Pump Cartridge and Console

Abstract

To provide a favorable pump cartridge and console.SOLUTION: A pump cartridge comprises a retention structure to retain a piston for shipping and storage, in which the piston can be decoupled from the retention structure to pump fluid. In the shipping and storage configuration, the piston can be positioned with the retention structure to allow sterilization gas to travel within a housing and into a cylinder distal to the piston. When placed in a console for use in a pumping configuration, the piston can be decoupled from the retention structure to form a seal within the housing. When the procedure has been completed, the pump cartridge can be decoupled from the console in a manner that disables the cartridge for subsequent use to prevent a non-sterile cartridge from being reused.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] (Related Applications) This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 812,879, entitled "Pump Cartridge," filed March 1, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] (background) High-pressure liquid pumps can be used in many applications, such as machining and surgery. For example, water jets can be used to ablate tissue. Several surgical procedures have been developed in which water jets can be used to ablate tissue, such as prostate surgery to remove benign prostatic hyperplasia and spinal surgery. In surgical procedures, it is beneficial, and in some cases required, to maintain the sterility of the fluid being used to ablate the patient's tissue. Pumps can be reused and sterilized, but this can be time-consuming.

[0003] One conventional approach to maintaining sterility has been to provide a sterile pump cartridge that can be used for a single surgical procedure and then replaced. However, conventional pump cartridges for surgical procedures may not be ideal, at least in some cases. Pump cartridges may include several moving components, and shipping and storage of at least some conventional pump cartridges may not be ideal. For high-pressure pump cartridges to work reliably, several technical challenges exist that must be met, and conventional pump cartridges may, at least in some cases, be more complex and have tighter tolerances than would be ideal.

[0004] Research relevant to this disclosure suggests that reusing pump cartridges may be inappropriate in at least some instances, potentially resulting in cartridges being reused in a less-than-ideal manner. At least some of the conventional approaches may also require greater user skill than would be ideal. Some of the conventional approaches may also not ideally utilize the forces available from the pump console receiving the cartridge.

[0005] In some cases, fluid flow from nozzle jets used in surgery or other applications may not be ideal, and research related to this disclosure suggests that this variability may become more pronounced at lower pump rates, which may result in increased pulse-to-pulse variability and less precise, coarser ablation of material than would be ideal.

[0006] In light of the above, it would be desirable to have improved methods and devices for delivering fluids, such as sterile fluids for surgical procedures using water jets, that overcome at least some of the limitations noted above. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In some embodiments, the pump cartridge includes a retaining structure for retaining the piston for shipping and storage, and the piston can be decoupled from the retaining structure to pump fluid. In the shipping and storage configuration, the piston can be positioned with the retaining structure, according to some embodiments, to allow sterilizing gas to advance within the housing and into a cylinder distal to the piston. When installed within the console for use in the pumping configuration, the piston can be decoupled from the retaining structure and form a seal within the housing. In some embodiments, once the procedure is completed, the pump cartridge can be decoupled from the console in a manner that invalidates the cartridge for subsequent use, preventing reuse of a non-sterile cartridge. In some embodiments, an axial force from the console's push rod decouples the piston from the retaining structure, which can allow for an increased amount of decoupling force and increased stability of associated components such as the cartridge and piston in the shipping and storage configuration. The cartridge can include a deformable valve seat to allow for looser tolerances during manufacturing, which can reduce valve leakage and improve performance. In some embodiments, the cartridge includes multiple pistons to provide a more uniform fluid flow rate through the nozzle. In some embodiments, the cartridge is configured to couple to a high pressure line having suitable elasticity to reduce piston pulse-to-pulse variability in the fluid stream through the nozzle.

[0008] In some embodiments, the pump cartridge includes a piston, a housing including a channel, an inlet, and an outlet, the channel including a cylinder shaped to receive the piston, and an engagement structure configured to couple the piston to the push rod in response to axial movement of the push rod or the housing.

