Cassette for Flow Control Device

Abstract

To provide a flow control system having a flow control apparatus and a feeding set, and more particularly, a cassette for use with the flow control apparatus.SOLUTION: A pump set includes a tube for carrying liquid. A valve mechanism is mounted to the tube between an inlet section and a pump engagement section. The valve mechanism includes a first port connected to the inlet section of the tube, a second port connected to the pump engagement section of the tube, and a valve disposed between the first and second ports. The valve includes a stem 68 rotatably mounted within a stem holder. The stem includes a flow passage 88 extending through the stem and having an open V shape, whereby a narrow open end of the flow passage communicates with the first port and a wide open end of the flow passage communicates with the second port to place the inlet section of the tube in communication with the pump engagement section of the tube.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13B

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a flow control system including a flow control device and a supply set, and more particularly to a cassette used with a flow control device.

Background Art

[0002] The administration of drugs or nutrients to patients who are unable to take drugs or nutrients orally can be performed by using a peristaltic flow control system. Generally, in such a system, the fluid is delivered to the patient by a pump set including a flexible elastomeric tube placed on a flow control device such as a peristaltic pump that delivers the fluid to the patient at a controlled delivery rate. The peristaltic pump typically has a housing including a rotor operably engaged with a motor via a gearbox. The rotor drives the fluid through the flexible tube of the pump set by a peristaltic action caused by reversible compression caused by the impact of one or more rollers on the rotor, for example, compression. The rotation of the rotor gradually compresses the elastomeric tube that drives the fluid at a controlled speed. The pump set can have a valve mechanism to allow or prevent the flow of fluid through the pump set. The flow control system can also have a controller that operably adjusts one or more motors that effectively control the flow of the fluid.

[0003] The peristaltic pump operates by delivering the fluid in small aliquots called "aliquots". The rotor engages the elastomeric tube of the pump set, pinches a portion of the elastomeric tube, and, for example, in front of the pinched position closer to the patient than the fluid source towards the patient, Push out the body. Generally, the volume of fluid to be administered to a patient is counted by the number of aliquots, each of which has a substantially identical volume, and is controlled within the pump by stopping when that number reaches an amount corresponding to the desired total volume of fluid to be delivered. Peristaltic pumps are hygienic and generally accurate, and are thus very useful for administering drugs and therapeutic fluids to patients. The number of aliquots, each of which has a substantially identical volume, is counted, and is stopped within the pump when that number reaches an amount corresponding to the desired total volume of fluid to be delivered. Peristaltic pumps are hygienic and generally accurate, and are thus very useful for administering drugs and therapeutic fluids to patients. The number of aliquots, each of which has a substantially identical volume, is counted, and is stopped within the pump when that number reaches an amount corresponding to the desired total volume of fluid to be delivered. Peristaltic pumps are hygienic and generally accurate, and are thus very useful for administering drugs and therapeutic fluids to patients.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] In one aspect, a pump set for use with a pumping device generally comprises a tube for carrying liquid. The tube comprises an inlet section for connection to a liquid source and a pump engagement section configured to engage a pumping device for pumping liquid through the tube. A valve mechanism attached to the tube between the inlet section and the pump engagement section comprises a first port connected to the inlet section of the tube, a second port connected to the pump engagement section of the tube, and a valve disposed between the first port and the second port. The valve includes a rotatable stem for selectively communicating the first port with the second port. The stem includes a flow path extending through the stem from an inlet end of the flow path to an outlet end of the flow path, whereby the inlet end of the flow path communicates with the first port and the outlet end of the flow path communicates with the second port to communicate the inlet section of the tube with the pump engagement section of the tube. The flow path has an increasing cross-sectional area from the inlet end to the outlet end. The tube comprises an inlet section for connection to a liquid source and a pump engagement section configured to engage a pumping device for pumping liquid through the tube. A valve mechanism attached to the tube between the inlet section and the pump engagement section comprises a first port connected to the inlet section of the tube, a second port connected to the pump engagement section of the tube, and a valve disposed between the first port and the second port. The valve includes a rotatable stem for selectively communicating the first port with the second port. The stem includes a flow path extending through the stem from an inlet end of the flow path to an outlet end of the flow path, whereby the inlet end of the flow path communicates with the first port and the outlet end of the flow path communicates with the second port to communicate the inlet section of the tube with the pump engagement section of the tube. The flow path has an increasing cross-sectional area from the inlet end to the outlet end. The valve includes a rotatable stem for selectively communicating the first port with the second port. The stem includes a flow path extending through the stem from an inlet end of the flow path to an outlet end of the flow path, whereby the inlet end of the flow path communicates with the first port and the outlet end of the flow path communicates with the second port to communicate the inlet section of the tube with the pump engagement section of the tube. The flow path has an increasing cross-sectional area from the inlet end to the outlet end. The stem includes a flow path extending through the stem from an inlet end of the flow path to an outlet end of the flow path, whereby the inlet end of the flow path communicates with the first port and the outlet end of the flow path communicates with the second port to communicate the inlet section of the tube with the pump engagement section of the tube. The flow path has an increasing cross-sectional area from the inlet end to the outlet end.

[0005] In another aspect, a cassette configured to be attached to a pumping device is used for ​The fitting assembly generally includes a first port, a second port, and a valve disposed between the first port and the second port. The valve includes a stem rotatably mounted to selectively communicate the first port with the second port. The stem includes a flow path extending through the stem from an inlet end of the flow path to an outlet end of the flow path, whereby an inlet section of the tube is communicated with a pump engagement section of the tube. The inlet end of the flow path communicates with the first port, the outlet end of the flow path communicates with the second port, and the flow path has an increasing cross-sectional area from the inlet end toward the outlet end.

[0006] In yet another aspect, a cassette for use with a pumping device generally includes a body configured to be removably attached to the pumping device for attaching the cassette to the pumping device, and a fitting removably attachable to the body. The fitting includes a valve mechanism having a first port, a second port, and a valve disposed between the first port and the second port. The valve includes a stem rotatably mounted to selectively communicate the first port with the second port. The stem includes a flange configured to engage a catch of the pumping device to secure the fitting to the pumping device when the stem is rotated to communicate the first port with the second port.

[0007] In yet another aspect, a cassette for use with a pumping device generally includes a body configured to be removably attached to the pumping device for attaching the cassette to the pumping device. The body includes a front portion, a rear portion, an upper portion, a lower portion, and a passage extending from It is provided with a curved guide wall extending in the direction. The fitting is attached to the main body. The fit ting has an inlet port for attaching the inlet tube to the cassette and an outlet port for attaching the outlet tube to the cassette. The outlet port is recessed from the upper part of the main body. The curved guide wall extends adjacent to the outlet port of the fitting to support the outlet tube in order to prevent twisting of the outlet tube.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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[0039] Corresponding reference numbers indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0040] One or more aspects of the present invention relate to peristaltic pumps, such as rotary peristaltic pumps, and in particular to pumps for multiple flow applications. A rotary peristaltic pump utilizing a cassette with valves for selecting from a range of flow configurations. The cassette also has a structure that prevents kinking of the outlet tube attached to the cassette. Any one or more advantageous features that provide or promote any one or more of these features. The invention provides a method for implementing various features or structures in peristaltic pumps used in a variety of commercial and industrial applications. Therefore, the detailed description will be directed to enteral feeding pumps with cassettes. However, any one or more features of the present invention may be implemented in other peristaltic pumps, with or without a cassette. For example, the pumps illustratively described may be circulating. Although the present invention is directed to a peristaltic enteral feeding pump, it is also applicable to other types of peristaltic pumps, including medical infusion pumps. This also applies to enteral feeding pumps (not shown). The general structure and operation of enteral feeding pumps is described below. Except as otherwise stated, the "FLOW CONT" published on October 27, 2009 Co-assigned U.S. Patent No. 7,608, entitled "ROL APPARATUS" Issue 059, August 15, 2006, "FLOW MONITORING SY The title is "STEM FOR A FLOW CONTROL APPARATUS" No. 7,092,797 issued on May 19, 2009, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009-01-199944 issued on May 19, 2009. QUOT CORRECTION FOR FEEDING SET DEGRADAT which is generally the same as that disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,534,099 entitled "ION", and these disclosures are hereby incorporated herein by reference. One or more of the various features and aspects of the present invention can be implemented in a peristaltic pump such as a linear peristaltic pump using a mechanism other than a roller without departing from the scope of the present invention. Also, although an exemplary supply set 7 is shown, other types of pump sets (not shown) can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. Referring to the drawings, particularly FIGS. 1-3, an exemplary enteral nutrition pump (broadly a "pumping device") constructed in accordance with one or more of the principles of the present invention is shown generally at 1. The nutrition pump includes a housing generally shown at 3 configured to attach a cassette generally shown at 5, and a supply set (broadly a "pump set"), a fragmented portion generally shown at 7 removably received within the cassette 5. The cassette 5 is removably attached to the housing 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the cassette 5 is removably received within a cassette recess 6 (FIG. 3) within the housing 3. Of course, as used herein, "housing" can include many forms of support structures (not shown) that do not surround or enclose a multi-component structure and the operating components of the pump 1, but are not limited thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump 1 and the pump set 7 form a "supply system". Also, various of the present invention can be implemented in a peristaltic pump such as a linear peristaltic pump using a mechanism other than a roller without departing from the scope of the present invention. Also, although an exemplary supply set 7 is shown, other types of pump sets (not shown) can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. of the present invention can be implemented in a peristaltic pump such as a linear peristaltic pump using a mechanism other than a roller without departing from the scope of the present invention. Also, although an exemplary supply set 7 is shown, other types of pump sets (not shown) can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. Referring to the drawings, particularly FIGS. 1-3, an exemplary enteral nutrition pump (broadly a "pumping device") constructed in accordance with one or more of the principles of the present invention is shown generally at 1. The nutrition pump includes a housing generally shown at 3 configured to attach a cassette generally shown at 5, and a supply set (broadly a "pump set"), a fragmented portion generally shown at 7 removably received within the cassette 5. The cassette 5 is removably attached to the housing 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the cassette 5 is removably received within a cassette recess 6 (FIG. 3) within the housing 3. Of course, as used herein, "housing" can include many forms of support structures (not shown) that do not surround or enclose a multi-component structure and the operating components of the pump 1, but are not limited thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump 1 and the pump set 7 form a "supply system". Also, various Referring to the drawings, particularly FIGS. 1-3, an exemplary enteral nutrition pump (broadly a "pumping device") constructed in accordance with one or more of the principles of the present invention is shown generally at 1. The nutrition pump includes a housing generally shown at 3 configured to attach a cassette generally shown at 5, and a supply set (broadly a "pump set"), a fragmented portion generally shown at 7 removably received within the cassette 5. The cassette 5 is removably attached to the housing 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the cassette 5 is removably received within a cassette recess 6 (FIG. 3) within the housing 3. Of course, as used herein, "housing" can include many forms of support structures (not shown) that do not surround or enclose a multi-component structure and the operating components of the pump 1, but are not limited thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump 1 and the pump set 7 form a "supply system". Also, various

