IV pump and disposable flow chamber with flow control

Claim 2

A pumping chamber for use with a pump actuator for infusing fluids into patients comprising: base means for providing a base surface defining one side of the pumping chamber; a top portion having an inner surface spaced-apart from said base surface of said base means and an outer surface for contacting the pump actuator which is used for moving said top portion relative to said base means, said top portion for providing the other side of the pumping chamber; flexible wall means connected to the base surface of the base means and to the inner surface of the top portion for providing a volume therebetween, said flexible wall means having a first perimeter where it attaches to the top portion and a second perimeter where it attaches to the base means, said flexible wall means constructed of a material having a modulus of elasticity and a thickness such that when said pump actuator is not moving, said flexible wall means does not collapse when subjected to a negative gauge pressure, said elasticity and said thickness also such that said flexible wall means bends when the pump actuator moves the top portion relative to the base means; inlet/outlet means for providing an inlet opening to permit an infusate into said volume and an outlet opening for permitting said infusate out of said volume; wherein, said stiff non-compliant surface of said base means and said inner surface of said cap means are substantially planar and oriented parallel to each other; and wherein, an orthogonal projection of the second perimeter onto the plane of the inner surface of said cap means contains the first perimeter; and wherein said wall means has a thickness in a cross-section orthogonal to the first plane which is the same at the first perimeter as it is at the second perimeter.

Claim 3

A disposable pumping apparatus for use with first and second actuators for infusing fluids into patients under a pumping pressure, comprising: base means for providing a base surface; a first top portion having an inner surface spaced apart from said base surface and an outer surface positioned to contact said first actuator, said first top portion providing one side of said first pumping subchamber, an other side of said first pumping subchamber being provided by the base surface; first flexible wall means connected to the base surface and to the inner surface of the first top portion for providing a first volume therebetween defining said first pumping subchamber, said first flexible wall means constructed of a material having a modulus of elasticity and a thickness such that when said first actuator is not moving said first cap means, said first flexible wall means does not collapse when subjected to a negative gauge pressure, said elasticity and said thickness also such that said first flexible wall means bends when said first actuator moves the first top portion relative to the base means; a second top portion having an inner surface spaced apart from said base surface and an outer surface positioned to contact said second actuator, said second top portion for providing one side of said second pumping subchamber, an other side of said second pumping subchamber being provided by the base surface; and second flexible wall means connected to the base surface and to the inner surface of the second top portion for providing a second volume therebetween defining said second pumping subchamber, said second flexible wall means constructed of a material having a modulus of elasticity and a thickness such that when said second actuator is not moving said second top portion, said second flexible wall means does not collapse when subjected to said negative gauge pressure, said elasticity and said thickness also such that said second flexible wall means bends when said second actuator means moves the second top portion relative to the base means; inlet means connected to the first volume for permitting fluids to enter the first volume; transfer means connected to the first volume and the second volume for providing a conduit for fluids being transferred between the first volume and the second volume; outlet means connected to the second volume for permitting fluids to exit the second volume and wherein said outer surface of said first top portion is domed outwards relative to said base surface.

Claim 4

A disposable pumping apparatus for use with first and second actuators for infusing fluids into patients under a pumping pressure, comprising: base means for providing a base surface; a first top portion having an inner surface spaced apart from said base surface and an outer surface positioned to contact said first actuator, said first top portion providing one side of said first pumping subchamber, an other side of said first pumping subchamber being provided by the base surface; first flexible wall means connected to the base surface and to the inner surface of the first top portion for providing a first volume therebetween defining said first pumping subchamber, said first flexible wall means constructed of a material having a modulus of elasticity and a thickness such that when said first actuator is not moving said first cap means, said first flexible wall means does not collapse when subjected to a negative gauge pressure, said elasticity and said thickness also such that said first flexible wall means bends when said first actuator moves the first top portion relative to the base means; a second top portion having an inner surface spaced apart from said base surface and an outer surface positioned to contact said second actuator, said second top portion for providing one side of said second pumping subchamber, an other side of said second pumping subchamber being provided by the base surface; and second flexible wall means connected to the base surface and to the inner surface of the second top portion for providing a second volume therebetween defining said second pumping subchamber, said second flexible wall means constructed of a material having a modulus of elasticity and a thickness such that when said second actuator is not moving said second top portion, said second flexible wall means does not collapse when subjected to said negative gauge pressure, said elasticity and said thickness also such that said second flexible wall means bends when said second actuator means moves the second top portion relative to the base means; inlet means connected to the first volume for permitting fluids to enter the first volume; transfer means connected to the first volume and the second volume for providing a conduit for fluids being transferred between the first volume and the second volume; outlet means connected to the second volume for permitting fluids to exit the second volume and wherein said outer surface of said first top portion is domed outwards relative to said base surface.

