Feeding pump cartridge and enteral feeding tube with tip cover

Abstract

A feeding pump system includes a feeding pump, a feeding tube, and a pump cartridge configured to transition between an attached position and an unattached position. The pump cartridge includes a clip, an arcuate plate portion, and multiple inserts configured to engage multiple channels. The clip is biased toward a closed position and includes a catch arm and a clamp foot. When the pump cartridge is in the unattached position, the clamp foot compresses the feeding tube against a sidewall of the pump cartridge to thereby prevent a flow of liquid within the feeding tube. When the pump cartridge is in the attached position, the arcuate plate portion compresses the feeding tube into contact with the pump wheel, the catch arm contacts a post and urges the clamp foot away from the closed position toward an open position thereby permitting the flow of liquid within the feeding tube.

Description

FEEDING PUMP CARTRIDGE AND ENTERAL FEEDING TUBE WITHTIP COVERCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 663,928, filed June 25, 2024, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 664,797, filed June 27, 2024, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 669,090, filed July 9, 2024, each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.BACKGROUND

[0002] Physicians and other health care providers frequently use catheters to treat patients, including catheters that are inserted through the patient's nose or mouth for treating the gastrointestinal tract (also referred to as the digestive tract). These catheters, sometimes referred to as enteral catheters, typically include feeding tubes. The feeding tube lies in the stomach or intestines, and a feeding bag delivers liquid nutrient, liquid medicine or a combination of the two to the patient.

[0003] A known type of enteral catheter is a nasogastric tube (also referred to a gastric tube or NGT tube) formed as a thin, flexible plastic tube that is inserted through the patient’s nose, down the throat and esophagus, and into the stomach to deliver drugs, liquids, and liquid food, or to remove substances from the stomach. A nasointestinal tube is a similar device that extends into the patient’s intestinal tract. An orogastric tube is a similar type of enteral catheter that is inserted through the patient’s mouth and into the stomach.

[0004] A trained clinician follows a specific workflow to insert a feeding tube into a patient, who ranges in age from neonatal to adult. The procedure is quite uncomfortable for the patient and, in some cases, can result in significant distress and non-compliance by the patient. For these reasons, clinicians and patients generally prefer that the feeding tube be placed as quickly as possible.

[0005] One of the initial steps in the workflow is to lubricate the tube tip for ease of tube insertion into the nasal passage, which makes the tube insertion process more comfortable for the patient. The lubrication process includes multiple steps, including: obtaining a lubricant package; opening the lubricant package (which may require removal of the clinician’s gloves); and holding the flexible tube still to dip into the lubricant package or to squeeze the lubricant from the package onto the tube.

[0006] In addition, for various patient-centered reasons, it may be necessary to place the feeding tube down prior to insertion. A common practice is for clinicians to place the tube on the opened tube packaging that may be located on a bedside stand, on the patient, or on other locations. However, in some situations, this packaging may not be accessible, and the clinician struggles to find a “clean” place to set the tube down.

[0007] Accordingly, there is a need to overcome the disadvantages of conventional feeding tube lubrication and placement practices discussed above.

[0008] Additionally, in some instances, traditional systems and methods for engaging a peristaltic tube and achieving flow control are burdensome and costly. For example, traditional systems and methods may occlude or restrict flow within the peristaltic tubing, which can hinder or inhibit the flow of thick liquids (e.g., thick / blended food) therethrough. Accordingly, a need exists for an anti-free flow pump cartridge that is permissive to pumping thick food and other thick liquids.SUMMARY

[0009] The present disclosure relates generally to medical devices and more particularly the present disclosure relates to eternal feeding pumps and fluid delivery systems.

[0010] At least one implementation relates to a feeding pump system, including: a feeding pump including: a pump housing; a pump motor within the pump housing; a pump wheel (e.g., pump head) operably coupled to the pump motor; a post extending outwardly away from the pump housing; and multiple channels (e.g., snap-fit channels) provided on the pump housing; a feeding tube; a pump cartridge configured selectively transition between an attached position and an unattached position with respect to the feeding pump, the pump cartridge including: a cap body including a plurality of sidewalls defining an internal volume; a clip connected to the cap body within the internal volume and moveable between an open position and a closed position, where the clip is biased toward the closed position, the clip including a catch arm and a clamp foot; an arcuate plate portion supported by a plate suspension portion, where the plate suspension portion includes multiple flexible bridges that flexibly support the arcuate plate portion and bias the arcuate plate portion into a clamp position; an intake port extending through the cap body, the intake port configured to receive an upstream portion of the feeding tube; an outlet port extending through the cap body, the outlet port configured to receive a downstream portion of the feeding tube; and multiple inserts (e.g., snap-fit inserts) configured to slidingly engage the plurality of channels provided on the pump housing; and where, when the pump cartridge is in the unattached position, the clamp foot compresses the feeding tubeagainst a sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls of the pump cartridge to thereby prevent a flow of liquid within the feeding tube; where, when the pump cartridge is in the attached position, the plurality of inserts provided on the pump cartridge engage the plurality of channels provided on the pump housing, the arcuate plate portion compresses the feeding tube into contact with the pump wheel, the catch arm contacts the post extending from the pump housing and urges the clamp foot away from the closed position toward the open position thereby permitting the flow of liquid within the feeding tube.

[0011] In some implementations, the feeding pump is a peristaltic pump and the pump wheel includes multiple rollers. In some implementations, the feeding pump system includes a flow sensor configured to detect liquid within a sensor portion of the feeding tube. In some implementations, the flow sensor is coupled to a controller configured to determine whether liquid occupies the sensor portion of the feeding tube. In some implementations, the intake port and the outlet port are on a first side of the pump cartridge, and the arcuate plate is on a second side of the pump cartridge opposite the first side. In some implementations, the clip is configured to compress a portion of the feeding tube extending between the intake port and the pump wheel. In some implementations, when the pump cartridge is in the attached position with respect to the pump housing, the clip is in the open position where the clamp foot is spaced apart from a corresponding sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls of the pump cartridge; and where, when the pump cartridge is in the unattached position with respect to the pump housing, the clip is moved to the closed position where the clamp foot is positioned adjacent to the corresponding sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls of the pump cartridge. In some implementations, the pump cartridge is a unitary body. In some implementations, the cap body, the arcuate plate portion and the plurality of inserts are a unitary body. In some implementations, the clip provided on the pump cartridge is biased by a spring.

[0012] At least one implementation relates to a cartridge for a feeding pump system. The cartridge includes: a cap body including multiple sidewalls defining an internal volume; a clip connected to the cap body within the internal volume and movable between an open position and a closed position, where the clip is biased toward a closed position, the clip including a catch arm and a clamp foot; an arcuate plate portion supported by a plate suspension portion, where the plate suspension portion includes multiple flexible bridges that flexibly support the arcuate plate portion and bias the arcuate plate portion into a clamp position; an intake port extending through the cap body, the intake port configured to receive an upstream portion of a feeding tube; an outlet port extending through the cap body, the outlet port configured to receive a downstream portion of a feeding tube; multiple inserts (e.g., snap-fit inserts) configured toslidingly engage multiple channels provided on a feeding pump; and where, when the pump cartridge is in an unattached position, the clamp foot is positioned adjacent to a sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls of the pump cartridge and configured to compress a feeding tube against the sidewall to thereby prevent a flow of liquid within a feeding tube; where, when the pump cartridge is in an attached position, the plurality of inserts provided on the pump cartridge are configured to engage a corresponding plurality of channels provided on a pump housing, the arcuate plate portion is configured to compress the feeding tube into contact with a pump wheel of a feeding pump, the catch arm is configured to contact a post extending from the pump housing of the feeding pump and urge the clamp foot away from the closed position toward the open position to thereby permit the flow of liquid within the feeding tube.

