Tube set for a pump

IS 2 310 238 T3

DESCRIPTION

Tube assembly for a pump.

Background of the invention

The present invention relates generally to a pump and tubing assembly therefor, and more particularly to a pump constructed to deliver enteral or parenteral fluid to a patient, and to a tubing assembly constructed for use with the pump. .

US Patent No. 5,879,144 discloses a pressure plate for use with a pump that has a top surface over which a tube extends. Two opposite side edges define a channel that allows a tube to be inserted into the pressure plate without having to completely remove the pressure plate from its connection to the pump. The tube includes two small diameter parts, a large diameter central part and a rigid plastic ring that completely surrounds the circumference of the tube. The rigid plastic ring is securely mounted to the tube and is not allowed to slide along its surface. Furthermore, the surface comprises two ribs to engage and hold the large diameter of the tube.

Summary of the invention

The present invention relates to a pumping mechanism having a tube receiving part constructed to accommodate and constrain a length of tube inside as defined in claim 1. According to one embodiment, the tube receiving part tube defines a longitudinal channel therein, the channel being substantially parallel to a length of the tube housed within the tube receiving portion. The pumping mechanism further includes a flap having a front portion having a length and a width, the length of the front portion of the flap being greater than its width. The front part of the fin is constructed to hook, along its length and width, a length of the tube arranged in the tube receiving portion. The flap is mounted for reciprocating movement between a first position and a second position. When the fin is in its first position, the front part of the fin compresses a length of the tube arranged in the tube receiving part, the length of the compressed tube being substantially equal to the length of the front part of the fin. When the fin is in its second position, the front part of the fin is in a position that it does not substantially compress a length of the tube arranged in the tube receiving portion. The pump further includes a reciprocating element constructed to move the flap between its first and second positions.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the pump further includes a first occlusion element located upstream of the fin and a second occlusion element located downstream of the fin. In this embodiment, the reciprocating element is further constructed to move the first and second occlusion elements between the first and second positions. In their respective first positions, the first and second occlusion elements substantially occlude flow through said tube. In their respective second positions, the first and second occlusion elements do not occlude flow through the tube. In this embodiment, the reciprocating element is configured to provide a desired coordinated sequence of movements of the flap, the first occlusion element, and the second occlusion element between their respective first and second positions to impart a desired flow pattern to through the tube.

According to another embodiment, a tube assembly includes a tube and a tube base or support having a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end part of the base defines a first tube receiving opening therethrough, and the second end part of the base defines a second tube receiving opening therethrough. The first and second tube receiving openings are constructed to slideably accommodate the tube therethrough. The base defines a channel therein, the channel extending between the first and second end portions of the base. The channel is defined by a surface of the base constructed to hook a length of the tube around a portion of the circumference of the tube. At least a portion of the tube is constructed to be compressed against the surface of the base by a fin associated with a pump with which the tube assembly is used.

Brief description of the drawings

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference may be made to the following detailed description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a pump constructed in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a tube receiving portion of a pump constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2A is an exploded view of a tube assembly and tube assembly receiving portion of a pump constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a planar front elevation view of a tube support base of a tube assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the tube holder taken along line 4-4 of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the slide clamp with a tube inserted therein according to the present invention;

Figure 6 is an illustration of a cam-based reciprocating element configuration of the pump constructed in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 7 is an illustration of a piston-based reciprocating element configuration of the pump constructed in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of Figure 2A and shows the slide clamp moved to a position in which it occludes the tube in the tube holder;

Figure 9 is a partial cross-sectional view similar to Figure 8 but shows the tubing assembly installed in the pump and the slide clamp moved to a non-occluding position;

Figure 10 is a partial cross-sectional view similar to Figure 9 but shows the slide clamp moved to a position in which it occludes the tube; and Figure 11 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 of Figure 2A and shows in greater detail the structure for slidingly mounting the tube assembly in the tube assembly receiving portion. of the pump according to the present invention.

Detailed description

Features or elements that are the same or similar in structure or function are designated by the same or similar reference numerals in the figures and the following description.

A pump constructed in accordance with the present invention is indicated generally by 10 in Figure 1. Pump 10 includes a housing 12 that is constructed to enclose the various electromechanical structures associated with pump 10. Housing 12 can be constructed of a variety of materials. known, including, but not limited to, metals and plastics.

