Abstract:
An infusion pump having a plurality of function keys which initiate different processes depending on the state of the infusion pump is disclosed. In the configuration state, the function keys operate to set the various configurable options with regard to the desired medication treatment parameters. In the infusing state, the function keys operate to transmit various operational data to a readout screen depending on the function key pressed. Essentially, multi-function, state dependent function keys operable on an infusion pump is disclosed.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable 
     STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Technical Field 
     This invention generally relates to infusion pumps. More particularly, this invention relates to infusion pumps having function keys for recalling critical operational data during medication infusion. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Means for supplying patients with fluid medication for sustained periods in a controlled manner is well known in the art. One such commonly known and well recognized means is a bag filled with fluid medication which was fed into the patient by gravitational force through intravenous tubing having drip or other controllers. More specifically, a sterile container such as a glass or plastic bottle, or a plastic bag was attached to one end of a drip chamber, and the other end of the same was attached to a tube. The drip chamber allowed the fluid to flow one drop at a time, and the tube had an attached hollow needle that was inserted into the vein. Further connectors could be attached to the tube, which permitted other fluid medication to be delivered through the same needle. The adjustability of the flow rate in such prior devices was quite limited, however, and a variety of expensive and complicated flow control valves and devices have been developed. Where fluctuations in the flow rate were not critical, the aforementioned gravity drip system continues to be used for its utter simplicity. 
     In an attempt to obtain even greater control over the flow rate, peristaltic and other electrically driven pumps were developed. Conventional peristaltic pumps typically have a section of resilient tubing positioned between a wall and a set of rollers or reciprocating pushers that progressively compress sections of tubing to facilitate the pumping of a liquid therethrough. Such peristaltic pumps known in the art include teachings from U.S. Pat. No. 2,877,714 to Sorg, et al. Improvements thereto have also been made, such as those teachings of a curvilinear peristaltic pump in U.S. Pat. No. 6,371,732 to Moubayed, et al., a linear peristaltic pump in U.S. Pat. No. 5,924,852 to Moubayed, et al., and a curvilinear peristaltic pump with occlusion detection means in U.S. Pat. No. 5,791,881 to Moubayed, et al., which are wholly incorporated by reference herein. 
     In the more advanced infusion pumps, all aspects of operation came to be governed by a central processing unit. A software application running on a microcontroller within the pump selectively transmitted signals to a motor that drove the pump based on the parameters interactively set by the user via input from a keypad while viewing the results of that interaction on readout displays. Memory modules operatively connected to the microcontroller stored the operator inputted parameters, as well as the various interactive menus which were presented to guide the operator through the various settings. In general, the microcontroller was understood to be in two separate states—the first being the configuration stage, where the operator could navigate a series of on-screen menus to select the appropriate treatment for a patient, and the second being the infusing stage, where the previously set treatment was administered to the patient. While the function keys enabled the operator to interact with the pump during the configuration stage, the keys provided no functionality while in the treatment phase, and merely provided a miniscule amount of information related to the current state of the treatment. Since the screen size was limited, there was no way to provide all of the relevant information at once. 
     Therefore, there is a need in the art for an infusion pump having the ability to selectively display operational information. Further, there is a need for an infusion pump having function keys which enabled the operator to configure the operational parameters during a configuration stage, and the same function keys enabling the operator to view relevant data while the treatment is being administered. Still further, there is a need in the art for an infusion pump with function keys which retrieves and groups a series of relevant data and displays the same on a screen by activating a particular key, and which retrieves and groups another series of relevant data and displays the same on a screen by activating another particular key. These needs and more are fulfilled by the present invention, the details of which are discussed more fully below. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     In light of the foregoing limitations, the present invention was conceived. According to one aspect of the present invention, provided is an infusion pump having a first state and a second state, for infusing fluid medication, comprising a data processor, a readout screen electrically connected to the data processor, and a plurality of function keys electrically connected to the data processor. Further, at least one of the function keys is operable to activate a first data processing operation on the data processor while the infusion pump is in the first state, and is operable to activate a second data processing operation on the data processor while the infusion pump is in the second state. There is further a memory module electrically connected to the data processor, in which the memory module stores results from the first and second data processing operations. The infusion pump may further comprise a platen, a rotatable cam assembly spaced from the platen, a set of spaced pump finger assemblies, each having a first end riding on the cam and a second end adjacent to the platen, and a resilient tube interposed between the platen and the pump finger assemblies. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, there is a data input port electrically connected to the data processor and a bolus, for transmitting a bolus activation signal from the bolus to the data processor. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the aforementioned first state is while the infusion pump is infusing the fluid medication, and the aforementioned second state is while the infusion pump is not infusing the fluid medication. The first data processing operation is the displaying of operational data on the readout screen, and can also be the holding of an output to the readout screen for a set time period. Additionally, it may be the clearing of data from the memory module. 