[0041] Referring to the drawings, particularly FIGS. 1-3, an exemplary enteral nutrition pump (broadly a "pumping device") constructed in accordance with one or more of the principles of the present invention is shown generally at 1. The nutrition pump includes a housing generally shown at 3 configured to attach a cassette generally shown at 5, and a supply set (broadly a "pump set"), a fragmented portion generally shown at 7 removably received within the cassette 5. The cassette 5 is removably attached to the housing 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the cassette 5 is removably received within a cassette recess 6 (FIG. 3) within the housing 3. Of course, as used herein, "housing" can include many forms of support structures (not shown) that do not surround or enclose a multi-component structure and the operating components of the pump 1, but are not limited thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump 1 and the pump set 7 form a "supply system". Also, various Referring to the drawings, particularly FIGS. 1-3, an exemplary enteral nutrition pump (broadly a "pumping device") constructed in accordance with one or more of the principles of the present invention is shown generally at 1. The nutrition pump includes a housing generally shown at 3 configured to attach a cassette generally shown at 5, and a supply set (broadly a "pump set"), a fragmented portion generally shown at 7 removably received within the cassette 5. The cassette 5 is removably attached to the housing 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the cassette 5 is removably received within a cassette recess 6 (FIG. 3) within the housing 3. Of course, as used herein, "housing" can include many forms of support structures (not shown) that do not surround or enclose a multi-component structure and the operating components of the pump 1, but are not limited thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump 1 and the pump set 7 form a "supply system". Also, various Referring to the drawings, particularly FIGS. 1-3, an exemplary enteral nutrition pump (broadly a "pumping device") constructed in accordance with one or more of the principles of the present invention is shown generally at 1. The nutrition pump includes a housing generally shown at 3 configured to attach a cassette generally shown at 5, and a supply set (broadly a "pump set"), a fragmented portion generally shown at 7 removably received within the cassette 5. The cassette 5 is removably attached to the housing 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the cassette 5 is removably received within a cassette recess 6 (FIG. 3) within the housing 3. Of course, as used herein, "housing" can include many forms of support structures (not shown) that do not surround or enclose a multi-component structure and the operating components of the pump 1, but are not limited thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump 1 and the pump set 7 form a "supply system". Also, various Referring to the drawings, particularly FIGS. 1-3, an exemplary enteral nutrition pump (broadly a "pumping device") constructed in accordance with one or more of the principles of the present invention is shown generally at 1. The nutrition pump includes a housing generally shown at 3 configured to attach a cassette generally shown at 5, and a supply set (broadly a "pump set"), a fragmented portion generally shown at 7 removably received within the cassette 5. The cassette 5 is removably attached to the housing 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the cassette 5 is removably received within a cassette recess 6 (FIG. 3) within the housing 3. Of course, as used herein, "housing" can include many forms of support structures (not shown) that do not surround or enclose a multi-component structure and the operating components of the pump 1, but are not limited thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump 1 and the pump set 7 form a "supply system". Also, various Referring to the drawings, particularly FIGS. 1-3, an exemplary enteral nutrition pump (broadly a "pumping device") constructed in accordance with one or more of the principles of the present invention is shown generally at 1. The nutrition pump includes a housing generally shown at 3 configured to attach a cassette generally shown at 5, and a supply set (broadly a "pump set"), a fragmented portion generally shown at 7 removably received within the cassette 5. The cassette 5 is removably attached to the housing 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the cassette 5 is removably received within a cassette recess 6 (FIG. 3) within the housing 3. Of course, as used herein, "housing" can include many forms of support structures (not shown) that do not surround or enclose a multi-component structure and the operating components of the pump 1, but are not limited thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump 1 and the pump set 7 form a "supply system". Also, various Referring to the drawings, particularly FIGS. 1-3, an exemplary enteral nutrition pump (broadly a "pumping device") constructed in accordance with one or more of the principles of the present invention is shown generally at 1. The nutrition pump includes a housing generally shown at 3 configured to attach a cassette generally shown at 5, and a supply set (broadly a "pump set"), a fragmented portion generally shown at 7 removably received within the cassette 5. The cassette 5 is removably attached to the housing 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the cassette 5 is removably received within a cassette recess 6 (FIG. 3) within the housing 3. Of course, as used herein, "housing" can include many forms of support structures (not shown) that do not surround or enclose a multi-component structure and the operating components of the pump 1, but are not limited thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump 1 and the pump set 7 form a "supply system". Also, various Referring to the drawings, particularly FIGS. 1-3, an exemplary enteral nutrition pump (broadly a "pumping device") constructed in accordance with one or more of the principles of the present invention is shown generally at 1. The nutrition pump includes a housing generally shown at 3 configured to attach a cassette generally shown at 5, and a supply set (broadly a "pump set"), a fragmented portion generally shown at 7 removably received within the cassette 5. The cassette 5 is removably attached to the housing 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the cassette 5 is removably received within a cassette recess 6 (FIG. 3) within the housing 3. Of course, as used herein, "housing" can include many forms of support structures (not shown) that do not surround or enclose a multi-component structure and the operating components of the pump 1, but are not limited thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump 1 and the pump set 7 form a "supply system". Also, various Referring to the drawings, particularly FIGS. 1-3, an exemplary enteral nutrition pump (broadly a "pumping device") constructed in accordance with one or more of the principles of the present invention is shown generally at 1. The nutrition pump includes a housing generally shown at 3 configured to attach a cassette generally shown at 5, and a supply set (broadly a "pump set"), a fragmented portion generally shown at 7 removably received within the cassette 5. The cassette 5 is removably attached to the housing 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the cassette 5 is removably received within a cassette recess 6 (FIG. 3) within the housing 3. Of course, as used herein, "housing" can include many forms of support structures (not shown) that do not surround or enclose a multi-component structure and the operating components of the pump 1, but are not limited thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump 1 and the pump set 7 form a "supply system". Also, various Referring to the drawings, particularly FIGS. 1-3, an exemplary enteral nutrition pump (broadly a "pumping device") constructed in accordance with one or more of the principles of the present invention is shown generally at 1. The nutrition pump includes a housing generally shown at 3 configured to attach a cassette generally shown at 5, and a supply set (broadly a "pump set"), a fragmented portion generally shown at 7 removably received within the cassette 5. The cassette 5 is removably attached to the housing 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the cassette 5 is removably received within a cassette recess 6 (FIG. 3) within the housing 3. Of course, as used herein, "housing" can include many forms of support structures (not shown) that do not surround or enclose a multi-component structure and the operating components of the pump 1, but are not limited thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump 1 and the pump set 7 form a "supply system". Also, various Referring to the drawings, particularly FIGS. 1-3, an exemplary enteral nutrition pump (broadly a "pumping device") constructed in accordance with one or more of the principles of the present invention is shown generally at 1. The nutrition pump includes a housing generally shown at 3 configured to attach a cassette generally shown at 5, and a supply set (broadly a "pump set"), a fragmented portion generally shown at 7 removably received within the cassette 5. The cassette 5 is removably attached to the housing 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the cassette 5 is removably received within a cassette recess 6 (FIG. 3) within the housing 3. Of course, as used herein, "housing" can include many forms of support structures (not shown) that do not surround or enclose a multi-component structure and the operating components of the pump 1, but are not limited thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump 1 and the pump set 7 form a "supply system". Also, various Referring to the drawings, particularly FIGS. 1-3, an exemplary enteral nutrition pump (broadly a "pumping device") constructed in accordance with one or more of the principles of the present invention is shown generally at 1. The nutrition pump includes a housing generally shown at 3 configured to attach a cassette generally shown at 5, and a supply set (broadly a "pump set"), a fragmented portion generally shown at 7 removably received within the cassette 5. The cassette 5 is removably attached to the housing 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the cassette 5 is removably received within a cassette recess 6 (FIG. 3) within the housing 3. Of course, as used herein, "housing" can include many forms of support structures (not shown) that do not surround or enclose a multi-component structure and the operating components of the pump 1, but are not limited thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump 1 and the pump set 7 form a "supply system". Also, various The following aspects and features can be implemented without the recess 6. The pump 1 can also have a display screen 9 on the housing 3 for displaying information regarding the state and operation of the pump. One or more buttons 11 accessible to the display screen 9 can be provided for use in controlling the pump 1 and obtaining information from the pump 1, and one or more light emitting diodes 13 can provide state information of the pump. The housing 3 can be supported at the bottom with legs (not shown) so that the display screen 10 is slightly tilted upward for easy viewing by the user or operator. The display screen 9 can be part of the front panel (shown as 19 in its entirety) of the housing 3 and can be removably attached to the housing. The enteral nutrition pump 1 can further include a pumping unit shown as 23 in its entirety