[0009] In some embodiments, a pump console includes a container for receiving the pump cartridge and a locking structure for engaging a catch on the pump cartridge. A push rod is configured to engage the pump cartridge, and an actuator is coupled to the push rod. A processor is coupled to the actuator for moving the push rod, and the processor is configured to advance the push rod into the cartridge in response to the locking structure engaging the catch. The present invention provides, for example, the following. (Item 1) A pump cartridge, the pump cartridge comprising: The piston and a housing having a channel, an inlet, and an outlet, the channel including a cylinder shaped to receive the piston; an engagement structure for coupling the piston to the push rod in response to axial movement of the push rod or the housing; A pump cartridge comprising: (Item 2) Item 1, a pump cartridge further comprising a casing covering a portion of the housing, the engagement structure being supported using the casing outer channel. (Item 3) 3. The pump cartridge of claim 2, wherein the engagement structure is connected to the casing and configured to decouple from the casing upon axial advancement of the push rod. (Item 4) 4. The pump cartridge of claim 3, wherein the casing includes an opening for receiving the push rod, and the engagement structure extends through the opening from the interior of the casing to the exterior of the casing. (Item 5) Item 5. The pump cartridge of item 4, wherein the outer portion of the engagement structure is configured to advance through the opening and into the interior of the casing when coupled to the push rod. (Item 6) Item 6. The pump cartridge of item 5, wherein the outer portion of the engagement structure is configured to remain within the interior of the casing when uncoupled from the push rod. (Item 7) 3. The pump cartridge of claim 2, further comprising a retention structure connected to the casing, the retention structure retaining the engagement structure in a shipping configuration and disengaging from the engagement structure in response to an axial force from the push rod. (Item 8) 8. The pump cartridge of claim 7, wherein the retention structure includes a plurality of angled tabs configured to deflect upon axial advancement of the engagement structure toward the interior of the casing and to remove the engagement structure from the push rod upon retraction of the push rod from the interior. (Item 9) 3. The pump cartridge of claim 2, wherein the piston is connected to the engagement structure, the engagement structure is connected to the casing in a storage configuration, and in the storage configuration, the piston is outside the cylinder to allow sterilizing gas to flow from inside the casing into the cylinder, and the casing includes an opening to allow the sterilizing gas to flow from outside the casing to inside the casing into the cylinder, and optionally, a distal tip of the piston is located outside the cylinder within the channel. (Item 10) 2. The pump cartridge of claim 1, wherein the engagement structure is configured to couple to the push rod with a first amount of axial force and to uncouple from the push rod with a second amount of axial force that is greater than the first amount of force. (Item 11) Item 11. The pump cartridge of item 10, wherein the first amount of axial force is directed in a first direction and the second amount of axial force is directed in a second direction, optionally, the first direction being opposite to the second direction. (Item 12) Item 1. The pump cartridge of item 1, wherein the engagement structure is configured to deform upon decoupling from the push rod. (Item 13) Item 1. The pump cartridge of item 1, further comprising a support coupled to the housing and the engagement structure, the support configured to decouple from the engagement structure in response to axial movement of the push rod or the housing, and optionally, the support comprising a casing. (Item 14) Item 14. The pump cartridge of item 13, further comprising a seal positioned within the channel, wherein the support is configured to hold the engagement structure with the piston positioned relative to the seal to define a gap between at least a portion of the piston and the seal to allow sterilizing gas to enter the cylinder. (Item 15) Item 14. The pump cartridge of item 13, wherein the support is configured to hold the engagement structure with the piston positioned relative to the cylinder to define a gap between at least a portion of the piston and the cylinder to allow sterilizing gas to enter the cylinder. (Item 16) Item 14. The pump cartridge of item 13, further comprising a retention structure coupled to the support, the retention structure configured to retain the engagement structure and to release the engagement structure in response to axial advancement of the push rod. (Item 17) 17. The pump cartridge of claim 16, wherein the retention structure comprises a plurality of extensions sized and shaped to engage grooves on the engagement structure, the plurality of extensions being angled toward the engagement structure and the inlet of the cylinder to allow the engagement structure to move toward the cylinder with axial advancement of the push rod and to disengage the engagement structure from the push rod with axial retraction of the push rod away from the cylinder. (Item 18) Item 18. The pump cartridge of item 17, wherein the engagement structure includes grooves or flanges for receiving the extensions to retain the engagement structure with the retention structure, and the extensions are configured to radially deflect away from the piston and allow advancement of the piston toward the cylinder. (Item 19) Item 17. The pump cartridge of item 16, wherein the engagement structure is configured to engage the push rod using a first amount of force and the retention structure is configured to disengage from the engagement structure using a second amount of force, the second amount of force being greater than the first amount of force. (Item 20) 20. The pump cartridge of claim 19, wherein the engagement structure is configured to maintain coupling between the push rod and the piston with a sufficient amount of force to retract the piston proximally as the piston and the push rod coupled to the piston reciprocate within the cylinder, optionally the amount of force to retract the piston proximally is in the range of about 0.25 pounds to about 20 pounds between bottom dead center and top dead center of the piston within the cylinder, optionally the amount is in the range of about 1 to 15 pounds, optionally about 2 to 10 pounds, and optionally the engagement structure is configured to prevent decoupling of the cylinder from the push rod as the push rod and cylinder retract within said ranges. (Item 21) 20. The pump cartridge of claim 19, further comprising a spring coupled to the piston, the spring configured to compress with advancement of the push rod along the cylinder and maintain a connection between the push rod and the piston with a sufficient amount of force to move the piston proximally away from the distal end of the cylinder when the push rod is retracted proximally away from the valve, and to provide reciprocating movement of the push rod to reciprocating movement of the piston within the cylinder. (Item 22) 22. The pump cartridge of claim 21, wherein the spring comprises one or more of a torsion spring, a coil spring, or a leaf spring, and optionally the spring provides an amount of force on the piston between bottom dead center and top dead center of the piston in the cylinder in a range of about 1 pound to about 20 pounds, optionally the amount is in a range of about 2 to 15 pounds, optionally about 5 to 10 pounds. (Item 23) Item 22. The pump cartridge of item 21, wherein the spring comprises a torsion spring coupled to the piston to urge the piston toward the push rod, and optionally, a center of rotation of the torsion spring is located away from an axis of extension of the piston. (Item 24) Item 22. The pump cartridge of item 21, wherein the spring comprises a coil spring coupled to the piston to urge the piston toward the push rod, and optionally the piston extends through an extension axis of the coil spring. (Item 25) Item 17. The pump cartridge of item 16, wherein the retention structure includes a plurality of channels sized and shaped to receive the plurality of fingers of the engagement structure. (Item 26) Item 26. The pump cartridge of item 25, wherein the retention structure comprises a plurality of extensions shaped to define the plurality of channels, the extensions being angled toward the cylinder to allow the plurality of fingers to pass through the plurality of channels. (Item 27) Item 26. The pump cartridge of item 25, wherein the retention structure comprises a shipping cap configured to retain the engagement structure and piston for storage and shipping. (Item 28) Item 14. The pump cartridge of item 13, wherein the engagement structure comprises a plurality of fingers for engaging the push rod, and optionally, the engagement structure comprises a plurality of snap-on piston clips connected to the piston and configured to engage recesses or protrusions on the push rod. (Item 29) Item 14. The pump cartridge of item 13, wherein the casing comprises a slot for receiving the push rod as the cartridge moves transversely to the axis of extension of the push rod, and the engagement structure comprises a slot for receiving the push rod and a protrusion for engaging a recess in the push rod, optionally the protrusion being coupled to a spring for coupling the protrusion to the recess, and optionally the recess comprising a detent and the protrusion comprising a ball. (Item 30) Item 14. The pump cartridge of item 13, wherein the housing includes a fastener for coupling the cartridge to the console to fasten the cartridge to the console, and optionally the console includes a motor and the push rod. (Item 31) 31. The pump cartridge of claim 30, wherein the housing comprises a fastener, the fastener comprising one or more of an extension on the housing, a plurality of extensions on the housing, a pair of opposing extensions extending from the housing, a recess in the housing, a plurality of recesses in the housing, a groove in the housing, a plurality of grooves in the housing, an opening extending through the housing, and a plurality of openings extending through the housing, and optionally the housing comprises metal for fastening the cartridge to the console. (Item 32) Item 32. The pump cartridge of item 31, wherein the fastener is sized and shaped to engage with a stop on the console on a first side of the fastener and a movable locking structure on the console on a second side of the fastener to fasten the cartridge to the console. (Item 33) Item 33. The pump cartridge of item 32, wherein the movable locking structure of the console includes a pin for contacting the second side of the fastener. (Item 34) Item 33. The pump cartridge of item 32, wherein the first side comprises a first surface facing a first direction of axial force associated with advancement of the piston toward the outlet to direct a compressive force of the cylinder toward the stop, and the second side comprises a second surface facing a second direction of axial force corresponding to retraction of the piston away from the outlet in a direction corresponding to drawing fluid into the cylinder. (Item 35) Item 1, the pump cartridge further comprising a seal positioned within the channel, the seal configured to allow movement of the piston relative to the seal. (Item 36) Item 36. The pump cartridge of item 35, further comprising a retainer coupled to the seal, the retainer configured to limit movement of the seal relative to the piston as the piston moves within the cylinder, and optionally the retainer acting against fluid pressure within the cylinder, the fluid within the cylinder acting in an opposing direction on the piston during a power stroke to urge the seal against the retainer. (Item 37) Item 36. The pump cartridge of item 35, wherein the seal comprises one or more of an O-ring, a cup seal, or a saddle sleeve. (Item 38) Item 36. The pump cartridge of item 35, wherein the pump channel comprises a second portion sized to receive the seal, and the cylinder comprises a first portion of the channel. (Item 39) Item 39. The pump cartridge of item 38, wherein the engagement structure is configured to couple to the push rod with a first amount of axial force, the engagement structure is configured to decouple from the retaining structure with a second amount of axial force, and the piston is configured to slide along the seal with a third amount of axial force, the second amount of axial force being greater than the first and third amounts of axial force. (Item 40) Item 40. The pump cartridge of item 39, wherein the third amount of axial force is less than the first amount of axial force. (Item 41) Item 40. The pump cartridge of item 39, wherein the third amount of axial force is greater than the first amount of axial force. (Item 42) 40. The pump cartridge of claim 39, wherein the engagement structure is configured to decouple from the push rod using a fourth amount of axial force, the fourth amount of axial force being greater than the first and third amounts of axial force. (Item 43) Item 43. The pump cartridge of item 42, wherein the first, second, and third amounts of axial force are in a first direction, and the fourth axial force is in a second direction opposite the first direction. (Item 44) Item 43. The pump cartridge of item 42, wherein the fourth amount of axial force is greater than the second amount of axial force. (Item 45) Item 43. The pump cartridge of item 42, wherein the fourth amount of axial force is less than the second amount of axial force. (Item 46) Item 43. The pump cartridge of item 42, wherein the retention structure is configured to, after decoupling the push rod from the engagement structure, use the fourth amount of force to one or more of deform or break the engagement structure to prevent coupling of the engagement structure to the push rod. (Item 47) Item 36. The pump cartridge of item 35, wherein the channel comprises a second portion located toward the engagement structure, the second portion sized to retain the seal, the second portion comprising a cross-section sized larger than a cross-section of the cylinder, and optionally the cylinder comprising a first cross-sectional diameter and the second portion comprising a second cross-sectional diameter, the first cross-sectional diameter being smaller than the second cross-sectional diameter to retain the seal within the second portion as the piston reciprocates. (Item 48) Item 48. The pump cartridge of item 47, wherein the second portion comprises a cylinder. (Item 49) Item 1. The pump cartridge of item 1, wherein the piston comprises a plurality of pistons, the cylinder comprises a plurality of cylinders, the engagement structure comprises a plurality of engagement structures, and the push rod comprises a plurality of push rods. (Item 50) Item 1, the pump cartridge further comprising a seal and a bushing, the seal and bushing being at least partially within the channel. (Item 51) Item 51. The pump cartridge of item 50, wherein the piston coupled to a retaining structure provides a gap between the piston and the seal, allowing sterilizing gas to travel into the cylinder from outside the housing. (Item 52) Item 51. The pump cartridge of item 50, wherein the seal has an inner unloaded diameter prior to engaging the piston, the piston having an outer diameter, the inner unloaded diameter of the seal being smaller than the diameter of the piston, and optionally the seal is configured to deflect to the diameter of the piston and engage the piston. (Item 53) Item 51. The pump cartridge of item 50, wherein the piston has an outer diameter and the cylinder has an inner diameter, the inner diameter of the cylinder being larger than the outer diameter of the piston to provide a gap between the piston and the cylinder when the piston is inserted into the cylinder through the seal. (Item 54) Item 54. The pump cartridge of item 53, wherein the piston is sized to displace fluid within the cylinder with a gap extending between a distal portion of the piston and the cylinder. (Item 55) Item 51. The pump cartridge of item 50, wherein the bushing has an inner bearing surface for guiding the piston, and the seal is located between the bearing surface and the cylinder. (Item 56) Item 51. The pump cartridge of item 50, further comprising a retainer coupled to the housing for holding the bushing, the seal being located between the retainer and the cylinder, and optionally, the channel comprising a second cylinder with a larger inner diameter than the cylinder, and optionally further comprising a stop located between the cylinder and the second cylinder to limit movement of the bushing toward the cylinder. (Item 57) A pump cartridge, the pump cartridge comprising: a first piston and a second piston; a housing including a first inlet and a second inlet, an outlet, a first cylinder for receiving the first piston, and a second cylinder for receiving the second piston; a valve located between the first inlet and the second inlet; Equipped with the valve comprises a movable component that translates from a first position to a second position, the first position allowing liquid to flow from the first inlet to the first cylinder and from the second cylinder to the outlet, and the second position allowing liquid to flow from the second inlet to the second cylinder and from the first cylinder to the outlet. (Item 58) Item 58. The pump cartridge of item 57, wherein the output pressure of the second cylinder urges the movable component into the first position and the output pressure of the first cylinder urges the movable component to the second position. (Item 59) Item 58. The pump cartridge of item 57, wherein a channel extends from the first inlet to the second inlet, and the valve is positioned therebetween. (Item 60) Item 59. The pump cartridge of item 59, wherein the channel comprises a first portion extending from the first inlet to the first cylinder and a second portion extending from the second cylinder to the second inlet, the valve being located between the first portion and the second portion, and the valve being in the first position at both portions. (Item 61) Item 61. The pump cartridge of item 60, wherein in the first position, the valve engages a first valve seat to prevent the flow of a first high-pressure fluid from the second cylinder toward the first cylinder, and in the second position, the valve engages a second valve seat to prevent the flow of a second high-pressure fluid from the first cylinder. (Item 62) Item 60. The pump cartridge of item 59, wherein the channel extends transversely to a first axis of extension of the first cylinder and a second axis of extension of the second cylinder. (Item 63) Item 63. The pump cartridge of item 62, wherein the channel extends transversely to a first extension axis of the first cylinder and a second extension axis of the second cylinder, and optionally, the channel extends perpendicular to the first extension axis and the second extension axis. (Item 64) Item 58. The pump cartridge of item 57, further comprising a first valve seat for engaging the movable component in the first position and a second valve seat for engaging the valve in the second position. (Item 65) Item 65. The pump cartridge of item 64, wherein an outlet channel is coupled to the channel between the first valve seat and the second valve seat. (Item 66) Item 65. The pump cartridge of item 64, wherein each of the first valve seat and the second valve seat comprises a ductile material for shaping a surface of the first valve seat relative to the movable component and a surface of the second valve seat relative to the movable component. (Item 67) Item 65. The pump cartridge of item 64, wherein the first valve seat and the second valve seat each comprise a material that is softer than the movable component. (Item 68) Item 65. The pump cartridge of item 64, wherein each of the first valve seat and the second valve seat comprises a tapered end for engaging the movable component, and optionally, the tapered end comprises an inclination angle in the range of about 1 degree to about 75 degrees relative to a plane defined by a movable component engaging portion of the valve seat, and optionally, the range is about 10 degrees to about 45 degrees. (Item 69) Item 65. The pump cartridge of item 64, wherein the movable component has a maximum cross-sectional dimension sized to fit into the channel and a thickness less than or equal to the maximum cross-sectional dimension. (Item 70) 70. The pump cartridge of claim 69, wherein the movable component comprises a contour around an outer periphery, the contour defining one or more channels, the contour allowing fluid to pass through the channels from the first cylinder to the outlet when the movable component is positioned away from the first valve seat, and from the second cylinder to the outlet when the movable component is positioned away from the second valve seat. (Item 71) Item 71. The pump cartridge of item 70, wherein the movable component comprises a valve seat engagement portion sized and shaped to engage the valve seat and a channel portion sized and shaped to define the one or more channels, the valve seat engagement portion being located radially inward from the channel portion. (Item 72) Item 71. The pump cartridge of item 70, wherein the outer periphery of the movable component corresponds to one or more of a star shape, a D shape, a polygonal shape, a triangle shape, a rectangle shape, an oval shape, or a crescent shape. (Item 73) Item 65. The pump cartridge of item 64, wherein the movable component comprises a disk having a diameter sized to engage the first valve seat and the second valve seat, the first valve seat being spaced from the second valve seat along the channel by a distance greater than a thickness of the disk. (Item 74) Item 74. The pump cartridge of item 73, wherein an outflow channel is coupled to the outlet, and the distance between the valve seats, the thickness of the disc, and the diameter of the outflow channel are dimensioned to allow fluid to flow into the outflow channel when the first piston pressurizes the first cylinder and the disc engages the second valve seat, and when the second piston pressurizes the second cylinder and the disc engages the first valve seat. (Item 75) 70. The pump cartridge of claim 69, wherein the movable component comprises a first surface for engaging the first valve and a second surface for engaging the second valve, a rigid extension extending between the first surfaces for coupling the first surface to the second surface such that upon pressurization of the first cylinder, the second surface moves toward the second valve seat and the first surface moves away from the first valve seat, and upon pressurization of the second cylinder, the first surface moves toward the first valve seat and the second surface moves away from the second valve seat. (Item 76) 70. The pump cartridge of claim 69, wherein the movable component comprises a spherically shaped ball. (Item 77) Item 65. The pump cartridge of item 64, wherein the movable component comprises a first movable component and a second movable component, the first movable component being positioned adjacent to the first valve seat and the second movable component being positioned adjacent to the second valve seat, and wherein output pressure from the first cylinder urges the first movable component away from the first valve seat and urges the second movable component toward the second valve seat. (Item 78) Item 78. The pump cartridge of item 77, wherein pumping efficiency is increased in response to back pressure from the output hose, said back pressure influencing an open valve to close more quickly before an opposing cylinder drives a closed valve to open. (Item 79) Item 78. The pump cartridge of item 77, wherein a spring is coupled to the first movable component and the second movable component, and optionally the spring is located within the channel and extends along the channel between the first movable component and the second movable component. (Item 80) 80. The pump cartridge of claim 79, wherein the spring increases a closing time when the piston is at top dead center and reduces cross-cylinder interference, and optionally the spring has a spring constant configured to increase the closing time and reduce the cross-cylinder interference, and optionally the mass of the first movable component, the mass of the second movable component, and the spring constant are arranged to correspond to a suitable resonant frequency for reducing the closing time and the cross-cylinder interference. (Item 81) 80. The pump cartridge of claim 79, wherein the spring comprises one or more of a tension spring, a compression spring, or an external agent for closing the valve. (Item 82) Item 78. The pump cartridge of item 77, further comprising a first stop and a second stop, wherein the first movable component is located between the first valve seat and the first stop for limiting movement of the first movable component away from the first valve seat, and the second movable component is located between the second valve seat and the second stop for limiting movement of the second movable component away from the second valve seat, and optionally the first stop and the second stop are located between the first movable component and the second movable component. (Item 83) A pump cartridge, the pump cartridge comprising: The piston and a housing having an inlet, an outlet, a first cylinder for receiving the piston, and a second cylinder for receiving a second piston; a valve including a valve seat and a movable component that translates from a first position spaced from the valve seat to a second position for engaging the valve seat; Equipped with the first position allows liquid to flow from the inlet to the cylinder, and the second position prevents liquid from flowing from the cylinder to the inlet, and the valve seat comprises a ductile material for molding a surface of the valve seat to the movable component in response to pressure from the cylinder. (Item 84) Item 84. The pump cartridge of item 83, wherein the valve seat comprises a material that is softer than the movable component. (Item 85) Item 84. The pump cartridge of item 83, wherein the valve seat comprises a harder material than the movable component. (Item 86) Item 84. The pump cartridge of item 83, wherein the valve seat comprises stainless steel. (Item 87) Item 84. The pump cartridge of item 83, wherein the valve seat comprises a tapered end for engaging the movable component, optionally the tapered end comprising an inclination angle in the range of about 1 degree to about 75 degrees relative to a plane defined by a movable component engaging portion of the valve seat, optionally the range being about 10 degrees to about 45 degrees. (Item 88) Item 88. The pump cartridge of item 87, wherein the tapered end includes an annular lip for engaging the movable component. (Item 89) Item 91. The pump cartridge of item 88, wherein the annular edge comprises a sharp annular edge. (Item 90) Item 89. The pump cartridge of item 88, wherein the annular rim has a radial thickness in the range of about 0.0001 mm to about 0.25 mm, optionally 0.01 mm to about 0.25 mm. (Item 91) Item 88. The pump cartridge of item 87, wherein the movable component comprises a substantially flat surface for engaging the tapered end, and optionally, the flat surface comprises a uniformity within a range of about 0.1 mm to about 0.010 mm. (Item 92) Item 92. The pump cartridge of item 91, wherein the substantially flat surface comprises a substantially flat surface of an annular groove. (Item 93) Item 84. The pump cartridge of item 83, wherein the movable component comprises a contour around an outer periphery, the contour defining one or more channels, the contour allowing fluid to pass through the channels from the first cylinder to the outlet when the movable component is positioned away from the valve seat, and from the second cylinder to the outlet when the movable component is positioned away from the second valve seat. (Item 94) Item 94. The pump cartridge of item 93, wherein the movable component comprises a valve seat engagement portion sized and shaped to engage the valve seat and a channel portion sized and shaped to define the one or more channels, the valve seat engagement portion being located radially inward from the channel portion. (Item 95) Item 95. The pump cartridge of item 94, wherein the outer periphery of the movable component corresponds to one or more of a star shape, a D shape, a polygonal shape, a triangle shape, a rectangle shape, an oval shape, or a crescent shape. (Item 96) A pump console, the pump console comprising: a container for receiving the pump cartridge; a locking structure for engaging a fastener on the pump cartridge; a push rod for engaging the pump cartridge; an actuator coupled to the push rod; a processor coupled to an actuator for moving the push rod; Equipped with The processor is configured to advance the push rod into the cartridge in response to the locking structure engaging the fastener. (Item 97) Item 97. The pump console of item 96, wherein the processor is configured to advance the push rod a first distance into the cartridge, uncouple the piston from a piston retaining structure, advance the piston into a seal of the cartridge, and advance the push rod a second distance into the cartridge to a top dead center of the piston as the piston reciprocates. (Item 98) Item 97. The pump console of item 96, wherein the console comprises an engagement structure on the push rod for engaging a piston of the pump cartridge, optionally the engagement structure configured to decouple the piston from a retaining structure coupled to the piston, and optionally the engagement structure configured to retract the piston away from its valve after engagement. (Item 99) Item 97. The pump console of item 96, wherein the console includes an engagement structure on the push rod for engaging a piston of the pump cartridge. (Item 100) Item 97. The pump console of item 96, further comprising a return spring for urging the piston of the pump cartridge toward the push rod of the pump console when the push rod retracts away from top dead center of the piston. (Item 101) Item 101. The pump console of item 100, wherein the spring comprises one or more of a torsion spring, a coil spring, or a leaf spring, and optionally the spring provides an amount of force on the piston between bottom dead center and top dead center of the piston in a cylinder in a range of about 1 pound to about 20 pounds, optionally the amount is in a range of about 2 to 15 pounds, optionally about 5 to 10 pounds. (Item 102) Item 101. The pump console of item 100, wherein the console further comprises a slider coupled to the spring, the slider configured to compress the spring as a piston of the pump cartridge advances, the slider coupled to a receiver for receiving the piston and forcing the piston toward the push rod as the push rod retracts. (Item 103) Item 97. The pump console of item 96, further comprising a rocker arm on the console to provide reciprocating movement of the first and second pistons of the pump cartridge. (Item 104) Item 104. The pump console of item 103, wherein the rocker arm includes a first push rod engaging portion for coupling to a first push rod, a second push rod engaging portion for coupling to a second push rod, and a pivot extending therebetween, wherein advancement of the first push rod and the first push rod engaging portion corresponds to advancement of a first piston and urges the second push rod engaging portion in an opposite direction corresponding to retraction of a second piston of a pump cartridge. (Item 105) Item 97. The pump console of item 96, further comprising an engagement structure located on the push rod of the console prior to installation of the console on the push rod, the engagement structure configured to engage the piston of the pump cartridge as the push rod advances axially toward the piston. (Item 106) Item 106. The pump console of item 105, wherein the engagement structure comprises a plurality of fingers for engaging a piston of the pump cartridge. (Item 107) Item 106. The pump console of item 105, wherein the engagement structure comprises a tension bushing with one or more balls for engaging a piston of the cartridge. (Item 108) Item 106. The pump console of item 105, wherein the engagement structure is configured to decouple from the piston using a first amount of axial force and to decouple from the push rod using a second amount of axial force, the second amount of axial force being greater than the first amount of axial force, and optionally the engagement structure comprises a first snap-on clip for coupling to the piston and a second snap-on clip configured to couple to the push rod, and the engagement structure comprises a user-removable portion of the console. (Item 109) Item 106. The pump console of item 105, wherein the engagement structure is configured to retract the piston with an amount of force in the range of about 1 pound to about 20 pounds. (Item 110) Item 97. The pump console of item 96, wherein the container is sized and shaped to receive the pump cartridge as the pump cartridge moves axially. (Item 111) Item 111. The pump console of item 110, wherein the container includes one or more of a threaded member, a tapered channel, or a cam on a pin to receive the cartridge into the container. (Item 112) Item 112. The pump console of item 111, wherein the container comprises a threaded member configured to rotate and draw the cartridge into a fastened position, and optionally the threaded member comprises one or more of a bolt, a screw, or a rotating member having an internal thread, and optionally the container comprises a spring coupled to a tray, the spring urging the cartridge toward the threaded member for engaging with the cartridge. (Item 113) Item 112. The pump console of item 111, wherein the container comprises the tapered channel, the tapered channel sized to receive the tapered portion of the cartridge as the cartridge advances axially, and optionally the container further comprises a movable member extending into the cartridge to retain the cartridge, the movable member optionally comprising a protrusion sized and shaped to extend into a casing of the cartridge, and optionally the tapered portion of the cartridge nests with the tapered channel of the container. (Item 114) Item 112. The pump console of item 111, wherein the container includes a cam that engages with a protruding structure on the cartridge to advance the cartridge axially, and optionally, the protruding structure includes a pin that engages with the cam. (Item 115) Item 97. A pump console as described in item 96, wherein the container is sized and shaped to receive the pump cartridge as the pump cartridge moves across the reciprocating piston and cylinder axis of the pump cartridge, optionally the movement comprising downward loading of the pump cartridge or side sliding movement of the pump cartridge. (Item 116) Item 116. The pump console of item 115, wherein the container includes a clamp for holding the cartridge in the container, and optionally the clamp includes a lever lid for holding the cartridge in the container from above the cartridge. (Item 117) Item 116. A pump console as described in item 115, wherein the container has grooves for receiving protrusions of the cartridge, the grooves extending in a first direction to receive the cartridge as it moves in the first direction, and the grooves extending in a second direction transverse to the first direction to guide the cartridge toward a fastened position, optionally the first direction extending substantially horizontally and the second direction extending substantially vertically, and optionally the grooves having pairs of grooves for receiving pairs of protrusions on either side of the cartridge. (Item 118) Item 97. The pump console of item 96, wherein the push rod comprises a plurality of push rods, and the processor is configured to advance the plurality of push rods a first plurality of distances into the cartridge, decouple the plurality of pistons from a plurality of retaining structures coupled to the plurality of pistons, advance the plurality of pistons into a plurality of seals of the cartridge, and advance the plurality of push rods a second plurality of distances into the cartridge to a plurality of top dead centers of the plurality of pistons as the plurality of pistons reciprocate, and optionally the actuator is configured to drive the plurality of pistons out of phase to linearize an output flow rate of fluid from the cartridge. (Item 119) Item 97. The pump console of item 96, wherein the actuator comprises one or more of a transmission, a cam, a motor, a crankshaft, or a dual lobe crankshaft. (Item 120) Item 97. The pump console of item 96, further comprising a transmission, the transmission comprising a crankshaft and a plurality of connecting rods coupled to a plurality of push rods. (Item 121) Item 97. The pump console of item 96, further comprising a cartridge loader for loading the pump cartridge into the container. (Item 122) Item 97. The pump console of item 96, further comprising a transmission and a motor. (Item 123) Item 97. The pump console of item 96, further comprising a plurality of sensors, the plurality of sensors comprising one or more of a cartridge sensor in position for detecting the cartridge in position, a fastener sensor for sensing a movable component fastening the sensor, a dead center sensor for sensing the piston at its distalmost position advanced into the cylinder, a gate down sensor, a gate up sensor, or a cartridge code reader. (Item 124) Item 97. The pump console of item 96, further comprising a plurality of sensors and a movable component for fastening the pump cartridge within the container, the plurality of sensors comprising a first fastening sensor for sensing the movable component fastening the cartridge within the container and a second fastening sensor for sensing a home position of the movable component. (Item 125) Item 97. The pump console of item 96, further comprising a carrier, the push rod supported on the carrier, the carrier having a first position for placement of the cartridge within the container and a second position for engaging the piston with the push rod for reciprocating movement. (Item 126) Item 126. The pump console of item 125, wherein a carriage is configured to advance the push rod from the first position to the second position. (Item 127) Item 126. The pump console of item 125, wherein the carriage supports the actuator, and the carriage is configured to advance the actuator and the push rod from the first position to the second position. (Item 128) Item 96. The pump console of item 96, further comprising a pump cartridge of any one of items 1-127. (Item 129) 129. The pump cartridge or pump console of any one of items 1-128, further comprising a sterile package, wherein the pump cartridge comprises a sterile pump cartridge within the sterile package, and optionally the pump cartridge has been sterilized using a gas, and optionally the gas comprises ethylene oxide (EtO). (Item 130) Item 1-129: A pump cartridge or pump console according to any one of items 1-129, wherein the piston comprises a plurality of pistons and the cylinder comprises a plurality of cylinders. (Item 131) Item 1-130: The pump cartridge or pump console of any one of items 1-130, wherein the push rod comprises a control rod. (Item 132) A pump cartridge or pump console described in any one of items 1-131, further comprising an external actuator coupled to the outside of the movable component of the valve to move the movable component of the valve into the valve seat. (Item 133) A pump cartridge or pump console described in any one of items 1-132, wherein the pump cartridge is provided with a unique identifier, and optionally the unique identifier is provided with one or more of a QCR code, a barcode, or an RFID. (Item 134) A pump cartridge or pump console described in any one of items 1-133, wherein the console comprises a reader for reading the pump cartridge's unique identifier, the processor is coupled to the reader for receiving the unique identifier and comparing the unique identifier with a library of unique identifiers, and optionally the processor comprises instructions for advancing the push rod into the pump cartridge in response to reading a valid unique identifier from the pump cartridge. (Item 135) A pump cartridge or pump console described in any one of items 1-134, wherein the console is configured to drive the piston at a frequency in the range of about 10 hertz (Hz) to about 200 hertz, optionally in the range of about 50 Hz to 200 Hz. (Item 136) 136. The pump cartridge or pump console of any one of items 1-135, further comprising a high-pressure fluid line and a nozzle coupled to the high-pressure fluid line, the high-pressure line configured to undergo volumetric expansion when pressurized, the nozzle configured to provide a resistance to fluid flow, the combination of the high-pressure fluid line and nozzle configured to provide a more uniform pressure and fluid flow through the nozzle, optionally the pressure and corresponding fluid flow being uniform to within a range of about 25% (percent) to about 1%, optionally to within a range of about 15% to about 5%, over multiple pump cycles, optionally the uniformity within said range is provided using a pump frequency of 50 Hz, optionally within a range of pump frequencies of about 25 Hz to about 100 Hz, and optionally the fluid line having a length in a range of about 0.2 meters to about 3 meters, optionally about 0.5 meters to about 2 meters. (Item 137) The method includes coupling a pump cartridge to a pump console. (Item 138) Item 138. The method of item 137, further comprising coupling a pump cartridge described in any one of items 1-136 to a pump console described in any one of items 1-136.

[0010] (Incorporated by reference) All patents, applications, and publications referred to and identified herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and shall be considered to be incorporated by reference in their entirety even if referred to elsewhere in this application. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] A better understanding of the features, advantages, and principles of the present disclosure will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a system for treating a patient with fluid stream energy, according to some embodiments.

[0013] [Figure 2A] 2A and 2B show exterior views of a console for receiving a cartridge, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2B] 2A and 2B show exterior views of a console for receiving a cartridge, according to some embodiments.

[0014] [Figure 2C] FIG. 2C shows a cross-sectional view of a console as in FIGS. 2A and 2B, according to some embodiments.

[0015] [Figure 2D] FIG. 2D shows a side view of the console as in FIGS. 2A-2C in an unclamped configuration, according to some embodiments.

[0016] [Figure 2E] FIG. 2E shows a side view of a console as in FIGS. 2A-2C in a clamped configuration, according to some embodiments.

[0017] [Figure 2F] FIG. 2F shows a partial cutaway view of a console such as in FIGS. 2A-2C, according to some embodiments.

[0018] [Figure 2G] FIG. 2G shows a process flow diagram for loading a cartridge, performing a pumping operation, and unloading a cartridge, according to some embodiments.

[0019] [Figure 3] FIG. 3 illustrates a valve body that can be used with a fluid pump, according to some embodiments.

[0020] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of a valve body usable in a pump cartridge having a single output valve and two valve seats, according to some embodiments.

[0021] [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of a valve body that can be used in a pump cartridge having a dual output valve, according to some embodiments.

[0022] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a valve body usable in a pump cartridge having a dual output valve with a spring, according to some embodiments.

[0023] [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A shows a valve with a tapered valve seat and a movable valve component, according to some embodiments.

[0024] [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B shows a movable valve component as in FIG. 6A, according to some embodiments.

[0025] [Figure 6C] FIG. 6C shows a valve seat with modifications to improve sealing, according to some embodiments.

[0026] [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of a valve body usable in a pump cartridge having a dual piston and a sleeve with a fluid seal, according to some embodiments.

[0027] [Figure 8]FIG. 8 shows a schematic diagram of a valve body usable in a pump cartridge having a dual piston and a saddle sleeve with a fluid seal, according to some embodiments.

[0028] [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram of a valve body usable in a pump cartridge having a dual piston and cup seal, according to some embodiments.

[0029] [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows a schematic diagram of a valve body usable in a pump cartridge having a dual piston and a saddle sleeve with a fluid seal, according to some embodiments.

[0030] [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows a schematic diagram of a valve body usable in a pump cartridge having a dual piston and cup seal, according to some embodiments.

[0031] [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows a schematic diagram of a valve body usable in a pump cartridge having a dual piston, a saddle sleeve, and a fluid seal, according to some embodiments.

[0032] [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows a schematic diagram of a pump cartridge configured in a shipping position, according to some embodiments.

[0033] [Figure 14] FIG. 14 shows a schematic diagram of a pump cartridge loaded into a pump and configured in a pumping position, according to some embodiments.

[0034] [Figure 15] FIG. 15 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a pump cartridge having dual pistons held by the pistons and engaged with a control rod by an engagement member, according to some embodiments.

[0035] [Figure 16] FIG. 16 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a pump cartridge having dual pistons engaged with a control rod by an engagement member carried by the control rod, according to some embodiments.

[0036] [Figure 17] FIG. 17 shows a schematic diagram of the dual pistons of the pump cartridge engaged with the control rod of the pump, according to some embodiments.

[0037] [Figure 18] FIG. 18 shows a schematic diagram of a piston and a control rod coupled by an engagement member, according to some embodiments.

[0038] [Figure 19] FIG. 19 shows a schematic diagram of a valve body usable in a pump cartridge having dual pistons coupled to a control rod by an engagement member, according to some embodiments.

[0039] [Figure 20] FIG. 20 shows a schematic diagram of a cartridge loader with a pump cartridge in an initial position, according to some embodiments.

[0040] [Figure 21] FIG. 21 shows a schematic diagram of a cartridge loader with a pump cartridge in an initial position and a pump with a push rod, according to some embodiments.

[0041] [Figure 22] FIG. 22 shows a schematic diagram of a pump cartridge in a pumping position with the dual pistons engaged with the control rod, according to some embodiments.

[0042] [Figure 23]FIG. 23 shows a schematic diagram of a valve body usable in a pump cartridge after the pump cartridge has been disengaged from the pump, according to some embodiments.

[0043] [Figure 24A] FIG. 24A shows a schematic diagram of a top view of a pump cartridge with dual pistons and piston return springs, according to some embodiments.

[0044] [Figure 24B] FIG. 24B shows a schematic diagram of a side view of a pump cartridge with dual pistons and piston return springs, according to some embodiments.

[0045] [Figure 25] 25A and 25B illustrate a cartridge having a piston carrying an engagement cap, according to some embodiments.

[0046] [Figure 26] 26A and 26B show schematic diagrams of a pump cartridge having a yoke with linear travel and a piston return spring, according to some embodiments.

[0047] [Figure 27] FIG. 27 shows a schematic diagram of a dual piston pump cartridge with rocker arms joining the dual pistons, according to some embodiments.

[0048] [Figure 28] FIG. 28 shows a schematic diagram of a coupling member for connecting one or more pistons of a pump cartridge with an associated control rod, according to some embodiments.

[0049] [Figure 29] FIG. 29 shows a schematic diagram of a rotary screw lead for coupling the pump cartridge with the pump, according to some embodiments.

[0050] [Figure 30] FIG. 30 shows a schematic diagram of a pump cartridge configured with a tapered recess for mating with and withdrawing into a pump housing, according to some embodiments.

[0051] [Figure 31] FIG. 31 shows a schematic diagram of a cam configured to engage a boss on a pump cartridge and draw the cartridge into the pump housing, according to some embodiments.

[0052] [Figure 32] FIG. 32 shows a schematic diagram of a pump cartridge that fits into a recess in the pump housing and is secured by a biasing lever, according to some embodiments.

[0053] [Figure 33] FIG. 33 shows a schematic diagram of a channel formed in a pump housing and a cooperating boss on a pump cartridge to facilitate loading the cartridge into the pump housing, according to some embodiments.

[0054] [Figure 34] FIG. 34 shows an equivalent circuit suitable for implementation according to some embodiments.

[0055] [Figure 35] FIG. 35 illustrates pump displacements suitable for smoothing, according to some embodiments.

[0056] [Figure 36] FIG. 36 shows a flow per unit time suitable for smoothing, according to some embodiments.

[0057] [Figure 37] FIG. 37 shows cumulative flow suitable for smoothing, according to some embodiments.

[0058] [Figure 38]FIG. 38 shows displacement and flow from a dual cylinder pump suitable for smoothing, according to some embodiments.

[0059] [Figure 39] FIG. 39 shows the flow from a dual cylinder pump suitable for smoothing, according to some embodiments.

[0060] [Figure 40] FIG. 40 shows the cumulative flow from a dual cylinder pump suitable for smoothing, according to some embodiments.

[0061] [Figure 41] FIG. 41 shows the cumulative flow from a dual cylinder pump suitable for smoothing, according to some embodiments.

[0062] [Figure 42A] FIG. 42A shows the fluid pressure profile of a single piston pump operating at 20 Hz, according to some embodiments.

[0063] [Figure 42B] FIG. 42B shows the fluid pressure profile of a dual piston pump operating at 20 Hz, according to some embodiments.

[0064] [Figure 42C] FIG. 42C shows the fluid pressure profile of a single piston pump operating at 10 Hz, according to some embodiments.

[0065] [Figure 42D] FIG. 42D shows the fluid pressure profile of a dual piston pump operating at 10 Hz, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0066] The following detailed description provides a deeper understanding of the features and advantages of the inventions described in this disclosure, in accordance with the embodiments disclosed herein. While the detailed description includes many specific embodiments, these are provided by way of example only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the inventions disclosed herein.

[0067] Pump consoles and cartridges as described herein can be used in many applications, such as surgical resection of tissue, dentistry, cosmetic surgery, dermatology, ophthalmology, urology, surgical removal of tissue from organs, and industrial applications such as machining. Pump consoles and cartridges as described herein can be incorporated into many commercially available surgical systems. While reference is made to surgical and healthcare applications, the disclosed pump cartridges and consoles will find use in many areas, such as industrial applications including paint spraying and part machining.

[0068] The pump cartridge can be configured to generate high pressure fluid flow with relatively little leakage, allow fluid to enter the pump cylinder quickly with little or no cavitation within the cylinder, and allow high efficiency and rapid fluid evacuation from the cylinder.

[0069] Referring to Figure 1, a system for treating a patient using fluid stream energy is shown. The system 101 includes a treatment probe 110 and may optionally include an imaging probe. The treatment probe 110 may be coupled to an imaging console 120 and a base 130. The patient treatment probe 110 and the imaging probe may be coupled to a common base 130. The treatment probe 110 is coupled to the imaging console 120 using an arm 140.

[0070] In some embodiments, the system 101 includes a display 150 to allow a technician to visualize the location and orientation of the treatment probe 110, such as when the treatment probe 110 is positioned within a patient. The console 120 includes a pump 160 in fluid communication with the treatment probe 110 by one or more hoses 162. The hoses 162 may comprise high-pressure lines.

[0071] Pump 160 can be any type of suitable pump for pumping fluid, such as, for example, a rotary lobe pump, a single screw pump, a peristaltic pump, a rotary gear pump, a piston pump, a diaphragm pump, a screw pump, or some other type of fluid pump. In some embodiments, the pump is a piston pump and can be configured to drive one, two, or more pistons. As will be explained hereinafter, a dual piston pump is shown and described, but the disclosure should not be so limited as any number of pistons can be used with the inventions described herein.

[0072] The pump includes a cartridge that, in some embodiments, is removable from the pump as components wear over time through normal use, such as for cleaning, repair, or replacement. The pump cartridge, in some embodiments, includes a valve body that houses one or more inlet valves, outlet valves, and fluid seals.

[0073] 2A and 2B show exterior views from different angles of a console 200 for receiving a pump cartridge as described herein into system 101. FIG. 2C shows a cross-sectional view of console 200. The console can be configured in many ways and can comprise a stand-alone console or can be integrated with a surgical or other system. The console includes a cartridge receptacle 210 (also referred to herein as a loader or cartridge loader) that is sized and shaped to receive cartridge 100. The cartridge receptacle can include structure for receiving structure on a cartridge as described herein to secure the cartridge to the receptacle. The receptacle can be configured, for example, for linear insertion of cartridge 100 into receptacle 210.

[0074] The console may include a pump motor 220 coupled to a crankshaft 230 using a transmission. Alternatively, or in combination, the transmission may include the crankshaft 230 and one or more connecting rods 235 coupled to one or more push rods 240. The crankshaft 230 may be coupled to one or more push rods 240, e.g., multiple push rods, with the connecting rod 235 positioned therebetween. The motor and transmission may be configured to drive each of the push rods at a variable rate, e.g., within a range of about 25 Hz to about 300 Hz, and from a rate of about 50 Hz to about 200 Hz. The push rods may be coupled to the pistons of the cartridge 100 using engagement structures as described herein.

[0075] The console may include a movable component, such as an arm or clamp 250, for clamping the cartridge to the console when installed in the container. The console may include a motor, such as a clamping motor 260, coupled to the movable component, which drives the movable component to a first position to clamp the cartridge in the container and a second position to allow installation and removal of the cartridge in and from the container.

[0076] In some embodiments, the movable component can include a plate, gate, or retainer that engages with the cartridge when the cartridge is installed and fully seated within the container. For example, the cartridge can have one or more protrusions, and when the cartridge is installed within the container, the movable component can engage the one or more protrusions to maintain the cartridge in the installed configuration. In the installed configuration, the console's connecting rod 240 can engage with the cartridge's push rod.

[0077] The console may include multiple sensors. The console may include a sensor 272 for detecting placement of the cartridge in the receptacle 210. The console may include a sensor 274 for sensing a movable component that secures the cartridge in the receptacle and a clamping sensor for detecting a movable component that clamps the cartridge in place. The multiple sensors may include a home sensor 276 for detecting a movable component clamping element moving to a home or rest position. The multiple sensors may include a sensor for sensing an intermediate position within the cylinder, for example, a middle-dead-center sensor 277 for indicating a middle-dead-center position of the piston within the cylinder (which is midway between the top-dead-center position and the bottom-dead-center position). The multiple sensors may include a first gate sensor 278 for detecting an open configuration of the gate and a second gate sensor 279 for detecting a closed configuration of the gate. The multiple sensors may include a crankshaft position sensor 281. The crankshaft position sensor 281 may comprise an optical sensor and may be used to verify that the push rod is at dead center, such as when loading a cartridge and mating the push rod with the cartridge piston.

[0078] The console may include a sensor 291 for reading the cartridge's unique identifier. The unique identifier may include one or more of a QR code, a barcode, an RFID, or some other indicia, and the reader may include one or more of a QR code reader, a barcode scanner, or an RFID reader. The sensor may be coupled to a processor configured to read the unique identifier from the cartridge. The processor may be configured with instructions for determining whether the cartridge is a valid cartridge. The processor may include or be operatively coupled to a library of valid unique identifiers. The processor may be configured to allow therapy to proceed in response to the cartridge's unique identifier matching a unique identifier in the library. The library may include unique identifiers of previously used cartridges, and the processor may be configured with instructions to not continue therapy in response to the cartridge's unique identifier including an identifier corresponding to the used cartridge.

[0079] Referring again to FIG. 2C , the console may include a gate 280 that, when closed, holds the cartridge 100 in position for pumping. The gate can be moved to an open position to allow insertion and removal of the cartridge 100. The gate 280 can be sized and shaped in many ways and may include a “U” or fork-shaped structure for engaging a fastener on the cartridge 100 as described herein. The console may include a guide, such as a slot 282, along which the gate 280 slides to a locked position to secure the cartridge 100. In some embodiments, a second slot 284 is located on a second side of the cartridge 100. The gate may include a second extension 286 that slides into the second slot 284 and engages an opposing fastener on the cartridge 100 as described herein. The gate may be coupled to an actuator, such as a solenoid 285, to move the gate between an open position and a closed position.

[0080] The solenoid 285 may be activated in response to one or more parameters associated with the cartridge. For example, the solenoid 285 may be activated and move the gate to the closed position when a limit switch is activated such that the cartridge is fully inserted into the container. The solenoid 285 may be activated and move the gate to the closed position when a sensor reads a code on the cartridge. The code, which may be a QR code or some other indicia, may identify data associated with the cartridge and may be read only when the cartridge is properly inserted into the container. Similarly, the solenoid 285 may be automatically activated upon completion of a treatment cycle. Alternatively, the solenoid 285 may be activated manually, such as by pressing a switch or button.

[0081] The console may include a plurality of movable members, such as pins 287 coupled to a plurality of springs 288. When the cartridge is installed and the gate is in the closed configuration, the movable members press against a plurality of catches 299 on the cartridge 100, which may include catches comprising a portion of a metal housing as described herein. The movable members, for example, pins 287, may press against the catches 299 against the gate 280 to secure the cartridge for advancement of a push rod into an engagement structure as described herein.

[0082] 2A-2C in an unclamped configuration. Clamp 250, including an arm, is shown in a first configuration, with the motor, transmission, coupling rod, and push rod positioned away from cartridge 100. With advancement of clamp 250 toward the second configuration in the direction indicated by arrow 255, pump motor 220 and transmission, including crankshaft 230, connecting rod 235, and push rod 240, are advanced toward cartridge 100 in the direction indicated by arrow 257. The clamp arm can be advanced with rotation of clamping motor 260. Clamp 250 can be coupled to clamping motor 260 in a number of ways, for example, with a threaded nut to move the clamp arm with rotation of clamping motor 260. The pump motor 220 and transmission including the crankshaft 230, connecting rod 235, and push rod 240 may be supported on a carriage 290 to allow translation of these components toward the cartridge 100 as described herein. The carriage 290 may include rails and sliders to allow translation of the pump motor and transmission including the crankshaft, connecting rod, and push rod between clamped and unclamped positions. The clamp 250 may include an arm 252 that pivots generally about a pivot point 254 to advance the carriage and associated components toward the cartridge 100.

[0083] FIG. 2E shows a side view of the console as in FIGS. 2A-2C in a clamped configuration, with the components supported on the carriage 290 advanced in the direction indicated by arrow 257 to engage the cartridge 100 with the push rod.

[0084] In some embodiments, when the push rod is advanced into the engagement structure and further advanced to break the piston and engagement structure away from the retaining structure as disclosed herein, the push rod is positioned at an intermediate position between top dead center and bottom dead center (e.g., middle dead center).

[0085] FIG. 2F shows a partial cutaway view of the console as in FIGS. 2A-2E, showing the push rod 240 coupled to the cartridge piston, as will be described herein below. A position sensor 283 can be used to detect the presence and proper position of the cartridge 100. The position sensor 283 can be used to trigger the closure of a gate to secure the cartridge 100 in the installed configuration. The gate can be moved by any suitable mechanism, such as a motor, a solenoid, or manual positioning by an operator. In some embodiments, the cartridge 100, when inserted into the container, moves the position sensor 283, which can trigger a switch that causes a gate or some other retention structure to capture the cartridge in the installed configuration and hold the cartridge against the pumping force exerted by the control rod.

[0086] A processor may be coupled to each one or more of the console sensors as disclosed herein and may provide movement of a component of the console in response to readings from the sensors.

[0087] In some embodiments, the processor is configured to advance the push rod a first distance into the cartridge to decouple one or more pistons of the cartridge from a retaining structure for the piston. The retaining structure may secure the piston in a secure position, such as for shipping or storage. Once engaged by the push rod, further advancement of the push rod can release the piston from the retaining structure. In some cases, the piston is released by breaking the retaining structure or by causing the piston to disengage from an interfering portion of the retaining structure or valve case to move in a reciprocating motion. The push rods are configured to advance to top dead center and retract to bottom dead center as they reciprocate due to motor movement.

[0088] In use, an operator inserts a cartridge into the container. When the cartridge is fully inserted, a sensor detects that the cartridge is inserted and can read a unique identifier displayed on the cartridge. A retaining structure, such as a plate or gate, slides into place and can be actuated to prevent the cartridge from being removed from the container. The pump motor 220 and transmission, including a crankshaft 230, a connecting rod 235, and a push rod 240, are advanced toward the cartridge 100. The push rod, coupled to the motor's connecting rod, engages the cartridge's piston. Further advancement of the push rod releases the pistons from their respective retaining structures, and the pistons can then reciprocate in response to the rotational movement of the motor.

[0089] Advancement of the pump motor and transmission may be effected by a lead screw in response to rotation of clamping motor 260. Clamping motor 260 may be operated under the control of a processor in response to the processor determining, based on signals from one or more sensors, that the cartridge is the correct cartridge and that the cartridge has been fully inserted into the container.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 2G, a process flow diagram for loading a cartridge, performing a pumping operation, and unloading a cartridge is shown.

[0091] In step 292, the operator inserts the pump cartridge into the console, such as by inserting the cartridge into a receptacle in the console.

[0092] A sensor reads the indicia on the cartridge in step 293. The sensor may comprise any suitable sensor, such as a bar code scanner, an RFID scanner, or a QR code scanner, for example, a camera, etc.

[0093] In some embodiments, a second sensor is used to determine the position of the cartridge for capture. The second sensor is configured to generate a signal indicating that the cartridge has been placed in the capture location, and the processor receives the second sensor signal as an input for capturing the cartridge using the gate when the cartridge is placed in the capture location. The second sensor may include any suitable sensor, such as a proximity sensor, a switch, or a Hall effect sensor.

[0094] In step 294, a processor associated with the console identifies the cartridge and its location. This may be done through any suitable sensor type, such as a limit switch, an optical sensor, a position sensor, or others. The processor may utilize the sensor to determine indicia on the cartridge that may provide data associated with the cartridge, such as the type of cartridge, the date of manufacture of the cartridge, material properties of the cartridge, or others. In some embodiments, an optical sensor can be used both to read the indicia and to determine the location of the cartridge.

[0095] In step 295, the console captures the cartridge. This may be performed automatically in response to the processor determining that the cartridge is of the appropriate type and / or has been properly inserted into the console. The cartridge may be captured through any suitable structure, such as those described herein. In some cases, a gate moves to a position that prevents removal of the cartridge. The gate may be actuated by a motor, solenoid, or some other structure.

[0096] In step 296, the console engages the cartridge as described herein. In some embodiments, a clamping motor turns a lead screw, which slides a gearing comprising a crankshaft 230, connecting rod 235, and push rod 240 forward toward the cartridge. The push rod 240 in turn couples to the piston of the cartridge, and rotation of the motor turns the crankshaft, which causes the connecting rod, push rod, and piston to reciprocate.

[0097] In step 297, the console, under control of the processor, performs a pumping operation. The pumping operation comprises a speed and duration at which the motor is activated. The desired speed of the motor results in a desired fluid pressure exiting the cartridge.

[0098] In step 298, the console, under control of the processor, stops the pumping cycle and disengages from the cartridge. Disengagement may be accomplished by reversing the steps that caused the console to engage the cartridge. For example, the console may activate the clamping motor in the reverse direction, which causes the transmission to pull back from the cartridge and the push rod to disconnect from the piston.

[0099] In step 299, the console releases the cartridge, such as by activating a solenoid or motor to open a gate, thereby allowing the cartridge to be removed from the console.

[0100] According to some embodiments, the cartridge can be electrically isolated from the power source to the console. For example, the cartridge can have one or more components coupled to it that are non-conductive. In some embodiments, one or more of the sensors are mounted on a non-conductive material, such as plastic. In embodiments in which one or more components of the cartridge are metal, each of the components that interact with the cartridge can be electrically isolated. For example, a protrusion on the cartridge used to capture the cartridge within the console is metal in some embodiments. Thus, the gate, push rod, and crankshaft can all be isolated from the power source to the console to avoid creating an electrical ground path through the cartridge.

[0101] Referring to FIG. 3 , cartridge 100 may include components for pumping a fluid, such as a liquid, when coupled to a push rod. Pump cartridge 100 may include a housing that includes one or more components of valve body 300. Valve body 300 includes a proximal end 302 and a distal end 304. Distal end 304 corresponds to fluid outlet 306 and is configured for coupling to a delivery hose for delivering pressurized fluid to a nozzle, such as a nozzle of a treatment probe. The valve body may include a housing molded with a fluid inlet and outlet for delivery of pressurized fluid, such as a liquid. The housing of valve body 300 may include one or more cylinders sized and shaped to receive pistons of cartridge 100 as described herein.

[0102] The valve body 300 includes fluid inlets 310 a, 310 b, which couple to a fluid source and provide one or more fluid inlets to the interior of the valve body 300. In some cases, the fluid inlets 310 a, 310 b are ports that provide fluid communication between the inside of the valve body 300 and the ambient fluid outside the valve body 300. For example, a plenum may surround a portion of the valve body 300 and provide a reservoir of fluid that can be drawn into the valve body 300 through the fluid inlets 310 a, 310 b. The fluid inlets 310 a, 310 b may alternatively be connected to a fluid delivery hose that supplies working fluid to the valve body 300.