[0013] In some implementations, the feeding pump system includes a flow sensor configured to detect liquid within a sensor portion of the feeding tube. In some implementations, the flow sensor is coupled to a controller configured to determine whether liquid occupies the sensor portion of the feeding tube. In some implementations, the intake port and the outlet port are on a first side of the pump cartridge, and the arcuate plate is on a second side of the pump cartridge opposite the first side. In some implementations, the clip is configured to compress a portion of the feeding tube extending between the intake port and the pump wheel. In some implementations, when the pump cartridge is in the attached position, the clip is in the open position where the clamp foot is spaced apart from a corresponding sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls of the pump cartridge. In some implementations, when the pump cartridge is in the unattached position, the clip is moved to the closed position where the clamp foot is positioned adjacent to the corresponding sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls of the pump cartridge. In some implementations, the pump cartridge is a unitary body. In some implementations, the cap body, the arcuate plate portion and the plurality of inserts are a unitary body.

[0014] At least one implementation relates to a method for preventing fluid flow in a feeding pump system. The method includes: providing a pump cartridge configured to operably couple to a feeding pump, the pump cartridge including: a cap body including multiple sidewalls defining an internal volume; a clip connected to the cap body within the internal volume and movable between an open position and a closed position, where the clip is biased toward a closed position, the clip including a catch arm and a clamp foot; an arcuate plate portion supported by a plate suspension portion, where the plate suspension portion includes multiple flexible bridges that flexibly support the arcuate plate portion and bias the arcuate plate portion into a clamp position; an intake port extending through the cap body, the intake port configured to receive an upstream portion of a feeding tube; an outlet port extending through the cap body.the outlet port configured to receive a downstream portion of a feeding tube; and multiple inserts (e.g., snap-fit inserts) configured to slidingly engage multiple channels provided on a feeding pump; and installing a feeding tube within the pump cartridge; and instructing a user to couple the pump cartridge to a feeding pump to influence the clip away from the closed position and urge the feeding tube against the pump wheel and thereby permit a flow of liquid within the feeding tube.

[0015] In some implementations, instructing a user to couple the pump cartridge to a feeding pump includes: instructing a user to insert the plurality of inserts into corresponding channels of a feeding pump; and instructing a user to slide the plurality of inserts provided on the cap body within a corresponding plurality of channels provided on the pump housing to achieve an attached position.

[0016] This summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of the devices or processes described herein will become apparent in the detailed description set forth herein, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] FIG. 1 is a top view of a feeding pump system including a feeding pump and a pump cartridge with the pump cartridge shown as transparent, according to an exemplary implementations ;

[0018] FIG. 2 is a front view of the feeding pump system of FIG. 1, according to some implementations;

[0019] FIG. 3 is a right side view of the feeding pump system of FIG. 1 , according to some implementations ;

[0020] FIG. 4 is a top back right perspective view of a feeding pump system with a pump cartridge, shown as transparent, in an unattached position, according to some implementations;

[0021] FIG. 5 is a top back right perspective view of a feeding pump system with the pump cartridge, shown as transparent, in an attached position, according to some implementations;

[0022] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of a pump cartridge, according to some implementations;

[0023] FIG. 7 is a top view of a pump cartridge, according to some implementations;

[0024] FIG. 8 is a right side view of a pump cartridge, according to some implementations;

[0025] FIG. 9 is a front view of a pump cartridge, according to some implementations;

[0026] FIG. 10 is a top front right perspective view of a feeding pump system with a pump cartridge, shown as transparent, in an unattached position, according to some implementations;

[0027] FIG. 11 is a top front right perspective view of a feeding pump system with a pump cartridge, shown as transparent, in an unattached position, according to some implementations;

[0028] FIG. 12 is a top front right perspective view of a feeding pump system including a feeding pump and a pump cartridge with the pump cartridge shown as transparent, the feeding pump system including snap fit inserts inserted into snap fit channels, according to some implementations;

[0029] FIG. 13 is a top front right perspective view of a feeding pump system with a pump cartridge, shown in transparent, in the attached position and operably coupled to a feeding pump, according to some implementations;

[0030] FIG. 14 is a top view of a feeding pump system, according to some implementations;

[0031] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the feeding pump system taken along line A-A of FIG. 14;

[0032] FIG. 16 is a right side view of the feeding pump system, according to some implementations;

[0033] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 16, according to some implementations;

[0034] FIG. 18 is a top front right perspective view of the cross section of FIG. 17, according to some implementations;

[0035] FIG. 19 is a flow chart of a process for preventing fluid flow in a feeding pump system, according to some implementations;

[0036] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an electronic enteral catheter system used with a patient;

[0037] FIG. 21 is a side view of an enteral tubing assembly from the system of Fig. 1 with a tip cover assembly according to various embodiments of the present invention;

[0038] FIG. 22 is a side view of an embodiment of the tip cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0039] FIG. 23 is a side view of another embodiment of the tip cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0040] FIG. 24 is a side view of an embodiment of the tip cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0041] FIG. 25 is a side view of an embodiment of the tip cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0042] FIG. 26 is a side view of an embodiment of the tip cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention; and

[0043] FIG. 27 is a side view of an embodiment of the tip cover assembly according to an aspect of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplary implementations in detail, it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only. Like reference numerals in the figures may represent and refer to the same or similar element, feature, or function.

[0045] Medical devices are often subject to various rules, guidelines, and regulations. For example, the Internal Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 60601-2-24 applies to infusion pumps and volumetric infusion controllers, and relates to various performance features and functions (e.g., anti-free flow protection) for infusion pumps (e.g., enteral feeding pumps, enteral nutrition pumps, infusion pumps, infusion pumps for ambulatory use, syringe or container pumps, volumetric infusion controllers and volumetric infusion pumps). See, e.g., IEC 60601-2-24 at Abstract.

[0046] The systems and methods described herein provide an ergonomic solution for engaging a peristaltic tube and achieving flow control (e.g., anti-free flow). Typical systems and methods are burdensome and costly. For example, traditional systems and methods occlude or restrict flow within the peristaltic tubing, which can hinder or inhibit the flow of thick liquids (e.g., thick / blended food) therethrough. The systems and methods described herein provide solutions to these and other technical challenges by providing an anti-free flow pump cartridge that is permissive to pumping thick food and other thick liquids.

[0047] The systems and methods described herein are a game-changer in terms of innovation and cost-efficiency. The systems and methods described herein provide direct and effective solutions to technical challenges including preventing liquid leakage within a liquid conduit (e.g., feed line, eternal feeding tube, etc.) when a pump cartridge housing a pump portion of the liquid conduit is detached from a pump.

[0048] In some implementations, the system 100 includes secure locking points for maintain the cover / pump cartridge onto the pump housing (e.g., three locking points), a tube compression spring that regulates liquid flow and ensures effective contact between the liquid conduit and the pump wheel / head, and a simple anti-free flow clip that ensure the liquid within liquid conduit and liquid reservoir do not freely flow through the liquid conduit when cover is removed from the pump housing. The anti-free flow clip, when in a locked position, prevents liquid from leaking from the fluid conduit associated with the pump cartridge. Before installingthe pump cartridge onto the pump and / or when the pump cartridge is not coupled to the pump housing, the anti-free flow clip compresses (e.g., pinches, occludes, narrows, clamps, constricts, etc.) a portion of the tube within and / or against the pump cartridge, thereby preventing the fluid from flowing within the tube and leaking from the terminal ends of the tube. During the cartridge installation process, the anti-free flow clip is moved into an open position. In some implementations, during cartridge installation the anti-free flow clip is brought into contact with a compression post coupled to the pump, overcoming the bias of the flow clip and influencing the clip into a released position where the clip does not compress the tube. The decompression of the tube permits the tube to resiliently return toward an initial noncompressed state and flow orifice, and thereby permits a thick (viscous, chunky, etc.) liquid (e.g., bolus food, blenderized food, liquid food, nutritional mixture, etc.) to flow within the tube. For example, enabling a pumped fluid flow that delivers the liquid food from an eternal feeding bag to a patient's stomach without any hindrance.