[0042] which includes a pump motor (not shown) connected to a rotor shaft (not shown). A battery (not shown) can be received within the housing 3 to supply power to the pump motor. In addition to or external to the battery, the pump can be energized using a power source including one or more prime movers to drive the pumping unit through the rotor shaft. The pumping unit 23 can include a rotor shown as 37 in its entirety which can be connected to the rotor shaft. The rotor 37 includes an inner disk 39, an outer disk 41, and four rollers 43 (only three of which are shown) attached between the inner disk and the outer disk for freely rotating with respect to the disks about the longitudinal axis of the disks.

[0043] The pumping unit 23 can include a rotor (shown as 37 in its entirety) that can be connected to the rotor shaft. The rotor 37 can include an inner disk 39, an outer disk 41, and four rollers 43 (only three of which are shown) attached between the inner disk and the outer disk to freely rotate with respect to the disks about the longitudinal axis of the disks. ​It can include (Figs. 2 and 3). The roller 43 is such that when the supply set 7 is received in the cassette 5 and the cassette 5 is attached to the housing 3, it engages with the tube 45 (Fig. 2) of the supply set 7 to deliver fluid to the target through the supply set 7. Other numbers of rollers are also envisioned. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, 5 or 6 rollers can also be used.

[0044] Referring to Figs. 4 - 7, the cassette 5 can comprise a cassette body 51 having a front portion 53, a rear portion 55, an upper portion 57, and a lower portion 59. Side walls 61 and an upper wall 63 can extend from the rear portion 55 of the cassette body 51 to form a rear cavity configured to receive a fitting 65. The tube 45 can be attached to the fitting 65. The fitting 65 can have tabs that enable fixing or snap - retaining the fitting 65 to the cassette. In some cases, the fitting can be removably fixed to the cassette 5. The fitting 65 can comprise a base 67, an inlet 69, an outlet 71, and a stem holder 66. The inlet 69 can include a first attachment portion 73 for insertion of the inlet end of the tube 45 and a pair of second attachment portions 75A, 75B for receiving an inlet tube 77 (Fig. 2). The outlet port 71 can include a first attachment portion 79 for engagement or attachment, such as by insertion of the outlet end of the tube 45, and a second attachment portion 81 for attachment to an outlet tube 83, such as by receiving the outlet tube 83. The opening of the second attachment portion 81 for receiving the outlet tube 83 is for fixing the tube within the opening

[0045] of the tube within the opening. It can be funnel-shaped or tapered so as to be away from the attachment part 81. The outlet tube 83 can also be treated with a solvent to soften the tube for insertion into the attachment part 81 and joining with the attachment part 81. The second attachment part 75A can be in fluid communication with a source (for example, a nutrient solution bag), and the second attachment part 75B can be in fluid communication with a cleaning source (for example, a cleaning fluid bag) via the inlet tube 77. To assist in identifying the preferred attachment of the fluid source, the second attachment part 75A extends over the second attachment part 75B. Thus, the user can easily identify the higher second attachment part 75A as the source port. Alternatively, the second attachment part 7 5B can be attached to the source and the second attachment part 75A can be attached to the cleaning source.

[0046] The tube 45, the fitting 65, the inlet tube 77, and the outlet tube 83 can constitute the pump set 7. The cassette 5 can be regarded as part of the pump set and is also assumed to be possible. In a preferred embodiment, the cassette 5 is made of a polymer material such as polycarbonate.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 13C, the stopcock 64 includes a cylindrical stem 68 that is received within a cylindrical receptacle 70 within the stem holder 66 of the fitting 65. The stem 68 is movable (i.e., rotatable) within the opening 70 to selectively communicate the second attachment parts 75A, 75B with the first attachment part 73 in order to place the pump set in any one of a fluid delivery arrangement, a cleaning arrangement, or a fluid flow blocking arrangement. The second attachment parts 75A, 75B each have an outlet that communicates with the opening 70 of the fitting 65, and the first attachment part 73 is the fitting ​​​​​​It has an inlet that communicates with the opening of the ring. In one embodiment, the outlet of the second attachment portion 75A is an uneven circle in order to increase the outlet area without increasing the size of the stop cock 64. For example, the exemplary oval outlet shown in FIG. 10A allows a thicker and more viscous supply solution to be more easily supplied by the pump set 7 without increasing the size of the stop cock. The stem 68 includes a cylindrical body 72 having a first opening 74 (FIG. 11A) and a second opening 76 (FIG. 11B) formed in the body. The first opening 74 has a circular shape, and the second opening 76 is elongated such that a first dimension of the opening 76 is larger than a second orthogonal dimension. In the illustrated embodiment, the second opening 76 has a slot dimension that is longer than the diameter of the first opening 74. The first and second openings 74, 76 are disposed on both sides of the body 72 of the stem 68, and they are arranged in the same or substantially the same plane so that the fluid flow through the stem 68 extends downward in a substantially single plane from the second attachment portions 75A, 75B to the first attachment portion 73 (FIGS. 12 and 13A - C). More specifically, the fluid can flow through the stem 68 along a single axis from the first opening 74 to the second opening 76. This increases the efficiency of the valve by providing a straight flow path through the stem 68. In other embodiments, the configurations of the openings 74, 76 can be reversed.

[0048]

[0048] The flow path 88 extends within the body 72 of the stem 68 from the inlet end of the first opening 74 to the outlet end of the second opening 76. The flow path 88 expands, thereby increasing its cross - sectional area from the first opening 74 to the second opening 76. The flow path 88 gives a V - shaped shape that is substantially reverse - deformed to the flow path. It can include a curved inner wall 92. The curved inner wall 92 has a first section 130 that extends at a generally constant rate from the first opening 74 to the end of the first section, and a second section 132 that extends at a non-constant rate from the end of the first section 130 to the end of the second section 132. The rate at which the second section 132 extends increases towards the end of the second section 132. The third section 134 extends at a non-constant rate from the second section 132 to the end of the third section 134. The rate at which the third section 134 extends decreases towards the end of the third section. The fourth section 136 extends at a constant rate from the third section 134 to the second opening 76. Generally, the stem 68 and the stem holder 66 can be regarded as a valve mechanism. The contour of the flow path 88 provides benefits in the forming process of the stem 68. In particular, by forming the flow path in a deformed "V" shape, the wall thickness between the flow path and the cylindrical outer surface on each side of the stem 68 can be kept smaller. The thinner wall thickness helps maintain a more consistent cylindrical shape of the outer surface. This can prevent a shift in the outer surface of the stem 68 that would create a gap between the stem 68 and the stem holder 66 when the stem 68 is in a fluid flow blocking arrangement, allowing fluid flow between the second attachment portions 75A, 75B. Conversely, a flow path having a true "V" shape (represented by the dashed line in FIG. 12) would result in a stem thickness around the flow path 88, generally near the middle of the flow path, that is too large to be produced in the forming process without creating inconsistencies around the stem 68. However, the width (and thus the cross-sectional area) of one or more sections in the middle between the inlet end (opening 74) and the outlet end (opening 76) can increase more rapidly.

