APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PREVENTING FREE FLOW IN AN INFUSION LINE
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A system for selectively preventing flow through a length of tubing, the system comprising:
- a length of tubing;
a body having a proximal section disposed in the tubing;
a stop attached to the proximal section of the body and disposed in the tubing; and
an actuator movable into communication with the tubing for pressing on the tubing on one side of the stop to thereby open a flow channel between the tubing and the stop, the actuator comprising a plurality of engagement surfaces for engaging the tubing at a plurality of different locations.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus and method for preventing free flow through an infusion set utilizes an occluder disposed within the infusion set to selectively prevent flow therethrough. The occluder may be responsive to a pressure differential within the infusion set or may respond to compression of the infusion set. The occluder may also be configured to allow flow when the infusion set adjacent the occluder is moved sideways relative to the occluder or maintained at an angle relative to the occluder. When a pair of occluders are used in sequence, an in-line pump may be formed.
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Citations
73 Claims
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1. A system for selectively preventing flow through a length of tubing, the system comprising:
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a length of tubing; a body having a proximal section disposed in the tubing; a stop attached to the proximal section of the body and disposed in the tubing; and an actuator movable into communication with the tubing for pressing on the tubing on one side of the stop to thereby open a flow channel between the tubing and the stop, the actuator comprising a plurality of engagement surfaces for engaging the tubing at a plurality of different locations.
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2-17. -17. (canceled)
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18. A method for selectively preventing flow in a tube comprising:
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selecting a tube having an occluder disposed therein, the occluder comprising a body having a proximal and a distal end and a stop attached to the proximal end of the body, the stop engaging the interior surface of the tube to prevent flow therethrough; moving an actuator having a plurality of engagement surfaces disposed thereon into engagement with the tube so that the plurality of engagement surfaces on the actuator engage the tube at different locations on one side of the tube and open a flow channel between the stop and the interior surface of the tube. - View Dependent Claims (19)
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20-49. -49. (canceled)
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50. A method for controlling flow in a set for delivering solution to a patient comprising:
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selecting a set having a tube having a bore and an occluder having a body having a proximal end configured for disposition in the bore of the tube and having a stop disposed on the proximal end of the body so as to form a seal between the stop and the tube and thereby prevent flow past the stop; disposing the infusion set in an infusion pump having a pumping mechanism such that the pumping mechanism occludes flow through the tubing when the infusion set engages the pumping mechanism; and moving an actuator into contact with the tube to engage the infusing set at a plurality of locations with the actuator such that a single flow channel is created adjacent the stop so as to allow flow past the occluder. - View Dependent Claims (51)
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52. A method for selectively controlling free flow in a delivery set, the method comprising:
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selecting an delivery set having tubing and having an occluder disposed in the bore of the tubing to prevent flow of solution past the occluder; mounting the delivery set into an infusion pump; and engaging the tubing with an actuator so as open a flow channel generally opposite the actuator between the occluder and the tubing of the infusion set to allow flow past the occluder. - View Dependent Claims (53, 54)
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55. A system for delivering fluids, the system comprising:
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a tube at least portion of which is radially expandable, the tube having a bore; an occluder disposed inside the tube to thereby selectively prevent flow through the bore; and a pump configured to engage the tube and push fluid therethrough, the pump having a structure formed therein for receiving the tube and occluder such that pushing the tube into the structure compresses the tube against the occluder on one side and opens a fluid flow path on an opposing side. - View Dependent Claims (56, 57, 58, 59, 60)
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61. A system for delivering solution to a patient comprising:
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a pump housing having channel formed therein; and a tube having an occluder disposed therein; wherein the tube is mounted in the channel such that at least a portion of the channel applies a compressive force on at least a portion of the tube and opens a flow channel past the occluder. - View Dependent Claims (62, 63, 64, 65, 72, 73)
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66. A system for selectively delivering fluid through a tube, the system comprising:
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a tube having an occluder disposed therein; and a channel having sides and a bottom, a section of the tube and occluder being disposed adjacent the bottom of the channel to open a single flow path past the occluder. - View Dependent Claims (67, 68, 69)
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71. A method for delivering a solution to a patient, the method comprising:
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selecting a tube having an occluder formed therein to obstruct flow; and disposing the tube and the occluder into a generally U-shaped channel so as to distend the tube adjacent the occluder and open a flow path between the occluder and the tube.
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Specification