This disclosure relates to infusion pumps, and more particularly, to systems and methods for syringe pump security.
Syringe infusion pumps (or, “syringe pumps”) have demonstrated their usefulness to medical practitioners. In some cases, syringe pumps are used to deliver controlled substances such as narcotic analgesics to patients. Narcotics are often kept under lock and key in efforts to prevent their misappropriation. A desire or requirement to maintain such physical control of narcotics (or any other controlled substances) may extend to drug delivery devices, such as syringe pumps. In addition to preventing theft or diversion of drugs away from an intended patient, it may also be desirable to prevent inappropriate dosing to a patient, as might occur, for example, by improper manual manipulation of a syringe in a syringe pump that is otherwise properly configured to deliver a drug to the patient.
Some known approaches to providing secure control of drugs delivered via syringe pumps involve lock-boxes that each can enclose essentially an entire pump. While this approach can be effective, it may be burdensome for medical practitioners and can require substantially more space than unenclosed pumps. In view of the goal of simplifying workloads, it would be desirable to provide improved systems and methods for providing security for syringe pumps.
This disclosure relates to infusion pumps, and more particularly, to systems and methods for syringe pump security.
In an illustrative but non-limiting example, the disclosure provides an infusion pump that can include a receptacle configured to receive a syringe, a retention mechanism, a drive mechanism, and a keyed lock. The retention mechanism can be configured to inhibit removal of the syringe from the receptacle when in an engaged state, and to enable removal of the syringe from the receptacle when in a disengaged state. The drive mechanism can include a pusher configured to selectively couple to a thumb press of the syringe, a motor operatively coupleable to the pusher, a clutch configured to couple the motor to the pusher in a coupled state, and decouple the motor from the pusher in a decoupled state. The keyed lock can be configured to operate in coordination with the retention mechanism and the drive mechanism such that, if: (a) the keyed lock is locked, (b) the retention mechanism is in the engaged state, and (c) the pusher is coupled to the thumb press of the syringe, then as long as the keyed lock remains locked, the retention mechanism is constrained to the engaged state and the clutch is constrained to the coupled state.
In some cases, the pusher can include a pusher head, with the pusher head having a pushing surface configured to bear against the thumb press in an expulsion direction, and the pusher head further having at least one thumb press retaining clip. The thumb press retaining clip(s) can be configured to retain the thumb press against the pushing surface when engaged, and not retain the thumb press against the pushing surface when disengaged. Furthermore, the thumb press retaining clip(s) can be mechanically linked to the clutch such that the thumb press retaining clip(s) is/are engaged when the clutch is in the coupled state, and is/are disengaged when the clutch is in the decoupled state.
In some cases, the keyed lock can be disposed on the pusher.
In some cases, the infusion pump can further include a clutch release actuator actuatable to move the clutch between the coupled and decoupled states. The keyed lock can be lockable to maintain the clutch release actuator in a clutch-coupled position and unlockable to enable manipulation of the clutch release actuator between clutch-coupled and clutch-uncoupled positions.
In some cases, the infusion pump can further include a linkage mechanism mechanically coupling the clutch release actuator with the retention mechanism, such that when the clutch release actuator is in a clutch-decoupled position, the retention mechanism is not constrained to the engaged state.
In some configurations, the pusher can include a pusher rod slidably mounted relative to the receptacle, a pusher head mounted at a first end of the pusher rod (the pusher head configured to exert force on the thumb press in an expulsion direction), and a retention releaser secured relative to the pusher rod. In such a configuration the pusher, when the clutch is in the decoupled state, can be retracted such that the pusher head is retracted away from the receptacle and the retention releaser can be drawn toward the retention mechanism. Further, when the pusher is retracted essentially to a fully-retracted position, the retention releaser can be brought into proximity of the retention mechanism and release the retention mechanism from the engaged state.
In some cases, the keyed lock can be lockable to maintain the retention mechanism in the engaged state, and unlockable to enable release of the retention mechanism from the engaged state. Furthermore, the pump in such cases can further include a linkage mechanism mechanically coupling the retention mechanism with the clutch such that when the retention mechanism is in the engaged state, the clutch is constrained to the coupled state, and when the retention mechanism is in the disengaged state, the clutch is not constrained to the coupled state.