Claim 5

A disposable pumping apparatus as in claim 2 wherein said first top portion is constructed of the same material as said first flexible wall means and wherein said first top portion has a thickness greater than the thickness of said first flexible wall means.

Claim 6

An infusion system comprising: a disposable flow chamber having first and second pumping subchambers connected by a first collapsible passageway, said flow chamber having an inlet passageway connected to said first subchamber, and said flow chamber having an outlet collapsible passageway connected to said second subchamber permitting infusate to exit from said second subchamber; pump drive means having a first actuator means for changing the volume of said first subchamber and a second actuator means for changing the volume of said second subchamber, said pump drive means having first control valve means for depressing said first collapsible passageway to control flow of infusate between said first subchamber and said second subchamber, and having an outlet control valve means for depressing said outlet collapsible passageway to control flow of infusate leaving said second subchamber, said pump drive means having a motor means for driving said first and second actuator means, said first control valve means and said outlet control valve means, to pump infusate through said flow chamber, said pump drive means also having means for moving said outlet control valve means with said motor means while said first control valve means is held fixed.

Claim 7

An infusion system comprising: a disposable flow chamber having first and second pumping subchambers connected by a first collapsible passageway, said flow chamber having an inlet passageway connected to said first subchamber, and said flow chamber having an outlet collapsible passageway connected to said second subchamber permitting infusate to exit from said second subchamber; pump drive means having a first actuator means for changing the volume of said first subchamber and a second actuator means for changing the volume of said second subchamber, said pump drive means having first control valve means for depressing said first collapsible passageway to control flow of infusate between said first subchamber and said second subchamber, and having an outlet control valve means for depressing said outlet collapsible passageway to control flow of infusate leaving said second subchamber, said pump drive means having a motor means for driving said first and second actuator means, said first control valve means and said outlet control valve means, to pump infusate through said flow chamber, said pump drive means also having means for moving said outlet control valve means with said motor means while said first control valve means is held fixed.

Claim 8

An infusion system as in claim 4 further comprising control means for controlling said motor means to cause pumping of infusate through said disposable flow chamber followed by a calibrated passive flow of infusate through said disposable flow chamber.

Claim 9

An infusion system as in claim 4 wherein said motor means comprises a single motor.

Claim 10

An infusion system comprising: a disposable flow chamber having first and second pumping subchambers connected by a first collapsible passageway, said flow chamber having an inlet passageway connected to said first subchamber, and said flow chamber having an outlet collapsible passageway connected to said second subchamber permitting infusate to exit from said second subchamber; pump drive means having a first actuator means for changing the volume of said first subchamber and a second actuator means for changing the volume of said second subchamber, said pump drive means having first control valve means for depressing said first collapsible passageway to control flow of infusate between said first subchamber and said second subchamber, and having an outlet control valve means for depressing said outlet collapsible passageway to control flow of infusate leaving said second subchamber, said pump drive means having a motor means for driving said first and second actuator means, said first control valve means and said outlet control valve means, to pump infusate through said flow chamber; and pump drive means also having means for moving said outlet control valve means with said motor means while said first control valve means is held fixed beam means coupled to said first and second actuator means for causing equal and opposite volume changes during pumping for said first and second subchambers.

