Infusion device with disposable elements

Abstract

An infuision device with a disposable administration set which is inexpensive to manufacture. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the disposable administration set has a plurality of elongated cam followers connected to a plate assembly, wherein the cam followers are displaced in a predetermined sequence and forced against a delivery tube by cam means driven by rotary drive means. The disposable administration set is injection molded as a single integral piece. The disposable administration set includes adjustment spacers disposed between the plate assembly and the cam followers which adjust the distance between them to keep the device accurate. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the cam means are configured to provide fluid delivery at a consistent and uniform rate.

1 . An administration set for use with a pumping mechanism having an actuator cam, comprising: 
 a delivery tube;    at least one follower disposed adjacent to said delivery tube;    a follower retainer defining a support surface for supporting said at least one follower in a standby position not pushing against said delivery tube, wherein said actuator cam directs said at least one follower into an operating position pushing against said delivery tube when said administration set is inserted into said pumping mechanism.    
   
   
       2 . The administration set of  claim 1 , additionally comprising a tube retaining plate for supporting said delivery tube, wherein said follower retainer and said tube retaining plate are molded as a single piece.  
   
   
       3 . A device for pumping fluid, comprising: 
 a disposable administration set comprising at least one follower and a delivery tube disposed adjacent said follower;    a pumping mechanism comprising an actuator contacting said follower to force said follower to squeeze a portion of said delivery tube;    a housing defining a shoulder for supporting said disposable administration set; and    a spring biasing said disposable administration set against said shoulder.    
   
   
       4 . The device of  claim 3 , additionally comprising a ball positioned between said spring and said disposable administration set.  
   
   
       5 . The device of  claim 3 , said housing additionally comprising a channel, said shoulder being defined by a portion of said channel.  
   
   
       6 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein said spring is selected so as to deform upon sliding said disposable administration set into said housing and to resist deforming in response to said squeezing of said delivery tube.