Lightweight feed pump docking station with integrated flush module

Abstract

A docking station detachably connected to a light-duty feed pump can automatically flush a dosing set mounted on the light-duty feed pump. The docking station may have a valve seat configured to accommodate a switchable flow valve of the dosing set, a flush controller, an actuator connected to the flush controller and configured to be disengaged from the switchable flow valve when the switchable flow valve is accommodated by the valve seat, and a data communication means in which a data signal transmitted by the light-duty feed pump is input to the flush controller of the docking station when the light-duty feed pump is connected to the docking station. During operation, the flush controller receives a flush command transmitted by the light-duty feed pump and, in response to the flush command, transmits a control signal to the actuator to switch the switchable flow valve to the flush position.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device and method for delivering a nutrient solution to a user using a dosing set and then flushing the dosing set with a flushing solution. Background Technology

[0002] Programmable enteral feeding pumps are used to perform the controlled delivery of nutritional fluids to a user. In a typical configuration, the enteral feeding pump accommodates a disposable dosing set containing flexible tubing with tubing segments designed to engage with the pumping mechanism of the enteral feeding pump. One end of the flexible tubing is connected to a nutritional fluid source, while the other end is arranged to deliver the nutritional fluid directly to the user's gastrointestinal tract. High-viscosity nutritional fluids (e.g., breast milk) tend to accumulate on the inner walls of the flexible tubing and block the flow path. Consequently, the actual delivery of nutritional fluid to the user may be reduced compared to the prescribed or intended delivery.

[0003] It is known to flush the dosing set piping by forcing a flushing fluid, such as water, to flow through the piping. For example, a flushing operation may be recommended before and / or after a feeding operation. Manual flushing can be performed by positioning a syringe loaded with flushing fluid at one end of the piping and injecting the flushing fluid into the piping to flush out nutrient residue from the piping. This type of manual flushing operation is cumbersome and requires disconnecting the dosing set from the pump, nutrient source, and the user's feeding port or feeding piping.

[0004] An automatic flushing device is known that uses the pumping mechanism of a light-intensity feeding pump to force flushing fluid through the piping of a dosing set. U.S. Patent No. 7,896,859, referenced together with International Publication No. WO 2005 / 115501, describes a device in which a dosing set has a flush piping branch and a feeding piping branch that are merged into a pump piping section at a switchable flow valve. The feeding piping branch is connected to a nutrient source, whereas the flush piping branch is connected to a flushing fluid source. The pump piping section and the flow valve can be mounted on a programmable light-intensity feeding pump comprising a motor-driven valve actuator for switching the flow valve between a feeding position, a flush position, and a shut-off position, thereby allowing the nutrient or flushing fluid to be selected to be pumped through the pump piping section, or the valve to be unmounted from the pump so that no flow is allowed through the valve. The disclosed device adds weight and complexity to light-feed pumps, which is undesirable for pumps intended for ambulatory usage.

[0005] A device is needed to facilitate flushing of the enteral feeding set without the disadvantages described above.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a docking station for a detachable connection to a light-feed pump that enables automatic flushing of a dosing set mounted on the light-feed pump. The docking station may include a valve seat configured to accommodate a switchable flow valve of the dosing set, a flush controller, an actuator connected to the flush controller and configured to be disengaged from the switchable flow valve when the switchable flow valve is accommodated by the valve seat, and data communication means in which a data signal transmitted by the light-feed pump is input to the flush controller of the docking station when the light-feed pump is connected to the docking station. In operation, the flush controller may receive a flush command transmitted by the light-feed pump and transmit a control signal to the actuator to switch the switchable flow valve to a flush position in response to the flush command.

[0007] A method for flushing the piping of a feeding set according to the present disclosure may generally include the steps of connecting a feeding pump to a docking station, connecting a flush piping branch of the feeding set to a flushing fluid source, mounting a pump piping portion of the feeding set within the feeding pump, aligning a flow valve of the feeding set with an actuator of the docking station, receiving a user flush command, operating an actuator to move the flow valve to a flush position in response to the user flush command, and operating the feeding pump to pump flushing fluid from a flushing fluid source through the flush piping branch, the flow valve, and the pump piping portion. The flush command may be entered by a user through the user interface of the feeding pump.

[0008] The present disclosure further provides a light-length feeding pump system, which may include a dosing set, a light-length feeding pump, and a docking station. The dosing set may include a feeding pipe branch connectable to a nutrient source, a flush pipe branch connectable to a flushing fluid source, a flow valve connected to the feeding pipe branch and the flush pipe branch, and a pump piping section connected to the flow valve, wherein the flow valve has a feeding position in which the flow valve allows flow communication between the feeding pipe branch and the pump piping section and prevents flow communication between the flush pipe branch and the pump piping section, and the flow valve has a flush position in which the flow valve allows flow communication between the flush pipe branch and the pump piping section and prevents flow communication between the feeding pipe branch and the pump piping section. The light-length feeding pump may be configured to accommodate the pump piping section and may include a pumping mechanism acting on the pump piping section to pump liquid through the pump piping section in a flow direction away from the flow valve. The docking station may include an actuator configured to be coupled with a flow valve, and the actuator can be optionally operated to switch the flow valve between a feed position and a flush position when the flow valve is coupled with the actuator.

