door catch and latch thread of the peristaltic pump of Figure 1 from the rear of the pump, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, with the claw of the latch thread in the retracted position. [Figure 24] Figure 24 shows a block portion for installing the door catch and latch thread for the peristaltic pump of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 25]Figure 25 shows a door catch for the peristaltic pump of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 26] Figure 26 shows a cross-sectional view of the peristaltic pump of Figure 1 in which the hook cam is in the non-hooked position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 27] Figure 27 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 26A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the hook cam partially actuated toward the cam follower of the latch thread. [Figure 28] Figure 28 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 26A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the hook cam fully actuated so that the hook is connected to the cam follower of the latch thread and completely retracts the latch thread. [Figure 29] Figure 29 shows the hook cam of the peristaltic pump of Figure 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 30] Figure 30 shows an exploded view of a coupling that connects the main shaft to the upper shaft of the peristaltic pump of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 31] Figure 31 is an exploded view of the coupling shown in Figure 30, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, but from a different angle. [Figure 32] Figure 32 shows a cross-sectional view of the peristaltic pump of Figure 1 to illustrate the gear that acts on the carriage by the action of the main shaft, with the door open and the lifter pin acting toward the open door, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 33] Figure 33 is the same cross-sectional view as Figure 32, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, but shows the state in which the lifter pin is actuated away from the door by the closing of the door, compressing the spring that operates the lift. [Figure 34] Figure 34 shows a cross-sectional view of the peristaltic pump of Figure 1 to illustrate a cross-sectional view of the carriage assembly in the open position with the door and lever released, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 35]Figure 35 shows the same cross-sectional view as Figure 34, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, but with the door closed, thereby activating the stopper. [Figure 36] Figure 36 is the same cross-sectional view as Figure 35, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, but shows the carriage in the rotated position brought about by closing the lever. [Figure 37] Figure 37 shows the carriage assembly of the peristaltic pump of Figure 1 from the bottom side of the carriage, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 38] Figure 38 shows the carriage assembly of the peristaltic pump of Figure 1 from above, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 39] Figure 39 shows the carriage assembly of the peristaltic pump of Figure 1 from the bottom side, with the bottom of the carriage housing removed for clarity, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 40] Figure 40 shows a diagram of the peristaltic pump carriage of Figure 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 41] Figure 41 shows a diagram of the peristaltic pump carriage of Figure 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 42] Figure 42 shows the carriage of the peristaltic pump of Figure 1 with the top removed, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 43] Figure 43 shows a flow stopper that may be inserted into the carriage of the peristaltic pump of Figure 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 44] Figure 44 shows a flow stopper that may be inserted into the carriage of the peristaltic pump of Figure 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 45] Figure 45 shows a flow stopper that may be inserted into the carriage of the peristaltic pump of Figure 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 46]Figure 46 shows a flow stopper that may be inserted into the carriage of the peristaltic pump of Figure 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 47] Figure 47 shows a flow stopper that may be inserted into the carriage of the peristaltic pump of Figure 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 48] Figure 48 shows a flow stopper that may be inserted into the carriage of the peristaltic pump of Figure 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 49] Figure 49 shows a series of events illustrating the flow stoppers of Figures 43-48 inserted into the carriage assembly of the peristaltic pump of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 50] Figure 50 shows a series of events illustrating the flow stoppers of Figures 43-48 inserted into the carriage assembly of the peristaltic pump of Figure 1, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 51] Figure 51 shows a series of events illustrating the flow stoppers of Figures 43-48 inserted into the carriage assembly of the peristaltic pump of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 52] Figure 52 shows a series of events illustrating the flow stoppers of Figures 43-48 inserted into the carriage assembly of the peristaltic pump of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 53] Figure 53 shows a series of events illustrating the flow stoppers of Figures 43-48 inserted into the carriage assembly of the peristaltic pump of Figure 1, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 54] Figure 54 shows the carriage assembly from above, with the sensor board connected, relating to the peristaltic pump of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 55] Figure 55 is the same figure as Figure 54, but in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the sensor board as transparent to show the LED and the corresponding flow stopper ID sensor. [Figure 56]Figure 56 shows the carriage assembly in an angled bottom view to more clearly see the LED and light pipe for the flow stopper ID sensor, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 57] Figure 57 shows a light pipe used in the carriage assembly of the peristaltic pump of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 58] Figure 58 shows a flowchart illustrating how to use the peristaltic pump of Figure 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 59] Figure 59 shows the circuit of the peristaltic pump in Figure 1 that drives the LED of the flow stopper ID sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 60] Figure 60 shows the circuit of the peristaltic pump of Figure 1, illustrating the arrangement of the LEDs of the flow stopper ID sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 61] Figure 61 shows the circuit of the peristaltic pump of Figure 1, which detects light received after light from an LED has passed through the flowstopper ID hole in the extension of the flowstopper, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 62] Figure 62 shows a flowchart illustrating how data from the optical sensor shown in Figure 61 is used to identify a flow stopper, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 63] Figure 63 shows an alternative embodiment of the peristaltic pump of Figure 1, in which an alternative lift cam, an alternative mechanical linkage mechanism between the shaft and the carriage, and an alternative door catch are used according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 64] Figure 64 shows another diagram of the peristaltic pump of Figure 63 to illustrate the operation of the lift cam according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 65] Figure 65 shows a cross-sectional view of the lift cam of the peristaltic pump of Figure 63 when the lever is in the open position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 66]Figure 66 shows the lift cam of the peristaltic pump of Figure 63 viewed from various angles according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 67] Figure 67 shows the lift cam of the peristaltic pump of Figure 63 viewed from various angles according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 68] Figure 68 shows the lift cam of the peristaltic pump of Figure 63 viewed from various angles according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 69] Figure 69 shows the lift cam of the peristaltic pump of Figure 63 viewed from various angles according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 70] Figure 70 shows the lift cam of the peristaltic pump of Figure 63 viewed from various angles according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 71] Figure 71 shows the lift cam of the peristaltic pump of Figure 63 viewed from various angles according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 72] Figure 72 shows the lift cam of the peristaltic pump of Figure 63 viewed from various angles according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 73] Figure 73 shows the peristaltic pump of Figure 63 in a rear view to illustrate the link mechanism bar between the door catch and the linear ratchet, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 74] Figure 74 shows the peristaltic pump of Figure 63, providing another diagram of the link mechanism bar between the door catch and the linear ratchet according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 75] Figure 75 shows an enlarged view of the interface between the overcenter spring and the door catch, along with the linkage mechanism bar of the peristaltic pump shown in Figure 63, with the door catch in the open position and the lever released. [Figure 76] Figure 76 is an enlarged view of the same figure as Figure 75, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, but shows the door catch in the closed position. [Figure 77]Figure 77 is an enlarged view of the same figure as Figure 75, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, but shows the door catch in the door closed position and the lever in the closed position. [Figure 78] Figure 78 shows a door catch for the peristaltic pump of Figure 63, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 79] Figure 79 shows a door catch for the peristaltic pump of Figure 63, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 80] Figure 80 shows a door catch for the peristaltic pump of Figure 63, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 81] Figure 81 shows a door catch for the peristaltic pump of Figure 63, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 82] Figure 82 shows a door catch for the peristaltic pump of Figure 63, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 83] Figure 83 shows a door catch for the peristaltic pump of Figure 63, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 84] Figure 84 shows a door catch for the peristaltic pump of Figure 63, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 85] Figure 85 shows an enlarged view of the linear ratchet when the door is open and the lever is released, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 86] Figure 86 shows an enlarged view of the linear ratchet when the door is closed and the lever is released, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 87] Figure 87 shows an enlarged view of the linear ratchet when the door is closed and the lever is closed, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 88] Figure 88 shows the peristaltic pump of Figure 63 with some parts removed to illustrate the mechanical linkage mechanism between the shaft and the carriage, with the door catch, door, and lever in the open position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 89]Figure 89 shows the peristaltic pump of Figure 63 with some parts removed to illustrate the mechanical linkage mechanism between the shaft and the carriage, with the door catch, door, and lever in the open position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 90] Figure 90 shows the peristaltic pump of Figure 63 with some parts removed to illustrate the mechanical linkage mechanism between the shaft and the carriage, with the door and door catch in the closed position and the lever in the open position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 91] Figure 91 shows the peristaltic pump of Figure 63 with some parts removed to illustrate the mechanical linkage mechanism between the shaft and the carriage, with the door and door catch in the closed position and the lever in the open position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 92] Figure 92 shows the peristaltic pump of Figure 63 with some parts removed to illustrate the mechanical linkage mechanism between the shaft and the carriage, with the door and door catch in the closed position and the lever between the open and closed positions, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 93] Figure 93 shows the peristaltic pump of Figure 63 with some parts removed to illustrate the mechanical linkage mechanism between the shaft and the carriage, with the door, door catch, and lever in the closed position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 94] Figure 94 shows the chocks of the peristaltic pump of Figure 63 from several figures, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 95] Figure 95 shows the chocks of the peristaltic pump of Figure 63 from several figures, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 96] Figure 96 shows the chocks of the peristaltic pump of Figure 63 from several figures, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 97]Figure 97 shows the peristaltic pump of Figure 63 with some parts removed to illustrate the mechanical linkage mechanism between the shaft and the carriage, with the door and door catch in the closed position and the lever in the open position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 98] Figure 98 shows the peristaltic pump of Figure 63 with some parts removed to illustrate the mechanical linkage mechanism between the shaft and the carriage, with the door and door catch in the closed position and the lever in the open position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 99] Figure 99 shows a portion of an alternative mechanical assembly to the peristaltic pump shown in Figures 97-98, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 100] Figure 100 shows a portion of an alternative mechanical assembly to the peristaltic pump shown in Figures 97-98, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 101] Figure 101 shows a portion of an alternative mechanical assembly to the peristaltic pump shown in Figures 97-98, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 102] Figure 102 shows a flow stopper assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 103] Figure 103 shows a flow stopper assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 104] Figure 104 shows a flow stopper assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 105] Figure 105 shows a flow stopper assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 106] Figure 106 shows a cross-sectional view of the flow stopper assembly shown in Figures 102 to 105, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 107] Figure 107 shows the flow stopper assembly from Figures 102 to 105 with the upper housing removed, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 108A]Figure 108A shows the flow stopper assembly of Figures 102 to 105 with the upper housing removed, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 108B] Figure 108B shows the flow stopper assembly of Figures 102 to 105 with the upper housing removed, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 109A] Figure 109A shows an alternative embodiment of the flow stopper assembly of Figures 108A-108B having a knife-edge pivot, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 109B] Figure 109B shows an alternative embodiment of the flow stopper assembly of Figures 108A-108B having a knife-edge pivot, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 110] Figure 110 shows a diagram of the bottom housing of the flow stopper assembly shown in Figures 102 to 105, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 111] Figure 111 shows a diagram of the bottom housing of the flow stopper assembly shown in Figures 102 to 105, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 112] Figure 112 shows a diagram of the bottom housing of the flow stopper assembly shown in Figures 102 to 105, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 113] Figure 113 shows a diagram of the bottom housing of the flow stopper assembly shown in Figures 102 to 105, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 114] Figure 114 shows a diagram of the bottom housing of the flow stopper assembly shown in Figures 102 to 105, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 115] Figure 115 shows a diagram of the housing above the flow stopper assembly shown in Figures 102 to 105, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 116] Figure 116 shows a diagram of the housing above the flow stopper assembly shown in Figures 102 to 105, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 117] Figure 117 shows a housing above the flow stopper assembly shown in Figures 102 to 105, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 118]Figure 118 shows a diagram of the housing above the flow stopper assembly shown in Figures 102 to 105, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 119] Figure 119 shows a diagram of the housing above the flow stopper assembly shown in Figures 102 to 105, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 120] Figure 120 shows a diagram of the first link of the flow stopper assembly of Figures 102-105 having a plunger, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 121] Figure 121 shows a diagram of the first link of the flow stopper assembly of Figures 102-105 having a plunger, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 122] Figure 122 shows a diagram of the first link of the flow stopper assembly of Figures 102-105 having a plunger, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 123] Figure 123 shows a diagram of the first link of the flow stopper assembly of Figures 102-105 having a plunger, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 124] Figure 124 shows a diagram of the first link of the flow stopper assembly of Figures 102-105 having a plunger, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 125] Figure 125 shows a diagram of the second link of the flow stopper assembly shown in Figures 102-105, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 126] Figure 126 shows a diagram of the second link of the flow stopper assembly shown in Figures 102 to 105, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 127] Figure 127 shows a diagram of the second link of the flow stopper assembly shown in Figures 102 to 105, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 128] Figure 128 shows a diagram of the second link of the flow stopper assembly shown in Figures 102 to 105, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 129] Figure 129 shows a diagram of the second link of the flow stopper assembly shown in Figures 102 to 105, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 130]Figure 130 shows a diagram of the tube coupling of the flow stopper assembly shown in Figures 102 to 105, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 131] Figure 131 shows a diagram of the tube coupling of the flow stopper assembly shown in Figures 102 to 105, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 132] Figure 132 shows a diagram of the tube coupling of the flow stopper assembly shown in Figures 102 to 105, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 133] Figure 133 shows a diagram of the tube coupling of the flow stopper assembly shown in Figures 102 to 105, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 134] Figure 134 shows the flow stopper assemblies of Figures 102-105 inserted into the carriage according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 135] Figure 135 shows the flow stopper assemblies of Figures 102-105 inserted into the carriage according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 136] Figure 136 shows the flow stopper assemblies of Figures 102-105 inserted into the carriage according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 137] Figure 137 shows the flow stopper assemblies of Figures 102-105 inserted into the carriage according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 138] Figure 138 shows the flow stopper assemblies of Figures 102-105 inserted into the carriage according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 139] Figure 139 shows a perspective view of the internal mechanism of the carriage when the end effector engages with the flange of the flow stopper assembly shown in Figures 102 to 105, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 140] Figure 140 shows a perspective view of the internal mechanism of the carriage when the end effector engages with the flange of the flow stopper assembly shown in Figures 102 to 105, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 141]Figure 141 shows a front view of a carriage opening having a cooperative surface according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 142] Figure 142 shows the front view of the carriage opening with a cooperative surface when the flow stopper assembly is inserted and the tube shutter is retracted, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 143] Figure 143 shows a flow stopper assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 144] Figure 144 shows a flow stopper assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 145] Figure 145 shows a flow stopper assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 146] Figure 146 shows a flow stopper assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 147] Figure 147 shows a cross-sectional view of the flow stopper assembly shown in Figures 143 to 146, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 148] Figure 148 shows the flow stopper assembly of Figures 143 to 146 with the upper housing removed, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 149] Figure 149 shows the flow stopper assembly of Figures 143 to 146 with the upper housing removed, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 150] Figure 150 shows the flow stopper assembly of Figures 143 to 146 with the upper housing removed, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 151] Figure 151 shows a diagram of the housing above the flow stopper assembly shown in Figures 143 to 146, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 152] Figure 152 shows a diagram of the housing above the flow stopper assembly shown in Figures 143 to 146, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 153] Figure 153 shows a diagram of the housing above the flow stopper assembly shown in Figures 143 to 146, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 154]Figure 154 shows a diagram of the housing above the flow stopper assembly shown in Figures 143 to 146, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 155] Figure 155 shows a diagram of the housing above the flow stopper assembly shown in Figures 143 to 146, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 156] Figure 156 shows a diagram of the bottom housing of the flow stopper assembly shown in Figures 143 to 146, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 157] Figure 157 shows a diagram of the bottom housing of the flow stopper assembly shown in Figures 143 to 146, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 158] Figure 158 shows a diagram of the bottom housing of the flow stopper assembly shown in Figures 143 to 146, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 159] Figure 159 shows a diagram of the bottom housing of the flow stopper assembly shown in Figures 143 to 146, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 160] Figure 160 shows a diagram of the bottom housing of the flow stopper assembly shown in Figures 143 to 146, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 161] Figure 161 shows a diagram of the first link of the flow stopper assembly of Figures 143-146 having a plunger, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 162] Figure 162 shows a diagram of the first link of the flow stopper assembly of Figures 143-146 having a plunger, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 163] Figure 163 shows a diagram of the first link of the flow stopper assembly of Figures 143-146 having a plunger, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 164] Figure 164 shows a diagram of the first link of the flow stopper assembly of Figures 143-146 having a plunger, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 165] Figure 165 shows a diagram of the first link of the flow stopper assembly of Figures 143-146 having a plunger, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 166]Figure 166 shows a diagram of the second link of the flow stopper assembly shown in Figures 143 to 146, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 167] Figure 167 shows a diagram of the second link of the flow stopper assembly shown in Figures 143 to 146, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 168] Figure 168 shows a diagram of the second link of the flow stopper assembly shown in Figures 143 to 146, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 169] Figure 169 shows a diagram of the second link of the flow stopper assembly shown in Figures 143 to 146, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 170] Figure 170 shows a diagram of the second link of the flow stopper assembly shown in Figures 143 to 146, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 171] Figure 171 shows a diagram of a pinch flow stopper assembly having a flow stopper with an arched slot, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 172] Figure 172 shows a diagram of a pinch flow stopper assembly having a flow stopper with an arched slot, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 173] Figure 173 shows a diagram of a pinch flow stopper assembly having a flow stopper with an arched slot, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 174] Figure 174 shows a diagram of a pinch flow stopper assembly having a flow stopper with an arched slot, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 175] Figure 175 shows a flow stopper of the pinch flow stopper assembly shown in Figures 171 to 174, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 176] Figure 176 shows a flow stopper of the pinch flow stopper assembly shown in Figures 171 to 174, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 177] Figure 177 shows a flow stopper of the pinch flow stopper assembly shown in Figures 171 to 174, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 178] Figure 178 shows a flow stopper of the pinch flow stopper assembly shown in Figures 171 to 174, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 179] Figure 179 shows a diagram of the housing of the pinch flow stopper assembly shown in Figures 171 to 174, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 180] Figure 180 shows a diagram of the housing of the pinch flow stopper assembly shown in Figures 171 to 174, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 181] Figure 181 shows a diagram of the housing of the pinch flow stopper assembly shown in Figures 171 to 174, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 182] Figure 182 shows the pinch flow stopper assemblies of Figures 171-174 inserted into the carriage according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 183] Figure 183 shows the pinch flow stopper assemblies of Figures 171-174 inserted into the carriage according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 184] Figure 184 shows the pinch flow stopper assemblies of Figures 171-174 inserted into the carriage according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 185] Figure 185 shows a perspective view of the internal mechanism of the carriage when the end effector engages with the flange of the pinch flow stopper assembly shown in Figures 171 to 174, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 186] Figure 186 shows a perspective view of the internal mechanism of the carriage when the end effector engages with the flange of the pinch flow stopper assembly shown in Figures 171 to 174, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 187] Figure 187 shows a block diagram of a modular pump system in which a central unit and multiple medical device assemblies are connected together according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 188] Figure 188 shows a block diagram of a modular pump system illustrating the power circuit of the system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 189]Figure 189 shows a state diagram of the power circuit of the central unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 190] Figure 190 shows a state diagram of a power circuit of a medical device assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 191A] Figure 191A shows a timing diagram of a modular pump system when two medical device assemblies are connected to a central unit to illustrate the system startup sequence according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 191B] Figure 191B shows a timing diagram of a modular pump system when two medical device assemblies are connected to a central unit to illustrate the system startup sequence according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 192A] Figure 192A shows a block diagram of a modular pump system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 192B] Figure 192B shows a block diagram of a modular pump system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 192C] Figure 192C shows a block diagram of a modular pump system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 193A] Figure 193A shows a circuit of a modular pump system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 193B] Figure 193B shows a circuit diagram of a modular pump system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 193C] Figure 193C shows a circuit diagram of a modular pump system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 193D] Figure 193D shows a circuit diagram of a modular pump system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 193E] Figure 193E shows a circuit diagram of a modular pump system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 193F] Figure 193F shows a circuit of a modular pump system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 193G]Figure 193G shows a circuit of a modular pump system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 193H] Figure 193H shows a circuit of a modular pump system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 193I] Figure 193I shows a circuit diagram of a modular pump system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 193J] Figure 193J shows a circuit diagram of a modular pump system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 194] Figure 194 shows a block diagram of a communication circuit for a modular pump system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 195] Figure 195 shows a circuit diagram for interfacing a modular pump system to a communication bus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 196] Figure 196 shows an antenna design that connects modules to other modules to extend the communication bus of a modular pump system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 197] Figure 197 shows another embodiment of a peristaltic pump having a relief mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 198A] Figure 198A shows the transition of the relief mechanism shown in Figure 197 from the hold state to the trigger state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 198B] Figure 198B shows the transition from the hold state to the trigger state of the relief mechanism shown in Figure 197, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 198C] Figure 198C shows the transition of the relief mechanism shown in Figure 197 from the hold state to the trigger state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 199A] Figure 199A shows a first rigid member of the relief mechanism shown in Figure 197, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 199B] Figure 199B shows a first rigid member of the relief mechanism shown in Figure 197, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 199C]Figure 199C shows a first rigid member of the relief mechanism shown in Figure 197, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 200A] Figure 200A shows a second rigid member of the relief mechanism shown in Figure 197, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 200B] Figure 200B shows a second rigid member of the relief mechanism shown in Figure 197, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 200C] Figure 200C shows a second rigid member of the relief mechanism shown in Figure 197, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 201] Figure 201 shows a keyed end effector, which is part of a plunger, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 202A] Figure 202A shows another embodiment of an adjustable end effector for a plunger according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 202B] Figure 202B shows another embodiment of an adjustable end effector for a plunger according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 202C] Figure 202C shows another embodiment of an adjustable end effector for a plunger according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 202C shows first and second shaft adjusters that move the pivot shaft along two directions of the pivot shaft according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 202D] Figure 202D shows another embodiment of an adjustable end effector for a plunger according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 202D shows first and second shaft adjusters that move the pivot shaft along two directions of the pivot shaft according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 203A] Figure 203A shows an adjustable platen of a peristaltic pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 203B] Figure 203B shows an adjustable platen of a peristaltic pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 203C] Figure 203C shows an adjustable platen of a peristaltic pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 203D] Figure 203D shows an adjustable platen of a peristaltic pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 203E] Figure 203E shows an adjustable platen of a peristaltic pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 203F] Figure 203F shows an adjustable platen of a peristaltic pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 203G] Figure 203G shows an adjustable platen of a peristaltic pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 204A] Figure 204A shows a multi-stage spring-forced plunger of a peristaltic pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 204B] Figure 204B shows a multi-stage spring-forced plunger of a peristaltic pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 205] Figure 205 shows a flowchart illustrating a method for operating the multi-stage spring-biased plunger shown in Figures 204A to 204B according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 206] Figure 206 shows the rear of a peristaltic pump having a heat dissipation assembly with a heat sink, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 207A] Figure 207A shows a diagram of the heat dissipation assembly of Figure 206 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 207B] Figure 207B shows a diagram of the heat dissipation assembly of Figure 206 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 207C] Figure 207C shows a diagram of the heat dissipation assembly of Figure 206 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 207D] Figure 207D shows a diagram of the heat dissipation assembly of Figure 206 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 207E] Figure 207E shows a diagram of the heat dissipation assembly of Figure 206 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 207F]Figure 207F shows a diagram of the heat dissipation assembly of Figure 206 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 207G] Figure 207G shows a diagram of the heat dissipation assembly of Figure 206 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 208A] Figure 208A shows a further illustration of the planar thermal connector of the heat dissipation assembly shown in Figures 207A to 207G, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 208B] Figure 208B shows a further illustration of the planar thermal connector of the heat dissipation assembly shown in Figures 207A to 207G, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 209A] Figure 209A shows a thermal strap bracket for a planar thermal connector of the heat dissipation assembly shown in Figures 207A to 207G, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 209B] Figure 209B shows a thermal strap bracket for a planar thermal connector of the heat dissipation assembly shown in Figures 207A to 207G, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 209C] Figure 209C shows a thermal strap bracket for a planar thermal connector of the heat dissipation assembly shown in Figures 207A to 207G, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 209D] Figure 209D shows a thermal strap bracket for a planar thermal connector of the heat dissipation assembly shown in Figures 207A to 207G, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 209E] Figure 209E shows a thermal strap bracket for a planar thermal connector of the heat dissipation assembly shown in Figures 207A to 207G, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 210A] Figure 210A shows another embodiment of a planar thermal connector according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 210B] Figure 210B shows an embodiment of a heat sink having braided wire to transfer heat from the motor and power bar to dissipate heat, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 211A] Figure 211A shows a first portion of a heat dissipation assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 211B]Figure 211B shows a second portion of the heat dissipation assembly shown in Figure 211A. [Figure 211C] Figure 211C shows the first part of the heat dissipation assembly in Figure 211A connected to the second part of the heat dissipation assembly in Figure 211B. [Figure 211D] Figure 211D is a perspective view of the thermal strap bracket of the heat dissipation assembly shown in Figure 211A. [Figure 211E] Figure 211E is a perspective view of the lower part of the thermal strap of the heat dissipation assembly shown in Figure 211A. [Figure 212] Figure 212 shows a flowchart illustrating a method for removing bubbles in an IV line according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 213] Figure 213 shows a flowchart of a method 1408 for detecting bubbles according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 214] Figure 214 shows an ultrasonic-based bubble sensor according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 215] Figure 215 shows an ultrasonic-based bubble sensor according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 216] Figure 216 shows an ultrasonic-based bubble sensor according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 217] Figure 217 shows a method for estimating the amount of air pumped downstream by a peristaltic pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 218] Figure 218 shows a method for estimating the amount of air pumped downstream by a peristaltic pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 219] Figure 219 shows a method for estimating the amount of air pumped downstream by a peristaltic pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 220A] Figure 220A shows an inline pressure sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 220B] Figure 220B shows a diagram of an inline pressure sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 220C]Figure 220C shows an in-line pressure sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 220D] Figure 220D shows the inline pressure sensor of Figures 202A-202C having a clip, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 220E] Figure 220E shows the inline pressure sensor of Figures 202A-202C having a clip, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 220F] Figure 220F shows the inline pressure sensor of Figures 202A-202C having a clip, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 221] Figure 221 shows an inline pressure sensor according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 222] Figure 222 shows a downstream bladder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 223] Figure 223 shows a tube in some embodiments of the present disclosure that has an obstruction that slightly increases the pressure of the fluid flowing through the tube. [Figure 224] Figure 224 shows another embodiment of a downstream bladder according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 225] Figure 225 shows a section of the tubular material including a nucleation site and an air trap, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 226] Figure 226 shows a fall-prevention screw according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 227A] Figure 227A shows a pole clamp according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 227B] Figure 227B shows a pole clamp according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 227C] Figure 227C shows a pole clamp according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 227D] Figure 227D shows a pole clamp according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 228] Figure 228 shows a block diagram illustrating a system for pumping fluid from a primary IV bag and a secondary IV bag according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 229] Figure 229 shows a block diagram illustrating a system for pumping fluid together with a check valve to prevent gas release, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 230A] Figure 230A shows a fluid pumping system having a retainer configured to secure a tube to a pump body, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 230B] Figure 230B shows an enlarged view of the holding portion of Figure 230A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 231] Figure 231 shows a flowchart illustrating a method for pumping a fluid and adjusting the fluid delivery estimate to account for air or bubbles, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0059] Figure 1 shows a front view of the pump 100. The pump 100 may be a standalone device that connects directly to an IV pole (not shown) by, for example, using a clamp (not shown). Furthermore or alternatively, the pump 100 may be modular such that one or more pumps 100 can be connected together with a central unit and / or other medical devices. While the peristaltic pump 100 is described throughout this specification, further embodiments may include syringe pumps or other pump types where applicable or apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0060] The pump 100 includes a pump housing 158 and a door 102 connected to the pump housing 158. The door 102 is rotatably connected to the pump 100 so that an infusion set having a flow stopper 152 (see Figures 39-44) and tubing 216 (see Figures 4-5) can be loaded and secured inside the pump 100 by the door 102 (as described in more detail below). A hole 106 is provided so that the door 102 can be closed without pinching the tubing 216. Twisting or pinching within the tubing 216 may obstruct the flow of fluid in the tubing 216.

[0061] The pump 100 includes a button panel 110 having buttons 112 for user input, and a screen 108. The screen 108 provides visual information such as menus and status information that can be used by a caregiver to program the control software of the pump 100 using the buttons 112 and to interact with the control software. In some embodiments, the screen 108 may be a touchscreen configured to receive user input via user touch. The pump 100 also includes a lever 104 that can be used to open and lock the door 102, as will be described in more detail below.

[0062] The pump 100 also includes a light bar 162. The light bar 162 may illuminate depending on the status of the pump 100. For example, the light bar 162 may flash green when the pump 100 is infusing fluid into the patient, and may flash red when the pump 100 is not operating or has encountered an error condition or malfunction. The light bar 162 may flash yellow, for example, when an obstruction is detected and intervention is required to remove the obstruction.

[0063] Figure 2 shows the peristaltic pump 100 of Figure 1 with the door 102 open and the lever 104 in the open position. When the lever 104 is closed and the door 102 is properly closed, the door catch 114 closes and locks the door 102 in place by being held by the hold 164. The hold 164 may be a pin interfaced with a pin catch 166. As shown in Figure 2, when the lever 104 is operated to the open position, the door catch 114 releases the hold 164. The door 102 may be spring-driven to rotate so that the door 102 is opened when the door catch 114 releases the hold 164.

