Covidien Ag

Covidien LP

Kpr U.s., LLC

Tyco Healthcare Group LP

Sherwood Services Ag

Joseph Hudson

James M Harr

Christopher A Knauper

Joel David Wiesner

Robert Bradley Gaines

Ricky A Sisk

Kevin C Meier

James George Hanlon

Glenn Fournie

Eric B Holderle

Jason Boulanger

Thomas G Lewis

William J Byrd

Lester Paul Trelford

Robert Allyn

Paul Trelford

Scott Kimsey

Joel T Wiesner

Daniel P Flynn

A method of operating an enteral feeding pump to deliver fluid through a pump set, the method comprising determining with a controller of the enteral feeding pump if an occlusion exists in the pump set based on the controller monitoring a sensor signal from a sensor indicative of a rotational position of a rotor of the pump during operation of a motor of the pump to rotate the rotor at a reduced output less than a feeding output for rotating the rotor to produce fluid flow in the pump set during a feeding cycle, the motor operating at the reduced output for a shorter period of time than the feeding output.

Occlusion detection for flow control apparatus

A flow control apparatus and method for accurate detection of occlusion conditions in a feeding set. A sensor is arranged with respect to a pumping device to produce a signal indicative of pressure in the feeding set. A control circuit that may receive the sensor signal from the sensor indicative of the pressure in the feeding set may also control operation of the pumping device. The control circuit is configured to operate the pumping device in an operational state, and in a reset state subsequent to the operational state in which the pumping device does not produce a pumping action and the pumping device is moved to a position in which the pumping device does not block the feeding set to permit fluid flow in a backflow direction opposite to the patient direction thereby relieving any built up pressure in the feeding set downstream of the pumping device.

Flow detection system for flow control apparatus

A flow control apparatus adapted for a feeding set includes a housing capable of receiving at least a portion of the feeding set and a pumping device for acting on the feeding set to produce fluid flow in the feeding set for delivery of fluid. The apparatus has a sensor arranged with respect to the pumping device to produce a signal indicative of a rotational position of a rotor, and a control circuit in communication with the sensor for receiving the sensor signal from the sensor indicative of the rotational position of the rotor and in communication with the pumping device to control operation thereof. The control circuit controls operation of a motor at a first output to rotate the rotor to produce fluid flow in the feeding set and at a second output effectively less than the first output.

A flow control apparatus adapted to load a feeding set having an upstream side and a downstream side including a housing capable of receiving at least a portion of the feeding set. A pumping device contacts the feeding set when the feeding set is received by the housing so the pumping device acts on the feeding set to produce fluid flow in the feeding set for delivery of fluid to a subject. An ultrasonic sensor is arranged with respect to the pumping device to detect a change in pressure in the downstream side of the feeding set when the feeding set is loaded on the apparatus.

Downstream flow detection system for flow control apparatus

A flow control apparatus adapted for a feeding set includes a housing capable of receiving at least a portion of the feeding set, a pumping device for acting on the feeding set to produce fluid flow in the feeding set for delivery of fluid. The apparatus has a sensor arranged with respect to the pumping device to produce a signal indicative of a rotational position of a rotor, and a control circuit in communication with the sensor and in communication with the pumping device. The control circuit controls operation of the motor at a first output to rotate the rotor to produce fluid flow in the feeding set and at a second output effectively less than the first output, the control circuit monitoring the sensor signal during operation of the motor at the second output to determine occlusion in the feeding set.

Detection of fluid conditions in a section of tube of an administration set. A light source is positioned adjacent to the tube to transmit an infrared light through the tube and any fluid therein. A light sensor senses the infrared light transmitted through the tube and generates an output signal. A frequency of the output signal is a function of an intensity of the light transmitted through the tube. A processor receives and determines the frequency of the output signal, and compares the determined frequency to threshold frequency values to determine whether fluid is in the tube. The processor also monitors the generated output signal to determine if the frequency of the output signal changes over a predetermined period of time, and determines whether fluid is flowing in the tube as a function of the determined change in frequency.