[0009] The present disclosure also provides a switchable flow valve suitable for use with liquids having relatively high viscosity. The flow valve generally comprises a hollow valve housing including a food inlet port, a flush inlet port, and an outlet port, and a valve body housed by the valve housing. The valve body may be rotatable about a valve axis relative to the valve housing, and the valve body may include a flow path having an input end and an output end. The passage area of ​​the output end of the flow path may be larger than the passage area of ​​the input end of the flow path. The valve body may have a rotary feed position in which the input end of the flow path faces the food inlet port and the output end of the flow path faces the outlet port, enabling communication between the food inlet port and the outlet port through the flow path. The valve body may also have a rotary flush position in which the input end of the flow path faces the flush inlet port and the output end of the flow path faces the outlet port, enabling communication between the flush inlet port and the outlet port through the flow path. The flow path may have a straight wall extending linearly from the input end to the output end and a curved wall branching from the straight wall along a curved path from the input end to the output end. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0010] The characteristics and modes of operation of the present disclosure will now be explained more fully in the following detailed description together with the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a light-duty feed pump system formed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is another exploded perspective view illustrating the light-duty feeding pump system of FIG. 1 from a rear view, in which the sources of the nutrient solution and flushing solution are omitted. FIG. 3 is an undisassembled perspective view illustrating a light feed pump of the system connected to a docking station of the system and a dosing set of the system mounted on the light feed pump and the docking station, wherein the door of the light feed pump is omitted. Figure 4 is a perspective view of a light-feed pump with the front of the pump housing removed to show the internal structure of the pump. Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram of an injection pump and a docking station. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a docking station. Figure 7 is a perspective view of a valve actuator of a docking station. Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of a valve actuator. Figure 9 is another exploded perspective view of a valve actuator. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a switchable flow valve of a dosing set accommodated in the valve seat of a docking station, wherein the flow valve is not yet engaged with a valve actuator. Figure 11 is a drawing similar to the drawing of Figure 10, in which a flow valve is coupled with a valve actuator. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a flow valve. Fig. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a flow valve. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 12 showing a flow valve in the feeding position. Figure 15 is a drawing similar to Figure 14 but showing a flow valve in a flush position. FIG. 16 is a state diagram generally showing the control of an injection pump system by software in a light-duty feeding pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 17 is another state diagram illustrating the control of an injection pump system for performing a method of flushing the piping of a dosing set according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0011] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an enteral feeding pump system (10) formed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The enteral feeding pump system (10) generally comprises an enteral feeding pump (12), a docking station (14), and a dosing set (16). The system (10) may further comprise a nutrient source (17) and a flushing fluid source (18). When the enteral feeding pump (12) is connected to the docking station (14) and the dosing set (16) is mounted on the enteral feeding pump (12) and the docking station (14) as described below, the enteral feeding pump can be operated by a user to selectively perform a feeding operation or a flushing operation. The docking station (14) may provide other functions, such as recharging a battery to supply power to the enteral feeding pump (12), but the present disclosure relates to a flushing function.

[0012] The administration set (16) may be configured to selectively allow feeding and flushing operations. The administration set (16) may include a feeding pipe branch (20) connectable to a nutrient source (17), a flush pipe branch (22) connectable to a flushing source (18), a flow valve (24) connected to the feeding pipe branch (20) and the flush pipe branch (22), and a pump pipe section (26) connected to the flow valve (24). The flow valve (24) may have a feeding position in which the flow valve allows flow communication between the feeding pipe branch (20) and the pump pipe section (26) and prevents flow communication between the flush pipe branch (22) and the pump pipe section (26). The flow valve (24) may further have a flush position in which the flow valve allows flow communication between the flush pipe branch (22) and the pump pipe section (26) and prevents flow communication between the feeding pipe branch (20) and the pump pipe section (26). The flow valve (24) is switchable between the feeding position and the flush position to selectively allow feeding and flushing operations.

[0013] The administration set (16) may include a cassette (28) for mounting a segment of the pump piping section (26) into the enteral feeding pump (12). As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the pump piping section (26) may have a pumping segment (26B) arranged between an upstream segment (26A) and a downstream segment (26C) connected to a flow valve (24). As can be understood, the downstream segment (26C) may communicate with the patient or user during normal feeding operations in which the enteral feeding pump (12) pumps a nutrient solution from a source (17) to the user through the feeding piping, e.g., a gastrostomy tube. The pumping segment (26B) may be arranged to extend through the cassette (28) and is located opposite the pumping mechanism (30) of the pump (12) when the cassette (28) is mounted on the pump. The pumping mechanism (30) acts on the pumping segment (26B) of the pump piping section (26) to pump liquid through the pump piping section (26) in a flow direction away from the flow valve (24). The pumping mechanism (30) may be a linear peristaltic pumping mechanism as illustrated in FIG. 4, or it may take other forms such as a rotary peristaltic pumping mechanism or a curved peristaltic pumping mechanism.