[0049] The contour of the flow path 88 provides benefits in the forming process of the stem 68. In particular, by forming the flow path in a deformed "V" shape, the wall thickness between the flow path and the cylindrical outer surface on each side of the stem 68 can be kept smaller. The thinner wall thickness helps maintain a more consistent cylindrical shape of the outer surface. This can prevent a shift in the outer surface of the stem 68 that would create a gap between the stem 68 and the stem holder 66 when the stem 68 is in a fluid flow blocking arrangement, allowing fluid flow between the second attachment portions 75A, 75B. Conversely, a flow path having a true "V" shape (represented by the dashed line in FIG. 12) would result in a stem thickness around the flow path 88, generally near the middle of the flow path, that is too large to be produced in the forming process without creating inconsistencies around the stem 68. However, the width (and thus the cross-sectional area) of one or more sections in the middle between the inlet end (opening 74) and the outlet end cylindrical shape of the outer surface. This can prevent a shift in the outer surface of the stem 68 that would create a gap between the stem 68 and the stem holder 66 when the stem 68 is in a fluid flow blocking arrangement, allowing fluid flow between the second attachment portions 75A, 75B. Conversely, a flow path having a true "V" shape (represented by the dashed line in FIG. 12) would result in a stem thickness around the flow path 88, generally near the middle of the flow path, that is too large to be produced in the forming process without creating inconsistencies around the stem 68. However, the width (and thus the cross-sectional area) of one or more sections in the middle between the inlet end (opening 74) and the outlet end cylindrical shape of the outer surface. This can prevent a shift in the outer surface of the stem 68 that would create a gap between the stem 68 and the stem holder 66 when the stem 68 is in a fluid flow blocking arrangement, allowing fluid flow between the second attachment portions 75A, 75B. Conversely, a flow path having a true "V" shape (represented by the dashed line in FIG. 12) would result in a stem thickness around the flow path 88, generally near the middle of the flow path, that is too large to be produced in the forming process without creating inconsistencies around the stem 68. However, the width (and thus the cross-sectional area) of one or more sections in the middle between the inlet end (opening 74) and the outlet end cylindrical shape of the outer surface. This can prevent a shift in the outer surface of the stem 68 that would create a gap between the stem 68 and the stem holder 66 when the stem 68 is in a fluid flow blocking arrangement, allowing fluid flow between the second attachment portions 75A, 75B. Conversely, a flow path having a true "V" shape (represented by the dashed line in FIG. 12) would result in a stem thickness around the flow path 88, generally near the middle of the flow path, that is too large to be produced in the forming process without creating inconsistencies around the stem 68. However, the width (and thus the cross-sectional area) of one or more sections in the middle between the inlet end (opening 74) and the outlet end (opening 76) can increase more rapidly. By contouring the flow path 88 to cause addition, the maximum wall thickness is reduced to a thickness that maintains its shape during the molding process. Thus, the wall thickness of the stem 68 around the second section 132, the third section 134, and the fourth section 136 is thinner than when the flow path follows a standard "V" profile. This thinner wall thickness allows the stem 68 to be molded without causing irregularities on the outer circumference of the stem 68.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 11B, the flange 78 projects radially from the body 72 of the stem 68 and extends partially around the outer circumference of the body 72. In one embodiment, the flange 78 is generally fan-shaped . A cavity 80 is formed in the body 72, whereby the shaft 93 of the pump 1 (FIG. 3) engages the body of the stem 68 to rotate the body within the opening 70. The flange 7 8 is configured to engage a hook 108 (FIGS. 2A and 3) in the recess 6 of the pump 1 to prevent removal of the supply set 7 when the valve is open. The hook 108 is received in a recess 110 (FIG. 1 0B) of the stem holder 66 when the cassette 5 is attached to the pump 1. Thereby, the flange 78 is disposed behind at least a portion of the hook 108 adjacent thereto. As will be described in more detail below, the movement of the stem 68 places the flange 78 behind the hook 108 and prevents removal of the supply set 7 when the valve is open. This safety feature prevents a free flow condition in the supply set 7 where an uncontrolled amount of fluid, which could potentially be harmful to the patient, is delivered to the patient. Also the flange 78 limits the rotation of the stem 68 as will be further described below. stop functions as a stop engagement mechanism. The fitting 65 and the stem 68 can be regarded as a fitting assembly 82 together. The configuration of the fitting assembly 82 is such that the fluid flow selection valve is removed from the inlet tube 77 and placed inside the main body of the cassette 5.

[0051] In the configuration shown in FIGS. 8 and 13A, the fitting assembly 82 is in a fluid flow blocking arrangement where the main body 72 prevents the outlets of the second attachment parts 75A, 75B from communicating with the inlet of the opening 70 and the first attachment part 73. For example, when the shaft 93 of the pump 1 engages with the cavity 80 and rotates the main body 72 clockwise within the opening 70, etc., the rotation of the stem 68 causes the first opening 74 to communicate with the outlet of the second attachment part 75B, and the second opening 76 to communicate with the inlet of the first attachment part 73, thereby fluidly connecting the fluid source connected to the second attachment part 75B to the outlet 71 and the outlet tube 83 via the tube 45 (FIG. 13B). The second attachment part 75A remains blocked from communicating with the first attachment part 73. Also, when the stem 68 is rotated from the closed position to cause the first opening 74 to communicate with the outlet of the second attachment part 75B, the flange 78 moves behind the hook 108 of the pump 1 to prevent the supply set 7 from being removed from the pump 1 (FIG. 2A). Further rotation of the stem 68 causes the first opening 74 to communicate with the outlet of the second attachment part 75A, and the second opening 76 remains in communication with the inlet of the first attachment part 73, thereby fluidly connecting the fluid source connected to the second attachment part 75A to the outlet 71 and the outlet tube 83 via the tube 45 (FIG. 13C). This is because the position and length of the second opening 76 are such that at least a part of the second opening remains in communication with the inlet of the first attachment part 73 throughout the movement of the stem 68. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​and connects the first opening 74 to the outlets of the second attachment portions 75A and 75B. At this time, the second mounting portion 75B is disconnected from the first mounting portion 73. A stop 94 on the stem holder 66 engages the flange 78 to hold the body within the opening 70. Limit the rotation of the

[0052] 5 to 7, the second attachment portion 81 of the outlet 71 of the fitting 65 is Before the tube 83 is inserted into the second mounting portion 81, it is arranged so as to extend downward within the cassette body 51. 5. The cassette 5 is recessed from the top 57 of the cassette 5. This allows a portion of the outlet tube 83 to extends adjacent to a curved guide wall 96 that extends downward from the upper wall 63. provides a gradually decreasingly inclined arcuate surface for the outlet tube 83 to rest on, and The lateral edges prevent the tube from bending sharply. As a result, the outlet tube 83 This prevents kinks that could impede fluid flow through the outlet tube. 3 between the top 57 of the cassette 5 and the attachment of the tube to the fitting 65. The second fitting 81 may have been softened by the solvent treatment since it is extended. The portion of the tube that is removed is not located where the tube is subjected to bending forces. The portion is spaced from the top 57 of the cassette 5 and is kept generally straight by the curved guide wall 96. This further reduces the possibility of the outlet tube 83 becoming kinked or pinched. It will be reduced.