[0103] The valve body 300 may include one or more mating flanges 312a, 312b that facilitate securing the valve body 300 within the pump cartridge. For example, the mating flanges 312a, 312b may include through-holes that accommodate threaded fasteners that pass through the through-holes and securely attach the valve body 300 to the pump cartridge. Of course, other methods of securing the valve body 300 to the pump cartridge are also contemplated herein.

[0104] Valve body 300 includes multiple valves, seals, a piston sleeve, and elements for positioning, retaining, and attaching the valve body to a fluid pathway, as will be further described below. Valve body 300 can be formed from any suitable material, such as any of several durable plastics, metals, or composite materials, or combinations of materials. In some embodiments, a portion of the valve body is formed from a steel, such as stainless steel, more specifically stainless steel 17-4, which exhibits high corrosion resistance, good formability, strength, precision, and reliability. Of course, other suitable materials, including other metals or steels, can also be used to form portions of valve body 300.

[0105] As shown, the valve body 300 may define one or more cavities 314 for housing a piston therein, which may define a sleeve for the piston to ride in, as will be discussed hereinafter.

[0106] (fluid inlet and outlet)

[0107] 4 illustrates an embodiment of a valve body 400 having a single output valve and two valve seats on the output valve. As previously described, the valve body 400 includes a housing 402 defining a proximal end 302 and a distal end 304 and having one, two, or more fluid inlets 310a, 310b. The fluid inlet 310a is in fluid communication with a first fluid chamber 410, and the fluid inlet 310b is in fluid communication with a second fluid chamber 420. The fluid inlet 310 is separated from the first fluid chamber 410 by an inlet valve 430a that selectively allows fluid to enter the first fluid chamber 410 through the fluid inlet 310a. Similarly, the inlet valve 430b selectively allows fluid to enter the second fluid chamber 420 through the fluid inlet 310b. Inlet valves 430a, 430b may be any suitable unidirectional fluid valve such as, for example, a ball valve, a flapper valve, a diaphragm valve, a check valve, a gate valve, a pinch valve, a knife valve, a disk valve, a clapper valve, a duckbill valve, a leaf valve, an umbrella valve, a dome valve, a cross-slit valve, or any other suitable valve configuration.

[0108] The first fluid chamber 410 and the second fluid chamber 420 are selectively in fluid communication with a fluid outlet 440 that delivers fluid to the distal end 304 and an attached fluid hose, such as for delivering fluid to a treatment probe. The first fluid chamber 410 and the second fluid chamber 420 are separated by an output valve 450 that selectively allows either the first fluid chamber 410 or the second fluid chamber 420 to be in fluid communication with the fluid outlet 440. According to some embodiments, the output valve 450 is a shuttle valve in which a fluid blocking element moves freely between two valve seats. When the fluid blocking element is in a first position relative to the first valve seat, the first fluid chamber 410 is in fluid communication with the fluid outlet 440. Similarly, when the fluid blocking element is in a second position relative to the second valve seat, the second fluid chamber 420 is in fluid communication with the fluid outlet 440. The fluid blocking element may be moved back and forth between a first valve seat and a second valve seat by fluid pressure, allowing fluid to flow through it from one of two sources but preventing backflow from one source to the other.

[0109] Fluid pressure in the first fluid chamber 410 and the second fluid chamber 420 can be affected by reciprocating pistons slidably disposed within cylinders 460, 470. For example, when the piston located within cylinder 460 moves distally from a first retracted position to a second extended position, the fluid within first fluid chamber 410 increases in pressure, thus causing output valve 450 to allow fluid from within first fluid chamber 410 to flow therethrough to fluid outlet 440. Simultaneously, second fluid chamber 420 fills with fluid as the piston within cylinder 470 moves proximally from an extended position to a retracted position. Thus, the fluid pressure in the opposing fluid chambers causes output valve 450 to reciprocate, isolating the filled chamber but causing the pressurized chamber to deliver fluid to fluid outlet 440.

[0110] The efficiency of such a configuration is affected by the reciprocating stroke of the output valve 450, with shorter strokes providing more efficient pumping in terms of volume and pressure. In some cases, the output valve 450 is designed to maintain efficiency in fluid flow and prevent pressure drop across the valve. This can be done, for example, by selecting a shuttle with a low mass and a large cross-section. In this way, the output valve 450 can be selected to have little effect on fluid volume and pressure.

[0111] The pistons are retained within sleeves or cylinders 460, 470 defined by the housing 402. In some cases, the housing 402 has channels 414 formed therein configured to guide the pistons and thus integrally form the cylinders 460, 470. In some embodiments, the channels 414 can retain sleeves configured to guide the pistons within the channels. Although the description refers to cylinders slidably disposed within the sleeves or cylinders 460, 470, the description should not be used to ascribe any particular cross-sectional geometry to the pistons or cylinders 460, 470. For example, the cross-section of the cylinders 460, 470 may be circular, but it may also alternatively be formed as a hexagon, octagon, or some other geometric shape. Similarly, the pistons slidably disposed within the cylinders 460, 470 may be configured with a similar or the same cross-sectional shape as the cylinders 460, 470. In some embodiments, the pistons and cylinders 460, 470 have the same cross-sectional shape, and the pistons are sized to provide clearance between the outer surface of the piston and the inner surface of the cylinders 460, 470 to accommodate the pistons sliding therein.

[0112] The channel 414 may be in fluid communication with the first fluid chamber 410, and the channel 414 may have one or more seals to prevent fluid from leaking out of the housing 402. There are many different configurations that provide a fluid-tight seal, some of which will be discussed below. Suffice it to say, any structure or configuration that provides a fluid-tight seal of the housing may be suitably implemented within the embodiments described herein.

[0113] Referring to FIG. 5, the valve body 500 has a housing 502 defining one or more channels 504 that ride on a piston (not shown). The valve body 500 includes one or more fluid inlets 310a, 310b separated from one or more fluid chambers 410 by inlet valves 430a, 430b. While two fluid inlets and two fluid chambers are illustrated, it should be understood that fewer or more fluid inlets and fluid chambers may be provided. In some embodiments, each fluid chamber may have two or more fluid inlets. For example, the fluid chamber 410 may communicate with a fluid source through two, three, or more fluid inlets 310a to provide sufficient fluid within the fluid chamber 410 for efficient pumping operation.

[0114] In some embodiments, the inlet valve 430 is a one-way valve operated by fluid pressure. In these embodiments, the hydrodynamics of a piston moving within a cylinder forces fluid into the fluid chamber 410 through the fluid inlet 310a and similarly forces fluid out through the fluid outlet 440. The valve body 500 includes the fluid outlet 440, which can be selectively coupled to an output hose 506 for delivering pressurized fluid to a treatment site, such as through a treatment probe.

[0115] Each of the fluid chambers 410, 420 is separated from the fluid outlet 440 by an outlet valve 510a, 510b. This contrasts with the embodiment of FIG. 4, which included a single output valve 450. The outlet valves 510a, 510b can be any suitable one-way valve, such as, for example, a ball valve, a flapper valve, a diaphragm valve, a check valve, a gate valve, a pinch valve, a knife valve, a disk valve, a clapper valve, a duckbill valve, a leaf valve, an umbrella valve, a dome valve, a cross-slit valve, or any other suitable valve configuration. In some embodiments, the outlet valves 510a, 510b comprise a valve and a valve seat that allow fluid to flow therethrough in the fluid flow direction and prevent fluid flow therethrough in the reverse direction. The outlet valves 510a, 510b can be positioned adjacent to each other with features that prevent them from contacting each other and sticking together, such as through hydrostatic forces. The features may be protrusions or ridges formed on the valves themselves that prevent the valves from coming into tight surface contact with one another, or may be stops formed within the housing 502 to prevent the outlet valves 510 a, 510 b from contacting one another. As explained above, the outlet valves 510 a, 510 b may be any suitable valve now known or later developed that allows unidirectional fluid flow, selectively allowing fluid to flow from one fluid chamber 410, 420 to the fluid outlet 440 while preventing backflow of fluid into the opposing fluid chamber 410, 420.

[0116] In some embodiments, a spring 512 is disposed between the outlet valves 510a, 510b to bias the valves apart. As pressure increases against one outlet valve 510a, the pressure compresses the spring, pushing the outlet valve 510a toward the opposing outlet valve 510b, thus creating a fluid flow path from the cylinder 460 through the fluid outlet 440. The spring disposed between the outlet valves 510a, 510b may cause the valves to close more quickly, resulting in less backflow of fluid. In some embodiments, a spring is not provided; rather, the outlet valves 510a, 510b are biased in one direction or another by hydrostatic force. Similarly, springs may be provided on the inlet valves 430a, 430b to cause the inlet valves 430a, 430b to close quickly in the absence of positive fluid pressure.

[0117] The inclusion of multiple outlet valves 510 a, 510 b is believed to increase the efficiency of the pumping cycle through the action of output hose pressure affecting an open valve to close sooner (in some cases, before the opposing piston drives the opposing valve open), which may reduce premature closure of the opposing input valve, thus improving pumping flow efficiency and providing a smoother fluid pressure profile.

[0118] 6, valve body 600, which may be substantially similar to valve body 500, defines a first fluid chamber 610 coupled to a first fluid inlet 612 by an inlet valve 614. As will be described, inlet valve 614 may be any suitable one-way valve that allows fluid to enter fluid chamber 610 from fluid inlet 612 but prevents fluid flow in the other direction.

[0119] Similarly, the valve body 600 defines a second fluid chamber 620 coupled to a second fluid inlet 622 by a second inlet valve 624. Of course, additional fluid chambers may be provided as desired to create alternative fluid pumping profiles.

[0120] The valve body 600 defines an outlet channel 630 through which fluid can exit the valve body 600. The outlet channel 630 can be a tube or hose coupled to the valve body 600 that can be machined into the valve body 600, or can be otherwise formed or connected to the valve body 600. The first fluid chamber 610 and the second fluid chamber 620 are in selective fluid communication with the outlet channel 630 through respective outlet valves 640, 650. In some embodiments, the outlet valves 640, 650 are one-way valves that allow fluid to flow from the fluid chambers 610, 620 to the outlet channel 630. Each outlet valve 640, 650 includes a valve seat that cooperates with the valve and engages the valve seat to prevent fluid flow therethrough. In some embodiments, the valve seat is formed from a ductile material to allow fluid pressure to deform the valve seat and form a tighter surface contact between the valve and the valve seat. In some embodiments, forming the valve seat to have a surface area that is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve seat configured to contact the valve allows for a higher contact pressure between the valve and the valve seat.

[0121] For example, if the valve seat has a generally annular cross-sectional area, forming the seat with a protruding conical shape will cause the water pressure pushing on the valve, when pressurized, to push the valve against a small annular edge of the valve seat, thus plastically deforming the ductile material and making intimate surface contact with the valve. The valve seat may be formed during manufacturing, such as by forming a chamfer on the inner or outer diameter of the valve seat.

[0122] The valve seat and / or valve can optionally have a variety of configurations, such as a D-shape, star-shape, oval-shape, disk-shape, triangle-shape, four-fingered star-shape, or some other shape. In some cases, the valve is sized and selected to reduce flow resistance and maximize flow volume. Maximizing flow volume reduces the likelihood of cavitation in the valve, which maintains power efficiency.

[0123] In the illustrated embodiment, a spring 660 biases each valve 640, 650 to the closed configuration. The spring 660 may be selected to have a relatively low spring constant so that fluid pressure caused by a piston extending distally into the cylinder easily overcomes the spring force and opens the respective outlet valve 640, 650. The spring 660 may be positioned between the outlet valves 640, 650 so that when one valve opens, the spring is compressed and exerts a restoring force on the open valve, causing it to close.

[0124] As the pistons reciprocate, once the drive piston reaches its top dead center position, it no longer increases the fluid pressure in the respective fluid chambers; rather, the pressure quickly equalizes before the drive piston reverses its direction of travel. At this point, the spring improves the closing time of the open valve and prevents backflow of pressurized fluid from the fluid outlet 630.

[0125] Springs 660 may optionally be compression springs, torsion springs, leaf springs, or other forms of biasing members constructed and arranged to urge the valves toward their respective closed positions.

[0126] 6A, 6B, and 6C show a valve including a tapered valve seat 625 and a movable valve component 627. A tapered valve seat as described herein can be used with a single-cylinder pump or a pump including multiple pistons and cylinders, as shown in FIG. 6. The movable valve component 627 includes a valve-seat-engaging portion 631. The valve seat 625 can be tilted, for example, at an oblique angle 629, relative to the surface of the movable component of the valve. The valve can be configured in many ways to provide increased pressure to the valve seat 625. For example, the valve seat can include a tapered edge or a thin, flat edge, such as a periphery, to provide increased pressure and deformation of the valve seat from the movable valve component 627 engaging the valve seat.

[0127] Deformation of the valve seat can occur in relation to the edge of the valve seat and the geometry of the movable valve component engaging the edge of the valve seat. The valve seat can comprise a ductile material, such as stainless steel. In some embodiments, the valve seat can comprise an austenitic steel, such as 304 stainless steel. Multiple valve seats can be configured for deformation. For example, the first and second valve seats can each comprise a ductile material to shape the surface of the first and second movable valve components. The first and second valve seats can each comprise a softer material than the movable component. In some embodiments, the valve seat can be formed from 304 stainless steel, and the movable component can be formed from a harder material, such as a martensitic steel, e.g., 17-4 stainless steel. Alternatively, the first and second valve seats can comprise a less ductile material than the movable component. Each valve seat may have a generally tapered end for engaging a movable component. The tapered end may have a slope angle 629 in the range of about 1 degree to about 75 degrees relative to a plane defined by the movable component engaging portion of the valve seat. The range may be, for example, about 1 degree to about 30 degrees. In some embodiments, the slope angle is about 1 degree to about 7 degrees, and in some embodiments, about 3 degrees.

[0128] 6C, repeated contact between the tapered valve seat 625 and the movable component can cause a flat annular ring 638 to form on the valve seat. The annular ring 638 has a width R 644 that depends, at least in part, on the material properties of the valve seat 625, the movable component, and the force with which the movable component strikes the valve seat 625.

[0129] In some embodiments, the valve seat 625 is formed from a material having a tensile yield of about 30,000 psi to about 80,000 psi. In some embodiments, the movable component is formed from a material having a tensile yield of about 80,000 psi to about 130,000 psi. In some cases, the pressure within the fluid chamber 620 can be about 8,000 psi, which can result in a force on the valve seat of about 21 pounds. As shown by the experimental results and images in FIG. 6C , this can result in the annular ring 638 having a width R 644 of about 0.0035 inches. Throughout the experiment, this annular ring provided an acceptable seal of the movable component against the valve seat 625. The image shown in FIG. 6C was obtained by cutting the valve seat used to obtain the cross-section shown.

[0130] In one experiment, the movable component was formed from hardened and polished 17-4 stainless steel, and the valve seat 625 was formed from 304 stainless steel, with a 3-degree angled cone cut to leave the inner lumen edge higher than the outer edge. The 3-degree angled cone interfaces with the hardened movable component, which, under the operating pressure of the system, deforms the conical valve seat 625 surface, creating a sealing surface (e.g., annular ring 638) that conforms to the surface of the movable component. The annular ring 638 can continue to deform until it reaches a sufficient surface area to support the movable component without further plastic deformation of the valve seat 625. In one case, a terminal pressure of approximately 30,000 psi would result in an annular ring 638 with a 0.059-inch lumen and a width R 644 of approximately 0.004 inches.

[0131] As can be seen, deformation of annular ring 638 causes burrs 642 to form toward the inner chamber of fluid inlet 622. Burrs 642 may form as a result of cold working, burnishing, or forging due to repeated impacts of movable component 627 and valve seat 625 until annular ring 638 reaches a surface area to support the movable component without further deformation.

[0132] Movable component 627 may have a maximum cross-sectional dimension 621 sized to fit within fluid chamber 620 and a thickness 623 that is less than or equal to maximum cross-sectional dimension 621 .

[0133] FIG. 6B shows a movable valve component as in FIG. 6A. Movable valve component 627 may include a circumferential contour 635. The movable valve component and valve seat may include, for example, multiple movable valve components and multiple valve seats configured for each of valves 614, 624, 640, and 650. The movable valve component may define one or more channels 633 to allow fluid to pass from the cylinder to the outlet through the channels when the movable component is positioned away from the valve seat. For example, in embodiments in which the valve includes one or more of valves 640 or 650, the contour of the movable valve component may define one or more channels to allow fluid to pass from the respective cylinder to outlet 630 through the channels when the movable component is positioned away from the valve seat.

[0134] The seat-engaging portion 631 can be sized and shaped to engage the valve seat. The channel portion of the movable valve component 627 can be sized and shaped to define one or more channels 633. The seat-engaging portion 631 can be located radially inward from the channel portion. The outer periphery 635 of the movable valve component 627 can correspond to one or more of a star shape, a D shape, a polygonal shape, a triangle shape, a rectangle shape, an oval shape, or a crescent shape, for example. In some embodiments, the outer periphery corresponds to an annular shape with an outer portion of the periphery defined by an outer annular diameter and an inner portion of the periphery defined by an inner annular diameter, and a plurality of grooves extending inward from the outer annular diameter to the inner annular diameter. In some embodiments, the seat-engaging portion 631 has a diameter less than the inner annular diameter.

[0135] A hydraulic system as described herein may be characterized as an RC circuit, in which the pressurized fluid has capacitance and couplings, hoses, nozzles, and other physical components introduce resistance. Thus, the pressurized fluid stores energy as its flow is restricted. This induced hysteresis in the hydraulic system serves to provide more consistent fluid pressure at the treatment end, which may be a treatment probe positioned within a patient. For example, the nature of two or more reciprocating pistons in a pump will provide a pulsating fluid flow having the same frequency as the reciprocating pistons, but with a slight delay due to fluid mass and induced resistance. The design of the outlet valves 640, 650, and the selection of outlet hose material, configuration, and length, in combination with all couplings, will introduce resistance into the system, which serves to smooth the pulsation frequency. In some embodiments, the resistance in the hydraulic system is designed to provide a smoother fluid flow profile than an unrestricted fluid flow profile. In this way, working fluid at the tissue ablation site can be delivered precisely, repeatably, and at a pressure that is relatively uniform over time.

[0136] (Fluid seals and support structures)

[0137] Turning now to FIG. 7 , valve body 700 is shown having structure for fluidly sealing channel 702. Valve body 700 may be substantially similar to valve body 500 or 600. Many of the fluid flow structures and devices of the illustrated embodiment are substantially as previously described. When fluid enters fluid chambers 704a, 704b, it flows freely within channel 702 formed within the housing. As used herein, the terms channel and cylinder are broad terms and may be used interchangeably. The terms refer to a void within housing 706 configured to slidably receive a piston. In some embodiments, a channel integrally formed within housing 706 provides a passageway for the piston. In other embodiments, a sleeve may be inserted into the channel to provide a passageway for the piston. In either case, the description herein is largely independent of any piston support structure present unless specified. Furthermore, the use of the term cylinder does not necessarily refer to a geometric structure, but rather to a passageway that cooperates with a slidable piston to pressurize a fluid.

[0138] Proximal end 708 of housing 706 includes cooperating structure to prevent fluid from leaking out of proximal end 708 of housing 706. O-ring 710 provides an annular static seal on housing 706. O-ring 710 is compressed against housing 706 by sleeve 720. The O-ring makes surface contact with sleeve 720 and housing 706 and deforms to create a fluid seal. O-ring 710 may be formed from any suitable material, but in some cases is formed from nitrile rubber, hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber, or some other suitable material that exhibits good strength, property retention after extended use, and wear resistance.

[0139] Sleeve 720 additionally provides a dynamic seal against the piston (not shown). When the piston is inserted into channel 702 over sleeve 720, sleeve 720 is forced outward, thus compressing O-ring 710 against housing 706. The restoring force exerted against it by compressed O-ring 710 causes sleeve 720 to make intimate surface contact with the piston, providing a fluid-tight reciprocating shaft seal. Sleeve 720 is preferably formed from a suitable material that is lubricious to allow the piston to slide relative to sleeve 720 while maintaining a fluid-tight seal. In some embodiments, O-ring 710 and sleeve 720 can be combined into a single seal structure, such as a reciprocating shaft seal having radial-type inner and outer diameter sealing lips.