[0014] The upstream and downstream segments (26A, 26B) of the feed pipe branch (20), flush pipe branch (22), and pump pipe section (26) may be PVC pipe or other suitable pipe. The pumping segment (26B) may be formed of soft PVC, silicone, or other suitable material so as to be elastically deformed when operated by the pumping mechanism (30). The end of the feed pipe branch (20) is disengagedly connected to a nutrient supply source (17), and the end of the flush pipe branch (22) is disengagedly connected to a flushing liquid supply source (18).

[0015] When the nutrient solution is pumped through the dosing set (16), especially when the viscosity of the nutrient solution is high, residual material may be coated on the inner walls of the piping. As described more specifically below, the docking station (14) has an integrated flush module which interfaces with the flow valve (24) of the light feeding pump (12) and the dosing set (16) to automatically configure the system (10) to flush the piping of the dosing set (16) with flushing fluid from the source (18) to remove residual material so that the dosing set can continue to function in an efficient and accurate manner when more nutrient fluid is pumped through the dosing set in a subsequent feeding operation.

[0016] The light feed pump (12) and the docking station (14) may each include a mechanical connecting member to allow the light feed pump (12) to be rigidly but disengageably connected to the docking station (14). For example, the light feed pump (12) may have a nut (32) accessible through an opening in the end face of the pump housing to engage with a threaded stud (33) protruding from the opposite end face of the docking station housing. The threaded stud (33) may be manually rotatable relative to the docking station housing by a wheel or dial (35) as shown in FIG. 2.

[0017] Now, also, to further explain the light feed pump (12) and docking station (14), refer to the schematic diagram of FIG. 5.

[0018] The light feed pump (12) may include an electrical connection port (36) configured to be disengaged with a corresponding electrical connection port (37) on the docking station (14) when the light feed pump (12) and the docking station (14) are connected end-to-end as illustrated in FIG. 3. The electrical connection port (36) of the light feed pump (12) may include a configuration of a connector (e.g., pins and / or sockets), and the electrical connection port (37) of the docking station (14) may have a configuration of a connector that is disengaged with the connector of the port (36). The docking station (14) may further include an external power and data connection port (39) that allows AC power and USB to be connected to the docking station (14). When the connectors of ports 36 and 37 are matched, external power is supplied from port (39) of the docking station (14) to the feed pump (12), output voltage is supplied from the feed pump (12) to the docking station (14), the USB line (41) of the docking station (14) is connected to the USB line (42) of the feed pump (12), and the internal data communication line (43) of the docking station (14) is connected to the internal data communication line (44) of the feed pump (12). The light feed pump (12) may include a power supply and battery charging circuit (46 and 48), a battery pack (50), a voltage regulator (52), and a voltage monitoring circuit (54), as shown in FIG. 5, for example.

[0019] The light feed pump (12) may also include a pump controller (56) acting as a central processing unit for the pump (12). The pump controller (56) may include, for example, a digital microcontroller or a digital microprocessor and related circuitry. The USB line (42) and data communication line (44) of the feed pump (12) may be connected to the pump controller (56) via a communication interface (58). The pump controller (56) may be connected to a motor driver (60) arranged to drive the motor (62) of the pumping mechanism (30). The pump controller (56) is programmed to transmit motor control commands to the motor driver (60) to operate the motor (62) so that the pumping mechanism (30) delivers a desired flow rate of nutrient fluid to the user.

[0020] The pump (12) may have other components connected to the pump controller (56), such as an audio speaker (63) that provides an audible signal to the user, and a user interface (64) that includes a touchscreen (66) and / or a control button overlay (68) for displaying information to the user and allowing the user to input pump control commands and operation information. The pump (12) may also have various sensors connected to the pump controller (56) to provide feedback signals related to the pump operation status. These sensors may include a door sensor (70) for detecting whether the door (72) of the pump (12) is open or closed, a set type detector (74) configured to determine the type of dosing set (16) currently mounted on the pump, a blockage sensor (76) arranged to detect blockage of the pump piping section (26) at upstream and downstream locations of the pumping mechanism (30), and an in-line air sensor (78) arranged to detect air bubbles in the liquid being transported through the pump piping section (26). The pump (12) may also include one or more memory modules (80) connected to the pump controller (56) or the integrated built-in pump controller (56).

[0021] The docking station (14) additionally illustrated in FIG. 6 includes a valve seat (82) configured to accommodate a switchable flow valve (24) of a dosing set (16). The docking station (14) also includes a flush controller (84), for example, a digital microcontroller or a digital microprocessor and associated circuitry, and an actuator (86) connected to the flush controller, wherein the actuator is configured to be disengaged from the switchable flow valve (24) when the switchable flow valve is accommodated by the valve seat (82). As described more specifically below, the flush controller (84) is configured to transmit a control signal to the actuator (86) to switch the flow valve (24) between the feeding position and the flush position.

[0022] When the light feed pump (12) is connected to the docking station (14), data communication between the pump controller (56) and the flush controller (84) becomes possible. In the illustrated embodiment, the data communication line (43) of the docking station (14) transmits data signals to and from the flush controller (84). When the light feed pump (12) is connected to the docking station (14), the data communication line (44) of the pump (12) is connected to the data communication line (43) of the docking station to establish a wired connection for transmitting data signals between the pump controller (56) and the flush controller (84). As a non-limiting example, the data communication lines (43, 44) may be RS-232 data transmission lines. Instead of using a wired connection, or in addition to it, a wireless connection may be used. For example, a wireless signal transceiver can be connected to a pump controller (56), and another wireless signal transceiver can be connected to a flush controller (84) to enable wireless data communication between the controllers (56 and 84).