An operator control panel 14 is mounted in the housing 12 and is constructed to facilitate the use of the pump 10. In the embodiment of the present invention depicted in Figure 1, the operator control panel 14 includes a display 16 constructed to provide a visual indication of certain operating parameters of pump 10. For example, display 16 may be an LED display of known construction and operation. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other known display technologies can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. Display 16 is preferably configured to provide a visually perceptible numeric and / or symbolic display that will allow a user to determine (a) the operating parameters of pump 10, eg, time, rate, volume of fluid delivered, volume of fluid to be supplied, etc .; and / or b) the operating parameters programmed into pump 10 by the operator, thereby allowing the pump operator to confirm that the correct pumping parameters have been programmed into pump 10.

The operator control panel 14 further includes a user interface 18 that is configured to allow a user to program or otherwise operate the pump 10 of the present invention. In the embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1, the user interface 18 includes a plurality of buttons 20, including number buttons 22 and function buttons 24. It will be appreciated that the user interface 18 may alternatively or additionally include known switches, levers, and other control devices. For example, function buttons 24 may include a start / stop / hold button that allows a user to start, pause, or end a pumping regimen. In addition, the function buttons 24 may include buttons that allow a user to view certain information about the pump, such as the amount of liquid delivered during the pumping regime, the current pump rate, the time elapsed or remaining in the regime. dosage, and other desired operating information. Function buttons 24 may also include buttons that allow a user to program pump 10 to generate a desired pump rate. For example, function buttons 24 may include buttons that allow a user to program the pump rate and / or volume to be pumped, as well as buttons that allow a user to select one of a plurality of preprogrammed pump rates. . The buttons 20 may also include buttons that allow a user to deliver a bolus of liquid immediately, or at a selected time during the pumping regime. Additional pump controls may be included in the user interface 18 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

IS 2 310 238 T3

User interface 18 and display 16 are electronically coupled to a central processing unit 100 that is configured to control the operation of pump 10. Central processing unit 100 (CPU, Central Processing Unit) is preferably configured to receive information for operating parameters of the user interface 18 and for controlling the operation of the pump 10 accordingly. Central processing unit 100 is further configured to control display 16 to provide a visual indication of operating parameter information entered by a user via user interface 18. The central processing unit is also configured to monitor the operation of pump 10, for example, run time, cycles, etc., and to control display 16 to provide a visual indication of the operating parameters of pump 10. . CPU 100 may be integrally located within pump 10 as shown or may be located remote from pump 10 and electrically connected thereto via an electrically connected wire or conductor.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the pump 10 includes a fin 102 having a leading edge 104 having a length and a width, leading edge 104 which is constructed to impart a compressive force on a tube 30 disposed in a part. receiving tube 26 from pump 10, as described in detail herein. Pump 10 also includes a first occlusion element 106 and a second occlusion element 108. The first and second occlusion elements 106, 108 have respective leading edges 110, 112 constructed to impart a compressive force on a tube 30 disposed in the tube receiving portion 26 of the pump 10, as described in detail in FIG. present memory. The first occlusion element 106 is located in an upstream position with respect to the fin 102, while the second occlusion element 108 is located in a downstream position with respect to the fin 102. The leading edges 104, 110, and 112 of fin 102, first occlusion element 106, and second occlusion element 108, respectively, are shown in the figures as in substantially linear alignment with each other. This relative orientation of the flap 102, the first occlusion element 106, and the second occlusion element 108 allows operation of the pump 10 with a minimal probability of inadvertent bending of a tube 30 arranged in the tube receiving portion 26. However, it will be appreciated that the fin 102, the first occlusion element 106, and the second occlusion element 108 can be positioned relative to each other in a variety of ways, for example, to define a curved path for a tube 30 positioned in the tube receiving part 26.

Central processing unit 100 is electrically coupled to a motor 114 that is configured to operate reciprocating element 116 according to operating parameters programmed into central processing unit 100 using user interface 18. The reciprocating member 116 is constructed to impart reciprocation to the flap 102, the first occlusion member 106, and the second occlusion member 108 between the respective first and second positions of each other.

As discussed above, in their respective first positions, leading edges 104, 110, and 112 are positioned in engagement with a tube 30 located in tube receiving portion 26 so that leading edges 104, 110, and 112 , respectively, compress the tube in their respective first positions. In one embodiment of the present invention, leading edges 104, 110, and 112 substantially occlude flow (in their respective positions) through a tube 30 located in tube receiving portion 26 when fin 102, the first element occlusion 106, and the second occlusion element 108 are in their respective first positions. In the second respective positions of the fin 102, the first occlusion element 106, and the second occlusion element 108, the leading edges 104, 110, and 112, respectively, do not impart a compressive force on a tube 30 located within the tube receiving portion 26, thereby allowing flow through the tube at the respective positions of the leading edges 104, 110, and 112.