Claim 11

An infusion system comprising: a disposable flow chamber having first and second pumping subchambers connected by a first collapsible passageway, said flow chamber having an inlet passageway connected to said first subchamber, and said flow chamber having an outlet collapsible passageway connected to said second subchamber permitting infusate to exit from said second subchamber; pump drive means having a first actuator means for changing the volume of said first subchamber and a second actuator means for changing the volume of said second subchamber, said pump drive means having first control valve means for depressing said first collapsible passageway to control flow of infusate between said first subchamber and said second subchamber, and having an outlet control valve means for depressing said outlet collapsible passageway to control flow of infusate leaving said second subchamber, said pump drive means having a motor means for driving said first and second actuator means, said first control valve means and said outlet control valve means, to pump infusate through said flow chamber; and pump drive means also having means for moving said outlet control valve means with said motor means while said first control valve means is held fixed beam means coupled to said first and second actuator means for causing equal and opposite volume changes during pumping for said first and second subchambers.

Claim 12

An infusion system as in claim 7, wherein said first and second subchambers have equal maximum volumes.

Claim 13

An infusion system as in claim 7, wherein said beam means is pivoted.

Claim 14

An infusion system comprising: a disposable flow chamber having first and second pumping subchambers connected by a first collapsible passageway, said flow chamber having an inlet passageway connected to said first subchamber, and said flow chamber having an outlet collapsible passageway connected to said second subchamber permitting infusate to exit from said second subchamber; pump drive means having a first actuator means for changing the volume of said first subchamber and a second actuator means for changing the volume of said second subchamber, said pump drive means having first control valve means for depressing said first collapsible passageway to control flow of infusate between said first subchamber and said second subchamber, and having an outlet control valve means for depressing said outlet collapsible passageway to control flow of infusate leaving said second subchamber, said pump drive means having a motor means for driving said first and second actuator means, said first control valve means and said outlet control valve means, to pump infusate through said flow chamber; pump drive means also having means for moving said outlet control valve means with said motor means while said first control valve means is held fixed; and said disposable flow chamber comprising: base means for providing a base surface; a first top portion having an inner surface spaced apart from said base surface and an outer domed surface positioned to contact said first actuator means, said first top portion for providing one side of said first pumping subchamber, an other side of said first pumping subchamber being provided by the base surface; first flexible wall means connected to the base surface and to the inner surface of the first top portion for providing a first volume therebetween defining said first pumping subchamber; said first flexible wall means and said first top portion constructed of materials having a modulus of elasticity and a thickness such that when said first actuator means is not moving said first top portion, said first flexible wall means and said first top portion do not collapse when subjected to a negative gauge pressure, said elasticity and said thickness also such that said first flexible wall means when said first actuator means moves the first top portion relative to the base means; second top portion having an inner surface spaced apart from said base surface and an outer domed surface positioned to contact said second actuator means, said second top portion for providing one side of said second pumping subchamber, an other side of said second pumping subchamber being provided by the base surface; and second flexible wall means connected to the base surface and to the inner surface of the second top portion for providing a second volume therebetween defining said second pumping subchamber; said second flexible wall means and said second top portion constructed of materials having a modulus of elasticity and a thickness such that when said second actuator means is not moving said second top portion, said second flexible wall means and said second top portion do not collapse when subjected to said negative guage pressure, said elasticity and said thickness also such that said second flexible wall means bend when said second actuator means moves the second top portion relative to the base means.