[0023] An embodiment of the actuator (86) is illustrated in detail in FIGS. 7 through 11. The actuator (86) may include an electric motor (88) and a coupler element (90) driven by the motor (88) to rotate around a valve switching axis (91). The motor (88) may be operably connected to a flush controller (84) via a motor driver circuit (87) as shown in FIG. 5. The coupler element (90) may be configured to be matched with a switchable flow valve (24) such that the motor-driven rotation of the coupler element (90) around the valve switching axis (91) switches the flow valve (24) between a feeding position and a flush position. The coupler element (90) may be configured to be matched with a switchable flow valve (24) only when the coupler element (90) and the flow valve (24) are in a single predetermined rotational orientation relative to each other around the valve switching axis (91). The coupler element (90) may be displaceable relative to the motor (88) in a direction along the valve switching axis (91) between a retracted position (Fig. 10) and an extended position (Fig. 11), and the coupler element (90) is coupled with the flow valve (24) when the coupler element (90) is in the extended position and the coupler element and the flow valve (24) are in a single predetermined rotational orientation. For example, the tip portion (90A) of the coupler element (90) and the corresponding recess (24A) of the flow valve (24) may have a complementary shape that allows the tip portion (90A) to be fitted into the recess (24A) only when the coupler element (90) and the flow valve (24) are in a single predetermined rotational orientation relative to each other around the valve switching axis (91). In the drawings, the complementary shape is the shape of a circular segment, but other shapes including but not limited to triangles or trapezoids are also possible. Irregular patterns of matching protrusions and recesses may also be used.Those skilled in the art will recognize that a male tip or protrusion may be provided on the coupler element (90) or the flow valve (24), and a matching female recess may be provided on the flow valve (24) or the coupler element (90). The coupler element (90) may further include a radially enlarged flange portion (90B) to which the tip portion (90A) extends.

[0024] The coupler element (90) can be spring-deflected toward an extended position by a spring (92). For example, the spring (92) can be implemented as a coil spring having one end seated in contact with an axial limiting surface and the opposite end joined in contact with the lower surface of the coupler element (90).

[0025] The docking station (14) may further include a sensor for detecting operation information and transmitting the information to a flush controller (84). The docking station (14) may have a proximity sensor (94) arranged to detect the presence of a switchable flow valve (24) within a valve seat (82). The proximity sensor (94) may be connected to the flush controller (84) and may provide a proximity signal to the flush controller indicating that the flow valve (24) is accommodated in the valve seat (82). In the illustrated embodiment, the coupler element (90) may include a reflective surface (96), and the proximity sensor (94) may be implemented as an optical proximity sensor arranged to emit light toward the reflective surface (96) and to detect a portion of the emitted light after it is reflected from the reflective surface (96). As can be understood from FIG. 6, when the switchable flow valve (24) is not received by the valve seat (82), the coupler element (90) is deflected by the spring (92) to a default position where the flange portion (90B) of the coupler element (90) contacts the upper inner surface of the valve seat (82). When the coupler element (90) is in the default position, the reflective surface (96) is at its farthest distance from the proximity sensor (94), and thus the proximity sensor (94) will register the lowest proximity signal value indicating that the flow valve (24) is not present. When the switchable flow valve (24) is received by the valve seat (82) but the coupler element (90) and the flow valve (24) are not in a single predetermined rotational orientation relative to each other around the valve switching axis (91), the flow valve (24) presses the coupler element (90) downward to its retracted position as shown in FIG. 10 against the deflection of the spring (92).When the coupler element (90) is in the retracted position, the reflective surface (96) is at its closest distance from the proximity sensor (94), and thus, the proximity sensor (94) will register the highest proximity signal value indicating that the flow valve (24) is present but not coupled with the coupler element (90). When the switchable flow valve (24) is received by the valve seat (82) and the coupler element (90) and the flow valve (24) are in a single predetermined rotational orientation relative to each other around the valve switching axis (91), the coupler element (90) is pressed upward by the spring (92) to its extended position coupled with the flow valve (24) as shown in FIG. 11. When the coupler element (90) is in the extended position, the reflective surface (96) is at an intermediate distance from the proximity sensor (94), and thus, the proximity sensor (94) will register an intermediate signal value between the lowest signal value and the highest signal value. The intermediate proximity signal value indicates that the flow valve (24) is present on the valve seat (82) and is matched with the coupler element (90).

[0026] The proximity sensor (94) may be implemented by other types of proximity sensors, including but not limited to magnetic and capacitive proximity sensors.