[0064] The operation of lever 104 to the open position also retracts the spring-loaded plunger 116. The operation of the spring-loaded plunger 116 loads the tube 216 into the platen 168. When the spring-loaded plunger 116 is operated toward the platen 168, the spring-loaded plunger 116 blocks the platen 168, making it more difficult or impossible to insert the tube 216 into the platen 168.

[0065] Figure 3 shows a magnified view of the door 102 of the peristaltic pump 100 (see Figure 1) in the open position. The carriage assembly 160 is also easily recognizable in Figure 3. The flow stopper 152 (see Figures 39-44) can be inserted into the carriage assembly 160 so that the carriage 150 holds the flow stopper 152. The flow stopper holder 170 can hold the flow stopper 152 in the carriage 150. Figure 4 shows the flow stopper 152 loaded into the carriage 150 of the peristaltic pump 100. The door 102 can then be closed with the flow stopper 152 inserted inside, as shown in Figure 5. Since the lever 104 is still in the open position, the door 102 can be reopened because the door catch 114 has not locked the door 102. When the lever 104 is moved down to the closed position, the door 102 is then locked by the door catch 114.

[0066] Figure 6 shows the back of the pump 100 from Figure 1 with the rear housing, cables, and electronic circuit board removed. However, the motor 172 and brace 174 are still visible in Figure 6. Figure 7 shows the pump 100 as shown in Figure 6, but with the motor 172 and brace 174 removed for further clarity.

[0067] In Figure 7, the camshaft 190 is shown with the plunger cam 184, inlet valve cam 186, and outlet valve cam 188 positioned on the camshaft 190. When the plunger cam follower 192 follows the plunger cam 184, the plunger cam follower 192 rotates along the pivot shaft 202 (see Figure 14). When the inlet valve cam follower 194 follows the inlet valve cam follower 194, the inlet valve 198 rotates along the pivot shaft 202 (see Figure 14). When the outlet valve cam follower 196 follows the outlet valve cam 188, the outlet valve 200 rotates along the pivot shaft 202 (see Figure 14).

[0068] The inlet valve torsion spring 204 biases the inlet valve cam follower 194 toward the inlet valve cam 186 toward the tube 216. The outlet valve torsion spring 206 biases the outlet valve cam follower 196 toward the outlet valve cam 188. Additionally, a pair of plunger torsion springs 208 bias the plunger cam follower 192 toward the plunger cam 184, and thus also bias the spring-biased plunger 116 toward the tube 216. Figure 8 shows the pump 100 as shown in Figure 7, but from a different angle, and Figure 9 shows the pump 100 as shown in Figure 7, but from the rear of the pump 100, at an angle from bottom to top.

[0069] The operation of lever 104 acts on the main shaft 118. A shaft spring 182 is shown that pulls the main shaft 118 toward one of two positions, acting the lever 104 toward either the open or closed position, depending on the angle of the main shaft 118. That is, the shaft spring 182 acts the lever 104 in an overcentering motion with respect to the force that the shaft spring 182 exerts on the main shaft 118. The force that the shaft spring 182 exerts on the main shaft 118 is also exerted on the lever 104 due to the mechanical coupling between the main shaft 118 and the lever 104. This overcentering motion biases the main shaft 118 so that the lever 104 is biased toward either the closed or open position, depending on whether the lever 104 is between the intermediate and closed positions or between the intermediate and open positions.

[0070] Referring to Figures 10 to 13, Figure 10 shows a front view of the mechanical assembly 210, including the main shaft 118 connected to the lever 104, with the lever 104 in the open position; Figure 11 shows the mechanical assembly 210 of Figure 10 with the lever 104 in the closed position; Figure 12 shows a rear view of the mechanical assembly 210 of Figure 10 with the lever 104 in the open position; and Figure 13 shows a rear view of the mechanical assembly 210 of Figure 10 with the lever 104 in the closed position. The mechanical assembly 210 can be found in the pump 100 of Figure 1.

[0071] Lever 104 is connected to the first bevel gear 122 and rotates with the movement of lever 104. That is, lever 104 is connected to the first bevel gear 122 so as to actuate the first bevel gear 122. The first bevel gear 122 is connected to the second bevel gear 124, and the second bevel gear 124 is connected to the main shaft 118. Combined, the actuation of lever 104 causes the main shaft 118 to rotate around its central axis.

[0072] Generally, the upper shaft 298 rotates together with the main shaft 118. However, the upper shaft 298 is not directly connected to the main shaft 118 and, under certain circumstances, can rotate independently of the main shaft 118. A more detailed explanation of the circumstances under which the upper shaft 298 rotates independently of the main shaft 118 is provided below with reference to Figures 31 and 32.

[0073] The rotation of the main shaft 118 rotates the lift cam 120. The rotation of the lift cam 120 can actuate the spring-driven plunger 116, the inlet valve 198, and the outlet valve 200 toward the tube 216 and away from the platen 168. That is, the spring-driven plunger 116, the inlet valve 198, and the outlet valve 200 retract toward the end effector port 214 (see Figures 2-4) toward the tube 216. Further details of the lift cam 120 are described below.

[0074] Referring again to Figures 10-13, when the lever 104 is in the open position, as shown in Figures 10 and 12, the latch thread 132 is configured to allow the door 102 (see Figure 1) to open and close freely without the door catch 114 locking the door 102. However, the door catch 114 is biased either toward holding the door 102 or toward releasing the door 102. When the lever 104 is in the closed position (see Figures 11 and 13), the latch thread 132 allows the door 102 (see Figure 1) to close by enabling the door catch 114 to accommodate the hold 164 (see Figure 4). However, when the lever 104 is in the closed position and the door 102 is closed, the latch thread 132 locks the door 102 by preventing the door catch 114 from releasing the hold 164 (see Figure 4) after the door 102 has been locked by the latch thread 132. Details of the latch thread 132 are described below.

[0075] The carriage assembly 160 can also be seen and recognized in Figures 10 to 13. The carriage housing 148 houses the flow stopper 152 within the carriage 150 so that it rotates inside. When the lever 104 is in the open position as shown in Figure 10, the gear 212 rotates the carriage 150 so that the flow stopper 152 can be inserted into the carriage 150. After the flow stopper 152 is inserted, the operation of the lever 104 to the closed position (shown in Figures 11 and 13) rotates the carriage 150 and the flow stopper 152 to untwist the tube 216 so that fluid can flow through the tube 216. Details of the carriage assembly 160 are described below.

[0076] Please refer to Figures 14 to 16 for the following explanation of the operation of the lift cam 120. Figures 14 to 16 all show cross-sectional views along the same plane. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the peristaltic pump 100 showing the lift cam 120 when the lever 104 is in the closed position. Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the peristaltic pump 100 showing the lift cam 120 when the lever 104 is between the closed and open positions, and Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the peristaltic pump 100 showing the lift cam 120 when the lever 104 is in the open position.

[0077] As shown in Figure 14, the lift cam 120 is positioned on the main shaft 118 so as to rotate along the lift cam pin 130. The axis of the lift cam pin 130 is offset from the central axis of the main shaft 118. The lift cam 120 is biased in a counterclockwise direction by the cam lifter torsion spring 126 as shown in Figure 14, but those skilled in the art will recognize how to configure the pump 100 to be biased in a clockwise direction.

[0078] In Figure 14, the lift cam 120 does not engage with the spring-driven plunger 116, and the position of the spring-driven plunger 116 is based on the rotational position of the plunger cam 184 and / or the filling volume of the tube 216. The spring-driven plunger 116 includes an end effector 128 that engages with the tube 216 located on the platen 168.

[0079] The end effector 128 of the spring-driven plunger 116 is in an extended position, thereby protruding from the end effector port 214 (and thus engaging with the tube 216), as shown in Figure 14. The seal 218 prevents fluid from entering or leaving through the end effector port 214, even though the end effector 128 is fixed to the spring-driven plunger 116.

[0080] As can be easily seen in Figure 15, when the lever 104 is operated toward the open position, the main shaft 118 rotates and the lift cam 120 engages with the spring-biased plunger 116. The outer surface 220 of the lift cam 120 engages with the spring-biased plunger 116 with friction, so the lift cam 120 rotates when the lever 104 is operated toward the open position, as shown in Figure 15.

[0081] Figure 16 shows the lever 104 in the fully open position, where the lift cam 120 fully lifts the spring-driven plunger 116 so that the end effector 128 fully retracts within the end effector port 214. The tube 216 is present as can be seen in Figure 16 due to the retraction of the spring-driven plunger 116. Note that the plunger cam follower 192 is also acting away from the plunger cam 184 so that the plunger cam follower 192 no longer contacts the plunger cam 184. The lift cam 120 acts on the inlet valve 198 and the outlet valve 200 in a similar manner; that is, the lift cam 120 also engages with the inlet valve 198 and the outlet valve 200, so that the inlet valve 198 and the outlet valve 200 are also spring-driven.

[0082] Referring to Figures 17 to 19, Figure 17 shows an enlarged view of the latch thread 132 of the mechanical assembly 210 of the peristaltic pump 100 of Figure 1 when the lever 104 is in the closed position. Figure 18 shows an enlarged view of the latch thread 132 when the lever 104 is between the closed and open positions, and Figure 19 shows an enlarged view of the latch thread 132 when the lever 104 is in the open position.

[0083] Figure 17 shows the lever 104 in the closed position, and therefore the latch thread 132 is in the extended position. When the latch thread 132 is in the extended position, the pawl 134 acts away from the main shaft 118 due to the contact of the thread cam follower 176 with the hook cam 144. That is, the hook cam 144 engages with the thread cam follower 176 such that the hook cam 144 extends the thread cam follower 176 as far away from the main shaft 118 as possible. Thus, Figure 17 shows the state in which the hook cam 144 has actuated the latch thread 132 to its fully extended position.

[0084] When the latch thread 132 is in the extended position, the door 102 and door catch 114 may initially be in an unlocked state. However, as soon as the door catch 114 is moved toward the closed position (for example, when the door 102 is closed), the door catch hold 234 of the door catch 114 locks between the claw 134 and the thread base 136. That is, once the door catch 114 rotates toward the locked position, the latch thread 132 is in the extended (or locked) position, and therefore the latch thread 132 prevents the door catch 114 from opening.

[0085] Figure 18 shows lever 104 in a partially actuated position where the hook 146 of the hook cam 144 engages with the threaded cam follower 176. The hook cam 144 includes a retraction space 238 that allows the threaded cam follower 176 to be pulled toward the main shaft 118. Figure 19 shows lever 104 in a fully open position where the hook 146 of the hook cam 144 fully retracts the latch thread 132. When the claw 134 is pushed toward the hook cam 144, the claw 134 pulls the door catch 114 toward the open (or unlocked) position, and then opens the door 102.

[0086] Referring to Figures 2, 19, and 25, when the lever 104 is operated from the closed position to the open position, the claw 134 pulls the door catch hold 234, and as a result the door catch 114 rotates along the channel 236 of the door catch 114, thereby rotating the pin catch 166 toward a position where the door catch 114 no longer locks the hold 164 of the door 102. Since the door 102 can be opened by spring force, when the door catch 114 no longer locks the hold 164 of the door 102, the door 102 can rotate toward the open position.

[0087] Referring again to Figure 19, the latch thread 132 is connected to the door catch spring 224, which is connected to the door catch anchor 232. The door catch spring 224 pushes out relative to the door catch anchor 232, thereby acting the door catch 114 in an "overcenter" motion. The overcenter motion of the door catch spring 224 makes the door catch 114 bistability in the locked or open position. As shown in Figure 19, when the pawl 134 is in the retracted position, the pawl 134 is released from the door catch hold 234 (see Figure 25) and acts, so the door catch 114 can move freely between the open position and the locked (or closed) position.

[0088] Figure 20 shows the door catch 114 and latch thread 132 of the peristaltic pump 100 from Figure 1, viewed from the front of the pump 100. The door catch interface 222 separates the outside of the door catch interface 222, where the pin catch 166 protrudes outward from the door catch interface 222, from the internal components of the door catch 114 on which the latch thread 132 operates. Figure 21 shows the latch thread 132, which includes a thread base 136 and a pawl 134 rotatably connected to the thread base 136 around the axis of the thread cam follower 176. The thread cam follower 176 is secured to both the thread base 136 and the pawl 134 via a thread pin 178. A thread spring 142 is connected to the pawl 134. The thread base 136 slides back and forth in the block 138 of the door catch interface 222, as shown in Figure 22.

[0089] Figure 22 shows the door catch 114 and latch thread 132 of the peristaltic pump 100 from Figure 1, viewed from the rear of the pump 100. The claw 134 of the latch thread 132 is in the locked position. The thread spring 142 is connected to the claw 134 and the anchor pin 140 of the block 138. The thread spring 142 biases the claw 134 toward the thread base 136 and biases the latch thread 132 toward the door catch hold 234. However, the position of the thread base 136 within the block 138 is controlled by the hook cam 144 (see Figure 19).

[0090] Figure 23 shows the door catch 114 and latch thread 132, where the claw 134 of the latch thread 132 is in the retracted position. As is readily apparent in Figure 23, the door catch hold 234 is pulled back by the claw 134. In this position, since the lever 104 is actuated to the open position, the latch thread 132 is pulled back and the claw 134 is lifted away from the door catch hold 234, so that the door catch hold 234 can move freely between the two positions shown in Figures 22 and 23. The force of the door catch spring 224 on the door catch anchor 232 pushes the door catch hold 234 toward one of the positions in Figures 22 and 23.

[0091] Figure 24 shows the portion of block 138 in which the door catch 114 and latch thread 132 for the peristaltic pump 100 of Figure 1 are installed. Also shown in the exploded view is the anchor pin 140 at the top of block 138, which is secured toward the bottom of block 138 by a screw 240. As readily apparent in Figure 24, the door catch hold 234 is operable between two positions. Figure 25 shows the door catch 114, which is rotatable along a pivot defined by a channel 236. The channel 236 may accommodate any device that makes the door catch 114 rotatable, such as a pin, flange, or projection on the door catch interface 222.

[0092] Referring now to Figures 26 to 28, Figure 26 shows a cross-sectional view of the peristaltic pump 100 of Figure 1 with the hook cam 144 in the unhooked position; Figure 27 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 26, showing the hook cam 144 partially actuated toward the cam follower of the latch thread 132; and Figure 28 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 26, showing the hook cam 144 fully actuated so that the hook 146 is connected to the cam follower of the latch thread 132 and the latch thread 132 is fully retracted.

[0093] As can be seen through a series of Figures 26, 27, and 28, the hook 146 of the hook cam 144 grips the thread cam follower 176, retracting the latch thread 132. As the claw 134 is pulled back, the door catch hold 234 retracts within the claw 134. The door catch 114 is then in the unlocked position, as shown in Figure 28. When the door 102 is fully opened, as shown in Figure 28, the door catch hold 234 can operate freely between the open and closed positions. The door catch spring 224 pushes against the door catch anchor 232 so that the door catch 114 is bistability between the positions shown in Figures 26 and 28. Regardless of the thread spring 142, it can also be easily seen in Figure 28 that the block 138 lifts the claw 134 when the claw 134 is retracted by the hook cam 144. In other words, the surface of block 138 provides a cam action to the pawl 134 so as the latch thread 132 is retracted by the hook cam 144, lifting the pawl 134. The thread spring 142 biases the pawl 134 toward the thread base 136. Figure 29 shows the hook cam 144 enlarged to show the retraction space 238 that retracts a portion of the pawl 134 closer to the main shaft 118.

[0094] Figure 30 shows an exploded view of the coupling 242 that connects the main shaft 118 to the upper shaft 298 of the peristaltic pump 100 in Figure 1, and Figure 31 is an exploded view of the coupling 242 in Figure 30, but from a different angle.

[0095] Referring to both Figures 30 and 31, the coupling 242 includes an intermediate connector 250, a first connector 282, and a second connector 284. Embodiments shown herein show the hook cam 144 and the first connector 282 integrated together. The intermediate connector 250 is fixedly connected to the main shaft 118. The hook cam 144 rotates around the main shaft 118 (see Figure 19). The second connector 284 is fixedly connected to the upper shaft 298 (see Figure 19).

[0096] The intermediate connector 250 includes a first flange 252 which can interface with either a first stopper 256 or a second stopper 258 of the first connector 282. The intermediate connector 250 also includes a second flange 254 which can interface with either a third stopper 260 or a fourth stopper 262 of the second connector 284. The first flange 252 engages with the first stopper 256 of the first connector 282, and as a result, when the lever 104 is operated from the closed position to the open position, the rotation of the main shaft 118 rotates the intermediate connector 250 (via direct connection) to push the first flange 252 against the first stopper 256, thereby acting on the hook cam 144 to retract the latch thread 132. Similarly, the second flange 254 engages with the third stopper 260, so that when the lever 104 is operated from the closed position to the open position, the rotation of the main shaft 118 rotates the intermediate connector 250 (via a direct connection) which pushes the second flange 254 against the third stopper 260, causing the second connector 284 to rotate together with the main shaft 118. Since the upper shaft 298 is directly connected to the second connector 284, when the lever 104 is operated from the closed position to the open position, the interface of the second flange 254 with the third stopper 260 causes the main shaft 118 and the upper shaft 298 to rotate relative to each other.

[0097] The first shaft spring 246 biases the intermediate connector 250 torsion relative to the first connector 282, and the second shaft spring 248 biases the intermediate connector 250 torsion relative to the second connector 284. When the gear 212 is locked, thereby keeping the upper shaft 298 stationary, the coupling 242 allows the main shaft 118 to continue rotating by a predetermined amount. As will be described in more detail below, the chocks 154 of the carriage assembly 160 (see Figure 33) can prevent the carriage 150 from rotating, and can also prevent the gear 212 (see Figures 32-33) from rotating. Since the gear 212 is fixedly connected to the upper shaft 298, preventing the rotation of the gear 212 also prevents the rotation of the upper shaft 298.

[0098] In other words, once the user releases the lever 104, the lever 104 is immediately spring-loaded back to the open position, preventing the user from closing the lever 104 and keeping it closed while the door 102 is open. Rather than permanently stopping any movement of the lever 104 when the user attempts to operate the lever 104 towards the closed position while the door 102 is open, the coupling 242 provides spring resistance until the lever 104 is in the fully closed position. The main shaft 118, which is not shown in Figures 30-31, is rotationally disconnected from the upper shaft 298 as described above, thereby allowing the main shaft 118 and the upper shaft 298 to rotate independently. In other embodiments, the main shaft 118 may be fixedly connected to the upper shaft 298. When the door 102 is opened, the coupling 242 allows the lever 104 to move a predetermined amount toward the closed position until the lever 104 is completely closed, or, in other embodiments, the coupling 242 prevents any further movement. When the door 102 is closed, the upper part of the main shaft 118 is locked, and the lever 104 can move freely toward the closed position.

[0099] When door 102 is opened and the user attempts to operate lever 104 from the open position to the closed position, the main shaft 118 continues to rotate. Since the main shaft 118 is connected to the intermediate connector 250, the intermediate connector 250 rotates with the operation of lever 104, but the gear 212 is locked by the open door 102, thereby locking the upper shaft 298, so the second connector 284 does not rotate, and the hook cam 144 cannot overcome the biasing force of the door catch spring 224 that holds the latch thread 132 in the retracted position, so the first connector 282 and the second connector 284 also do not rotate. Referring to Figures 30-31, in this situation, since the intermediate connector 250 is connected to the main shaft 118, the intermediate connector 250 rotates, and when the user attempts to close lever 104 with door 102 open, the first connector 282 and the second connector 284 remain stationary. In this situation, the hook cam 144 does not rotate because it is fixedly connected to the first connector 282. The first flange 252 moves away from the first stopper 256, thereby loading the first shaft spring 246, and the second flange 254 moves away from the third stopper 260, thereby loading the second shaft spring 248. When the user releases the lever 104, the lever 104 immediately opens due to the loads on the first shaft spring 246 and the second shaft spring 248. Alternatively, if the user attempts to close the door 102 while the lever 104 is held in the fully closed position against the biasing forces of the first shaft spring 246 and the second shaft spring 248, the lifter pin 226 acts in such a way that the lifter spring 228 pushes against the lift 156. However, because the chock 154 (see Figure 33) is locked under force (via the first shaft spring 246 and the second shaft spring 248), the lifter spring 228 cannot overcome the force required to lift the lift 156 and release the carriage 150 (as described in more detail below).Nevertheless, the latch thread 132 overcomes the spring 224 (through the assistance of the door 102, which brings the door catch 114 into operation), thereby rotating the hook cam 144 so that the first stopper 256 engages with the first flange 252 again. However, as soon as the user releases the lever 104, the lever 104 immediately releases, and due to the load of the second shaft spring 248, the latch thread 132 immediately retracts again relative to the hook cam 144.

[0100] Figure 32 shows a cross-sectional view of the peristaltic pump 100 of Figure 1. Gear 212 can actuate the carriage 150 by the operation of the main shaft 118. That is, gear 212 connects the main shaft 118 to the carriage 150 (see Figures 34-36) so that the carriage 150 (see Figures 34-36) can rotate. The rotation of the carriage 150 causes the tube 216 to be in a closed or open position within the flow stopper 152. Figures 32, 34, and 35 correspond to the carriage 150 in a position that positions the tube 216 to be closed within the flow stopper 152, while Figure 36 corresponds to the carriage 150 in a position that positions the tube 216 to be open within the flow stopper 152. Figure 33 shows the lifter pin 226 in a position that may correspond to either Figure 35 or Figure 36.

[0101] Figure 32 shows the lifter pin 226 in a position that prevents the carriage 150 from rotating when the user attempts to close the lever 104 while the door 102 is open. Figure 33 shows the lifter pin 226 in a position that allows the carriage 150 to rotate in response to the user closing the lever 104 while the door 102 is closed.

[0102] As the door 102 is opened as shown in Figure 32, the lifter pin 226 protrudes from the hole (see Figures 2-4, which show a clearer view of the end of the lifter pin 226), ensuring that the carriage 150 is locked and prevented from rotating in direction 608 as shown in Figure 34. As shown in Figure 34, the chock 154 is positioned in the groove of the notch 268, which prevents the carriage 150 from rotating to the position shown in Figure 36. In other words, the chock 154 locks the carriage 150. As the door 102 is opened as shown in Figure 32, the chock 154 engages with the notch 268 as shown in Figure 34. Because the door 102 is open, the lifter pin 226 does not push the lift 156 through the lifter spring 228. This prevents the lever 104 from acting toward the closed position. This is because the carriage 150 is connected to the gear 212 and then mechanically connected to the main shaft 118. This feature prevents the user from operating the lever 104 to close the door 102 while it is open. Closing the door 102 activates the chock 154 to move away from the notch 268 (via the lifter pin 226).

[0103] Figure 33 is the same cross-sectional view as Figure 32, but shows the state in which the lifter spring 228 that operates the lift 156 is compressed by the actuation of the lifter pin 226 away from the door 102 as the door 102 is closed. That is, when the door 102 is closed as shown in Figure 33, the door 102 pushes the end of the lifter pin 226 (see Figures 2 to 4), thereby acting the lifter pin 226 in the direction indicated by arrow 604 in Figure 33. The lifter pin collar 230 is fixedly connected to the lifter pin 226, and therefore, when the door 102 is closed to the position shown in Figure 33, both the lifter pin collar 230 and the lifter pin 226 move in the direction of arrow 604.

[0104] As described above, when the door 102 is closed, the door 102 hits the end of the lifter pin 226 (see FIGS. 2 to 4), thereby actuating the lifter pin 226 in the direction of arrow 604 as shown in FIGS. 32 to 33. When the lifter pin 226 actuates away from the door 102, the lifter pin collar 230 also moves away from the door 102, compressing the lifter spring 228 against the lift 156. Since the lift 156 is connected to the detent 154 as shown in FIGS. 34 to 36, the compression of the lifter spring 228 applies a force to the lifter pin 226 that actuates the lift 156 away from the door 102. The detent 154 is rotatably connected to the carriage assembly 160 via a detent pivot 606.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 32, when the door 102 is opened, the lifter pin 226 actuates away from the lift 156 such that the detent 154 engages the notch 268 as shown in FIG. 34. FIG. 34 shows a cross-sectional view of the peristaltic pump 100 of FIG. 1 to show a cross-sectional view of the carriage assembly 160 with the door 102 opened and the lever 104 opened. As shown in FIG. 33, when the lift 156 actuates away from the carriage 150 by closing the door 102, the detent 154 also actuates away from the carriage 150 as shown in FIG. 35 due to the compression of the lifter spring 228 against the lift 156 to which the detent 154 is connected. FIG. 35 shows the same cross-sectional view as FIG. 34, but with the door 102 closed, thereby actuating the detent 154 away from the notch 268.

[0106] That is, the operation of the lift 156 away from the carriage 150 actuates the detent 154 so that the carriage 150 can rotate freely. When the detent 154 is lifted by the lift 156, the detent 154 cannot engage with the notch 268 of the carriage 150 as shown in FIG. 35, and thus the carriage 150 can rotate freely. When the detent 154 engages with the notch 268 of the carriage 150 as shown in FIG. 34, the carriage 150 cannot rotate to the position shown in FIG. 36. When the lever 104 is closed, the carriage 150 can rotate in the direction 608 shown as the clockwise arrow in FIGS. 34 and 35 towards the position shown in FIG. 36. FIG. 36 is the same cross-sectional view as FIG. 35, but shows the state where the carriage 150 is in the rotational position brought about by the closing of the lever 104.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 34, the frost stopper holder 170 includes a holder hook 286 and a spring body 288. The frost stopper holder 170 snap-fits the frost stopper 152 in the carriage 150 and also provides resistance when pulling the frost stopper 152 away from the carriage 150.

[0108] Figure 37 shows the carriage assembly 160 of the peristaltic pump 100 of Figure 1 from the bottom of the carriage 150, and Figure 38 shows the carriage assembly 160 of the peristaltic pump 100 of Figure 1 from the top of the carriage 150. Figure 37 shows the gear connector 290 that mechanically connects the carriage 150 to the main shaft 118. The carriage assembly 160 includes a carriage housing 148, a chock 154, a chock spring 180, the gear connector 290, and a window 264. The window 264 allows light (e.g., generated by an LED) to shine through it. A sensor on the other side of the window 264 may detect which part of the window 264 is blocked and / or which part of the window 264 is allowing light to shine through it. The flow stopper ID hole 294 in the flow stopper 152 may indicate a binary number that can be used to identify the flow stopper 152 and / or the set to which the flow stopper 152 is installed. As shown in Figure 37, when the carriage 150 is in the closed position, the cover 266 blocks the entrance to the carriage assembly 160 (see also Figure 37).

[0109] Figure 39 shows the carriage assembly 160 of the peristaltic pump 100 of Figure 1 from the bottom side of the carriage assembly 160, with the bottom of the carriage housing 148 removed for clarity. As shown, the cover 266 can be easily recognized as blocking the inlet of the carriage assembly 160 and then preventing the insertion of anything into the carriage 150 while the carriage 150 is rotated to the closed position. The flow portion 270 of the flow stopper 152 is above the carriage assembly hole 292 through which fluid flows through the tube 216. When the carriage 150 is in the open position, the carriage assembly hole 292 holds the tube 216 so that it is positioned between the tube 216 and the closing portion 272 of the flow stopper 152. This requires that the flow stopper 152 is loaded into and removed from the carriage 150 by the user only when the flow stopper 152 is blocking the tube 216.

[0110] After the flow stopper 152 is fixed within the carriage 150 and the door 102 is closed, the operation of the lever 104 to the closed position rotates the carriage 150 so that the carriage assembly hole 292 holds the tube 216 and the tube 216 can be located within the flow section 270 of the flow stopper 152. Once the tube 216 is positioned within the flow section 270, the fluid can flow easily through the tube 216. Figures 40 and 41 show illustrations of the carriage 150 of the peristaltic pump 100 of Figure 1. The notch 268 is easily recognizable, as is the cover 266.

[0111] Figure 42 shows the carriage 150 with its top removed to reveal the guide surface 149 of the carriage 150. The guide surface 149 is configured to allow the stabilizer 278 of the flow stopper 152 to transfer the insertion force applied to the thumb rest 280 to the sliding of the tube 216 within the arched slot 151 of the flow stopper 152, which will be described in more detail below.

[0112] Figures 43–48 show several diagrams of a flow stopper 152 that can be inserted into the carriage 150 of the peristaltic pump 100 of Figure 1. The flow stopper 152 includes a body 296 that defines an arched slot 151 that accommodates a tube 216 inside. The arched slot 151 includes a closure section 272 and a flow section 270. The flow stopper 152 also includes a stabilizer 278. The stabilizer 278 facilitates the insertion of the flow stopper 152 into the carriage 150. A thumb rest 280 is shown that provides a friction area for a person to push the flow stopper 152 into the carriage 150. As readily recognizable in Figure 43, the thumb rest 280 includes an extension 274. An illuminating flow stopper ID hole 294 that identifies the flow stopper 152 is located within the extension 274. The flow stopper ID hole 294 is readily recognizable in Figure 43. The back portion 276 is easily recognizable in Figure 45.