[0053] As illustratively shown, tabs 84 (FIGS. 8 and 9) extend from the sides of base 67. 1 and 4) in the front 53 of the cassette 5. configured to be inserted and removably attach the fitting 65 to the cassette 5 A pair of guide inclined portions 91 (FIGS. 6 and 7) within the side wall 61 can be funnel-shaped toward the opening 86. The tab 84 on the fitting 65 advances along the inclined portion 91 and can be received in the opening 86 to hold the fitting to the cassette body 51. The stem holder 66 of the fitting 65 is received in a valve holder 98 (FIG. 7) formed in the body 51 of the cassette 5. Alternatively, the fitting 65 can be integrally formed with or omitted from the cassette body 51. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 7, notches 85A, 85B can be formed in the upper wall 63 of the cassette body 51 to receive the second attachment portions 75A, 75B of the inlet 69 and the outlet tube 83 of the fitting 65, respectively. A positioning wall 87 can extend vertically near the upper part of the cassette body 51. A generally U-shaped wall 89 can be disposed generally at the center of the cassette body 51 between the side walls 61. The base 67 of the fitting 65 is received between the positioning wall 87 and the vertical projections of the U-shaped wall 89. The base 67 can engage the lower part of the positioning wall 87 and the upper part of the vertical projections of the U-shaped wall 89 to position the fitting 65 within the cassette 5. When the cassette 5 is attached to the housing 3, an arc wall 95 can be disposed generally at the center of the cassette body 51 to at least partially define a rotor recess 97 for receiving at least a part of the rotor 37 of the pump 1. The rotor recess 97 can include a bump out 99 in the front portion 53 of the cassette body 51 (FIG. 4). Inlet and outlet outer curved guides

[0054]

[0055] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​ The guide wall 101 can extend substantially parallel to both sides of the arc wall 95. Inner bends of the inlet and outlet The curved guide walls 103 extend upward from the arc wall 95 and are substantially parallel to the inlet and outlet outer curved guide walls 101 to extend and receive and support the respective inlet and outlet portions of the tube 45 to form the inlet and outlet openings. The guide walls 101, 103 and the arc wall 95 are for receiving the lower portion of the tube 45 in a loop shape to properly position the tube with respect to the rotor 37 when the cassette 5 is attached to the housing 3 to form a tube channel 114. The arc wall 95 and the curved guide walls 101, 103 can receive the tube in a relationship of being in close contact around the side surface of the rotor recess 97. The tab 100 extends over the tube channel 114 to hold the tube 45 in the tube channel 114 and hold the tube 45 in the cassette and can restrain the tube along the third axis . The outer curved guide wall 101 can terminate generally below the rotor recess 97 so that the tube 45 does not directly face the guide walls 101, 103 or the arc wall 95 at the lower part of the rotor recess 97 .

[0056] The insert 105 can be received in the cassette recess 6 in the housing 3 (FIG. 3) to help fix the cassette 5 and the tube 45 in the cassette recess 6. The insert 105 can be disposed in the recess 6 such that when the cassette 5 is attached to the housing 3, the insert 105 is received in the rear cavity of the cassette 5 above the curved guide walls 101, 103 . The insert 105 has a pair of opposing first protrusions 107 disposed on the inlet side of the insert for receiving the inlet portion of the tube 45, and the tube ​ A pair of opposing second protrusions 109 disposed on the exit side of the insert to receive the exit portion of can be provided. The rib 111 (FIGS. 6 and 7) of the rear portion 55 of the cassette body 51 engages with the exit portion of the tube 45 between the second protrusions 109 and can be arranged to assist in inserting the exit portion between the protrusions. An indication 112 showing the direction of the fluid flow in the tube 45 can be arranged on at least one of the second protrusions 109. In the illustrated embodiment, the indication 112 is in the form of an arrow. Referring to FIGS. 5 to 9, the stator member 113 can be disposed at the lower part of the cassette body 51 within a cavity such as the stator opening 115 generally at or near the lower part of the rotor recess 97. Thus, when the cassette 5 is attached to the housing 3, the stator member 113 is generally located on the opposite side of the lower part of the rotor 37. In an advantageous configuration, the stator member 113 can support the tube 45 of the supply set 7 when the roller 43 engages with the tube, as will be described below. In some cases, the stator member 113 can have an arc shape extending along the length of the stator member. Similar to the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the stator member 113 is fixed to the cassette body 51 only at the first end and can be a cantilever member that can float at least partially freely within the stator opening 115 with respect to the cassette body 51. As shown, the flexible stator member 113 can pivot about the connection or anchor to the rest of the cassette 5 and can become partially or completely flat when engaging with the roller 43. For example, the stator member is

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 9, the stator member 113 can be disposed at the lower part of the cassette body 51 within a cavity such as the stator opening 115 generally at or near the lower part of the rotor recess 97. Thus, when the cassette 5 is attached to the housing 3, the stator member 113 is generally located on the opposite side of the lower part of the rotor 37. In an advantageous configuration, the stator member 113 can support the tube 45 of the supply set 7 when the roller 43 engages with the tube, as will be described below. In some cases, the stator member 113 can have an arc shape extending along the length of the stator member. Similar to the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the stator member 113 is fixed to the cassette body 51 only at the first end and can be a cantilever member that can float at least partially freely within the stator opening 115 with respect to the cassette body 51. As shown, the flexible stator member 113 can pivot about the connection or anchor to the rest of the cassette 5 and can become partially or completely flat when engaging with the roller 43. For example, the stator member can be disposed at the lower part of the cassette body 51 within a cavity such as the stator opening 115 generally at or near the lower part of the rotor recess 97. Thus, when the cassette 5 is attached to the housing 3, the stator member 113 is generally located on the opposite side of the lower part of the rotor 37. In an advantageous configuration, the stator member 113 can support the tube 45 of the supply set 7 when the roller 43 engages with the tube, as will be described below. In some cases, the stator member 113 can have an arc shape extending along the length of the stator member. Similar to the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the stator member 113 is fixed to the cassette body 51 only at the first end and can be a cantilever member that can float at least partially freely within the stator opening 115 with respect to the cassette body 51. As shown, the flexible stator member 113 can pivot about the connection or anchor to the rest of the cassette 5 and can become partially or completely flat when engaging with the roller 43. For example, the stator member can be arranged to support the tube 45 of the supply set 7 when the roller 43 engages with the tube. In some cases, the stator member 113 can have an arc shape extending along the length of the stator member. Similar to the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the stator member 113 is fixed to the cassette body 51 only at the first end and can be a cantilever member that can float at least partially freely within the stator opening 115 with respect to the cassette body 51. As shown, the flexible stator member 113 can pivot about the connection or anchor to the rest of the cassette 5 and can become partially or completely flat when engaging with the roller 43. For example, the stator member is generally located on the opposite side of the lower part of the rotor 37. In an advantageous configuration, the stator member 113 can support the tube 45 of the supply set 7 when the roller 43 engages with the tube, as will be described below. In some cases, the stator member 113 can have an arc shape extending along the length of the stator member. Similar to the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the stator member 113 is fixed to the cassette body 51 only at the first end and can be a cantilever member that can float at least partially freely within the stator opening 115 with respect to the cassette body 51. As shown, the flexible stator member 113 can pivot about the connection or anchor to the rest of the cassette 5 and can become partially or completely flat when engaging with the roller 43. For example, the stator member can support the tube 45 of the supply set 7 when the roller 43 engages with the tube, as will be described below. In some cases, the stator member 113 can have an arc shape extending along the length of the stator member. Similar to the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the stator member 113 is fixed to the cassette body 51 only at the first end and can be a cantilever member that can float at least partially freely within the stator opening 115 with respect to the cassette body 51. As shown, the flexible stator member 113 can pivot about the connection or anchor to the rest of the cassette 5 and can become partially or completely flat when engaging with the roller 43. For example, the stator member can support the tube 45 of the supply set 7 when the roller 43 engages with the tube. In some cases, the stator member 113 can have an arc shape extending along the length of the stator member. Similar to the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the stator member 113 is fixed to the cassette body 51 only at the first end and can be a cantilever member that can float at least partially freely within the stator opening 115 with respect to the cassette body 51. As shown, the flexible stator member 113 can pivot about the connection or anchor to the rest of the cassette 5 and can become partially or completely flat when engaging with the roller 43. For example, the stator member can have an arc shape extending along the length of the stator member. Similar to the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the stator member 113 is fixed to the cassette body 51 only at the first end and can be a cantilever member that can float at least partially freely within the stator opening 115 with respect to the cassette body 51. As shown, the flexible stator member 113 can pivot about the connection or anchor to the rest of the cassette 5 and can become partially or completely flat when engaging with the roller 43. For example, the stator member is fixed to the cassette body 51 only at the first end and can be a cantilever member that can float at least partially freely within the stator opening 115 with respect to the cassette body 51. As shown, the flexible stator member 113 can pivot about the connection or anchor to the rest of the cassette 5 and can become partially or completely flat when engaging with the roller 43. For example, the stator member is fixed to the cassette body 51 only at the first end and can be a cantilever member that can float at least partially freely within the stator opening 115 with respect to the cassette body 51. As shown, the flexible stator member 113 can pivot about the connection or anchor to the rest of the cassette 5 and can become partially or completely flat when engaging with the roller 43. For example, the stator member is fixed to the cassette body 51 only at the first end and can be a cantilever member that can float at least partially freely within the stator opening 115 with respect to the cassette body 51. As shown, the flexible stator member 113 can pivot about the connection or anchor to the rest of the cassette 5 and can become partially or completely flat when engaging with the roller 43. For example, the stator member can pivot about the connection or anchor to the rest of the cassette 5 and can become partially or completely flat when engaging with the roller 43. For example, the stator member can become partially or completely flat when engaging with the roller 43. For example, the stator member It can have a first end fixed to the cassette body and a second end that is not fixed , and the second end can float or displace to enable the reaction segment having the surface of the stator member to have a flexural displacement. For example, when at least one roller traverses along a tube while rotating around the rotation axis of the roller, the flexible stator member 11 3 can displace or flex into a flexural displacement in response to the force applied by one or more rollers 43 during the rotation of the roller centered on the rotation axis. The lateral rib 116 on the lower surface of the first part can impart structural rigidity to the flexible stator member 113 and can function as a contact surface that facilitates removal, such as protrusion of the flexible stator member from the mold cavity. In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible stator member 113 can be formed integrally with the cassette body 51. However, the flexible stator member 113 can be formed separately from the cassette body 51 and attached to the cassette