[0027] The docking station (14) may have other sensors for measuring the rotational position of the coupler element (90) around the valve switching axis (91). For example, the docking station (14) may include an optical encoder (98) connected to a flush controller (84), the encoder measuring the rotational position of the coupler element (90) relative to the valve switching axis and providing a rotational position signal to the flush controller indicating the measured rotational position of the coupler element. For example, an encoder disk (100) may be connected to the coupler element (90) for rotation around the valve switching axis (91) together with the coupler element (90), and the optical encoder (98) may be arranged to detect the rotational position of the encoder disk (100). In the illustrated embodiment, the encoder disk (100) is connected to the coupler element (90) by a valve seat (82). As illustrated in the drawing, the valve seat (82) may include a plurality of legs (83) extending into the opening (101) of the encoder disk (100) through the opening (93) of the coupler element (90). In the illustrated arrangement, the valve seat (82) rotates together with the coupler element (90) around the valve switching axis (91) and transmits rotational motion to the encoder disk (100). The present disclosure is not limited to the specific arrangement illustrated, and the encoder disk (100) may be connected to the coupler element (90) in other ways for rotation coupled with the coupler element without departing from the present disclosure. A magnetic encoder and a corresponding encoder disk may be used instead of the optical encoder (98) and the encoder disk (100).

[0028] A flush controller (84), a proximity sensor (94), and an optical encoder (98) may be provided on a circuit board (102) mounted in a fixed position within the housing of the docking station (14). The lower side of the encoder disk (100) may be adjacent to the upper side of the motor (88) to restrict the downward movement of the encoder disk (100), and the upper side of the encoder disk (100) may be coupled to the end of the spring (92).

[0029] As an alternative to using a second sensor or encoder (98) to measure the rotational position of the coupler element (90) around the valve switching axis (91), a proximity sensor (94) and a reflective surface (96) may be configured to perform this function. For example, the reflective surface (96) may include local features (not shown) that affect the reflected light detected by the proximity sensor (94) when the coupler element (90) is in a rotational position around the valve switching axis (91) corresponding to the flush position of the switchable flow valve (24), thereby indicating when the proximity signal is in the flush position of the switchable flow valve (24). The local features may be, for example, a gap, a light absorption zone, or a light dispersion zone that attenuates the reflected light. Likewise, the reflective surface (96) may include other local features that affect the reflected light detected by the proximity sensor (94) when the coupler element (90) is in a rotational position around the valve switching axis (91) corresponding to the feeding position of the switchable flow valve (24), thereby indicating when the proximity signal is in the feeding position of the switchable flow valve (24).

[0030] A switchable flow valve (24) is illustrated more specifically in FIGS. 12 through 15. The flow valve (24) may include a hollow valve housing (104) and a valve body (106) housed by the valve housing (104), and the valve body (106) is rotatable about a valve switching axis (91) with respect to the valve housing (104). The valve housing (104) may include a food inlet port (108) connectable to a food piping branch (20), a flush inlet port (110) connectable to a flush piping branch (22), and an outlet port (112) connectable to a pump piping section (26). The valve body (106) may include a flow path (114) having an input end (116) and an output end (118).

[0031] As illustrated in FIG. 14, the valve body (106) may have a rotary feeding position in which the input end (116) of the flow path (114) faces the food inlet port (108) of the valve housing (104) and the output end (118) of the flow path (114) faces the outlet port (112) of the valve housing (104), thereby enabling flow communication between the food inlet port (108) and the outlet port (112) through the flow path (114).

[0032] As illustrated in FIG. 15, the valve body (106) may have a rotary flush position in which the input end (116) of the flow path (114) faces the flush inlet port (110) of the valve housing (104) and the output end (118) of the flow path (114) faces the outlet port (112) of the valve housing (104), thereby enabling flow communication between the flush inlet port (110) and the outlet port (112) through the flow path (114).

[0033] The rotational flush position of the valve body (106) is spaced apart in the angular direction from the rotational feeding position of the valve body (106) by a switching angle (SA). The switching angle (SA) may be less than 90 degrees. In one embodiment, the switching angle is about 45 degrees.

[0034] The Euro (114) may have a straight wall (120) extending linearly from the input end (116) to the output end (118), and a curved wall (122) branching from the straight wall (120) along a curved path from the input end (116) to the output end (118). The passage area (i.e., the cross-sectional area for flow) at the output end (118) may be larger than the passage area at the input end (116).

[0035] When the flow valve (24) is in the feeding position (Fig. 14), the disclosed configuration of the flow valve (24) provides a straight flow path across the flow valve for the nutrient from the nutrient source (17). This configuration is advantageous for reducing stagnation when the nutrient fluid passes through the flow valve and for maintaining a constant flow rate when pumping a nutrient fluid of relatively high viscosity. When the flow valve (24) is in the flush position (Fig. 15), the configuration of the flow valve (24) provides a curved flow path across the flow valve for the flushing fluid from the flushing fluid source (18), which has a lower viscosity than the nutrient fluid and does not tend to stagnate when the direction of the flow path is changed through the flow valve. This allows the nutrient fluid to be collected along the curved wall (122) while pumping in the feeding position, and this will be easily flushed when the flow valve (24) is switched to the flush position and the flushing fluid is pumped through the flow valve.

[0036] Now, the operation of a docking station (14) associated with a feeding pump (12) and a dosing set (16) for performing a flushing operation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described with reference to FIGS. 16 and FIGS. 17.