[0140] A bushing 712 additionally cooperates with the O-ring 710 to fluidly seal the housing 706. The bushing 712 further provides support and a passageway for the piston. A support washer 722 may be provided to add strength to the component and may be formed from metal or a high-strength polymer, or some other suitable material. A retainer 714 may be positioned within the housing 706 to secure the sealing component in place and may be formed as a steel snap ring. The retainer 714 may also be a threaded plug, such as a hollow set screw, or may be formed by crimping one or more components into place.

[0141] Although a single seal arrangement is shown, other suitable seals are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Additional seal arrangements are shown in the figures and accompanying description, and those skilled in the art will readily recognize other methods and structures for providing a fluid-tight seal for the housing 706.

[0142] FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of a seal for a valve body 800. Many of the fluid flow structures and devices of the illustrated embodiment are substantially as previously described. A housing 806 defines a recess configured to support and engage one or more seal components. As shown, an O-ring 810 is provided and engages a saddle sleeve 820 to provide a fluid-tight seal between the channel 802 and the proximal end 808 of the sleeve of the housing 806. The saddle sleeve 820 is configured to cooperate with the O-ring 810 and provide a compressive force to the O-ring 810, causing the O-ring to form a seal against the housing 806. The restoring force of the compressed O-ring 810 causes the saddle seal 820 to come into surface contact with the piston and provide a fluid-tight seal therewith. The saddle seal 820 has a parallel position relative to the piston, which allows the mating surfaces to make sufficiently intimate contact to provide a seal.

[0143] A bushing 812 provides support to guide the piston into the channel 802 and maintain a coaxial orientation between the piston and the channel 802. A retainer 814 may be provided as described herein.

[0144] FIG. 9 illustrates another type of seal applicable to the embodiments described herein. Valve body 900 includes housing 906 as previously described and may be substantially similar to valve body 500. The housing defines a cavity for cup seal 910, bushing 912, and retainer 914. Cup seal 910 may be a U-cup seal having a U-shaped profile and including an outer static seal lip 920 and an inner dynamic seal lip 922. This type of seal provides both the static and dynamic seal required by the reciprocating piston within channel 902. The cup seal may be formed from any suitable material, but in some cases may be formed from nitrile, urethane, highly saturated nitrile, or polytetrafluoroethylene. In some cases, cup seal 910 may optionally include an O-ring inside the cup to provide additional support for the seal and help provide a restoring force to bias cup seal 910 against the piston.

[0145] FIG. 10 illustrates a valve body 1000 having an alternative arrangement of sealing structure to provide a fluid seal for the housing 1006 at the proximal end 1008. Many of the fluid flow structures and devices of the illustrated embodiment are substantially as previously described. As shown, an O-ring 1010 is supported by a saddle sleeve 1020. A bushing 1022 provides a guide for the piston, maintaining it in a coaxial relationship with the channel 1002. This embodiment differs in design from the previous embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 8, by the integral bushing, which allows for the elimination of a metal support washer. In this case, the housing 1006 may define a capture structure for securing the bushing 1022, saddle sleeve 1020, and O-ring 1010 in place. The capture structure may be formed as a groove, boss, protrusion, or other structure integrally formed with or attached to the housing 1006 for coupling a sealing component within the housing 1006.

[0146] FIG. 11 illustrates a valve body 1100 having a housing 1106 defining at least one channel 1102. Many of the fluid flow structures and devices of the illustrated embodiment are substantially as previously described. The valve body 1100 includes a seal at its proximal end 1108. The seal may comprise a cup seal 1110, which in some embodiments is a U-cup seal. The cup seal 1110 may be annular and have a U-shaped cross-section with two spaced apart seal portions that contact a piston disposed within the housing 1106 and the channel 1102. The two seal portions comprise a static seal lip 1114 and a dynamic seal lip 1116. The static seal lip 1114 is biased against the housing 1106 to prevent fluid from egressing from within the channel 1102 out the proximal end 1108 of the valve body 1100. The static seal lip 1114 does not move relative to the housing 1106, thus providing a static seal. The dynamic seal lip 1116 is biased against the piston extending therethrough, and the piston moves axially relative to the dynamic seal lip 1116, thus providing a dynamic seal against the piston. The piston is thus able to reciprocate along its axis while maintaining a fluid-tight seal against the dynamic seal lip 1116 of the cup seal 1110.

[0147] A bushing 1112 provides support for the cup seal 1110 and piston (not shown). The bushing is retained within the housing 1106 by any suitable mechanism, but in some embodiments, the bushing is secured by fitting into a groove or capturing a protrusion that cooperates with the bushing 1112 to hold the bushing 1112 securely in place. The bushing 1112 provides support for the piston that extends therethrough and reciprocates within the channel 1102. The bushing may be formed from a lubricious material that provides a relatively low-friction sliding contact with the piston.

[0148] FIG. 12 illustrates a valve body 1200 having a channel 1202 defined by a housing 1206. Many of the fluid flow structures and devices of the illustrated embodiment can be substantially as previously described. A seal 1204 disposed at or near a proximal end 1208 of the valve body 1200 prevents fluid leakage from within the housing 1206. As shown, an O-ring 1210 is supported by the housing 1220. The bushing 1220 and O-ring 1210, in some cases, are annular and fit within a cylindrical cavity formed within the housing 1206. When assembled, a piston extends from outside the housing 1206 through the bushing 1220. The piston and bushing 1220 are coaxially arranged, and the bushing 1220 provides guidance and support to maintain the piston in its coaxial relationship with the bushing 1220 and further coaxially with the channel 1202 formed within the housing 1206. The piston engages bushing 1220 and urges it to expand radially. Bushing 1220, in turn, compresses O-ring 1210 against housing 1206. As O-ring 1210 contracts, it elastically deforms against housing 1206, providing a static fluid-tight seal against the housing. O-ring 1210 additionally provides resistance to bushing 1220 through its restoring force resulting from compression, urging bushing 1220 against the piston, thereby causing intimate surface contact between the inner surface of bushing 1220 and the outer surface of the piston, thus creating a dynamic fluid-tight seal between the piston and bushing 1220, even as the piston reciprocates within channel 1202.

[0149] Bushing 1220 and O-ring 1210 may be formed from suitable materials selected to have advantageous properties described herein, such as wear resistance, sealing properties, lubricity, ductility, spring constant, and other properties that make the sealing member suitable for its intended purpose. Of course, when fluid is pressurized within housing 1206, the fluid pressure will exert additional sealing force on bushing 1220 and O-ring 1210, further improving the effectiveness of the sealing member.

[0150] As shown in this and other figures, the housing defines a first channel 1202 configured to slidably receive a piston therein. A second channel 1230 is formed in the housing and has a diameter larger than the diameter of the first housing. The second channel 1230 is configured to securely retain a seal member, including any bushing, sleeve, retaining member, deformable seal, or other structure that provides a fluid-tight seal and retains the seal member in its proper position and orientation.

[0151] (Pump cartridge and valve body)

[0152] FIG. 13 illustrates a cartridge 100 incorporating a valve body 1302 substantially as described herein. The cartridge 100 has a casing 1304 that provides support for and covers at least a portion of the valve body 1302. The casing 1304 provides a secure connection for the valve body 1302 and may incorporate fasteners, clips, cooperating friction-fit members, or other suitable structures that capture and secure the valve body 1302 within the casing. In some embodiments, one or more of the coupling flanges 1306 are captured by holes in the casing 1304 to secure or help secure the valve body 1302 within the casing 1304. One or more fluid delivery lines 1308, 1310 can be coupled to the fluid inlets 1312a, 1312b to provide a working fluid to the interior of the valve body 1302. In some embodiments, the working fluid is a saline solution, deionized water, distilled water, or some other aqueous solution that may have an additional therapeutic agent therein. The fluid delivery lines 1308, 1310 can be coupled to any source of fluid, such as any of several medical fluid bags.

[0153] The cartridge 100 has one or more hose supports 1314 to support the fluid delivery lines 1308, 1310, prevent relative movement between the fluid delivery lines 1308, 1310 and the cartridge 100, and ensure a secure connection of the fluid delivery system to the cartridge 100.

[0154] The cartridge 100 further has an additional outlet hose support 1316 for supporting the outlet hose 1320. The outlet hose 1320 may be attached to the valve body 1302 through any suitable mechanism, but in some embodiments is secured by a crimp joint, a threaded coupler 1322, or a combination. Of course, other attachment mechanisms, such as a luer lock, a clip-on fastener, or some other suitable mechanism, are also contemplated herein.

[0155] As shown, pistons 1330, 1340 are disposed within casing 1304 and are shown extending only partially into valve body 1302. As can be seen, pistons 1330, 1340 are appropriately sized to reciprocate within channels 1332a, 1332b formed in the housing of valve body 1302.

[0156] The pistons 1330, 1340 are shown in a transport position, or configuration ready for shipping, delivery, and installation into a pump. The pistons 1330, 1340 are shown in a proximal retracted position, with the engagement structures 1350a, 1350b configured to initially cooperate with the retention structures 1352a,b to secure the pistons in the transport position shown.

[0157] In this configuration, when the engagement structures 1350a, 1350b are coupled to the retention structures 1352a, 1352b, the pistons are in a locked position and do not move freely relative to the valve body 1302. More specifically, the pistons 1330, 1340 do not contact the sealing lips or seal structures, thus allowing communication with the interior of the valve body 1302 (e.g., to allow sterilant gas to enter the channels 1332a, b and fluid chambers 1362a, b). Furthermore, by preventing contact between the pistons 1330, 1340 and the seal structure 1360 during manufacturing, shipping, and storage prior to use, the phenomena of material welding and creep over time are eliminated or at least reduced, and the seal structure 1360 remains intact until the cartridge 100 is used and the pistons 1330, 1340 are allowed to advance into the channels 1332a, 1332b.

[0158] In some embodiments, the engagement structure 1350a is attached to the piston 1330 through any suitable mechanism. In some cases, the engagement structure 1350a is connected to the piston 1330 through a cooperating annular flange and groove. For example, the piston 1330 may have an annular groove formed therein, and the engagement structure 1350a may have an annular flange on its inner diameter that snaps into the annular groove formed in the piston 1330.

[0159] In the illustrated shipping position, the engagement structures 1350a, 1350b are removably secured to the retention structures 1352a, 1352b. The retention structures 1352a, 1352b may have angled, inwardly extending protrusions that capture surfaces of the engagement structure 1350a. An axial force causes the engagement structure 1350 to release from the retention structure 1352a, as will be described below.

[0160] 14, a cartridge 1300 is illustrated which may be the same cartridge as that illustrated in FIG. 13 or which may have slight variations (e.g., the seal structure at the proximal end of the valve body may be configured differently than shown). As shown, the piston 1330 is advanced into the channel and the engagement structure 1350a disengages from the retention structure 1352a. In some instances, one or both of the engagement structure 1350a and the retention structure 1352a elastically deform to allow the piston 1330 to advance into the chamber.

[0161] As shown, piston 1330 is advanced to a top dead center position and is at the limit of its travel in the distal direction. The opposing piston 1340 is at its bottom dead center position and is at the limit of its travel in the proximal direction. A motor drives an output shaft, which in turn drives control rods or push rods that can convert motor rotary motion into linear activation. The control rods can be out of phase with each other, such that a first control rod pushes and a second control rod pulls in the opposite direction. The control rods can be coupled to the pistons by engagement structures 1350a, thereby reciprocating the pistons 1330, 1340 within the channels.

[0162] 15 and 16, cutaway views of a cartridge 1500 are shown illustrating the valve body 1302, pistons 1330, 1340, engagement structures 1350a, 1350b, and the orientation of control rods 1510, 1520, which are shown coupled to the engagement structures 1350a, 1350b to drive the pistons 1330, 1340. The cartridge 1500 can be substantially similar to that described above in connection with FIGS. 13 or 14. Some embodiments utilize control rods 1510, 1520 coupled to drive the piston 1330 in two directions along the piston's longitudinal axis. In other embodiments, the control rod 1510 can be a push rod, providing only a power stroke to advance the piston 1330, with the piston 1330 retracting due to another force, such as fluid pressure, spring force, or some other force that retracts the piston 1330. However, the terms "control rod" and "push rod" may be used interchangeably to refer to the transmission member that transfers rotation from the motor to linear reciprocating motion of the piston.

[0163] 15 and 16 is the structure used to couple the control rod 1510 with the piston 1340. For example, in FIG. 15, the engagement structure 1350a is fixedly connected to the piston 1330 and removably connected to the control rod 1520, while in FIG. 16, the engagement structures 1650a, 1650b are fixedly connected to the control rods 1510, 1520 and removably coupled to the pistons 13310, 1340. While either configuration of the engagement structures 1350a, 1350b or 1650a, 1650b would work, in some cases, locating the engagement structures on the pistons allows the control rod to be withdrawn from the cartridge 1500 so that the cartridge 1500 can be replaced with another one.

[0164] In use, a motor drives an output shaft (which may be a crankshaft or may be equipped with lobes or some other type of cam structure), and an associated coupling connects a control rod to the lobe, cam, or crankshaft, converting the motor's rotational output into linear reciprocating motion of the control rod. The control rod, when coupled to a piston, causes the piston to reciprocate within its respective channel. For example, when the motor drives the control rod 1510, linear motion is transmitted to the piston 1340, which reciprocates linearly within the channel 1530. As the piston 1340 moves proximally within the channel 1530, a vacuum is created by the withdrawal of the piston from the channel, and working fluid is drawn into the fluid chamber 1532 through the fluid inlet 1534. As used herein, the term "vacuum" does not refer to an absolute vacuum, but rather to a reduced pressure that causes fluid flow from an area of ​​higher pressure into the fluid chamber 1532, which has a lower fluid pressure caused by the withdrawing piston 1340. As one piston moves proximally, drawing in fluid, the opposing piston 1330 advances distally within its respective channel, increasing fluid pressure, which opens output valve 1540 and expels fluid through output hose 1542, as described elsewhere herein.

[0165] The rotary nature of the motor continues to drive the pistons in a reciprocating motion, with each piston drawing in fluid during its stroke from top dead center to bottom dead center and expelling fluid through fluid outlet 1542 as the piston is driven from its bottom dead center position to its top dead center position. The pistons may be driven 180 degrees out of phase so that in systems having two pistons, they are driven in opposition. Of course, other configurations may provide more or fewer pistons, which can be driven by any drive mechanism and at any suitable frequency and phase shift. For example, in some embodiments, three pistons can be driven 120 degrees out of phase with each other and cooperate to provide fluid flow through output hose 1542. In some embodiments, four pistons can be driven 90 degrees out of phase with each other to provide output fluid flow. In some embodiments, the motor is driven at about 10 Hz to about 300 Hz, or about 20 Hz to about 200 Hz, or about 50 Hz to about 150 Hz.

[0166] 17 and 18 , the piston 1702 is coupled to the control rod 1704 by an engagement structure 1710. As can be seen, the engagement structure 1710 is retained by the piston 1702 by a groove 1712 formed in the piston 1702 and a cooperating annular protrusion 1714 on the engagement structure 1710. The engagement structure 1710 may be formed from any suitable material, such as any of a number of plastics, metals, composite materials, or combinations. In some embodiments, the engagement structure 1710 is formed from a material that is capable of elastically deforming to expand to securely engage the piston 1702 and the control rod 1704. The illustrated structure coupling the piston to the control rod may be usable in any of the embodiments described herein. For example, the engagement structure used with any of the embodiments described herein may have fingers that securely grip the control rod 1704. When the control rod 1704 is advanced to couple with the piston 1702, the fingers elastically deform outward to receive the distal end 1722 of the control rod 1704 and then elastically return to their shape to capture the distal end 1722 of the control rod 1704.

[0167] In the illustrated shipping or delivery configuration, the engagement structure 1710 is initially securely attached to the piston. The engagement structure 1710 is additionally held in a fixed position by interference with the retention structure 1720. The retention structure 1720 has a ramped surface 1724 that interferes with movement of the engagement structure 1710. In this initial shipping configuration, the piston 1702 is held in a fixed position and prevented from advancing into the channel and contacting the sealing member (not shown).

[0168] Prior to use, the cartridge is installed into a loader mechanism, which connects the cartridge to a transmission that provides energy from the motor to the piston. As part of installing the cartridge, the control rod 1704 is moved relative to the piston 1702 until the distal end 1722 of the control rod 1704 contacts the engagement structure 1710. The control rod 1704 and the engagement structure 1710 have cooperating structure that allows the control rod 1704 to be coupled to the engagement structure and thus to be in driving engagement with the piston 1702. The control rod 1704 may have one or more grooves, slots, detents, or recesses that receive protrusions or bosses from the engagement structure 1710 to secure the two devices together.

[0169] The engagement structure 1710 may couple to the control rod 1704 by linearly advancing the cartridge toward the control rod 1704. That is, the cartridge may move along the longitudinal axis of the piston to contact the control rod 1704. This may be done, for example, by manually pushing the cartridge toward the control rod, by a motor, a lever, a cam, or some other suitable mechanism, the details of which will be discussed in more detail below. Of course, the cartridge may remain stationary and the control rod, and optionally other support structure associated with the control rod, may translate toward the cartridge to effect coupling of the control rod to the piston.

[0170] A first axial force causes the engagement structure 1710 to elastically deform and receive the distal end 1722 of the control rod 1704. A protrusion 1726 on the engagement structure 1710 is forced outward when the control rod 1704 initially contacts the engagement structure 1710, and then springs back into place when the protrusion 1726 finds a catch in a groove 1730 formed in the control rod 1704.

[0171] When the control rod 1704 is coupled to the piston 1702 via the engagement structure 1710, a second axial force that exceeds the first axial force elastically deforms the retaining structure 1720 outward as the engagement structure 1710 is advanced into the cartridge, pushing the ramp surface 1724 outward.

[0172] In some embodiments, the engagement structure 1710 is capable of retracting the piston without disengaging from the control rod 1704 using an amount of force in the range of about 1 pound to about 20 pounds.

[0173] 19 shows the piston 1702 after it has been coupled to the control rod 1904 by the engagement structure 1910. As can be seen, the piston 1902 has been advanced past the seal member 1914, and the engagement structure 1910 is free of the retaining structure.

[0174] (Cartridge Loader)

[0175] 20, 21, and 22, a loader 2000 is illustrated with a cartridge 2002 installed therein. The loader 2000 uses a transmission to facilitate coupling of the cartridge 2002 to a motor. In some embodiments, the transmission includes a control rod 2004 as described, which is driven by the motor.

[0176] The process of loading a cartridge begins with installing the cartridge 2002 into the loader 2000, which may be done by manually inserting the cartridge into one or more recesses in the loader 2000 configured to securely hold the cartridge 2002. Any suitable type of fastening method, such as catches, levers, or locks, to name a few, may optionally be used to additionally secure the cartridge within the loader 2000. FIG. 20 illustrates the cartridge 2002 initially installed in the loader 2000, and as can be seen, the control rod 2004 is not engaged with the engagement structure 2006 or the piston 2008.

[0177] 21 illustrates a first action that engages the control rod 2004 with the piston 2008. The loader 2000 facilitates relative displacement between the cartridge 2002 and the control rod 2004. In some embodiments, the control rod 2005 is advanced toward the cartridge 2002, such as by a lever, motor, cam, or some other actuator. In other embodiments, the cartridge 2002 is advanced toward the control rod 2004, such as by a manual force, a lever, a motor, or a cam. In either case, a linear force causes relative movement between the cartridge 2002 and the control rod 2004 until the control rod 2004 contacts the engagement structure 2006. The first force engages the control rod 2004 with the engagement structure 2006, and the components may be considered to "snap" together because the engagement structure 2006 elastically deforms and quickly returns to its initial shape once the control rod 2004 is inserted sufficiently to mate with the cooperating structure.