In some cases, the retention mechanism of the pump can include a clamp assembly configured to releasably secure the syringe in the receptacle. The clamp assembly can include a clamp grip configured to bear against a barrel of the syringe, and when so bearing, exert a retaining force on the syringe into the receptacle; a clamp arm connected to the clamp grip, the clamp arm slidably mounted relative to the receptacle such that the clamp grip is translatable inward and outward relative to the receptacle; and a clamp lock mechanism configured to releasably maintain the clamp arm at a syringe retention position where the clamp grip exerts the retaining force on the syringe. In some of these cases, the pump can further include a receptacle flap pivotably attached to the pump, the flap pivotable between a closed mode and an open mode. When in the closed mode, the receptacle flap can be in a position that substantially inhibits access to the receptacle and to the syringe received by the receptacle, and when in the open mode, the receptacle flap can be in a position that substantially clears access to the receptacle and to the syringe received by the receptacle. Further, the receptacle flap and clamp assembly can be structured and configured such that the clamp assembly, when the clamp grip is bearing against the barrel of the syringe, constrains the receptacle flap to the closed mode. Alternately, the receptacle flap and clamp assembly can be structured and configured such that the clamp assembly, when the clamp grip is bearing against the barrel of the syringe, does not constrain the receptacle flap to the closed mode.
In some instances, the pump further includes a receptacle flap pivotably attached to the pump, the flap pivotable between a closed mode and an open mode. When in the closed mode, the receptacle flap can be in a position that substantially inhibits access to the receptacle and to the syringe received by the receptacle, and when in the open mode, the receptacle flap can be in a position that substantially clears access to the receptacle and to the syringe received by the receptacle. The pump can further include a flap latch configured to selectively constrain the receptacle flap to the closed mode, such that the receptacle flap and flap latch form at least part of the retention mechanism. The receptacle flap can be pivotably attached to the pump via a flap release mechanism configured to enable the receptacle flap to be selectively attached to and separably released from the pump. The flap release mechanism can be structured such that it is actuatable to selectively release the receptacle flap relative to the pump only when the receptacle flap is in the open mode, and is not actuatable to release the receptacle flap when the receptacle flap is in the closed mode.
In another illustrative but non-limiting example, the disclosure provides an infusion pump that can include a receptacle configured to receive a syringe, a clamp assembly configured to releasably secure the syringe in the receptacle, and a drive mechanism. The clamp assembly can include a clamp grip configured to bear against a barrel of the syringe, and when so bearing, exert a retaining force on the syringe into the receptacle; a clamp arm connected to the clamp grip, the clamp arm slidably mounted relative to the receptacle such that the clamp grip is translatable inward and outward relative to the receptacle; and a clamp lock mechanism configured to releasably maintain the clamp arm at a syringe retention position where the clamp grip exerts the retaining force on the syringe. The drive mechanism can include a pusher device, a lead screw, a motor coupled to the lead screw, and a clutch mounted to the clutch carriage and configured to couple the pusher device to the lead screw in a coupled state and decouple the pusher device from the lead screw in a decoupled state. The pusher device can include a pusher rod slidably mounted relative to the receptacle; a pusher head mounted at a first end of the pusher rod, the pusher head configured to exert force on a thumb press of the syringe; and a clutch carriage mounted at a second end of the pusher rod, the clutch carriage including a clamp lock release structure. The pusher device, when the clutch is in the decoupled state, can be retracted such that the pusher head is drawn away from the receptacle and the clutch carriage is drawn toward the clamp lock mechanism. Further, when the pusher device is retracted essentially to a fully-retracted position, the clamp lock release structure can be brought into proximity of the clamp lock mechanism and can actuate the clamp lock mechanism to release the clamp arm.
In some cases, the pump can further include a keyed lock, where the clutch can be lockable to the coupled state by the keyed lock. The keyed lock can be provided with the pusher head. In some cases, the pump can further include an actuatable clutch release actuator which can be lockable to a clutch-coupled position by the keyed lock.
In some cases, the clamp lock mechanism can include a ratchet.