[0049] The cartridge spring is configured to minimize rotational resistance of the tube against the pump wheel while also achieving the desired compression force across a known range of positions. Desired properties arise from material choice and leaf spring design. In some implementations, the pump cartridge is a at least partially a unitary body made by, for example, injection molding.

[0050] The systems and methods described herein provide various advantages including improved infusion set safety, and prevention of an unintentional free-flow condition.

[0051] In some implementations, the pump cartridge system includes a three-point-locking system that secures the cartridge to the pump. For example, the locking system may hold the cartridge firmly to a feeding pump. In some implementations, back springs reduce rotational resistance while facilitating a compression force across a range of positions. In some implementations, the pump cartridge system includes a back spring, which is coupled to the clip and reduces rotational resistance while achieving the desired compression force of the clip against the fluid conduit. In some implementations, the pump cartridge system includes a clip that compresses the fluid conduit when the pump cartridge is not installed on the pump. For example, the clip may compress the tube constantly while the pump cartridge is removed from a feeding pump. In some implementations, while installing the cartridge to the feeding pump, the clip is driven into contact with a compression post provided on the feeding pump, and is influenced to pivot away from the clamping position, and thereby at least partially relieves a clamping pressure on the fluid conduit. In some implementations, when the clip is in contactwith the compression post, liquid food is permitted to flow freely within the fluid conduit (e.g., feeding tube).

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 1-18, a feeding pump system 100 includes a feeding pump 102, a feeding tube 116, and a pump cartridge 120 configured to selectively transition between an attached position 122 and an unattached position 124 with respect to the feeding pump 102. The pump cartridge 120 includes a clip 132, an arcuate plate portion 150, and multiple inserts 160 configured to engage multiple corresponding channels provided on the feeding pump 102. The clip 132 is biased toward a closed position 134 and includes a catch arm 136 and a clamp foot 138. The arcuate plate portion 150 is supported by a plate suspension portion 152. When the pump cartridge 120 is in the unattached position 124 (e.g., unattached to the feeding pump 102), the clamp foot 138 compresses the feeding tube 116 against a side wall of the multiple sidewalls 128 of the pump cartridge 120 to thereby prevent a flow of liquid within the feeding tube 116. When the pump cartridge 120 is in the attached position 122 (e.g., coupled to the feeding pump 102), the multiple inserts 160 provided on the pump cartridge 120 engage the multiple channels 112 provided on the pump housing 104, the arcuate plate portion 150 compresses the feeding tube 116 into contact with the pump wheel 108, and / or the catch arm 136 contacts a post 110 provided on the feeding pump 102 urging the clamp foot 138 away from the closed position 134 toward an open position thereby permitting the flow of liquid within the feeding tube 116.

[0053] In some implementations, a feeding pump system 100, includes: a feeding pump 102 including: a pump housing 104; a pump motor 106 within the pump housing 104; a pump wheel 108 (e.g., pump head) operably coupled to the pump motor 106; a post 110 extending outwardly away from the pump housing 104; and multiple channels 112 (e.g., snap-fit channels) provided on the pump housing 104. The feeding pump system 100 further includes a feeding tube 116 and a pump cartridge 120 configured selectively transition between an attached position 122 and an unattached position 124 with respect to the feeding pump 102. In some implementations, the pump cartridge 120 includes: a cap body 126 including multiple sidewalls 128 defining an internal volume 130; a clip 132 connected to the cap body 126 within the internal volume 130 and moveable between an open position and a closed position 134, where the clip 132 is biased toward the closed position 1 4, the clip 132 including a catch arm 136 and a clamp foot 138; an arcuate plate portion 150 supported by a plate suspension portion 152, where the plate suspension portion 152 includes multiple flexible bridges 154 that flexibly support the arcuate plate portion 150 and bias the arcuate plate portion 150 into a clamp position 155; an intake port 156 extending through the cap body 126, the intake port 156 configured toreceive an upstream portion of the feeding tube 116; an outlet port 158 extending through the cap body 126, the outlet port 158 configured to receive a downstream portion of the feeding tube 116; and multiple inserts 160 (e.g., snap-fit inserts) configured to slidingly engage the multiple channels 112 provided on the pump housing 104. In some implementations, when the pump cartridge 120 is in the unattached position 124 with respect to the feeding pump 102 / pump housing 104, the clamp foot 138 compresses the feeding tube 116 against a sidewall of the multiple sidewalls 128 of the pump cartridge 120 to thereby prevent a flow of liquid within the feeding tube 116. In some implementations, when the pump cartridge 120 is in the attached position 122 with respect to the feeding pump 102 / pump housing 104, the multiple inserts 160 provided on the pump cartridge 120 engage the multiple channels 112 provided on the pump housing 104, the arcuate plate portion 150 compresses the feeding tube 116 into contact with the pump wheel 108, and / or the catch arm 136 contacts the post 110 extending from the pump housing 104 and urges the clamp foot 138 away from the closed position 134 toward the open position thereby permitting the flow of liquid within the feeding tube 116.

[0054] In some implementations, the feeding pump 102 is a peristaltic pump and the pump wheel 108 includes multiple rollers.

[0055] In some implementations, the feeding pump system 100 includes a flow sensor 170 configured to detect liquid within a sensor portion of the feeding tube 116.

[0056] In some implementations, the flow sensor 170 is coupled to a controller configured to determine whether liquid occupies the sensor portion of the feeding tube 116. In some implementations, the controller includes one or more processors coupled to one or more memory devices storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising: obtaining sensor data from the flow sensor 170; determining whether the feeding tube 116 is saturated with liquid based on the sensor data; and subsequent to the determination, displaying a message regarding the determination via a user interface (e.g., graphical user interface, a speaker, a flashing light emitting devices, etc.). In some implementations, the flow sensor 170 detects a disruption in flow of liquid within the sensor portion of the feeding tube 116. In some implementations, the flow sensor 170 detects a bubble in the feeding tube 116. In some implementations, the flow sensor 170 includes a first sensor configured to detect liquid within a portion of the feeding tube 116 extending between the intake port and the pump wheel, and a second sensor configured to detect liquid within a portion of the feeding tube extending between the outlet port and the pump wheel. In some implementations, the controller adjusts the operation of the pump wheel 108 based on the determination of whether a liquid occupiesthe sensor portion of the feeding tube 116 (e.g., the controller can cease operation of the operation of the pump wheel when it is determined that a liquid does not occupy the sensor portion of the feeding tube 116 for a predetermined period of time).

[0057] In some implementations, the intake port 156 and the outlet port 158 are on a first side of the pump cartridge 120, and the arcuate plate portion 150 is on a second side of the pump cartridge 120 opposite the first side. In some implementations, the second side of the pump cartridge 120 is located opposite the first side of the pump cartridge 120.

