Patent ID: 6731216
Filing Date: 2004-05-04
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
In a peristaltic pump having a tube receiving channel and a door for holding a tubing therein, a tubing installation checking device for determining proper installation of a tubing along a tube receiving channel in to which the tubing is inserted for pumping engagement with a pumping mechanism, said tubing installation checking device comprising:(a) a pressure sensor held in the peristaltic pump positioned along the tube receiving channel downstream from the pumping mechanism for sensing pressure in the tubing and for providing a signal representing the sensed pressure; (b) a valve held in the peristaltic pump along said tube receiving channel downstream from said pressure sensor for closing the tubing when it is installed in the tube receiving channel; and (c) a computer program for closing said valve, for activating the pumping mechanism for a partial pumping stroke, for receiving a first pressure signal from said pressure sensor indicating the sensed pressure after the partial pumping stroke, for holding the pumping mechanism stationary during a predetermined period of time, and for receiving a second pressure signal indicating the pressure in the tubing after the predetermined period of time, and for comparing the first and second pressure signals to determine whether there is leakage in the tubing indicating improper tubing installation and if so for providing an alarm signal to indicate improper tubing installation.