In yet another illustrative but non-limiting example, the disclosure provides an infusion pump that can include a receptacle configured to receive a syringe, a clamp assembly configured to releasably secure the syringe in the receptacle, a drive mechanism, a linkage mechanism, and a keyed lock. The clamp assembly can include a clamp grip configured to bear against a barrel of the syringe, and when so bearing, exert a retaining force on the syringe into the receptacle; a clamp arm connected to the clamp grip, the clamp arm slidably mounted relative to the receptacle such that the clamp grip is translatable inward and outward relative to the receptacle; and a clamp lock mechanism configured to releasably maintain the clamp arm at a syringe retention position where the clamp grip exerts the retaining force on the syringe. The drive mechanism can include a pusher configured to selectively couple to a thumb press of the syringe; a motor operatively coupleable to the pusher; and a clutch configured to couple the motor to the pusher in a coupled state, and decouple the motor from the pusher in a decoupled state. The linkage mechanism can be configured to couple the clutch and the clamp lock mechanism such that as the clutch is moved between the coupled and decoupled states, the clamp lock mechanism is correspondingly moved between locked and released states. The clutch, clamp lock mechanism, and linkage mechanism can be configured such that the clutch and clamp lock mechanism are lockable via the keyed lock to the coupled state and locked state, respectively.
In some cases the linkage mechanism can include a shaft rotatable between a first position and a second position and a clutch-actuating cam coupled to the shaft and configured such that the first and second positions of the shaft correspond to the coupled and decoupled states of the clutch. The linkage mechanism also can include a release cable coupled to the clamp lock mechanism configured to release the clamp arm when an end of the cable coupled to the clamp lock mechanism is displaced to a release point and an arm, rotatably coupled to the shaft and coupled to the release cable such that the arm displaces the clamp release cable correspondingly with rotations of the shaft, the second position of the shaft corresponding to displacement of the cable at least to the release point, the first position of the shaft corresponding to displacement of the cable insufficient to release the clamp arm.
In some cases, the keyed lock is disposed on the pusher.
In still another illustrative but non-limiting example, the disclosure provides an infusion pump that can include a receptacle configured to receive a syringe, a retention mechanism configured to inhibit removal of the syringe from the receptacle when in an engaged state, and to enable removal of the syringe from the receptacle when in a disengaged state, a drive mechanism, and a keyed lock. The drive mechanism can include a pusher configured to selectively couple to a thumb press of the syringe, a motor operatively coupleable to the pusher, and a clutch configured to couple the motor to the pusher in a coupled state, and decouple the motor from the pusher in a decoupled state. The keyed lock can be configured to operate in coordination with the retention mechanism and the drive mechanism such that, if: (a) the keyed lock is locked, and (b) the retention mechanism is in the engaged state, then as long as the keyed lock remains locked, the retention mechanism is constrained to the engaged state and the clutch is constrained to the coupled state.
In still yet another illustrative but non-limiting example, the disclosure provides an infusion pump that can include a receptacle configured to receive a syringe, a receptacle flap pivotably attached to the pump, the flap pivotable between a closed mode and an open mode, a flap latch configured to selectively constrain the receptacle flap to the closed mode, and a flap release mechanism. The flap release mechanism can be configured to enable the receptacle flap to be selectively attached to and separably released from the pump. The flap release mechanism can include an attachment portion of the receptacle flap and a flap attachment point fixed relative to the pump, with the attachment portion and the flap attachment point being configured to reversibly mate. In the closed mode, the receptacle flap is in a position that substantially inhibits access to the receptacle and to the syringe received by the receptacle, and in the open mode, the receptacle flap is in a position that enables access to the receptacle and to the syringe received by the receptacle.
In some cases, the flap release mechanism can be configured to be actuatable to selectively release the receptacle flap relative to the pump only when the receptacle flap is in the open mode, and not actuatable to release the receptacle flap when the receptacle flap is in the closed mode.
In some cases, the flap release mechanism can be configured to be actuatable to selectively release the receptacle flap relative to the pump without the use of any tool.
In some instances, the attachment portion of the receptacle flap can be structured with at least one subcomponent that moves between a first position and a second position. In these instances, when the receptacle flap is attached and secured to the pump, the subcomponent(s) can be deployed in the first position, and when the receptacle flap is configured to be attachable and detachable relative to the pump, the subcomponent(s) can be deployed in the second position.
In some instances, the flap attachment point can be structured with at least one subcomponent that moves between a first position and a second position. In these instances, when the receptacle flap is attached and secured to the pump, the subcomponent(s) can be deployed in the first position, and when the pump is configured for the flap to be attachable and detachable relative to the pump, the subcomponent(s) can be deployed in the second position.