[0113] Figures 49–53 show a series of events illustrating the flow stopper 152 shown in Figures 43–48 inserted into the carriage assembly 160 of the peristaltic pump 100 in Figure 1. The carriage 150, as shown in Figures 49–53, is shown with its top removed to easily observe the interaction between the stabilizer 278 and the guide surface 149. The stabilizer 278 and the guide surface 149 interact with each other to prevent the flow stopper 152 from being inserted into the carriage at an angle that pinches the tube 216.

[0114] First, before inserting the flow stopper 152 of the dosing set, the user may position the tube 216 at any location within the arched slot 151. If the user positions the tube 216 within the end of the occlusion 272 of the arched slot 151, the carriage 150 can accommodate the flow stopper 152 with the tube 216 occluded without moving or repositioning the tube 216 within the arched slot 151.

[0115] However, if the user positions the tube 216 in the flow section 270, or partially positions the tube 216 between the flow section 270 and the end of the occlusion section 272, the carriage assembly 160 repositions the tube 216 to the end of the occlusion section 272 when the flow stopper 152 is inserted into the carriage 150.

[0116] Figure 49 shows the initial insertion of the flow stopper 152, where the tube 216 is in the flow section 270. As can be seen in the sequence of events in Figures 49 to 53, when the flow stopper 152 is inserted, the tube 216 slides toward the end of the occlusion section 272, as shown in Figure 34. During this process, the stabilizer 278 and the guide surface 149 interact with each other to prevent the tube 216 from being pinched or damaged by forces perpendicular to the centerline of the arched slot 151.

[0117] In other words, when the user presses the thumb rest 280, the guide surface 149 adjusts the angle of the flow stopper 152, transferring the force from the thumb rest 280 to the tube 216 so that the tube 216 receives a force substantially parallel to the center line of the arched slot 151, while guiding the flow stopper 152 to the fully inserted position within the carriage 150 as shown in Figure 53. If the user attempts to rotate the flow stopper 152 counterclockwise (from the viewpoint shown in Figures 49 to 53) while attempting to insert the flow stopper 152, the stabilizer 278 comes into contact with the guide surface 149, and therefore the stabilizer 278 is guided by the guide surface 149. Thus, the stabilizer 278 of the flow stopper 152 prevents the tube 216 from being pinched or damaged by the interface between the carriage 150 and the flow stopper 152. The stabilizer 278 and guide surface 149 reduce the force applied by the user to the flow stopper 152, which would push the tube perpendicular to the center line of the arched slot 151, thereby reducing the movement of the tube 216 into a pinched state. The reason the tube 216 becomes pinched is that when the tube 216 is moved perpendicular to the center line of the arched slot 151, the tube 216 is trapped within the channel defined by the hole 106 (see Figure 2).

[0118] Figure 54 shows the carriage assembly 160 from above with the sensor board 161 connected, relating to the peristaltic pump 100 of Figure 1. Figure 55 is the same figure as Figure 54, but shows the sensor board 161 as transparent to show a group of LEDs 165 which are part of the flowstopper ID sensor 163. The flowstopper ID sensor 163 includes LEDs 165 used to generate light, which may be within the range of visible light, invisible light, infrared light, near-infrared light, ultraviolet light, narrowband light, broadband light, the optical portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, or any preferred combination thereof. The flowstopper ID sensor 163 also includes an optical sensor 153, which may be a photoreactive element, for example, a linear array of 128-level detectors. Also, as readily recognizable in Figure 56, the flowstopper ID sensor 163 includes a light pipe 155.

[0119] LED 165 emits light that is transmitted within the light pipe 155 to route the light in the carriage assembly 160 to the side opposite to the side to which the sensor board 161 is connected. Figure 57 shows the light pipe 155, which includes a light-receiving aperture 167 that receives light from LED 165 (see Figure 56) and a transmission aperture 157 that transmits light through the bottom window 264 of the carriage assembly 160 (see Figure 37 for the bottom window 264). When the flow stopper 152 is on the carriage 150 and the carriage 150 is positioned in the lever-closed position (as shown in Figure 39) when the lever 104 is closed, light is transmitted through one of the flow stopper ID holes 294 of the extension 274 (see Figure 43).

[0120] Referring again to Figures 55 and 56, as can be easily seen, the use of the light pipe 155 allows a single sensor board 161 to house the LED 165 and the optical sensor 153. The sensor board 161 also includes a rotary sensor 169, which may be a rotary encoder connected to the end of the upper shaft 298 (see Figure 11).

[0121] Figure 58 shows a flowchart illustrating a method 400 for using the peristaltic pump 100 of Figure 1. Method 400 may include operations 401 to 415. Operation 401 is the user acting on the lever 104 toward the open position. That is, if the lever 104 was previously closed, the user may act on the lever 104 to open, thereby opening the door 102 as shown as operation 402 in the method described above. Operation 402 opens the door 102 and rotates the carriage 150 toward a position that accommodates the flow stopper 152 in response to the operation of the lever 104 toward the open position (see Figure 34). In operation 402, the carriage 150 rotates to a position where the user can remove or insert the flow stopper 152. In this position, if the carriage 150 already contains a flow stopper 152 (e.g., from a previous treatment), the user can remove the flow stopper 152 and replace it with a new flow stopper 152. Operation 403, in response to the operation of the lever 104 to the open position, acts the spring-driven plunger 116, the inlet valve 198, and the outlet valve 200 toward the retracted position. This facilitates the easy insertion of the tube 216 into the platen 168 without obstruction by one or more of the spring-driven plunger 116, the inlet valve 198, and / or the outlet valve 200.

[0122] Operation 404 involves the user moving the flow stopper 152 toward the occluded position in the tube 216. During operation 405, the user inserts the flow stopper 152 into the carriage 150, and operation 404 is optional because, as described above with reference to Figures 49-53, the tube 216 can automatically move toward the occluded position in the arched slot 151 during the insertion of the flow stopper 152 into the carriage 150.

[0123] Action 406 prevents the user from attempting to operate the lever 104 to the closed position while the door 102 remains open. Action 407 allows the user to close the door 102. Action 408 unlocks the carriage 150 in response to the closing of the door 102. Action 409 allows the user to operate the lever 104 toward the closed position. Action 410 rotates the carriage 150 to position the tube 216 in the flow stopper 152 in the unclosed position in response to the operation of the lever 104 toward the closed position. Action 411 releases the spring-driven plunger 116, the inlet valve 198, and the outlet valve 200 from their retracted positions in response to the operation of the lever 104 toward the closed position. That is, the lift cam 120 (or 302) no longer interacts with the spring-driven plunger 116, the inlet valve 198, and the outlet valve 200. Operation 412 illuminates multiple LEDs 165 toward multiple predetermined locations in the flow stopper 152, such as the flow stopper ID hole 294. Operation 413 detects the illumination by the multiple LEDs 165 and determines whether each of the multiple predetermined locations in the flow stopper 152 is optically blocked or not. Operation 414 generates a binary number based on the predetermined locations in the flow stopper 152. Operation 415, based on the binary number, approves or rejects the pump 100 that enables infusion therapy.

[0124] Figure 59 shows the driver circuit 338 of the peristaltic pump 100 in Figure 1, which drives the LED 165 of the flow stopper ID sensor 163. The driver circuit includes an operational amplifier U15 positioned in a negative feedback loop to a drive transistor Q3. The operational amplifier U15 drives its output so that a target voltage is achieved. This target voltage controls the base of transistor Q3, which then causes transistor Q3 to control a constant current through resistor R163. This makes the current flowing from terminal 3 to terminal 2 of transistor Q3 substantially constant. The figure shows the signal LED_SETID_ADC, which is a voltage directly correlated to the amount of current moving through the LED. This voltage may be measured to verify that the current consumption of the LED matches the command value. Using this measurement, the processor may detect certain cases regarding short or open circuits of the LED.

[0125] Figure 60 shows the LED circuit 339 of the peristaltic pump 100 in Figure 1, showing the arrangement of the LED 165 of the flow stopper ID sensor 163. The LED_SETID_SINK_F_INT pin is connected to the output of the circuit in Figure 59, which has the same label. A constant current causes LEDs D1, D2, and D3 to generate visible light directed through the light pipe 155. LEDs D1, D2, and D3 may be the LEDs 165 shown in Figures 55-56. In other embodiments, more LEDs (e.g., four) or fewer LEDs may be used as is known to those skilled in the art.

[0126] Figure 61 shows an optical sensor circuit 340 of the peristaltic pump 100 of Figure 1, which detects the light received after the light from the LED 165 has passed through the flow stopper ID hole 294 of the extension 274 of the flow stopper 152. The optical sensor circuit of Figure 61 uses a linear detector indicated as IC U3. In some embodiments of this disclosure, IC U3 may be part number TSL1401CCS manufactured by ams AG in Tobelbader Strasse 308141, Premstaetten, Austria. In other embodiments, the sensor used may be part number LF1401 manufactured by iC-Haus GmbH in Am Kuemmerling 18, 55294 Bodenheim, Germany. However, any suitable optical sensor 153, including but not limited to other linear optical sensors, may be used. IC U3 may be the optical sensor 153 shown in Figure 55. The output of IC U3 is processed by an analog-to-digital converter (not shown), which is, for example, integrated into the processor in certain embodiments, and then sent to the processor via pin 6 of IC U3. However, the analog-to-digital converter may be a separate integrated circuit from the processor.

[0127] Figure 62 shows a flowchart 1000 illustrating how data from the optical sensor shown in Figure 61 is used to identify the flow stopper 152. The holes or absence of holes in the flow stopper 152 may contain 10 locations corresponding to 10 bits, each corresponding to the IV set model number connected to the flow stopper 152, so that 10 different codes can be identified. The 10 codes may have a Hamming distance of 4 relative to each other. If any code is shifted to the left or right, the shifted code has a Hamming distance of 3 if the shift is less than 3, and a Hamming distance of 2 if the shift is 3 or more. The number of 1s and 0s in a code may be even, for example, it may have 6 / 4 or 8 / 2. The code may have at least 6 transitions from 1 to 0 or from 0 to 1.

[0128] The method includes operations 1001 to 1014. Operation 1001 performs a self-test on the optical sensor when door 102 is open. The optical sensor can be 128 pixels wide, and each bit can also be 11 pixels wide. Operation 1002 generates a dust map while door 102 remains open. Operation 1003 calibrates the optical sensor. Operation 1004 inserts a frost stopper. Operation 1005 closes door 102. Operation 1006 closes the lever. Operation 1007 lights the LED. Operation 1008 reads an image from the optical sensor. The PI controller can control the exposure so that the average image intensity is at or near a mid-range value or other predetermined value. Operation 1009 downsamples the image. For example, each grayscale pixel in the image can be downsampled from 12 bits to 8 bits. Operation 1010 verifies the image. For example, the variance and average value need to be within a predetermined range to be verified. Operation 1011 performs edge detection on the image to generate an edge detection image. Edge detection can be performed using a modified Prewitt kernel having a kernel function of {-1, -2, -3, 0, 3, 2, 1}. Operation 1012 convolves the edge detection image with a correlation template to generate a convolved image. Operation 1013 uses the convolved image to identify edge transitions. The area of highest intensity can be considered the center of the bit. Thereafter, the locations where values are assumed are based on a fixed distance to the left and / or right. That is, the bit index is used to sample the original image using a threshold to determine whether the location is a "1" or a "0". In some particular embodiments, each value is the average of five pixels centered on the sample point. Operation 1014 identifies the frost stopper. A look-up table can be used to associate the values with infusion set part numbers.

[0129] Generally referring to the drawings, Figures 63–96 show an alternative embodiment of the peristaltic pump 100 of Figure 1, in which an alternative lift cam 121, an alternative mechanical linkage mechanism between the shaft and carriage 150, and an alternative door catch 308 are used, and which are generally labeled as the peristaltic pump 300.

[0130] Figure 63 shows a rear view of the peristaltic pump 300 with the rear cover removed. The lift cam 302 is shown including the flange 304. The flange 304 restricts the movement of the lift cam 302 toward the spring-forced plunger 116. Figure 64 shows another view of the peristaltic pump 300 of Figure 63 to illustrate the operation of the lift cam 120 by showing the lever 104 in the open position. The lift cam 302 rotates toward the lift position, but as shown in Figure 64, the flange 304 prevents the lift cam 302 from sliding beneath the spring-forced plunger 116. Figure 65 shows a cross-sectional view of the lift cam 120 of the peristaltic pump 300 of Figure 63 when the lever 104 is in the open position. As shown in Figure 65, the flange 304 prevents the lift cam 302 from sliding beyond a predetermined rotation angle. The lift cam 302 is biased in the direction of arrow 311 by the cam lifter torsion spring 126. Figures 66 to 72 show the lift cam 120 of the peristaltic pump 300 of Figure 63 from various angles.

[0131] Figure 73 shows the peristaltic pump 300 of Figure 63 in a rear view to illustrate the door catch link mechanism bar 306 between the door catch 308 and the linear ratchet 309. The door catch spring 310 is connected to the door catch link mechanism bar 306 and the linear ratchet 309. The door catch link mechanism bar 306 is rotatably connected to the frame 312 so that the door catch link mechanism bar 306 can swing back and forth. The door catch spring 310 operates using the overcenter motion described above, which makes the door catch 308 bistability. Figure 74 shows the peristaltic pump 300 of Figure 63, providing another view of the door catch link mechanism bar 306 between the door catch 114 and the linear ratchet 309. As shown in Figure 74, the central span of the door catch link mechanism bar 306 is rotatably connected to the frame 312 so that the operation of the door catch 308 changes the state of the linear ratchet 309. The linear ratchet 309 can be in a ratcheted or non-ratched state. In the ratcheted state, the linear ratchet 309 can function as a lock to prevent rotation of the carriage 150. That is, the linear ratchet 309 in the peristaltic pump 300 performs the locking action performed by the chock 154 in the peristaltic pump 100 in Figure 1. The linear ratchet 309 also includes a chock 318 that locks the main shaft 118 via the carriage linkage mechanism bar 335, rather than acting directly on the carriage 150.

[0132] Figure 75 shows an enlarged view of the interface between the door catch spring 310 and the door catch 308. Figure 75 also shows the door catch link mechanism bar 306 of the peristaltic pump 300 of Figure 63, with the door catch 308 in the open position of the door 102 and the lever 104 in the open position. As can be seen, the door catch spring 310 includes a ball 314, which interfaces with a socket 315 to form a ball-socket joint 316. When the door 102 is open, the door catch 308 may be in a position such that the door catch link mechanism bar 306 acts on a linear ratchet 309 to the ratchet position. In the ratchet position, the linear ratchet 309 prevents the rotation of the main shaft 118 when the user attempts to close the lever 104, thereby preventing the user from closing the lever 104 while the door 102 remains open. Figure 76 is an enlarged view of the same as Figure 75, showing the state where the door catch 308 is in the door closed position and the lever 104 is in the open position. When the user closes the door 102, the door 102 activates the door catch 308, which in turn activates the door catch spring 310, which in turn activates the door catch link mechanism bar 306, which positions the linear ratchet 309 in the un-ratcheted position. That is, since the door 102 is now closed, the lever 104 can be closed by the user. Figure 77 is an enlarged view of the same as Figure 76, showing the state after the lever 104 has been operated to the closed position. As described above, when the lever 104 was operated to close, the linear ratchet 309 was in the un-locked position, so the lever 104 can be closed.

[0133] Figures 78–84 show several diagrams of a door catch 308, including a socket 315 that houses a ball 314 from a door catch spring 310. The door catches 308 in Figures 78–84 operate in the same manner as the door catch 308 shown in Figure 25, except that the door catch 308 has a socket 315 that connects to the door catch spring 310, rather than a door catch anchor 232 as shown in Figure 25. The door catch 308 includes a door catch 114, and the door catch 308 includes a pin catch 166, a door catch hold 234, and a channel 236 that allows the door catch 308 to rotate.

[0134] Figure 85 shows an enlarged view of the linear ratchet 309 when the door 102 is open and the lever 104 is released. The linear ratchet 309 includes a toothed link mechanism bar 317 and a chock 318, the chock 318 being able to rotate along pivots 319, 320 so that it can engage with or disengage from the toothed link mechanism bar 317. The chock 318 is connected to the link mechanism bar 325 through a chock hole 321. The link mechanism bar 325 is able to slide through the chock hole 321.

[0135] The chock 318 includes a rotatable end connected to pivots 319, 320, the rotatable end being configured such that an engaging end, such as a tooth 341 (see Figures 90-92), can rotate to engage with or disengage the toothed link mechanism bar 317. The door catch link mechanism bar 306 can rotate around axis 329. Since the door catch link mechanism bar 306 slides and engages with the chock hole 321, the movement of the door catch link mechanism bar 306 around axis 329 can raise or lower the tooth 341 of the chock 318 to engage with or disengage the toothed link mechanism bar 317.

[0136] As shown in Figure 85, the door catch 114 is in the open door 102 position, which acts on the door catch spring 310 to rotate along the spring pivot 322. The door catch spring 310 is connected to the door catch link mechanism bar 306 via the door catch spring hole 323 (see Figure 77), so when the door catch spring 310 acts toward the door open position, the link mechanism bar 325 rotates along arrow 324, and then acts on the link mechanism bar 325 connected to the chock 318. The teeth 341 of the chock 318 act in the direction of arrow 326. This latched state of the chock 318 means that the teeth 341 of the chock 318 engage with the toothed link mechanism bar 317, causing the chock 318 to rotate so that it prevents the user from closing the lever. That is, when the teeth 341 engage with the toothed link mechanism bar 317, the linear ratchet 309 is locked.

[0137] Figure 86 shows an enlarged view of the linear ratchet 309 when the door 102 is closed and the lever 104 is open. The teeth 341 of the chock 318 are actuated in the direction of arrow 330 by the rotation of the door catch link mechanism bar 306 in the direction indicated by arrow 331. The actuating of the teeth 341 of the chock 318 away from the toothed link mechanism bar 317 separates the chock 318 from the toothed link mechanism bar 317, thereby disengaging the linear ratchet 309. The user can close the lever 104 when the linear ratchet 309 is disengaged, as shown in Figure 87. That is, Figure 87 shows an enlarged view of the linear ratchet 309 when the door 102 is closed and the lever 104 is also closed.

[0138] Figures 88-89 show the peristaltic pump 300 of Figure 63 with some parts removed to illustrate the mechanical linkage mechanism between the main shaft and the carriage 150, with the door catch 308, door 102, and lever 104 in the open position. The mechanical linkage mechanism includes a toothed linkage mechanism bar 317 connected to the main shaft 118 via a first pin pivot 332. The toothed linkage mechanism bar 317 is connected at only one end (i.e., via the first pin pivot 332). The mechanical linkage mechanism also includes a carriage linkage mechanism bar 335, one end of which is connected to the main shaft 118 via a second pin pivot 333 and the other end of which is connected to the carriage shaft collar 336 via a third pin pivot 334.

[0139] As described above, when the door catch 114 is in the door open position, the teeth 341 of the stopper 318 engage with the toothed link mechanism bar 317. As can be seen in Figure 88, in this position, the toothed link mechanism bar 317 is locked by the stopper 318, preventing the rotation of the main shaft 118 in direction 337. Therefore, when the user attempts to close the lever 104, the toothed link mechanism bar 317 is not actuated toward the main shaft 118. This prevents the user from closing the lever 104 before the door 102 is closed.

[0140] Figures 90-91 show the peristaltic pump 300 of Figure 63 with some parts removed to illustrate the mechanical linkage mechanism between the shaft and the carriage 150, with the door 102 and door catch 308 in the closed position and the lever 104 in the open position. As can be seen, the teeth 341 of the chock 318 are acting away from the toothed linkage mechanism bar 317, thereby retracting the toothed linkage mechanism bar 317 toward the main shaft 118. Thus, the user can now actuate the lever 104 toward the closed position.

[0141] Figure 92 shows the peristaltic pump 300 of Figure 63 with some parts removed to show the mechanical linkage mechanism between the shaft and the carriage 150, with the door 102 and door catch 114 in the closed position and the lever 104 between the open and closed positions. The main shaft 118 is partially rotated in direction 337 by the operation of the lever 104, so the carriage linkage mechanism bar 335 is pulled at the carriage shaft collar 336 so that the carriage linkage mechanism bar 335 rotates together with the carriage 150 to which the carriage linkage mechanism bar 335 is attached. Figure 93 shows the peristaltic pump 300 of Figure 63 when the lever 104 is closed. As can be seen, the carriage shaft collar 336 is fully rotated here so that the carriage 150 is in the position shown in Figure 36.

[0142] Figures 94 to 96 show the chock 318 of the peristaltic pump 300 in Figure 63, taken from several other figures. Figure 96 shows a cross-sectional view of the chock 318 in accordance with the diagram shown in Figure 94. The teeth 341 that engage with the teeth of the toothed link mechanism bar 317 shown above in Figures 73 to 93 are shown in Figure 96.

[0143] Figures 97-98 show an alternative embodiment of the peristaltic pump 10200 in which an alternative mechanical assembly 1021 is used between the lever 104 and the main shaft 118. Figures 97-98 also show an embodiment of the peristaltic pump 10200 in which an alternative carriage 1036 is used. The peristaltic pump 10200 provides elasticity between the lever 104 and the main shaft 118 via a spring 1026. In some specific embodiments, the spring 1026 is a torsion spring.

[0144] As shown in Figure 97, during operation, the spring 1026 provides elasticity such that it propels the first link mechanism 1022 and the second link mechanism 1024 outward toward the end of the track 1028 via the end of the spring 1026. When the end of the spring 1026 remains at the end of the track 1028, the track 1028 moves when the lever 104 is actuated to move the second link mechanism 1024. That is, when the spring 1026 maintains the first link mechanism 1022 and the second link mechanism 1024 at their maximum distance from each other on the track 1028, the first link mechanism 1022 and the second link mechanism 1024 remain a predetermined distance apart from each other at their respective ends on the track 1028. However, when the door 102 is open, the main shaft 118 (see Figure 98) is effectively locked and therefore cannot rotate. Therefore, the spring 1026 can be in a compressed state as described below. The guide 1034 is configured to guide the link mechanisms 1022, 1204 along the track 1028. Each of the link mechanisms 1022, 1024 includes the guide 1034 which maintains the link mechanisms 1022, 1024 in a predetermined position on the track 1028.

[0145] Referring to Figure 99, when the lever 104 is actuated, the first link mechanism 1022 applies force to the spring 1026, but when the second link mechanism 1024 is locked (for example, because the carriage is locked due to the door 102 being open), the first link mechanism 1022 moves closer to the second link mechanism 1024 so as to be guided by the track 1028 as the spring 1026 is compressed. Finally, the first link mechanism 1022 engages with the second link mechanism 1024, in which case the lever 104 is stopped by a hard stop.

[0146] Lever 104 can rotate to actuate the first link mechanism 1022. When the main shaft 118 is not locked, this actuate also actsuate the second link mechanism 1024. As shown in Figures 100 to 101, the actuatement of the second link mechanism 1024 rotates the first bevel gear 1030, and then rotates the second bevel gear 1032. The second bevel gear 1032 is attached to the main shaft 118. The lower part of the shaft may extend from the second bevel gear 1032 by being attached to the second bevel gear 1032 (not shown in Figures 100 to 101). When the main shaft 118 is not rotatable, the first link mechanism 1022 slides along track 1028, thereby compressing spring 1026. Furthermore, or alternatively, when the main shaft 118 is not rotatable, the second linkage mechanism 1024 slides along the track.

[0147] Figures 102 to 105 show some figures of a flow stopper assembly 1038 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The flow stopper assembly 1038 includes an upper housing 1040 and a bottom housing 1042. A tube 1046 is connected to the flow stopper assembly 1038 via a tube coupling 1044. The flow stopper assembly 1038 can either block the flow of fluid through the tube 1046 or allow fluid to flow freely through the tube 1046.

[0148] Unblocked and blocked fluid flows can be introduced through tube 1046 via the operation of the first link 1052 and the second link 1050. Figures 102-103 show the flow stopper assembly 1038 in the blocked position, and Figures 104-105 show the flow stopper assembly 1038 in the unblocked position. When the flow stopper assembly 1038 is in the blocked position as shown in Figures 102-103, the user can push the first link 1052 via the finger groove 1062 to actuate the second link 1050 and the first link 1052 toward the unblocked position as shown in Figures 104-105. Similarly, when the flow stopper assembly 1038 is in the non-closed position as shown in Figures 104-105, the user can push the flange 1058 to actuate the second link 1050 and the first link 1052 toward the closed position as shown in Figures 102-103.

[0149] The flow stopper assembly 1038 also includes a housing opening 1048, which may be used to detect the configuration of the identification opening 1060, to determine whether the flow stopper assembly 1038 is properly or improperly loaded, and to determine the configuration of the flow stopper assembly 1038 (e.g., closed position, pair, unclosed position). Identification may be performed using optical recognition of the pattern of the identification opening 1060 as described herein. Figure 106 shows a cross-sectional view of the flow stopper assembly 1038 showing a pivot post 1054 from which the second link 1050 can rotate. When the first link 1052 and the second link 1050 are in the closed position as shown in Figure 106, the plunger 1064 closes the tube 1046 by pushing the tube 1046 between the plunger 1064 and the back stopper 1066. Depending on whether the flow stopper assembly 1038 is in a closed or open position, a shutter opening 1056 is shown that either blocks light or allows light to pass through.

[0150] The second link 1050 rotates around the pivot post 1054. The first link 1052 is connected to the second link 1050 via a ball-socket joint 1068 (see Figure 107). When the first link 1052 is in operation, it is guided within the track 1072 by the guide 1070. Figure 108A shows the flow stopper assembly 1038 with the upper housing 1040 removed while in the closed position, and Figure 108B shows the flow stopper assembly 1038 with the upper housing 1040 removed while in the unclosed position. As shown in Figure 108A, when the first link 1052 is in the closed position, the plunger 1064 is closer to the back stopper 1066, and when the second link 1050 is in the unclosed position, the plunger 1064 is at a predetermined distance from the back stopper 1066. The second link 1050 and the first link 1052 are connected together via a ball-socket joint 1068. Guide 1070 positions the first link 1052 such that the rotation of the second link 1050 along the pivot post 1054 is transferred to the linear movement of guide 1070 along the track 1072, as shown in Figures 110–114. Figures 108A–108B also show how the position of the shutter opening 1056 is positioned in different locations based on the position of the second link 1050. Figures 110–114 show several diagrams of the bottom housing 1042 of the flow stopper assembly 1038, including the track 1072. Note the identification opening 1060, which may be used to identify the flow stopper assembly 1038 as described herein.

[0151] The first link 1052 includes a first contact surface 1114 and a third contact surface 1118. The second link 1050 includes a second contact surface 1116 and a fourth contact surface 1120. As shown in Figure 108A, when the flow stopper assembly 1038 is in the closed position, the first contact surface 1114 contacts the second contact surface 1116. As shown in Figure 108B, when the flow stopper assembly 1038 is in the unclosed position, the third contact surface 1118 contacts the fourth contact surface 1120. In some embodiments, a secondary guide 1074 may restrict the movement of the first link 1052 through a limit on its range of motion, and the secondary guide 1074 may move within a secondary track 1076 (see Figure 119).

[0152] Referring again to Figures 108A and 108B, in certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the compliance of tube 1046 may make the flow stopper assembly 1038 bistability, with one stable configuration being the closed position as shown in Figure 108A and the other stable configuration being the unclosed configuration as shown in Figure 108B (hole 1122 is shown in Figures 108A and 108B, and tube 1046 is positioned in hole 1122 (see Figure 107)). In alternative embodiments, a spring or a number of springs may be used to propel the second link 1050 and the first link 1052 into the two bistability configurations.

[0153] Figure 109A shows an alternative embodiment of the flow stopper assembly 1051 of Figure 108B having knife-edge pivots according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Each knife-edge pivot may include v-shaped members 1055, 1057 that interface with v-shaped pivot surfaces 1053, 1059, respectively. The v-shaped pivot surfaces 1053, 1059 may be configured to restrict the movement of the v-shaped members 1055, 1057, thereby restricting the operation of the v-shaped members 1055, 1057 between two positions. The material of the v-shaped pivot surfaces 1053, 1059 and / or the v-shaped members 1055, 1057 should have sufficient hardness and modulus properties.

[0154] Figure 109B shows an alternative embodiment of the flow stopper assembly 1051 of Figure 108B, having a curved section 1069 including arms 1067 instead of a ball-socket joint 1068. The curved section 1069 allows the first link 1050 and the second link 1052 to be formed by a single piece. The curved section 1069 in Figure 109B is known as the X-curve, where the two arms 1067 from links 1052 and 1050 are connected by a joint 1069a. Other curved sections, such as a simple living hinge, may be used instead of the curved section 1069.

[0155] Figures 110–114 show the bottom housing 1042 of the flow stopper assembly 1038. As shown in Figures 110–114, the flow stopper assembly 1038 may be substantially the same as the flow stopper assembly 1051 described herein, except as otherwise provided herein. The bottom housing 1042 may include a pivot post 1054 on which the second link 1050 can rotate, and a track 1072 that guides the movement of the first link 1052 and the back stopper 1066.

