Fluid delivery mechanism having a plurality of plungers for compressing a metering chamber
First Claim
1. A method of storing and distributing energy to a device to move liquid through a tube, the method comprising:
- providing compressed fluid to an energy storage tank;
storing the compressed fluid in the energy storage tank;
providing a fluid-actuated mechanism for moving liquid through a tube;
providing compressed fluid to the fluid-actuated mechanism from the energy storage tank;
utilizing the compressed fluid to compress a tube;
utilizing the compressed fluid to pinch-off the tube distal to the compressed tube at a first location;
stopping the compressed fluid to release the compressed tube;
utilizing the compressed fluid to pinch-off the tube at a second location that is proximal to the compressed tube and the first location;
stopping the compressed fluid to release the pinched-off tube at the first location; and
utilizing the compressed fluid to re-compress the tube.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention provides an infusion pump 10 for providing a flow of a liquid through an tube 28. The infusion pump 10 includes at least two occluders 152, 162 having an open position and a closed position for releasably pinching-off the tube 28. A metering chamber is disposed between the two occluders 152, 162. A first plunger 72 and a second plunger 73 are provided, each plunger 72, 73 having an open position and a closed position for releasably compressing the metering chamber. In the method of the present invention, an occluder 152 releasably pinches-off the tube near the source of the liquid at a first location. The second occluder 162 releasably pinches-off the tube at a second location that is downstream from the source of the liquid 23 and the first location. The tube 28 is released at the first location and a plunger 72 compresses the tube 28 between the first location and the second location, thereby generating a flow of the liquid through the tube 28 in a direction towards the source of liquid 23.
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Citations
8 Claims
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1. A method of storing and distributing energy to a device to move liquid through a tube, the method comprising:
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providing compressed fluid to an energy storage tank;
storing the compressed fluid in the energy storage tank;
providing a fluid-actuated mechanism for moving liquid through a tube;
providing compressed fluid to the fluid-actuated mechanism from the energy storage tank;
utilizing the compressed fluid to compress a tube;
utilizing the compressed fluid to pinch-off the tube distal to the compressed tube at a first location;
stopping the compressed fluid to release the compressed tube;
utilizing the compressed fluid to pinch-off the tube at a second location that is proximal to the compressed tube and the first location;
stopping the compressed fluid to release the pinched-off tube at the first location; and
utilizing the compressed fluid to re-compress the tube. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A method of storing and distributing energy to a device to move liquid through a tube, the method comprising:
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providing compressed fluid to an energy storage tank including monitoring the pressure in the energy storage tank such that when high pressure occurs the supply of compressed fluid is stopped;
storing the compressed fluid in the energy storage tank;
providing a fluid-actuated mechanism for moving liquid through a tube; and
providing compressed fluid to the fluid-actuated mechanism from the energy storage tank.
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7. A device comprising:
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at least one fluid compressor for providing compressed fluid;
an energy storage tank in fluid communication with the fluid compressor for storing the compressed fluid under a pressure wherein the fluid compressor provides pressure to the energy storage tank;
a fluid driven mechanism in fluid communication with the energy storage tank, said fluid driven mechanism for moving liquid through a tube operatively associated with the fluid driven mechanism; and
,a second fluid compressor that provides pressure to an inflatable bladder which presses on a container of liquid connected to the tube operatively associated with the fluid driven mechanism to create a source of pressurized liquid for the fluid driven mechanism.
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8. A device for providing a flow of a liquid through a tube, the device comprising:
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a fluid-actuated chamber for placing a source of liquid under pressure connected to the tube;
at least two fluid-actuated occluders having an open position and a closed position for releasably pinching-off the tube;
a metering chamber disposed between the occluders;
a fluid-actuated plunger having an open position and a closed position for releasably compressing the metering chamber; and
,an energy storage tank in fluid communication with a fluid compressor for storing compressed fluid under pressure wherein the fluid compressor provides pressure to the energy storage tank and wherein a second fluid compressor provides pressure to the occluders.
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Specification