     In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, the second data operation is setting the operational configuration of the infusion pump and transmitting data to the readout screen. In one aspect of the present embodiment, the operational data comprises the date and time, while in another aspect the operational data comprises electrical power source information. Still further, the operational data may comprise currently set global options, and may also comprise a log of infusion history. The operational data may also comprise currently set fluid medication infusion options. Finally, the operational data may comprise a log of bolus activation history. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, an infusion pump comprises a plurality of function keys, at least one of the function keys upon activation transmits a signal to a central processor unit having an infusing state and a non-infusing state. The signal activates a data transmission to a display while the central processor unit is an infusing state, and modifies one or more configuration settings recorded in the central processor unit and initiates a data transmission to the display when the central processor unit is in a non-infusing state. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the following description and drawings, in which like numbers refer to like parts throughout, and in which: 
         FIG. 1   a  a top frontal perspective view of a infusion pump with the platen in a non-operative position and a bolus electrically and fluidly connected thereto in accordance with one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 1   b  is top posterior perspective view of an infusion pump with the platen in a non-operative position in accordance with one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 1   c  is a bottom posterior perspective view of infusion pump the tube assembly passing therethrough with an attached fluid medication supply and a bolus in accordance with one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 1   d  is a front cross-sectional view of the internals of an infusion pump in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram showing the interrelated peripherals of an infusion pump in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram showing the various states of an infusion pump in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a flowchart for aiding in describing the configuration state of an infusion pump in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a front view of a keypad in accordance with one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 6   a - 6   c  are exemplary displays of configuration screens when modifying a parameter selectable from a finite list in accordance with one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 7   a - 7   b  are exemplary displays of configuration screens when modifying a numerical parameter in accordance with one aspect of the present invention; and 
         FIGS. 8   a - 8   h  are exemplary displays of informational screens when activated by function keys during the infusion state in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for developing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiment. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention. It is further understood that the use of relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like are used solely to distinguish one from another entity without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1   a ,  1   b ,  1   c  and  1   d , a well known infusion pump  10  is adapted to facilitate the pumping of a liquid through tubing assembly  12  from input side  13  to output side  14 . Housing  16  includes a front housing half  18   a  and a back housing half  18   b  which are rigidly attached to each other through the use of fasteners such as screws, though alternative attachment methods may also be employed in relation thereto. The front housing half  18   a  is provided with function keypad  20 , and a display  22 . The back housing half  18   b  is provided with a removable door  24  for accessing a battery storage compartment within the interior of housing  16 . The front and back housing halves  18   a ,  18   b  are preferably fabricated from a plastic material, though alternative lightweight materials may be used for the fabrication thereof. In addition to the front and back housing halves  18   a  and  18   b , housing  16  comprises a support member  25  which defines a channel having a generally U-shaped cross-sectional configuration. Support member  25  is attached to the front and back housing halves  18   a  and  18   b  such that the channel defined thereby extends longitudinally between the upper ends of the front and back housing halves  18   a  and  18   b.    
     The pump  10  further comprises a platen member  26  which is pivotally connected to support member  25  of housing  16  and moveable between an operative position (as shown in  FIG. 1   c ) and a non-operative position (as shown in  FIGS. 1   a ,  1   b ). Platen member  26  defines an arcuate, generally concave inner surface  28 . When platen member  26  is in its operative position, it resides within the channel defined by support member  25 , with the inner surface  28  being shielded thereby. The platen member  26  is provided with an over-the-center latch mechanism  30  on the end thereof opposite that pivotally connected to support member  25 . Latch mechanism  30  is cooperatively engageable to a pair of latch pins  32  protruding from respective ones of opposed inner surfaces of support member  25  into the channel defined therebetween. As will be readily understood, the engagement of latch mechanism  30  to latch pins  32  maintains or locks the platen member  26  within its operative position. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1   d , Pump  10  additionally includes a platen sensor  120  which is operable to detect when platen member  26  is in its operative position. Preferably, platen sensor  120  is a Hall effect sensor which comprises a magnet  122  disposed within over-the-center latch mechanism  30  of platen member  26 . In addition to magnet  122 , platen sensor  120  includes magnetic field detector  124  which is disposed within support member  25  in close proximity to one of the latch pins  32  protruding therefrom. Magnetic field detector  124  is oriented so as to be disposed directly adjacent to magnet  122  when platen member  26  is moved to its operative position and latch mechanism  30  engaged to latch pins  32 . 