[0156] Figures 115–119 show several diagrams of the housing 1040 on top of the flow stopper assembly 1038. A track 1072 is shown that can guide the movement of the first link 1052 via a secondary guide 1074 (see Figures 108A and 108B together with Figures 115–119). Figures 120–124 show several diagrams of the first link 1052 of the flow stopper assembly 1038 with a plunger 1064, and Figures 125–129 show several diagrams of the second link 1050 of the flow stopper assembly 1038. Figures 130–133 show several diagrams of the tube coupling 1044 of the flow stopper assembly 1038.

[0157] Figures 134–138 show the flow stopper assembly 1038 inserted into carriage 1036. In Figure 134, the flow stopper assembly 1038 is in a non-closed configuration. When the flow stopper assembly 1038 is inserted into the alternative carriage 1036, the cooperative surface 1094 interacts with the second link 1050 to actuate both the second link 1050 and the first link 1052, positioning the flow stopper assembly 1038 in the closed position shown in Figures 135–136. As shown in Figure 136, the flow stopper assembly 1038 is actuated toward the closed position before insertion into the alternative carriage 1036. Accordingly, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the peristaltic pump 1020 is configured to accommodate the flow stopper assembly 1038 only in the closed position, and if the flow stopper assembly 1038 is not in the closed position before insertion, the peristaltic pump 1020 acts toward the closed position before accommodation (in some specific embodiments, before partial accommodation, and in other embodiments, before or during full accommodation).

[0158] Figure 137 shows a fully inserted flow stopper assembly 1038, where the gripper fingers 1086 engage with the flange 1058. A tube shutter 1078 is also shown, which acts when the flow stopper assembly 1038 engages with the tube shutter 1078. A shaft coupler 1080 connects to the shaft of the peristaltic pump 10200. The shaft coupler 1080 may be connected directly to the main shaft 118, or to the main shaft 118 via one or more gear or linkage mechanisms, or through another shaft, or through any other mechanical mechanism known to those skilled in the art. In further embodiments, the shaft coupler 1080 may be connected to the upper end of the upper shaft 298.

[0159] Once the flow stopper assembly 1038 is fully inserted into the carriage 1036, the user can actuate the lever 104, thereby rotating the shaft coupler 1080 together with the pin 1082. The actuation of the pin 1082 into the catch vertical hole 1124 results in the actuation of the interlock arm 1084, which includes a second finger 1088 and a first finger 1090, thereby actinguating the gripper finger 1086. Since the gripper finger 1086 engages with the flange 1058, the actuation of the gripper finger 1086 actsuate the first link 1052 and the second link 1050 toward the un-closed position by pulling the flange 1058 away from the flow stopper assembly 1038. Figure 139 shows a perspective view of the internal mechanism of the carriage 1036 when the end effector 1092 engages with the flange 1058 of the flow stopper assembly 1038, and Figure 140 shows a perspective view of the internal mechanism of the carriage 1036 when the end effector 1092 engages with the flange 1058 of the flow stopper assembly 1038 in the unbound position. The end effector 1092 can apply force to the flange 1058 to actuate the flow stopper assembly 1038 toward the unbound position as shown in Figure 140. In some embodiments of this disclosure, the first finger 1090 and the second finger 1088 may be incorporated together as a single structure, for example, forming a loop around a pin 1082. The pin 1082 may be an extension, a roller wheel, a roller bearing, a cam, a rolling cam, a wheel, a sliding projection, or any suitable device known to those skilled in the art.

[0160] Figures 134–138 also show the operation of the tube shutter 1078. Figure 141 shows the front view of the carriage opening and tube shutter 1078 with the cooperative surface 1094. Figure 142 shows the front view of the carriage opening when the flow stopper assembly 1038 is inserted and the tube shutter 1078 is open. In some embodiments of this disclosure, a small magnet may be connected to the interlock arm 1084 so that an adjacent Hall effect sensor is configured to measure the position (e.g., angular position or rotational position) of the interlock arm 1084 used by the processor.

[0161] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the tube shutter 1078 may detect "dark loading" to detect certain user actions that occur when (1) a user misloads a dosing set having a flow stopper assembly 1038 into the pump, and / or (2) the device is powered off (i.e., in the dark). For example, if a user loads a dosing set having a flow stopper assembly 1038 but fails to insert the flow stopper assembly 1038 into the device, the tube shutter 1078 may detect that the flow stopper assembly 1038 was not inserted and / or may be configured to pinch any tube within the platen 168 to prevent a free-flow condition.

[0162] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, when the gripper finger end effector 1092 is suitably formed and configured, the shaft coupler 1080 can rotate in Figure 138 (clockwise as recognized in Figure 138) to actuate the flow stopper assembly 1038 toward the closed position. In further embodiments of the present disclosure, when a user pulls the flow stopper assembly 1038 from the carriage in Figure 138, the carriage walls actuate the first and second links 1050, 1052 toward the closed position.

[0163] Figures 143 to 146 show some diagrams of other embodiments of the flow stopper assembly 1038. The flow stopper assembly 1038 in Figures 143 to 146 is similar to the flow stopper assembly 1038 in Figures 102 to 105 described above, except that alternative features are described herein or will be immediately apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0164] As shown in Figure 143, the identification opening 1060 is located in the upper housing 1040. Figure 144 shows the housing opening 1048 in the bottom housing 1042. Unobstructed and obstructed fluid flows can be introduced through the tube 1046 via the operation of the first link 1052 and the second link 1050. Figures 143-144 show the flow stopper assembly 1038 in the obstructed position, and Figures 145-146 show the flow stopper assembly 1038 in the obstructed position. When the flow stopper assembly 1038 is in the obstructed position as shown in Figures 143-144, the user can push the first link 1052 via the finger groove 1062 to actuate the second link 1050 and the first link 1052 toward the obstructed position as shown in Figures 145 and 146. Similarly, when the flow stopper assembly 1038 is in the non-closed position as shown in Figures 145-146, the user can push the flange 1058 to actuate the second link 1050 and the first link 1052 toward the closed position as shown in Figures 143-144.

[0165] The flow stopper assembly 1038 also includes a housing opening 1048, which may be used to detect the configuration of the identification opening 1060, to determine whether the flow stopper assembly 1038 is properly or improperly loaded, and to determine the configuration of the flow stopper assembly 1038 (e.g., closed position, pair, unclosed position) using an optical sensor as described herein. Figure 147 shows a cross-sectional view of the flow stopper assembly 1038 showing a pivot post 1054 from which the second link 1050 can rotate. When the first link 1052 and the second link 1050 are in the closed position as shown in Figure 166, the plunger 1064 closes the tube 1046 by pushing the tube 1046 between the plunger 1064 and the back stopper 1066.

[0166] The second link 1050 rotates around the pivot post 1054. The first link 1052 is connected to the second link 1050 via a hinge 1126. When the first link 1052 is actuated, it is guided within the track 1072 by the guide 1070. Figure 148 shows the flow stopper assembly 1038 with the upper housing 1040 removed while in the closed position, and Figure 149 shows the flow stopper assembly 1038 with the upper housing 1040 removed while in the unclosed position. As shown in Figure 150, when the first link 1052 is in the closed position, the plunger 1064 is closer to the back stopper 1066, and as shown in Figure 149, when the second link 1050 is in the unclosed position, the plunger 1064 is at a predetermined distance from the back stopper 1066. The second link 1050 and the first link 1052 are connected together via a ball-socket joint 1068. Guide 1070 positions the first link 1052 such that the rotation of the second link 1050 along the pivot post 1054 is transferred to the linear movement of guide 1070 along the track 1072.

[0167] In some embodiments, the flow stopper assembly 1038 includes a notch 1096 configured to use optical recognition to determine when the flow stopper assembly 1038 is in a closed or open position. As shown in Figure 150, the notch 1096 is aligned with the housing opening 1048 so that optical recognition determines that the flow stopper assembly 1038 is inserted into the carriage 1036 and in the closed position.

[0168] Figures 151–155 show several views of the upper housing 1040 of the flow stopper assembly 1038. In the embodiments shown in Figures 151–155, the tube coupling 1044 is incorporated into the upper housing 1040. In some embodiments, the tube 1046 may include a snap-fit ​​adapter 1130 (see Figure 148) configured to interface with the tube coupling 1044 of Figures 151–155. Figures 156–160 show several views of the bottom housing 1042 of the flow stopper assembly 1038 of Figures 143–146. As shown in Figures 157–158, the bottom housing 1042 includes a secondary track 1076. The flange 1128 of the second link 1050 provides a guide, and the secondary track 1076 is configured to stop the movement of the second link 1050 in one direction (or both directions) of operation, as will be immediately apparent to those skilled in the art. Figures 161 to 165 show some diagrams of the first link 1052 of the flow stopper assembly 1038 having a plunger 1064, and Figures 166 to 170 show some diagrams of the second link 1050 of the flow stopper assembly 1038 shown in Figures 143 to 146.

[0169] Figures 171–174 show several diagrams of a pinch flow stopper assembly 1100 having a flow stopper 1104 with an arched slot 1110, and Figures 171–172 show the pinch flow stopper assembly 1100 when the flow stopper 1104 is in the closed position. The flow stopper 1104 can rotate around the pivot post 1054. Figures 173–174 show the pinch flow stopper assembly 1100 in the unclosed position. The user can actuate the flow stopper 1104 to move the pinch flow stopper assembly 1100 toward either the closed or unclosed position.

[0170] Figures 175–178 show several diagrams of the flow stopper 1104 of the pinch flow stopper assembly 1100. The tube 1046 may be positioned within an arched slot 1110 between narrow and wider sections, based on the rotation of the flow stopper 1104 relative to the housing 1102 via a pivot hole 1108. As shown in Figures 175–178, the flow stopper 1104 includes a notch 1096 which can be engaged by the end effector 1092 of the gripper fingers 1086. Figures 179–181 show several diagrams of the housing 1102 of the pinch flow stopper assembly 1100. The housing 1102 may be above the flow stopper 1104, below the flow stopper 1104, or enclose both, and in some embodiments, it may be assembled together as a single piece that partially encloses the flow stopper 1104. The pivot hole 1108 of the flow stopper 1104 engages with the pivot post 1106 so as to rotate relative to each other.

[0171] Figures 182–184 show the pinch flow stopper assembly 1100 inserted into carriage 1036. As shown in Figure 182, when the pinch flow stopper assembly 1100 is inserted, the notch 1112 approaches and can engage with the end effector 1092 of the gripper finger 1086. As shown in Figure 182, the alternative carriage 1036 also includes an optical sensor 1132. Figure 183 shows the fully inserted pinch flow stopper assembly 1100 with the flow stopper 1104 in the occluded position. Figure 184 shows the gripper finger 1086 acting toward the unoccluded position to treat a patient. Here, the identification opening 1060 is aligned so that the pinch flow stopper assembly 1100 can be identified. A shutter may also be used as part of the alternative carriage 1036 together with the pinch flow stopper assembly 1100.

[0172] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, when the gripper finger end effector 1092 is suitably formed and configured, the shaft coupler 1080 can rotate in Figure 184 (clockwise as recognized in Figure 184) to actuate the pinch flow stopper assembly 1100 toward the closed position. In further embodiments of the present disclosure, when a user pulls the pinch flow stopper assembly 1100 from the carriage in Figure 184, the carriage wall actsuate the flow stopper 1104 toward the closed position.

[0173] Modular pump system Figure 187 shows a block diagram of a modular pump system 500, in which a central unit 502 and several medical device assemblies 504 are connected together. One or more of the medical device assemblies 504 may be peristaltic pumps 100 or 300 as shown and described herein. Furthermore or alternatively, the medical device assemblies 504 may include syringe pumps, battery packs, micropumps, or other medical devices.

[0174] The central unit 502 provides power to the medical device assembly 504. The central unit 502 includes a left central unit electrical modular interconnect (MIC) 506 and a right central unit electrical MIC 508. The left central unit electrical MIC 506 and the right central unit electrical MIC 508 may each include power pins, communication pins, and one or more ground pins. The central unit 502 provides power to the connected medical device assembly 504 through the left central unit electrical MIC 506 when operating and / or through the right central unit electrical MIC 508 when operating.

[0175] The central unit 502 further includes a left-side mechanical modular interconnect (MIC) 510A and a right-side mechanical modular interconnect (MIC) 512A. The left-side mechanical MIC 510A in the central unit provides a mounting interface to the right-side mechanical MIC 512A in module #1. The right-side mechanical MIC 512A in the central unit provides a mounting interface to the left-side mechanical MIC 510A in module #2. The left and right mechanical MICs 510A and 512A provide a removable mechanical interface between the central unit and the medical device assembly or module 504 that supports the weight of the module.

[0176] All medical device assemblies 504 include a left-side mechanical medical interface connector 510 and a right-side medical device connector 512, which connect the medical device assembly 504 to the modular pump system 500 from the left or right side to receive power and communicate using a common bus. Furthermore, connected medical device assemblies 504 may be configured to receive power from the central unit 502 and supply power to downstream connected medical device assemblies 504. For example, a medical device assembly 504 connected immediately to the right of the central unit 502 may then be configured to supply power to another medical device assembly 504 connected to the right side.

[0177] Figure 188 shows a block diagram of the modular pump system 500, illustrating the power circuit of the modular pump system 500. The modular pump system 500 includes a central unit 502 and one or more medical device assemblies 504. One medical device assembly 504 is shown in Figure 188, but one or more medical device assemblies 504 may be mounted to the right of the medical device assembly 504 shown in Figure 188 and / or to the left of the central unit 502. The medical device assemblies 504 may also be connected together in a continuous manner to the left or right of the central unit 502, as shown in Figure 187.

[0178] The central unit 502 includes primary electronics 583, which includes a CPU 585. The primary electronics 583 includes additional functions beyond the power circuit shown in Figure 188. The medical device assembly 504 includes module electronics 579, which includes a CPU 581. The module electronics 579 includes an electric motor for pumping fluid, a power circuit, and other electronics.

[0179] The modular pump system 500 is configured such that each medical device assembly 504 can be connected to either the right-side central unit connector 508 of the central unit 502, the left-side central unit connector 506 of the central unit 502, or the left-side medical device connector 510 or right-side medical device connector 512 of another medical device assembly 504 (not shown in Figure 188) to establish communication before receiving power through the power pins. For example, the right-side power pin 578 is not powered until the medical device assembly 504 is connected to the right-side central unit connector 508 via the left-side medical device connector 510. Initially, the medical device assembly 504 may fully power itself using signals received via the communication pin 584. The medical device assembly 504 may passively request power from a device (e.g., the central unit or medical device assembly 504) via the communication pin 584, thereby suitably powering the medical device assembly by requesting power using signals received via the communication pin 584. Subsequently, power may be received from the central unit 502 by the medical device assembly 504 via the left power pin 582 when the system is in use as shown in Figure 188.

[0180] When the central unit 502 is activated, the central unit controller 526 may turn on the left signal switch 556 to apply a signal generated by the left signal generation circuit 530 to the left communication pin 576 of the left medical device connector 510. After activation, the central unit controller 526 may also switch the right signal switch 562 to the ON position to apply a signal from the right signal generation circuit 536 to the right communication pin 580 of the right central unit connector 508. In further embodiments of the present disclosure, the left signal generation circuit 530 and the right signal generation circuit 536 may be combined into a single circuit that generates a single signal to be applied to the left communication pin 576 and the right communication pin 580. Alternatively, enable / disable circuits may be used instead of switches 556 and 562, respectively, where the central unit controller 526 may signal to enable or disable the signal generation circuits 530 and 536.

[0181] The central unit controller 526 is connected to a left-side load detection circuit 546 and a right-side load detection circuit 548. The left-side load detection circuit 546 is configured to detect passive indications of power requests from a left-side connected medical device assembly 504 (not shown in Figure 188). The right-side load detection circuit 548 is configured to detect passive indications of power requests from a right-side connected medical device assembly 504 (shown in Figure 188). The central unit controller 526 keeps the left-side power switch 558 open until a power request is received from the left-side connected medical device assembly 504, and similarly keeps the right-side power switch 560 open until a power request is received from the right-side connected medical device assembly 504. In some embodiments, the left-side load detection circuit 546 and the right-side load detection circuit 548 may be current sensing circuits. However, any circuit known to those skilled in the art may be used to detect passive indications of power requests. In some embodiments of this disclosure, a passive indication of power requirements may be a change in impedance, for example, the connection of a resistor to communication pin 584. Load detection may be performed by monitoring current, voltage, frequency response, attenuation rate, RC constant, like, or any combination thereof.

[0182] As described above, in some embodiments, the right-side load detection circuit 548 may be a current sensor. Therefore, if the signal from the right-side signal generation circuit 536 is a voltage waveform (e.g., a rectangular waveform), the current in the right-side signal generation circuit 536 may be monitored by the right-side load detection circuit 548 to determine whether an impedance change (e.g., a decrease in resistance) has occurred in the load impedance that is detected by the right-side load detection circuit 548.

[0183] As described above, after startup, the central unit controller 526 switches the right-side signal switch 562 to the ON position, applying a signal from the right-side signal generation circuit 536 to the right-side communication pin 580 of the right-side central unit connector 508. When the medical device assembly 504 is first connected to the central unit 502, the signal is received from the right-side signal generation circuit 536 through the right-side communication pin 580 of the right-side central unit connector 508 via the left-side communication pin 584 of the left-side medical device connector 510. The signal is first used by the power receiver circuit 554 to power the power receiver circuit 554. That is, energy harvesting devices, such as rectifiers and charge pumps, may be used by the power receiver circuit 554 to power themselves.

[0184] The power receiver circuit 554 supplies power to the module detection controller 528. When the module detection controller 528 determines that a signal is present on the left communication pin 584, it signals the left load switch 566 to close so that the left resistor 540 is connected to the left communication pin 584. That is, the left load switch 566 is closed, thereby connecting the left resistor 540 to the left communication pin 584. This impedance change is detected by the right load detection circuit 548 of the central unit 502, which is communicated to the central unit controller 526. The central unit controller 526 considers this impedance change to be a passive request for power. Therefore, the central unit controller 526 switches on the right power switch 560 so that the right power circuit 534 supplies power to the right power pin 578 through the right central unit connector 508 via the left power pin 582 of the left medical device connector 510. Next, switch 573 may be closed to provide power to the crossbar bus 571 that can be received by the power receiver circuit 554. The power is received by the power receiver circuit 554, which is then used to power the module electronics 579 by closing switch 577. The power receiver circuit 554 may use its power to power the module detection controller 528. In some embodiments, switch 577 may be replaced by a diode or other circuit to allow power to flow to the module electronics 579 whenever power is supplied to the crossbar bus 571.

[0185] After the module detection controller 528 determines that power is supplied from the left power pin 582, the module detection controller 528 may configure the right side of the medical device assembly 504 to accept another medical device assembly 504 on the right side of the module detection controller 528, as can be seen from Figure 188 and in this example. The module detection controller 528 may set the frequency of the right signal generation circuit 536 to half the frequency that the module detection controller 528 receives via the right signal generation circuit 536 of the central unit 502. The module detection controller 528 then closes the right signal switch 570 and monitors the load on the right communication pin 5888 by monitoring the right load detection circuit 552. Note that the load detection circuit 550 performs the same function, but on the other side of the medical device assembly 504. When the module detection controller 528 detects a passive power request, or at that time, the module detection controller 528 may close the right crossbar switch 575 of the crossbar 572 so that power is supplied downstream, i.e., to the right side in the diagram of Figure 188. Also, for example, when a medical device assembly 504 is connected to the other side of the central unit 502 as shown in Figure 188, the right resistor 542 is connected to the right load switch 568 used to passively request power.

[0186] The central unit controller 526 generates fixed frequencies using signal generation circuits 530 and 536, and each medical device assembly 504 reduces the frequency transmitted downstream by half. Therefore, each medical device assembly 504 connected to the modular pump system 500 can determine the position of the medical device assembly 504 relative to the central unit 502 by monitoring the frequency of the signal coming into their respective communication pins 584 and 588, because the frequencies of the signals generated by 530 and 536 are predetermined and known by all medical device assemblies 504. For example, the frequency values ​​of the signals generated by 530 and 536 can be stored in non-volatile memory in the modular electronics 579. Furthermore, the side on which the medical device assembly 504 first receives a signal via communication pins 584, 588 may be used by the module detection controller 528 to recognize the side of the central unit 502 on which the medical device assembly 504 resides. By monitoring the frequency of the first incoming signal, the medical device assembly 504 recognizes how many other medical device assemblies 504 (if any) are present between the medical device assembly 504 and the central unit 502. Thus, the location of the medical device assembly 504 may be used as a bus communication address to communicate with other medical device assemblies and / or the central unit 502, for example, using an on-off keying modulation signal that carries Controller Area Network ("CAN") protocol signals.

[0187] Figure 189 shows a power-on state diagram 590 of the power circuit of the central unit 502 shown in Figures 97-98. States 592, 594, and 596 show the left-side power circuit of the central unit 502 that can supply power to the mounted medical device assembly 504 through the left-side central unit connector 506. States 598, 600, and 602 show the right-side power circuit of the central unit 502 that can supply power to the mounted medical device assembly 504 through the right-side central unit connector 508. Note that the two sides of the power-on state diagram 590 occur in parallel and, in some embodiments, may occur asynchronously with respect to each other.

[0188] In state 592, indicated as POWER UP, the circuitry of the central unit 502 is activated, for example, when the user turns on the power switch and / or plugs the central unit 502 into an A / C outlet. It then enters state 594, indicated as LEFT DETECT. In state 594, the left reference clock (e.g., the signal generation circuit 530 in Figure 188) is turned on (e.g., switch 556 is closed), and the left bus power (e.g., the left power circuit 532) remains off (e.g., switch 558 remains open). The left reference clock may be generated and / or controlled by the signal generation circuit 530 connected to the left communication pin 576 of the left central unit connector 506. The left bus power is the left power circuit 532, which can supply power to the left power pin 574 of the left central unit connector 506. As will be described in more detail below, the left-side reference clock signal is monitored via the left-side load detection circuit 546 to detect whether impedance changes indicate a passive indication of a power requirement for the left-side connected medical device assembly 504. For example, the left-side connected medical device assembly 504 may change the resistance to the communication pin 588 of the right-side medical device connector 512 connected to the left-side communication pin 576 of the left-side center unit connector 506 to indicate a power requirement, for example, by grounding (e.g., sinking) a resistor.

[0189] As shown in Figure 189, state 594 remains in itself unless a passive request for power is detected, as indicated by the transition to LEFT LOAD DETECT NOT ASSERTED. If the left-side signal detects a load for 100 milliseconds in state 594, the left-side signal is interpreted as a passive request for power, and then state 594 transitions to state 596. This transition is indicated in state diagram 590 by the transition to LEFT LOAD DETECT ASSERTED FOR 100 ms. In state 596, the central unit 502 switches to left-side power ON mode and applies power to the left-side power pin 574 of the left-side central unit connector 506 (indicated as LEFT BUS POWER=ON). The central unit 502 continues to supply power as long as a passive power request is detected, which is shown in state diagram 590 as a transition to “LEFT LOAD DETECT ASSERTED”. LEFT BUS POWER=ON may mean that the left power switch 558 is closed to connect the left power circuit 532 to the left power pin 574 of the left central unit connector 506.

[0190] The right side of the power-on state diagram 590 operates in the same manner as the left side of the power-on state diagram 590. The two sides of the power-on state diagram 590 can operate independently and / or in parallel. As shown in Figure 189, states 598, 600, and 602 indicate the right-side power circuit of the central unit 502, which can supply power to the mounted medical device assembly 504 through the right-side central unit connector 508.

[0191] In state 598, indicated as POWER UP, the circuit is activated, for example, when the user turns on the power switch and / or plugs the central unit 502 into an A / C outlet. It then enters state 600, indicated as RIGHT DETECT. In state 600, the right reference clock (e.g., signal generation circuit 536 in Figure 188) is turned on, and the right bus power (e.g., right power circuit 534) remains off or is not connected via the right power switch 560. The right reference clock may be generated and / or controlled by the signal generation circuit 536 connected to the communication pin 588 of the right central unit connector 508. The right bus power is the right power circuit 534, which can supply power to the right power pin 578 of the right connector 508. The right reference clock signal is monitored via the right load detection circuit 548 to detect whether impedance changes indicate a passive indication of power requirements for the right-connected medical device assembly 504. For example, a right-side connected medical device assembly 504 may apply resistance to the communication pin 580 of the left-side medical device connector 510, which is connected to the right-side communication pin 580 of the right-side central unit connector 508, to indicate a passive power requirement, for example, by grounding a resistor.

[0192] As shown in Figure 189, state 600 remains in itself as long as no passive power request is detected and is indicated by the transition to "RIGHT LOAD DETECT NOT ASSERTED". If the right signal detects a load for 100 milliseconds in state 600, the right signal is interpreted as a passive power request, and then state 600 transitions to state 602. This transition is indicated in state diagram 590 by the transition to "RIGHT LOAD DETECT ASSERTED FOR 100 ms". In state 602, the power circuit that the central unit can switch switches to power-on mode and applies power to the power pins of the right central unit connector 508 (indicated as RIGHT BUS POWER=ON). The right-side power circuit 534 continues to supply power as long as a passive power request is detected and indicated as "RIGHT LOAD DETECT ASSERTED" in the state diagram 590. Right-side bus power = ON may mean that the right-side power switch 560 is closed to connect the right-side power circuit 534 to the right-side power pin 578 of the right-side center unit connector 508.

[0193] Figure 190 shows a state diagram 612 of the power circuit of the medical device assembly 504. The state diagram 612 includes states 614, 616, 618, 620, 622, 624, and 626. Within each state of the state diagram 612, Table 1 defines the following output values. [Table 1-1] [Table 1-2]

[0194] First, we enter state 614. In state 614, the medical device assembly 504 is in a state where it is disconnected from all power sources, for example, when the medical device assembly 504 is inside a cabinet. States 616, 618, and 620 correspond to the left side of the medical device assembly 504, where it is connected to the central unit 502 or another medical device 504. Similarly, states 622, 624, and 626 correspond to the right side of the medical device assembly 504, where it is connected to the central unit 502 or another medical device 504.

[0195] The transition from state 614 to state 616, "LEF REF CLOCK IS PRESENT IMMEDIATELY," occurs when the left-side connector 510 detects a signal from the left-side communication pin 584. In state 616, "L LOAD Enabling" is set to "1," which means that the left-side resistor 540 is connected to the left-side communication pin 584 (for example, by closing switch 566). If power is not detected after 4ms, either from the left side of the left-side power pin 582 or the right side of the right-side power pin 586, as indicated by the transition to "LEFT AND RIGHT POWER ARE NOT PRESENT FOR 4ms," state 616 continues to transition back to itself. However, if the left clock signal is not detected via the left communication pin 584 for at least 4ms, the medical device assembly 504 transitions from state 616 to 614 by a transition labeled "LEFT REF CLOCK IS NOT PRESENT FOR 4ms".

[0196] When power is received from the left power pin for at least 32ms, state 616 transitions to state 618, as indicated by “LEFT OR RIGHT BUS POWER IS PRESENT FOR 32ms”. In state 618, “L BUS POWER EVERYONE (L BUS POWER En)” is set to ON, which closes the left crossbar switch 573, thereby sending power to the common bus 571. In some embodiments, switch 577 is also closed in state 618 to send power to the module electronics 579. Also in state 618, “R Ref Clock Out (R Ref Clock Out)” turns on the right clock at half the frequency received via the left communication pin 584. That is, switch 570 is closed while the signal generator 544 generates a square wave that is half the frequency received via the left communication pin 584. Furthermore, a "Pulse to uP" clock input (CkIn) signal is sent to the CPU 581 so that the CPU 581 recognizes that the clock signal has been received via the left communication pin 584 (the connection may be a wired connection, although it is not explicitly shown in Figure 188). The "Dir To uP" signal is set to 0 and is sent to the CPU 581 so that the CPU 581 can determine from which direction the signal is received. In this preferred embodiment, the value 0 indicates that the signal is coming from the left communication pin 584, but the specific logical value used may be changed.

[0197] If the left clock is not present for 4ms, the medical device assembly 504 transitions from state 618 to state 614 via a transition labeled "LEFT REF CLOCK IS NOT PRESENT FOR 4ms". If neither the left power pin nor the right power pin activates for 4ms, the medical device assembly 504 transitions from state 618 to state 616. If a passive power request is detected via the right communication pin of the medical device assembly 504, the medical device assembly 504 transitions from state 618 to state 620 when a load is detected via the right clock output for 100ms. The transition is labeled "RIGHT LOAD DETECTED FOR 100ms OF RIGHT CLOCK OUT," which corresponds to when the BUS POWER Xbar switch is turned on, meaning both switches 573 and 575 are closed, thereby allowing power to flow from the left power pins to the right power pins.

[0198] If, in state 620, the left and right power pins have not received power for 4ms, the medical device assembly 504 transitions from state 620 to state 616 via a transition labeled "Left and Right Power Are Not Present for 4ms". If, in state 620, the left reference clock has not been present for 4ms, the medical device assembly 504 transitions from state 620 to state 614 via a transition labeled "Left Reference Clock Is Not Present for 4ms".