[0058] body by appropriate means. For example, a flexible stator (not shown) can have an elongated extension portion that engages with an engagement cavity of the cassette body, and the engagement cavity is sized and shaped to receive the extension portion accordingly. In this way, the stator member is selected from a plurality of candidates with different mechanical properties such as elastic modulus and radius of curvature, and the cassette operation parameters can be adjusted with or without considering any of the tube characteristics to provide specific flow performance attributes during pump operation. The stop portion 117 is disposed on the bottom surface of the stator opening 115 to the flexible stator member 113 However, the flexible stator member 113 can be formed separately from the cassette body 51 and attached to the cassette body by appropriate means. For example, a flexible stator (not shown) can have an elongated extension portion that engages with an engagement cavity of the cassette body, and the engagement cavity is sized and shaped to receive the extension portion accordingly. In this way, the stator member is selected from a plurality of candidates with different mechanical properties such as elastic modulus and radius of curvature, and the cassette operation parameters can be adjusted with or without considering any of the tube characteristics to provide specific flow performance attributes during pump operation. is selected from a plurality of candidates with different mechanical properties such as elastic modulus and radius of curvature, and the cassette operation parameters can be adjusted with or without considering any of the tube characteristics to provide specific flow performance attributes during pump operation. Considering either or not considering any of the tube characteristics, the cassette operation parameters can be adjusted to provide specific flow performance attributes during pump operation. During pump operation, specific flow performance attributes can be provided.

[0059] Place the stop portion 117 on the bottom surface of the stator opening 115 to The floating motion can be limited to the maximum displacement. The stop 117 prevents bending of the stator member that causes plastic deformation of the stator member from occurring with respect to the lower side of the flexible stator member 113. For example, the stop member can be arranged to limit the magnitude of the deflection displacement distance of the unfixed end to the maximum displacement. In the illustrated embodiment, the stop 117 is formed as part of the cassette body 51. However, the stop 117 can be formed separately from the cassette body 51 and attached to the cassette body in a suitable manner . In other cases, the stop 117 can be formed in the housing 3 and configured to limit the displacement of the flexible stator member 113 to the maximum displacement. The stop 117 can have a width larger than the width of the flexible stator member 113 so as to provide a surface area sufficient for the stop to limit the movement of the stator member . The stop 117 can serve to shield the flexible stator member 113 and is generally sized to prevent or reduce the possibility of the member 113 being snagged or caught. Before attaching the cassette 5 to the pump housing 3, the inlet tube 77 and the outlet tube 83 can be attached to the inlet 69 and the outlet 71 of the cassette, respectively. To attach the cassette 5 to the pump housing 3, one or more pins or raised protrusions 119 on the lower portion 59 of the cassette body 51 can be inserted into the slots 124 at the bottom of the recess 6 in the housing 3 . Engagement of the raised protrusion 119 with the slot 124 generally positions the cassette 5 in the housing 3. Then, the cassette body 51 is captured by a catch 127 where the shelf-like portion 123 of the tab 125 at the upper portion 57 of the cassette body is at the uppermost part of the recess 6 .

[0060] Before attaching the cassette 5 to the pump housing 3, the inlet tube 77 and the outlet tube 83 can be attached to the inlet 69 and the outlet 71 of the cassette, respectively. To attach the cassette 5 to the pump housing 3, one or more pins or raised protrusions 119 on the lower portion 59 of the cassette body 51 can be inserted into the slots 124 at the bottom of the recess 6 in the housing 3 . Engagement of the raised protrusion 119 with the slot 124 generally positions the cassette 5 in the housing 3. Then, the cassette body 51 is captured by a catch 127 where the shelf-like portion 123 of the tab 125 at the upper portion 57 of the cassette body is at the uppermost part of the recess 6 . can be rotated up to. In the illustrated embodiment, the raised protrusion 119 and the shelf portion 123 are formed integrally with the cassette body 51. However, the raised protrusion 119 and the shelf portion 123 may be formed separately from the cassette body 51 and attached to the cassette body in a suitable manner. To remove the cassette 5 from the pump housing 3, the tab 125 can be pushed downward to disengage the shelf portion 123 from the catch 127.

[0061] When the cassette 5 is attached to the pump housing 3, the tube 45 of the supply set 7 is arranged such that the roller 43 of the pump 1 engages it. The roller 43 engages the tube 45 at a portion of the tube supported by the flexible stator member 113. When the roller 43 engages the tube 45, the flexible stator member 113 flexes or moves away from the roller. Specifically, due to this movement, the tube 45 can be at least partially straightened into a more linear shape, enabling the roller 43 to close the tube in a semi-linear manner. Therefore, instead of pulling and stretching the tube 45 as in the case of a conventional pump roller, the roller 43 slides along the tube and closes the tube with reduced tension. As a result, the roller 43 generates an aliquot that matches the actual linear dimension of the tube 45. Therefore, the calculated aliquot volume of the pump 1 exactly matches the actual aliquot volume generated by the pump, resulting in a more accurate supply.

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 14 - 17, a pump set of another embodiment is shown generally at 7'.