[0058] In some implementations, the clip 132 is configured to compress a portion of the feeding tube 116 extending between the intake port 156 and the pump wheel 108. For example, in some implementations, when the clip 132 is in the closed position, the clamp foot 138 compresses the feeding tube 116 against the cap body 126. For example, in some implementations when the clip 132 is in the closed position, the clamp foot 138 compresses the feeding tube 116 against an adjacent sidewall of the pump cartridge 120. In some implementations, the clamp foot 138 crushes the orifice and / or central lumen of the feeding tube 116 by compressing the wall of the feeding tube 116. For example, the feeding tube may be made of a resilient material. In some implementations, the feeding tube 116 includes a pump portion that is fluidly coupled to the remainder of the feeding tube 116 and that interfaces with the pump wheel 108. For example, the pump portion may be of a first composition (e.g., material, composite of materials, a layering of materials, etc.) or structure (e.g., a thicker wall thickness, a smaller outer diameter, a larger inner diameter, different cross-section shape, etc.), while the remainder of the feeding tube that doesn’t directly interface with the pump wheel 108 is of a second composition or structure. In some implementations, the pump portion is a segment of the feeding tube 116 that is fluidly coupled to the remainder of the feeding tube 116. In some implementations , the feeding tube 116 is a unitary body extending between a first terminal end and a second terminal end. In some implementations, the first terminal end of the feeding tube 116 is coupled to an eternal feeding bag and the second terminal end is coupled to a feeding port associated with a mammal (e.g., patient, user, human, etc.).

[0059] In some implementations, when the pump cartridge 120 is in the attached position 122 with respect to the feeding pump 102, the clip 132 is in the open position where the clamp foot 138 is spaced apart from a corresponding sidewall of the multiple sidewalls 128 of the pump cartridge 120. In some implementations, when the pump cartridge 120 is in the unattached position 124 with respect to the feeding pump 102, the clip 132 is moved to the closed position 134 where the clamp foot 138 is positioned adjacent to the corresponding sidewall of the multiple sidewalls 128 of the pump cartridge 120. For example, in some implementations,when the clip 132 is in the closed position 134, the spacing between the clamp foot 138 and the sidewall is less than the spacing between the clamp foot 138 and the sidewall when the clip 132 is in the open position.

[0060] In some implementations, the pump cartridge 120 is a unitary body. In some implementations, the cap body 126, the arcuate plate portion 150 and the multiple inserts 160 are a unitary body (e.g., in some implementations the clip and arcuate plate portion are formed with the pump cartridge). In some implementations, the clip 132 provided on the pump cartridge 120 is biased by a spring.

[0061] In some implementations, a cartridge 120 for a feeding pump includes: a cap body 126 including multiple sidewalls 128 defining an internal volume 130; a clip 132 connected to the cap body 126 within the internal volume 130 and movable between an open position and a closed position 134, where the clip 132 is biased toward a closed position 134, the clip 132 including a catch arm 136 and a clamp foot 138; an arcuate plate portion 150 supported by a plate suspension portion 152, where the plate suspension portion 152 includes multiple flexible bridges 154 that flexibly support the arcuate plate portion 150 and bias the arcuate plate portion 150 into a clamp position 155; an intake port 156 extending through the cap body 126, the intake port 156 configured to receive an upstream portion of a feeding tube 116; an outlet port 158 extending through the cap body 126, the outlet port 158 configured to receive a downstream portion of a feeding tube 116; multiple inserts 160 (e.g., snap-fit inserts) configured to slidingly engage multiple channels 112 provided on a feeding pump 102. In some implementations, when the pump cartridge 120 is in an unattached position 124, the clamp foot 138 is positioned adjacent to a sidewall of the multiple sidewalls 128 of the pump cartridge 120 and configured to compress a feeding tube 116 against the sidewall to thereby prevent a flow of liquid within a feeding tube 116. In some implementations, when the pump cartridge 120 is in an attached position 122, the multiple inserts 160 provided on the pump cartridge 120 are configured to engage a corresponding plurality of channels 112 provided on a pump housing 104, the arcuate plate portion 150 is configured to compress the feeding tube 116 into contact with a pump wheel 108 of a feeding pump 102, and / or the catch arm 136 is configured to contact a post 110 extending from the pump housing of the feeding pump 102 and urge the clamp foot 138 away from the closed position 1 4 toward the open position to thereby permit the flow of liquid within the feeding tube 116.

[0062] In some implementations, the feeding pump system 100 includes a flow sensor 170 configured to detect liquid within a sensor portion of the feeding tube 116. In some implementations, the flow sensor 170 is coupled to a controller configured to determinewhether liquid occupies the sensor portion of the feeding tube 116. In some implementations, the flow sensor 170 detects a disruption in flow of liquid within the sensor portion of the feeding tube 116. In some implementations, the flow sensor 170 detects a bubble in the feeding tube 116. In some implementations, the flow sensor 170 includes a first sensor configured to detect liquid within a portion of the feeding tube 116 extending between the intake port and the pump wheel, and a second sensor configured to detect liquid within a portion of the feeding tube extending between the outlet port and the pump wheel.)

[0063] In some implementations, the intake port 156 and the outlet port 158 are on a first side of the pump cartridge 120, and the arcuate plate portion 150 is on a second side of the pump cartridge 120 opposite the first side.

[0064] In some implementations, the clip 132 is configured to compress a portion of the feeding tube 116 extending between the intake port 156 and the pump wheel 108. For example, in some implementations, when the clip 132 is in the closed position, the clamp foot 138 compresses the feeding tube 116 against the pump cartridge (e.g., against an adjacent sidewall of the pump cartridge 120). In some implementations, the clamp foot 138 crushes the orifice and / or central lumen of the feeding tube 116 by compressing the wall of the feeding tube 116. For example, the feeding tube may be made of a resilient material. In some implementations, the feeding tube 116 includes a pump portion that is fluidly coupled to the remainder of the feeding tube 116 and that interfaces with the pump wheel 108. For example, the pump portion may be of a first composition (e.g., material, composite of materials, a layering of materials, etc.) or structure (e.g., a thicker wall thickness, a smaller outer diameter, a larger inner diameter, different cross-section shape, etc.), while the remainder of the feeding tube that doesn’t directly interface with the pump wheel 108 is of a second composition or structure. In some implementations, the pump portion is a segment of the feeding tube 116 that is fluidly coupled to the remainder of the feeding tube 116. In some implementations, the feeding tube 116 is a unitary body extending between a first terminal end and a second terminal end. In some implementations, the first terminal end of the feeding tube 116 is coupled to an eternal feeding bag and the second terminal end is coupled to a feeding port associated with a mammal (e.g., patient, user, human, etc.).

[0065] In some implementations, when the pump cartridge 120 is in the attached position 122, the clip 132 is in the open position where the clamp foot 138 is spaced apart from a corresponding sidewall of the multiple sidewalls 128 of the pump cartridge 120. In some implementations, when the pump cartridge 120 is in the unattached position 124, the clip 132 is moved to the closed position 134 where the clamp foot 138 is positioned adjacent to thecorresponding sidewall of the multiple sidewalls 128 of the pump cartridge 120. For example, in some implementations, when the clip 132 is in the closed position 134, the spacing between the clamp foot 138 and the sidewall is less than the spacing between the clamp foot 138 and the sidewall when the clip 132 is in the open position. In some implementations, the pump cartridge 120 is a unitary body. In some implementations, the cap body 126, the arcuate plate portion 150 and the multiple inserts 160 are a unitary body.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 19, a process 200 for preventing fluid flow in a feeding pump system is shown, according to an exemplary implementation. The process 200 can he performed using the feeding pump system 100 and the feeding pump cartridge 120.