In some cases, the pump can further include a clamp assembly configured to releasably secure the syringe in the receptacle. In these cases, the clamp assembly can be structured also to function as the flap latch.
In but another illustrative but non-limiting example, the disclosure provides a selectively removable flap configured to selectively attach to an infusion pump proximal a syringe receptacle of the infusion pump. The selectively removable flap can include a cover portion dimensioned to inhibit access to the syringe receptacle and to a syringe received by the receptacle when the selectively removable flap is positioned in a closed mode, and an attachment portion fixed relative to the cover portion and structured to mate with a flap attachment point of the infusion pump. The attachment portion and the flap attachment point together can provide a flap release mechanism configured to enable the selectively removable flap to be selectively attached to and separably released from the infusion pump. The flap release mechanism can be configured to enable the selectively removable flap to move between the closed mode and an open mode. In the open mode, the cover portion can be positioned to enable access to the receptacle and to the syringe received by the receptacle.
In some instances, the cover portion can be substantially non-planar and shaped to conform in part to a shape of the syringe received by the receptacle.
In some cases, the flap release mechanism can be configured to be actuatable to selectively release the receptacle flap relative to the pump only when the receptacle flap is in the open mode, and not be actuatable to selectively release the receptacle flap when the receptacle flap is in the closed mode.
In some cases, the flap release mechanism can be configured to be actuatable to selectively release the receptacle flap relative to the infusion pump without use of any tool.
In some cases, the attachment portion of the selectively removable flap can be structured with at least one subcomponent that moves between a first position and a second position. When the flap release mechanism is configured to secure the removable flap to the infusion pump, the subcomponent(s) can be deployed in the first position, and when the flap release mechanism is configured to enable the selectively removable flap to be attachable and detachable relative to the infusion pump, the subcomponent(s) can be deployed in the second position.
In some cases, the attachment portion of the selectively removable flap is structured to remain in a same configuration whether the flap release mechanism is configured to secure the selectively removable flap to the infusion pump, or is configured to enable the selectively removable flap to be attachable and detachable relative to the infusion pump.
The above summary is not intended to describe each and every example or every implementation of the disclosure. The Description that follows more particularly exemplifies various illustrative embodiments.
The following description should be read with reference to the drawings. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict several examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The disclosure may be more completely understood in consideration of the following description with respect to various examples in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
The following description should be read with reference to the drawings, in which like elements in different drawings may be numbered in like fashion. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Although examples of construction, dimensions, and materials may be illustrated for the various elements, those skilled in the art will recognize that many of the examples provided have suitable alternatives that may be utilized.
Syringe pump 100 can include a housing 104 generally enclosing an interior space and defining a space exterior to the housing. Pump 100 can include a receptacle 106 configured to receive a syringe such as syringe 102. Receptacle 106 can be formed integrally with housing 104, although this is not necessary, and the receptacle can be provided on the outside of housing 104, although such arrangement also is not necessary. Syringe 102 can be coupled to a line set 103, through which medicaments or other fluids can be delivered from the syringe reservoir.