[0037] FIG. 16 illustrates a state transition of a pump (12) controlled by a programming command executed by a pump controller (56). The pump (12) may start in a flush idle state (200). The pump controller (56) may command the execution of a homing routine for the flow valve (24) of the docking station (14) with the Pump::HOME_VALVE command described below with reference to FIG. 17, thereby allowing the docking station (14) to determine the feed position and flush position of the flow valve (24). From the flush idle state (200), the pump (12) may transition to a pumping state (210) characterized by the operation of the pumping mechanism (30). Within the pumping state (210), the pump (12) may be in a feed sub-state (212) or a flushing sub-state (214) depending on whether the flush valve (24) is in the feed position or the flush position. While the pump (12) is in the pumping state (210), the user can enter a pause command through the user interface (64) to pause the operation of the pumping mechanism (30) and transition the pump (12) to the pause state (220). The user can then enter a resume command through the user interface (64) to transition the pump (12) back from the pause state (220) to the pumping state (210).

[0038] Based on user input or a pump software program, the pump controller (56) may initiate a feeding operation. The pump controller (56) may prepare for the feeding operation by sending a SET_VALVE_TO_FOOD command to the flush controller (84) to switch the flow valve (24) to the feeding position, or by checking whether the flow valve (24) is already in the feeding position. The pump controller (56) may wait for a VALVE_SET_TO_FOOD signal from the flush controller (84) before transitioning to the feeding sub-state (212). When the flow valve (24) is in the feeding position, the pump controller (56) may transition the pump (12) to the feeding sub-state (212) by operating the motor (62) so that the pumping mechanism (30) delivers a desired volume of nutrient solution to the user at a desired flow rate. As previously described, this pumping may be paused and resumed. When the transfer of the programmed volume is completed, the pump controller (56) can stop the pumping mechanism (30) and the pump (12) can return to the flush idle state (200) to wait for another command.

[0039] A user or pump software program may similarly command the pump controller (56) to initiate a flushing operation. In this case, the pump controller (56) may send a SET_VALVE_TO_FLUSH command to the flush controller (84) to switch the flow valve (24) to the flush position or to check if the flow valve (24) is already in the flush position. The pump controller (56) may wait for a VALVE_SET_TO_FLUSH signal from the flush controller (84) before transitioning to the flushing sub-state (214). When the flow valve (24) is in the flush position, the pump controller (56) may transition the pump (12) to the flushing sub-state (214) by operating the motor (62) so that the pumping mechanism (30) delivers a desired volume of flushing fluid through the dosing set (16). As previously described, this pumping may be paused and resumed. When a programmed volume of flushing fluid is pumped, the pump controller (56) can stop the pumping mechanism (30) and the pump (12) can return to the flush idle state (200) to wait for another command.

[0040] Now, refer to FIG. 17 to describe the state transitions associated with the enteral feeding pump system (10) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Initially, the enteral feeding pump system (10) is in the UserActions state (300) before the administration set (16) is connected to the pump (12) and docking station (14) by the user. The initial SetUnloaded sub-state (310) indicates that the cassette (28) has not yet been loaded into the pump (12) and the flow valve (24) has not yet been loaded into the docking station (14). When the user loads the cassette (28) into the pump (12) for the first time, the sub-state transitions from the SetUnloaded sub-state (310) to the SetLoadedInPump sub-state (320). Next, when the user loads the flow valve (24) onto the valve seat (82), the sub-state transitions from the SetLoadedInPump sub-state (320) to the SetLoaded sub-state (340), indicating that the dosing set (16) is fully loaded and connected to the pump (12) and docking station (14). Alternatively, if the user loads the flow valve (24) onto the valve seat (82) first, the sub-state transitions from the SetUnloaded sub-state (310) to the SetLoadedInValve sub-state (330). Subsequently, if the user loads the cassette (28) onto the pump (12), the sub-state transitions from the SetLoadedInValve sub-state (330) to the SetLoaded sub-state (340). Thus, the cassette (28) and the flow valve (24) can be loaded in any order. The mounting of the cassette (28) in the pump (12) can be confirmed by a signal from the set type detector (74) and the door sensor (70) to the pump controller (56). The mounting of the flow valve (24) in the valve seat (28) can be confirmed by a proximity signal from the proximity sensor (94) to the flush controller (84).When the system is in the SetLoaded sub-state (340), a feeding operation or a flushing operation is prepared depending on the rotational position of the flow valve (24).