[0178] Once the control rod 2004 is "snap-fit" into the engagement structure 2006, as illustrated in Figure 21, a second axial force causes the engagement structure 2006 to disengage from the retaining structure 2010, as shown in Figure 22. In this configuration, the pistons 2008 are now released from their fixed position and are free to slide within the channel in response to the linear force from the control rod 2004.

[0179] In the configuration shown in FIG. 22, one piston 2008 is advanced to its top dead center position, the opposing piston is at its bottom dead center position, and the system is ready to begin pumping working fluid as previously described.

[0180] The loader 2000 is part of a larger console and is particularly suited to receive the cartridge 2002, and may further include structure configured to facilitate mating of the cartridge 2002 with a transmission and motor.

[0181] 23 shows the cartridge 2300 after it has been operated and removed from the loader. The piston 2302 is still coupled to the engagement structure 2304; however, the engagement structure is now disengaged from the control rod (not shown). The cartridge has a service life, which may be based on hours of operation, number of procedures, date of first use, or some other metric. The cartridge can be removed from the loader and replaced with a new cartridge. Thus, while the cartridge is a consumable item, the remaining components of the pump, including the control rod, motor, loader, and console, are durable components and are typically not replaced.

[0182] To remove the cartridge 2300, the control rod is withdrawn from the cartridge 2300. In operation, the ramped surface 2306 on the engagement structure contacts the mating surface 2308 on the retention structure 2310. The applied force from the control rod causes the retention structure to interfere with further withdrawal of the engagement structure 2304, deforming the engagement structure outward and thus releasing the protrusions 2312 from their engagement in the grooves of the control rod. The control rod can then be fully uncoupled from the engagement structure 2304 and removed from the cartridge.

[0183] As can be seen, the engagement structure 2304 remains attached to the piston 2302 and cannot be withdrawn from the cartridge 2300 because the retention structure 2310 prevents its withdrawal. This makes it very difficult to reuse the cartridge 2300 that has exceeded its useful life, and also provides the added feature that a simple visual check may verify whether the cartridge 2300 has been used before.

[0184] (active piston return and cartridge loading)

[0185] 24A and 24B illustrate a cartridge 3400 with an active return on the piston. The piston 2402 may be substantially as described elsewhere herein and has a compression spring 2404 surrounding a bushing 2406 that guides the piston 2402 through its stroke. The bushing 2406 may carry a front retainer 2408 that provides a bearing surface against which the spring 2404 is compressible. A rear retainer 2410 may be carried by either the piston 2402 or the control rod 2412 and provides a surface that engages the spring, providing a compressive force against the spring 2404 as the control rod 2412 is advanced into the cartridge 3400. Providing the rear retainer 2410 on the piston 2402 allows the control rod 2412 to be fully withdrawn from the cartridge 2400, if desired. The spring 2404 may be selected to have a desired spring constant, and may be selected to prevent "slapping" between the control rod 2412 and the rear retainer 2410, especially at higher motor rpm.

[0186] In some embodiments, spring 2404 provides an amount of force to the piston between bottom and top dead centers within the cylinder in a range of about 1 lb to about 20 lb. The amount of force can optionally be in a range of about 2 to 15 lbs or about 5 to 10 lbs.

[0187] The push rod carries a slider 2410 that compresses a spring as the push rod and piston advance, and the slider may be coupled to a receiver that receives the piston and drives it toward the push rod as the push rod retracts.

[0188] The control rod 2412 may be configured so that it provides surface contact with the piston 2402 and may not necessarily include structure to capture the piston and secure the two together. In other words, the control rod 2412 may function strictly to push the piston 2402 and not provide a force to return the piston 2402. The return force required to retract the piston to its bottom dead center position may be provided in large part by the spring 2404. The rear retainer 2410 may optionally engage and perhaps capture the piston 2402, but is not required to do so if there is an external force applied to the piston 2402 to move the piston 2402 from its top dead center to its bottom dead center location.

[0189] The seals for preventing fluid leakage from the cartridge can be any suitable sealing mechanism and arrangement, some of which have been previously described.

[0190] 25A and 25B illustrate a cartridge 2500 having a piston 2502 that holds an engagement cap 2504. The engagement cap 2504 can be designed to cooperate with a control rod 2506 and provide a secure connection therebetween. In some embodiments, the engagement cap 2504 has a radial ridge 2508 that engages a radial groove 2510 formed in the control rod 2506. The engagement cap 2504 can be secured to the piston 2502 by any suitable method and can be attached to the piston 2502 during manufacturing. The engagement cap 2504 can be connected to the control rod 2506 by applying a force transverse to the longitudinal axis of the control rod 2506. In other words, the cartridge can be forced downward onto the control rod to secure the piston 2502 and control rod 2506 together. The cartridge 2500 can be manually inserted into the loader, such as by pushing downward against the cartridge, to couple the piston 2502 to the control rod 2506. The cartridge may alternatively be coupled to the loader by a motor, lever, hinge, crank, or some other manual or automated means.

[0191] 26A and 26B illustrate a cartridge 2600 coupled to a loader 2602. The loader 2602 may include a yoke 2604 that connects a control rod 2606 to an actuator 2608, which reciprocates the control rod 2606 at a desired stroke and frequency. The actuator 2608 may be a rotary or linear-travel actuator. As a non-limiting example, the actuator 2608 may include a pinion gear with gear teeth, and the control rod 2606 (or the piston itself) may be formed with rack gear threads that engage with the pinion gear teeth to form a rack and pinion gear system. As the pinion gear is rotated clockwise and counterclockwise in rapid succession, the control rod 2606 is reciprocated linearly.

[0192] The actuator 2608 may alternatively comprise a lead screw or power screw that converts the rotary motion of the motor into linear displacement of the control rod and piston.

[0193] 27 illustrates a cartridge 2700 having a dual piston arrangement as previously described. The pistons 2702 may be coupled by rocker arms 2704 having a pivot point 2706 generally disposed between the pistons 2702. The rocker arms 2704 may have a protruding boss 2710. One control rod 2712 may press against the boss 2710 of the rocker arms 2704, causing the rocker arms 2704 to pivot about the pivot point 2706. When one control rod 2712 exerts a force against the boss 2710, driving the piston 2702 distally within the cylinder, the opposing boss 2710 causes the opposing piston to withdraw from the cylinder. Thus, a primary force tending to withdraw the piston is exerted by the control rod driving the opposing piston 2702, and a withdrawal force is exerted through the rocker arm 2704.

[0194] The cartridge 2700 may be loaded into the console by lowering the cartridge 2700 vertically downward into the console and engaging suitable retention structure on the console to secure the cartridge 2700.

[0195] 28 illustrates a cartridge 2800 having one or more pistons 2802 and one or more control rods 2804. The pistons 2802 are coupled to the control rods 2804 by engagement structures 2810. The engagement structures 2810 may be securely attached to the pistons 2802 and control rods 2804 through structures that capture the ends of each respective rod. After use, the engagement structures 2810 may be removed from the control rods 2804 through an axial force that pulls the ends of the control rods 2804 out of the engagement structures 2810.

[0196] (axial cartridge loading)

[0197] 29 illustrates a structure configured for axial loading of a cartridge. The cartridge may have threads 2902 formed on its shaft 2904. A loader 2906 may similarly have retraction threads 2908 that engage with the cartridge threads 2902 to retract the cartridge into the loader 2906. In some embodiments, the cooperating threads may be Acme threads, which resist driving in the reverse direction, thereby providing secure retention of the cartridge within the loader.

[0198] 30 illustrates the cartridge 3000 and the attachment mechanism for securing the cartridge 3000 within the loader 3002. In the illustrated embodiment, a tapered wedge 3004 rests within a correspondingly shaped recess 3006 formed in the cartridge 3000. The tapered wedge 3004 may be associated with a console and may move relative to the cartridge 3000, insert into the recess 3006, and then retract the cartridge 3000 into engagement with the loader 3002.

[0199] 31 illustrates a cam 3100 configured to pull a cartridge 3102 into a loader. The cam 3100 has a pivot 3104 about which the cam 3100 rotates. The outer surface of the cam 3100 may have threads formed therein, and a motor 3106 may turn a gear that meshes with the threads formed on the cam. The cartridge 3102 may have one or more protrusions 3108 extending therefrom that may be captured by the cam. As the motor 3106 turns the cam 3100, the cam 3100 captures the protrusions 3108 and pulls the cartridge 3102 in a substantially linear manner, securing the cartridge 3102 relative to the loader.

[0200] (vertical downward cartridge loading)

[0201] 32 illustrates a mechanism for loading a cartridge 3200. The cartridge 3200 can be placed in a container 3202 configured to receive and hold the cartridge 3200. A lever 3204 is movable between a first position in which the container 3202 is uncovered and open to receive a cartridge, and a second position in which the lever 3204 latches and holds the cartridge 3200 in place within the container 3202. Once in position, a control rod 3206 can be advanced to engage a piston 3208 associated with the cartridge 3200.

[0202] 33 illustrates a loading path for engaging a cartridge 3300 with a loader associated with the console. The cartridge 3300 may have a protruding boss 3302 that slides within a channel 3304 formed in the loader. The channel 3304 may define any suitable path, such as the one shown, in which the cartridge 3300 travels inward and then downward once it engages the loader. Of course, other paths may also be used with the present concepts.

[0203] FIG. 34 shows an equivalent circuit suitable for integration, according to some embodiments. In some applications, such as surgery, a pump is connected to a nozzle using a fluid line. The pump includes a source of fluid injection, similar to a source of current I in an electrical circuit. The flow line can be configured to expand in response to pressure, similar to the capacitance C of a capacitor. Increasing the length of the flow line can increase the capacitance, and decreasing the length of the flow line can decrease the capacitance. The nozzle can include a small opening that provides resistance to flow, similar to a resistor R. Reducing the nozzle diameter can increase the resistance, and increasing the flow line diameter can decrease the resistance. The combination of pump fluid injection current, fluid line capacitance, and nozzle resistance can be configured to smooth and even out the flow from the pump to provide a more uniform fluid flow through the nozzle. Based on the teachings disclosed herein, one skilled in the art can determine the pump flow fluid injection, line capacitance, and nozzle resistance to provide improved stability of the flow of fluid, such as a liquid, from the end of the nozzle. Studies related to embodiments disclosed herein suggest that a more uniform flow rate through a nozzle may provide improved smoothness in ablation, e.g., tissue removal.

[0204] In some embodiments, a positive displacement pump as described herein provides an amount of fluid that can vary with flow rate and pressure, and variables such as piston seals, valve seals, pressure, and valve closure rates can result in variable fluid flow characteristics that can be measured and incorporated into a fluid flow equivalent circuit. A fluid delivery line can include a conduit with compliance that can vary with pressure, which can be incorporated into a fluid flow equivalent circuit. A cylindrical nozzle can include a resistance to flow that varies with flow rate, which can be measured and incorporated into a fluid flow equivalent circuit. Fluid flow characteristics that can affect resistance include boundary flow conditions, nozzle geometry, and eddy currents near the nozzle, which can increase resistance at higher flow rates.

[0205] FIG. 35 illustrates a pump displacement suitable for smoothing, according to some embodiments. Sinusoidal motion of the crankshaft 3500 can impart motion to the piston. The motion of the piston can be represented using a fill curve cosine function 3510. The fill curve cosine function 3510 indicates fluid flow out of the cylinder. Portions of the fill curve cosine function 3510 are shown above and below zero, corresponding to the filling and emptying of the cylinder. The x-axis 3520 indicates flow past the output valve, with a value of zero indicating zero flow. The fill curve near the bottom 3530 indicates the point at which the piston changes direction, resulting in inefficiencies in the pumping cycle.

[0206] Figure 36 shows a flow rate per unit time suitable for smoothing, according to some embodiments. At about t=5 3610, the piston begins moving in a direction to pump fluid out of the outlet. During the initial pumping, as the piston moves to push fluid out of the outlet, the fluid pressure increases, overcoming internal resistance, and fluid begins to flow through the outlet. As the piston approaches the limit of its travel at about t=8 3620, the flow rate out of the outlet slows and eventually becomes zero when the piston reverses direction and begins the cylinder fill cycle 3630. As the piston reciprocates, the fluid flow out of the nozzle approximates the curve shown in Figure 36.

[0207] Figure 37 shows cumulative flow suitable for smoothing, according to some embodiments. At 3710, the piston begins pumping fluid through the outlet valve, and fluid is pumped through the output valve throughout the piston's pumping cycle. At approximately t=8 3720, the piston slows its progress, momentarily stops, and reverses direction. This is represented graphically by the slope of the curve gradually moving to zero 3730, indicating that no fluid is being pumped through the output valve. The region of zero slope corresponds to the cylinder's fill cycle as the piston withdraws, thus filling the cylinder with fluid. The volumetric output data shown in FIG. 37 provides the material input to the resistance x capacitance equation that yields pressure and ejection rate.

[0208] 38 shows displacement and flow from a dual cylinder pump suitable for smoothing, according to some embodiments. Dual cylinder pumps can provide a more regular fluid flow to a line to reduce fluctuations in fluid flow. For example, a dual cylinder pump can provide dual cylinders and pistons that operate out of phase with each other, such as by oscillating 180 degrees out of phase with each other, with one cylinder performing a pumping cycle while the other cylinder performs a filling cycle.

[0209] The first cylinder / piston can be approximated by a sine wave 3800, and the second cylinder / piston can be approximated by a sine wave 3810 (e.g., a sine wave that is 180° out of phase with sine wave 3800). The velocity 3820 of the first cylinder / piston is approximated by a curve that is out of phase with sine wave 3800. Similarly, the velocity 180 of the second cylinder / piston can be represented by a curve 3840 that is out of phase with sine wave 3810. Notably, velocity curve 3820 and velocity curve 3840 are 180° out of phase with each other, with one curve having a maximum value when the second curve is at a minimum. The end result is a total flow rate 3850 that does not drop below zero. While the total flow rate 3850 through the output valve may be pulsed, it is much smoother than a single-piston configuration.

[0210] 39 shows flow from a dual cylinder pump suitable for smoothing, according to some embodiments. The total flow rate 3850 of a dual cylinder pump remains positive except for a brief period 3900 when the flow rates from both cylinders intersect at a zero flow rate. In some embodiments, the fluid lines downstream of the fluid output valve may have some capacitance built into them so that compliance in the fluid lines provides continuous fluid flow even when the pump is producing zero flow through the output valve, thus further smoothing the total fluid flow.

[0211] Figure 40 shows the cumulative flow from a dual cylinder pump suitable for smoothing, according to some embodiments. As shown, the total fluid flow through the output valve continues to rise as the dual cylinder pump operates. The dual cylinder configuration provides a much smoother fluid flow compared to a single cylinder configuration such as in Figure 37. The volumetric output data is the material input to a resistance x capacitance equation that yields pressure and ejection velocity.

[0212] 41 shows cumulative flow from a dual cylinder pump suitable for smoothing, according to some embodiments. A single cylinder pump total flow curve 4100 is shown compared to a dual cylinder pump total flow curve 4110. As can be seen, the single cylinder pump total flow curve 4100 shows periods of no flow due to cylinder fill cycles, while the dual cylinder pump total flow curve 4110 shows nearly continuous fluid flow, much greater total flow per unit time, and much smoother fluid delivery.

[0213] 42A shows the fluid pressure profile over time for a single piston pump operating at 20 Hz. In a fluid circuit with an at least partially compliant delivery hose and an injection nozzle that provides a restriction to the outflowing fluid, pressure builds up and dissipates during a reciprocating piston cycle. Fluid delivery profile curve 4202 shows that during piston retraction, the output valve closes as the cylinder is refilled with fluid, thus isolating the cylinder from the downstream fluid circuit. Fluid pressure curve 4204 oscillates in response to the pumping action and is smoothed by the restrictive nature of the compliant delivery hose and injection.

[0214] 42B shows the fluid pressure profile over time for a dual piston pump operating at 20 Hz. The fluid delivery profile curve 4206 shows that two pistons operating 180 degrees out of phase results in a smoother fluid delivery pressure curve 4208. In other words, the amplitude (e.g., fluctuations in output fluid pressure) is much lower for the dual piston pump compared to the single piston pump, thus indicating a smoother fluid delivery output.

[0215] Figure 42C shows the fluid pressure profile over time for a single piston pump operating at 10 Hz. Compared to the single piston pump operating at 20 Hz in Figure 42A, the fluid delivery profile curve 4210, which has a much lower frequency, exhibits a much longer period. Fluid delivery pressure curve 4212 illustrates that a single piston pump generates an oscillating fluid delivery pressure when pumped at a certain frequency.

[0216] In some embodiments, tissue or other material has an ablation threshold. This threshold for ablation ablation may depend on the type of tissue. For example, collagenous tissue, such as the prostate capsule, may have a higher ablation threshold than glandular tissue of the prostate. The threshold for ablation ablation is related, at least in part, to the tensile strength and elasticity of the tissue being ablated. Tissue typically has an ablation threshold, which defines a fluid pressure that will ablate the tissue when above the ablation threshold and will not ablate the tissue when the fluid pressure is below the ablation threshold. In some cases, as shown in FIG. 42C , the fluid delivery pressure curve 4212 may drop below the ablation threshold.

[0217] In contrast, in FIG. 42D , fluid delivery pressure profile curve 4230 illustrates a dual piston pump operating at 10 Hz, and further shows that once fluid delivery pressure curve 4232 reaches steady state for similar flow rates, it does not drop below ablation threshold 4240. Ablation threshold 4240 may be different for various types of tissue, and the pump can be configured based on the type of tissue to be ablated. For example, the pump can be activated at a higher frequency, which results in a higher average fluid pressure delivery than a pump operating at a lower frequency. Comparing dual piston pumps operating at 10 Hz and 20 Hz, it can be seen that the 20 Hz fluid delivery pressure curve 4208 is, on average, much higher than the 10 Hz fluid delivery curve 4232.

[0218] As detailed above, the computing devices and systems described and / or illustrated herein broadly represent any type or form of computing device or system capable of executing computer-readable instructions such as those contained within the modules described herein. In their most basic configurations, these computing devices may each include at least one memory device and at least one physical processor.

[0219] The terms "memory" or "memory device" as used herein generally refer to any type or form of volatile or non-volatile storage device or medium capable of storing data and / or computer-readable instructions. In one example, a memory device may store, load, and / or maintain one or more of the modules described herein. Examples of memory devices include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (RAM), flash memory, hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), optical disk drives, caches, variations or combinations of one or more thereof, or any other suitable storage memory.

[0220] Additionally, the terms "processor" or "physical processor" as used herein generally refer to any type or form of hardware-implemented processing unit capable of interpreting and / or executing computer-readable instructions. In one example, a physical processor may access and / or modify one or more modules stored within a memory device described above. Examples of physical processors include, but are not limited to, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a central processing unit (CPU), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) implementing a soft-core processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more portions thereof, a logic circuit, one or more variations or combinations thereof, or any other suitable physical processor.

[0221] Although illustrated as separate elements, the method steps described and / or illustrated herein may represent portions of a single application. Additionally, in some embodiments, one or more of these steps may represent or correspond to one or more software applications or programs that, when executed by a computing device, may cause the computing device to perform one or more tasks, such as method steps.

[0222] Additionally, one or more of the devices described herein may transform data, physical devices, and / or representations of physical devices from one form to another. For example, one or more of the devices listed herein may receive image data of a sample to be transformed, transform the image data, output the results of the transformation to determine a 3D process, use the results of the transformation to perform the 3D process, and store the results of the transformation to generate an output image of the sample. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more of the modules listed herein may execute on, store data on, and / or otherwise interact with a computing device to transform a processor, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, and / or any other portion of a physical computing device from one form of computing device to another form of computing device.

[0223] The term "computer-readable medium" as used herein generally refers to any form of device, carrier, or medium capable of storing or carrying computer-readable instructions. Examples of computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, transmission-type media such as carrier waves, and non-transitory-type media such as magnetic storage media (e.g., hard disk drives, tape drives, and floppy disks), optical storage media (e.g., compact discs (CDs), digital video discs (DVDs), and BLU-RAY discs), electronic storage media (e.g., solid-state drives and flash media), and other distribution systems.