Syringe pump 100 can include a retention mechanism configured to inhibit removal of syringe 102 from receptacle 106 when in an engaged state, and permit, allow, enable, or not inhibit removal of the syringe from the receptacle when in a disengaged state. In various configurations of pump 100, the retention mechanism can include different components or combinations of components. In some examples, the retention mechanism can include a clamp assembly 108 configured to releasably secure syringe 102 in receptacle 106. The clamp assembly 108 can include a clamp grip 110 configured to bear against the barrel of the syringe 102 as shown in
If clamp arm 112 and clamp grip 110 are translated outwardly relative to housing 104, the clamp grip may not securely retain the syringe 102 in the receptacle 106. Clamp assembly 108 can include a clamp lock mechanism (not shown in
Syringe pump 100 can include, in some examples, a receptacle flap 114 pivotably attached to the pump. In some examples, the receptacle flap 114 is pivotably attached to the housing 104. Receptacle flap 114 can be pivotable between a closed mode and an open mode. In the closed mode, shown for example in
When manual access to the receptacle 106 and syringe 102 is substantially inhibited by the flap 114 in the closed mode, the flap may physically obstruct or otherwise prevent touching all or part of the syringe barrel, attaching/detaching or otherwise interacting with an attachment between the syringe and infusion line set 103, removing/placing the syringe from/in the receptacle, or any other manner of access to the syringe that it may be desirable to limit. Conversely, when manual access to the receptacle 106 and syringe 102 is permitted, allowed, enabled, or cleared with the flap 114 in the open mode, syringe 102 may be manually touched, removed from receptacle 106, placed in the receptacle, attached/detached from line set 103, and the like. Although illustrated as extending substantially across receptacle 106 (along a long axis of the syringe 102), it is to be appreciated and understood that in a particular embodiment the cover portion 115 of flap 114 might extend across only a relatively smaller portion of receptacle 106, or have any suitable length or shape. Similarly, although the cover portion 115 of flap 114 as illustrated in
In some cases, receptacle flap 114 can form at least part of the retention mechanism of the pump. In configurations where pump 100 includes receptacle flap 114 and clamp assembly 108, both components can work together as part of the retention mechanism. Clamp assembly 108 can be structured to constrain receptacle flap 114 to the closed mode when engaged to secure syringe 102 in receptacle 106. More specifically, in some examples clamp grip 110 of clamp assembly 108 can include structure (e.g., the left portion 116 of grip 110 in
While syringe pump 100 of
Other possible mechanisms for constraining a receptacle flap to a closed mode are contemplated. For example, a locking mechanism could be incorporated into a receptacle flap hinge (not shown). Any suitable locking mechanisms for receptacle flaps can be used.
It is to be appreciated and understood that illustrative syringe pump 300 of
It is also to be appreciated and understood that a receptacle flap need not necessarily be permanently, or even quasi-permanently, attached to its respective pump. For example, as illustrated in
Some aspects of the flap release mechanism of pump 100 may be discerned in
Flap release mechanisms can be designed to be easily operated by a user of pump 100. In the interest of syringe security, in some configurations the flap release mechanism is actuatable to selectively attach and release the receptacle flap 114 relative to the pump 100 only when the receptacle flap is disposed in the open mode, and is not so actuatable when the receptacle flap is disposed in the closed mode. In
Although not illustrated in
Once receptacle flap 114 has been detached, it or another compatible receptacle flap may be (re-)attached to the pump 100 via the flap release mechanism. The ability to remove and/or change receptacle flap 114 easily may provide valuable adaptability to pump 100. In some embodiments, it may be desired to not have a receptacle flap at all. In other embodiments, various receptacle flaps can provide various functionality to pump 100 for various applications and/or practitioner preferences. For example, in use of syringe pumps that do not involve controlled substances, a receptacle flap might not be configured to be constrainable to a closed mode. Whereas receptacle flap 114 of syringe pump 100 of
Receptacle flap 114 can be formed from opaque, transparent, or translucent material, in any suitable color. Color can be used to color-code a syringe pump as being intended for a particular use, using colors that are by convention associated with particular therapies. For example, the color orange is often associated with enteral infusions, and the color yellow is often associated with epidural applications. It should be noted that these color associations are not universal and may vary between hospitals, institutions, regions, practices, etc. The ability to easily attach a customized receptacle flap can enable a caregiving organization to adapt the pump to the particular needs or desires of the organization. Receptacle flaps could be further customized with printed, molded, engraved, or otherwise imparted symbols, text, or any other desired marks.