[0041] Initially, the docking station (14) may be in a ValveStateUnknown state (400) in which the valve actuator (86) is in an idle sub-state (410) with the electric motor (88) turned off, and the rotational position of the flow valve (24) is unknown. When the user inputs the START_FLUSH command to the pump controller (56) via the user interface (64) to initiate a flushing operation, the pump controller (56) is configured to send the HOME_VALVE command to the flush controller (84) of the docking station (14) to switch the electric motor (88) to ON and start the home return sub-state (420) to determine the position of the flow valve (24). In the home return sub-state (420), the system enters the HomeToFlush sub-state, where the motor (88) is commanded by the flush controller (84) to rotate the flow valve (24) around the valve switching axis (91) until a FLUSH_POS_DETECTED signal is received from the encoder (98) and / or proximity sensor (94) indicating that the flow valve (24) is in the flush position. Then, the system enters the HomeToFood sub-state, where the motor (88) is commanded by the flush controller (84) to rotate the flow valve (24) around the valve switching axis (91) until a FOOD_POS_DETECTED signal is received from the encoder (98) and / or proximity sensor (94) indicating that the flow valve (24) has returned to the home position. At this point, the motor (88) is cut off and the docking station (14) transitions to the ValveHomed state (500) and enters the AtFood sub-state (510). When the docking station (14) is in the ValveHomed state (500), the position of the flow valve (24) can be switched between the feeding position and the flush position by issuing the SET_VALVE_TO FEED command and the SET_VALVE_TO_FLUSH command, respectively, as previously described in relation to FIG. 16.The home return routine described above sets the flow valve (24) of the feed position as the home return position, but the home return routine can instead be programmed to set the flow valve (24) of the flush position as the home return position.

[0042] Assuming that the flow valve (24) has returned to the feed position, the pump controller (56) may issue a SET_VALVE_TO_FLUSH command to the flush controller (84) in response to the flush command as previously described, so that the flush controller (84) transmits a control signal to the actuator (86) to switch the flow valve (24) from the feed position to the flush position. The docking station (14) transitions to the TurningToFlush sub-state (520), and energy is supplied to the motor (88) to rotate the flow valve (24) until a FLUSH_POS_DETECTED signal indicating that the flow valve (24) is in the flush position is received from the encoder (98) and / or proximity sensor (94) during this sub-state. Afterward, the docking station (14) transitions to the AtFlush sub-state (530) where the flow valve (24) is in the flush position and the system is configured to be ready for a flushing operation. At this point, the pumping mechanism motor (62) is driven according to the flushing sub-state (214) so ​​that the flushing fluid is sequentially pumped from the flushing fluid source (18) through the flush pipe branch (22), the flow valve (24), and the pump pipe section (26) to flush and remove the residual nutrient fluid of the dosing set (16). As previously described with reference to FIG. 16, the flushing operation may continue until a predetermined volume of flushing fluid is pumped through the dosing set (16), at which point the pump controller (56) may automatically terminate the flushing operation by stopping the operation of the pumping mechanism (30). During the flushing operation, the user may pause or terminate the flushing operation through the user interface (64).

[0043] When flushing is finished, the pump controller (56) issues a SET_VALVE_TO_FOOD command to the flush controller (84), so that the pump (12) can be prepared for feeding operation by the flush controller (84) transmitting a control signal to the actuator (86) to switch the flow valve (24) from the flush position to the feeding position. The docking station (14) transitions to the TurningToFeed sub-state (540), and energy is supplied to the motor (88) to rotate the flow valve (24) until a FEED_POS_DETECTED signal indicating that the flow valve (24) is in the feeding position is received from the encoder (98) and / or proximity sensor (94) during this sub-state. Consequently, the docking station (14) returns to the AtFood sub-state (510).

[0044] As can be seen from the present disclosure, the light feed pump (12) is kept in a compact and mechanically simple state to promote a lightweight design, but automated flushing can be used via the docking station (14). The return to home position and orientation setting of the flow valve (24) are performed automatically, making the system very easy to use.

[0045] While this disclosure describes exemplary embodiments, the detailed description is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure to the specific form described. This disclosure is intended to encompass such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents of the described embodiments that may be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