[0199] Referring again to Figure 190, the right branch from state 614 is described here. The transition from state 614 to state 622, "RIGHT REF CLOCK IS PRESENT IMMEDIATELY," occurs when the right connector 512 detects a signal from the right communication pin 588. In state 622, "RIGHT LOAD EVERYONE" is set to "1," which means that the right resistor 542 is connected to the right communication pin 588 (for example, by closing switch 568). If power is not detected after 4ms from either the left side of the left power pin 582 or the right side of the right power pin 586, as indicated by the transition "LEFT AND RIGHT POWER ARE NOT PRESENT FOR 4ms," state 622 continues to transition back to itself. However, if the right clock signal is not detected via the right communication pin 588 for at least 4ms, the medical device assembly 504 transitions from state 622 to 614 by a transition labeled "RIGHT REF CLOCK IS NOT PRESENT FOR 4ms".

[0200] When power is received from the right power pin for at least 32ms, state 616 transitions to state 624, as indicated by the transition label “LEFT OR RIGHT BUS POWER IS PRESENT FOR 32ms”. In state 624, “Right Bus Power Enable (R BUS POWER En)” is set to ON, which closes the right crossbar switch 575, thereby sending power to the common bus 571. In some embodiments, switch 577 is also closed in state 624 to send power to the module electronics 579. Also in state 624, “Left Reference Clock Out (L Ref Clock Out)” turns on the left clock at half the frequency received via the right communication pin 588. That is, switch 564 is closed while the signal generator 569 generates a square wave that is half the frequency received via the right communication pin 588. Furthermore, a "Pulse to uP" clock input (CkIn) signal is sent to the CPU 581 so that the CPU 581 recognizes that the clock signal has been received via the left communication pin 584 (the connection may be a wired connection, although it is not explicitly shown in Figure 188). The "Dir To uP" signal is set to 1 and is sent to the CPU 581 so that the CPU 581 can determine from which direction the signal is received. In this preferred embodiment, a value of 1 indicates that the signal is coming from the right communication pin 588, but the specific logical value used may be changed.

[0201] If the left clock is not present for 4ms, the medical device assembly 504 transitions from state 624 to state 614 via a transition labeled "RIGHT REF CLOCK IS NOT PRESENT FOR 4ms". If neither the left nor the right power pins are activated for 4ms, the medical device assembly 504 transitions from state 624 to state 622. If a passive power request is detected via the left communication pin of the medical device assembly 504, the medical device assembly 504 transitions from state 624 to state 626 when a load is detected via the left communication pin for 100ms. The transition is labeled "LEFT LOAD DETECTED FOR 100 ms OF RIGHT CLOCK OUT," which corresponds to the BUS POWER Xbar SWITCH being turned ON, which means both switches 573 and 575 are closed, thereby allowing power to flow from the left power pin to the right power pin. If, in state 626, the left and right power pins have not received power for 4 ms so far, the medical device assembly 504 transitions from state 626 to state 622 via a transition labeled "LEFT AND RIGHT POWER ARE NOT PRESENT FOR 4 ms." In state 626, if the right reference clock is not present for 4ms, the medical device assembly 504 transitions from state 626 to state 614 via a transition labeled "RIGHT REF CLOCK IS NOT PRESENT FOR 4ms".

[0202] Figures 191A and 191B show timing diagrams 700 of the modular pump system 500 when two medical device assemblies 504 are connected to the central unit 502 to show the system startup sequence. The timing diagram 700 shows a central unit 722 which may be the same as the central unit 502 described herein, and the timing diagram 700 shows two medical device assemblies or modules 723, 724 which may be the same as the medical device assembly 504 described herein.

[0203] In 701, the central unit 722 is initially started. In 702, the reference clock generates a square wave, which is connected to the communication pins of module 723 after the module is mounted in 708. In 703, a passive indication of power requirements is determined by using an operational amplifier to detect the impedance at the communication pins. In 705, if no load is detected in 100ms, in 704, the power applied to the right power pins is turned off (if already on). If a load is detected, in 706, the detected load is communicated to the microprocessor, and in 707, the right power bus is turned on to supply power to the right power pins.

[0204] Timing diagram 700 also shows the operation of the medical device assembly 723 when it is connected to the central unit 722. The installation is shown as 708. At 709, the medical device assembly 723 uses a signal received from the central unit 722 and collects the signal using a charge pump. If the clock is verified (710) (for example, a predetermined number of signals determine that the clock has the appropriate characteristics), 710 transitions to 713 through 711. Otherwise, 710 transitions to 711 and returns to 710. For example, the first few samples of a square wave may be ignored so that transient signals generated by a user touch do not result in false positives for passive power requests. Furthermore or alternatively, the clock may start at the rising edge of the waveform, and a predetermined amount of time may elapse if the clock exceeds a predetermined threshold until the square wave is considered valid. Those skilled in the art will understand variations including the use of positive logic, negative logic, or inverted logic to implement this touch detection function. In some specific embodiments, a predetermined number of valid pulses must be detected until the signal is deemed valid. In 712, a reference signal clock and a copy of the receiving signal are sent to the processor so that the processor can determine its position within the system 500.

[0205] At 713, the load is applied to the communication pins, and then assembly 723 moves to 714, where assembly 723 waits for power via the power pins. That is, 714 moves from 716 to 715 until assembly 723 moves to 717 after power is received. At 717, the module is powered from the power bus.

[0206] At 718, the signal is turned on on the side opposite to the central unit 722 in order to apply it to the communication pin on the opposite side of the central unit 722. At 719, the op-amp monitors the load on the communication pin, and if no load is detected continuously for 100ms, the op-amp turns off the power bus at 720 and transitions back to 719. Otherwise, 721 transitions from 722 to turn on the crossbar and power downstream toward assembly 724. Assembly 724 operates in the same manner as assembly 723, as shown by timing diagram 700. Note that assemblies 723 and 724 operate in the same manner whether the central unit 722 is applying the signal or another assembly 504 is applying the power (however, a frequency variation of the clock indicating relative position is used).

[0207] Figures 192A to 192C show a block diagram of the modular pump system 500, including the central unit 800 and the medical device assembly 801. The central unit 800 includes a dual hot-swap controller 822 that applies power to power pins, controlled by the controller 802 via a driver 804. The controller generates a clock signal via a driver 805, which then uses a current sensor 803 to determine the impedance changes as described above. An analog comparator 806 communicates the output of the current sensor 803 (operational amplifier design) to the control logic 807. The controller 802 uses the state diagram and / or timing diagram described above.

[0208] Assembly 801 (shown in Figure 192B, another in Figure 192C) includes a controller 808. The controller 808 controls the crossbar switch 817 via a driver 818. The controller 808 may be powered via a left-side charge pump diode 809 or a right-side charge pump diode 810. A clock may be generated to be applied to the left-side communication pin via a driver 813 or to the right-side communication pin via a driver 814. A left-side current sense 811 detects changes in the impedance of the left-side communication pin, and a right-side current sense 812 detects changes in impedance when the clock is applied to the right-side communication pin.

[0209] Driver 815 controls whether load 819 is connected to the left communication pin, while driver 816 controls whether load 820 is applied to the right communication pin. The dual hot-swap controller 822 causes power to be applied to the module electronics 821 via either the left or right power pin.

[0210] Figures 103A to 103J show the circuitry of a modular pump system 500, which, for example, may be used with the modular pump system described herein.

[0211] Figure 193A shows a buffer circuit that buffers output signals, such as those applied to a communication pin. U3 may be part number SN74LVC2G17DBVR manufactured by Texas Instruments for 12500TIBlvd.Dallas, TX75243.

[0212] Figure 193B shows controller U5. Controller U5 may be part number SLG46721V from Dialog Semiconductor, 100 Longwater Avenue, Green Park, Reading RG2 6GP, United Kingdom. Figure 193C shows a debug header. Figure 193D shows a voltage regulator for the central unit or modular assembly. Figure 193E shows a power regulation circuit. Figures 193F and 103G show power regulation circuits. Figure 193H shows another debug header. Figure 193I shows a dual hot-swap controller. Device U4 may be part number LTC4226IMS-2#PBF, manufactured by Analog Devices, One Technology Way, POBox9106, Norwood, MA02062-9106, United States of America. Figure 193J shows a crossbar switch.

[0213] Figure 194 shows a block diagram of the communication circuit of a modular pump system. Communication modules 900, 901, and 902 are shown. Modules 900, 901, and 902 may each be part of a central unit or assembly. Module 901 includes an RF stripline 906 that forms a communication bus. The communication bus may be used in dual-use with the startup sequence described above. One end of the bus includes a transceiver coil 903. The other end is another transceiver coil 904 connected to a resonator 905. The resonator communicates with another module through an air gap, as shown in Figure 194. The top is connected to the resonator 905 to interface with the bus via a transceiver 907.

[0214] Figure 195 shows a circuit diagram for interfacing with the communication bus of a modular pump system. The CAN peripheral 918 is connected to a transmit buffer 916 and another buffer 917 for receiving signals.

[0215] The transceiver module 908 modulates the CAN value with an on-off keying carrier signal. For transmission, the carrier frequency is generated using a spread spectrum clock generator 914, which is on-off modulated in a clock buffer 912. A bandpass filter 910 isolates the circuit, and a splitter 909 interfaces the signal with the bus. The on-off carrier signal is also received by the splitter 909, passes through the bandpass filter 911, and is demodulated by a power detector 913. A comparator 915 converts the broadband signal into a CAN on-off signal so that it is received by a buffer 917. Figure 196 shows the PCB diagram of the resonator 905.

[0216] In an alternative embodiment, the central unit generates a wide-spectrum signal, and each assembly communicates the on-off values ​​required for CAN communication, based on on-off keying modulation of the signal.

[0217] Figure 197 shows another embodiment of the peristaltic pump 10200 in which a relief mechanism 1200 is used. The relief mechanism 1200 may also be referred to as a mechanical fuse, but is not limited thereto. The relief mechanism 1200 between the lever 104 and the main shaft 118 includes a first link mechanism 1202, a second link mechanism 1204, a first rigid member 1206, and a second rigid member 1208. The relief mechanism 1200 also includes a first spring 1210, a second spring 1212, and a hold 1214. The relief mechanism 1200 operates to mitigate large torsional forces, which may be applied to the main shaft 118 by excessive actuation force applied to the lever 104. The relief mechanism 1200 includes the springs 1210, 1212, and the hold 1214, which form an overall triangular shape. Springs 1210 and 1212 have sufficient force to hold the relief mechanism 1200 in place up to a certain load, at which point the relief mechanism 1200 bends. After bending, the upward movement of the lever 104 automatically resets the relief mechanism 1200. For example, when the door 102 is open, the main shaft 118 (see Figure 98) is not rotatable due to an interlock that prevents the user from closing the lever 104. Therefore, when the door 102 is open, the force applied to the lever 104 is transferred to the relief mechanism 1200 when the user attempts to close the lever 104 while the door 102 is open. When a predetermined threshold amount of force is applied to the lever 104 while the door 102 is open, the relief mechanism 1200 bends.

[0218] Springs 1210 and 1212 bias the first rigid member 1206 and the second rigid member 1208 to rotate toward the hold 1214 via the link mechanism pivot 1216. Springs 1210 and 1212 are connected together via the hold 1214. Since spring 1210 is attached to the first rigid member 1206 at the first projection 1222, springs 1210 and 1212 rotationally bias the first rigid member 1206 to rotate toward the pivot 1218. Similarly, since the second spring 1212 is attached to the second rigid member 1208 at the second projection 1224, springs 1210 and 1212 rotationally bias the second rigid member 1208 to rotate toward the pivot 1220. However, the rotation of the first and second projections 1222 and 1224 toward the hold 1214 is limited by the interaction between the stopper 1226 and the surface 1228 (see Figures 198A to 198C) that occurs between the first rigid member 1206 and the second rigid member 1208. The relief mechanism 1200 is in a held state when the first projection 1222 and the second projection 1224 rotate to their maximum extent toward each other so that the stopper 1226 and the surface 1228 engage together.

[0219] Here, please refer to Figures 198A to 198C for a diagram illustrating the transition of the relief mechanism 1200 from the hold state to the trigger state. Figure 198A shows the relief mechanism 1200 in the hold state, Figure 198B shows the relief mechanism 1200 in the intermediate state, and Figure 198C shows the relief mechanism 1200 in the trigger state. In Figure 198A, the springs 1210 and 1212 apply rotational force to the pivots 1218 and 1220, so the stopper 1226 and surface 1228 interact with each other, thereby maintaining a fixed distance between the two pivots 1218 and 1220. This fixed distance between the pivot 1218 of the first link mechanism 1202 and the pivot 1220 of the second link mechanism 1204 correlates the rotations of the first link mechanism 1202 and the second link mechanism 1204 through their respective pivots 1230 and 1232.

[0220] However, when the door 102 is opened, the second link mechanism 1204 cannot rotate completely in the same direction as the first link mechanism 1202. Figure 198B shows the effect of the immobile second link mechanism 1204, where the first link mechanism 1202 continues to rotate, thereby separating the surface 1228 and the stopper 1226 from each other. This separation is due to the rotation of the first rigid member 1206, which restricts or prevents the rotation of the second link mechanism 1204. When the first link mechanism 1202 rotates toward the second link mechanism 1204, the first rigid member 1206 and the second rigid member 1208 rotate along the link mechanism pivot 1216. This rotation along the link mechanism pivot 1216 stretches the springs 1210 and 1212, increasing their tensile force. Figure 198C shows the relief mechanism 1200 when the rotation along the link mechanism pivot 1216 reaches the maximum amount of rotation of the relief mechanism 1200 and the distance between pivots 1218 and 1220 reaches the minimum distance between pivots 1218 and 1220. In some specific embodiments, if the user releases the lever 104 while the relief mechanism 1200 is in the trigger state, the relief mechanism 1200 snaps back toward the hold state 1214.

[0221] However, in some embodiments of this disclosure, a predetermined amount of rotation of the link mechanism pivot 1216 can immediately actuate the relief mechanism 1200 toward the trigger state. For example, those skilled in the art will recognize methods for implementing overcenter operation of the relief mechanism. Furthermore, alternatively, or optionally, the relief mechanism 1200 may be bistability, with stable states being a hold state and a trigger state.

[0222] Here, we refer to Figures 199A to 199C, which show the first rigid member 1206. The first rigid member 1206 engages with the second rigid member 1208 (shown in Figures 200A to 200C). The first rigid member 1206 also includes a fixing point 1236 configured to be fixed to the end of a spring (e.g., spring 1210). As readily apparent in Figure 199A, the first rigid member 1206 includes a surface 1228 that separates from the stopper 1226 of the second rigid member 1208. When the relief mechanism 1200 is in the triggered state, the surface 1228 separates from the stopper 1226.

[0223] Figures 200A to 200C show some diagrams of the second rigid member 1208. The second rigid member 1208 includes a link mechanism pivot 1216 that engages with the first rigid member 1206 (not shown in Figures 200A to 200C). The second rigid member 1208 also includes a fixing point 1234 configured to be fixed to the end of a spring (e.g., spring 1212). As readily apparent in Figure 199A, the second rigid member 1208 includes a stopper 1226, which in some embodiments is a surface. When the relief mechanism 1200 is in a held state, the stopper 1226 engages with the first rigid member 1206.

[0224] Figure 201 shows a keyed end effector 1240, which is part of the plunger 1242, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The end effector 1240 includes a key 1246 that cooperates with a notch 1244 of the plunger 1242. The end effector 1240 is mounted perpendicular to the plunger 1242, and therefore the end effector 1240 connects to the plunger 1242 on the side opposite to the side of the end effector 1240 that faces the platen 1238. That is, the end effector 1240 is mounted on the side of the end effector 1240 that faces away from the platen 1238.

[0225] Figures 202A to 202D show another embodiment of the adjustable end effector 1248 of the plunger 1250. The adjustable end effector 1248 is attached to the plunger 1250 at its side. In some embodiments of this disclosure, the adjustable end effector 1248 may be made of an insulating material, such as plastic, polymer, or rubber. Insulation can reduce or eliminate heat transfer to the fluid in the IV line, thereby reducing the occurrence of gas release. The adjustable end effector 1248 is attached to the plunger 1250 at two mounting points 1252. The adjustable end effector 1248 shown in Figure 202B is part of the plunger 1250 that rotates around a pivot shaft 202. Any change in the angle, orientation, or position of the pivot shaft 202 relative to the platen 1238 alters / affects the position of the end effector 1248 relative to the platen 1238. That is, the pivot shaft 202 is adjustable, thereby allowing for adjustment of the adjustable end effector 1248 at the time of manufacture and / or during field use.

[0226] Figures 202C to 202D show a first shaft adjuster 1254 and a second shaft adjuster 1256 that move the end of the pivot shaft 202 in a plane substantially aligned with the axis of the pivot shaft 202. The first shaft adjuster 1254 is positioned adjacent to the pivot shaft 202 and the first inclined portion 1258. Similarly, the second shaft adjuster 1256 is positioned between the pivot shaft 202 and the second inclined portion 1260. The first shaft adjuster 1254 and the second shaft adjuster 1256 can be adjusted by a first adjustment screw 1262 and a second adjustment screw 1264, respectively.

[0227] As shown in Figure 202C, the first shaft adjuster 1254 is positioned closer to the first adjustment screw 1262, thereby moving the pivot shaft 202 away from the first shaft adjuster 1254 when the first shaft adjuster 1254 engages with the first inclined portion 1258. The second adjustment screw 1264 is also set to position the second shaft adjuster 1256 away from the second adjustment screw 1264. When the first shaft adjuster 1254 is actuated toward the first adjustment screw 1262, the first shaft adjuster 1254 interfaces with the first inclined portion 1258, so the pivot shaft 202 moves away from the first shaft adjuster 1254 toward the second shaft adjuster 1256.

[0228] Similarly, as shown in Figure 202D, the second shaft adjuster 1256 is positioned closer to the second adjustment screw 1264, thereby moving the pivot shaft 202 away from the second shaft adjuster 1256 when the second shaft adjuster 1256 engages with the second inclined portion 1260. The first adjustment screw 1262 is also set to position the first shaft adjuster 1254 away from the first adjustment screw 1262. When the second shaft adjuster 1256 is actuated toward the second adjustment screw 1264, the second shaft adjuster 1256 interfaces with the second inclined portion 1260, so the pivot shaft 202 moves toward the first shaft adjuster 1254, away from the second shaft adjuster 1256.

[0229] Figures 203A to 203G show an adjustable platen 1266 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Optionally, alternatively, or further, an adjustable platen 1266 may be used in one or more embodiments described herein, or not used in any embodiment. Any platen described or disclosed herein, e.g., an adjustable platen 1266, may be made from an insulating material, e.g., plastic, polymer, or rubber. Insulation (e.g., the use of non-thermally conductive materials between components and / or plastic plungers, e.g., plastic wedges and / or washers) can prevent heat from being transferred to the fluid in the IV line, thereby reducing the occurrence of gas release.

[0230] Figure 203A shows an adjustable platen 1266 that can be mounted by a first mount 1300 and a second mount 1302. A first mounting screw 1268 secures the first end of the adjustable platen 1266 to the first mount 1300. A second mounting screw 1270 secures the second end of the adjustable platen 1266 to the second mount 1302. The first mounting screw 1268 engages with a first screw hole 1288, while the second mounting screw 1270 engages with a second screw hole 1290.

[0231] The first adjuster 1276 includes a screw hole 1294, a first side 1280, and a second side 1282. The second side 1282 of the first adjuster 1276 engages with the first engagement surface 1296 of the first mount 1300. A first adjustment screw 1272 is fixed to the first adjuster 1276 to control the distance of the first adjuster 1276 relative to the first mount 1300. When the first adjuster 1276 is actuated by the first adjustment screw 1272 toward the first mount 1300, the distance between the first side 1284 and the second side 1282 increases along the thickness of the first adjuster 1276 engaging with the first engagement surface 1296. In other words, when the adjuster is operated away from the first mount 1300, the second side 1282 and the first engagement surface 1296 function as inclined surfaces to actuate the adjustable platen 1266 away from the first mount 1300.

[0232] Similarly, the second adjuster 1278 includes a screw hole 1292, a first side 1284, and a second side 1286. The second engagement surface 1298 of the second mount 1302 engages with the second side 1282 of the second adjuster 1278. A second adjustment screw 1274 is fixed to the second adjuster 1278 to control the distance of the second adjuster 1278 relative to the second mount 1302. When the second adjuster 1278 is actuated by the second adjustment screw 1274 toward the second mount 1302, the distance between the first side 1284 and the second side 1282 increases along the thickness of the second adjuster 1278 engaging with the second engagement surface 1298. In other words, when the second adjuster 1278 is acted away from the second mount 1302, the second side 1286 and the second engagement surface 1298 function as inclined surfaces to actuate the adjustable platen 1266 away from the second mount 1302.

[0233] In some embodiments, any fastener, such as a bolt, latch, adhesive, epoxy, etc., may be used with one or more of the first adjustment screw 1272, the second adjustment screw 1274, the first mounting screw 1268, or the second mounting screw 1270.

[0234] Figures 203B to 203D show how adjustments to the platen 1266 can be made. In Figure 203B, the first adjuster 1276 is positioned adjacent to the first mount 1300, and the second adjuster 1278 is positioned adjacent to the second mount 1302. The first adjuster 1276 has an optional first planar section 1304 that can be positioned between the adjustable platen 1266 and the pump when assembled. The second adjuster 1278 also has an optional second planar section 1306 that can be positioned between the adjustable platen 1266 and the pump.

[0235] As readily apparent in Figure 203B, the actuation of the first adjustment screw 1272 toward the first adjuster 1276 acts the first adjuster 1276 toward the plunger 1312 (Figure 203C shows the plunger 1312 mounted). Figure 203B shows the plunger mounting screws 1310 and 1308. Figure 203C shows the adjustable platen 1266 mounted, and Figure 203D shows the plunger 1312 mounted. Now, referring to Figures 203B to 203D, it can be readily apparent that the movement of the adjustable platen 1266 toward the plunger 1312 adjusts how the tube located within the adjustable platen 1266 interacts with the plunger 1312. In some embodiments, the plunger 1312 may perform repeatable movements that are stopped (for example, how the end effector 128 performs limited movement by contact with a fixed stopper can be seen in Figure 14).

[0236] Figures 203E to 203G show cross-sectional views between the pump and the adjustable platen 1266. As can be seen, the adjustable platen 1238 includes a space 1314, the space 1314 having a surface 1316 configured to engage with the first side 1280 of the first adjuster 1276 and also with the first side 1284 of the second adjuster 1278. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the heads of the second adjustment screw 1274 and the first adjustment screw 1272 may be fixed relative to the adjustable platen 1266 such that the operation of the adjustment screws 1272 and 1274 acts on the first and second adjusters 1276 and 1278, respectively. As can be recognized, Figure 203E shows the first and second adjusters 1276, 1278 in the position that raises the adjustable platen 1266 to its maximum height, Figure 203F shows the intermediate position, and Figure 203G shows the first and second adjusters 1276, 1278 in the position that maintains the adjustable platen 1266 as far away from the plunger 1312 as possible.

[0237] Figures 204A–204B show a multi-stage spring-biased plunger 1318 of a peristaltic pump according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The plunger 1318 includes a follower 1324 that can follow a cam to actuate an end effector (not shown in Figures 204A–204B) connected to a mounting point 1334. The plunger includes a roller 1322 that rotates around a pivot pin 1320. The roller 1322 is connected to the rest of the plunger 1318 via a leaf spring 1332. The leaf spring 1332 acts the roller 1322 between two positions in interaction with a stopper 1326. Figure 204A shows the first position of the roller 1322, and Figure 204B shows the second position of the roller 1322, both of which are based on the position of the leaf spring 1332.

[0238] During operation, when roller 1322 contacts the cam and the spring-driven plunger 1318 begins to interact with the tube, the stopper 1326 contacts the first contact portion 1330. Initially, when the spring-driven plunger 1318 acts on the end effector toward the tube, the cam may hold the follower 1324 against the stopper 1326 at the first contact portion 1330, as shown in Figure 204A. Also, when the spring-driven plunger 1318 acts on the end effector toward the tube, after a threshold force is applied to the end effector by the tube, the elasticity of the tube causes the leaf spring 1332 to move so that the follower 1324 contacts the second contact portion 1328, as shown in Figure 204B.

[0239] The amount of force required to move the leaf spring 1332 is predetermined and may be a function of the amount of force applied to the tube. For example, the leaf spring 1332 may move based on the amount of force applied to the tube when the inlet and outlet valves are closed.

[0240] Figure 205 shows a flowchart of a method 1336 for acting a spring-driven plunger 1319 that is driven by a multi-stage spring. Action 1338 closes the inlet valve. Action 1340 closes the outlet valve. Action 1342 acts on the plunger cam to lower the end effector toward the tube, for example, 1344. Action 1346 brings the tube into contact with the end effector. Air may be present in the tube. Therefore, in action 1348, the spring-driven plunger 1318 is actuated by a first amount, and during this time, the air, for example, bubbles, is compressed more quickly than any liquid contained inside. In action 1350, the leaf spring 1332 of the spring-driven plunger 1318 moves from a first position to a second position, for example, when a predetermined force is applied to the tube. This force can be determined so that any air in the tube is compressed to a substantially smaller volume (e.g., 95% volume reduction). Thus, the position of the plunger and / or end effector during this transition can be used to determine how much liquid is in the tube. The spring-biased plunger 1318 may then continue to act in action 1354, etc., until the cam follower separates the plunger cam. Action 1356 determines the second position of the spring-biased plunger 116. The first and second positions can be used to estimate the amount of air in the tube in action 1358. Thus, the resulting amount of fluid calculated to remain in the tube can be used to estimate the amount of fluid delivered downstream when the outlet valve is opened and / or the fluid is released through the outlet valve. The two positions of the plunger 1318 may be linearly related to the amount of air in the tube, or any suitable model, e.g., linear or polynomial regression from experimentally derived data, can be used to estimate the air in the tube. The first measurement position is the point where the leaf spring is positioned such that 1326 is located between 1328 and 1330, and does not come into contact with either 1328 or 1330. The measurement takes place in this intermediate region where the force should be approximately constant.

[0241] Heat transfer design Figure 206 shows the rear view of a peristaltic pump 1020 having a heat dissipation assembly 1360 including a heat sink 1362, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 206 shows the overall positioning of the heat dissipation assembly 1360 relative to the body of the peristaltic pump 1020.

[0242] Figures 207A to 207G show several diagrams of the heat dissipation assembly 1360. As shown in Figure 207A, the heat dissipation assembly 1360 includes a heat sink 1362, a planar thermal connector 1364, and a thermal strap bracket 1366. In Figure 207B, the planar thermal connector 1364 can be seen to include a first arm 1372 and a second arm 1374, both extending to connect to a motor (not shown) to absorb thermal energy from the motor and transfer the thermal energy to the heat sink 1362. The first arm 1372 and the second arm 1374 may be soldered onto the motor. The planar thermal connector 1364 may be made of any metal, alloy, or thermally conductive material, including but not limited to copper or aluminum. In some embodiments, braided wire may be used instead of the planar metal portion of the planar thermal connector 1364. In further embodiments, the planar portion may be replaced by one or more heat pipes.

[0243] Figure 207C shows a side view of the heat dissipation assembly 1360. The heat dissipation assembly 1360 includes a first interface plate 1376, which interface to a power bar 1430 (see Figures 211A-211B) and can absorb heat from the power bar 1430. The power bar 1430 may help absorb heat from high-thermal-temperature electronic equipment, such as power MOSFETs or other power semiconductors. The power bar 1430 may also be an EMI shield surrounding power electronics, which is also used to dissipate thermal energy. In some embodiments, thermal paste may be used.

[0244] Figure 207D shows the thermal pad 1368 of the heat dissipation assembly 1360. The heat dissipation assembly 1360 is attached to the first interface plate 1376, which can be seen in Figure 207E when the thermal pad 1368 is removed and the first interface plate 1376 is exposed. Figures 207F–207G show the heat dissipation assembly 1360 with the heat sink 1362 removed. A second thermal pad 1370 is shown, which is positioned between the second interface plate 1378 and the heat sink 1362 to facilitate heat flow between the heat sink 1362 and the rest of the planar thermal connector 1364. In some embodiments, thermal paste may be used. Furthermore, the thermal strap bracket 1366 may be positioned between the first interface plate 1376 and the second interface plate 1378 to ensure a separation relationship between the first and second interface plates 1376 and 1378. The thermal strap bracket 1366 may be made of any insulating material, such as insulating plastic or polymer. Screws 1382 and 1384 may be used to fasten the heat sink 1362 to the thermal strap bracket 1366.

[0245] Here, please refer to both Figures 208A and 208B, which show further illustrations of the planar thermal connector 1364. As readily apparent in Figure 208A, the spring 1380 is used to elastically secure the first and second interface plates 1376, 1378, thereby facilitating contact between the first and second thermal pads 1368, 1370. The spring 1380 of the planar thermal connector 1364 facilitates adaptation of variable manufacturing tolerances. That is, the spring 1380 can extend the distance between the first interface plate 1376 and the second interface plate 1378 to ensure a proper mating within the peristaltic pump 1020. Holes 1386, 1388 allow screws 1382, 1384 to pass through the first interface plate 1376 toward the thermal strap bracket 1366 (see Figure 207G), respectively.

[0246] Figures 209A to 209E show several diagrams of the thermal strap bracket 1366. The thermal strap bracket 1366 includes screw holes 1390 and 1392 for accommodating screws 1382 and 1384, respectively. The thermal strap bracket 1366 also includes springs 1394 and 1396 that provide resilience so that the thermal strap bracket 1366 can adapt to various manufacturing tolerances. Furthermore, alternatively or optionally, springs 1394 and 1396 may provide resilience to press the thermal pads 1368 and 1370 against the power bar 1430 and heat sink 1362, respectively.