Optical functionality can be provided with receptacle flaps. Transparent and/or translucent receptacle flaps can provide a window through which a syringe may be viewed, providing a user with a direct visual path to assess the current status of the syringe. All or a portion of a transparent flap can be configured as a magnifier to assist visual inspection of a syringe. In some examples, a transparent and/or translucent receptacle flap can also be used as a lens or other optic to direct or otherwise manage light used to illuminate the syringe or other aspects of the pump. For example, a receptacle flap could be used as a light guide by injecting light into an edge of the flap, and extraction features patterned into the flap could direct light out of the flap and toward the syringe. A configuration for placement of light emitters 129 of pump 100 to provide light in conjunction or cooperation with flap 114 is illustrated in
Receptacle flaps such as flaps 114/314 and clamp assemblies such as assembly 108 can provide syringe security in that they can prevent or at least provide intentional physical obstacles to removal of a syringe such as syringe 102 from a syringe pump such as pumps 100 and 300. Syringe security can also be provided by maintaining control of the plunger of the syringe while the syringe is operatively mounted to a pump. Without such control, a syringe plunger could be manipulated inappropriately, which could result in delivery of a drug to a patient outside of the control of caregivers or beyond hard or soft dosage safety limits, or which could be performed to steal or otherwise obtain without permission the drug(s) contained in the syringe. In
Aspects of the drive mechanism of pump 100 may be more easily viewed in
In particular, in an embodiment of pump 100, the drive mechanism of the pump can include a pusher device (also commonly referred-to as a plunger driver) configured to selectively couple to thumb press 120 of plunger 118 of syringe 102, a motor 124 operatively coupleable to the pusher device, and a clutch (as further described herein) that is configured to couple the motor to the pusher device in a coupled state, and decouple the motor from the pusher device in a decoupled state. The pusher device can include multiple components that are described in further detail herein. The drive mechanism can include a lead screw 126 that is rotatably coupled to the motor 124. (Note that in the Figures, some structures such as mounts for the motor 124 and lead screw 126 have been omitted for clarity.) The clutch can selectively couple the pusher device to the lead screw 126. The clutch can incorporate any suitable clutch mechanism, and can include a halfnut, split nut, lead screw nut, etc. The pusher device of the drive mechanism can include a pusher rod 128 slidably mounted relative to receptacle 106, a pusher head 130 mounted at a first end of the pusher rod, and a clutch carriage 132 for the clutch (not visible) that is mounted at an opposite second end of the pusher rod. The clutch carriage 132, pusher rod 128, and pusher head 130 can be joined to each other essentially rigidly such that they move translationally together substantially along a longitudinal axis of the pusher rod. The clutch can be mounted to the clutch carriage 132 (in the configuration illustrated in
When the clutch is in the coupled state, the motor 124 can be operatively coupled to the pusher device via the lead screw 126 and the clutch. The motor 124 can impart torque, and consequently, rotational motion, to lead screw 126, which the clutch can transform to linear force, and consequently, translational motion, of the pusher device. The pusher head 130 of the pusher device can be configured to exert force on thumb press 120 substantially along a longitudinal axis of the syringe 102. The pusher head 130 can include a pushing surface 134 configured to bear against the thumb press 120 of syringe 102 in an expulsion direction (to the left in
When the thumb press retaining clips 136 are engaged, the retention of the thumb press 120 against the pushing surface 134 of the pusher head 130 by the clips can help constrain the motion of the plunger 118 of syringe 102 only to motions corresponding to motions of the pusher head. If, in turn, the pusher device is coupled to the motor 124 via an engaged clutch, and the motor is operatively subject to a pump controller (not illustrated), then motions of the plunger 118 relative to the barrel of the syringe 102 may be constrained to motions controlled by the pump's controller. Such controlled motion of the pump's drive mechanism can help to inhibit un-commanded or otherwise inappropriate dispensing of the contents of syringe 102. For example, without such constraints, the plunger 118 could be subject to improper direct manual manipulation, or the plunger could be moved via suction in the reservoir of syringe 102. Suction can be introduced to the syringe reservoir via attached line set 103. Such suction could result from, for example, a deliberate, improper attempt to remove the contents of the syringe, or it could result accidentally.
With continued reference to
The clutch release actuator also can be operatively coupled to a mechanism to engage and disengage thumb press retaining clips 136 so that the thumb press retaining clips are mechanically linked to the clutch such that the one or more thumb press retaining clips are engaged when the clutch is in the coupled state, and are disengaged when the clutch is in the decoupled state.