Claim 15

An infusion system comprising: a disposable flow chamber having first and second pumping subchambers connected by a first collapsible passageway, said flow chamber having an inlet passageway connected to said first subchamber, and said flow chamber having an outlet collapsible passageway connected to said second subchamber permitting infusate to exit from said second subchamber; pump drive means having a first actuator means for changing the volume of said first subchamber and a second actuator means for changing the volume of said second subchamber, said pump drive means having first control valve means for depressing said first collapsible passageway to control flow of infusate between said first subchamber and said second subchamber, and having an outlet control valve means for depressing said outlet collapsible passageway to control flow of infusate leaving said second subchamber, said pump drive means having a motor means for driving said first and second actuator means, said first control valve means and said outlet control valve means, to pump infusate through said flow chamber; pump drive means also having means for moving said outlet control valve means with said motor means while said first control valve means is held fixed; and said disposable flow chamber comprising: base means for providing a base surface; a first top portion having an inner surface spaced apart from said base surface and an outer domed surface positioned to contact said first actuator means, said first top portion for providing one side of said first pumping subchamber, an other side of said first pumping subchamber being provided by the base surface; first flexible wall means connected to the base surface and to the inner surface of the first top portion for providing a first volume therebetween defining said first pumping subchamber; said first flexible wall means and said first top portion constructed of materials having a modulus of elasticity and a thickness such that when said first actuator means is not moving said first top portion, said first flexible wall means and said first top portion do not collapse when subjected to a negative gauge pressure, said elasticity and said thickness also such that said first flexible wall means when said first actuator means moves the first top portion relative to the base means; second top portion having an inner surface spaced apart from said base surface and an outer domed surface positioned to contact said second actuator means, said second top portion for providing one side of said second pumping subchamber, an other side of said second pumping subchamber being provided by the base surface; and second flexible wall means connected to the base surface and to the inner surface of the second top portion for providing a second volume therebetween defining said second pumping subchamber; said second flexible wall means and said second top portion constructed of materials having a modulus of elasticity and a thickness such that when said second actuator means is not moving said second top portion, said second flexible wall means and said second top portion do not collapse when subjected to said negative guage pressure, said elasticity and said thickness also such that said second flexible wall means bend when said second actuator means moves the second top portion relative to the base means.

Claim 16

An infusion system as in claim 10 wherein said negative gauge pressure is at least 15 torr.

Claim 17

An infusion system as in claim 10 wherein said negative gauge pressure is at least 30 torr.

Claim 18

An infusion system as in claim 10 wherein said negative gauge pressure is at least 100 torr.

Claim 19

A disposable pumping apparatus configured for being held by a drive system having first and second actuators for infusing fluids into patients under a pumping pressure, comprising: base means for providing an inner base surface and having an outer base surface for contacting said drive system; a first top portion having an inner surface spaced apart from said inner base surface and an outer domed surface configured to contact said first actuator without being attached thereto when said apparatus is held by said drive system, said first top portion for providing one side of said first pumping subchamber, an other side of said first pumping subchamber being provided by the base surface; first flexible wall means connected to the inner base surface and to the inner surface of the first top portion for providing a first volume therebetween defining said first pumping subchamber; said first flexible wall means and said first top portion constructed of materials having a modulus of elasticity and a thickness such that when said first actuator is not moving said first top portion, said first flexible wall means and said first top portion do not collapse when subjected to a negative guage pressure, said elasticity and said thickness also such that said first flexible wall means bends when said first actuator moves the first top portion relative to the base means; second top portion having an inner surface spaced apart from said inner base surface and an outer surface configured to contact said second actuator without being attached thereto when said apparatus is held by said drive system, said second top portion for providing one side of said second pumping subchamber, an other side of said second pumping subchamber being provided by the base surface; and second flexible wall means connected to the inner base surface and to the inner surface of the second top portion for providing a second volume therebetween defining said second pumping subchamber; said second flexible wall means and said second top portion constructed of materials having a modulus of elasticity and a thickness such that when said second actuator is not moving said second top portion, said second flexible wall means and said top portion do not collapse when subjected to said negative gauge pressure, said elasticity and said thickness also such that said second flexible wall means and said second top portion bend when said second actuator means moves the second top portion relative to the base means; inlet means connected to the first volume for permitting fluids to enter the first volume; transfer means connected to the first volume and the second volume for providing a conduit for fluids being transferred between the first volume and the second volume; outlet means connected to the second volume for permitting fluids to exit the second volume.