[0224] Those skilled in the art will recognize that any process or method disclosed herein can be modified in many ways. The process parameters and sequence of steps described and / or illustrated herein are given by way of example only and can be varied as desired. For example, although the steps illustrated and / or described herein may be shown or discussed in a particular order, these steps do not necessarily have to be performed in the order shown or discussed.

[0225] The various exemplary methods described and / or illustrated herein may also omit one or more of the steps described or illustrated herein or include additional steps in addition to those disclosed. Furthermore, the steps of any method as disclosed herein can be combined with any one or more steps of any other method as disclosed herein.

[0226] Unless otherwise noted, the terms "connected to" and "coupled to" (and their derivatives) as used in this specification and claims shall be interpreted as allowing for both direct and indirect (i.e., via other elements or components) connections. Additionally, the terms "a" or "an" as used in this specification and claims shall be interpreted as meaning "at least one of." Finally, for ease of usage, the terms "including" and "having" (and their derivatives) as used in this specification and claims shall be synonymous with and have the same meaning as the word "comprising."

[0227] A processor as disclosed herein may be configured with instructions to perform any one or more steps of any method as disclosed herein.

[0228] As used herein, the term "or" is used inclusively to refer to items in the alternative and in combination.

[0229] The present disclosure also includes the following numbered appendices:

[0230] Clause 1. A pump cartridge comprising: a housing having a piston, a channel, an inlet, and an outlet, the channel having a cylinder shaped to receive the piston; and an engagement structure for coupling the piston to the push rod in response to axial movement of the push rod or the housing.

[0231] Appendix 2. The pump cartridge of Appendix 1, further comprising a casing covering a portion of the housing, wherein the engagement structure is supported using the casing outer channel.

[0232] Clause 3. The pump cartridge of clause 2, wherein the engagement structure is connected to the casing and configured to decouple from the casing upon axial advancement of the push rod.

[0233] Appendix 4. The pump cartridge of Appendix 3, wherein the casing includes an opening for receiving the push rod, and the engagement structure extends through the opening from the interior of the casing to the exterior of the casing.

[0234] Clause 5. The pump cartridge of clause 4, wherein the outer portion of the engagement structure is configured to advance through the opening and into the interior of the casing when coupled to the push rod.

[0235] Clause 6. The pump cartridge of clause 5, wherein the outer portion of the engagement structure is configured to remain within the interior of the casing when uncoupled from the push rod.

[0236] Clause 7. The pump cartridge of clause 2, further comprising a retention structure connected to the casing for retaining the engagement structure in a shipping configuration and for disengaging from the engagement structure in response to an axial force from the push rod.

[0237] Clause 8. The pump cartridge of clause 7, wherein the retention structure includes a plurality of angled tabs configured to deflect upon axial advancement of the engagement structure toward the interior of the casing and to remove the engagement structure from the push rod upon retraction of the push rod from the interior.

[0238] Appendix 9. The pump cartridge of Appendix 2, wherein the piston is connected to an engagement structure, the engagement structure is connected to the casing in a storage configuration with the piston outside the cylinder to allow sterilizing gas to flow from inside the casing into the cylinder, the casing having an opening to allow sterilizing gas to flow from outside the casing to inside the casing and into the cylinder, and optionally, a distal tip of the piston is located outside the cylinder and within the channel.

[0239] Appendix 10. The pump cartridge of Appendix 1, wherein the engagement structure is configured to couple to the push rod using a first amount of axial force and to uncouple from the push rod using a second amount of axial force that exceeds the first amount of force.

[0240] Clause 11. The pump cartridge of clause 10, wherein the first amount of axial force is directed in a first direction and the second amount of axial force is directed in a second direction, optionally, the first direction being opposite the second direction.

[0241] Clause 12. The pump cartridge of clause 1, wherein the engagement structure is configured to deform upon disengagement from the push rod.

[0242] Appendix 13. The pump cartridge of Appendix 1, further comprising a support coupled to the housing and the engagement structure, the support configured to decouple from the engagement structure in response to axial movement of the push rod or the housing, and optionally, the support comprising a casing.

[0243] Clause 14. The pump cartridge of clause 13, further comprising a seal positioned within the channel, wherein the support is configured to hold the engagement structure with the piston positioned relative to the seal to define a gap between at least a portion of the piston and the seal to allow sterilizing gas to enter the cylinder.

[0244] Clause 15. The pump cartridge of clause 13, wherein the support is configured to hold the engagement structure with the piston positioned relative to the cylinder to define a gap between at least a portion of the piston and the cylinder to allow sterilizing gas to enter the cylinder.

[0245] Addendum 16. The pump cartridge of Addendum 13, further comprising a retention structure coupled to the support, the retention structure configured to retain the engagement structure and release the engagement structure in response to axial advancement of the push rod.

[0246] Addendum 17. The pump cartridge of Addendum 16, wherein the retaining structure includes a plurality of extensions sized and shaped to engage grooves on the engagement structure, the plurality of extensions being angled toward the engagement structure and the inlet of the cylinder to allow the engagement structure to move toward the cylinder with axial advancement of the push rod and to disengage the engagement structure from the push rod with axial retraction of the push rod away from the cylinder.

[0247] Appendix 18. The pump cartridge of Appendix 17, wherein the engagement structure includes a groove or flange for receiving a plurality of extensions to retain the engagement structure with the retention structure, and the plurality of extensions are configured to radially deflect away from the piston and allow advancement of the piston toward the cylinder.

[0248] Clause 19. The pump cartridge of clause 16, wherein the engagement structure is configured to engage the push rod using a first amount of force and the retention structure is configured to disengage from the engagement structure using a second amount of force, the second amount of force being greater than the first amount of force.

[0249] Clause 20. The pump cartridge of Clause 19, wherein the engagement structure is configured to maintain coupling between the push rod and piston with an amount of force sufficient to retract the piston proximally as the piston and the push rod coupled to the piston reciprocate within the cylinder, optionally the amount of force to retract the piston proximally is in the range of about 0.25 pounds to about 20 pounds between bottom dead center and top dead center of the piston within the cylinder, optionally the amount is in the range of about 1 to 15 pounds, optionally about 2 to 10 pounds, optionally the engagement structure is configured to prevent decoupling of the cylinder from the push rod as the push rod and cylinder retract within the range.

[0250] Clause 21. The pump cartridge of clause 19, further comprising a spring coupled to the piston, the spring configured to compress with advancement of the push rod along the cylinder and maintain the coupling between the push rod and the piston with a sufficient amount of force to move the piston proximally, away from the distal end of the cylinder, when the push rod is retracted proximally, away from the valve, and to provide reciprocating movement of the push rod to reciprocating movement of the piston within the cylinder.

[0251] Clause 22. The pump cartridge of Clause 21, wherein the spring comprises one or more of a torsion spring, a coil spring, or a leaf spring, and optionally, the spring provides an amount of force on the piston between bottom dead center and top dead center of the piston in the cylinder in a range of about 1 pound to about 20 pounds, optionally, the amount is in a range of about 2-15 pounds, optionally, about 5-10 pounds.

[0252] Clause 23. The pump cartridge of clause 21, wherein the spring comprises a torsion spring coupled to the piston to urge the piston toward the push rod, and optionally, the center of rotation of the torsion spring is located away from the extension axis of the piston.

[0253] Clause 24. The pump cartridge of clause 21, wherein the spring comprises a coil spring coupled to the piston to urge the piston toward the push rod, and optionally the piston extending through an extension axis of the coil spring.

[0254] Clause 25. The pump cartridge of clause 16, wherein the retention structure comprises a plurality of channels sized and shaped to receive the plurality of fingers of the engagement structure.

[0255] Addendum 26. The pump cartridge of Addendum 25, wherein the retention structure includes a plurality of extensions shaped to define a plurality of channels, the extensions being angled toward the cylinder to allow the plurality of fingers to pass through the plurality of channels.

[0256] Clause 27. The pump cartridge of clause 25, wherein the retention structure includes a shipping cap configured to retain the engagement structure and piston for storage and shipping.

[0257] Addendum 28. The pump cartridge of Addendum 13, wherein the engagement structure comprises a plurality of fingers for engaging the push rod, and optionally, the engagement structure comprises a plurality of snap-on piston clips connected to the piston and configured to engage recesses or protrusions on the push rod.

[0258] Addendum 29. The pump cartridge of Addendum 13, wherein the casing includes a slot for receiving the push rod as the cartridge moves transversely to the axis of extension of the push rod, and the engagement structure includes the slot for receiving the push rod and a protrusion for engaging a recess in the push rod, optionally the protrusion is coupled to a spring for coupling the protrusion to the recess, and optionally the recess includes a detent and the protrusion includes a ball.

[0259] Addendum 30. The pump cartridge of Addendum 13, wherein the housing includes a fastener for coupling the cartridge to the console to fasten the cartridge to the console, and optionally the console includes a motor and a push rod.

[0260] Addendum 31. The pump cartridge of Addendum 30, wherein the housing comprises a fastener comprising one or more of an extension on the housing, a plurality of extensions on the housing, a pair of opposing extensions extending from the housing, a recess in the housing, a plurality of recesses in the housing, a groove in the housing, a plurality of grooves in the housing, an opening extending through the housing, and a plurality of openings extending through the housing, and optionally the housing comprises metal for fastening the cartridge to a console.

[0261] Addendum 32. The pump cartridge of Addendum 31, wherein the fastener is sized and shaped to engage with a stop on the console on a first side of the fastener and a movable locking structure on the console on a second side to fasten the cartridge to the console.

[0262] Clause 33. The pump cartridge of clause 32, wherein the movable locking structure of the console includes a pin for contacting the second side of the fastener.

[0263] Clause 34. The pump cartridge of clause 32, wherein the first side comprises a first surface facing a first direction of axial force associated with advancement of the piston toward the outlet to direct a compressive force of the cylinder toward the stop, and the second side comprises a second surface facing a second direction of axial force corresponding to retraction of the piston away from the outlet in a direction corresponding to drawing fluid into the cylinder.

[0264] Clause 35. The pump cartridge of clause 1, further comprising a seal positioned within the channel, the seal configured to allow movement of the piston relative to the seal.

[0265] Clause 36. The pump cartridge of clause 35, further comprising a retainer coupled to the seal, the retainer configured to limit movement of the seal relative to the piston as the piston moves within the cylinder, and optionally, the retainer acting against fluid pressure within the cylinder, the fluid within the cylinder acting in an opposing direction on the piston during a power stroke to urge the seal against the retainer.

[0266] Item 37. The pump cartridge of item 35, wherein the seal comprises one or more of an O-ring, a cup seal, or a saddle sleeve.

[0267] Clause 38. The pump cartridge of clause 35, wherein the pump channel comprises a second portion sized to receive the seal, and the cylinder comprises a first portion of the channel.

[0268] Addendum 39. The pump cartridge of Addendum 38, wherein the engagement structure is configured to couple to the push rod using a first amount of axial force, the engagement structure is configured to decouple from the retaining structure using a second amount of axial force, and the piston is configured to slide along the seal using a third amount of axial force, the second amount of axial force being greater than the first and third amounts of axial force.

[0269] Clause 40. The pump cartridge of clause 39, wherein the third amount of axial force is less than the first amount of axial force.

[0270] Clause 41. The pump cartridge of clause 39, wherein the third amount of axial force is greater than the first amount of axial force.

[0271] Addendum 42. The pump cartridge of Addendum 39, wherein the engagement structure is configured to decouple from the push rod using a fourth amount of axial force, the fourth amount of axial force being greater than the first and third amounts of axial force.

[0272] Clause 43. The pump cartridge of clause 42, wherein the first, second, and third amounts of axial force are in a first direction and the fourth axial force is in a second direction opposite the first direction.

[0273] Clause 44. The pump cartridge of clause 42, wherein the fourth amount of axial force is greater than the second amount of axial force.

[0274] Clause 45. The pump cartridge of clause 42, wherein the fourth amount of axial force is less than the second amount of axial force.

[0275] Addendum 46. The pump cartridge of Addendum 42, wherein the retention structure is configured to one or more of deform or break the engagement structure using a fourth amount of force to prevent coupling of the engagement structure to the push rod after decoupling of the push rod from the engagement structure.

[0276] Addendum 47. The pump cartridge of Addendum 35, wherein the channel comprises a second portion positioned toward the engagement structure, the second portion sized to retain the seal, the second portion having a cross-section sized larger than a cross-section of the cylinder, and optionally, the cylinder comprises a first cross-sectional diameter and the second portion comprises a second cross-sectional diameter, the first cross-sectional diameter being smaller than the second cross-sectional diameter to retain the seal within the second portion when the piston reciprocates.

[0277] Clause 48. The pump cartridge of clause 47, wherein the second portion comprises a cylinder.

[0278] Addendum 49. The pump cartridge of Addendum 1, wherein the piston comprises a plurality of pistons, the cylinder comprises a plurality of cylinders, the engagement structure comprises a plurality of engagement structures, and the push rod comprises a plurality of push rods.

[0279] Clause 50. The pump cartridge of clause 1, further comprising a seal and a bushing, the seal and bushing being at least partially within the channel.

[0280] Item 51. The pump cartridge of item 50, wherein the piston coupled to the retaining structure provides a gap between the piston and the seal, allowing sterilizing gas to travel from outside the housing into the cylinder.

[0281] Clause 52. The pump cartridge of clause 50, wherein the seal has an inner no-load diameter prior to engaging the piston, the piston having an outer diameter, the inner no-load diameter of the seal being smaller than the diameter of the piston, and optionally the seal being configured to deflect to the diameter of the piston and engage the piston.

[0282] Clause 53. The pump cartridge of clause 50, wherein the piston has an outer diameter and the cylinder has an inner diameter, the inner diameter of the cylinder being greater than the outer diameter of the piston to provide a gap between the piston and the cylinder when the piston is inserted through the seal and into the cylinder.

[0283] Clause 54. The pump cartridge of clause 53, wherein the piston is sized to displace fluid within the cylinder with a gap extending between a distal portion of the piston and the cylinder.

[0284] Addendum 55. The pump cartridge of Addendum 50, wherein the bushing has an inner bearing surface for guiding the piston, and the seal is located between the bearing surface and the cylinder.

[0285] Clause 56. The pump cartridge of clause 50, further comprising a retainer coupled to the housing for retaining the bushing with a seal positioned between the retainer and the cylinder, optionally the channel comprising a second cylinder with an inner diameter larger than the cylinder, and optionally further comprising a stop positioned between the cylinder and the second cylinder to limit movement of the bushing toward the cylinder.

[0286] Clause 57. A pump cartridge comprising: a housing including a first piston and a second piston; a first inlet and a second inlet, an outlet, a first cylinder for receiving the first piston, and a second cylinder for receiving the second piston; and a valve located between the first inlet and the second inlet, the valve comprising a movable element that translates from a first position to a second position, the first position allowing liquid to flow from the first inlet to the first cylinder and from the second cylinder to the outlet, and the second position allowing liquid to flow from the second inlet to the second cylinder and from the first cylinder to the outlet.

[0287] Clause 58. The pump cartridge of clause 57, wherein output pressure of the second cylinder urges the movable component into the first position and output pressure of the first cylinder urges the movable component into the second position.

[0288] Clause 59. The pump cartridge of clause 57, wherein the channel extends from the first inlet to the second inlet, and the valve is positioned therebetween.

[0289] Clause 60. The pump cartridge of clause 59, wherein the channel comprises a first portion extending from the first inlet to the first cylinder and a second portion extending from the second cylinder to the second inlet, the valve being located between the first portion and the second portion, and the valve being in the first position at both portions.

[0290] Clause 61. The pump cartridge of clause 60, wherein in a first position, the valve engages a first valve seat to prevent flow of the first high-pressure fluid from the second cylinder toward the first cylinder, and in a second position, the valve engages a second valve seat to prevent flow of the second high-pressure fluid from the first cylinder.

[0291] Clause 62. The pump cartridge of clause 59, wherein the channel extends transversely to the first extension axis of the first cylinder and the second extension axis of the second cylinder.

[0292] Addendum 63. The pump cartridge of Addendum 62, wherein the channel extends transversely to the first extension axis of the first cylinder and the second extension axis of the second cylinder, and optionally, the channel extends perpendicular to the first extension axis and the second extension axis.

[0293] Clause 64. The pump cartridge of clause 57, further comprising a first valve seat for engaging the movable component in the first position and a second valve seat for engaging the valve in the second position.

[0294] Clause 65. The pump cartridge of clause 64, wherein the outlet channel is coupled to the channel between the first valve seat and the second valve seat.

[0295] Addendum 66. The pump cartridge of Addendum 64, wherein each of the first valve seat and the second valve seat comprises a ductile material for shaping a surface of the first valve seat relative to the movable component and the second valve seat relative to the movable component.

[0296] Clause 67. The pump cartridge of clause 64, wherein the first valve seat and the second valve seat each comprise a material that is softer than the movable component.

[0297] Addendum 68. The pump cartridge of Addendum 64, wherein each of the first valve seat and the second valve seat has a tapered end for engaging a movable component, and optionally, the tapered end has an inclination angle within the range of about 1 degree to about 75 degrees relative to a plane defined by the movable component engaging portion of the valve seat, optionally, the range is about 10 degrees to about 45 degrees.

[0298] Clause 69. The pump cartridge of clause 64, wherein the movable component has a maximum cross-sectional dimension sized to fit into the channel and a thickness less than or equal to the maximum cross-sectional dimension.

[0299] Clause 70. The pump cartridge of clause 69, wherein the movable component comprises a contour around an outer periphery, the contour defining one or more channels, allowing fluid to pass through the channels from the first cylinder to the outlet when the movable component is positioned away from the first valve seat, and from the second cylinder to the outlet when the movable component is positioned away from the second valve seat.

[0300] Addendum 71. A pump cartridge as described in Addendum 70, wherein the movable component comprises a valve seat engagement portion sized and shaped to engage the valve seat and a channel portion sized and shaped to define one or more channels, the valve seat engagement portion being located radially inward from the channel portion.

[0301] Clause 72. The pump cartridge of clause 70, wherein the periphery of the movable component corresponds to one or more of a star shape, a D shape, a polygonal shape, a triangle shape, a rectangle shape, an oval shape, or a crescent shape.

[0302] Addendum 73. The pump cartridge of Addendum 64, wherein the movable component comprises a disk having a diameter sized to engage the first valve seat and the second valve seat, the first valve seat being spaced from the second valve seat along the channel by a distance greater than a thickness of the disk.

[0303] Clause 74. The pump cartridge of clause 73, wherein the outflow channel is coupled to the outlet, and wherein the distance between the valve seats, the thickness of the disc, and the diameter of the outflow channel are dimensioned to allow fluid to flow into the outflow channel when the first piston pressurizes the first cylinder, the disc engages the second valve seat, and the second piston pressurizes the second cylinder, and the disc engages the first valve seat.

[0304] Clause 75. The pump cartridge of clause 69, wherein the movable component comprises a first surface for engaging the first valve and a second surface for engaging the second valve, and wherein a rigid extension extends between the first surfaces for coupling the first surface to the second surface, such that upon pressurization of the first cylinder, the second surface moves toward the second valve seat and the first surface moves away from the first valve seat, and upon pressurization of the second cylinder, the first surface moves toward the first valve seat and the second surface moves away from the second valve seat.

[0305] Item 76. The pump cartridge of item 69, wherein the movable component comprises a spherically shaped ball.

[0306] Addendum 77. The pump cartridge of Addendum 64, wherein the movable component comprises a first movable component and a second movable component, the first movable component being positioned adjacent to the first valve seat and the second movable component being positioned adjacent to the second valve seat, and wherein output pressure from the first cylinder urges the first movable component away from the first valve seat and urges the second movable component toward the second valve seat.

[0307] Clause 78. The pump cartridge of clause 77, wherein the pumping efficiency is increased in response to back pressure from the output hose, the back pressure influencing an open valve to close more quickly before the opposing cylinder drives a closed valve to open.