[0067] In a step 202, the process 200 includes providing a pump cartridge 120 configured to operably couple to a feeding pump, according to some implementations. For example, the pump cartridge 120 may include: a cap body 126 including multiple sidewalls 128 defining an internal volume 130; a clip 132 connected to the cap body 126 within the internal volume 130 and movable between an open position and a closed position 134, where the clip 132 is biased toward the closed position 134, the clip 132 including a catch arm 136 and a clamp foot 138; an arcuate plate portion 150 supported by a plate suspension portion 152, where the plate suspension portion 152 includes multiple flexible bridges 154 that flexibly support the arcuate plate portion 150 and bias the arcuate plate portion 150 into a clamp position 155; an intake port 156 extending through the cap body 126, the intake port 156 configured to receive an upstream portion of a feeding tube 116; an outlet port 158 extending through the cap body 126, the outlet port 158 configured to receive a downstream portion of a feeding tube 116; and / or multiple inserts 160 (e.g., snap-fit inserts) configured to slidingly engage multiple channels 112 provided on a feeding pump 102. In some implementations, the process 200 continues with a step 204.

[0068] In step 204, process 200 includes installing a feeding tube within the pump cartridge, according to some implementations. For example, a manufacturer or assembler may insert a feeding tube 116 into the pump cartridge 120. In some implementations, the pump cartridge 120 includes recess and / or channel for receiving the feeding tube 116. In some implementations, the process 200 continues with a step 206.

[0069] In step 206, the process 200 includes instructing a user to couple the pump cartridge 120 to a feeding pump 102 to influence the clip 132 away from the closed position 134 and urge the feeding tube against the pump wheel 108 and thereby permit a flow of liquid within the feeding tube 116, according to some implementations. In some implementations, the instructions may be provided as an instruction booklet, video, or a printed textual message onthe pump cartridge 120 and / or pump housing 104. In some implementations, the process 200 continues with a step 208.

[0070] In step 208, the process 200 includes instructing a user to insert multiple inserts 160 into corresponding channels 112 provided on the feeding pump 102, according to some implementations. In some implementations, the process 200 continues with a step 210.

[0071] In step 210, the process 200 includes instructing a user to slide the multiple inserts 160 provided on the cap body 126 within a corresponding multiple channels 112 provided on the pump housing 104 to achieve an attached position 122 of the pump cartridge 120, according to some embodiments.

[0072] In some implementations, the feeding pump 102 and one or more pump cartridges 120 are provided as a kit.

[0073] Turning now to figures 20-27, the present disclosure further relates to a tip cover assembly that can be placed on to the distal end tip of an enteral tubing assembly. The tip cover assembly addresses the disadvantages with conventional systems and practices discussed above. For example, the lubricant is placed inside the tip cover thereby eliminating the need for a clinician to physically apply the lubricant on the catheter. The tip cover serves as a holder / housing for the enteral feeding tube, which maintains tip cleanliness while the clinician performs other tasks. The tip cover assembly has a body with a tactile grip-enhanced surface or indentations for each of handling and removal from the catheter.

[0074] In some aspects, the disclosure also encompasses an enteral tubing assembly that includes the tip cover assembly on the catheter.

[0075] The various features of the catheter guidance system are discussed in detail below.

[0076] FIG. 20 depicts a conventional enteral tubing assembly 300 used with a patient’s body 400, the assembly 300 including an enteral catheter 310 having a distal end portion 316 that terminates at a tip 318 that can be ultimately positioned in the patient’s stomach or intestinal tract.

[0077] FIG. 21 is a more detailed view of the enteral tubing assembly 300, which includes the catheter 310, such as a feeding tube, connected to the y-port connector 330. A food or nutrient source inserts into the connector 330 to supply its contents through the catheter to the patient’s gastrointestinal tract. The multi-port or y-port connector 330 includes; (a) a body 332; (b) a liquid delivery branch / medicine delivery branch 334 attached to the body 332 for distributing drugs, medicine or other medicinal liquids to the patient; (c) a nutrient delivery branch or feeding branch 336 attached to the body 332 and sized to receive an insert from the food / nutrient source; and (d) a catheter or feeding tube connection branch 338 attached to thecatheter 310. The catheter 310 may function as a feeding tube having a body 312 with a proximal end 314 attached to the catheter connection branch 338 of the y-port connector 330 and a distal end portion 316 that terminates at a tip 318 (FIG. 20). The body 312 defines a lumen 320 along the longitudinal length (L) of the catheter 310. The proximal end 314 is insertable into the catheter connection branch 338 of the y-port connector 330 so as to bring the catheter 310 into fluid communication with the y-port connector 330.

[0078] In one embodiment, the tip 318 may be a bolus attached to the distal end portion 316 of the catheter 310, wherein the bolus is configured to facilitate the flow of fluid from the catheter 310 into the patient's body while decreasing the likelihood that the opening in the lumen 320 will become clogged.

[0079] The tubular connector, union device, y-port connector 330, catheter 310, and tip 318 can be made from any suitable polymer or plastic material including, but not limited to, polyamide, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, silicone and polyacrylonitrile.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 21, the enteral tubing assembly 12 may include a sampling chamber 340 coupled to the medicine branch 334 of the multi-port connector or y-port connector 330.

[0081] Still referring to FIG. 21, the catheter body 312 can have a plurality of markings 342 uniformly spaced along its external surface that can be used to determine accurate placement of the catheter 310. These markings 342 can function as placement markers which assist the user in assessing the depth that the catheter 310 is placed within the body 400. These markings 342 can also assist the user in measuring the flow or distribution of liquid to or from the patient.

[0082] Various embodiments of tip cover assembly 350 depicted in FIG. 21 will be described with reference to FIGS. 22-27.

[0083] Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 22, the tip cover assembly 350 is depicted placed onto the distal end of the catheter 310. The cover assembly includes a body 352 made of any suitable rigid or semi-rigid material, such as a suitable polymer or plastic material including, but not limited to, polyamide, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, silicone and polyacrylonitrile. The body 352 has an open proximal end 354 and a closed distal end 356, and has an interior volume 358 with a sufficient longitudinal length so as to receive the tip 318 and a portion of the distal end of the catheter 310 therein. Any suitable viscous medical lubricant 360 at least partially fills the interior volume 358 so that the tip 318 and distal end portion of the catheter 310 are immersed in the lubricant 360 when the cover assembly 350 is fitted onto the catheter 310.

[0084] The cover assembly 350 may include a mounting base 362 configured at the closed distal end 356 of the body 352, which provides a means to mount the cover assembly 350 (withthe distal end portion of the catheter 310 inserted therein) onto a support surface 364surface 364 (e.g., a tray, table, wall, or the like). The catheter 310 is removable from the mounted body 352 (e.g., is pulled from the body 352) while the body 352 remains mounted to the surface 364.

[0085] In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 22, 26, and 27, the mounting base 362 includes a suction cup 366 for mounting the cover assembly 350 to a desired support surface 364surface 364 at various angles or orientations.

[0086] In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 23-25, the mounting base 362 includes a releasable adhesive 368 for mounting the cover assembly 350 to a desired support surface 364surface 364 at various angles or orientations.

[0087] As depicted in FIGS. 22 and 23 the mounting base 362 may have a diameter or width dimension that is greater than a diameter or width of the distal end 356 of the body 352. This configuration provides a clear indication to the clinician that the cover assembly 350 is not a bolus and may still be attached to the catheter 310 prior to attempting to insert the catheter 310 into the patient’s nostril.

[0088] The outer surface of the body 352 may include a grip-enhanced surface 370 to aid the clinician in placing / handling the cover assembly 350 and removing the cover assembly 350 from the catheter 310. In the depicted embodiments, the grip-enhanced surface 370 includes indentations formed in the outer surface of the body 352. Alternate embodiments may include, for example, a knurled or textured surface, ridges, a stepped profile, or the like.