Claim 20

A disposable pumping apparatus configured for being held by a drive system having first and second actuators for infusing fluids into patients under a pumping pressure, comprising: base means for providing an inner base surface and having an outer base surface for contacting said drive system; a first top portion having an inner surface spaced apart from said inner base surface and an outer domed surface configured to contact said first actuator without being attached thereto when said apparatus is held by said drive system, said first top portion for providing one side of said first pumping subchamber, an other side of said first pumping subchamber being provided by the base surface; first flexible wall means connected to the inner base surface and to the inner surface of the first top portion for providing a first volume therebetween defining said first pumping subchamber; said first flexible wall means and said first top portion constructed of materials having a modulus of elasticity and a thickness such that when said first actuator is not moving said first top portion, said first flexible wall means and said first top portion do not collapse when subjected to a negative guage pressure, said elasticity and said thickness also such that said first flexible wall means bends when said first actuator moves the first top portion relative to the base means; second top portion having an inner surface spaced apart from said inner base surface and an outer surface configured to contact said second actuator without being attached thereto when said apparatus is held by said drive system, said second top portion for providing one side of said second pumping subchamber, an other side of said second pumping subchamber being provided by the base surface; and second flexible wall means connected to the inner base surface and to the inner surface of the second top portion for providing a second volume therebetween defining said second pumping subchamber; said second flexible wall means and said second top portion constructed of materials having a modulus of elasticity and a thickness such that when said second actuator is not moving said second top portion, said second flexible wall means and said top portion do not collapse when subjected to said negative gauge pressure, said elasticity and said thickness also such that said second flexible wall means and said second top portion bend when said second actuator means moves the second top portion relative to the base means; inlet means connected to the first volume for permitting fluids to enter the first volume; transfer means connected to the first volume and the second volume for providing a conduit for fluids being transferred between the first volume and the second volume; outlet means connected to the second volume for permitting fluids to exit the second volume.

Claim 21

A disposable pumping apparatus as in claim 14 wherein said inner surface of said of base means is a flat rigid surface.

Claim 22

A disposable pumping apparatus as in claim 14 wherein said negative gauge pressure is at least 15 torr.

Claim 23

A disposable pumping apparatus as in claim 14 wherein said negative gauge pressure is at least 30 torr.

Claim 24

A disposable pumping apparatus as in claim 14 wherein said negative gauge pressure is at least 100 torr.

Claim 25

An infusion system comprising: a disposable flow chamber having first and second pumping subchambers connected by a first collapsible passageway, said flow chamber having an inlet passageway connected to said first subchamber, and said flow chamber having an outlet collapsible passageway connected to said second subchamber permitting infusate to exit from said second subchamber; pump drive means having a first actuator means for changing the volume of said first subchamber and a second actuator means for changing the volume of said second subchamber, said pump drive means having first control valve means for depressing said first collapsible passageway to control flow of infusate between said first subchamber and said second subchamber, and having an outlet control valve means for depressing said outlet collapsible passageway to control flow of infusate leaving said second subchamber, said pump drive means having a motor means for driving said first and second actuator means, said first control valve means and said outlet control valve means, to pump infusate through said flow chamber; pump drive means having for moving said outlet control valve means with said motor means while said first control valve means is held fixed; and said disposable flow chamber comprising: base means for providing a base surface; a first top portion having an inner surface spaced apart from said base surface and an outer surface positioned to contact said first actuator means, said first top portion providing one side of said first pumping subchamber, an other side of said first pumping subchamber being provided by the base surface; first flexible wall means connected to the base surface and to the inner surface of the first top portion, thereby providing a first volume therebetween defining said first pumping subchamber, said first flexible wall means constructed of a material having a modulus of elasticity and a thickness such that when said first actuator means is not moving said first top portion, said first flexible wall means does not collapse when subjected to a negative gauge pressure, said elasticity and said thickness also such that said first flexible wall means bends when said first actuator means moves the first top portion relative to the base means; a second top portion having an inner surface spaced apart from said base surface and an outer surface positioned to contact said second actuator means, said second top portion providing one side of said second pumping subchamber, an other side of said second pumping subchamber being provided by the base surface; and second flexible wall means connected to the base surface and to the inner surface of the second top portion, thereby providing a second volume therebetween defining said second pumping subchamber, said second flexible wall means constructed of a material having a modulus of elasticity and a thickness such that when said second actuator means is not moving said second top portion, said second flexible wall means does not collapse when subjected to said negative guage pressure, said elasticity and said thickness also such that said second flexible wall means bends when said second actuator means moves the second top portion relative to the base means.

