Anti-free flow mechanism

Abstract

The present invention discloses an anti-free flow mechanism for a finger-type peristaltic infusion pump (DDS) and methods for avoiding anti-free-flow. The mechanism comprises: a passive mechanical interface (MS) which integrally accommodates a portion of the flexible infusion tube, and an anti-free flow valve (AFFV) which is a spring-activated latch, which is incorporated within said MS. The maneuverable latch is secured in the MS either in CLOSED or OPEN configurations: in its CLOSED configuration no flow is provided, and in its OPEN configuration, a free flow is facilitated. Said anti-free flow mechanism is configured in a manner such that when the MS is not properly mounted in the DDS, said AFFV is automatically actuated via one or more integrated springs, to its CLOSED configuration. When the MS is properly mounted in the DDS, said latch is adapted to be automatically switched to the OPEN configuration.

1 . An anti-free flow mechanism for a finger-type peristaltic infusion pump (DDS); said mechanism comprising (i) a passive mechanical interface (MS) which integrally accommodates a portion of the flexible infusion-tube, and (ii) an anti-free flow valve (AFFV) which is a spring-activated latch, said latch is incorporated within said MS; wherein said maneuverable latch is secured in said MS either in CLOSE or OPEN configurations: in its CLOSE configuration no flow is provided, and vice versa, in its OPEN configuration, a free flow is facilitated; said anti-free flow mechanism is configures in a minter that when said MS is not properly mounted in said DDS, said AFFV is automatically actuated via a plurality, especially a set of one or more integrated springs, to its CLOSE configuration; and vice versa, it is configures in a manner that when said MS is properly mounted in said DDS, said latch is adapted to be automatically switched to said OPEN configuration. 
     
     
         2 . An anti-free flow mechanism according to  claim 1 , wherein said AFFV is adapted to be manually switched to a TEMPORALLY-OPEN configuration whereat the MS is not mounted in said DDS; said configuration-switch is provided possible by applying a continuous press on said AFFV, and vice versa, immediately after stop pressing said AFFV is switched to its CLOSE configuration. 
     
     
         3 . An anti-free flow mechanism as defined in  claim 1  or in any of its dependent claims wherein said AFFV is adapted to be manually switched to its TEMPORALLY-OPEN configuration whereat the MS is not mounted in said DDS; said AFFV is further adapted to be switched on to an self maintained SECURED-OPEN configuration; and wherein this SECURED-OPEN configuration is possibly re-switched to the TEMPORALLY-OPEN configuration by applying an inverted tilting press. 
     
     
         4 . An anti-free flow mechanism as defined in  claim 1  or in any of its dependent claims wherein said AFFV is adapted to be automatically switched to its CLOSE configuration whereat MS is switched-out of the DDS, regardless to the initial SECURED-OPEN/TEMPORALLY-OPEN/CLOSE configuration of said AFFV, namely when the MS was mounted in said DDS). 
     
     
         5 . An anti-free flow mechanism as defined in  claim 1  or in any of its dependent claims especially adapted to be manually switched to its various OPEN/CLOSE configuration by one hand, while the MS is not mounted in said DDS. 
     
     
         6 . A method for avoiding anti-free flow in a finger-type peristaltic infusion pump; said method comprising steps of (a) obtaining an anti-free flow mechanism for a finger-type peristaltic infusion pump; said mechanism comprising (i a passive mechanical interface (MS) which integrally accommodates a portion of the flexible infusion-tube, and (ii) an anti-free flow valve (AFFV) which is a spring-activated latch, said latch is incorporated within said MS; wherein said maneuverable latch is secured in said MS either in CLOSE or OPEN configurations: in its CLOSE configuration no flow is provided, and vice versa, in its OPEN configuration, a free flow is facilitated; said anti-free flow mechanism is configures in a manner that when said MS is not properly mounted in said DDS, said AFFV is automatically actuated via a plurality, especially a set of one or more integrated springs, to its CLOSE configuration; and vice versa, it is configures in a manner that when said MS is properly mounted in said pump, said latch is adapted to be automatically switched to said OPEN configuration; and (b), one or more of the following steps: (i) manually switching said AFFV to a TEMPORALLY-OPEN configuration whereat the MS is not mounted in said DDS; said switch is provided possible by applying a continuous press on said AFFV, and vice versa, immediately after stop pressing said AFFV is switched to its CLOSE configuration; (ii) automatically switching said AFFV to its CLOSE configuration whereat MS is switched-out of the pump, regardless to the initial SECURED-OPEN/TEMPORALLY-OPEN/CLOSE configuration of said AFFV, namely when the MS was mounted in said DDS); and, (iii) manually switching said AFFV to its various OPEN/CLOSE configurations by one hand, while the MS is not mounted in said pump.