[0089] It should be appreciated that the body 352 may have any desired shape. For example, in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 22 and 23, the body 352 has a tapered, conical external profile from the open end 354 to the closed end 356 thereof. This embodiment may have a cylindrical or tapered internal profile. With the tapered internal profile depicted in FIGS. 22- 24 the tip 318 of the catheter 310 may be essentially “wedged” against the sides of the body 352, which serves as an additional means to retain the catheter tip within the cover assembly 350.

[0090] In the embodiment of FIG. 24, the body 352 has a cylindrical external profile and a tapered internal profile from the open end 354 to the closed end 356 thereof.

[0091] In the embodiment of FIG. 25, the body 352 has a cylindrical external profile and a cylindrical internal profile from the open end 354 to the closed end 356 thereof.

[0092] In certain embodiments of the cover assembly 350, the proximal end 354 of the body 352 is not covered or sealed, and is unattached to the catheter 310. With this embodiment, the lubricant 360 within the body 352 has a sufficient viscosity so as not to spill or migrate out of the body 352 regardless of the orientation of the cover assembly 350. The lubricant 360 alsoserves as the means to retain the cover assembly 350 on the catheter (prevents the cover assembly from falling off of the catheter 310).

[0093] In other embodiments, depicted for example in FIGS. 26 and 27, the cover assembly 350 includes a releasable or removable closure device 372 at the open proximal end 354 of the body. Various types of closure devices 372 may be used for this purpose. For example, as shown in FIG. 26 the closure device 372 may be a material 374 that seals around the catheter 310 and is adhered to the body 352. The seal material 374 may be scored or frangible and can be readily removed by the clinician prior to removing the catheter 310 from the cover assembly 350. In another embodiment shown in FIG. 27, the closure device 372 may be a wiper seal 372 that remains fixed to the body 352 while the catheter 310 is pulled out from the cover assembly 350. The wiper seal is designed so that a sufficient layer of the lubricant 360 remains on the catheter after withdrawing the catheter from the body.

[0094] In still other embodiments, the securing device 372 may be a releasable clamp that secures the catheter within the body.

[0095] In the illustrated embodiments, the body 352 of the cover assembly 350 is rigid and non-collapsable so as to retain its shape while being handled by the clinician and regardless of the mounting orientation of the body 352 on a support surface 364surface 364. In an alternate embodiment, the body 352 may be collapsible (i.e., “soft-sided”) or compressible by a clinician to squeeze the lubricant 360 from the body 352, for example to apply some of the lubricant 360 onto other portions of the catheter 310.

[0096] As utilized herein with respect to numerical ranges, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms generally mean + / - 10% of the disclosed values. When the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are applied to a structural feature (e.g., to describe its shape, size, orientation, direction, etc.), these terms are meant to cover minor variations in structure that may result from, for example, the manufacturing or assembly process and are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims.

[0097] It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and variations thereof, as utilized herein to describe various implementations, are intended to indicate that such implementations are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible implementations (and suchterms are not intended to connote that such implementations are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

[0098] The term “coupled” and variations thereof, as used herein, means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members. If “coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic.

[0099] References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary implementations, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

[0100] Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order of method steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depicted and described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unless specified differently above. Such variation may depend, for example, on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations of the described methods could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps.

[0101] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the feeding pump system 100 as shown in the various exemplary implementations is illustrative only. Additionally, any element disclosed in one implementation may be incorporated or utilized with any other implementation disclosed herein. Although only one example of an element from one implementation that can be incorporated or utilized in another implementation has been described above, it should be appreciated that other elements of the various implementations may be incorporated or utilized with any of the other implementations disclosed herein.

[0102] Exemplary Aspects

[0103] In view of the described processes and compositions, hereinbelow are described certain more particularly described aspects of the disclosures. These particularly recited aspects should not, however, be interpreted to have any limiting effect on any different claims containing different or more general teachings described herein, or that the “particular” aspects are somehow limited in some way other than the inherent meanings of the language and formulas literally used therein.

[0104] Example 1. A feeding pump system, comprising: a feeding pump comprising: a pump housing; a pump motor within the pump housing; a pump wheel operably coupled to the pump motor; a post extending outwardly away from the pump housing; and a plurality of channels provided on the pump housing; a feeding tube; a pump cartridge configured selectively transition between an attached position and an unattached position with respect to the feeding pump, the pump cartridge comprising: a cap body comprising a plurality of sidewalls defining an internal volume; a clip connected to the cap body within the internal volume and moveable between an open position and a closed position, where the clip is biased toward the closed position, the clip comprising a catch arm and a clamp foot; an arcuate plate portion supported by a plate suspension portion, wherein the plate suspension portion comprises a plurality of flexible bridges that flexibly support the arcuate plate portion and bias the arcuate plate portion into a clamp position; an intake port extending through the cap body, the intake port configured to receive an upstream portion of the feeding tube; an outlet port extending through the cap body, the outlet port configured to receive a downstream portion of the feeding tube; and a plurality of inserts configured to slidingly engage the plurality of channels provided on the pump housing; and wherein, when the pump cartridge is in the unattached position, the clamp foot compresses the feeding tube against a sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls of the pump cartridge to thereby prevent a flow of liquid within the feeding tube; wherein, when the pump cartridge is in the attached position, the plurality of inserts provided on the pump cartridge engage the plurality of channels provided on the pump housing, the arcuate plate portion compresses the feeding tube into contact with the pump wheel, the catch arm contacts the post extending from the pump housing and urges the clamp foot away from the closed position toward the open position thereby permitting the flow of liquid within the feeding tube.

[0105] Example 2. The feeding pump system of example 1, wherein the feeding pump is a peristaltic pump and the pump wheel comprises a plurality of rollers.

[0106] Example 3. The feeding pump system of any example herein, particularly examples 1- 2, further comprising a flow sensor configured to detect liquid within a sensor portion of the feeding tube.

[0107] Example 4. The feeding pump system of any example, particularly example 3, wherein the flow sensor is coupled to a controller configured to determine whether liquid occupies the sensor portion of the feeding tube.

[0108] Example 5. The feeding pump system of any example herein, particularly examples 1-4, wherein the intake port and the outlet port are on a first side of the pump cartridge, and the arcuate plate portion is on a second side of the pump cartridge opposite the first side.

[0109] Example 6. The feeding pump system of any example herein, particularly examples 1-5, wherein the clip is configured to compress a portion of the feeding tube extending between the intake port and the pump wheel.

[0110] Example 7. The feeding pump system of any example herein, particularly examples 1-6, wherein, when the pump cartridge is in the attached position, the clip is in the open position where the clamp foot is spaced apart from a corresponding sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls of the pump cartridge; and wherein, when the pump cartridge is in the unattached position, the clip is moved to the closed position where the clamp foot is positioned adjacent to the corresponding sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls of the pump cartridge.

[0111] Example 8. The feeding pump system of any example herein, particularly examples 1-7, wherein the pump cartridge is a unitary body.

[0112] Example 9. The feeding pump system of any example herein, particularly examples 1-8, wherein the cap body, the arcuate plate portion and the plurality of inserts are a unitary body.

[0113] Example 10. The feeding pump system of any example herein, particularly examples 1 -9, wherein the clip provided on the pump cartridge is biased by a spring.