[0247] Figure 210A shows another embodiment of the planar thermal connector 1434 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The planar thermal connector 1434 is thermally connected to a motor 1432 and a heat sink 1362. The planar thermal connector 1434 includes a first arm 1434a and a second arm 1434b, both of which are thermally connected to the motor 1432 to dissipate heat toward the heat sink 1362. The planar thermal connector 1434 includes a first end 1438 thermally connected to a power bar 1430 and a second end 1440 thermally connected to the heat sink 1362. The planar thermal connector 1434 can absorb heat from the motor 1432 and the power bar 1430, thereby dissipating thermal energy into the ambient air through the heat sink 1362. The power bar 1430 may be an EMI shield configured to shield power electronics, which is also used, for example, to dissipate heat from power electronics.

[0248] Figure 210B shows an embodiment of a heatsink 1362 having a braided wire 1442 that transfers heat from the motor 1432 and power bar 1430 to the heatsink 1362. The braided wire 1442 includes a first end 1450 connected to the power bar 1430 and a second end 1448 connected to the heatsink 1362. The braided wire 1443 is also connected to the heatsink 1362 of the motor 1432 via third ends 1444, 1446. The third ends 1444, 1446 may also be referred to as arms. The heatsink 1362 may be formed from a thermally conductive material, such as metal.

[0249] Figures 211A to 211C show embodiments of a heat dissipation assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0250] In some embodiments, the third ends 1444, 1446 are directly connected to the heatsink 1362 to provide a direct connection between the heatsink 1362 and the motor 1432. Alternatively, the first end 1450 and the second end 1448 may be directly connected together. The braided wire 1443 may be soldered onto the power bar 1430, onto the heatsink 1362, onto the motor 1432, and / or to each other. Alternatively, clips may be used to secure the braided wire 1443 onto the power bar 1430, onto the heatsink 1362, onto the motor 1432, and / or to each other. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that, instead of the braided wire, any combination of braided wire and / or heat pipes may be used to transfer heat to the heatsink 1362 or any other part of the peristaltic pump 1020.

[0251] Pumping action Figure 212 shows a flowchart of method 1398 for removing bubbles in an IV line according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Method 1398 includes actions 1399-1406. Action 1399 involves infusing fluid into the patient using, for example, a peristaltic pump 1020. Action 1400 determines whether a predetermined amount of time has elapsed. In other embodiments, a predetermined amount of fluid volume, a number of peristaltic pumping cycles, and / or the amount of air pumped past a downstream air sensor may be used instead of a predetermined amount of time. If action 1400 determines that a predetermined amount of time has elapsed, action 1401 closes a downstream valve. Action 1403 separates the actuator from the spring-forced plunger 116. Action 1404 interrupts the operation (e.g., rotation) of the actuator. Action 1405 rapidly reverses the operation (e.g., rotation) of the actuator (e.g., a camshaft) to allow the bubbles to pass through an upstream valve and be released upstream. Operation 1406 can reverse the fluid flow by a predetermined amount. The predetermined amount may be a predetermined amount of time, fluid volume, and / or number of peristaltic pumping cycles, including a fraction. In some embodiments, the peristaltic pump includes an inlet valve, an outlet valve, and a spring-driven plunger 116, where the spring-driven plunger 116 includes a spring configured to bias the plunger toward a tube, and a cam configured to actuate the plunger toward the tube. Method 1398 can reverse the fluid flow when the outlet valve is closed and the inlet valve is opened, for example, the fluid flow can be reversed when the plunger is acting toward the tube. In further embodiments, the test in operation 1400 may be performed elsewhere, for example, somewhere between 1401 and 1404. In further embodiments, operation 1403 may be eliminated.

[0252] Figure 213 shows a flowchart of a method 1408 for detecting bubbles according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Method 1408 may be used in a pump, e.g., a peristaltic pump 1020 or a syringe pump. The pump may have an air sensor, e.g., an ultrasonic air sensor. Method 1408 uses two thresholds to determine whether a bubble has been detected and / or is occupied by an ultrasonic signal, e.g., signal intensity, signal intensity decrease, signal intensity gain, etc. The method includes operations 1410 to 1440. Operation 1410 sets the trigger threshold to a first bubble threshold. Operation 1412 determines whether the ultrasonic signal exceeds the first threshold. If the ultrasonic signal exceeds the first threshold, the method continues back to operation 1410. Otherwise, the method proceeds to operation 1414, determining whether the ultrasonic signal is below the first threshold but above a second threshold. In that case, the method proceeds to operation 1422. Otherwise, method 1408 proceeds to operation 1416. Operation 1416 determines whether the ultrasonic signal is below the second threshold but above the trigger threshold. If this is true, method 1408 proceeds to operation 1428. If operation 1416 has a false determination, method 1408 proceeds to operation 1418. Operation 1418 determines whether the ultrasonic signal is below the trigger threshold. Otherwise, method 1408 proceeds to operation 1420, in which case it is determined that no bubble is detected, and method 1408 proceeds again to operation 1412.

[0253] In operation 1422, the first timer is started. In operation 1424, if the ultrasonic signal is below the second threshold, the method proceeds to operation 1416. Otherwise, the method proceeds to operation 1426. In operation 1426, if the ultrasonic signal exceeds the first threshold, the method proceeds to operation 1410. Otherwise, the method proceeds to operation 1427 to determine whether a predetermined amount of time has elapsed for the first timer (see operation 1422). If a predetermined amount of time has elapsed for the first timer, the method proceeds to operation 1441. Otherwise, the method proceeds to operation 1426.

[0254] In operation 1427, after a first predetermined amount of time has elapsed for the first timer, operation 1441 sets the trigger threshold to a second bubble threshold lower than the first bubble threshold, and the method follows operation 1412.

[0255] As described above, in operation 1428, the second timer is started. In operation 1431, it is determined whether the ultrasonic signal is below the trigger threshold. If so, in operation 1437, a bubble is detected. Or, if in operation 1431 the ultrasonic signal is not below the trigger threshold, operation 1435 determines whether the ultrasonic signal exceeds the second threshold. If so, method 1408 proceeds to operation 1412. Otherwise, if the ultrasonic signal is below the second threshold, operation 1436 determines whether a second predetermined amount of time has elapsed for the second timer. If a second predetermined amount of time has elapsed for the second timer, operation 1435 sets the trigger threshold to a third bubble threshold lower than the first bubble threshold and the second bubble threshold, and then method proceeds to operation 1412. If in operation 1436 the second predetermined amount of time has not elapsed for the second timer, method returns to operation 1431 as shown in Figure 213.

[0256] Figures 214–217 illustrate various ultrasonic-based bubble sensors according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. Each of these embodiments shown in Figures 214–217 illustrates a sensor having multiple acoustic paths that provide further means of detecting air in a tubular material. Figure 214 shows an ultrasonic-based bubble sensor 1452 including a single piezoelectric transmitter 1466 and two piezoelectric receivers 1470, 1472. Figure 215 shows an ultrasonic-based bubble sensor 1454 including two piezoelectric transmitters 1466, 1468 and a piezoelectric receiver 1470. Figure 216 shows an ultrasonic-based bubble sensor 1456 having two piezoelectric transmitters 1466, 1468 and two piezoelectric receivers 1470, 1472. Figure 216 is shown as being configured in a “aligned” configuration. Figure 217 shows an ultrasonic-based bubble sensor 1453 in an “anti-aligned” configuration.

[0257] Figure 214 shows an ultrasonic-based bubble sensor 1452 having a transmitting module 1462 and a receiving module 1464. The transmitting module 1462 includes a first piezoelectric transmitter 1466. The receiving module 1464 includes a first piezoelectric receiver 1470 and a second piezoelectric receiver 1472. The first piezoelectric receiver 1470 is separated from the second piezoelectric receiver 1472 by a gap 1471. The gap 1471 may be arbitrarily small or large and may be filled with any medium, such as air, foam, plastic, epoxy, etc. A single piezoelectric transmitter 1466 may transmit an ultrasonic signal over the tube 1458 to be received by the receiving module 1464. The two piezoelectric receivers 1470 and 1472 may each receive an ultrasonic signal, which is then converted into an electronic signal that is analyzed by a processor. The two piezoelectric receivers 1470 and 1472 may be used together to determine the presence, position, size, velocity, or direction of movement (e.g., upstream or downstream) of the bubble 1460. Alternatively, the two piezoelectric receivers 1470 and 1472 may be used in a redundant manner to ensure that the bubble 1460 is moving, or to determine the size or velocity of the bubble.

[0258] Figure 215 shows an ultrasonic-based bubble sensor 1454 having a transmitting module 1462 and a receiving module 1464. The transmitting module 1462 includes a first piezoelectric transmitter 1466 and a second piezoelectric transmitter 1468, both of which can transmit ultrasonic energy over the tube 1458. The ultrasonic energy can be received by module 1464, which includes a piezoelectric receiver 1470. In some specific embodiments, the first piezoelectric transmitter 1466 and the second piezoelectric transmitter 1468 can be utilized so that only one is transmitting ultrasonic energy over the tube 1458 at any given time interval. By periodically alternating the first piezoelectric transmitter 1466 and the second piezoelectric transmitter 1468, the bubble 1460 can be tracked to determine the direction and / or size of the bubble 1460's movement. For example, if a fluid is being pumped through tube 1458 at a known flow rate, the amount of time over which the bubble 1460 is detected by the piezoelectric receiver 1470 can be used, along with the flow rate, to estimate the size of the bubble 1460.

[0259] Figure 216 shows an ultrasonic-based bubble sensor 1456 which also has a transmitting module 1462 and a receiving module 1464. The transmitting module 1462 includes a first piezoelectric transmitter 1466 and a second piezoelectric transmitter 1468. The receiving module 1464 includes a first piezoelectric receiver 1470 and a second piezoelectric receiver 1472. The two piezoelectric transmitters 1466 and 1468 can be modulated and / or multiplexed in various configurations.

[0260] In some embodiments, both piezoelectric transmitters 1466, 1468 are active simultaneously, and the two piezoelectric receivers 1470, 1472 each receive their respective ultrasonic signals simultaneously. Each of the piezoelectric transmitters 1466, 1468 can be coded and / or modulated so that each of the two piezoelectric receivers 1470, 1472 can distinguish (e.g., through demodulation or decoding) which of the piezoelectric transmitters 1466, 1468 transmitted which signal. Furthermore, alternatively or optionally, sufficient distance may exist between the piezoelectric transmitters 1466, 1468 and / or between the piezoelectric receivers 1470, 1472 to prevent or reduce crosstalk. In some embodiments, a physical shield or barrier may be formed and / or block the ultrasonic energy from crossing paths.

[0261] In further embodiments, the first piezoelectric transmitter 1466 and the second piezoelectric transmitter 1468 are modulated at different frequencies relative to each other. For example, the first piezoelectric transmitter 1466 may transmit ultrasonic energy at a first frequency, and the second piezoelectric transmitter 1468 may transmit ultrasonic energy at a second frequency. The first piezoelectric receiver 1470 may include filtering to receive ultrasonic energy generated by the first piezoelectric transmitter 1466 while filtering out the ultrasonic energy generated by the second piezoelectric transmitter 1468. Similarly, the second piezoelectric receiver 1472 may include filtering to receive ultrasonic energy generated by the second piezoelectric transmitter 1468 while filtering out the ultrasonic energy generated by the first piezoelectric transmitter 1466. In some embodiments, the first piezoelectric transmitter 1466 and the second piezoelectric transmitter 1468 may be active simultaneously, asynchronously, or employ time-division multiplexing to avoid simultaneous transmission. Furthermore, alternatively or optionally, code division multiplexing may be used.

[0262] Two piezoelectric receivers 1470 and 1472 may be used to estimate the position of the bubble 1460. The first piezoelectric transmitter 1466 and the second piezoelectric transmitter 1468 may alternately generate ultrasonic energy, so that the first piezoelectric receiver 1470 and the second piezoelectric receiver 1472 are used to determine the orientation and / or position of the bubble 1460 using triangulation, which is known to those skilled in the art.

[0263] Figure 217 shows an ultrasonic-based bubble sensor 1453 in an “anti-aligned” configuration. That is, the ultrasonic-based bubble sensor includes a first module 1455 and a second module 1457. The first module 1455 includes a piezoelectric receiver 1466 and a piezoelectric transmitter 1472. The second module 1457 includes a piezoelectric receiver 1470 and a piezoelectric transmitter 1468. The piezoelectric transmitter 1468 transmits to the piezoelectric receiver 1472. The piezoelectric transmitter 1466 transmits to the piezoelectric receiver 1470. The ultrasonic-based bubble sensor 1453 may utilize the same techniques as described above with respect to one or more of Figures 214 to 216. The ultrasonic-based bubble sensor 1453 is anti-aligned because each side has a piezoelectric receiver 1466 and a piezoelectric transmitter 1468 configured to cooperate with the piezoelectric receiver 1470 and piezoelectric transmitter 1468 on the opposite side.

[0264] Referring to the drawings, Figures 217–219 illustrate a method 1474 for estimating the amount of air being pumped downstream toward a patient by a peristaltic pump 1020, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Method 1474 includes operations 1476–1512. Method 1474 may be implemented by utilizing a processor associated with a peristaltic pump, e.g., a peristaltic pump 1020 as described herein. Method 1474 may be connected to one or more bubble sensors as described above. Method 1474 may utilize an ultrasonic bubble sensor as shown in Figure 214 or Figure 216, in which a receiving module 1464 includes two piezoelectric receivers, or an ultrasonic bubble sensor as shown in Figure 215, in which first and second transmitters 1466, 1468 are modulated to have two different air sensor readings using a single receiver 1470.

[0265] For Method 1474 described in Figures 217-219, please refer to the terminology listed in Table 2 below. [Table 2]

[0266] Operation 1476 is the start of method 1474. Operation 1476 could be, for example, a function call performed by other software being executed by the processor. A function call may also be called a subroutine call. A subroutine (also known as a procedure, function, method, or routine) is an operation in which one code causes another code to execute, and can be a system call or a function call. Following operation 1476, operation 1480 may include clearing both raw air estimates and setting the upstream raw estimate and the downstream raw air estimate to zero. These estimates may be stored in a memory location and / or are calculated variables. In operation 1482, method 1474 monitors the upstream air. For example, operation 1482 may monitor a signal received by a first piezoelectric receiver 1470, generated by a first piezoelectric transmitter 1466 of an ultrasonic-based bubble sensor 1456 in Figure 216.

[0267] Operation 1482 may be a subroutine of processor-executable code that implements Method 1474. Operation 1482 monitors upstream air and may include operations 1484-1490. Operation 1484 reads sensor data (e.g., ultrasonic air sensor data). Operation 1486 updates the raw air estimate. Operation 1488 determines whether the upstream sensor reports air (e.g., whether the received ultrasonic signal drops by a predetermined amount). If air is not reported by the upstream sensor, operation 1490 clears (sets to zero) the raw downstream estimate, and operation 1484 is repeated. If air is reported by the upstream sensor in operation 1488, the method executes operation 1478, for example, by a method call, software execution, etc.

[0268] Operation 1478 monitors the downstream air. Operation 1478 may include operations 1492-1500. Operation 1492 reads the sensor data. Operation 1494 updates the raw air estimate. Operation 1496 determines whether air is reported by the downstream sensor (e.g., the second piezoelectric transmitter 1468 and the second piezoelectric receiver 1472). If operation 1496 determines that air is reported by the downstream sensor, the method proceeds to operation 1502; otherwise, the method proceeds to operation 1498. Operation 1498 determines whether a persistent fluid is determined by the upstream sensor. If not, operation 1500 limits the raw upstream estimate and returns to operation 1492. Otherwise, operation 1498 returns to operation 1480. Operation 1502 proceeds to operation 1496 if air is reported by the downstream sensor.

[0269] Operation 1502 may include operations 1504-1508. Operation 1504 reads sensor data, e.g., upstream ultrasonic sensor data. Operation 1506 updates the raw air estimate. Operation 1508 determines whether a persistent fluid is reported. If no persistent fluid is reported in operation 1508, the method proceeds to operation 1504. Otherwise, the method proceeds to operation 1510 to complete the bubble estimation, and in operation 1512, the final air bubble volume is reported to, for example, a control system or operating system.

[0270] Referring here to Figures 217-218, operations 1486, 1494, and / or 1506 may be operation 1514 as shown in Figure 218. Operation 1514 updates the raw air estimate and includes operations 1516-1530. Operation 1516 is a start, which may be a function call, for example. Operation 1518 determines whether air is reported by the upstream ultrasonic air sensor. This may be a parameter passed as part of a function call (e.g., a subroutine). If air is not reported by the upstream sensor, operation 1518 proceeds to operation 1520. If air is reported by the upstream sensor, the method proceeds to operation 1522.

[0271] Operation 1520 adds the delta volume of the fluid to the total upstream fluid volume (e.g., USFluidVol_uL+=Δvol_uL). That is, operation 1520 adds the amount of fluid being pumped downstream to the total. If air was reported by the upstream sensor in operation 1518, operation 1522 adds the amount of upstream air pumped by the upstream ultrasonic sensor to the raw air estimate (e.g., USRawAirEstimate_ul+=Δvol_uL) and sets the fluid volume of the upstream sensor to 0 (e.g., USFluidVol_uL=0).

[0272] Following either operation 1520 or operation 1522, operation 1524 determines whether air has been reported by the downstream ultrasonic sensor. The downstream ultrasonic sensor may be one of the downstream 1470 and 1472, one of the downstream 1466 and 1468, or one of the downstream 1462 and 1472 or one of the downstream 1466 and 1470 in Figures 214, 215, and 216, respectively.

[0273] If air is reported, operation 1514 proceeds to operation 1526, where the reported delta volume is added to the downstream raw air estimate (e.g., DSFluidAirEstimate_uL+=Δvol_uL) and the downstream fluid volume is set to zero (DSFluidVol_uL=0). Otherwise, if air is not reported by the downstream sensor, operation 1524 proceeds to operation 1528, where the delta volume pumped downstream is added to the downstream fluid volume (e.g., DSFluidVol_uL+=Δvol_uL).

[0274] Here, referring to Figure 219, method 1532 for completing the bubble estimation is shown. Method 1532 may be operation 1510 in Figure 217. Method 1532 includes operation 1534, which may be the initial start of Method 1532. Operation 1534 may be a function call, API call, subroutine call, system call, etc. Operation 1536 determines the air volume ratio and calculates the bubble estimate. The air volume ratio may be the upstream raw air estimate divided by the downstream raw air estimate (e.g., AirVolRatio=USRawAirEstimate_uL / DSRawAirEstimate_uL). Operation 1536 also calculates the initial bubble estimate by averaging the upstream and downstream air estimates (e.g., (USRawAirEstimate_uL+DSRawAirEstimate_uL) / 2). Operations 1538 and 1540 work together to determine whether the air volume ratio is outside a predetermined range. If the air volume ratio is not outside the predetermined range, the bubble estimate is reported by method 1532, which is then calculated by operation 1536.

[0275] Operation 1538 determines whether the air-to-volume ratio is greater than 2, in which case operation 1544 sets the bubble estimate to the downstream raw air estimate. However, if the air-to-volume ratio is less than 0.5, operation 1542 sets the bubble estimate to the upstream raw air estimate. As mentioned above, if the air-to-volume ratio is less than 2 but greater than 0.5, the value set in 1536 is returned by operation 1546, which is the end operation. Operation 1546 could be a return operation that provides a return value from a function call performed by another routine, code, subroutine, etc.

[0276] Figures 220A to 220C show some diagrams of the inline pressure sensor 1548, and Figures 202D to 202F show the inline pressure sensor of Figures 220A to 220C having a clip 1550 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0277] Referring here to Figure 220A, an inline pressure sensor 1548 is shown, which may be configured to measure the pressure inside a venous fluid line or other fluid line. The inline pressure sensor 1548 may be positioned between a first portion 1552 of the IV line and a second portion 1554 of the IV line.

[0278] The inline pressure sensor 1548 includes a first port 1558 and a second port 1556. The second port 1556 includes a first arm 1564 and a second arm 1566. The distal end 1560 of the first arm 1564 is curved toward the central axis 1572 of the second portion 1554 of the IV line. Similarly, the distal end 1562 of the second arm 1566 is curved toward the central axis 1572. The second port 1556 is inserted into the second portion 1554 of the IV line so as to extend the second portion 1554 outward along a length 1570. This extension results in a first flat side surface 1574. The second port 1556 is inserted into the second portion 1554 until the second portion 1554 engages with the raised flange 1568. The second part 1554 can be attached to the raised flange 1568 by bonding, welding, ultrasonic welding, etc. The first part 1552 is attached to the first port 1558, which can be attached to the raised flange 1568 by bonding, welding, ultrasonic welding, etc.

[0279] Referring here to Figure 220B, the inline pressure sensor 1548 is shown in its assembled state. Note the first flat side surface 1574. The fluid contained within the IV can cause deformation of the second portion 1554 of the IV tube, and this deformation is amplified by the first flat side surface 1574 and the second flat side surface 1576, both of which are readily apparent in Figure 220C.

[0280] Figure 220D shows an in-line pressure sensor 1548 connected by a clip 1550 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The clip 1550 includes a first elongated member 1578 and a second elongated member 1580. The first and second elongated members 1578, 1580 rotate along a living hinge 1582. As readily apparent in Figure 220E, the living hinge 1582 expands as the first and second elongated members 1578, 1580 expand due to an increase in pressure in the IV tube. A sensor 1584 may be used to measure the amount of rotation of the clip 1550. Sensor 1584 may be any sensor that measures rotation, motion, displacement, etc., such as a beam cutoff sensor, a Hall sensor, a potentiometer, or any sensor known to those skilled in the art. Figure 220F shows another diagram of the clip 1550 showing an optional stopper member 1586. The stopper member 1586 can prevent the first and second elongated members 1578 and 1580 from coming into contact with each other.

[0281] Figure 221 shows another inline pressure sensor 1594 according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. The inline pressure sensor 1594 includes an insert 1596. The fluid between the insert 1596 and the IV tube 1598 causes the material to deflect as required for pressure measurement by the clip 1550.

[0282] Figure 222 shows a downstream bladder or inline pressure sensor 1588 according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. The inline pressure sensor 1588 in Figure 222 includes a narrow region 1590 adjacent to the flange 1592. In some embodiments, the component shown in Figure 222 may be used as a downstream bladder 1588 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The downstream bladder 1588 includes a narrow region 1590 adjacent to the flange 1592. The flange 1592 may be used as a mounting point by a tube 1594. The tube 1594 in the passage at flange 1592, where a first portion of the tube 1594 connects to a second portion of the tube 1596, may have a reduced diameter relative to the tubes 1594 and 1596 to remove bubbles. For example, the tube portion 1599 in Figure 223 may be part of an IV tube 1598 or incorporated within the flange 1592. The tube portion 1599 may use a suction portion 1600 to remove bubbles. The first portion of tube 1594 may be connected to the output of a peristaltic pump 1020, for example, a peristaltic pump disclosed herein. A downstream bladder 1588 may smooth the irregular fluid flow resulting from the pulsating process of the peristaltic pump. In some embodiments of this disclosure, a high-compliance tube may be used instead of the downstream bladder 1588. The obstruction 1600 of tube 1599 in Figure 223 may be used to slightly increase the pressure downstream of the high-compliance tube. In some embodiments of this disclosure, the obstruction 1600 may be configured to be a nucleation site for air bubbles. The nucleation site may be formed by roughing, cutting, or etching the obstruction 1600. A heater 1601 may be used to increase the fluid temperature before bringing the fluid into contact with the nucleation site.

[0283] Figure 224 shows another embodiment of the downstream bladder 1602 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The downstream bladder 1602 includes a tube 1608. The tube 1610 includes a compliance section 1604 that allows expansion to absorb irregular fluid flow. The remainder of the tube 1608 may have standard IV compliance, while the compliance section 1604 may have substantially higher compliance than the majority of the tube 1608.

[0284] Figure 225 shows a section of tubular material 1606 including a nucleation site 1616 having an air trap 1612, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. A liquid fluid may flow downstream in direction 1614. As the liquid fluid flows downstream, it passes through the air trap 1612 and alongside the nucleation site 1616. The nucleation site 1616 may be configured to facilitate the formation of bubbles at microscopic locations along the nucleation site 1616 by gases within the liquid fluid. The bubbles may begin to flow upstream, opposite to direction 1614. As the bubbles flow upstream along the wall of the tube 1610, the air trap 1612 may capture the bubbles. The air trap 1612 may be formed by interface connecting two tube sections 1610 together, such that one tube section folds back on itself, thereby taking on an overall toroidal shape for the air trap 1612. In further embodiments of the present disclosure, the liquid fluid may be heated upstream of the nucleation site 1616 to help facilitate gas release via bubble formation at the nucleation site 1616.

[0285] Figure 226 shows a locking screw 1618 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The locking screw 1618 includes a head 1632, a narrow neck 1620, an enlarged intermediate body 1626, a non-threaded end 1628, and a threaded end 1630. The enlarged intermediate body 1626 may be captured within an enlarged cavity 1636 of a first section of material 1622 (e.g., a metal panel). The narrow neck 1620 of the locking screw 1618 may be located within a narrow cavity 1634. An optional second section of material 1624 may surround the non-threaded end 1628. In some embodiments, the threaded end 1630 is directly connected to the enlarged intermediate body 1626. The anti-loosening screws 1618 can be pressed into the access panel for the peristaltic pump, for example, into the narrow cavity 1634 and the widening cavity 1636 as part of the rear panel or side panel of the peristaltic pump described herein.

[0286] Figures 227A to 227D show a pole clamp 1638 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The pole clamp 1638 is configured to allow coarse and fine adjustments so that a user can quickly attach, for example, a medical device to a pole.

[0287] The pole clamp 1638 includes a fixed jaw member 1642 and a movable jaw member 1644. The pole clamp 1638 includes a body having a lower half and an upper half (see Figures 227C to 227D) of the body 1640. The pole clamp 1638 also includes a knob 1648 connected to a threaded screw 1650. The threaded screw 1650 engages with a collar 1656. The collar 1656 includes a cam 1652. The cam 1652 engages with a cam groove 1654. When the knob 1648 rotates, the threaded screw 1650 engages with the female thread of the collar 1656, which can actuate the movable jaw member 1644.

[0288] Before securing the pole clamp 1638 to the medical pole, rotating the knob 1648 slightly counterclockwise causes the cam 1652 of the collar 1656 to rotate so that the cam 1652 is in groove 1658 in Figure 227D or groove 1660 in Figure 227C. In this position, the knob 1648 can be easily moved toward or away from the fixed jaw member 1642, thereby acting on the movable jaw member 1644. When rough positioning is performed by the user, a clockwise rotation of the knob 1648 rotates the collar 1656 so that the cam 1652 acts within the cam groove 1654. Since the cam groove 1654 is only long enough for the collar 1656 to actuate about a quarter turn, the cam 1652 stops rotating, and instead, the threaded screw 1650 rotates. The rotation of the threaded screw 1650 engages with the female thread of the collar 1656 so that the movable jaw member 1644 is pushed toward the fixed jaw member 1642, thereby providing a fine adjustment mechanism. Figure 227B shows a top view of the pole clamp 1638 with the upper half of the body 1640 (see Figure 227D) removed. Figure 227C shows a magnified view of the lower half of the body 1640 with the threaded screw 1650 removed to show the groove 1660, while Figure 227D shows a magnified view of the upper half of the body 1643 to also show the groove 1658 and the cam groove 1662.

[0289] Figure 228 shows a block diagram illustrating a system 1664 for pumping fluid from a primary IV bag 1670 and a secondary IV bag 1668 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. System 1664 includes a primary IV bag 1670 connected to a check valve 1672. The check valve 1672 may be a one-way valve, such as a duckbill valve, configured to allow fluid to flow from the primary IV bag 1670 and a Y-connector 1674. The secondary IV bag 1668 is also connected to the Y-connector 1674 so that fluid can be pumped downstream by the operation of a pump 1676. The pump 1676 may be a spring-forced peristaltic pump 1020 as described herein.

[0290] Pump 1676 also includes GUI 1678, which may be, for example, a touchscreen. The user can interact with GUI 1678 to set pump 1676 to secondary infusion mode. Alternatively, the user can achieve the same effect by interacting with the GUI in the main processing control unit (PCU) (see Figure 187). Secondary infusion mode may be a state of the control system implemented by the processor executing multiple executable instructions (e.g., discrete PID control loops implemented in software).

[0291] After the fluid is discharged downstream, the outlet valve of pump 1676 may be closed and the upstream inlet valve may be opened. The processor may limit the amount of fluid flowing from the Y connector 1674 by limiting the rise of the plunger, thereby controlling the fluid pressure in the upstream fluid line. The processor may be configured to limit resonant flow by limiting the operation of the plunger by maintaining the upstream fluid pressure above a predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold may be a pressure above the crack pressure of the crack valve 1672, for example, between 1.5 force pounds per square inch (approximately 10.3421 kPa) and 5 force pounds per square inch (approximately 34.4738 kPa) (or approximately 6900 Pascals and approximately 34,500 Pascals).