The reciprocating element 116 of pump 10 can have a variety of known configurations. In one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, reciprocating element 116 includes a shaft 118 rotatably driven by motor 114. Cam members 120 are positioned on shaft 118 to cause lateral reciprocation of flap 102, first occlusion member 106, and second occlusion member 108 when shaft 118 is rotated by motor 114. Reciprocating member 116 may include resilient members 122, for example springs, associated with each of flap 102, first occlusion member 106, and second occlusion member 108 to ensure desired reciprocation thereof from their respective first positions to their respective second positions. However, it will be appreciated that the elasticity of a tube 30 located in the tube receiving portion 26, along with the pressure of a fluid passing through the tube, will tend to cause the fin 102, the first occlusion element 106 , and the second occlusion element 108 moves from their respective first positions to their respective second positions when the cam elements 120 are not forcing the flap 102 to the first occlusion element 106, and / or the second occlusion element 108 toward their respective first positions.

In an alternate embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figure 7, motor 114 and reciprocating element 116 are constructed to provide three piston elements 124, each piston element 124 being associated with one of fin 102, the first occlusion element 106, and the second occlusion element 108. In this embodiment, motor 114 and reciprocating element 116 are constructed to selectively move piston elements 124 in a desired pattern to cause fin 102, first occlusion element 106, and second occlusion element 108 to engage. move between their respective first and second positions as discussed above. In this embodiment, the fin 102, the first occlusion element 106, and the second occlusion element 108 may be mechanically coupled to the piston elements 124 by means of the

ES 2 310 238 T3 coupling element 126 to provide the desired reciprocating movement thereof. Alternatively, the fin 102, the first occlusion element 106, and the second occlusion element 108 may be physically separated from the piston elements 124, but positioned to be forced into their respective first positions by the piston elements 124. Elastic members 122 may be provided to bias flap 102, first occlusion member 106, and second occlusion member 108 to their respective second positions as discussed above.

Motor 114 and reciprocating element 116 are constructed to move flap 102, first occlusion element 106, and second occlusion element 108 between their respective first and second positions in a predetermined sequence to impart a desired flow pattern. through a tube 30 located in the tube receiving portion 26. For example, motor 114 and reciprocating element 116 may be constructed to provide the following sequence of movements to flap 102, first occlusion element 106, and second occlusion element 108: (i) the first occlusion element 106 and flap 102 are in their respective second positions while the second occlusion element 108 is in its first position, thereby allowing fluid to flow into a tube 30 located within the portion of tube receiving 26; (ii) the first occlusion element 106 is moved to its first position while the flap 102 is in its second position and the second occlusion element 108 is in its first position, thus preventing further flow of fluid into a tube 30 located inside tube receiving portion 26; (iii) the second occlusion element 108 is moved to its second position while the first occlusion element 106 is in its first position and the flap 102 is in its second position, thereby allowing fluid to flow out of a tube 30 located within the tube receiving portion 26; (iv) the flap 102 is moved to its first position while the first occlusion element 106 is in its first position and the second occlusion element 108 is in its second position, thereby forcing fluid to flow downstream out of a tube 30 located within the tube receiving portion 26; (v) the second occlusion element 108 is moved to its first position while the first occlusion element 106 and flap 102 are in their respective first positions; and (vi) the first occlusion element 106 and the flap 102 are moved to their respective second positions, thereby allowing fluid to flow into a tube 30 located in the tube receiving portion 26.

It is to be appreciated that the foregoing is only one example of operation of the pump 10 of the present invention. In this example, the first and second occlusion elements 106, 108 are moved in a complementary manner to prevent back flow through a tube 30 located within the tube receiving portion 26. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various modifications of this pattern of operation are possible, depending on the desired flow characteristics through the tube.

It will be appreciated that the volume of fluid pumped through a tube 30 located in the tube receiving portion 26 with each movement of the fin 102 toward its first position will depend on (i) the length and width of the leading edge 104 of the fin 102; and (ii) the cross-sectional dimensions of the tube. The width of the leading edge 104 of the fin 102 is preferably selected such that the leading edge 104 substantially collapses a tube 30 located in the tube receiving portion 26 along a length of the leading edge 104 when the fin 102 is in its first position, thereby minimizing the amount of residual fluid left in the tube during each compression of the tube by the fin 102. The length and width of the leading edge 104 of the fin 102 are selected to provide a desired range of flow volumes in each stroke of the fin 102. The length of the leading edge 104 of the fin 102 is preferably between about 2 cm. and about 12 cm.