Claim 26

An infusion system comprising: a disposable flow chamber having first and second pumping subchambers connected by a first collapsible passageway, said flow chamber having an inlet passageway connected to said first subchamber, and said flow chamber having an outlet collapsible passageway connected to said second subchamber permitting infusate to exit from said second subchamber; pump drive means having a first actuator means for changing the volume of said first subchamber and a second actuator means for changing the volume of said second subchamber, said pump drive means having first control valve means for depressing said first collapsible passageway to control flow of infusate between said first subchamber and said second subchamber, and having an outlet control valve means for depressing said outlet collapsible passageway to control flow of infusate leaving said second subchamber, said pump drive means having a motor means for driving said first and second actuator means, said first control valve means and said outlet control valve means, to pump infusate through said flow chamber; pump drive means having for moving said outlet control valve means with said motor means while said first control valve means is held fixed; and said disposable flow chamber comprising: base means for providing a base surface; a first top portion having an inner surface spaced apart from said base surface and an outer surface positioned to contact said first actuator means, said first top portion providing one side of said first pumping subchamber, an other side of said first pumping subchamber being provided by the base surface; first flexible wall means connected to the base surface and to the inner surface of the first top portion, thereby providing a first volume therebetween defining said first pumping subchamber, said first flexible wall means constructed of a material having a modulus of elasticity and a thickness such that when said first actuator means is not moving said first top portion, said first flexible wall means does not collapse when subjected to a negative gauge pressure, said elasticity and said thickness also such that said first flexible wall means bends when said first actuator means moves the first top portion relative to the base means; a second top portion having an inner surface spaced apart from said base surface and an outer surface positioned to contact said second actuator means, said second top portion providing one side of said second pumping subchamber, an other side of said second pumping subchamber being provided by the base surface; and second flexible wall means connected to the base surface and to the inner surface of the second top portion, thereby providing a second volume therebetween defining said second pumping subchamber, said second flexible wall means constructed of a material having a modulus of elasticity and a thickness such that when said second actuator means is not moving said second top portion, said second flexible wall means does not collapse when subjected to said negative guage pressure, said elasticity and said thickness also such that said second flexible wall means bends when said second actuator means moves the second top portion relative to the base means.

Claim 27

An infusion system as in claim 19 wherein said first top portion, said first flexible wall means, said second top portion, said second flexible wall means, a portion of said first collapsible means passageway, a portion of said inlet passageway, and a portion of said outlet collapsible passageway are an integral molded part, all made of the same material, and wherein said molded part is sealed to said base surface to form said first and second volumes, said inlet passageway, said first collapsible passageway, and said outlet collapsible passageway, with one wall of said inlet passageway, one wall of said first collapsible passageway, and one wall of said outlet collapsible passageway being said base surface with the balance of said inlet passageway, said first collapsible passageway, and said outlet collapsible passageway being defined by said molded part.

Claim 28

An infusion system as in claim 19 wherein said negative gauge pressure is at least 15 torr.

Claim 29

An infusion system as in claim 19 wherein said negative gauge pressure is at least 30 torr.

Claim 30

An infusion system as in claim 19 wherein said negative gauge pressure is at least 100 torr.

Claim 31

An infusion system as in claim 19, wherein said outer surface of said first top portion is domed outwards relative to said base surface.

Claim 32

An infusion system as in claim 24, wherein said first top portion is constructed of the same material as said first flexible wall means and wherein said first top portion has a thickness greater than the thickness of said first flexible wall means.

Claim 33

An infusion system as in claim 19, wherein said outer surface of said second top portion is domed outwards relative to said base surface.

Claim 34

An infusion system as in claim 26, wherein said second top portion is constructed of the same material as said second flexible wall means and wherein said second top portion has a thickness greater than the thickness of said second flexible wall means.

Claim 35

An infusion system as in claim 19, wherein said outer surfaces of said first top portion and said second top portion are domed outwards relative to said base surface.

Claim 36

An infusion system as in claim 28, wherein said first top portion is constructed of the same material as said first flexible wall means and wherein said first top portion has a thickness greater than the thickness of said first flexible wall means, and wherein said second top portion is constructed of the same material as said second flexible wall means and wherein said second top portion has a thickness greater than the thickness of said second flexible wall means.