[0062] ​It exists. The pump set includes a cassette 5' including a cassette body 5G, a fitting 65' received within the cassette body, and a stem 68' movably received within the fitting, and a fitting assembly 82' including the fitting and a tube 45' attached to the fitting. The cassette 5' is the same as the cassette of the first embodiment except for the configuration of the second attachment portion 8G of the outlet 7G of the fitting, particularly. In this embodiment, the second attachment portion 8G extends laterally away from the inlet 69' and extends through a notch 102' in the side wall 6G of the cassette 5'. The outlet tube 83' is received in the second attachment portion 8G and extends laterally away from the housing 5G of the cassette 5'. The laterally extending outlet tube 83' provides an orientation that is more resistant to twisting than an outlet tube that extends vertically upward from the second attachment portion 8G. This is because the downward force generated by the fluid flowing through the outlet tube 83' reduces the bend of the laterally extending outlet tube and reduces the possibility of twisting. Also, since the outlet tube 83' generally bends downward from the cassette 5' to reach the patient, extending the outlet tube laterally from the cassette 5' allows the tube to be oriented in a more suitable position to reach the patient without being twisted by the weight of the fluid. A fitting 65' received within the cassette body and a stem 68' movably received within the fitting. And a fitting assembly 82' including the fitting and a tube 45' attached to the fitting. The cassette 5' is the same as the cassette of the first embodiment except for the configuration of the second attachment portion 8G of the outlet 7G of the fitting, particularly. In this embodiment, the second attachment portion 8G extends laterally away from the inlet 69' and extends through a notch 102' in the side wall 6G of the cassette 5'. The outlet tube 83' is received in the second attachment portion 8G and extends laterally away from the housing 5G of the cassette 5'. The laterally extending outlet tube 83' provides an orientation that is more resistant to twisting than an outlet tube that extends vertically upward from the second attachment portion 8G. This is because the downward force generated by the fluid flowing through the outlet tube 83' reduces the bend of the laterally extending outlet tube and reduces the possibility of twisting. Also, since the outlet tube 83' generally bends downward from the cassette 5' to reach the patient, extending the outlet tube laterally from the cassette 5' allows the tube to be oriented in a more suitable position to reach the patient without being twisted by the weight of the fluid. Referring to FIGS. 18 - 21, a pump set of another embodiment is shown generally at 7''. The pump set includes a cassette 5'' including a cassette body 51'', a fitting 65'' received within the cassette body, and a stem 68'' movably received within the fitting.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 18 - 21, a pump set of another embodiment is shown generally at 7''. The pump set includes a cassette 5'' including a cassette body 51'', a fitting 65'' received within the cassette body, and a stem 68'' movably received within the fitting. And a fitting assembly 82'' including the fitting and a tube 45'' attached to the fitting. a fitting assembly 82’’ including a stem 68’’ that can be obtained, and a tube 45’’ attached to the fitting. The cassette 5’’ is the same as the cassette of the previous embodiment, except for the configuration of the fitting 65’’, particularly the outlet 71’’ of the fitting. In this embodiment, the outlet 71’’ includes an angled arch-shaped portion 104’’ and a flow guide 106’’ received within the arch-shaped portion. The flow guide 106’’ has an open upper portion that is closed by the arch-shaped portion 104’’ to provide an arch-shaped flow path through the outlet 71’’ of the fitting 65’’. The downstream portion of the tube 45’’ is connected to the first attachment portion 79’’ of the flow guide 106’’, and the second attachment portion 81’’ of the flow guide is connected to the outlet tube 83’’. Due to the arch shape of the outlet 71’’, the second attachment portion 81’’ extends downward through an opening 102’’ in the front portion 53’’ of the cassette 5’’. The outlet tube 83’’ is received in the second attachment portion 81 and extends downward adjacent to the front portion 53’’ of the housing 51’’ of the cassette 5’’. The downwardly extending outlet tube 83’’ provides an orientation that resists twisting more than an outlet tube that extends vertically upward from the second attachment portion 81’’. This is because the downward force generated by the fluid flowing through the outlet tube 83’’ reduces the bending of the outlet tube that already extends downward and lowers the possibility of twisting. Also, since the outlet tube 83’’ generally has to bend downward from the cassette 5 to reach the patient, having an outlet tube that already extends downward from the cassette reduces the twisting of the tube due to the weight of the fluid and directs the tube to a more suitable position to reach the patient. and a tube 45’’ attached to the fitting. The cassette 5’’ is the same as the cassette of the previous embodiment, except for the configuration of the fitting 65’’, particularly the outlet 71’’ of the fitting. In this embodiment, the outlet 71’’ includes an angled arch-shaped portion 104’’ and a flow guide 106’’ received within the arch-shaped portion. The flow guide 106’’ has an open upper portion that is closed by the arch-shaped portion 104’’ to provide an arch-shaped flow path through the outlet 71’’ of the fitting 65’’. The downstream portion of the tube 45’’ is connected to the first attachment portion 79’’ of the flow guide 106’’, and the second attachment portion 81’’ of the flow guide is connected to the outlet tube 83’’. Due to the arch shape of the outlet 71’’, the second attachment portion 81’’ extends downward through an opening 102’’ in the front portion 53’’ of the cassette 5’’. The outlet tube 83’’ is received in the second attachment portion 81 and extends downward adjacent to the front portion 53’’ of the housing 51’’ of the cassette 5’’. The downwardly extending outlet tube 83’’ provides an orientation that resists twisting more than an outlet tube that extends vertically upward from the second attachment portion 81’’. This is because the downward force generated by the fluid flowing through the outlet tube 83’’ reduces the bending of the outlet tube that already extends downward and lowers the possibility of twisting. Also, since the outlet tube 83’’ generally has to bend downward from the cassette 5 to reach the patient, having an outlet tube that already extends downward from the cassette reduces the twisting of the tube due to the weight of the fluid and directs the tube to a more suitable position to reach the patient. and a tube 45’’ attached to the fitting. The cassette 5’’ is the same as the cassette of the previous embodiment, except for the configuration of the fitting 65’’, particularly the outlet 71’’ of the fitting. In this embodiment, the outlet 71’’ includes an angled arch-shaped portion 104’’ and a flow guide 106’’ received within the arch-shaped portion. The flow guide 106’’ has an open upper portion that is closed by the arch-shaped portion 104’’ to provide an arch-shaped flow path through the outlet 71’’ of the fitting 65’’. The downstream portion of the tube 45’’ is connected to the first attachment portion 79’’ of the flow guide 106’’, and the second attachment portion 81’’ of the flow guide is connected to the outlet tube 83’’. Due to the arch shape of the outlet 71’’, the second attachment portion 81’’ extends downward through an opening 102’’ in the front portion 53’’ of the cassette 5’’. The outlet tube 83’’ is received in the second attachment portion 81 and extends downward adjacent to the front portion 53’’ of the housing 51’’ of the cassette 5’’. The downwardly extending outlet tube 83’’ provides an orientation that resists twisting more than an outlet tube that extends vertically upward from the second attachment portion 81’’. This is because the downward force generated by the fluid flowing through the outlet tube 83’’ reduces the bending of the outlet tube that already extends downward and lowers the possibility of twisting. Also, since the outlet tube 83’’ generally has to bend downward from the cassette 5 to reach the patient, having an outlet tube that already extends downward from the cassette reduces the twisting of the tube due to the weight of the fluid and directs the tube to a more suitable position to reach the patient.

[0064] Referring to FIGS. 22-25, a pump set of another embodiment is shown generally at 7'''. The pump set includes a cassette 5''' including a cassette body 51''', a fitting assembly 82''' including a fitting 65''' received within the cassette body and a stem 68''' movably received within the fitting, and a tube 45''' attached to the fitting. The cassette 5''' is similar to the cassette of the previous embodiment, except for the configuration of the fitting 65''', particularly the outlet 7G'' of the fitting. In this embodiment, the outlet 71''' includes an arch-shaped portion 104''' and a flow guide 106''' received over the arch-shaped portion. The arch-shaped portion 104''' has an open upper portion that is closed by the flow guide 106''' to provide an arch-shaped flow path through the outlet 7G'' of the fitting 65'''. The downstream portion of the tube 45''' is connected to a first attachment portion 79''' of the arch-shaped portion, and a second attachment portion 8'' of the arch-shaped portion is connected to an outlet tube 83'''. Due to the arch shape of the outlet 71''', the second attachment portion 8G''' extends downwardly through an opening (not shown) in a side projection of the cassette 5'''. The outlet tube 83''' is received in the second attachment portion 81''' and extends downwardly adjacent to a side wall 6G'' of the cassette 5''. The downwardly extending outlet tube 83''' provides an orientation that is more resistant to twisting than an outlet tube that extends vertically upward from the second attachment portion 8G''. This is because the downward force generated by the fluid flowing through the outlet tube 83''' causes the bend in the outlet tube that is already extending downward. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​This is because it reduces the bends and lowers the possibility of torsion formation. Also, the outlet tube 8 3’’’ generally has to bend downward from the cassette 5’’’ to reach the patient, so having an outlet tube that already extends downward from the cassette allows the tube to be oriented in a more suitable position to reach the patient without being twisted by the weight of the fluid.

[0065] In one non-exclusive description of the present invention, a cassette for use with a pumping device generally comprises a body configured to be removably attachable to the pumping device to attach the cassette to the pumping device. The body comprises a front portion, a rear portion, an upper portion, a lower portion, and a curved guide wall extending downward from the upper portion of the body. A fitting attached to the body has an inlet port for attaching an inlet tube to the cassette and an outlet port for attaching an outlet tube to the cassette. The outlet port is recessed from the upper portion of the body, and the curved guide wall extends adjacent to the outlet port of the fitting to support the outlet tube to prevent torsion of the outlet tube.

[0066] When introducing an element of the present invention or a preferred embodiment thereof, the articles "a", "an", "the" and "said" are intended to mean that one or more of the elements exist. The terms "comprising", "including" and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the recited elements.

[0067] Considering the above, it will be seen that several objects of the present invention are achieved and other advantageous results are obtained. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

[0068] Without departing from the scope of the present invention, various modifications can be made to the above configuration. All matters included in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings are to be construed as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. It is intended that they are not in a limiting sense.

