Abstract: A pumping method for use with a pump set to deliver fluid through the pump set to a subject includes determining a duration of time for flushing the first fluid out of the pump set with a second fluid different from the first fluid. A compensated flow rate is calculated for delivering the first fluid through the pump set based on the duration of time for flushing the first fluid out of the pump set. The first fluid is delivered through the pump set at the compensated flow rate.

Abstract: A pumping apparatus for use with a pump set to deliver fluid through the pump set to a subject includes a pumping device capable of acting on the pump set to produce a fluid flow within the pump set. A controller is in communication with the pumping device for controlling operation of the pumping device in a feeding configuration and in a flushing configuration. The controller is adapted to store a selected flow rate and a desired fluid volume of a first fluid in the memory and at least one of a flush rate and flush volume of a second fluid. A flush time compensator is capable of being run for determining a compensated feeding configuration of the first fluid based on an amount of time the controller will operate the pump device in the flushing configuration and the desired fluid volume of the first fluid.

Abstract: A pumping apparatus for use with a pump set to deliver fluid through the pump set to a subject includes a pumping device capable of acting on the pump set to produce a fluid flow within the pump set. A controller is in communication with the pumping device for controlling operation of the pumping device in a feeding configuration and in a flushing configuration. The controller is adapted to store a selected flow rate and a desired fluid volume of a first fluid in the memory and at least one of a flush rate and flush volume of a second fluid. A flush time compensator is capable of being run for determining a compensated feeding configuration of the first fluid based on an amount of time the controller will operate the pump device in the flushing configuration and the desired fluid volume of the first fluid.

Abstract: An integrated instrument processes fluid test samples using disposable test devices. The test devices are carried in a carrier. The instrument includes a vacuum station receiving the carrier for batch loading of the test devices with fluid samples to be tested. The user removes the carrier from the vacuum station and inserts it into a loading station of a separate carrier and test device processing subsystem. This subsystem includes a transport system moving the carrier through the instrument where various modules perform operations on the test devices, including sealing the test devices, loading the test devices into an incubation station, incubation of the test devices, test device reading, and test device disposal.

Abstract: A sealer for a sample testing instrument is disclosed that cuts and seals a fluid conduit that connects a test sample device with a fluid receptacle containing a fluid sample. The sealer includes an enclosure and a protective shield to protect a user or technician from contact with the cutting element assembly in the sealer. The cutting element assembly includes a spring-loaded element that engages the test sample device and holds it in a fixed position while a cutting element (e.g., hot wire) cuts the fluid conduit. A motor driving the cutting element assembly is positioned at an angle having both vertical and horizontal components, whereby adjustment of the motor firmware allows for adjustment of the position of the cutting element relative to the instrument in both horizontal and vertical directions.

Abstract: A transport system is provided for a sample testing machine. The transport system includes a carrier holding a set of test sample devices and a drive subsystem for moving the carrier through the sample testing machine. The drive subsystem includes a reciprocating motor-driven block engaging the carrier and moving the carrier back and forth in a predetermined longitudinal path extending along a longitudinal axis from an entrance station to a plurality of processing stations in the sample testing machine. The processing stations are accessed as the carrier is moved along the path. The carrier includes features in the form of slots that are detected by strategically placed optical interrupt sensors. As the carrier moves, the slots are detected by the sensors to thereby continuously track the position of the carrier and the test devices as they are moved through the instrument.

Abstract: A carrier for holding up to N test sample devices as they are moved through a sample testing instrument. Each of the test sample devices are held in a receiving structure such as a slot in the carrier. The carrier also includes N optical interrupt positioning features, each placed in registry with one of the receiving structures (and thereby in registry with the test sample device). The instrument includes fixed optical interrupt sensors for detecting the position of the positioning feature as the carrier is moved through the instrument. In the illustrated embodiment, the position features comprise voids formed in a rib on the lower surface of the carrier. The optical interrupt sensors are positioned below the path the carrier travels over, whereby as the carrier moves past the sensor the voids, and hence position of the test sample devices, are detected.