[0308] Addendum 79. The pump cartridge of Addendum 77, wherein a spring is coupled to the first movable component and the second movable component, and optionally the spring is located within the channel and extends along the channel between the first movable component and the second movable component.

[0309] Addendum 80. The pump cartridge of Addendum 79, wherein the spring increases the closing time when the piston is at top dead center and reduces cross-cylinder interference, and optionally the spring has a spring constant configured to increase the closing time and reduce cross-cylinder interference, and optionally the mass of the first movable component, the mass of the second movable component, and the spring constant are arranged to correspond to a resonant frequency suitable for reducing the closing time and cross-cylinder interference.

[0310] Addendum 81. The pump cartridge of Addendum 79, wherein the spring comprises one or more of a tension spring, a compression spring, or an external agent for closing the valve.

[0311] Addendum 82. The pump cartridge of Addendum 77, further comprising a first stop and a second stop, wherein the first movable component is positioned between the first valve seat and the first stop to limit movement of the first movable component away from the first valve seat, and the second movable component is positioned between the second valve seat and the second stop to limit movement of the second movable component away from the second valve seat, and optionally, the first stop and the second stop are positioned between the first movable component and the second movable component.

[0312] Addendum 83. A pump cartridge comprising: a piston; a housing comprising an inlet, an outlet, a first cylinder for receiving the piston, and a second cylinder for receiving the second piston; and a valve comprising a valve seat and a movable element that translates from a first position away from the valve seat to a second position for engaging the valve seat, the first position permitting liquid to flow from the inlet to the cylinder and the second position preventing liquid from flowing from the cylinder to the inlet, the valve seat comprising a ductile material for molding a surface of the valve seat to the movable element in response to pressure from the cylinder.

[0313] Clause 84. The pump cartridge of clause 83, wherein the valve seat comprises a softer material than the movable component.

[0314] Clause 85. The pump cartridge of clause 83, wherein the valve seat comprises a harder material than the movable component.

[0315] Clause 86. The pump cartridge of clause 83, wherein the valve seat comprises stainless steel.

[0316] Addendum 87. The pump cartridge of Addendum 83, wherein the valve seat has a tapered end for engaging the movable component, and optionally the tapered end has an inclination angle in the range of about 1 degree to about 75 degrees relative to a plane defined by the movable component engaging portion of the valve seat, and optionally the range is about 10 degrees to about 45 degrees.

[0317] Clause 88. The pump cartridge of clause 87, wherein the tapered end includes an annular edge for engaging the movable component.

[0318] Item 89. The pump cartridge of item 88, wherein the annular edge comprises a sharp annular edge.

[0319] Clause 90. The pump cartridge of clause 88, wherein the annular rim has a radial thickness in the range of about 0.0001 mm to about 0.25 mm, optionally 0.01 mm to about 0.25 mm.

[0320] Addendum 91. The pump cartridge of Addendum 87, wherein the movable component has a substantially flat surface for engaging the tapered end, and optionally, the flat surface has a uniformity within a range of about 0.1 mm to about 0.010 mm.

[0321] Clause 92. The pump cartridge of clause 91, wherein the substantially flat surface comprises a substantially flat surface of an annular groove.

[0322] Clause 93. The pump cartridge of clause 83, wherein the movable component comprises a contour around an outer periphery, the contour defining one or more channels, allowing fluid to pass through the channels from the first cylinder to the outlet when the movable component is positioned away from the valve seat, and from the second cylinder to the outlet when the movable component is positioned away from the second valve seat.

[0323] Addendum 94. A pump cartridge as described in Addendum 93, wherein the movable component comprises a valve seat engagement portion sized and shaped to engage the valve seat and a channel portion sized and shaped to define one or more channels, the valve seat engagement portion being located radially inward from the channel portion.

[0324] Item 95. The pump cartridge of item 94, wherein the periphery of the movable component corresponds to one or more of a star shape, a D shape, a polygonal shape, a triangle shape, a rectangle shape, an oval shape, or a crescent shape.

[0325] Addendum 96. A pump console comprising: a container for receiving a pump cartridge; a locking structure for engaging a fastener on the pump cartridge; a push rod for engaging the pump cartridge; an actuator coupled to the push rod; and a processor coupled to the actuator for moving the push rod, the processor configured to advance the push rod into the cartridge in response to the locking structure engaging the fastener.

[0326] Addendum 97. The pump console of Addendum 96, wherein the processor is configured to advance the push rod a first distance into the cartridge, uncouple the piston from the piston retaining structure, advance the piston into a seal of the cartridge, and, as the piston reciprocates, advance the push rod a second distance into the cartridge to top dead center of the piston.

[0327] Addendum 98. The pump console of Addendum 96, wherein the console comprises an engagement structure on the push rod for engaging a piston of the pump cartridge, optionally the engagement structure configured to decouple the piston from a retaining structure coupled to the piston, and optionally the engagement structure configured to retract the piston away from the piston valve after engagement.

[0328] Item 99. The pump console of item 96, wherein the console includes an engagement structure on the push rod for engaging a piston of the pump cartridge.

[0329] Clause 100. The pump console of clause 96, further comprising a return spring for urging a piston of the pump cartridge toward the push rod of the pump console when the push rod retracts away from top dead center of the piston.

[0330] Addendum 101. The pump console of Addendum 100, wherein the spring comprises one or more of a torsion spring, a coil spring, or a leaf spring, and optionally, the spring provides an amount of force on the piston between bottom dead center and top dead center of the piston in the cylinder in a range of about 1 pound to about 20 pounds, optionally, the amount is in a range of about 2 to 15 pounds, optionally, about 5 to 10 pounds.

[0331] Addendum 102. The pump console of Addendum 100, wherein the console further comprises a slider coupled to the spring, the slider configured to compress the spring as the piston of the pump cartridge advances, the slider coupled to the receiver for receiving the piston and pushing the piston toward the push rod as the push rod retracts.

[0332] Clause 103. The pump console of clause 96, further comprising a rocker arm on the console to provide reciprocating movement of the first piston and the second piston of the pump cartridge.

[0333] Clause 104. The pump console of clause 103, wherein the rocker arm includes a first push rod engaging portion for coupling to a first push rod, a second push rod engaging portion for coupling to a second push rod, and a pivot extending therebetween, wherein advancement of the first push rod and the first push rod engaging portion corresponds to advancement of a first piston and urges the second push rod engaging portion in an opposite direction corresponding to retraction of a second piston of a pump cartridge.

[0334] Clause 105. The pump console of clause 96, further comprising an engagement structure located on the push rod of the console prior to installation of the console on the push rod, the engagement structure configured to engage the piston of the pump cartridge upon axial advancement of the push rod toward the piston.

[0335] Clause 106. The pump console of clause 105, wherein the engagement structure comprises a plurality of fingers for engaging a piston of the pump cartridge.

[0336] Clause 107. The pump console of clause 105, wherein the engagement structure includes a tension bushing with one or more balls for engaging the piston of the cartridge.

[0337] Addendum 108. The pump console of Addendum 105, wherein the engagement structure is configured to decouple from the piston using a first amount of axial force and to decouple from the push rod using a second amount of axial force, the second amount of axial force being greater than the first amount of axial force, and optionally the engagement structure comprises a first snap-on clip for coupling to the piston and a second snap-on clip configured to couple to the push rod, and the engagement structure comprises a user-removable portion of the console.

[0338] Clause 109. The pump console of clause 105, wherein the engagement structure is configured to retract the piston using an amount of force in the range of about 1 pound to about 20 pounds.

[0339] Item 110. The pump console of item 96, wherein the container is sized and shaped to receive the pump cartridge as the pump cartridge moves axially.

[0340] Addendum 111. The pump console of Addendum 110, wherein the container includes one or more of a threaded member, a tapered channel, or a cam on a pin to receive the cartridge within the container.

[0341] Addendum 112. The pump console of Addendum 111, wherein the container comprises a threaded member configured to rotate and draw the cartridge into a fastened position, optionally the threaded member comprising one or more of a bolt, a screw, or a rotating member comprising an internal thread, and optionally the container comprises a spring coupled to the tray to urge the cartridge toward the threaded member and engage the cartridge.

[0342] Addendum 113. The pump console of Addendum 111, wherein the container has a tapered channel sized to receive a tapered portion of the cartridge with axial advancement of the cartridge, and optionally the container further has a movable member extending into the cartridge to retain the cartridge, and optionally the movable member has a protrusion sized and shaped to extend into the casing of the cartridge, and optionally the tapered portion of the cartridge nests with the tapered channel of the container.

[0343] Addendum 114. The pump console of Addendum 111, wherein the container includes a cam that engages with a protruding structure on the cartridge and advances the cartridge axially, and optionally, the protruding structure includes a pin for engaging with the cam.

[0344] Addendum 115. A pump console as described in Addendum 96, wherein the container is sized and shaped to receive the pump cartridge as the pump cartridge moves across the reciprocating piston and cylinder axis of the pump cartridge, optionally comprising downward loading of the pump cartridge or side-sliding movement of the pump cartridge.

[0345] Addendum 116. The pump console of Addendum 115, wherein the container includes a clamp for securing the cartridge in the container, and optionally, the clamp includes a lever lid for securing the cartridge to the container from above the cartridge.

[0346] Addendum 117. A pump console as described in Addendum 115, wherein the container has grooves for receiving protrusions of the cartridge, the grooves extending in a first direction to receive the cartridge as it moves in the first direction, and the grooves extending in a second direction transverse to the first direction to guide the cartridge toward a fastened position, optionally the first direction extending substantially horizontally and the second direction extending substantially vertically, and optionally the grooves having pairs of grooves for receiving pairs of protrusions on either side of the cartridge.

[0347] Addendum 118. The pump console of Addendum 96, wherein the push rod comprises a plurality of push rods, and the processor is configured to advance the plurality of push rods a first plurality of distances into the cartridge, decouple the plurality of pistons from a plurality of retaining structures coupled to the plurality of pistons, advance the plurality of pistons into a plurality of seals of the cartridge, and advance the plurality of push rods a second plurality of distances into the cartridge to a plurality of top dead centers of the plurality of pistons in conjunction with reciprocating motion of the plurality of pistons, and optionally, the actuator is configured to drive the plurality of pistons out of phase to linearize an output flow rate of fluid from the cartridge.

[0348] Addendum 119. The pump console of Addendum 96, wherein the actuator comprises one or more of a transmission, a cam, a motor, a crankshaft, or a dual-lobe crankshaft.

[0349] Clause 120. The pump console of clause 96, further comprising a transmission, the transmission comprising a crankshaft and a plurality of connecting rods coupled to the plurality of push rods.

[0350] Clause 121. The pump console of clause 96, further comprising a cartridge loader for loading the pump cartridge into the container.

[0351] Clause 122. The pump console of clause 96, further comprising a transmission and a motor.

[0352] Addendum 123. The pump console of Addendum 96, further comprising a plurality of sensors, the plurality of sensors comprising one or more of a cartridge in position sensor for detecting a cartridge in position, a catch sensor for sensing a movable component that catches the sensor, a dead center sensor for sensing a piston at a distal most position advanced into the cylinder, a gate down sensor, a gate up sensor, or a cartridge code reader.

[0353] Addendum 124. The pump console of Addendum 96, further comprising a plurality of sensors and a movable component for fastening the pump cartridge within the container, the plurality of sensors comprising a first fastening sensor for sensing the movable component fastening the cartridge within the container and a second fastening sensor for sensing a home position of the movable component.

[0354] Clause 125. The pump console of clause 96, further comprising a carrier, the push rod supported on the carrier, the carrier having a first position for placement of the cartridge in the receptacle and a second position for engaging the piston with the push rod for reciprocating movement.

[0355] Clause 126. The pump console of clause 125, wherein the carriage is configured to advance the push rod from a first position to a second position.

[0356] Clause 127. The pump console of clause 125, wherein the carriage supports the actuator, the carriage configured to advance the actuator and the push rod from a first position to a second position.

[0357] Clause 128. The pump console of clause 96, further comprising a pump cartridge of any one of the preceding clauses.

[0358] Addendum 129. The pump cartridge or pump console of any one of the preceding addendums, further comprising a sterile package, wherein the pump cartridge comprises a sterile pump cartridge within the sterile package, and optionally the pump cartridge has been sterilized using a gas, and optionally the gas comprises ethylene oxide (EtO).

[0359] Addendum 130. A pump cartridge or pump console according to any one of the preceding addendums, wherein the piston comprises a plurality of pistons and the cylinder comprises a plurality of cylinders.

[0360] Addendum 131. A pump cartridge or pump console according to any one of the preceding Addendums, wherein the push rod comprises a control rod.

[0361] Addendum 132. The pump cartridge or pump console of any one of the preceding addendums, further comprising an external actuator coupled to the exterior of the movable component of the valve for moving the movable component of the valve into the valve seat.

[0362] Addendum 133. A pump cartridge or pump console described in any one of the preceding addendums, wherein the pump cartridge comprises a unique identifier, and optionally the unique identifier comprises one or more of a QCR code, a barcode, or an RFID.

[0363] Addendum 134. A pump cartridge or pump console as described in any one of the preceding addendums, wherein the console comprises a reader for reading a unique identifier of the pump cartridge, and wherein the processor is coupled to the reader for receiving the unique identifier and comparing the unique identifier with a library of unique identifiers, and optionally, the processor comprises instructions for advancing a push rod into the pump cartridge in response to reading a valid unique identifier from the pump cartridge.

[0364] Addendum 135. A pump cartridge or pump console described in any one of the preceding addendums, wherein the console is configured to drive the piston at a frequency within the range of about 10 hertz (Hz) to about 200 hertz, optionally within the range of about 50 Hz to 200 Hz.

[0365] Clause 136. The pump cartridge or pump console of any one of the preceding clauses, further comprising a high-pressure fluid line and a nozzle coupled to the high-pressure fluid line, the high-pressure line configured to undergo volumetric expansion when pressurized, the nozzle configured to provide resistance to fluid flow, the combination of the high-pressure fluid line and nozzle configured to provide a more uniform pressure and fluid flow through the nozzle, optionally, the pressure and corresponding fluid flow being uniform to within a range of about 25% (percent) to about 1% over multiple pump cycles, optionally to within a range of about 15% to about 5%, optionally, the uniformity within the range being provided using a pump frequency of 50 Hz, optionally within a pump frequency range of about 25 Hz to about 100 Hz, and optionally, the fluid line having a length within a range of about 0.2 meters to about 3 meters, optionally about 0.5 meters to about 2 meters.

[0366] Addendum 137. A method comprising coupling a pump cartridge to a pump console.

[0367] Clause 138. The method of clause 137, further comprising coupling a pump cartridge described in any one of the preceding clauses to a pump console described in any one of the preceding clauses.

[0368] As used herein, letters such as numbers refer to like elements.

[0369] While embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described herein, they are provided by way of example only. Those skilled in the art will recognize numerous adaptations, modifications, variations, and substitutions without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Several substitutions and combinations of the embodiments disclosed herein may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present disclosure and the invention(s) disclosed herein. Accordingly, the scope of the presently disclosed invention(s) shall be defined solely by the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A pump console, the pump console comprising: a container for receiving the pump cartridge; a locking structure for selectively engaging a fastener on the pump cartridge; a push rod for engaging the pump cartridge; an actuator coupled to the push rod; a processor coupled to an actuator for moving the push rod; Equipped with The processor is configured to cause the push rod to advance into the pump cartridge to engage with the pump cartridge in response to the locking structure engaging the fastener, and the pump console is configured to release the pump cartridge in response to the application of a force to the pump cartridge.

2. 2. The pump console of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to advance the push rod a first distance into the pump cartridge, uncouple the piston from a piston retaining structure, advance the piston into a seal of the pump cartridge, and advance the push rod a second distance into the pump cartridge to a top dead center of the piston as the piston reciprocates.

3. 2. The pump console of claim 1, wherein the console comprises an engagement structure on the push rod for engaging a piston of the pump cartridge, optionally the engagement structure configured to decouple the piston from a retaining structure coupled to the piston, and optionally the engagement structure configured to retract the piston away from a valve of the piston after engagement.

4. The pump console of claim 1 , wherein the console includes an engagement structure on the push rod for engaging a piston of the pump cartridge.

5. 2. The pump console of claim 1, further comprising a return spring for urging the piston toward the push rod of the pump cartridge when the push rod of the pump console is retracted away from top dead center of the piston.

6. 6. The pump console of claim 5, wherein the spring comprises one or more of a torsion spring, a coil spring, or a leaf spring, and optionally the spring provides an amount of force on the piston between bottom and top dead centers of the piston in a cylinder in a range of about 1 pound to about 20 pounds, optionally the amount is in a range of about 2-15 pounds, optionally about 5-10 pounds.

7. 6. The pump console of claim 5, wherein the console further comprises a slider coupled to the spring, the slider configured to compress the spring as a piston of the pump cartridge advances, the slider coupled to a receiver for receiving the piston and urging the piston toward the push rod as the push rod retracts.

8. 10. The pump console of claim 1, further comprising rocker arms on the console for providing reciprocating movement of the first and second pistons of the pump cartridge.

9. 9. The pump console of claim 8, wherein the rocker arm includes a first push rod engaging portion for coupling to a first push rod, a second push rod engaging portion for coupling to a second push rod, and a pivot extending therebetween, wherein advancement of the first push rod and the first push rod engaging portion corresponds to advancement of a first piston and urges the second push rod engaging portion in an opposite direction corresponding to retraction of a second piston of a pump cartridge.

10. 2. The pump console of claim 1, further comprising an engagement structure located on the push rod of the console prior to installation of the console on the push rod, the engagement structure configured to engage the piston of the pump cartridge as the push rod advances axially toward the piston.

11. The pump console of claim 10 , wherein the engagement structure comprises a plurality of fingers for engaging a piston of the pump cartridge.

12. The pump console of claim 10 , wherein the engagement structure comprises a tension bushing with one or more balls for engaging a piston of the pump cartridge.

13. 11. The pump console of claim 10, wherein the engagement structure is configured to decouple from the piston using a first amount of axial force and to decouple from the push rod using a second amount of axial force, the second amount of axial force being greater than the first amount of axial force, and optionally the engagement structure comprises a first snap-on clip for coupling to the piston and a second snap-on clip configured to couple to the push rod, and the engagement structure comprises a user-removable portion of the console.

14. The pump console of claim 10, wherein the engagement structure is configured to retract the piston with an amount of force in a range of about 1 pound to about 20 pounds.

15. The pump console of claim 1 , wherein the container is sized and shaped to receive the pump cartridge as the pump cartridge moves axially.

16. 16. The pump console of claim 15, wherein the container comprises one or more of a threaded member, a tapered channel, or a cam on a pin to receive the pump cartridge within the container.

17. 17. The pump console of claim 16, wherein the container comprises a threaded member configured to rotate and draw the pump cartridge into a fastened position, and optionally the threaded member comprises one or more of a bolt, a screw, or a rotating member having an internal thread, and optionally the container comprises a spring coupled to a tray, the spring urging the pump cartridge toward the threaded member for engaging the pump cartridge.

18. 17. The pump console of claim 16, wherein the container comprises the tapered channel, the tapered channel sized to receive the tapered portion of the pump cartridge as the pump cartridge advances axially, and optionally the container further comprises a movable member that extends into the pump cartridge and secures the pump cartridge, the movable member optionally comprising a protrusion sized and shaped to extend into a casing of the pump cartridge, and optionally the tapered portion of the pump cartridge nests with the tapered channel of the container.

19. 17. The pump console of claim 16, wherein the container includes a cam that engages with a protruding structure on the pump cartridge to axially advance the pump cartridge, and optionally the protruding structure includes a pin that engages with the cam.

20. 2. The pump console of claim 1, wherein the container is sized and shaped to receive the pump cartridge as the pump cartridge moves across a reciprocating piston and cylinder axis of the pump cartridge, optionally the movement comprising a side-sliding movement of the pump cartridge or a downward loading of the pump cartridge.

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