Claims

Claim 1 A method of assembling a cassette, the method comprising: providing a cassette for use with an enteral nutrition pumping device having a pumping system for engaging a pump set, the cassette having a cassette body; attaching a fitting assembly to the cassette body, the fitting assembly comprising an inlet, an outlet, a first attachment portion of the inlet, a second attachment portion of the inlet, a first attachment portion of the outlet, a second attachment portion of the outlet, and a valve mechanism disposed between the first attachment portion of the inlet and the second attachment portion of the inlet, the first attachment portion of the outlet being in fluid communication with the second attachment portion of the outlet, the valve mechanism including a stem rotatably mounted for selectively communicating the second attachment portion of the inlet with the first attachment portion of the inlet, the stem including a flange for securing the fitting assembly to the enteral nutrition pumping device when the stem is rotated to communicate the second attachment portion of the inlet with the first attachment portion of the inlet, the stem including a flow path extending through the stem from an inlet end of the flow path to an outlet end of the flow path, whereby the inlet end of the flow path communicates with the second attachment portion of the inlet and the outlet end of the flow path communicates with the first attachment portion of the inlet, the cross-sectional area of the flow path increasing at a different rate of change along the flow path from the inlet end to the outlet end, the cross-sectional area of the flow path at an intermediate portion between the inlet end and the outlet end being larger than that of a V-shaped flow path increasing at a constant rate of change along the flow path from the inlet end to the outlet end, the second attachment portion of the inlet selectively communicating with the inlet end of the flow path and the outlet end of the flow path selectively communicating with the first attachment portion of the inlet; Connecting a tube for carrying a supply solution, the tube including a first tube and a second tube, the first tube including a first end and a second end, the first end of the first tube being connected to a supply source containing the supply solution, the second end of the first tube being connected to a second attachment portion of the inlet, the second tube including a first end and a second end, the first end of the second tube being connected to a first attachment portion of the inlet, the second end of the second tube being connected to a first attachment portion of the outlet, and a portion between the first end and the second end of the second tube being configured to engage with the enteral nutrition pumping device for pumping the supply solution through the second tube when the cassette engages with the enteral nutrition pumping device A method including the above **Claim 2** The method according to claim 1, wherein connecting the tube includes inserting a lower portion of the second tube into a tube channel formed by a guide wall and an arc wall of the cassette body **Claim 3** The method according to claim 2, further including engaging and holding the tube in the tube channel using a tab of the cassette body **Claim 4** The method according to claim 2, further including receiving at least a part of a rotor of the enteral nutrition pumping device in a recess formed by an arc wall of the cassette body when the cassette engages with the enteral nutrition pumping device **Claim 5** The method according to claim 1, wherein connecting the tube further includes connecting a first end of a third tube to a second attachment portion of the outlet with the second attachment portion of the outlet being in fluid connection with the first attachment portion of the outlet **Claim 6** The method according to claim 1, further including engaging the second tube with a roller of the enteral nutrition pumping device when the cassette engages with the enteral nutrition pumping device **Claim 7** The method according to claim 1, further including selectively rotating the stem to fluidly connect the flow path to one of two second attachment portions of the inlet, one of the second attachment portions being fluidly connected to the supply source and the other of the second attachment portions being fluidly connected to a cleaning source via a fourth tube **Claim 8** The method according to claim 7, further including selectively rotating the stem to block fluid connection to the flow path **Claim 9** The method according to claim 1, further comprising inserting one or more pins or raised protrusions of the cassette body into corresponding slots of the housing of the enteral nutrition pumping device when the cassette engages with the enteral nutrition pumping device, wherein the one or more raised protrusions are located substantially at the lower part of the cassette body.

10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising rotating the cassette until a tab on the cassette body engages with a corresponding shelf-like portion of the housing of the enteral nutrition pumping device when the cassette engages with the enteral nutrition pumping device, wherein the tab is located substantially at the upper part of the cassette body.

11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising removing the cassette from the enteral nutrition pumping device by depressing the tab to disengage the tab from the corresponding shelf-like portion.

12. Attaching the fitting assembly to the cassette body comprises inserting the inlet into a notch formed in the upper wall of the cassette body, the notch being configured to receive two second mounting portions of the inlet, inserting the base of the fitting assembly to engage with the lower part of the positioning wall and the upper part of the vertical protrusion of the U-shaped wall of the cassette body, inserting the tab of the base into a corresponding opening of the cassette body The method according to claim 1, further comprising.

13. The method according to claim 1, further comprising removably attaching the cassette to the enteral nutrition pumping device.

14. A pump set for use with an enteral nutrition pumping device, the pump set comprising a tube for carrying a supply solution, the tube including a first tube having a first end and a second end and a second tube having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the first tube is for connecting to a supply source containing the supply solution, and the second tube is configured to be engaged by the enteral nutrition pumping device for pumping the supply solution through the second tube when the pump set engages with the enteral nutrition pumping device. A valve mechanism attached to the tube between the second end of the first tube and the first end of the second tube, the valve mechanism comprising an inlet having a first attachment portion and a second attachment portion, and a valve disposed between the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion of the inlet. The second end of the first tube is for connecting to the second attachment portion of the inlet, and the first end of the second tube is for connecting to the first attachment portion of the inlet. The valve includes a rotatable stem for selectively communicating the second attachment portion of the inlet with the first attachment portion of the inlet. The stem includes a flow path extending through the stem from an inlet end of the flow path to an outlet end of the flow path, whereby the inlet end of the flow path communicates with the second attachment portion of the inlet and the outlet end of the flow path communicates with the first attachment portion of the inlet. The cross-sectional area of the flow path increases at different rates along the flow path from the inlet end to the outlet end, and the cross-sectional area of the flow path at an intermediate portion between the inlet end and the outlet end is larger than that of a V-shaped flow path that increases at a constant rate along the flow path from the inlet end to the outlet end. The second attachment portion of the inlet selectively communicates with the inlet end of the flow path, and the outlet end of the flow path selectively communicates with the first attachment portion of the inlet. A valve mechanism A pump set comprising.

15. The pump set according to claim 14, wherein the stem is selectively rotated to cut off fluid connection to the flow path.

16. An enteral nutrition pumping device, A housing, A pumping unit for pumping a supply solution, A cassette recess configured to receive a cassette A housing comprising. A pump set, A tube for carrying the supply solution, the tube including a first tube having a first end and a second end, and a second tube having a first end and a second end. The first end of the first tube is connected to a supply source containing the supply solution, and the second tube is configured to engage with the enteral nutrition pumping device to pump the supply solution through the second tube when the cassette engages with the enteral nutrition pumping device. A tube A valve mechanism attached to the tube between the second end of the first tube and the first end of the second tube, the valve mechanism comprising: an inlet having a first attachment portion and a second attachment portion; and a valve disposed between the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion of the inlet. The second end of the first tube is connected to the second attachment portion of the inlet, and the first end of the second tube is connected to the first attachment portion of the inlet. The valve includes a rotatable stem for selectively communicating the second attachment portion of the inlet with the first attachment portion of the inlet. The stem includes a flow path extending through the stem from an inlet end of the flow path to an outlet end of the flow path, whereby the inlet end of the flow path communicates with the second attachment portion of the inlet and the outlet end of the flow path communicates with the first attachment portion of the inlet. The cross-sectional area of the flow path increases at different rates along the flow path from the inlet end to the outlet end, and the cross-sectional area of the flow path at an intermediate portion between the inlet end and the outlet end is larger than that of a V-shaped flow path that increases at a constant rate along the flow path from the inlet end to the outlet end. The second attachment portion of the inlet selectively communicates with the inlet end of the flow path, and the outlet end of the flow path selectively communicates with the first attachment portion of the inlet. A valve mechanism A pump set comprising A cassette configured to removably receive the pump set A main body configured to be removably attached to the housing for attaching the cassette to the enteral nutrition pumping device A fitting removably attachable to the main body, the fitting including the valve mechanism including the inlet, the outlet, and the valve disposed between the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion of the inlet. The valve includes the rotatable stem rotatably attached to selectively communicate the second attachment portion of the inlet with the first attachment portion of the inlet. The stem includes a flange for fixing the fitting to the enteral nutrition pumping device when the stem rotates to communicate the second attachment portion of the inlet with the first attachment portion of the inlet. A fitting A cassette comprising An enteral nutrition pumping device comprising

17. The enteral nutrition pumping device according to claim 16, wherein the stem is selectively rotated to cut off fluid connection to the flow path

18. An enteral nutrition pumping device A housing, a pumping unit for pumping a supply solution, a cassette recess configured to receive a cassette, and a housing comprising the same; a fitting assembly, an inlet having a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion, an outlet, a valve disposed between the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion of the inlet, the valve including a stem rotatably mounted for selectively communicating the second mounting portion of the inlet with the first mounting portion of the inlet, the stem including a flow path extending through the stem from an inlet end of the flow path to an outlet end of the flow path, whereby the inlet end of the flow path communicates with the second mounting portion of the inlet and the outlet end of the flow path communicates with the first mounting portion of the inlet, the cross-sectional area of the flow path increasing at different rates along the flow path from the inlet end to the outlet end, and the cross-sectional area of the flow path at an intermediate portion between the inlet end and the outlet end being larger than that of a V-shaped flow path increasing at a constant rate along the flow path from the inlet end to the outlet end, the second mounting portion of the inlet selectively communicating with the inlet end of the flow path and the outlet end of the flow path selectively communicating with the first mounting portion of the inlet, a valve; a fitting assembly comprising the same; a cassette, a main body configured to be removably attached to the enteral nutrition pumping device for attaching the cassette to the enteral nutrition pumping device, a fitting removably attachable to the main body, the fitting including a valve mechanism including the inlet, the outlet, and the valve disposed between the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion of the inlet, the valve including the stem rotatably mounted for selectively communicating the second mounting portion of the inlet with the first mounting portion of the inlet, the stem including a flange for fixing the fitting to the enteral nutrition pumping device when the stem rotates to communicate the second mounting portion of the inlet with the first mounting portion of the inlet, a fitting; a cassette comprising the same; an enteral nutrition pumping device comprising the same.

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