     Further, pump  10  comprises a rotating cam  34  which is disposed within the interior of housing  16  and rotatably mounted to support member  25 . More particularly, cam  34  is mounted to support member  25  so as to be rotatable about an axis which extends through the approximate center of the concavity of arcuate inner surface  28  of platen member  26  when platen member  26  is in its operative position. Rotation of cam  34  is facilitated by a drive unit  36  of pump  10  which is also disposed within the interior of housing  16  and attached to support member  25 . Drive unit  36  is mechanically coupled to cam  34  such that the activation of drive unit  36  results in the concurrent rotation of the same in a first direction, and the deactivation of drive unit  36  maintains cam  34  in a set position. By way of example only and not of limitation, drive unit  36  comprises a cam shaft  46  and a worm  48  attached thereto, and a variable speed electric motor  42 , and worm gear  40  cooperating with worm  48 , the engagement of which transfers rotational motion from the electric motor  42  to cam  34 . 
     Additionally, pump  10  further comprises a plurality of pump fingers  52  which are movably attached to the support member  25  and are arranged in side-by-side relation to each other so as to define an arcuate row. Each of the pump fingers  52  has a first end  54  which is cooperatively engaged to cam  34  and a second end  56  which is disposed in spaced relation to platen member  26  when the same is in its operative position. Pump  10  also includes pliable membrane  126  which is preferably fabricated from a transparent or translucent material and is attached to support member  25  so as to cover second ends  56  of pump fingers  52 . Moreover, membrane  126  is preferably formed to have a thickness of about 0.0007 inches, and is exposed when platen member  26  is in its non-operative position. In this regard, as cam  34  is rotated, pump fingers  52  correspondingly rise and fall with the motion, sequentially squeezing tube assembly  12  along arcuate inner surface  28  of platen member  26 . Thus, by suction force, fluid medication flowing into tube assembly  12  is conveyed from input end  13  to output end  14 . As understood, input end  13  is connected to a fluid medication container  50 , and can be a plastic bag, a syringe, or any other suitable container. While the particulars of a curvilinear peristaltic infusion pump have been heretofore described, a person having ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the present invention is not limited to such an infusion pump, and, in fact, any infusion pump operating under any one of many principles and any configuration will be understood to be encompassed within the scope of the present invention. Of course, such person will also recognize that any infusion pump so encompassed will be electronically controlled by a central data processor. 
     With reference to  FIG. 1   c , it may also be desirable to include an electronically controlled bolus  110  containing a separate medication for on-demand infusion into a patient. It will be understood that a bolus typically dispenses pain reducing medication upon activation, typically via a pushbutton, by a patient. Bolus  110  is in fluid communication with tube assembly  12 , and is also in electrical communication with pump  10  through data input port  16  for recording the activations. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1   a  and  2 , pump  10  of the present invention is provided with an internal monitor and control unit  130  comprised of a programmable data processing device which monitors, controls, and coordinates the various operations thereof. The monitor and control unit  130  implements software of a specific design an architecture which imparts various functional attributes which will be described in further detail hereunder. 
     The monitor and control unit  130  is in electrical communication with a variety of components of pump  10 . Power supply  133  supplies electrical power to monitor and control unit  130  and all of the peripherals requiring power which are connected thereto, including, but not limited to, pump motor  42 , pump sensors  43 , memory module  134 , display  22 , beeper  135 , keypad  20 , watchdog  136 , serial communications  137 , system clock  138 , and real-time clock  139 . Preferably, power supply  133  is comprised of one or more batteries enclosed within housing  16 , and may include additional circuitry for increasing the voltage or current. Additionally, power supply  133  may comprise of a connection to an external DC source which draws power from a conventional 120V, 60 Hz Alternating Current household power outlet, with accompanying rectifying and voltage regulating circuitry well known in the art. As will be apparent, any one of numerous power supplies may be utilized, although it is preferable to use a battery due to its reliability and independence from the oft unreliable power grid. 
     Also in electrical communication with monitor and control unit  130  is a beeper  135  of pump  10  which is disposed within the interior of housing  16 . Beeper  135  contains two buzzers which operate at a single, fixed frequency. One of the buzzers, which is designated as the normal operation buzzer, is pulsed at varying widths, pulse rates and total number of pulses, as a function of the event to be signaled thereby. The second buzzer, which is designated as an auxiliary buzzer, operates from a watch dog time out. The second buzzer can be tested once and then reset via a clear auxiliary beeper input event. Additionally, monitor and control unit  130  is in electrical communication with system clock  138 , which is a processor timer interrupt which is set at approximately 53.3 milliseconds. 
     Furthermore, also in electrical communication with monitor and control unit  130  is a real time clock  139 , a watch dog  136 , and a serial communications port  137 . Real time clock  139  provides a reference for the date and time of day, with this information being read therefrom on demand. The serial communications port  137  is preferably an asynchronous serial port, 9600 bps full duplex, with no RTS or CTS, RDX and TXD only. Typically, serial communications port  137  is connected to bolus  110  to provide monitor and control unit  130  with a signal when a user activates bolus  110 . The watch dog  136  is an independent, re-triggered one shot which is attached to a microcontroller NMI input and a motor inhibit control input of pump  10 . It must be “petted” at least once every 1.6 seconds to prevent triggering the aforementioned auxiliary beeper, and also provides a test capability which can be activated to cause watch dog  136  to time out but not reset the microcontroller of pump  10  one time after the power-up thereof. 
     In addition to the foregoing, monitor and control unit  130  is electrically connected to pump motor  42  and pump sensors  43 . As described above, pump motor  42  facilitates the rotation of cam  34 , and hence drives pump  10 . Based on the conditions as set forth programmatically in monitor and control unit  130 , signals are transmitted to pump motor  42 . It is understood that while monitor and control unit  130  can generate the pulse width modulated signals required to drive pump motor  42 , the power of such signal is substantially lower than necessary. Furthermore, it is desirable to electrically isolate the motor components from monitor and control unit  130 . Accordingly, the signal is transmitted to an intermediate motor driver circuit prior to reaching pump motor  42 . In order to monitor the safe operation of pump  10 , a variety of pump sensors  43  transmit signals to monitor and control unit  130 , among which include platen sensor  120 , tubing pressure sensors, air-in-line sensors, and so forth. 
     In order to provide configurability and the ability to interactively operate pump  10 , monitor and control unit  130  is electrically connected to keypad  20 , display  22 , and memory module  134 . Key pad  20  has a nineteen (19) key configuration, each of which is operative to transmit a signal to monitor and control unit  130  and alter the operational sequence thereof. Additionally, display  22  preferably consists of a 100×32 dot matrix Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), and is used to provide an output means for the user to interact with pump  10 . It will be understood that monitor and control unit  130  transmits to display  22  a series of bits representative of characters and the formatting thereof. This data is received by a LCD driver which converts such characters and interprets those formatting instructions, and accordingly activates and deactivates the appropriate pixels on the LCD screen. Still further, memory module  134  stores any data transmitted from monitor and control unit  130  when signaled to do so thereby, as well as transmit data to control unit  130  when signaled to do so thereby. It will be appreciated that any one of numerous memory types including, but not limited to, Read Only Memory (ROM) Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), and Non-Volatile Random Access Memory (NVRAM) such as Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM), a subset of which includes Flash memory, or any combination thereof, may be utilized. For example, the program which controls the operation of pump  10  may be stored in ROM, while configuration settings and operational parameters may be stored on Flash memory. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 2 , and now, additionally to  FIG. 3 , monitor and control unit  130  is said to have generally two operating states: the configuration state  301  and the infusion state  302 . Within this framework, and with reference now to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , further details of the configuration state will now be discussed. Upon powering on pump  10  via an input from keypad  20 , specifically on/off key  501  in power-on step  401 , monitor and control unit  130  begins an initialization sequence, which, among other things, transmits “splash” screens to display  22  containing manufacturer/developer information, and calibrates pump motor  42  and pump sensors  43 . This step may also additionally involve retrieving such information from memory module  134 . 