[0114] Example 11. A cartridge for a feeding pump, the cartridge comprising: a cap body comprising a plurality of sidewalls defining an internal volume; a clip connected to the cap body within the internal volume and movable between an open position and a closed position, where the clip is biased toward a closed position, the clip comprising a catch arm and a clamp foot; an arcuate plate portion supported by a plate suspension portion, wherein the plate suspension portion comprises a plurality of flexible bridges that flexibly support the arcuate plate portion and bias the arcuate plate portion into a clamp position; an intake port extending through the cap body, the intake port configured to receive an upstream portion of a feeding tube; an outlet port extending through the cap body, the outlet port configured to receive a downstream portion of a feeding tube; a plurality7of inserts configured to slidingly engage a plurality7of channels provided on a feeding pump; and wherein, w hen the pump cartridge is in an unattached position, the clamp foot is positioned adjacent to a sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls of the pump cartridge and configured to compress a feeding tube against the sidewallto thereby prevent a flow of liquid within a feeding tube; wherein, when the pump cartridge is in an attached position, the plurality of inserts provided on the pump cartridge are configured to engage a corresponding plurality of channels provided on a pump housing, the arcuate plate portion is configured to compress the feeding tube into contact with a pump wheel of a feeding pump, the catch arm is configured to contact a post extending from the pump housing of the feeding pump and urge the clamp foot away from the closed position toward the open position to thereby permit the flow of liquid within the feeding tube.

[0115] Example 12. The cartridge for a feeding pump system of any example herein, particularly example 11, further comprising a flow sensor configured to detect liquid within a sensor portion of the feeding tube.

[0116] Example 13. The cartridge for a feeding pump system of any example herein, particularly example 12, wherein the flow sensor is coupled to a controller configured to determine whether liquid occupies the sensor portion of the feeding tube.

[0117] Example 14. The cartridge for a feeding pump system of any example herein, particularly examples 11-13, wherein the intake port and the outlet port are on a first side of the pump cartridge, and the arcuate plate portion is on a second side of the pump cartridge opposite the first side.

[0118] Example 15. The cartridge for a feeding pump system of any example herein, particularly examples 11-14, wherein the clip is configured to compress a portion of the feeding tube extending between the intake port and the pump wheel.

[0119] Example 16. The cartridge for a feeding pump system of any example herein, particularly examples 11-15, wherein, when the pump cartridge is in the attached position, the clip is in the open position where the clamp foot is spaced apart from a corresponding sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls of the pump cartridge: and wherein, when the pump cartridge is in the unattached position, the clip is moved to the closed position where the clamp foot is positioned adjacent to the corresponding sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls of the pump cartridge.

[0120] Example 17. The cartridge for a feeding pump system of any example herein, particularly examples 11-16, wherein the pump cartridge is a unitary body.

[0121] Example 18. The cartridge for a feeding pump system of any example herein, particularly examples 11-17, wherein the cap body, the arcuate plate portion and the plurality of inserts are a unitary body.

[0122] Example 19. A method for preventing fluid flow in a feeding pump system, comprising: providing a pump cartridge configured to operably couple to a feeding pump, the pumpcartridge comprising: a cap body comprising a plurality of sidewalls defining an internal volume; a clip connected to the cap body within the internal volume and movable between an open position and a closed position, where the clip is biased toward a closed position, the clip comprising a catch arm and a clamp foot; an arcuate plate portion supported by a plate suspension portion, wherein the plate suspension portion comprises a plurality of flexible bridges that flexibly support the arcuate plate portion and bias the arcuate plate portion into a clamp position; an intake port extending through the cap body, the intake port configured to receive an upstream portion of a feeding tube; an outlet port extending through the cap body, the outlet port configured to receive a downstream portion of a feeding tube; and a plurality of inserts configured to slidingly engage a plurality of channels provided on a feeding pump; and installing a feeding tube within the pump cartridge; and instructing a user to couple the pump cartridge to a feeding pump to influence the clip away from the closed position and urge the feeding tube against a pump wheel and thereby permit a flow of liquid within the feeding tube.

[0123] Example 20. The method of example 19, wherein instructing a user to couple the pump cartridge to a feeding pump comprises: instructing a user to insert the plurality of inserts into corresponding channels of a feeding pump; and instructing a user to slide the plurality of inserts provided on the cap body within a corresponding plurality of channels provided on a pump housing to achieve an attached position.

[0124] Example 21. An enteral tubing assembly, comprising: a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end and extending in a longitudinal direction, the distal end defining a tip, wherein the catheter is configured for placement within a digestive tract of a patient; a removable cover assembly placed over the tip, the cover assembly comprising: a body having an open proximal end and a closed distal end, the body having longitudinal length and interior volume to so as to receive the tip and a distal end portion of the catheter therein; and a viscous lubricant within the interior volume, the tip and distal end portion of the catheter immersed in the lubricant.

[0125] Example 22. The enteral tubing assembly of any example herein, particularly example21, further comprising a mounting base configured at the closed end of the body so that the cover assembly is mountable to a surface and the catheter is removable from the mounted body.

[0126] Example 23. The enteral tubing assembly of any example herein, particularly example22, wherein the mounting base comprises a suction cup.

[0127] Example 24. The enteral tubing assembly of any example herein, particularly examples 22-23, wherein the mounting base comprises a releasable adhesive.

[0128] Example 25. The enteral tubing assembly of any example herein, particularly examples 22-24, wherein the mounting base comprises a diameter or width that is greater than a diameter or width of the body.

[0129] Example 26. The enteral tubing assembly of any example herein, particularly examples 21-25, wherein the body comprises grip-enhanced outer surface.

[0130] Example 27. The enteral tubing assembly of any example herein, particularly examples 21-26, wherein the body comprises a tapered external profile from the open end to the closed end.

[0131] Example 28. The enteral tubing assembly of any example herein, particularly examples 21-27, wherein the body comprises a tapered internal profile from the open end to the closed end.

[0132] Example 29. The enteral tubing assembly of any example herein, particularly examples 21-28, wherein the body comprises a releasable or removable closure device at the open end thereof, the closure device securing the catheter within the body until the closure device is removed and the catheter is pulled from the body.

[0133] Example 30. The enteral tubing assembly of any example herein, particularly example 29, wherein the closure device comprises a releasable seal around the catheter.

[0134] Example 31. The enteral tubing assembly of any example herein, particularly examples 21-30, wherein the body is semi-rigid and compressible by a clinician to squeeze the lubricant from the body.

[0135] Example 32. A cover assembly for placement over a tip at a distal end of a catheter used in an enteral tubing assembly, the cover assembly comprising: a body having an open proximal end and a closed distal end, the body having longitudinal length and interior volume to so as to receive the tip and a distal end portion of the catheter therein; and a viscous lubricant w ithin the interior volume, the tip and distal end portion immersed in the lubricant.

[0136] Example 33. The cover assembly of any example herein, particularly example 32, further comprising a mounting base configured at the closed end of the body so that the cover assembly is mountable to a surface and the catheter is removable from the mounted body.

[0137] Example 34. The cover assembly of any example herein, particularly example 33, wherein the mounting base comprises a suction cup.

[0138] Example 35. The cover assembly of any example herein, particularly examples 33-34, wherein the mounting base comprises a releasable adhesive.

[0139] Example 36. The cover assembly of any example herein, particularly examples 33-35, wherein the mounting base comprises a diameter or width that is greater than a diameter or width of the body.

[0140] Example 37. The cover assembly of any example herein, particularly examples 32-36, wherein the body comprises grip-enhanced outer surface.

[0141] Example 38. The cover assembly of any example herein, particularly examples 32-37, wherein the body comprises a tapered internal profile from the open end to the closed end.

[0142] Example 39. The cover assembly of any example herein, particularly examples 32-38, wherein the body comprises a releasable or removable closure device at the open end thereof, the closure device securing the catheter within the body until the closure device is removed and the catheter is pulled from the body.

[0143] Example 40. The cover assembly of any example herein, particularly examples 32-39, wherein the body is semi-rigid and compressible by a clinician to squeeze the lubricant from the body.