With reference again to
In the present disclosure, configurations of syringe pump 100 are described in which keyed lock 140, when locked, can maintain the clutch of the drive mechanism in the coupled state and, referring in particular to
Regarding the clamp assembly 108 of the retention mechanism as shown in
For example, pump 100 can be configured such that the clamp lock mechanism is released when the pusher device is retracted essentially to a fully-retracted position. For such a configuration, the pusher device can include a clamp lock release structure 148 (also referred to as a “retention releaser”) secured relative to the pusher rod 128. The clamp lock release structure 148 can be provided or included with the clutch carriage 132, with the clamp lock release structure secured relative to the clutch carriage and/or formed integrally with the clutch carriage. When the pusher head 130 is retracted away from housing 104, receptacle 106, and thumb press 120 of syringe 102 (if present), clamp lock release structure 148 can be drawn toward pawl 146. When the pusher device is retracted essentially to a fully-retracted position, clamp lock release structure 148 can be drawn into contact with pawl 146, pivoting the pawl such that it releases ratchet 144 thereby releasing clamp arm 112. In this way, release of the retention mechanism, of which clamp assembly 108 is a component, can be tied to the position of the pusher device of the drive mechanism. Stated another way, in this arrangement, as the pusher head 130 is retracted away from the receptacle 106, a retention releaser (the clamp lock release structure 148) is brought into proximity of the retention mechanism (the ratchet 144 and pawl 146 are components of the retention mechanism) and releases the retention mechanism from the engaged state. Other hardware implementations to achieve the same effect are contemplated in the present disclosure. In an example, the retention releaser could be a magnet that, when brought into proximity of a magnetically-actuatable retention mechanism, provides a magnetic field sufficient to release the retention mechanism. Additional mechanisms to link release of a retention mechanism to position of a drive mechanism are possible, and the examples described or otherwise contemplated herein may be provided alone or in various combinations with each other provided that they function in accordance with subject matter hereof.
In the arrangement of pump 100 as described, the clamp assembly 108 of the retention mechanism can be released when the pusher device is retracted essentially to a fully-retracted position. Such a retraction of the pusher device could, for example, be driven by motor 124 with the clutch coupled, although generally the controller of pump 100 would not be programmed to command such a motion of the pusher device. In some examples, the controller of pump 100 can be programmed specifically to prevent motor 124 from retracting the pusher device to a fully-retracted position. Typically such a retraction would be executed by manual manipulation of the pusher device with the clutch decoupled.
To release and remove syringe 102 from pump 100, an authorized user can, for example, perform the following sequence: Unlock the keyed lock 140 with a corresponding key 142 if the pump is locked. With the keyed lock 140 unlocked, rotate the clutch release lever 138 from the coupled position (as illustrated in
In accordance with the aforedescribed example of a sequence for release and removal of a syringe 102 from pump 100, it is to be understood that the keyed lock 140, retention mechanism, and drive mechanism can be configured to operate in a coordinated manner such that, if: (a) the keyed lock is locked; (b) the retention mechanism is in the engaged state; and (c) the pusher is coupled to the thumb press of the syringe (which implies that the pusher is not fully retracted), then as long as the keyed lock remains locked (that is, for an interval of time commencing when all three conditions (a), (b), and (c) are met and persisting until the keyed lock is first unlocked after the commencement of the time interval), the retention mechanism is constrained to the engaged state and the clutch is constrained to the coupled state. When so configured, if it is desired to remove the syringe 102 from the receptacle 106, the keyed lock 140 would need to be unlocked to permit or allow decoupling of the clutch, and the clutch would need to be decoupled to retract the pusher mechanism and release the retention mechanism when fully retracted.
Pump 700 can include a linkage mechanism mechanically coupling the clutch release actuator with the retention mechanism. The retention mechanism of pump 700 can include a clamp lock mechanism that is in some aspects similar to, but in other aspects different from, that of pump 100, with a ratchet 744 coupled to clamp arm 712, and a pivotably-mounted pawl 746 secured relative to the pump 700. Pawl 746 of the clamp lock mechanism can be operatively coupled to a release cable 750 as part of the linkage mechanism. Pawl 746 and release cable 750 can be configured such that when the end of the cable coupled to the pawl is displaced to a release point, the pawl pivots such that it releases ratchet 744, thereby releasing clamp arm 712 of the retention mechanism (see, for example,
Pump 700 can include a keyed lock (not visible) that can be configured, for example, to lock various aspects of syringe security features of the pump. Keyed lock 740 can be configured, for example, to prevent manipulation of clutch release lever 738 when locked, consequently locking the clutch to the coupled state. Through the linkage mechanism, keyed lock 740 can also serve to lock the clamp assembly to a syringe retention position.
