Abstract: A system for detecting an occlusion in a fluid line is disclosed which can detect occlusions in the upstream or container side of a disposable cassette containing a fluid pump therein. The cassette includes a piston-type pump with inlet and outlet valves, and is for installation onto and use with a main pump unit including motors for driving the pump and valves contained in each cassette. The system utilizes control circuitry to monitor the intake stroke of the pump in the cassette, to detect an upstream occlusion in the fluid line leading to the pump, and to provide an alarm in the event of a container-side occlusion.

Abstract: A fluid delivery monitoring and control apparatus for use in a medication infusion system is designed for use with a disposable fluid pathway that incorporates a sterile cassette containing pumping elements and sensor interfaces. The apparatus comprises a multi-segment drive mechanism, controller, and monitoring system. Fluid pumping is accomplished by controlling DC motors in the drive mechanism, each of which is coupled to two valves and a reciprocating piston for an individual pumping channel in the cassette. The motor is geared down to provide an appropriate maximum speed and torque. A cam sequentially actuates an inlet valve, piston, and an outlet valve in the cassette. A range of fluid delivery rates is achieved by periodically sending pulses to the motor. The output flow rate of the pump is maintained by a digital feedback controller which uses closed-loop feedback control to provide accurate regulation.

Abstract: A system for detecting an occlusion in a fluid line is disclosed which can detect occlusions in the downstream or patient side of a disposable cassette containing a fluid pump thereon. The cassette includes a pressure diaphragm and is for installation onto and use with a main pump unit including a pressure transducer therein for monitoring fluid pressure downstream of the pump. The system utilizes control circuitry to provide an alarm in the event of a patient-side occlusion, and the occlusion detection system works when the system is configured as any of a number of difference device types, including both a flow controller emulation and several different infusion pump configurations.