In the embodiment of the present invention depicted in Figures 1 and 2, the tube receiving portion of the pump 10 includes a door 28 that is hingedly attached to the housing 12 to allow easy access to the tube 30. Tube receiving portion 26 is constructed to releasably house and retain a length of tube 30 therein through which pump 10 will pump a selected fluid, as described in detail herein. Latching means 29, 31 are provided on door 28 and pump casing 12 to releasably hold door 28 in a closed position. The latch means 29, 31 may include, without limitation, metal plates and magnets or fasteners, hook or latch and latch arrangements, fabric hook and loop arrangements, and the like. Latching means 29, 31 should be designed to keep door 28 closed despite the forces imparted on door 28 by flap 102 and occlusion elements 106, 108, and still allow maintenance personnel to manually open door 28 .

As depicted in FIG. 2, housing 12 and door 28 define a first tube access opening 36 that is sized and configured to allow tube 30 to pass through without substantially restricting fluid flow through. through tube 30. Housing 12 and door 28 further define a second tube access opening 38 that is dimensioned and configured to allow tube 30 to pass through without substantially restricting fluid flow through tube 30. It will be appreciated that the first and second tube access openings 36, 38 may be fully defined by the housing 12 or by the door 28. However, in the depicted embodiment, the housing 12 and the door 28 each define a portion of the tube access openings 36, 38. The first and second tube access openings 36, 38 may be constructed such that are larger in diameter than the outer diameter of tube 30, thereby ensuring that the first and second tube access openings 36, 38 do not impart any compressive force on tube 30. Alternatively, the first and second tube access openings 36, 38 may be constructed such that they are equal to or slightly smaller in diameter than the outside diameter of tube 30, thereby causing the first and second tube access openings to second 36, 38 frictionally engage the tube 30 passing through the receiving portion of

ES 2 310 238 T3 tube 26. However, it is preferable that the frictional engagement between tube 30 and housing 12 is not so important as to impart more than a nominal compressive force on tube 30, thereby minimizing stresses. effects of the first and second tube access openings 36, 38 on the flow characteristics of a fluid pumped by pump 10 through tube 30.

In a first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 2, the door 28 defines a surface 40 constructed to substantially limit the movement of the tube 30 when a compressive force is applied to the tube 30 by any of the fin 102, the first occlusion element 106, and the second occlusion element 108. Surface 40 is preferably arcuate in cross section, the arc having a diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of a tube 30 to be positioned in tube receiving portion 26, thereby ensuring that surface 40 substantially prevents movement of the tube. tube 30 moving away from fin 102, first occlusion member 106, and / or second occlusion member 108 during operation of pump 10. Surface 40 may also be defined as an arcuate recess or elongated slit 42 formed on door 28 between first and second tube access openings 36, 38. Slit 42 may have a curved or flat bottom surface and opposite sides with a radius. that combines the bottom surface with each of the sides. The width of slit 42 is preferably sufficient to accommodate the necessary collapse or flattening of tube 30 during compression by fin 102 and occlusion elements 106, 108. It will be appreciated that arcuate recess 42 defined by gate 28 cannot provide more than about 180 ° of circumferential constriction for tube 30 without making it difficult for a pump operator to position tube 30 in tube receiving portion 26 of pump 10. For this reason, a tube assembly 60 constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention as described below is beneficial.

In the second embodiment of the pump 10 of the present invention shown in Figure 2A, the door 28A has an inner surface 32 and an elongated cavity 34 is formed therethrough. The cavity 34 generally mates with a similar cavity 35 on the housing 12 of the pump 10. The flap 102 and occlusion elements 106, 108 mate with the cavity 34 when the door 28A is closed. Door 28A defines at least one tube support housing slot 44 constructed to slideably and lockably accommodate a corresponding number of tab elements 46 associated with tube assembly 60 to ensure proper positioning of tube assembly 60. within the tube assembly receiving portion 26A of the pump 10. In the depicted embodiment, two pairs of opposing tab elements 46 are positioned on a base 62 or tube holder to slidably engage two pairs of L-shaped slots 44 and ensure that tube assembly 60 is properly positioned within the tube assembly receiving portion 26A prior to supplying a fluid through tube 30. Also in this embodiment, the door 28A defines an opening 48 therethrough, the function of which will be described in detail later.

