Patent Description:
Tube occlusions are problematic because they may cause an infusion pump to display an erroneous volume infused. Additionally, an inaccurate record of total volume infused may result in an inappropriate clinical decision when prescribing further IV therapy. Additionally, a tube occlusion may delay the administration of critical medications. Delaying the administration of medications to patients may cause complications and negatively affect the patient's health. For example, delaying the administration of fast-acting drugs (e.g., dopamine, oxytocin, nitroprusside), such as a pain reliever, may cause the patient to experience pain for a longer period of time until the occlusion is remedied. Additionally, the result of delaying the administration of slower-acting drugs, whose effects are not immediately recognized (e.g., heparin, insulin, lidocaine) and may not be realized for several hours, may further delay the effects of the drug. By the time the drug is properly administered, it may take another several hours before the patient receives the benefit of the drug.

<CIT> discloses an infusion pump with a housing comprising a tube port configured to receive an intravenous tube.

According to the present invention there is provided an infusion pump according to claim <NUM> and claim <NUM>.

Anti-occlusion IV tube ports prevent full elastomeric IV tube occlusion where the tube exits the pump, and are particularly useful in instances when the tube exits the pump at a sharp exit angle. The tube port can include one or more gradually increasing rib(s) to ensure that when the IV tube is bent leaving the pump, it is divided into two or more regions that do not fully collapse, thereby allowing the liquid (e.g., medication) to continue flowing through the tube to the patient. The gradual increase inthe rib(s) profile ensures that the IV tube does not occlude fully, even if the tube is bent or twisted in multiple directions relative to the pump housing. The anti-occlusion IV tube port may include multiple ribs. For example, multiple ribs strategically spaced on the exterior of the pump housing may advantageously prevent IV tube collapse and occlusion when the tube is bent at varying exit angles.

Aspects of the subject matter described herein may be useful alone or in combination with any one or more of the other aspect described herein. Without limiting the foregoing description, in a first aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, an infusion pump includes a housing, which includes a tube port adapted to receive an IV tube. The tube port includes a tube channel and a rib. According to the aspect of claim <NUM>, the channel has an inlet end and an outlet end. The rib is positioned along the tube channel adjacent the outlet end. Additionally, the rib is formed to extend towards the tube when the tube is passed through the tube port thereby indenting the tube and tending to prevent full occlusion of the tube.

The rib is configured to split the tube channel into a first channel and a second channel.

The tube channel may be positioned along an interior wall of the housing and is at least substantially perpendicular to the tube port.

The infusion pump may be configured such that the tube extends along the tube channel when the tube is pressed through the tube port.

According to the aspect of claim <NUM>, a housing for an infusion pump includesa tube port adapted to receive an IV tube. The tube port includes a tube channel and a rib. The tube channel has an inlet end and an outlet end. The rib is positioned along the channel adjacent the outlet end. Additionally, the rib is formed to extend outwardly from a surface of the tube channel towards the IV tube as the IV tube is passed through the IV tube port, thereby indenting the tube and tending to prevent full occlusion of the IV tube.

The rib may be configured to split the tube channel into a first channel and as second channel.

The tube channel may be positioned along an interior wall of the housing and may be at least substantially perpendicular to the tube port.

The tube channel may be positioned along an interior wall of the housing and is at least substantially parallel to the tube port.

The rib may include a first end and a second end, the first end having a first diameter and the second end having a second, differentdiameter.

The second diameter may be larger than the first diameter.

The rib may include a gradually increasing profile from a first end to a second end, the first end closer to an outside opening of the port than the second end.

The rib may be formed to divide the IV tube into two un-occluded regions.

The rib may be positioned on the interior side of the housing.

The rib may be positioned on the exterior side of the housing.

An infusion pump may include a housing having includes a tube port extending through a wall of the housing. The tube port is configured to receive an intravenous ("IV") tube. The tube port includes a plurality of ribs positioned around a perimeter of the tube port on the exterior side of the housing. Additionally, the plurality of ribs are configured to prevent an occlusion in the tube whenthe tube is bent on the exterior side of the housing.

The plurality of ribs may be circumferentially positioned around the perimeter and are each pointed toward a center of theport.

Each of a plurality of ribs may have at least approximately the same size and shape.

The plurality of ribs may include a firstrib and a second rib, the first rib having a different size, shape and/or orientation than the second rib.

The plurality of ribs may each extend radially towards a center of the port.

In light of the above aspects and description herein, it is accordingly an advantage of the present disclosure to prevent elastomeric intravenous tube occlusion when an IV tube exits an infusion pump.

It is another advantage of the present disclosure to divide the tube into two regions that do not fully collapse.

It is a further advantage of the present disclosure to prevent tube occlusion by ensuring that the tube does not abruptly collapse.

It is yet a further advantage of the present disclosure to prevent tube occlusion for several tube exit angles.

It is yet another advantage of the present disclosure to prevent tube occlusion for existing intravenous tube sets.

It is still a further advantage of the present disclosure to prevent tube occlusion without changing clinical treatment steps.

Additional features and advantages of the disclosed infusion pump and housing including an anti-occlusion tube port are described in, and will be apparent from, the following Detailed Description and the Figures. Also, any particular embodiment does not have to have all of the advantages listed herein. Moreover, it should be noted that the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and not to limit the scope of the inventive subject matter.

As discussed herein, improved infusion pump housings with anti-occlusion intravenous tube ports are provided to prevent intravenous tube occlusion upon the tube exiting the pump. Tube occlusions are problematic because they may cause an infusion pump to display an erroneous volume infused. Additionally, an inaccurate record of total volume infused may result in an inappropriate clinical decision when prescribing further IV therapy. Further, a tube occlusion may delay the administration of critical medications. Delaying the administration of medications to patients may cause complications and may negatively affect the patient's health. For example, delaying the administration of fast-acting drugs (e.g., dopamine, oxytocin, nitroprusside), such as a pain reliever, may cause the patient to experience pain for a longer period of time until the occlusion is remedied. Additionally, delaying the administration of slower-acting drugs, whose effects are not immediately recognized (e.g., heparin, insulin, lidocaine) and may not be realized for several hours, may further delay the effects of the drug. By the time the drug is properly administered, it may take another several hours before the patient receives the benefit of the drug.

The anti-occlusion IV tube port prevents elastomeric IV tube occlusion where a tube exits a pump, and is especially useful in instances when the tube exits at a sharp exit angle. The tube port may include one or more gradually increasing rib to ensure that when an IV tube is bent, it is divided into two or more regions that do not occlude fully, thereby allowing the liquid (e.g., medication) to continue flowing through the tube to the patient. The gradual increase in the rib profile may ensure that the IV tube does not collapse fully, especially when bent sideways or in multiple directions relative to the pump housing. The anti-occlusion IV tube port may also include multiple ribs. For example, multiple ribs strategically spaced on the exterior of the pump housing may advantageously prevent IV tube collapse and occlusion when the tube is bent at various exit angles.

Referring to the drawings and in particular to <FIG>, in one embodiment, an infusion pump <NUM> of the present disclosure includes a housing <NUM>. All components of pump <NUM> may be made of metal, plastic, rubber and combinations thereof. Housing <NUM> may be formed from a single mold or multiple molds and may include a single section or multiple sections that join together to form the housing enclosure <NUM>. For example, housing <NUM> may include a door that connects to a back portion of the housing <NUM> to form the pump enclosure. Additionally, housing <NUM> may include a tube port <NUM> adapted to receive an IV tube <NUM>. Tube port <NUM> may extend through a wall of the housing enclosure.

For example, tube port <NUM> may extend vertically through a top wall of housing <NUM> (as illustrated in <FIG> to lC). In another example, tube port <NUM> may extend horizontally through a slot or gap in the housing <NUM> (as illustrated in <FIG>, discussed in more detail below). In an embodiment, pump <NUM> is rotatable as needed so that tube port <NUM> may extend at virtually any angle.

As illustrated in <FIG>, tube <NUM> may bend and/or take various paths through housing <NUM>. For example, tube <NUM> may bend to extend along an interior wall of housing <NUM> before exiting the housing <NUM> through tube port <NUM>. In another example embodiment, tube <NUM> may pass through the interior of housing <NUM> and exit through an opening or slot (e.g., outlet of tube port <NUM>) without bending and/or extending along the interior wall of housing <NUM>. It should be understood that tube <NUM> may travel along various paths within housing <NUM> due to different pump configurations and arrangements and that tube port <NUM> may be configured for each such arrangements.

Referring now to <FIG>, a housing <NUM> for an infusion pump <NUM> is illustrated. Housing <NUM> may include a tube port <NUM> on a door <NUM> of the housing enclosure <NUM>. In another example embodiment, tube port <NUM> may extend through a wall of the housing <NUM>. Additionally, tube port <NUM> may be positioned at a seam of two joining pieces of housing <NUM> (e.g., where a door interfaces with a remainder of housing <NUM>). Housing 110may also include a slit or a gap at which tube port <NUM> exits.

As illustrated in more detail in <FIG>, tube port <NUM> may include a tube channel <NUM>. Tube channel <NUM>, in the illustrated embodiment, has an inlet end <NUM> and an outlet end <NUM>. For example, tube channel <NUM> may extend from inlet end <NUM> to outlet end <NUM>. Additionally, tube channel <NUM> may have various lengths. For example, the length of tube channel <NUM> may be configured to adequately provide relief to tube <NUM>. Tube channel <NUM> may, for example, be long such that tube <NUM> can more gradually transition as it bends to exit housing <NUM>. In an example embodiment, at inlet end <NUM>, the tube channel 240may be shallow and may gradually increase in depth as the channel <NUM> extends towards outlet end <NUM>. For example, a gradually increasing channel depth may advantageously enable tube <NUM> to bend gradually, thereby reducing stress in the tube and preventing a full collapse of the tube. In another example embodiment, tube channel <NUM> may have substantially the same depth from inlet end <NUM> to outlet end <NUM>.

Additionally, tube channel <NUM> may extend from the interior side of housing <NUM> to the exterior side of housing <NUM>. For example, tube <NUM> may extend straight through an aperture or hole (e.g., tube port) in housing <NUM>. In an example embodiment, tube channel240 may be the inside surface of such an aperture or hole. For example, inlet end <NUM> and outlet end <NUM> may be the interior side and exterior side of the aperture or hole through housing <NUM> respectively. Additionally, tube channel <NUM> may have a length equal to the thickness of a wall in housing <NUM>.

In a further example embodiment, tube port <NUM> may include a rib <NUM> positioned along the channel <NUM>. Rib <NUM> may extend along various lengths of channel <NUM>. For example, rib <NUM> may extend along a portion of channel <NUM>. In another example, rib <NUM> may extend along the entire length of channel <NUM>. Additionally, rib <NUM> may be located adjacent to outlet end <NUM> of tube channel <NUM>. Rib <NUM> may be formed to extend away from channel <NUM>. Additionally, rib <NUM> may be formed to extend towards an IV tube <NUM> when the tube <NUM> is passed through tube port <NUM>. For example, rib <NUM> may indent tube <NUM>, thereby advantageously preventing full occlusion of tube <NUM> (described in greater detail below). Rib <NUM> may indent tube <NUM> regardless of how tube <NUM> exits tube port <NUM> (e.g., regardless of exit angle, pull force, direction, etc.). In an example embodiment, rib <NUM> may indent tube <NUM> when tube <NUM> is bent or pulled in a specific direction. Additionally, rib <NUM> may split tube channel <NUM> into a first channel <NUM> and a second channel <NUM>. As rib <NUM> partially deforms tube <NUM>, tube <NUM> may fit into first and second channels <NUM>, <NUM>, which are configured to provide adequate space for regions of tube <NUM> to remain open and prevent fully occluding tube <NUM>. In an example, first and second channels <NUM>, <NUM> may be symmetrical. For example, rib <NUM> may be positioned along a center-line of channel <NUM>. In another example embodiment, first and second channels <NUM>, <NUM> may asymmetrical. For example, first and second channels <NUM>, <NUM> may have a different profiles and/or different shapes. Additionally, rib <NUM> may be offset from a center-line of tube channel <NUM>, thereby creating asymmetrical first and second channels <NUM>, <NUM>.

In another example embodiment, multiple ribs <NUM> may be positioned along channel <NUM>. For example, there may exist two ribs positioned along channel <NUM> in an in- line arrangement. In another example embodiment, there may be more than two ribs <NUM> positioned in an in-line arrangement. Additionally, multiple ribs <NUM> may be positioned side- by-side or be offset from the center-line of tube channel <NUM>. In such an embodiment, the ribs <NUM> may split tube channel <NUM> into two or more channels into which tube <NUM> fits.

Referring now to <FIG>, rib <NUM> may include a first end <NUM> and second end <NUM>. Second end <NUM> may be closer to an outside opening of the tube port <NUM> than the first end <NUM>. At first end <NUM>, rib <NUM> may have a low profile similar to channel <NUM>, and as the rib extends towards the second end <NUM>, rib <NUM> may have a large profile (e.g., taller and wider than profile at first end <NUM>). In an example embodiment, the first end <NUM> of rib <NUM> may start at the inlet end <NUM> of tube channel <NUM>. In another example, first end <NUM> may start somewhere between inlet end <NUM> and outlet end <NUM> of tube channel <NUM>. For example,rib <NUM> may have a first end <NUM> that starts at a half-way point of channel <NUM> and may extend along the second half of channel <NUM>. In other example, rib <NUM> may extend along a third of the length of the tube channel <NUM>. In addition, the second end <NUM> of rib <NUM> may belocated at the outlet end <NUM> of tube channel <NUM>. In another example embodiment, second end <NUM> may be positioned before the outlet end <NUM>.

In an example embodiment, rib <NUM> may have a rounded profile and may gradually increase as it extends along tube channel <NUM> towards outlet end <NUM>. For example, first end <NUM> may have a first diameter <NUM> and second end <NUM> may have a second diameter <NUM>. In an example, first and second diameters <NUM>, <NUM> may be different. Additionally, second diameter <NUM> may be larger than first diameter <NUM>, such that the profile of rib <NUM> increases (e.g., is taller and/or wider) at the second end <NUM> near outlet end <NUM> of tube port <NUM>. A gradually increasing rib <NUM> advantageously ensures that when an IV tube <NUM> is bent, tube <NUM> is gradually divided into two regions that do not collapse, thereby preventing afull occlusion of the tube (as illustrated in <FIG>, described in more detail below).

Rib <NUM> may include a rounded profile such that it forms (or helps to form) a rounded "W" shape with tube channel <NUM> as illustrated for example in <FIG>. For example, first and second channels <NUM> and <NUM> may reside in the valleys of the rounded "W", while rib <NUM> forms the peak in the middle of the rounded "W". If the profile of rib <NUM> gradually increases, the peak of the rounded "W" may gradually become higher and wider as rib <NUM> extends towards outlet end <NUM> of tube channel <NUM>. Rib <NUM> may be positioned and arranged such that it indents the tube <NUM>, which advantageously tends to prevent full occlusion of tube <NUM>. For example, a gradually increasing profile may advantageously ensure that when tube <NUM> is bent, it is divided into two regions that do not fully collapse, thereby preventing a full occlusion of tube <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate various other example embodiments of tube ports <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, tube channel <NUM> may have a substantially similar channel width <NUM> from inlet end <NUM> to outlet end <NUM>. In another example embodiment, tube channel <NUM> may have a variable channel width <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, channel width <NUM> may be larger at outlet end <NUM> than at inlet end <NUM>. In an example, channel width <NUM> may be larger than an outside diameter of tube <NUM>. In another example, channel width <NUM> may be substantially similar to the outside diameter of tube <NUM>. Additionally, channel width <NUM> may be configured to provide extra support to tube <NUM> to prevent tube <NUM> from fully flattening during a bend and becoming fully occluded. Further additionally, channel width <NUM> may be greater at outlet end <NUM> to provide sufficient space as tube <NUM> bends and deforms (e.g., thereby creating a wider profile of tube <NUM>) over rib <NUM>.

SA to lOC illustrate other example embodiments of tube ports <NUM>. For example, tube channel <NUM> may be positioned along an interior wall of housing <NUM> such that tube channel <NUM> is substantially perpendicular to the exit of tube port <NUM>. For example, a tube <NUM> passing through the tube port <NUM> may be seated in tube channel <NUM> along an interior wall of housing <NUM> and may turn at least substantially <NUM> degrees before exiting housing <NUM> (see e.g., <FIG>). In other example embodiments, tube <NUM> may exit housing <NUM> at various exit angles. In an example embodiment, the length of tube channel <NUM> may be extended by including a ridge <NUM> on housing <NUM> through which tube <NUM> passes. Ridge <NUM> may be provided to ensure housing <NUM> has sufficient thickness to support a channel <NUM> with adequate depth without reducing the structural integrity of housing <NUM>. Ridge <NUM> mayadvantageously provide additional support to housing <NUM> in areas where tubes <NUM> exit housing <NUM>. For example, in some cases, a tube <NUM> may exit by turning sharply from infusion pump <NUM>, which may add additional stress to tube <NUM> and housing <NUM>. Ridge 510enables the tube channel <NUM> and associated rib <NUM> to increase in length, thereby advantageously allowing tube <NUM> more space to transition through the bend without collapsing.

Ridge <NUM> may have various shapes and sizes (e.g., width, height, etc.). In an example, ridge <NUM> may extend along an exterior side of housing <NUM>, e.g., along the length of tube channel <NUM> (as illustrated in Figs. In another example, ridge <NUM> may be positioned primarily near outlet end <NUM> of tube channel <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG> to lOB.

Referring now to <FIG> 1A to 13B, tube port <NUM> may include a rib <NUM> positioned on the exterior side of housing <NUM>. For example, as tube <NUM> is bent towards rib <NUM>, rib <NUM> may selectively indent tube <NUM> to prevent full occlusion of the tube. As illustrated in <FIG>, rib <NUM> may be suited for scenarios in which tube <NUM> exits housing <NUM> and extends along the exterior of the housing <NUM>. For example, as tube <NUM> extends along path <NUM> (indicated by the arrow), rib <NUM> may advantageously divide tube <NUM> into two un-occluded regions. As illustrated in the <FIG> <FIG> and <FIG>, tube channel <NUM> may have two separate regions (e.g., first region <NUM> and second region <NUM>) to aid tube <NUM> in gradually curling over the edge of housing <NUM>. For example, tube <NUM> may be seated in tube channel <NUM> and may start to curve away from housing <NUM> before gradually curling back towards housing <NUM> and around rib <NUM>. <FIG> illustrate other configurations of rib <NUM> and tube channel <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, tube port <NUM> may include or form rib <NUM>. In an example embodiment, rib <NUM> may not extend along the tube channel, but may instead be positioned at the outlet end <NUM> of the tube channel <NUM>. For example, rib <NUM> may be positioned on an edge of a portion of housing <NUM> where two portions of housing <NUM> meet(e.g., edge of a door that mates with a remainder of housing enclosure). In an example embodiment, rib <NUM> may create a "W" shaped profile in the exit aperture (e.g., outlet end <NUM> of tube channel <NUM>) of housing <NUM>. As tube <NUM> extends through the exit aperture, rib <NUM> advantageously divides tube <NUM> into two regions that do not fully collapse, thereby preventing a full occlusion in tube <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, a housing <NUM> may include a tube port <NUM> extending through one of its walls. In an example embodiment, tube port <NUM> is configured to receive an IV tube <NUM>. Additionally, tube port <NUM> may include a plurality of ribs <NUM>. The plurality of ribs <NUM> may be positioned around a perimeter <NUM> of tube port <NUM>, e.g., on the exterior side of housing <NUM>. For example, the plurality of ribs <NUM> may be circumferentially positioned around perimeter <NUM> (spaced apart evenly or not evenly as desired). In the illustrated embodiment, each rib of the plurality of ribs <NUM> may extend radially towards a center <NUM> of tube port <NUM>. Ribs <NUM> may alternatively extend non- radially with respect to center <NUM> of tube port <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, each rib may have approximately the same size and shape. For example, a first rib <NUM> of the plurality of ribs <NUM> and a second rib <NUM> of the plurality of ribs <NUM> may both have a cylindrical shape. In an example embodiment, the first and second ribs <NUM>, <NUM> may have a different sizes and/or shapes (e.g., differing height, length, and/or profile, etc.). For example, the plurality of ribs <NUM> may include two different rib profiles that alternate as the plural ribs <NUM> are positioned around a perimeter <NUM> of tube port <NUM>. Specifically, as the plural ribs <NUM> are positioned about perimeter <NUM>, they may bepatterned such that every other rib has a different profile (e.g., profile A, profile B, profile A,.

In an example embodiment, spacing between each rib in the plurality of ribs <NUM> may gradually decrease as the ribs <NUM> approach the tube port <NUM>. For example, first rib882 and second rib <NUM> may be separated by a rib spacing <NUM>. In another example embodiment, rib spacing <NUM> may remain substantially constant between the ribs. Additionally, ribs <NUM> may be shaped (e.g., height, width, profile, etc.) based on dimensionsof tube <NUM>. For example, ribs <NUM> may be configured and arranged such that the rib spacing <NUM>, profile of the ribs <NUM>, etc., prevent full occlusions in tube <NUM> regardless of the tube exit angle from the associated pump housing.

Referring now to <FIG>, tube <NUM> is shown exiting a housing without the anti-occlusion features of the present disclosure (as illustrated in <FIG>) and alternatively with an anti-occlusion feature (e.g., rib <NUM>) of the present disclosure (as illustrated in <FIG>). As illustrated in <FIG>, tube <NUM> collapses under tension due to excessive stress on the tube wall caused by the tube <NUM> being bent upon exiting the housing. Alternatively, <FIG> shows that housing <NUM> includes tube port <NUM> having a gradually increasing rib (e.g., rib <NUM>). As illustrated, the gradually increasing rib (e.g., rib <NUM>) ensures that when the tube <NUM> is bent, if the tube is occluded, tube <NUM> is divided into two regions (e.g., first region <NUM> and second region <NUM>) that do not fully collapse or occlude, which allows for the liquid (e.g., drug or medication) to continue flowing through tube <NUM>. Additionally, rib <NUM> causes the middle of tube <NUM> to gradually compress and form two regions (e.g., first and second regions <NUM>, <NUM>) at first and second channels <NUM>, <NUM>, which allow the liquid to continue flowing through tube <NUM>. Further additionally, first and second channels <NUM>, <NUM> of tube channel <NUM> provide tube <NUM> sufficient room to conform around rib <NUM> and create first and second regions <NUM>, <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, tube <NUM> is shown (i) exiting housing <NUM> at a one-hundred twenty degree angle towards the back of the housing (e.g., from a plane parallel to the interior side of housing <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>) and (ii) exiting housing <NUM> at a one-hundred twenty degree angle towards the back of the housing and <NUM> degrees to the side (as illustrated in <FIG>). Additionally, <FIG> illustrates an IV tube <NUM> deformed over an anti-occlusion feature such as rib <NUM>. Tube <NUM> in each of <FIG> includes a deformed area <NUM> that is divided into two regions that do not fully collapse (e.g., first and second regions <NUM>, <NUM>). As discussed above, the gradually increasing the rib profile ensures that when an IV tube is bent, it does not fully or abruptly collapse. As illustrated in <FIG>, the ribs (e.g., rib <NUM>) of the present disclosure further ensure that IV tube <NUM> may also be bent or twisted in multiple directions relative to the pump housing without fully collapsing, leaving a volume open to fluid flow.

Referring now to <FIG>, in an alternative embodiment, housing <NUM> may include tube port <NUM>. Tube port <NUM> may include a small rib, similar to rib <NUM>. Alternatively, tube port <NUM> does not provide a rib. Tube port <NUM> may include tube channel <NUM> that has a depth and width configured to provide support to the walls of tube <NUM> such that tube <NUM> does not fully occlude when exiting housing <NUM>. Additionally, housing <NUM> may include a ridge <NUM>, which allows tube <NUM> to extend along tube channel <NUM> for a greater distance, thereby enabling tube channel <NUM> to support tube <NUM> and prevent tube collapse along a larger section of the tube.

The features disclosed herein also provide housing <NUM> with protection against water ingress. For example, as shown in Table <NUM> below, forty-four tests have been performed, each showing that housing <NUM> with the anti-occlusion ribs of the present disclosure have passed the IPX2 test for water ingress. Housing <NUM> with the present ribs is thereby protected against water drops falling vertically onto the housing (e.g., from a drug supply bag), even when the enclosure (e.g., housing <NUM>) is titled up to fifteen degrees. Vertically falling water drops therefore result in no harm to the infusion pump when its housing <NUM> is titled at any angle up to <NUM> degrees from either side of vertical.

Additionally, flow rate accuracy ("FRA") tests have verified that there is no impact on flow rate accuracy (FRA) using the tube ports described herein. The test data below demonstrates that the FRA with an anti-occlusion rib performs better than designs without the anti-occlusion rib. As shown in Table <NUM>, the anti-occlusion rib (e.g., rib <NUM>) had the lowest percent error in flow rate when bending tube <NUM> at a one-hundred twenty degree angle. For example, the percent error in flow rate was <NUM>% for pumps employing the anti- occlusion rib compared to <NUM>%, <NUM>%, and <NUM>% for other housing configurations. Additionally, when bending tube <NUM> at a one-hundred twenty degree angle towards the back and <NUM> degrees to the side, the anti-occlusion rib (e.g., rib <NUM>) had the lowest percent error inflow rate (e.g., -<NUM>% vs -<NUM>%, -<NUM>%, and -<NUM>% respectively).

Claim 1:
An infusion pump (<NUM>) comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) including a tube port (<NUM>) configured to receive an intravenous ("IV") tube, characterized in that the tube port (<NUM>) includes
a tube channel (<NUM>) having a first end (<NUM>) located at an edge of the housing, a second end (<NUM>) located within the housing, and a length between first and second ends, and
a rib (<NUM>) formed to protrude in-plane from the tube channel at the first end to form at least two channels at the edge of the housing.