Combined load and latch mechanism for fluid flow control apparatus
First Claim
1. In a fluid flow control apparatus for controlling the parenteral administration of liquids through a feeding tube from a liquid source to a patient, the combination comprising:
- electromechanical output means for manipulating the feeding tube to vary the flow of liquid in the feeding tube, said output means including biasing means for applying a bias force normally urging said output means to a position for engagement with the feeding tube; and
a latch mounted for movement between an open position and a closed position, said latch in said open position urging said output means to a position for disengagement with the feeding tube, and said biasing means urging said output means to automatically return to said position for engagement with the feeding tube upon movement of said latch to said closed position, said latch further including a wall defining one side of a channel for capturing the feeding tube in position for manipulation by said output means when said latch is in said closed position.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A combination load and latch mechanism for fluid flow control apparatus, wherein a latch mounted for pivotal movement may be manually opened to disengage an electromechanical manipulating device to permit loading or unloading a feeding tube, the latch automatically closing and the device re-engaging upon release of the latch. The latch includes a slotted side wall that defines a retaining surface for capturing the tube relative to the manipulating device, and a cam surface upon which the tube acts during loading to cam the latch open. Means are included for sensing movement of the latch prior to any disengagement of the manipulating device.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. In a fluid flow control apparatus for controlling the parenteral administration of liquids through a feeding tube from a liquid source to a patient, the combination comprising:
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electromechanical output means for manipulating the feeding tube to vary the flow of liquid in the feeding tube, said output means including biasing means for applying a bias force normally urging said output means to a position for engagement with the feeding tube; and a latch mounted for movement between an open position and a closed position, said latch in said open position urging said output means to a position for disengagement with the feeding tube, and said biasing means urging said output means to automatically return to said position for engagement with the feeding tube upon movement of said latch to said closed position, said latch further including a wall defining one side of a channel for capturing the feeding tube in position for manipulation by said output means when said latch is in said closed position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. In a fluid flow control apparatus for controlling the parenteral administration of liquids through a feeding tube from a liquid source to a patient, the combination comprising:
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tube clamping means for squeezing the feeding tube; clamping actuator means, coupled to said tube clamping means, for applying a bias force causing said tube clamping means to normally squeeze the feeding tube closed and thereby prevent liquid flow through the feeding tube, said clamping actuator means causing said tube clamping means to repetitively open the feeding tube to allow controlled liquid flow through the feeding tube; and clamping disengagement means mounted adjacent said tube clamping means for movement between a fully open position and a fully closed position, said clamping disengagement means in said fully closed position permitting said tube clamping means to open and close the feeding tube in response to said clamping actuator means, and said clamping disengagement means in said fully open position urging said tube clamping means against said bias force to disengage said tube clamping means and thereby permit loading and unloading of the feeding tube relative to said tube clamping means, said clamping disengagement means moveable from said fully closed position to said fully open position responsive to a manual actuating force, said clamping disengagement means remaining in said fully open position only by continued application of said manual actuating force, and said clamping disengagement means urged by said bias force to automatically return to said fully closed position upon removal of said manual actuating force. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification