CN121443340A

CN121443340A - Systems and methods for using constant-force syringe pumps to accommodate syringes of different sizes.

Info

Publication number: CN121443340A
Application number: CN202480045801.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: B·蔡斯; E·卡尔森; S·瓦茨; P·史密斯; G·杰弗; D·罗伯茨; T·布莱克伯恩
Original assignee: Kelu Medical Systems
Current assignee: Kelu Medical Systems
Priority date: 2023-07-11
Filing date: 2024-07-10
Publication date: 2026-01-30
Also published as: AU2024287933A1; WO2025015034A1

Abstract

A constant force pump (100) is provided for accommodating syringes of different sizes. The system is provided by: a housing (128) having a base (134) having a proximal end (132) and a distal end (130), the base (134) being configured and arranged to receive a syringe (102), the syringe (102) having a plunger (122) slidably disposed within a chamber (110) having an outlet (108), the chamber (110) having a length (116) and a diameter (114), the plunger (102) having a head (124); and a pusher (144). It is slidably engaged with a base (134), a pusher (144) is configured and arranged to contact the head (124) of a plunger (122); a puller (142) is slidably engaged with the base (134); a size determiner (138) is configured and arranged to determine the size of a chamber (110); and an adjustable actuator (152) is configured and arranged to provide a constant force between the pusher (144) and the puller (142), said constant force being adjustablely selected by the size of the chamber (110). An associated method of use (1100) is also provided.

Description

System and method for a constant force syringe pump for accommodating different sized syringes

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application is based on the benefit of U.S. c. ≡119 (e) claiming U.S. provisional application No. 63/526,050 filed on 7/11 year 2023 and entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A CONSTANT FORCE SYRINGE PUMP ACCOMMODATING SYRINGES OF DIFFERENT SIZES, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. U.S. provisional application No. 63/603,176, entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A CONSTANT FORCE SYRINGE PUMP ACCOMMODATING SYRINGES OF DIFFERENT SIZES, filed on 28, 11, 2023, is also incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to mechanical syringe pumps for delivering liquid drug to a patient and, more particularly, to such mechanical constant force syringe pumps that are advantageously adapted to the different sizes of each syringe to ensure that the proper constant force is applied to dispense liquid drug to the patient in accordance with the prescribed drug flow rate of the currently engaged syringe.

Background

Infusion systems for delivering liquid drugs are widely used and relied upon by patients and caregivers to provide infusion therapies.

One form of infusion therapy is immunoglobulin (Ig) therapy, and is often used to improve the quality of life of patients suffering from conditions such as Primary Immunodeficiency (PID), secondary Immunodeficiency (SID), chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIPD), and Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID). Historically, ig therapy was given intravenously (IVIg) once every 3-4 weeks, which may lead to inconsistent (unstable, inconsistent) serum levels and a heavy patient infusion experience.

Subcutaneous Ig therapy (SCIg) is a more convenient option to achieve consistent serum levels and to be able to be accomplished at home. Subcutaneous administration has been shown to maintain more constant IgG blood levels, which provides consistent quality of life for the patient, and less breakthrough infections. Additionally, infusion into subcutaneous tissue is often preferred over intravenous delivery, which is often followed by flu-like symptoms. SCIg, however, also has its own challenges, such as requiring the patient to prepare and administer the infusion by himself.

At least one challenge relates to a pump system for subcutaneous Ig therapy. There are mainly two types of home pump systems-constant pressure and constant flow. In the case of a constant flow rate system, the pressure increases in response to any flow restriction, whether such restriction is due to the build-up of pressure in the patient's tissue or an element of the delivery system. This may result in administration of the liquid under unsafe pressures. Thus, the patient may develop various symptoms including, but not limited to, allergic reactions, overdosing, histamine reactions, morbidity and mortality.

In contrast, a constant pressure pump produces a safe and limited constant pressure. If the infusion system is creased when the tubing is occluded, or if there is an occlusion in the patient (such as due to saturation of tissue), this occlusion can cause flow resistance and affect the flow rate, rather than the pressure, i.e. the flow rate decreases with increasing pressure. Thus, constant pressure pump systems are considered safer and often more economically acceptable to users.

But also has dosage problems. Typically, the dose is predetermined and provided in a prefilled syringe, which may be provided within a constant pressure pump. However, the various factors of each person's body shape, shape and organization are not the same. For one person, the body weight itself may require an Ig therapy prescription at a dose of 17g (85 ml), but for another person only 10g. However, syringes also come in a variety of sizes, such as 5, 10, 20 and 50ml, each varying in length and diameter.

If the drug is provided in a syringe other than the syringe for which the constant pressure pump is designed, the patient or caregiver must transfer the liquid drug from the prefilled syringe to a new and sterile pump compatible (complex) syringe. This transfer process is not without problems and introduces opportunities for problems to occur, such as, but not limited to, complete transfer, contamination, and general pressure and concerns.

Since a 10ml syringe has a different length and diameter than a 50ml syringe, a different amount of force should be applied to the syringe to create the constant pressure required to provide the same desired and target initial flow rate, while also providing protection against reduced pump flow rate as resistance increases due to problems with the infusion system itself or the patient.

More simply, if a 10ml syringe were provided in a pump designed for a 50ml syringe, the constant force applied to the 10ml syringe would be far more than appropriate. Also, a 50ml syringe is provided in a pump for a 10ml syringe, the constant force applied would be too small and would not provide the intended flow rate.

In fact, U.S. patent 10,376,636 entitled "Compact Mechanical Pump" specifically teaches that each embodiment of the disclosed compact mechanical pump is for a syringe of a specific size, and that "if a user attempts to use a 30mL syringe in a pump suitable for a 20mL syringe, then the rejection ramp will expel the syringe from the base when attempting to close the cap. "

Accordingly, there is a need for methods and systems that overcome one or more of the above-described challenges.

Disclosure of Invention

Our invention addresses the problems of the prior art by providing a novel system and method for a mechanical constant force pump assembly, which is a constant force syringe pump that accommodates syringes of different sizes.

Specifically, and by way of example only, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a constant force syringe pump assembly containing syringes of different sizes, the constant force syringe pump assembly including a base having a proximal end and a distal end, the base being constructed and arranged to receive a syringe having a plunger slidably disposed within a chamber having an outlet, the chamber having a length and a diameter, the plunger having a head, a pusher slidably engaged with the base, the pusher being constructed and arranged to contact the head of the plunger, a puller slidably engaged with the base, a size determiner (sizer) constructed and arranged to determine the size of the chamber, an adjustable driver constructed and arranged to provide a constant force between the pusher and the puller, the constant force being adjustably selected by the size of the chamber, whereby when the syringe is disposed in the base, slidably moving the puller distally causes the pusher to contact the plunger and move the plunger toward the base, a constant force being applied to the plunger and to the plunger has been configured and constantly pulled toward the plunger when the plunger has been disposed and the plunger has been substantially opened, closure of the cap engages the pusher against the plunger and moves the puller toward the distal end and engages the adjustable driver.

In yet another embodiment, a constant force syringe pump assembly is provided for accommodating syringes of different sizes, the constant force syringe pump assembly comprising an expandable base having a proximal end and a distal end, the base comprising a first base section and a second base section, wherein the first base section is slidably engaged with the second base section such that the first base section and the second base section are slidably movable relative to one another between a compact position and an expanded position, wherein the base in the expanded position is adapted to seat a syringe having a plunger slidably disposed within a chamber having an outlet, the plunger having a length and a diameter, a pusher in sliding engagement with the base, wherein the pusher is sized to contact the plunger head, a puller in sliding engagement with the base, a size determiner constructed and arranged to determine the size of the chamber, an adjustable driver constructed and arranged to provide a constant force between the pusher and the base, the constant force being selected to cause the plunger to be slidably disposed in the chamber, the constant force being adapted to be applied to the plunger by the constant force, the plunger being slidably disposed in the chamber by the constant force, the plunger being adapted to contact the plunger head, a linkage is coupled between the cap and the puller and is constructed and arranged to translate opening of the cap into movement of the puller and pusher toward the proximal end, and when the syringe has been set, closing of the cap engages the pusher against the plunger and moves the puller toward the distal end and engages the adjustable driver.

For yet another embodiment, a constant force syringe pump assembly is provided for accommodating syringes of different sizes, the constant force syringe pump assembly comprising a base having a proximal end and a distal end, the base constructed and arranged to receive a syringe having a plunger slidably disposed within a chamber having an outlet, the chamber having a length and a diameter, the plunger having a head; the injector includes a base, a plunger constructed and arranged to slidingly engage with the base, a pusher constructed and arranged to contact the head of the plunger, a puller slidingly engaged with the base, a size determiner constructed and arranged to determine a size of the chamber, a plurality of different springs, each spring having a first end and a second end, the first end of each spring being connected to the pusher, the second end of each spring being selectively attached to the puller, at least one selectively attached spring being based on the size of the chamber, whereby when the injector is disposed in the base, moving the puller distally slidably causes the pusher to contact the head of the plunger and exert a substantially constant force on the head of the plunger that is specific to the size of the chamber, the constant force being sufficient to move the plunger of the injector, and a cap that is pivotally connected to the base, the cap being pivotally coupled to the plunger and being arranged to be moved proximally between the plunger and the plunger when the plunger has been disposed and the plunger has been pulled proximally and the plunger is configured to be opened, closing of the cover engages the pusher against the plunger and moves the puller toward the distal end and tensions the at least one selectively attached spring; wherein the base and cover enclose the chamber body, the at least one selectively attached spring, puller, and pusher being constructed and arranged to provide the constant force specific to the size of the chamber to the plunger of the syringe providing a pressure pump.

For yet another embodiment, a method of dispensing solution from a syringe using a constant force syringe pump housing assembly containing syringes of different sizes is provided, the method comprising providing a pump housing having a proximal end and a distal end, the base constructed and arranged to receive a syringe having a plunger slidably disposed within a chamber having an outlet, the chamber having a length and a diameter, the plunger having a head, a pusher constructed and arranged to slidingly engage the head of the plunger, a puller constructed and arranged to slidingly engage the head of the plunger, the puller constructed and arranged to receive a syringe having a plunger disposed to squeeze liquid from the chamber, the chamber having a length and a diameter, a size determiner constructed and arranged to determine the size of the chamber, an adjustable driver constructed and arranged to provide a constant force between the pusher and the puller, the constant force by the size of the chamber being selectively adjustable to cause the plunger to move the plunger to the constant force when the plunger is slidably disposed in the base and the plunger is in contact with the head, a linkage is coupled between the cap and the puller and is constructed and arranged to translate opening of the cap into movement of the puller and pusher toward the proximal end, and when the syringe has been set, closing of the cap engages the pusher against the plunger and moves the puller toward the distal end and engages the adjustable driver, wherein the expandable base and expandable cap enclose the chamber body, the adjustable driver, puller and pusher being constructed and arranged to provide a force to the plunger of the syringe providing a pressure pump that is specific to the length of the chamber, opening the expandable cap of the pump housing, positioning the selected syringe within the expandable base, the size determiner determining a size of the selected syringe, the determined size selectively engaging the adjustable driver, and closing the expandable cap to cause the pusher to engage against the plunger of the selected syringe.

In yet another embodiment, a method of dispensing a solution from a syringe using a constant force syringe pump housing assembly containing syringes of different sizes is provided, the method comprising providing a pump housing having a base with a proximal end and a distal end, the base constructed and arranged to receive a syringe having a plunger slidably disposed within a chamber with an outlet, the chamber having a length and a diameter, the plunger having a head, a pusher constructed and arranged to slidingly engage the base to contact the head of the plunger, a puller constructed and arranged to receive a syringe having a plunger disposed to extrude a liquid from the chamber, the chamber having a length and a diameter, a size determiner constructed and arranged to determine the size of the chamber, a plurality of different springs, each spring having a first end and a second end, the first end of each spring being connected to the pusher, the second end being slidably engaged with the base, the plunger being selectively engaged with the plunger, the plunger being slidably disposed in the chamber, the plunger being selectively engaged with the plunger, the plunger being substantially constant force applied to the plunger, the plunger being substantially constant force-expandable from the plunger, the plunger being selected to expand the plunger by the constant force, pivotally connected to the proximal end of the base; A linkage is pivotally coupled between the cap and the puller and is constructed and arranged to translate opening of the cap into movement of the puller and pusher toward the proximal end, and when the syringe has been set, closing of the cap engages the pusher against the plunger and moves the puller toward the distal end and tensions the at least one selectively attached spring, wherein the expandable base and expandable cap enclose the chamber body, the at least one selectively attached spring, puller and pusher being constructed and arranged to provide a force to the plunger of the syringe providing a pressure pump that is specific to the length of the chamber, opening the expandable cap of the pump housing, positioning a selected syringe within the expandable base, the size determiner determining a size of the selected syringe that selectively engages at least one of the plurality of springs, and closing the syringe against the expandable cap.

Drawings

FIG. 1A is an upper perspective view of a constant force pump (Constant Force Pump For DIFFERENT SYRINGE Sizes) for different syringe sizes in an open state in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is an upper perspective view of a constant force pump for different syringe sizes in an open state, further showing an adjustable driver including a plurality of springs, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 2A-2 EE present a simplified conceptualization of at least one embodiment of a size determiner for a constant force pump for different syringe sizes for determining the size of a syringe chamber in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 3A-3 DD present a simplified conceptualization of yet another embodiment of a size determiner for a constant force pump for different syringe sizes for determining the size of a syringe chamber in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 4A-4C provide enlarged top perspective cross-sectional views of a control rod and an adapter of a sizer in operation engaging one or more springs between a pusher and a puller of a constant force pump for different syringe sizes in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 provides an enlarged elevation cross-sectional view of a puller and pusher and engagement member of a constant force pump for different syringe sizes in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 6A-6C provide side views of a lever and an adapter corresponding to the sizer of FIG. 6 in operation engaging one or more springs between a pusher and a puller of a constant force pump for different syringe sizes, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 provides an enlarged elevation of an alternative puller and pusher and engagement member of a constant force pump for different syringe sizes in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention;

8A-8C provide side views of one or more springs that operatively engage between a pusher and a puller of a constant force pump for different syringe sizes, corresponding to the control lever and the adapter of the sizer of FIG. 7, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 provides an upper perspective view of a constant force pump for different syringe sizes with a cover in a partially closed state in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 provides a top view of a constant force pump for different syringe sizes in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 11 provides a flow chart of a method of infusion therapy with a constant force pump using different syringe sizes.

Detailed Description

Before the detailed description, it is to be understood that this teaching is by way of example only and not by way of limitation. The concepts herein are not limited to use or application of a particular system or method for dispensing a compact mechanical syringe pump for liquids. Thus, although the means described herein are for convenience of illustration as shown and described with respect to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood and appreciated that the principles herein may be equally applicable to other types of systems and methods involving compact mechanical syringe pumps. Furthermore, features described or illustrated in connection with one embodiment may be combined with other embodiments and such combinations, modifications, and variations are intended to be within the scope of the invention.

The present invention is described in the following description with reference to the figures, in which like numbers represent the same or similar elements. Furthermore, with respect to the numbering of the same or similar elements, it will be understood that the leading number identifies the figure in which the element was first identified and described, e.g., element 100 appears in FIG. 1.

Turning now to these figures, and more particularly to fig. 1A-1B, there is shown a mechanical constant force pump for dispensing fluids (e.g., therapeutic fluids) from various different sized syringes, i.e., different syringe sized constant force pumps, hereinafter CFPDSS, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, CFPDSS 100,100 advantageously determines the size of the syringe so as to apply an appropriate and predetermined force according to the determined size.

To facilitate a description of the systems and methods for the various embodiments of CFPDSS a, the orientation of CFPDSS presented in the figures refers to a coordinate system having three axes orthogonal to one another as shown in fig. 1A. These axes intersect each other at an origin of the coordinate system, which is selected as the center of CFPDSS, however, for clarity and ease of illustration, the axes shown in all the figures are offset from their actual positions.

As set forth, CFPDSS are constructed and arranged to advantageously cooperate with a variety of different sized syringes, with syringe 102 being merely exemplary. For ease of discussion and illustration, the syringe 102 is illustrated as being disposed within CFPDSS a100, while various components are removed for ease of identification.

It will be appreciated and understood that in general, a typical preloaded syringe 102 for infusion therapy may be generally described as having a syringe barrel 104, the syringe barrel 104 providing an outlet 108 at a first end 106, the outlet 108 being adapted to be attached to or already mated with tubing adapted to administer liquid in the syringe barrel 104. Typically, the first end 104 of the syringe 102 is tapered to reduce the overall size of the syringe 102 from the diameter of the barrel 104 to a diameter suitable for fluid connection with tubing.

The barrel 104 of the syringe 102 also defines a chamber 110 of the syringe 102, the chamber 110 containing a liquid medicament (shown as point 112) to be dispensed. The diameter 114 of the chamber 110 is substantially uniform along its length 116 and in most cases the length 116 of the chamber 110 and the diameter 114 of the chamber 110 are substantially the same as the diameter and length of the syringe barrel 104, except for the thickness of the material forming the syringe barrel 104. Further, unless specifically set forth, it is to be understood and appreciated that for the advantageous CFPDSS as set forth and described herein, the diameter 114 of the barrel 104 and the diameter 114 of the chamber 110 may be used interchangeably, as may the length 116 of the barrel 104 and the length 116 of the chamber 110.

A plunger seal 118 is disposed in an open end 120 of the syringe barrel 104 opposite the first end 106. The plunger 122 extends rearward from the plunger seal 118 and is generally about the same length as the syringe barrel 104. When pressure is applied to the head 124 of the plunger 122, the plunger seal 118 is advanced toward the first end 106 of the syringe 102 and liquid within the syringe 102 (shown as point 112) is expelled through the outlet 108.

In general, the syringe 102 provides finger tabs 126 disposed proximate the open end 120 of the syringe 102 so that a user can grasp the tabs with his or her fingers and then apply pressure on the head of the syringe 102 with his or her thumb, palm, or other hand. In other words, the finger tabs 126 provide support for the syringe barrel 104 as the plunger seal 118 is driven into and through the syringe barrel 104 by the plunger 122.

While the finger tab 126 may be useful, it will be understood and appreciated that the first end 106 of the syringe 102 may also serve as a base during extrusion. In some cases, the first end 106 may be fitted with a luer fitting, such as a disk-shaped luer fitting, in which case the disk-shaped portion of the luer fitting may act as a base during the extrusion process. For at least one embodiment, luer 200 is a flared luer, as set forth in U.S. patent 10,500,389, entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FLARED LUER CONNECTOR FOR MEDICAL TUBING, incorporated herein by reference. For yet another embodiment, luer 200 is a tapered luer as set forth in U.S. provisional application 63/616,368, entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A TAPERED LURE CONNECTOR FOR MEDICAL TUBING, incorporated herein by reference.