[0144] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the systems as shown in the various exemplary implementations is illustrative only. Additionally, any element disclosed in one implementation may be incorporated or utilized with any other implementation disclosed herein. Although only one example of an element from one implementation that can be incorporated or utilized in another implementation has been described above, it should be appreciated that other elements of the various implementations may be incorporated or utilized with any of the other implementations disclosed herein.

[0145] In view of the many possible implementations to which the principles of the disclosed disclosure can be applied, it should be recognized that the illustrated aspects are only preferred examples of the disclosure and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the disclosure. Rather, the scope of the disclosure is defined by the following claims. We, therefore, claim as our disclosure all that comes within the scope and spirit of these claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A feeding pump system, comprising: a feeding pump comprising: a pump housing; a pump motor within the pump housing; a pump wheel operably coupled to the pump motor; a post extending outwardly away from the pump housing; and a plurality of channels provided on the pump housing; a feeding tube; a pump cartridge configured selectively transition between an attached position and an unattached position with respect to the feeding pump, the pump cartridge comprising: a cap body comprising a plurality of sidewalls defining an internal volume; a clip connected to the cap body within the internal volume and moveable between an open position and a closed position, where the clip is biased toward the closed position, the clip comprising a catch arm and a clamp foot; an arcuate plate portion supported by a plate suspension portion, wherein the plate suspension portion comprises a plurality of flexible bridges that flexibly support the arcuate plate portion and bias the arcuate plate portion into a clamp position; an intake port extending through the cap body, the intake port configured to receive an upstream portion of the feeding tube; an outlet port extending through the cap body, the outlet port configured to receive a downstream portion of the feeding tube; and a plurality of inserts configured to slidingly engage the plurality of channels provided on the pump housing; and wherein, when the pump cartridge is in the unattached position, the clamp foot compresses the feeding tube against a sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls of the pump cartridge to thereby prevent a flow of liquid within the feeding tube; wherein, when the pump cartridge is in the attached position, the plurality of inserts provided on the pump cartridge engage the plurality of channels provided on the pumphousing, the arcuate plate portion compresses the feeding tube into contact with the pump wheel, the catch arm contacts the post extending from the pump housing and urges the clamp foot away from the closed position toward the open position thereby permitting the flow of liquid within the feeding tube.

2. The feeding pump system of claim 1 , wherein the feeding pump is a peristaltic pump and the pump wheel comprises a plurality of rollers.

3. The feeding pump system of any one of claims 1-2, further comprising a flow sensor configured to detect liquid within a sensor portion of the feeding tube.

4. The feeding pump system of claim 3, wherein the flow sensor is coupled to a controller configured to determine whether liquid occupies the sensor portion of the feeding tube.

5. The feeding pump system of any one of the claims 1-4, wherein the intake port and the outlet port are on a first side of the pump cartridge, and the arcuate plate portion is on a second side of the pump cartridge opposite the first side.

6. The feeding pump system of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the clip is configured to compress a portion of the feeding tube extending between the intake port and the pump wheel.

7. The feeding pump system of any one of claims 1 -6, wherein, when the pump cartridge is in the attached position, the clip is in the open position where the clamp foot is spaced apart from a corresponding sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls of the pump cartridge; and wherein, when the pump cartridge is in the unattached position, the clip is moved to the closed position where the clamp foot is positioned adjacent to the corresponding sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls of the pump cartridge.

8. The feeding pump system of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the pump cartridge is a unitary body.

9. The feeding pump system of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the cap body, the arcuate plate portion and the plurality of inserts are a unitary body.

10. The feeding pump system of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the clip provided on the pump cartridge is biased by a spring.

11. A cartridge for a feeding pump system, the cartridge comprising: a cap body comprising a plurality of sidewalls defining an internal volume; a clip connected to the cap body within the internal volume and movable between an open position and a closed position, where the clip is biased toward a closed position, the clip comprising a catch arm and a clamp foot; an arcuate plate portion supported by a plate suspension portion, wherein the plate suspension portion comprises a plurality of flexible bridges that flexibly support the arcuate plate portion and bias the arcuate plate portion into a clamp position; an intake port extending through the cap body, the intake port configured to receive an upstream portion of a feeding tube; an outlet port extending through the cap body, the outlet port configured to receive a downstream portion of a feeding tube; a plurality of inserts configured to slidingly engage a plurality of channels provided on a feeding pump; and wherein, when the pump cartridge is in an unattached position, the clamp foot is positioned adjacent to a sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls of the pump cartridge and configured to compress a feeding tube against the sidewall to thereby prevent a flow of liquid within a feeding tube; wherein, when the pump cartridge is in an attached position, the plurality of inserts provided on the pump cartridge are configured to engage a corresponding plurality of channels provided on a pump housing, the arcuate plate portion is configured to compress the feeding tube into contact with a pump wheel of a feeding pump, the catch arm is configured to contact a post extending from the pump housing of the feeding pump and urge the clamp foot away from the closed position toward the open position to thereby permit the flow of liquid within the feeding tube.

12. The cartridge for a feeding pump system of claim 11 , further comprising a flow sensor configured to detect liquid within a sensor portion of the feeding tube.

13. The cartridge for a feeding pump system of claim 12, wherein the flow sensor is coupled to a controller configured to determine whether liquid occupies the sensor portion of the feeding tube.

14. The cartridge for a feeding pump system of any one of claims 11-13, wherein the intake port and the outlet port are on a first side of the pump cartridge, and the arcuate plate portion is on a second side of the pump cartridge opposite the first side.

15. The cartridge for a feeding pump system of any one of claims 11-14, wherein the clip is configured to compress a portion of the feeding tube extending between the intake port and the pump wheel.

16. The cartridge for a feeding pump system of any one of claims 11-15, wherein, when the pump cartridge is in the attached position, the clip is in the open position where the clamp foot is spaced apart from a corresponding sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls of the pump cartridge; and wherein, when the pump cartridge is in the unattached position, the clip is moved to the closed position where the clamp foot is positioned adjacent to the corresponding sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls of the pump cartridge.

17. The cartridge for a feeding pump system of any one of claims 11-16, wherein the pump cartridge is a unitary body.

18. The cartridge for a feeding pump system of any one of claims 11-17, wherein the cap body, the arcuate plate portion and the plurality of inserts are a unitary body.

19. A method for preventing fluid flow in a feeding pump system, comprising: providing a pump cartridge configured to operably couple to a feeding pump, the pump cartridge comprising: a cap body comprising a plurality of sidewalls defining an internal volume; a clip connected to the cap body within the internal volume and movable between an open position and a closed position, where the clip is biased toward a closed position, the clip comprising a catch arm and a clamp foot; an arcuate plate portion supported by a plate suspension portion, wherein the plate suspension portion comprises a plurality of flexible bridges that flexibly support the arcuate plate portion and bias the arcuate plate portion into a clamp position; an intake port extending through the cap body, the intake port configured to receive an upstream portion of a feeding tube; an outlet port extending through the cap body, the outlet port configured to receive a downstream portion of a feeding tube; anda plurality of inserts configured to slidingly engage a plurality of channels provided on a feeding pump; and installing a feeding tube within the pump cartridge; and instructing a user to couple the pump cartridge to a feeding pump to influence the clip away from the closed position and urge the feeding tube against a pump wheel and thereby permit a flow of liquid within the feeding tube.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein instructing a user to couple the pump cartridge to a feeding pump comprises: instructing a user to insert the plurality of inserts into corresponding channels of a feeding pump; and instructing a user to slide the plurality of inserts provided on the cap body within a corresponding plurality of channels provided on a pump housing to achieve an attached position.

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