[0292] The operating limit may be a plunger speed limit or a camshaft rotation speed limit. The processor may limit the operation of pump 1676 when it is in secondary infusion mode, as long as the fluid flow rate does not exceed a predetermined fluid flow rate, for example, 250 ml / hour, 500 ml / hour, or any flow rate in between. The flow rate may be limited to, for example, 500 ml / hour or less when in secondary infusion mode. In some embodiments, pump 1676 may limit its operation to ensure that the resonant flow is less than 5% of the volume being infused (for example, the volume being infused may then be between 50 ml / hour and 1000 ml / hour).

[0293] Figure 229 shows a block diagram illustrating a system 1708 that pumps fluid together with a check valve 1714 to prevent gas release, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The check valve 1714 may be a duckbill valve. The system 1708 includes an IV bag 1710 having a fluid line connected to a pump 1712 (e.g., a peristaltic pump 1020). The check valve 1714 may be configured to increase the fluid pressure inside the IV tube in the pump 1712. That is, the check valve 1714 may be configured to provide a minimum pressure in the tube. The crack pressure of the crack valve 1714 may be configured to raise the minimum pressure above a predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold may be above the gas release pressure of the fluid in the IV line (e.g., between the valve 1714 and the pump 1712, and / or inside the pump 1712 adjacent to the spring-forced plunger). In some embodiments, the crack pressure is adjustable in the check valve 1714 and may be adjusted to account for temperature changes. In some embodiments, the pump 1712 may electronically adjust the crack pressure of the check valve. Alternatively, or optionally, the check valve 1714 may be adjusted according to the measured ambient pressure, the measured fluid pressure, or the expected or measured amount of dissolved gas. In some embodiments, the pump 1712 may control the spring-forced plunger to maintain a minimum pressure above the gas release pressure.

[0294] Figure 230A shows a fluid pumping system 1724 having a retainer 1726 configured to be fixed to the pump body. Figure 230B shows an enlarged view of the retainer 1726. The retainer 1726 includes a first tube 1728 and a second tube 1732. The first and second tubes 1728 and 1732 are connected to a plastic retainer, which may concentrically surround the tubes or be rectangular in shape so as to be fixed within the peristaltic pump 1020.

[0295] Figure 231 shows a flowchart of Method 1680, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, for pumping a fluid and adjusting the fluid delivery estimate to account for air or bubbles. Method 1680 includes operations 1682-1706. Method 1680 may be performed by a peristaltic pump 1020 having a spring-forced plunger, where an actuator lifts the plunger, thereby loading the spring, and the actuator and plunger may be separated from each other.

[0296] Action 1682 opens the upstream valve. For example, after fluid has been discharged downstream by the plunger, the peristaltic pump needs to fill the tube adjacent to the plunger with fluid. Thus, in action 1684, method 1680 acts the spring-forced plunger away from the tube (e.g., using a camshaft). Once the fluid has filled the tube adjacent to the spring-forced plunger, action 1686 closes the upstream valve, thereby fluidically sealing the filling tube adjacent to the spring-forced plunger. Action 1688 acts the spring-forced plunger toward the tube, and action 1690 separates the actuator from the spring-forced plunger. After action 1690, the spring-forced plunger is held against the tube material adjacent to it by spring force. Thus, action 1692 determines a first position of the spring-forced plunger that can deviate from the relative position of the actuator. When the first position of the plunger is determined, any air adjacent to the spring-driven plunger can be substantially compressed. Action 1694 acts the spring-driven plunger away from the tube.

[0297] Action 1696 opens the downstream valve, and action 1698 acts on the spring-driven plunger toward the tube, thereby discharging the fluid downstream. However, action 1700 closes the downstream outlet valve before the fluid is completely discharged by the spring-driven plunger. Action 1702 separates the actuator from the spring-driven plunger. As before, the fluid is sealed between the inlet and outlet valves, where the position of the spring-driven plunger corresponds to the amount of fluid in the tube material adjacent to the spring-driven plunger. Also, any air or bubbles are substantially compressed during action 1702. Action 1704 determines the second position of the spring-driven plunger.

[0298] Operation 1706 uses two positions to determine the amount of fluid discharged downstream. Both positions are obtained using a spring that applies pressure to the tube (via a spring-forced plunger), thereby substantially compressing any air in the tube; the positions should "filter out" any air from the downstream fluid discharge calculation. To ensure that a predetermined amount of fluid remains adjacent to the spring-forced plunger so that it does not engage with a mechanical stopper (i.e., the spring-forced plunger may move further toward the tube if there is less fluid in the tube), operation 1700 may close the downstream outlet valve.

[0299] Various modifications and alterations can be conceived by those skilled in the art without departing from this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is intended to include all such modifications, alterations, and variations. Furthermore, while some embodiments of this disclosure are shown in the drawings and / or described herein, this disclosure is not intended to be limited thereto, as this disclosure is broad in the scope of what the art makes possible, and the specification is intended to be read similarly. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as a limitation, but merely as an example of a particular embodiment. Those skilled in the art will conceive of other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended herein. Other elements, steps, methods, and techniques that differ slightly from those described above and / or in the appended claims are also intended to be within the scope of this disclosure.

[0300] The embodiments shown in the drawings are presented solely to demonstrate specific examples of the present disclosure. The drawings provided are illustrative and non-limiting. In the drawings, for illustrative purposes only, the sizes of some elements may be exaggerated and not depicted to a particular scale. Furthermore, elements shown in the drawings with the same number may be identical or similar elements, depending on the context.

[0301] When the term “equipped with” is used herein and in the claims, the term does not exclude other elements or steps. When an indefinite or definite article is used with a single noun, for example, “a,” “an,” or “the,” this includes multiple such nouns unless specifically stated otherwise. Therefore, the term “equipped with” should not be interpreted as being limited to the items enumerated therein, and since the term does not exclude other elements or steps, the scope of the expression “a device comprising items A and B” should not be limited to a device consisting only of components A and B. This expression means to the present disclosure that A and B are merely related components of a device.

[0302] Furthermore, the terms “First,” “Second,” “Third,” and similar terms, whether used in the specification or in the claims, are provided to distinguish similar elements and are not necessarily provided to describe a sequential or chronological order. Terms used in this manner are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances (unless otherwise expressly disclosed), and it should be understood that embodiments of the disclosure described herein may operate in sequences and / or arrangements other than those described or shown herein.

[0303] Figure 1 shows a front view of the pump 100. The pump 100 may be a standalone device that connects directly to an IV pole (not shown) by, for example, using a clamp (not shown). Furthermore or alternatively, the pump 100 may be modular such that one or more pumps 100 can be connected together with a central unit and / or other medical devices. While the peristaltic pump 100 is described throughout this specification, further embodiments may include syringe pumps or other pump types where applicable or apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0304] The pump 100 includes a pump housing 158 and a door 102 connected to the pump housing 158. The door 102 is rotatably connected to the pump 100 so that an infusion set having a flow stopper 152 (see Figures 39-44) and tubing 216 (see Figures 4-5) can be loaded and secured inside the pump 100 by the door 102 (as described in more detail below). A hole 106 is provided so that the door 102 can be closed without pinching the tubing 216. Twisting or pinching within the tubing 216 may obstruct the flow of fluid in the tubing 216.

[0305] The pump 100 includes a button panel 110 having buttons 112 for user input, and a screen 108. The screen 108 provides visual information such as menus and status information that can be used by a caregiver to program the control software of the pump 100 using the buttons 112 and to interact with the control software. In some embodiments, the screen 108 may be a touchscreen configured to receive user input via user touch. The pump 100 also includes a lever 104 that can be used to open and lock the door 102, as will be described in more detail below.

[0306] The pump 100 also includes a light bar 162. The light bar 162 may illuminate depending on the status of the pump 100. For example, the light bar 162 may flash green when the pump 100 is infusing fluid into the patient, and may flash red when the pump 100 is not operating or has encountered an error condition or malfunction. The light bar 162 may flash yellow, for example, when an obstruction is detected and intervention is required to remove the obstruction.

[0307] Figure 2 shows the peristaltic pump 100 of Figure 1 with the door 102 open and the lever 104 in the open position. When the lever 104 is closed and the door 102 is properly closed, the door catch 114 closes and locks the door 102 in place by being held by the hold 164. The hold 164 may be a pin interfaced with a pin catch 166. As shown in Figure 2, when the lever 104 is operated to the open position, the door catch 114 releases the hold 164. The door 102 may be spring-driven to rotate so that the door 102 is opened when the door catch 114 releases the hold 164.

[0308] The operation of lever 104 to the open position also retracts the spring-loaded plunger 116. The operation of the spring-loaded plunger 116 loads the tube 216 into the platen 168. When the spring-loaded plunger 116 is operated toward the platen 168, the spring-loaded plunger 116 blocks the platen 168, making it more difficult or impossible to insert the tube 216 into the platen 168.

[0309] Figure 3 shows a magnified view of the door 102 of the peristaltic pump 100 (see Figure 1) in the open position. The carriage assembly 160 is also easily recognizable in Figure 3. The flow stopper 152 (see Figures 39-44) can be inserted into the carriage assembly 160 so that the carriage 150 holds the flow stopper 152. The flow stopper holder 170 can hold the flow stopper 152 in the carriage 150. Figure 4 shows the flow stopper 152 loaded into the carriage 150 of the peristaltic pump 100. The door 102 can then be closed with the flow stopper 152 inserted inside, as shown in Figure 5. Since the lever 104 is still in the open position, the door 102 can be reopened because the door catch 114 has not locked the door 102. When the lever 104 is moved down to the closed position, the door 102 is then locked by the door catch 114.

[0310] Figure 6 shows the back of the pump 100 from Figure 1 with the rear housing, cables, and electronic circuit board removed. However, the motor 172 and brace 174 are still visible in Figure 6. Figure 7 shows the pump 100 as shown in Figure 6, but with the motor 172 and brace 174 removed for further clarity.

[0311] In Figure 7, the camshaft 190 is shown with the plunger cam 184, inlet valve cam 186, and outlet valve cam 188 positioned on the camshaft 190. When the plunger cam follower 192 follows the plunger cam 184, the plunger cam follower 192 rotates along the pivot shaft 202 (see Figure 14). When the inlet valve cam follower 194 follows the inlet valve cam follower 194, the inlet valve 198 rotates along the pivot shaft 202 (see Figure 14). When the outlet valve cam follower 196 follows the outlet valve cam 188, the outlet valve 200 rotates along the pivot shaft 202 (see Figure 14).

[0312] The inlet valve torsion spring 204 biases the inlet valve cam follower 194 toward the inlet valve cam 186 toward the tube 216. The outlet valve torsion spring 206 biases the outlet valve cam follower 196 toward the outlet valve cam 188. Additionally, a pair of plunger torsion springs 208 bias the plunger cam follower 192 toward the plunger cam 184, and thus also bias the spring-biased plunger 116 toward the tube 216. Figure 8 shows the pump 100 as shown in Figure 7, but from a different angle, and Figure 9 shows the pump 100 as shown in Figure 7, but from the rear of the pump 100, at an angle from bottom to top.

[0313] The operation of lever 104 acts on the main shaft 118. A shaft spring 182 is shown that pulls the main shaft 118 toward one of two positions, acting the lever 104 toward either the open or closed position, depending on the angle of the main shaft 118. That is, the shaft spring 182 acts the lever 104 in an overcentering motion with respect to the force that the shaft spring 182 exerts on the main shaft 118. The force that the shaft spring 182 exerts on the main shaft 118 is also exerted on the lever 104 due to the mechanical coupling between the main shaft 118 and the lever 104. This overcentering motion biases the main shaft 118 so that the lever 104 is biased toward either the closed or open position, depending on whether the lever 104 is between the intermediate and closed positions or between the intermediate and open positions.

[0314] Referring to Figures 10 to 13, Figure 10 shows a front view of the mechanical assembly 210, including the main shaft 118 connected to the lever 104, with the lever 104 in the open position; Figure 11 shows the mechanical assembly 210 of Figure 10 with the lever 104 in the closed position; Figure 12 shows a rear view of the mechanical assembly 210 of Figure 10 with the lever 104 in the open position; and Figure 13 shows a rear view of the mechanical assembly 210 of Figure 10 with the lever 104 in the closed position. The mechanical assembly 210 can be found in the pump 100 of Figure 1.

[0315] Lever 104 is connected to the first bevel gear 122 and rotates with the movement of lever 104. That is, lever 104 is connected to the first bevel gear 122 so as to actuate the first bevel gear 122. The first bevel gear 122 is connected to the second bevel gear 124, and the second bevel gear 124 is connected to the main shaft 118. Combined, the actuation of lever 104 causes the main shaft 118 to rotate around its central axis.

[0316] Generally, the upper shaft 298 rotates together with the main shaft 118. However, the upper shaft 298 is not directly connected to the main shaft 118 and, under certain circumstances, can rotate independently...

Claims

1. It is a medical pump, A plunger that is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein when a tube is loaded into the pump and the plunger is in the second position, the plunger applies force to the tube, A camshaft configured to actuate the plunger and move it from the first position to the second position, The motor connected to the camshaft, A heat sink for dissipating heat from the motor, wherein the heat sink includes a first part and a second part, A housing, wherein the housing includes at least a portion of each of the plunger, the camshaft, the motor, and the heat sink. Equipped with, A medical pump wherein the first portion of the heatsink extends through the surface of the housing, the second portion is in thermal contact with the motor, and the first and second portions of the heatsink are movable relative to each other along a longitudinally extending axis such that the first and second portions determine an adjustable overall length.

2. The pump according to claim 1, wherein the first and second portions of the heat sink are slidable relative to each other while fitting together with friction.

3. The pump according to claim 1, wherein the heat sink further comprises a heat-conductive braided wire having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the motor to dissipate heat from the motor.

4. The pump according to claim 3, wherein the second end is connected to the heat sink.

5. The pump according to claim 4, wherein the second end is soldered onto the heat sink.

6. The pump according to claim 4, further comprising a clip, the second end of which is clipped onto the heatsink using the clip.

7. The pump according to claim 1, wherein the first end is soldered onto the motor.

8. The pump according to claim 1, further comprising a clip, the first end of which is clipped onto the heat sink using the clip.

9. The pump according to claim 3, wherein the heat-conductive braided wire includes a metal.

10. The pump according to claim 9, wherein the metal is copper.

11. The pump according to claim 9, wherein the metal is aluminum.

12. The pump according to claim 1, wherein the heat sink is positioned on the back of the pump.

13. The pump according to claim 1, wherein the heat sink is positioned to dissipate heat into the surrounding ambient air.

14. The pump according to claim 1, further comprising a heat pipe, the heat pipe being connected to the heat sink to dissipate heat between it and the heat sink.

15. The pump according to claim 9, wherein the heat-conductive braided wire includes a non-metallic heat-conductive material.

16. The pump according to claim 3, further comprising a power bar heat dissipator, wherein the first end of a thermally conductive braided wire is thermally connected to the heat sink, and the second end of the thermally conductive braided wire is thermally connected to the power bar heat dissipator.

17. The pump according to claim 16, further comprising a heat pipe, the heat pipe being connected to the power bar heat dissipator and the heat conductive braided wire so as to dissipate heat between the power bar heat dissipator and the heat conductive braided wire.

18. The pump according to claim 16, further comprising a heat pipe, wherein the heat pipe is connected to the power bar heat dissipator and the heat sink so as to dissipate heat between the power bar heat dissipator and the heat sink.

19. A pump for treating a patient, wherein the pump is A plunger configured to act on the tube, A camshaft configured to actuate the plunger, The motor connected to the camshaft, heatsink and A planar thermal connector having a first end and a second end, A pump comprising a planar thermal connector configured to conduct heat from the motor.

20. The pump according to claim 19, wherein the planar thermal connector has at least one arm extending to make thermal contact with the motor.

21. The pump according to claim 19, wherein the planar thermal connector has two arms extending to contact two metal connectors, and the two metal connectors are in thermal contact with the motor.

22. The pump according to claim 19, further comprising a power bar heat dissipator, wherein the first end of the planar thermal connector is thermally connected to the heat sink, and the second end of the planar thermal connector is thermally connected to the power bar heat dissipator.

23. The pump according to claim 22, further comprising a heat pipe, wherein the heat pipe is connected to the power bar heat dissipator and the planar thermal connector so as to dissipate heat between the power bar heat dissipator and the planar thermal connector.

24. The pump according to claim 22, further comprising a heat pipe, wherein the heat pipe is connected to the power bar heat dissipator and the heat sink so as to dissipate heat between the power bar heat dissipator and the heat sink.

25. The pump according to claim 19, wherein the planar thermal connector includes two arms extending from the planar thermal connector, the two arms being in thermal contact with the motor.

26. The pump according to claim 19, wherein the heat sink is positioned on the back of the pump.

27. The aforementioned planar thermal connector is Power bar heat dissipator and Two arms extending to contact two metal connectors, the two metal connectors thermally contact the motor, and the two arms A thermal strap bracket configured to be positioned between the power bar heat dissipator and the heat sink, wherein the thermal strap bracket is configured to provide compliance between the power bar heat dissipator and the heat sink, The pump according to claim 19, further comprising:

28. The pump according to claim 27, wherein the heat strap bracket is electrically insulated.

29. The pump according to claim 27, wherein the thermal strap bracket includes a bottom side positioned toward the power bar heat dissipator away from the heat sink, and the first end of the planar thermal connector is positioned adjacent to the bottom side of the thermal strap bracket.

30. The pump according to claim 29, further comprising a thermal pad disposed between the first end of the planar thermal connector and the power bar heat dissipator.

31. The pump according to claim 30, wherein the heat strap bracket further comprises at least one projection extending toward the power bar heat dissipator, the heat pad has at least one hole configured to accommodate a corresponding of the at least one projection, and the at least one projection is configured to limit the compression of the heat pad.

32. The pump according to claim 27, wherein the thermal strap bracket includes at least one latch receiving portion configured to accommodate at least one latch, each of the at least one latch configured to secure the planar thermal connector to the heat sink.

33. The pump according to claim 32, wherein the planar thermal connector includes at least one hole for accommodating each of the at least one latch.

34. The pump according to claim 19, wherein the heat sink is positioned to dissipate heat into the surrounding ambient air.

35. The pump according to claim 19, further comprising a heat pipe, wherein the heat pipe is connected to the planar thermal connector and the heat sink so as to dissipate heat between the planar thermal connector and the heat sink.

36. The pump according to claim 19, further comprising a heat pipe, wherein the heat pipe is connected to the planar thermal connector and the motor so as to dissipate heat between the planar thermal connector and the motor.

37. A pump for treating a patient, wherein the pump is A platen configured to hold the tube, A plunger having an end effector configured to act on the tube, A platen positioned within the platen adjacent to the end effector of the plunger, the platen having a first end and a second end, A first adjuster positioned adjacent to the platen at the first end, A second adjuster positioned adjacent to the platen at the second end, A pump equipped with the following features.

38. The pump according to claim 37, wherein the first adjuster is configured to actuate the platen toward or away from the plunger.

39. The pump according to claim 38, wherein the second adjuster is configured to actuate the platen toward or away from the plunger.

40. The pump according to claim 39, wherein the first adjuster and the second adjuster are configured to actuate the opposite end of the platen.

41. A first mount configured to fix the first end of the platen to the pump, A second mount configured to fix the second end of the platen to the pump, The pump according to claim 37, further comprising the following:

42. The pump according to claim 37, further comprising a fastener having a central axis, the fastener having a first end and a second end, the first end being positioned adjacent to the first mount, and the central axis of the fastener being parallel to the platen.

43. The pump according to claim 42, wherein the fastener is a screw.

44. The pump according to claim 42, wherein the first adjuster defines an inclined portion, the inclined portion having a first side positioned away from the first mount and a second side engaging with the first mount at a certain angle.

45. The pump according to claim 44, wherein the first adjuster is configured to actuate the first end of the platen toward the end effector when the first adjuster is actuated toward the second adjuster.

46. The pump according to claim 37, wherein the first adjuster includes a flat portion disposed between the platen and the pump.

47. The pump according to claim 37, wherein the first adjuster is provided with an insulating material.

48. The pump according to claim 47, wherein the thermal insulation material is plastic.

49. A pump for treating a patient, wherein the pump is A platen configured to hold the tube, A shaft having a first end and a second end, A plunger having an end effector configured to act on the tube, wherein the plunger is rotatably mounted on the shaft, A platen positioned within the platen adjacent to the end effector of the plunger, the platen having a first end and a second end, A first shaft adjuster operably engaged with the first end of the shaft, A pump equipped with the following features.

50. The pump according to claim 49, further comprising a second shaft adjuster operably engaged with the second end of the shaft.

51. The pump according to claim 49, further comprising a second shaft adjuster operably engaged with the first end of the shaft, wherein the first and second shaft adjusters are configured to cooperate in actinguating the first end of the shaft.

52. The pump according to claim 49, further comprising an adjustment screw configured to actuate the first shaft adjuster.

53. The pump according to claim 49, further comprising an inclined portion positioned adjacent to the first shaft adjuster and configured to actuate the shaft when the first shaft adjuster is activated.

54. A pump for treating a patient, wherein the pump is A plunger having an end effector configured to act toward and away from a tube, wherein the end effector is formed of a thermal insulating material, and the plunger, A camshaft configured to actuate the plunger, A pump equipped with the following features.

55. The pump according to claim 54, wherein the end effector includes plastic.

56. A pump for treating a patient, wherein the pump is A plunger having an end effector configured to act toward and away from the tube, A multi-stage spring configured to change the biasing force of the end effector on the tube, A camshaft configured to actuate the plunger, A pump equipped with the following features.

57. The pump according to claim 56, wherein the multi-stage spring is a torsion spring.

58. The pump according to claim 56, wherein the multi-stage spring comprises two springs.

59. The pump according to claim 56, wherein the multi-stage spring is a conical torsion spring.

60. The pump according to claim 56, wherein the multi-stage spring is a diameter-variable spring.

61. The pump according to claim 56, wherein the multi-stage spring is a force-variable torsion spring.

62. The pump according to claim 56, wherein the multi-stage spring is a variable-stiffness torsion spring.

63. The pump according to claim 56, wherein the multi-stage spring includes a torsion spring and a leaf spring.

64. The pump according to claim 63, wherein a leaf spring is connected to a cam follower to provide a torsional force between a first position and a second position.

65. The pump according to claim 63, wherein the plunger applies force to the tube, and when the leaf spring is between the first stopper and the second stopper, the first force is applied to the tube.

66. The pump according to claim 65, wherein when the leaf spring is stopped by one of the first stopper and the second stopper, and the cam follower of the plunger moves away from the camshaft, a second force is applied to the tube.

67. A position sensor operably connected to the end effector to estimate the position of the end effector, A processor configured to estimate the first position of the end effector when the first force is applied to the tube, and to estimate the second position of the end effector when the second force is applied to the tube, The pump according to claim 66, further comprising the following:

68. The pump according to claim 67, wherein the processor is configured to estimate the amount of air in the tube using the first and second positions of the end effector.

69. The pump according to claim 67, wherein the processor estimates a first pressure in the tube when the first force is applied to the tube.

70. The pump according to claim 69, wherein the processor estimates a second pressure in the tube when the second force is applied to the tube.

71. The pump according to claim 70, wherein the processor estimates the amount of air in the tube using the first and second pressures in the tube.

72. The pump according to claim 70, wherein the processor estimates the amount of air in the tube using the first and second pressures in the tube by utilizing the law of ideal gases.

73. A method for operating a peristaltic pump, wherein the method is To activate the plunger toward the tube, When a predetermined force is applied to the plunger, the first spring is moved within the plunger, When the first spring moves, the first position of the plunger is determined, After the first spring has moved, the plunger is actuated toward the tube until the cam follower of the plunger is separated from the cam, After the cam follower of the plunger is separated from the cam, the second position of the plunger is determined. To determine the difference between the first and second positions, Calculate the volume of the fluid according to the above difference, Methods that include...

74. The method according to claim 73, wherein the first spring is configured to move after sufficient force has been applied to the tube to substantially compress any gas in the tube.

75. The method according to claim 73, wherein the second spring is configured to actuate the plunger toward the tube.

76. The method according to claim 75, wherein the cam follower is configured to actuate the plunger away from the tube.

77. The method according to claim 76, wherein the second spring is configured to actuate the plunger relative to the tube when the cam follower of the plunger is separated from the cam.

78. The method according to claim 73, wherein the first spring is a leaf spring configured to connect the cam follower to the plunger.

79. A pump for pumping fluid, wherein the pump is Platen and, A plunger having an end effector configured to act toward the platen and toward away from the platen, A piezoelectric transmitter positioned at a first location adjacent to the platen, wherein the piezoelectric transmitter is configured to generate ultrasonic waves from the piezoelectric transmitter, A piezoelectric receiver located at a second position adjacent to the platen and on the opposite side of the platen from the first piezoelectric transmitter, wherein the piezoelectric receiver is configured to receive the ultrasonic waves from the piezoelectric transmitter, A processor operably connected to the piezoelectric transmitter to generate the ultrasonic waves, the processor operably connected to the piezoelectric receiver to receive ultrasonic signals corresponding to the received ultrasonic waves, Equipped with, The aforementioned processor, Set the trigger threshold to the first bubble threshold, A pump configured to set the trigger threshold to a second bubble threshold when the ultrasonic signal is below a first predetermined threshold for a first predetermined amount of time.

80. The pump according to claim 79, wherein the processor is further configured to set the trigger threshold to the second bubble threshold when the ultrasonic signal is below the first threshold and above the second threshold for a predetermined amount of time, the second threshold being lower than the first threshold.

81. The pump according to claim 80, wherein the processor is further configured to set the trigger threshold to a third bubble threshold when the ultrasonic signal is below the second threshold and below the third threshold for a second predetermined amount of time, the second threshold being lower than the first threshold and the second bubble threshold.

82. The pump according to claim 79, wherein the processor is further configured to detect a bubble state when the ultrasonic signal is below the trigger threshold.

83. The pump according to claim 82, wherein the processor is further configured to estimate the size of the bubble in the bubble state by integrating the volume of fluid delivered by the pump over time until the ultrasonic signal rises above the trigger threshold.

84. The pump according to claim 79, wherein the processor is configured to set the trigger threshold to a first bubble threshold when the ultrasonic signal rises from below a first threshold to above a first threshold.

85. A pump for pumping fluid, wherein the pump is Platen and, A plunger having an end effector configured to act toward the platen and toward away from the platen, An ultrasonic air detector is positioned at a distance from the platen, and the ultrasonic air detector is A first piezoelectric transmitter is positioned at a first location adjacent to the platen, A first piezoelectric receiver is located at a second position adjacent to the platen, and is positioned on the opposite side of the platen from the first piezoelectric transmitter, A second piezoelectric transmitter is positioned at a third location adjacent to the platen, A second piezoelectric receiver is located at a fourth position adjacent to the platen and on the opposite side of the platen from the first piezoelectric transmitter, wherein the first piezoelectric transmitter is upstream of the second piezoelectric transmitter and the second piezoelectric receiver is located there. An ultrasonic air detector equipped with, A processor operably connected to the ultrasonic air detector to receive a first ultrasonic signal corresponding to the first piezoelectric receiver and a second ultrasonic signal corresponding to the second piezoelectric receiver, The processor is equipped with, The first ultrasonic signal is monitored for the air bubble. Only after detecting the air bubble from the first ultrasonic signal, the second ultrasonic signal is monitored for the air bubble. Only after the air bubble has been detected by the second ultrasonic signal is it determined that the air bubble has moved downstream. A pump configured to estimate the size of the aforementioned air bubbles.

86. The pump according to claim 85, wherein the processor is further configured to estimate the size of the air bubbles by monitoring the amount of air passing through the ultrasonic air detector.

87. The pump according to claim 85, wherein the size of the air bubble is estimated when the first ultrasonic signal and the second ultrasonic signal do not simultaneously detect the air bubble.

88. In order to update the estimation of the size of the air bubble, the processor further: When the first ultrasonic signal corresponds to the air bubble, estimate the raw upstream value corresponding to the first volume of the fluid being pumped. When the second ultrasonic signal corresponds to the air bubble, estimate the raw downstream value corresponding to the second volume of the fluid being pumped. The pump according to claim 85, configured to update the estimation of the size of the air bubble in accordance with the first and second ultrasonic signals.

89. The pump according to claim 88, wherein the processor is configured to estimate the size of the air bubble as zero if at least one of the raw upstream estimate and the raw downstream estimate is zero, in order to update the estimate of the size of the air bubble in accordance with the first and second ultrasonic signals.

90. The pump according to claim 88, wherein the processor is configured to determine the ratio of the raw upstream estimate to the raw downstream estimate in order to update the estimate of the size of the air bubble in accordance with the first and second ultrasonic signals.

91. The pump according to claim 90, wherein the processor is configured to estimate the size of the air bubble as the raw downstream estimate when the ratio is greater than 2, in order to update the estimate of the size of the air bubble in accordance with the first and second ultrasonic signals.

92. The pump according to claim 90, wherein the processor is configured to estimate the size of the air bubble as the raw upstream estimate when the ratio is less than 0.5, in order to update the estimate of the size of the air bubble in accordance with the first and second ultrasonic signals.