Detection of malfunction of flow monitoring system of flow control apparatus

A flow control apparatus adapted to receive a feeding set includes a housing capable of receiving at least a portion of the feeding set. A pumping device is supported by the housing and positioned to contact the feeding set when the feeding set is received by the housing so the pumping device acts on the feeding set to produce fluid flow in the feeding set for delivery of fluid to a subject. An ultrasonic sensor is supported by the housing and arranged with respect to the pumping device to produce a sensor signal indicative of a viscosity of the fluid delivered through the feeding set. A control circuit is in communication with the ultrasonic sensor for receiving the sensor signal from the sensor indicative of the viscosity of the fluid and in communication with the pumping device to control operation thereof.

Detection system for flow control apparatus

An enteral fluid delivery system includes a pump having a motor coupled to a rotor configured to accept a portion of a tubing of a feeding set. The motor drives the rotor, which compresses the tubing to deliver to a patient enteral fluid during a feeding cycle. The system includes a user interface that is operatively connected to a memory that stores a plurality of types of enteral fluids. The user interface enables a user to select at least one type of enteral fluid. The system also includes a processor that is operatively connected to the pump. The processor adjusts the flow rate of the pump to deliver the selected enteral fluid for delivery based on one or more characteristics of the feeding fluid such as the viscosity or the caloric content.

Enteral feeding pump with flow adjustment

Detection of fluid conditions in an administration set. A light source is positioned to transmit an infrared light through administration set tubing and any fluid therein. A light sensor senses the infrared light transmitted through the tubing and generates an output signal. A frequency of the output signal is a function of an intensity of the light transmitted through the tubing. A processor receives and determines the frequency of the output signal, and compares the determined frequency to threshold frequency values to determine whether fluid is in the tubing. The processor also monitors the generated output signal to determine if the frequency of the output signal changes over time, and determines whether fluid is flowing in the tubing as a function of the determined change in frequency.

Fluid detection in an enteral feeding set

An electronic thermometer includes a probe adapted to be heated by a subject for use in measuring a temperature of the subject. At least one temperature sensor detects a temperature of the probe. A probe sensor detects a condition at the probe. The probe sensor has an idle condition when the probe is not inserted into the subject. A processor is operatively connected to the probe sensor and programmed to monitor a change in the condition of the probe sensor from the idle condition to determine whether the probe has been received in a probe cover and inserted into the subject.

Capacitive sensor for thermometer probe

A safety interlock for use in a medical device having a control system for controlling operation of the medical device includes a central tubular portion defining a fluid passage for passing fluid through the safety interlock. An outer ring portion is adapted for mounting the safety interlock in the medical device. A spoked connector portion connects the central tubular portion to the outer ring portion so that the outer ring portion is spaced radially outwardly from the central tubular portion in opposed relation with at least a portion of the central tubular portion. The safety interlock is adapted for mounting in the medical device in a path of electromagnetic radiation from a source of electromagnetic radiation such that the central tubular portion reflects the electromagnetic radiation to a electromagnetic radiation detector when properly loaded on the medical device.

Safety interlock

A peristaltic pump is able to deliver accurate volumes over the life of a pump set that is operated on by the pump to drive the flow of fluid. The pump delivers fluid in small volumes or aliquots. In order to deliver fluid at any particular selected flow rate, the pump determines how often the rotor will rotate. The pump is able to calculate aliquot volume based on selected flow rate, but also on a factor that compensates for changes in the dimensions of the pump set over its life.

Aliquot correction for feeding set degradation

An enteral feeding set for an enteral feeding pump having a control system for controlling operation of the pump to supply nutrient liquid to a patient through the enteral feeding set loaded in the pump, a source of electromagnetic radiation for emitting electromagnetic radiation and an electromagnetic radiation detector for receiving the electromagnetic radiation. The enteral feeding set includes a conduit for carrying nutrient liquid to a patient and a safety interlock device associated with the conduit adapted for mounting in the pump. The safety interlock device includes an electromagnetic radiation propagation affecting member formed to affect the propagation of electromagnetic radiation from the source of electromagnetic radiation through the safety interlock device and block visible light when properly loaded on the pump for directing the electromagnetic radiation from the source of electromagnetic radiation to the detector.

Growing community of inventors

O'Fallon, MO, United States of America

Joseph Hudson