To release and remove a syringe from pump 700, an authorized user can, for example, perform the following sequence: Unlock the keyed lock 740 with a corresponding key if the pump is locked. With the keyed lock unlocked, rotate the clutch release lever 738 from the coupled position (as illustrated in
In accordance with the aforedescribed example of a sequence for release and removal of a syringe from pump 700, it is to be understood that the keyed lock 740, retention mechanism, and drive mechanism can be configured to operate in a coordinated manner (via, for example, the linkage mechanism) such that, if: (a) the keyed lock is locked; and (b) the retention mechanism is in the engaged state, then as long as the keyed lock remains locked, the clutch is constrained to the coupled state and the retention mechanism is constrained to the engaged state. When so configured, if it is desired to remove the syringe from the receptacle, the keyed lock 740 would need to be unlocked to permit or allow decoupling the clutch and releasing the retention mechanism.
In some embodiments, syringe pumps can be configured similarly to pump 700 of
Other configurations of linkages between retention mechanisms and drive mechanisms in syringe pumps are contemplated in the present disclosure. For example,
The barrel of keyed lock 954 can include or be coupled to structures configured to link rotation of the barrel with actuation of the clamp lock mechanism and the clutch. In
In other embodiments of syringe pumps (not illustrated) according to subject matter hereof, a pump can include a keyed lock that is lockable to maintain a retention mechanism in an engaged state, and unlockable to release the retention mechanism from the engaged state, but that is not configured to decouple a clutch directly. For changing the state of the clutch, the pump could include a linkage mechanism mechanically coupling the retention mechanism with the clutch such that when the retention mechanism is in the engaged state, the clutch is constrained to the coupled state, and when the retention mechanism is in the disengaged state, the clutch is not constrained to the coupled state. With a pump having such a linkage mechanism, manipulation of the retention assembly after its unlocking via the keyed lock could decouple the clutch. For example, a keyed lock could unlock a clamp lock mechanism (but not release the clutch) in a similar manner as in the example of pump 900 of
Many infusion pumps of the present disclosure can include a “keyed lock.” A keyed lock can be an entirely manually-actuated mechanical mechanism, with a mechanical key that is manipulable by a user to actuate the lock mechanism without any external power source, such as electrical power. Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide arrangements and/or mechanisms linking a keyed lock to some or all of retention mechanisms, syringe clamps, receptacle flaps, pushers, clutches, thumb press retaining clips, etc., such that the states of the various components can have interconnections and interdependencies (for example, as described herein, the clamp lock mechanism of pump 100 can be released when the pusher device is essentially fully retracted). All of the described interdependencies can be implemented in entirely mechanical ways that do not require electrical power. Mechanical power to realize and actuate the arrangements and/or mechanisms can be supplied by a user—for example, by manipulating a lock mechanism, a clutch release lever, a pusher device, and so on. In syringe pumps that do not require external artificially-provided power to actuate or de-actuate syringe security mechanisms, caregivers can access the syringe as desired or required regardless of the presence (or lack thereof) of electrical power, thus providing syringe security features without compromising access to the syringe when electrical power is lost or otherwise absent.
While the present disclosure contemplates syringe pumps featuring entirely mechanical keyed locks and entirely mechanically-implemented interdependences between syringe security features, as summarized in the preceding paragraph, it is not limited to such entirely mechanical syringe security systems. For example, in some embodiments a “keyed lock” can feature a “key” bearing information in a manner that is not entirely (or at all) mechanical, such as a swiped or tapped card, a code entered by keypad or transmitted electronically, biometric information, an radio-frequency identification (RFID) or near field communication (NFC) device, or any other suitable key that may or may not include a physical key. In some embodiments, a syringe pump can include a keyed lock that is not entirely mechanical in conjunction with entirely mechanical interdependencies or interlink mechanisms between other syringe security features. Such a pump could feature a mechanical override of the keyed lock, such that the mechanically interlinked syringe security features could still be operated, for example, in case of power failure. In other examples, syringe security features could be provided and interlinked with more extensive reliance on electrical/electronic devices, such as electric motors, solenoids, and electronically-implemented logic to realize interlinks and interdependencies between various syringe security features. For example, presentation of an authorized electronic key could result in electrical power being supplied to solenoids and/or electrical motors that could release a clamp lock and decouple a clutch.
This disclosure is to be understood to be not limited to the particular examples described herein, but rather should be understood to cover all aspects of the disclosure and equivalents thereof. Various modifications, processes, and components, as well as numerous structures to which the disclosure can be applicable, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art upon review of the instant specification.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
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PCT/US2015/060271 | 11/12/2015 | WO | 00 |
Number | Date | Country | |
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62086551 | Dec 2014 | US |