93. The pump according to claim 90, wherein the processor is configured to estimate the size of the air bubble as the average of the raw upstream estimate and the raw downstream estimate in order to update the estimate of the size of the air bubble in accordance with the first and second ultrasonic signals.

94. In order to update the estimation of the size of the air bubble according to the first and second ultrasonic signals, the processor determines the size of the bubble. If the ratio is greater than 2, it is estimated to be the downstream value of the raw material. If the ratio is less than 0.5, it is estimated to be the raw upstream value. The pump according to claim 90, configured to estimate the average value of the estimated value of the raw upstream and the estimated value of the raw downstream when the ratio is 2 or less or 0.5 or more.

95. The pump according to claim 85, wherein when the processor determines, using the ultrasonic air detector, that each air bubble is moving upstream, the processor is configured to discard any bubble from the total air volume.

96. The pump according to claim 85, wherein the processor is configured to ignore the air bubble if the estimated size of the air bubble is less than the hold-up volume, in order to update the estimate of the size of the air bubble in accordance with the first and second ultrasonic signals.

97. The pump according to claim 96, wherein the hold-up volume is obtained by multiplying the cross-sectional area of ​​the tube arranged in the ultrasonic air detector by the distance along the platen between the first and second piezoelectric transmitters.

98. The pump according to claim 85, further comprising a rib protruding from the ultrasonic air detector in a direction perpendicular to the length of the platen, wherein the rib is positioned between one of the first piezoelectric transmitter and the first piezoelectric receiver and one of the second piezoelectric transmitter and the first piezoelectric receiver.

99. The pump according to claim 85, wherein the first piezoelectric transmitter and the second piezoelectric transmitter are located on the same side of the platen.

100. The pump according to claim 85, wherein the first piezoelectric transmitter and the second piezoelectric receiver are located on the same side of the platen.

101. A pump for pumping fluid, wherein the pump is Platen and, A plunger having an end effector configured to act toward the platen and toward away from the platen, An ultrasonic air detector is positioned at a distance from the platen, and the ultrasonic air detector is A first piezoelectric transmitter is positioned at a first location adjacent to the platen, A first piezoelectric receiver is located at a second position adjacent to the platen, and is positioned on the opposite side of the platen from the first piezoelectric transmitter, A second piezoelectric transmitter is positioned at a third location adjacent to the platen, A second piezoelectric receiver is located at a fourth position adjacent to the platen and on the opposite side of the platen from the first piezoelectric transmitter, wherein the first piezoelectric transmitter is upstream of the second piezoelectric transmitter and the second piezoelectric receiver is located there. An ultrasonic air detector equipped with, A processor operably connected to the ultrasonic air detector to receive a first ultrasonic signal corresponding to the first piezoelectric receiver and a second ultrasonic signal corresponding to the second piezoelectric receiver, The processor is configured to have a plurality of states corresponding to the ultrasonic air detector, the plurality of states including an upstream air monitoring state, a downstream air monitoring state, and a fluid monitoring state. The upstream air monitoring state transitions to the downstream air monitoring state when the first ultrasonic signal indicates air. The downstream air monitoring state transitions to the fluid monitoring state when the second ultrasonic signal indicates air. The aforementioned fluid monitoring state is a pump that estimates the volume of an air bubble when the first and second ultrasonic signals indicate that the volume of the air bubble is greater than the fluid clear volume, or when one of the first and second ultrasonic signals indicates that more fluid than the single sensor clear volume has been detected.

102. The pump according to claim 101, wherein the single-sensor clear volume is the volume of continuous fluid detected by a single of the first or second ultrasonic signals used to determine the termination of a bubble.

103. The pump according to claim 101, wherein the single sensor clearing volume is larger than the fluid clearing volume.

104. The pump according to claim 101, wherein the fluid clear volume is the volume of continuous fluid detected by at least one of the first ultrasonic signal or the second ultrasonic signal used to determine the termination of bubbles.

105. The pump according to claim 101, wherein the processor is configured to ignore a bubble if the estimated size of the air bubble is less than the hold-up volume, in order to update the estimate of the size of the air bubble in accordance with the first and second ultrasonic signals.

106. The pump according to claim 105, wherein the hold-up volume is obtained by multiplying the cross-sectional area of ​​the tube arranged in the ultrasonic air detector by the distance along the platen between the first and second piezoelectric transmitters.

107. The pump according to claim 101, wherein the processor is configured to estimate the size of the air bubble as zero if at least one of the raw upstream estimate and the raw downstream estimate is zero, in order to update the estimate of the size of the air bubble in accordance with the first and second ultrasonic signals.

108. The pump according to claim 101, wherein the processor is configured to determine the ratio of a raw upstream estimate to a raw downstream estimate in order to update the estimate of the size of the air bubble in accordance with the first and second ultrasonic signals.

109. The pump according to claim 108, wherein the processor is configured to estimate the size of the air bubble as the raw downstream estimate when the ratio is greater than 2, in order to update the estimate of the size of the air bubble in accordance with the first and second ultrasonic signals.

110. The pump according to claim 108, wherein, in order to update the estimate of the size of the air bubble in accordance with the first and second ultrasonic signals, the processor is configured to estimate the size of the air bubble as the raw upstream estimate when the ratio is less than 0.

5.

111. The pump according to claim 108, wherein the processor is configured to estimate the size of the air bubble as the average of the raw upstream estimate and the raw downstream estimate, in order to update the estimate of the size of the air bubble in accordance with the first and second ultrasonic signals.

112. In order to update the estimation of the size of the air bubble according to the first and second ultrasonic signals, the processor determines the size of the air bubble. If the ratio is greater than 2, it is estimated to be the downstream value of the raw material. If the ratio is less than 0.5, it is estimated to be the raw upstream value. The pump according to claim 108, wherein when the ratio is 2 or less or 0.5 or more, it is configured to estimate the average value of the estimated value of the raw upstream and the estimated value of the raw downstream.

113. A pump for treating a patient, wherein the pump is Inlet valve and Outlet valve and A spring-biased plunger that is biased to act toward the tube, Processor and The processor is equipped with, Deliver a predetermined amount of fluid downstream for a specified amount of time, By reversing the flow of a predetermined amount of fluid, A pump configured to repeatedly perform the aforementioned delivery and reverse operations.

114. The pump according to claim 113, wherein the predetermined amount is a predetermined volume.

115. The pump according to claim 114, wherein the predetermined volume is a function of the fluid delivery rate.

116. The pump according to claim 113, wherein the predetermined amount is the volume of fluid adjacent to the spring-forced plunger when the inlet valve and outlet valve are closed.

117. The pump according to claim 113, wherein the predetermined amount is another predetermined amount of time.

118. The pump according to claim 117, wherein the aforementioned predetermined amount of time is a function of the fluid delivery rate.

119. The pump according to claim 113, wherein the reverse and repetitive motion occurs only when the fluid delivery operation downstream is in the range of 0.1 ml / hour to 500 ml / hour.

120. The pump according to claim 119, wherein the predetermined amount is 30 minutes.

121. Before the reverse operation of the fluid flow, the processor, Close the aforementioned outlet valve, Open the aforementioned inlet valve, The spring-biased plunger is configured to act toward the direction away from the tube, and in the reverse operation of the fluid flow, the processor, The pump according to claim 113, configured to reverse the flow of fluid by a predetermined amount by acting the spring-forced plunger toward the tube, wherein the predetermined amount is the volume of fluid adjacent to the spring-forced plunger when the inlet valve and outlet valve are closed.

122. The pump according to claim 121, wherein the processor is configured to actuate the spring-forced plunger away from the tube at a rate of 400 degrees per second before reversing the flow of the fluid.

123. The pump according to claim 122, wherein the processor is configured to actuate the spring-biased plunger toward the tube at 800 degrees per second when the fluid flow is reversed.

124. The processor is configured to actuate the spring-biased plunger away from the tube at a first rotational speed before reversing the fluid flow, The processor is configured to actuate the spring-biased plunger toward the tube at a second rotational speed when the fluid flow is reversed. The pump according to claim 121, wherein the absolute ratio of the second rotational speed to the first rotational speed is 2.

125. The pump according to claim 124, wherein the first rotational speed is less than 266.6 degrees per second.

126. The pump according to claim 121, wherein the processor is configured to actuate the spring-biased plunger away from the tube at a rate of 200 degrees per second before reversing the fluid flow.

127. The pump according to claim 126, wherein the processor is configured to actuate the spring-biased plunger toward the tube at 800 degrees per second when the fluid flow is reversed.

128. The pump according to claim 126, wherein the processor is configured to actuate the spring-biased plunger toward the tube at 200 degrees per second when the fluid flow is reversed.

129. Before the reverse operation of the fluid flow, the processor, Close the aforementioned outlet valve, Open the aforementioned inlet valve, The spring-biased plunger is configured to act toward the direction away from the tube, and in the reverse operation of the fluid flow, the processor, The pump according to claim 113, configured to reverse the flow of fluid by a predetermined amount by acting the spring-biased plunger toward the tube, wherein the predetermined amount is less than the total pumping cycle.

130. Before the reverse operation of the fluid flow, the processor, Close the aforementioned outlet valve, Open the aforementioned inlet valve, The spring-biased plunger is configured to act toward the direction away from the tube, and in the reverse operation of the fluid flow, the processor, The pump according to claim 113, configured to reverse the flow of fluid by a predetermined amount by acting the spring-biased plunger toward the tube, wherein the predetermined amount is greater than the total pumping cycle.

131. Before the reverse operation of the fluid flow, the processor, Close the aforementioned outlet valve, Open the aforementioned inlet valve, The spring-biased plunger is configured to act toward the direction away from the tube, and in the reverse operation of the fluid flow, the processor, The pump according to claim 113, configured to reverse the flow of fluid by a predetermined amount by acting the spring-biased plunger toward the tube, wherein the predetermined amount corresponds to having an upstream fluid pressure that is less than a predetermined threshold.

132. The pump according to claim 130, further comprising a check valve upstream of the pump, wherein the upstream fluid pressure is increased by the check valve when the pump reverses the flow of fluid.

133. A pump for treating a patient, wherein the pump is Inlet valve and Outlet valve and A spring-biased plunger that is biased to act toward the tube, An actuator configured to actuate the spring-biased plunger, Processor and The processor is equipped with, A predetermined amount of the first parameter is used to deliver the fluid downstream. Close the downstream valve, The spring-biased plunger is actuated toward the tube, The actuator is separated from the spring-biased plunger. The operation of the actuator is stopped, The second parameter is set to a predetermined amount, and the operation of the actuator is reversed. A pump configured to repeatedly perform the aforementioned delivery and reverse operations.

134. The pump according to claim 133, wherein the first parameter is time.

135. The pump according to claim 133, wherein the first parameter is the fluid volume.

136. The pump according to claim 133, wherein the first parameter is the number of peristaltic pumping cycles.

137. The pump according to claim 133, wherein the first parameter is the amount of air pumped through a downstream air sensor.

138. The pump according to claim 133, wherein the second parameter is time.

139. The pump according to claim 133, wherein the second parameter is the fluid volume.

140. The pump according to claim 133, wherein the second parameter is the number of peristaltic pumping cycles.

141. The pump according to claim 133, wherein the second parameter is the movement of the actuator.

142. The pump according to claim 133, wherein the actuator is a camshaft.

143. It is an infusion set, A tube having a first end configured to connect to a fluid bag, A length of tubular material configured to be operated by a peristaltic pump, wherein the length of the tubular material defines a portion of the tubular material, A nucleation site within the tube is configured to cause bubble formation within the tube, An air trap connected to the tube and configured to capture any bubbles upstream of the nucleation site, An infusion set equipped with these features.

144. The infusion set according to claim 143, wherein the nucleation site is the limiting portion of the tube.

145. The infusion set according to claim 143, wherein the nucleation site is the hourglass-shaped portion of the tube.

146. The infusion set according to claim 143, wherein the air trap is configured to capture approximately 50 microliters of air.

147. The infusion set according to claim 143, wherein the air trap includes a dome for capturing the bubbles.

148. The infusion set according to claim 143, wherein the air trap is located downstream of the long tube.

149. The infusion set according to claim 143, wherein the air trap is located upstream of the long tube.

150. The infusion set according to claim 143, wherein the nucleation site is formed at the connection between the long tube material and another portion of the tube, and one of the long tube material and the other portion of the tube is wound inward during joining.

151. The infusion set according to claim 150, wherein the inwardly wound portion forms a toroid.

152. The infusion set according to claim 151, wherein the lower side of the toroid defines the air trap.

153. The infusion set according to claim 151, wherein the nucleation site is formed by rough machining a part of the toroid.

154. The infusion set according to claim 151, wherein the nucleation site is formed by making a cut in a part of the toroid.

155. The infusion set according to claim 151, wherein the nucleation site is formed by etching a part of the toroid.

156. The infusion set according to claim 143, wherein the nucleation site is formed by rough machining the inner wall of the tube.

157. The infusion set according to claim 143, wherein the nucleation site is formed by making an incision in the inner wall of the tube.

158. The infusion set according to claim 143, wherein the nucleation site is formed by etching the inner wall of the tube.

159. A system for intravenous fluids, wherein the system is A peristaltic pump with a plunger, Infusion set, The infusion set is equipped with, A tube having a first end configured to connect to a fluid bag, A lengthy tube configured to be operated by the plunger of the peristaltic pump, wherein the length of the lengthy tube defines a portion of the tube, A nucleation site within the tube is configured to cause bubble formation within the tube, An air trap connected to the tube and configured to capture any bubbles upstream of the nucleation site, A heater positioned upstream of the nucleation site, wherein the heater is configured to promote bubble formation at the nucleation site by heating the tube, A system equipped with these features.

160. The system according to claim 159, wherein the heater is active when the flow rate of the peristaltic pump is below a threshold.

161. The system according to claim 159, wherein the heater is located upstream of the peristaltic pump, the nucleation site is located downstream of the peristaltic pump, and the temperature of the fluid flowing through the tube decreases as it passes through the peristaltic pump.

162. The system according to claim 159, wherein the temperature of the fluid flowing through the tube reaches a peak temperature at the nucleation site.

163. The system according to claim 159, wherein the nucleation site is the limiting portion of the tube.

164. The system according to claim 159, wherein the nucleation site is the hourglass-shaped portion of the tube.

165. The system according to claim 159, wherein the air trap is configured to capture about 50 microliters of air.

166. The system according to claim 159, wherein the air trap includes a dome for capturing the bubbles.

167. The system according to claim 159, wherein the air trap is located downstream of the length tube.

168. The system according to claim 159, wherein the air trap is located upstream of the length tube.

169. The system according to claim 159, wherein the nucleation site is formed at the connection between the long tube material and another portion of the tube, and one of the long tube material and the other portion of the tube is wound inward during joining.

170. The system according to claim 169, wherein the inwardly wound portion forms a toroid.

171. The lower side of the toroid defines the air trap, according to claim 170.

172. The system according to claim 170, wherein the nucleation site is formed by rough machining a part of the toroid.

173. The system according to claim 170, wherein the nucleation site is formed by making a cut in a part of the toroid.

174. The system according to claim 170, wherein the nucleation site is formed by etching a part of the toroid.

175. The system according to claim 159, wherein the nucleation site is formed by rough machining the inner wall of the tube.

176. The system according to claim 159, wherein the nucleation site is formed by making an incision in the inner wall of the tube.

177. The system according to claim 159, wherein the nucleation site is formed by etching the inner wall of the tube.

178. The system according to claim 143 or 159, further comprising a projection positioned within the tube to generate the nucleation site.

179. A pressure sensor for measuring fluid pressure, wherein the sensor is A first port configured to extend a first tube along a first direction, A second port configured to be attached to a second tube, A pressure sensor comprising a first tube which is fluidly connected to the second tube by the fluidity of the second port.

180. The first port is, A first arm is positioned adjacent to the central axis of the first tube and parallel to the central axis, A second arm is positioned adjacent to the central axis of the first tube and parallel to the central axis, The pressure sensor according to claim 179, comprising, wherein the first arm is positioned on the opposite side of the central axis.

181. The pressure sensor according to claim 180, wherein the distal end of the first arm is arc-shaped toward the central axis of the first tube.

182. The pressure sensor according to claim 181, wherein the distal end of the second arm is arc-shaped toward the central axis of the first tube.

183. The pressure sensor according to claim 179, wherein the first port includes a raised flange positioned along the inner wall of the first tube.

184. The pressure sensor according to claim 179, wherein the first port defines a first flat side surface and a second flat side surface by expanding the first tube.

185. The pressure sensor according to claim 184, further comprising a clip having a first elongated member and a second elongated member, wherein the first elongated member is rotatably connected to the second elongated member.

186. The pressure sensor according to claim 185, wherein the distal ends of the first and second elongated members are attached to the first and second flat surfaces, respectively.

187. The pressure sensor according to claim 186, further comprising an operating sensor configured to detect the amount of rotation of the first elongated member and the second elongated member of the clip.

188. The pressure sensor according to claim 187, further comprising a processor operably connected to the actuation sensor to receive the amount of rotation for calculating the fluid pressure inside the first tube.

189. A system for pumping fluids, wherein the system is It is an infusion set, An infusion set comprising: a tube having a first end configured to connect to a fluid bag; a lengthwise tubular material configured to be operated by a peristaltic pump; and a fluid bladder downstream of the lengthwise tubular material; It is a peristaltic pump, A platen configured to hold the tube, A plunger having an end effector configured to act on the tube, A platen positioned within the platen adjacent to the end effector of the plunger, A peristaltic pump equipped with, A system comprising a fluid bladder configured to smooth the periodic pumping of fluid from the peristaltic pump.

190. The system according to claim 189, wherein the bladder is formed as a rectangular column.

191. The system according to claim 189, wherein the bladder has a portion having a reduced diameter configured to remove air bubbles in the tube.

192. A system for pumping fluids, wherein the system is An infusion set comprising: a tube having a first end configured to connect to a fluid bag; a lengthy tube material configured to be operated by a peristaltic pump; and a lengthy compliance tube material downstream of the lengthy tube material; It is a peristaltic pump, A platen configured to hold the tube, A plunger having an end effector configured to act on the tube, A platen positioned within the platen adjacent to the end effector of the plunger, A peristaltic pump equipped with, Equipped with, The aforementioned lengthwise compliance tubing material is configured to smooth the periodic pumping of fluid from the peristaltic pump, in a system.

193. The compliance tube material has low plasticity and high elasticity, according to the system of claim 192.

194. The system according to claim 192, wherein the tube has a second end, and the infusion set includes a Luer fitting positioned at the second end of the tube, the Luer including a restricting portion configured to further smooth the periodic pumping of the fluid from the peristaltic pump by restricting the flow of the fluid.

195. The system according to claim 194, wherein the limiting portion is 0.017 inches (approximately 0.04318 cm).

196. The system according to claim 195, wherein the tube is at least 60 inches (about 152.4 cm) long.

197. The system according to claim 194, wherein the limiting portion is configured to absorb a volume of 50 microliters with each periodic pumping.

198. A screw system to prevent detachment, A screw having a head end, a shaft, and a threaded end, wherein the shaft is positioned between the head and the threaded end and has a diameter less than the diameter of the threaded end, A receiving hole having a screw opening, a vertical hole for preventing the screw from falling out, and a screw hole configured to engage complementaryly with the screw end of the screw, wherein the vertical hole for preventing the screw from falling out is located between the screw opening and the screw hole, and the receiving hole A screw system equipped with a fall-prevention mechanism.

199. A clamp for clamping onto a pole, wherein the clamp is A body having a first end and a second end, A first jaw member positioned at the first end of the main body, wherein the first jaw member is configured to grip a pole, and the first jaw member is fixedly attached to the main body, A second jaw member is positioned at a distance from the first jaw member, A shaft disposed in a hole defined by the second end of the main body, the shaft having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end being connected to the second jaw member, the shaft having a collar and a threaded length, the threaded length extending from the proximal end to the collar, the collar including two horizontally opposite cam followers opposite the central axis of the shaft, Equipped with, The hole at the second end of the main body defines a clamp that comprises a plurality of partial rotating cam grooves configured to accommodate two cam followers opposite each other in the horizontal direction.

200. The clamp according to claim 199, wherein the plurality of partial rotation cam grooves are a plurality of quarter-rotation cam grooves.

201. The clamp according to claim 199, further comprising a knob positioned at the proximal end of the shaft.

202. It is a pump, A lever that can be operated between the closed position and the open position, A first link mechanism connected to the lever, A second link mechanism connected to the pivot, A first rigid member rotatably connected to the first link mechanism, A second rigid member rotatably connected to the second link mechanism, wherein the second rigid member is rotatably connected to the first rigid member, Hold and The first spring connected to the hold and the first rigid member, The hold and the second spring connected to the second rigid member, A pump equipped with the following features.

203. The pump according to claim 202, wherein the first rigid member includes a projection, the projection extending away from the pivot of the first rigid member, and the first spring is connected to the distal end of the projection.

204. The pump according to claim 202, wherein the first rigid member, the second rigid member, the hold, the first spring, and the second spring are configured to provide bending motion.

205. The pump according to claim 202, wherein the hold is positioned on the opposite side of the first and second rigid members with respect to the first and second link mechanisms.

206. The pump according to claim 202, wherein the first and second springs are in a relaxed state when the first and second rigid members rotate at their respective pivots over the maximum distance between them.

207. The pump according to claim 202, wherein the first and second springs are in a loaded state when the first and second rigid members rotate at their respective pivots over the minimum distance between the respective pivots.

208. The pump according to claim 202, wherein the first and second springs are in a relaxed state when the first and second rigid members rotate at their respective pivots over the maximum distance between the respective pivots, the second rigid member includes a stopper, and the first and second rigid members cooperate to lock together at the maximum distance.

209. The pump according to claim 202, wherein the first rigid member, the second rigid member, the hold, the first spring, and the second spring are configured to provide a bending motion, and the bending motion is configured to be reset by the operation of the lever to the open position.

210. A peristaltic pump for pumping fluid, wherein the peristaltic pump is A platen configured to accommodate a tube, A plunger configured to act toward the platen and toward away from the platen, A position sensor configured to provide a position sensor signal for the plunger, A spring configured to bias the plunger toward the platen, An actuator configured to actuate the plunger, An inlet valve is located adjacent to the platen and upstream of the plunger, An outlet valve is located adjacent to the platen and downstream of the plunger, A processor configured to control the operation of the actuator, The processor is configured to receive the position sensor signal, The peristaltic pump is configured to pump in multiple cycles, each cycle comprising a first stage, a second stage, a third stage, and a fourth stage. In the first stage described above, the inlet valve is opened and the plunger is moved away from the tube. In the second stage, the inlet valve is closed, the plunger moves toward the tube by the spring, the actuator is mechanically separated from the plunger, and the pump is configured to determine the first position of the plunger. In the third stage, the outlet valve is opened, and the actuator moves the plunger toward the tube via the force of the spring biasing, thereby discharging the fluid downstream through the outlet valve. In the fourth stage, the outlet valve is closed before the complete discharge of the fluid by the plunger, the actuator is mechanically separated from the plunger, and the pump is configured to determine the second position of the plunger. A peristaltic pump, wherein the processor is configured to adjust the air adjacent to the plunger in the second step by determining the amount of fluid discharged downstream.

211. The pump according to claim 210, wherein the first step is a fluid filling step.

212. The pump according to claim 210, wherein the pump is configured to prevent the plunger from engaging with a mechanical stopper in the fourth stage.

213. A system for pumping fluids, wherein the system is A first tube configured to be connected to a secondary fluid source, A second tube configured to connect to a primary fluid source, A check valve fluidically connected to the second tube, the check valve configured to cause fluid to flow away from the primary fluid source, A three-port connector having first, second, and third connection parts, wherein the first connection part is fluidly connected to the first tube, the second connection part is fluidly connected to the second tube, and the check valve is located between the three-port connector and the primary fluid source, and the three-port connector is connected to the first, second, and third connection parts, A third tube fluidly connected to the third connection, the third tube having a section of tubular material configured to operate, A peristaltic pump having a plunger, a processor, and a graphical user interface, wherein the peristaltic pump is configured to actuate the plunger toward a section of the third tube, the peristaltic pump has an inlet valve, the inlet valve is open during the fluid filling phase and the plunger acts toward the tube, the graphical user interface is configured to set the peristaltic pump to secondary infusion mode, and in the secondary infusion mode, the processor is configured to reduce resonant flow from the check valve by imposing an operating limit on the plunger during the fluid filling phase, A system equipped with these features.

214. The system according to claim 213, wherein the operating limit is configured to maintain the upstream fluid pressure above a predetermined threshold.

215. The system according to claim 214, wherein the predetermined threshold is higher than the crack pressure of the check valve.

216. The system according to claim 215, wherein the crack pressure is between 1.5 force pounds per square inch (approximately 10.3421 kPa) and 5 force pounds per square inch (approximately 34.4738 kPa).

217. The system according to claim 213, wherein the operating limit is a plunger speed limit of the plunger.

218. The system according to claim 213, further comprising a camshaft configured to actuate the plunger, wherein the actuation limit is a rotation limit of the camshaft.

219. The system according to claim 213, wherein the processor is configured to activate the operating limit when the flow rate of the peristaltic pump is greater than 250 milliliters per hour.

220. The system according to claim 213, wherein the processor is configured to limit the flow rate of the peristaltic pump to 500 milliliters or less when the peristaltic pump is set to the secondary infusion mode.

221. The system according to claim 213, wherein the operating limiter is configured to limit the resonant flow to less than 5% of the volume being infused.

222. The system according to claim 221, wherein the volume of fluid to be infused is 50 milliliters to 1000 milliliters.

223. The system according to claim 221, wherein the flow rate of the peristaltic pump is configured to be 500 milliliters per hour or less when the peristaltic pump is in the secondary infusion mode.

224. A system for pumping fluids, wherein the system is A peristaltic pump comprising a pump body, a plunger, an inlet valve, an outlet valve, an ultrasonic air sensor, and a platen, wherein the plunger is configured to act toward and toward the platen, and the peristaltic pump includes a door, and the door and the pump body form a vertical hole in the retaining portion upstream of the ultrasonic air sensor. The first administration tube material section, The second administration tube material section, A tube section configured to operate, wherein the tube section is fluidly connected at a first end to a first dosing tube material section, and the tube section is fluidly connected at a second end to a second dosing tube material section, thereby forming a connection. A retaining part is positioned at the connection part and is configured to be fixed within the vertical hole of the retaining part when the door is closed relative to the pump body, A system equipped with these features.

225. The system according to claim 224, wherein the connecting portion is joined with a solvent.

226. The system according to claim 224, wherein the vertical hole of the retaining portion is located downstream of the outlet valve.

227. The system according to claim 224, wherein the vertical hole of the retaining portion is located downstream of the plunger.

228. The system according to claim 224, wherein the vertical hole of the retaining portion is located downstream of the inlet valve.

229. The system according to claim 224, wherein the vertical hole of the retaining portion is located downstream of the plunger and upstream of the outlet valve.

230. The system according to claim 224, wherein the retaining portion includes a key, and the vertical hole of the retaining portion includes a vertical hole for a key configured to accommodate the key.

231. A system for pumping fluids, wherein the system is A tube configured to move fluid, A peristaltic pump comprising a plunger, an inlet valve, an outlet valve, a platen, an actuator, and a spring, wherein the actuator is configured to actuate the plunger, the plunger is configured to act toward and toward the platen, the spring is configured to bias the plunger toward the platen, the tube is configured to be positioned within the platen, the inlet valve is located adjacent to the platen and upstream of the plunger, the outlet valve is located adjacent to the platen and downstream of the plunger, and the peristaltic pump is configured to pump in multiple cycles, each cycle comprising a first stage, a second stage, a third stage, and so on. A check valve operably connected to the tube, wherein the check valve has a crack pressure, and the check valve is positioned at a distance from the peristaltic pump such that it is downstream of the peristaltic pump when the tube is positioned within the platen, In the first step, the inlet valve is opened and the plunger acts away from the tube, thereby providing the lowest pressure in the tube. In the second stage, the inlet valve is closed, the plunger moves toward the tube by the spring, and the actuator is mechanically separated from the plunger. In the third stage, the outlet valve is opened, and the actuator moves the plunger toward the tube under the biasing force of the spring, thereby discharging the fluid downstream through the outlet valve. The crack pressure is configured to raise the minimum pressure above a predetermined threshold pressure. A system in which the predetermined pressure is higher than the gas release pressure.

232. The system according to claim 231, wherein the gas release pressure is a function of the expected temperature range of the fluid.

233. The system according to claim 231, wherein the crack pressure is adjustable.

234. The system according to claim 233, wherein the pump is configured to control the crack pressure to adjust the predetermined pressure to be above a calculated gas release pressure corresponding to the gas release pressure.

235. The system according to claim 234, wherein the calculated gas release pressure is based on the measured temperature of the fluid.

236. The system according to claim 234, wherein the calculated gas release pressure is based on the measured pressure of the fluid.

237. The system according to claim 234, wherein the calculated gas release pressure is based on the measured ambient pressure.

238. The system according to claim 234, wherein the calculated gas release pressure is based on the expected amount of dissolved gas.

239. The system according to claim 234, wherein the calculated gas release pressure is calculated using the law of ideal gases.

240. The system according to claim 232, wherein in the first step, the peristaltic pump is configured to maintain the minimum pressure above the gas release pressure by controlling the operation of the plunger toward away from the tube.

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