As can be understood by referring to Figures 1 and 2A, tube assembly 60 of the present invention includes tube 30 having a first end portion 52 constructed to be fluidly connected to a source of fluid to be supplied to a patient. For example, the first end portion 52 may include a spike or other penetrating element defining a flow channel therethrough, the penetrating element being constructed to penetrate a pierceable gasket or membrane that seals a fluid container from fluids. . The first end portion 52 may also include a luer element or other known connector to provide a fluid connection between the tube 30 and a fluid container.

Tube 30 of tube assembly 60 also includes a second end portion 54 constructed to connect directly or indirectly to a patient, thereby allowing delivery of fluid to the patient. For example, the second end portion 54 may include a catheter configured for insertion into the circulatory system of a patient, or a nasogastric or gastrostomy tube constructed for insertion into the intestinal tract of a patient, or the second end portion 54 may be configured for the connection of fluids with such a catheter or tube. Tube 30 can be constructed of a variety of known materials, for example, silicone or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention tube 30 is constructed of PVC.

Referring to Figures 2A, 3, and 4, tube assembly 60 further includes a base 62 having a first end portion 64 and a second end portion 66. First end portion 64 defines a first tubing opening 68 configured to accommodate tube 30 therein. Second end portion 66 defines a second tubing opening 70 configured to house tube 30 therein. The first and second tubing openings 68, 70 are preferably configured to frictionally engage an outer surface of the tube 30 to inhibit inadvertent movement of the tube 30 through the first and second tubing openings 68, 70. However, the openings First and second tubing lines 68, 70 are also configured such that base 62 can slide along a length of tube 30. By providing the sliding motion of the base 62 along the length of the tube 30 of the tube assembly 60, it is possible to use different sections of the tube 30 to pump fluid. Thus, if fin 102, first occlusion element 106, and / or second occlusion element 108 cause a portion of tube 30 to be compromised in any way as a result of the application of compressive forces to tube 30, base 62 is movable along tube 30 so that a separate portion of tube 30 is disposed within tube assembly receiving portion 26 of pump 10. Also, by providing the sliding motion of the base 62 along the length of the tube 30 of the tube assembly 60, it is possible for a person using the tube assembly 60 to adjust the position of the base 62 to a position that is more comfortable for the intended operation of the pump 10.

IS 2 310 238 T3

Base 62 defines an arcuate channel 72 therethrough between said first and second tubing openings 68, 70. Arcuate channel 72 and first and second tubing openings 68, 70 are substantially coaxial in the embodiment of the invention shown. In the present memory. The arcuate channel 72 and the first and second tubing openings 68, 70 can also be oriented relative to each other to cause the tube 30 in the tube assembly 60 to bend. It will be appreciated that the respective orientations of the arcuate channel 72 and the first and second tubing openings 68, 70 will be determined, at least in part, by the respective positions of the fin 102, the first occlusion element 106, and the second element. occlusion 108 of the pump 10 with which the tubing assembly 60 is to be used.

The arcuate channel 72 is configured to prevent movement of the tube 30 upon activation of either fin 102, the first occlusion element 106, and the second occlusion element 108. The diameter or radius R of the arcuate channel 72 is preferably substantially substantially. equal to the diameter or outer radius of tube 30. The arcuate channel 72 surrounds 120 ° - 340 ° of the circumference of the tube 30 to inhibit the movement of the tube 30 upon application of compressive forces thereto by the fin 102, the first occluding member 106, and the second locking member. occlusion 108. It is not possible for arcuate channel 72 to surround 360 ° of the circumference of tube 30 without affecting the ability of fin 102, first occlusion member 106, and second occlusion member 108 to compress tube 30. Accordingly, a slot 74 is defined by the base 62, the slot 74 being configured to allow movement of the flap 102, the first occlusion member 106, and the second occlusion member 108 therethrough.

As discussed above, one or more tab elements 46 are formed on base 62. As best seen in Figures 2A and 11, tab elements 46 co-operate with grooves 44 on pump 10 to ensure tightness. proper positioning and retention of tube assembly 60 within tube assembly receiving portion 26A.

As best seen in Figures 2A and 5, tube assembly 60 further includes slide clamp 76 constructed to selectively occlude tube 30. Slide clamp 76 defines a channel 78 having a first end portion 80 and a extreme second part 82. Channel 78 in first end portion 80 is configured such that tube 30 can be received therethrough without imparting a compressive force to tube 30, while channel 78 in second end portion 82 is configured (preferably tapered ) such that tube 30 is compressed by slide clamp 76 when tube 30 is positioned within second end portion 82 of channel 78.