     Following initialization, the operator is presented to make a selection  420  between either PROGRAM or BIOMED SETUP. In order to select between the options, the user presses up key  511  or down key  512  to move the text highlight on display  22 , and when a desired function is highlighted, the user presses the YES/enter key  514  to initiate or choose that function. If BIOMED SETUP is chosen, the user is then presented to enter an access code as in step  402 . The access code is a numerical value, and can be entered through numerical keys  520 - 529 . If access is granted, the user may perform special setup functions  411  including printing history files and other pertinent data of a patient, as well as “factory calibration” which provides for the calibration of the pump  10 . Alternatively, if PROGRAM is selected, the user is then presented with a selection  421  which include RESUME, for resuming an existing therapy previously recorded yet incomplete, REPEAT RX, for repeating an existing therapy which had been completed, and NEW PROGRAM, for clearing an existing therapy and entering a new one. 
     Where either NEW PROGRAM or REPEAT RX is selected, the user is presented with a menu to select the various treatments available, including CONTINUOUS  440  or  450  (depending on whether NEW PROGRAM or REPEAT RX was selected), PCA  441  or  451 , TPN  442  or  452 , INTERMITTENT  443  or  453 , and VARIABLE  444  or  453 . As understood, the aforementioned abbreviations and words for treatments have further meanings as follows:
         1. CONTINUOUS—Continuous infusion, designed to allow a constant programmed rate of infusion;   2. PCA—Patient Controlled Analgesia, designed for therapies that require a continuous rate of infusion, patient controlled demand boluses, or both;   3. TPN—designed to allow a level rate of infusion of parenteral nutritional products with the option of tapering at the beginning, end, or both of the infusion, and having an early ram-down feature;   4. INTERMITTENT—Intermittent delivery, designed to deliver programmed intervals and rates of specified amounts of the infusion between doses to keep the patient&#39;s access site patent; and   5. VARIABLE—Variable program, designed to allow varying amounts rates and times of delivery of infusions up to twenty four specified programs.       

     If NEW PROGRAM is initially selected, the stored parameters for the respective treatments are cleared in step  462 , and queried to enter new parameters in step  472 . Where REPEAT RX is initially selected, previously recorded parameters are retrieved from memory module  134  as in step  463 , and the user confirms those retrieved parameters as set forth in step  473 . 
     Although the set of parameters queried for will vary according to the treatment selected, the input method is identical across all treatments. For example, as shown in  FIG. 6   a , the setting selected for modification is the unit of measure, and is indicated as such by the flashing and highlighted parameter  601  displayed as ml. In order to modify this setting, the NO/Change key  513  is pressed, and cycles to the next available parameter  601 . Thereafter, as shown in  FIG. 6   b , this is shown as “mcg.” Now, descriptor  602  flashes to indicate that the unit of measure is being modified. Depressing the NO/Change key  513  again will cycle parameter  601  to display “mg” as shown in  FIG. 6   c , with descriptor  602  still flashing. Once parameter  601  is cycled to a desired setting, the operator can press any one of the YES/Enter key  514 , up arrow key  511 , or down arrow key  512 , which is operable to record the setting into memory module  134  and cycles the flashing and highlighted parameter  601  to the next or previous line, depending on the key pressed. Accordingly, parameters having a finite list of available settings, including simple YES or NO parameters, can be altered in this manner. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7   a - 7   c , now specifically  FIG. 7   a , the input method for setting numerical values will be described. Using up and down arrow keys  511  and  512  are pressed to cycle through to select numeric parameter  605 . Upon selection, such is indicated by the highlighting and flashing of numeric parameter  605 . Thereafter, values may be entered through keypad  20 , specifically numerical keys  520 - 529 . As illustrated in  FIG. 7   b , once a value has been entered, descriptor  604  begins flashing. In order to commit the value to memory module  134 , YES/Enter key  514  must be pressed, and the flashing highlight will move to the next line. If either one of up or down arrow keys  511  or  512  are pressed, the entered value will not be saved, and simply move the flashing highlight to the subsequent line. As will be understood, all numerical parameters may be set and modified as set forth above. 