Furthermore, in order to expel liquid from the syringe 102, the syringe barrel 104 must be supported by some element and the plunger 122 must be supported. And then applies a force to move plunger 122 toward first end 106. While the user may actually move both components during a hand-held operation, it will also be understood and appreciated that the first end 106 can be pushed rearward toward the plunger 122, or the plunger 122 can be pushed forward toward the first end 106.

Briefly, one advantageous aspect of CFPDSS is to receive the syringe 102, support the first end 106 of the syringe 102 and support the head 124 of the plunger 122 as just described, and then apply a constant force between the first end 106 and the head 124 of the plunger 118 to drive the plunger seal 118 forward and squeeze liquid from the syringe 102. It will also be appreciated and understood that for at least one alternative embodiment, the syringe 102 is supported by the finger tab 126 rather than the first end 106. For such embodiments, the support of the finger grip 126 ensures that the plunger seal 118 is driven forward toward the first end 106 to squeeze liquid from the syringe 102 when a constant force is applied to the head 124 of the plunger 122.

For at least one embodiment, CFPDSS a 100 is based on applicant's prior development of a compact mechanical pump as set forth in U.S. patent 10,376,636, which is incorporated herein by reference. However, while the' 636 patent specifically teaches that if one were to attempt to set a 30mL syringe in a pump suitable for a 20mL syringe, the rejection ramp would expel the syringe from the pump housing when the user attempts to close the housing, the present invention advantageously accommodates syringes 102 of different sizes.

Returning to FIG. 1A, for at least one embodiment CFPDSS has a housing 128, the housing 128 having a distal end 130 and a proximal end 132. For at least one embodiment, the housing 128 is provided by a base 134 and a cover 136, the base 134 and cover 136 being hinged at the proximal end 132 to allow opening and closing. For at least one embodiment, the dimensions of the base 134 and the cover 136 are fixed. For yet another embodiment, both the base 134 and the cover 136 are expandable.

For at least one embodiment of the expandable CFPDSS, the base 134 is provided by a first base section and a second base section, where the first base section is in sliding engagement with the second base section such that the first base section and the second base section are slidable relative to one another between a compact position and an expanded position. Likewise, the cover 136 is provided by a first cover section and a second cover section, wherein the first cover section is in sliding engagement with the second cover section such that the first cover section and the second cover section are slidable relative to each other between a compact position and an expanded position. In general, the base 134 and the cover 136 transition between the compact and expanded states simultaneously. Such embodiments of the compact/expanded base 134 and cover 136 may be inferred from the above-noted' 636 patent.

For at least one embodiment, CFPDSS further includes a damper 138 to dampen the opening movement of cover 136. In alternative embodiments, the damper 138 may be separate from the hinge 140 and pivotally coupled to the base 134 and the cover 136, or integrated as an element of the hinge 140. Whether as a separate element from the hinge 140 or as an incorporated portion of the hinge 140, for at least one embodiment, the damper 138 is selected from a viscous damper (viscus dampener), a fluid damper, a rotational friction damper, or the like. Further, in alternative embodiments, CFPDSS may include a latch or lock assembly for holding the cover 136 in the closed position on the base 134.

Within the housing 128, and more particularly disposed on the base 134, are a puller 142, a pusher 144, a clip 146, a sizer 148, and a selector 150. There is also an adjustable driver 152 constructed and arranged to provide a constant force between the pusher 144 and the puller 142 that is adjustably selected according to the size of the syringe 102, and more specifically the size of the chamber 110 of the syringe 102. It will be appreciated and understood that the size of the chamber 110 may generally be determined in two ways, by determining the length 116 of the chamber 110 or by determining the diameter 114 of the chamber 110.

It will be appreciated that for at least one embodiment, the pusher 144, the puller 142, and the selector 150 are slidingly engaged on one or more tracks 154 provided by the base 134. It will also be appreciated that the puller 142 has a movable linkage 156 that connects the puller 142 with the cover 136 such that movement of the cover 136 between the open and closed positions imparts sliding movement of the puller 142 along the track(s) of the base 134. More specifically, when lowering the cover 136 closed, the linkage 156 moves the puller 142 toward the distal end 130, and when lifting the cover 136 open, the linkage 156 moves the puller 142 toward the proximal end 132.