Slide bracket 76 is positioned on base 62 such that it can reciprocate through opening 48 defined by door 28A. Slide bracket 76 slides into a hole 77 formed through first end portion 64 of base 62. Slide bracket 76 is preferably longer than the depth of first end portion 64. The slide clamp 76 is slidably inserted into the hole 77 such that the first end portion 80 of the channel 78 is mated with the first tubing opening 68. The tube 30 is then inserted through the opening 68 and the first extreme part 80 of channel 78. Preferably in this position of slide clamp 76 its upper surface is substantially flush with the upper surface of base 62, and the lower surface of slide clamp 76 protrudes from the lower surface of base 62 as shown in Figure 9. Slide clamp 76 is then pushed forward or upward into hole 77 to occlude tube 30 as shown in Figure 8. In this position both the upper and lower surfaces of the slide clamp 76 protrude somewhat from the base 62.

An oblong recess 50 in door 28A around opening 48 houses the portion of slide clamp 76 that protrudes below the base and allows tube assembly 60 to be positioned in cavity 34 in which slots 44 house tabs 46. Tube assembly 60 is then slid downward in Figures 2A and 11 such that grooves 44 constrict tabs 46 and thereby retain tube assembly 60 in cavity 34 of door 28A. Once the occluded tube assembly 60 is releasably attached to the port 28A in this manner, the slide valve 76 is mated with the opening 48 and the user can push the slide valve 76 toward the rear of the door 28A to open tube 30. The user then closes door 28A against pump casing 12. Latching means 29, 31 keep door 28A closed until the user is ready to open it. Advantageously, the user can still slide tube 30 longitudinally within tube assembly 60 to adjust play and avoid excessive repeated compression cycles of a given length of tube 30. To prevent free flow of fluid through tube 30 when tube assembly 60 is located within tube assembly receiving portion 26A, at least one of fin 102, first occlusion member 106, and second occlusion element 108 is preferably in its first position.

To remove tubing assembly 60 from pump 10, the user presses slide valve 76 down (toward pump casing 12) into opening 48, as shown in Figure 10, occluding tubing. 30 forcing it towards the second narrowed end portion 82. A recess 56 in the cavity 35 of the pump casing 12 houses this movement of the slide valve 76. The door 28A can then be opened and the tube assembly 60 removed or replaced. Slide clamp 76 is preferably constructed such that tube assembly 60 can be installed in tube assembly receiving portion 26A of pump 10 with tube 30 in second end portion 82 of channel 78, preventing that mode the free flow of fluid through tube 30.

IS 2 310 238 T3

Slide clamp 76, aperture 48, grooves 44, and tab elements 46 co-operate to prevent removal of tubing assembly 60 from pump 10 unless slide clamp 76 is in a position to occlude. flow through tube 30. That is, when tube 30 is located in the first end portion 80 of channel 78, a portion of slide clamp 76 is disposed through aperture 48. It will be appreciated that the tab elements 46 cooperate with L-shaped grooves 44 to allow the base 62 to move only in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tab elements 46 and the grooves 44. However, because the slide clamp 76 is configured to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement allowed by the barb elements 46 and the grooves 44, the slide clamp 76 prevents the tube assembly 60 from snapping. remove from tube assembly receiving portion 26A while flow through tube 30 is still possible. Therefore, to remove the tube assembly 60 from the tube assembly receiving portion 26A, it is necessary to apply a force to the slide clamp 76, thereby forcing the slide clamp 76 through the opening 48, which simultaneously forces tube 30 toward said second end portion 82 of channel 78, thereby occluding flow through tube 30. Once tube 30 is properly positioned within second end portion 82 of channel 78, tube assembly 60 can be removed from tube assembly receiving portion 26A. It will also be appreciated that tube assembly 60 cannot be properly positioned in tube assembly receiving portion 26A unless tube 30 is located within second end portion 82 of channel 78 due to relative functions and orientations of the tube. slide clamp 76, aperture 48, tab elements 46, and grooves 44.

It is to be appreciated that the pump 10 of the present invention is intended for use in the delivery of a wide variety of fluids to a patient, including both the delivery of enteral food products to the gastrointestinal tract of a patient and the delivery of parenteral products to the system. vascular of a patient.

Although the present invention has been described herein in connection with certain exemplary embodiments, it is anticipated that certain modifications will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, without thereby departing from the scope of the appended claims.