Claim 1 A docking station for a detachable connection to an enteral feeding pump, wherein the docking station comprises: a valve seat configured to receive a switchable flow valve of a dosing set mounted on the enteral feeding pump; a flush controller; an actuator connected to the flush controller, wherein the actuator is configured to be disengaged from the switchable flow valve when the switchable flow valve is received by the valve seat; and a data communication means wherein, when the enteral feeding pump is connected to the docking station, a data signal transmitted by the enteral feeding pump is input to the flush controller of the docking station, wherein the flush controller receives a flush command transmitted by the enteral feeding pump and is configured to transmit a control signal to the actuator to switch the switchable flow valve to a flush position in response to the flush command. Claim 2 A docking station according to claim 1, wherein the actuator comprises a motor and a coupler element driven to rotate about a valve switching axis by the motor, and the coupler element is configured to engage with the switchable flow valve only when the coupler element and the switchable flow valve are in a single predetermined rotational orientation with respect to each other about the valve switching axis. Claim 3 A docking station according to paragraph 2, wherein the coupler element is displaceable with respect to the motor in a direction along the valve switching axis between a retracted position and an extended position, and the coupler element engages with the switchable flow valve when the coupler element is in the extended position and the coupler element and the switchable flow valve are in the single predetermined rotational orientation. Claim 4 In paragraph 3, the coupler element is spring-deflected toward the extension position, the docking station. Claim 5 A docking station according to paragraph 4, wherein the coupler element receives the switchable flow valve by the valve seat and receives a force toward the retracted position against the spring deflection when the coupler element and the switchable flow valve are not in the single predetermined rotational orientation. Claim 6 A docking station according to claim 1, further comprising a proximity sensor connected to the flush controller, wherein the proximity sensor provides a proximity signal to the flush controller indicating that the switchable flow valve is received by the valve seat. Claim 7 A docking station according to paragraph 3, further comprising a proximity sensor connected to the flush controller, wherein the proximity sensor provides a proximity signal to the flush controller indicating that the switchable flow valve is received by the valve seat, the coupler element includes a reflective surface, and the proximity sensor is an optical proximity sensor arranged to emit light toward the reflective surface and detect a portion of the emitted light after it is reflected from the reflective surface. Claim 8 A docking station according to claim 7, wherein the reflective surface comprises local features that affect the reflected light detected by the proximity sensor when the coupler element is in a rotational position about the valve switching axis corresponding to the flush position of the switchable flow valve, and thereby the proximity signal indicates when the switchable flow valve is in the flush position. Claim 9 A docking station according to paragraph 2, further comprising an encoder connected to the flush controller, wherein the encoder measures the rotational position of the coupler element around the valve switching axis and provides the flush controller with a rotational position signal indicating the measured rotational position of the coupler element. Claim 10 A flushing piping method for a light feed dispensing set having a feed piping branch, a flush piping branch, a pump piping section, and a flow valve connected to the feed piping branch, the flush piping branch, and the pump piping section, wherein the flow valve has a flush position in which the flow valve allows flow communication between the flush piping branch and the pump piping section and prevents flow communication between the feed piping branch and the pump piping section, and the method comprises the steps of: connecting a light feed pump to a docking station; connecting the flush piping branch to a flushing fluid source; mounting the pump piping section on the light feed pump; mating the flow valve with an actuator of the docking station; receiving a user flush command; operating the actuator to move the flow valve to the flush position in response to the user flush command; and operating the light feed pump to pump flushing fluid from the flushing fluid source through the flush piping branch, the flow valve, and the pump piping section. Claim 11 In claim 10, the fluid valve is rotatable to and from the flush position about a valve switching axis, and the actuator is a coupler element configured to be coupled with the fluid valve only when the coupler element and the fluid valve are in a single predetermined rotational orientation with respect to each other about the valve switching axis, and the step of coupling the fluid valve with the actuator comprises the step of spring deflecting the coupler element along the direction of the valve switching axis, and the step of automatically rotating the coupler element until the coupler element and the fluid valve are in the single predetermined rotational orientation and the coupler element receives force from the spring deflection and becomes coupled with the fluid valve. Claim 12 In paragraph 10, the flush command is input through the user interface of the light-feeding pump. Claim 13 A light feeding pump system comprises: a feeding pipe branch connectable to a nutrient supply source, a flush pipe branch connectable to a flushing fluid supply source, a flow valve connected to the feeding pipe branch and the flush pipe branch, and a pump piping section connected to the flow valve, wherein the flow valve has a feeding position in which the flow valve allows flow communication between the feeding pipe branch and the pump piping section and prevents flow communication between the flush pipe branch and the pump piping section, and the flow valve has a flush position in which the flow valve allows flow communication between the flush pipe branch and the pump piping section and prevents flow communication between the feeding pipe branch and the pump piping section; and a light feeding pump configured to accommodate the pump piping section, wherein the light feeding pump comprises a pumping mechanism acting on the pump piping section to pump liquid through the pump piping section in a flow direction away from the flow valve. A light feed pump system comprising a docking station configured to engage with the above flow valve, wherein the actuator is optionally operable to switch the flow valve between the feed position and the flush position when the flow valve engages with the actuator. Claim 14 A light feed pump system according to claim 13, wherein the docking station comprises a flush controller connected to the actuator to issue an operation command to the actuator for switching the flow valve between the feed position and the flush position. Claim 15 A light feed pump system according to claim 14, wherein the light feed pump comprises a pump controller connected to the pumping mechanism and issuing operation commands to the pumping mechanism. Claim 16 A light feed pump system according to claim 15, further comprising data communication means for establishing data communication between the light feed pump and the flush controller of the docking station when the light feed pump is connected to the docking station, wherein the flush controller receives a flush command transmitted by the light feed pump and transmits a control signal to the actuator to switch the switchable flow valve to a flush position in response to the flush command. Claim 17 A light feed pump system according to claim 16, wherein the light feed pump and the docking station each include a screw member, and the screw members are configured to interlock with each other to detachably connect the light feed pump to the docking station. Claim 18 A flow valve comprising: a hollow valve housing including a food inlet port, a flush inlet port, and an outlet port; a valve body received by the valve housing, wherein the valve body is rotatable about a valve axis relative to the valve housing, and the valve body comprises a flow path having an input end and an output end; wherein the valve body has a rotary feeding position such that the input end of the flow path faces the food inlet port and the output end of the flow path faces the outlet port, thereby enabling communication between the food inlet port and the outlet port through the flow path; wherein the valve body has a rotary flush position such that the input end of the flow path faces the flush inlet port and the output end of the flow path faces the outlet port, thereby enabling communication between the flush inlet port and the outlet port through the flow path; and wherein the passage area of ​​the output end of the flow path is larger than the passage area of ​​the input end of the flow path. Claim 19 In paragraph 18, the above flow valve has a straight wall extending linearly from the input end to the output end and a curved wall branching from the straight wall along a curved path from the input end to the output end.

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