     Referring back now to  FIG. 4 , upon confirming and/or entering of the various parameters, or after selecting a RESUME operation, the user is again presented with a menu for selecting between RUN, REVIEW, OPTIONS, or PRIME. Where the user selects PRIME  482  by pressing prime/bolus key  515 , there is output a second screen with instructions on how to prime pump  10 , specifically, by continuing to press prime/bolus key  515 , pump  10  operates and cycles the medication therethrough to eliminate any air bubbles as in step  492 . Where the user selects REVIEW  484 , the operation returns to step  463 , and the user may review, and if necessary, modify the parameters currently set. Where the OPTIONS  481  is selected by pressing options function key  502 , further options relating to the operation of pump  10  may be modified. Once RUN  483  is selected by pressing run/pause function key  503 , infusion  493  begins. With reference to  FIG. 3 , pump  10  has switched states from configuration state  301  to infusion state  302 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  5 , it will be understood that generally, keypad  20  possesses different functionality in configuration state  301  than in infusion state  302 . More particularly, during infusion state  302 , first numerical function key  521  displays the date and time as shown in  FIG. 8   a . However, during configuration state  301 , first numerical function key  521  is operative to signal a “1” input to monitor and control unit  130 . Further, during infusion state  302 , second numerical function key  522  displays the status of the power source and how much battery power is remaining in a graphical fashion as illustrated in  FIG. 8   b . Whereas in configuration state  301 , second numerical function key  522  is operative to input a “1” to monitor and control unit  130 . Still further, during infusion state  302 , the third numerical function key  523  displays the global options as set in step  491  of  FIG. 4 , illustrated in  FIG. 8   c , but during configuration state  301 , the key is operative to input a “3.” Moreover, during infusion state  302 , fourth numerical function key  524  is operative to “hold” a screen for a set period of time, preferably 6 seconds. It will be understood that various screens are displayed at Shorter intervals when this functionality is not activated. 
     Additionally, during infusion state  301 , fifth numerical function key  525  activates an hourly infusion log as illustrated in  FIG. 8   d . In this screen, up and down arrow keys  511  and  512  may be pressed to review the previous hours of treatment not displayed on display  22 . As will be apparent, fifth numerical function key  525  is operable to input a “5” when in configuration state  301 . By activating sixth numerical function key  526 , the details of the treatment, that is, the parameters as set in one of steps  472  or  473  may be viewed, shown in  FIG. 8   e . However, unlike in configuration state  301 , the parameters may not be modified. In configuration state  301 , of course, sixth numerical function key  526  is operable to signal a “6” to monitor and control unit  130 . 
     In infusion state  302 , seventh and eighth numerical function keys  527  and  528  are operable to display bolus options and information. As described above, a bolus may be electrically connected to pump  10 , transmitting a signal to monitor and control unit  130  through serial communications port  137  whenever it is activated by a user. Such activations are then store in memory module  130 . As illustrated in  FIG. 8   f , activating seventh numerical function key  527  activates the bolus information screen, and as illustrated in  FIG. 8   e , activating eighth numerical function key  528  activates the bolus percentage screen. By now it will be readily apparent that seventh and eighth numerical function keys  527  and  528  are operable to signal a “7” and “8,” respectively, to monitor and control unit  130  when pressed during the configuration state  301 . 
     Ninth numerical function key  529  is operable to clear the treatment logs while in infusion state  302 , and displays the results of the operation thereby as illustrated in  FIG. 8   h . While in configuration state  301 , ninth numerical function key  529  is operable to transmit a “9” to monitor and control unit  130 . It should be noted that tenth numerical function key  520  does not have a secondary function in infusion state  302 , but is operable to transmit a “0” to monitor and control unit  130  during configuration state  301 . It should be further noted that prime/bolus key  515  is operable to assist in priming pump  10  during configuration state  301 , and in infusion state  302 , it is operable to activate a bolus. 
     While reference has been made to a variety of different screens and corresponding key pressed which activate the same, the present invention is not limited to the particular information provided as illustrated in  FIGS. 8   a - 8   h . Any suitable, relevant information stored in memory module  134  or being processed in monitor and control unit  130  may be shown to display  22 . 
     The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the present invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the present invention in more detail than is necessary for the fundamental understanding of the present invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the present invention may be embodied in practice.