While for the conceptual embodiment shown, the cover 136 is pivotally connected with the base at one end, alternative embodiments may be provided in which the cover 136 slides longitudinally over the base, the movable linkage 156 coupling the puller 142 with the cover 136 being mechanically adapted for activation by sliding, rather than rotating, the cover 136 between the open and closed positions.

Since CFPDSS 100,100 is advantageously constructed and arranged to accommodate a plurality of different syringe sizes, e.g., a syringe having a volume of at least 5 milliliters to a syringe having a volume of 120 milliliters, it will be understood and appreciated that CFPDSS 100,100 advantageously allows for different constant forces to be applied to each of the different sized syringes. This different constant force is provided by the adjustable drive 152.

For at least one embodiment of CFPDSS, the adjustable drive 152 is at least partially provided by a plurality of different springs that may be selectively engaged between the pusher 144 and the puller 142. It will be appreciated and understood that other options of the adjustable driver 152 are constructed and arranged to provide a constant force between the pusher 144 and the puller 142 as determined by the size of the syringe 102. One such alternative embodiment is provided by at least one spring engaged between the pusher 144 and the puller 142 and at least one brake (not shown) associated with the at least one spring that provides an adjustable braking force to the at least one associated spring that is applied based on the size of the syringe 102 as determined by the size of the chamber.

Returning to fig. 1A, and at least a first embodiment of CFPDSS, for at least one exemplary embodiment shown, the clip 146 is provided in a fixed position on the base 134, however, it will be understood and appreciated that in at least one alternative embodiment, the clip 146 may also be slidably engaged on one or more tracks provided by the base 134.

To accommodate different syringes 102 having different barrel diameters, in at least one embodiment, the collar 146 may be provided by primarily two side members that may be adjusted outwardly or inwardly by a user to securely grip the syringe barrel 104. Various alternatives may also be used, such as, but not limited to, compliant materials that compress or expand as needed for the diameter of the syringe barrel 104 to allow the clip 146 to securely/snugly grip the syringe barrel and/or to provide supportive support for the finger tabs of the syringe 102.

For ease of discussion, the syringe 102 is shown disposed within CFPDSS a 100. More specifically, the finger tab at the open end of the syringe barrel 104 is shown engaged with the collar 146 and the first end 106 of the syringe 102 is shown seated on the selector 150.

The selector 150 is selectively movable between a plurality of positions, which for at least one embodiment are varying and significantly different barrel lengths of the 50ml syringe 102, the 20ml syringe 102, the 10ml syringe 102, and the 5ml syringe 102.

For at least one embodiment, a spring may bias the selector 150 to be disposed proximate the clip 146. When the selected syringe 102 is disposed in CFPDSS, the first end 106 of the syringe 102 is partially disposed in the seat 158 provided by the selector 150. When the syringe 102 is lowered to engage the finger tab 126 with the collar 146, the selector 150 is slid away from the collar 146 to a differentiated position that fits the size of the syringe 102.

As described above, for alternative embodiments, where the syringe is coupled to a luer fitting (such as the flared luer fitting set forth in U.S. patent 10,500,389, titled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FLARED LUER CONNECTOR FOR MEDICAL TUBING, or the cone luer fitting described in U.S. provisional application 63/616,368, titled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A TAPERED LURE CONNECTOR FOR MEDICAL TUBING), the selector 150, and more particularly the seat 158 of the selector, may be constructed and arranged as a receiving base for such a cone or flared luer fitting.

For the present example embodiment, the syringe 102 is sized by the length 116 of the syringe 102, and more specifically the length 116 of the syringe barrel 104/chamber 110. In such an embodiment, it will be appreciated and understood that the collar 146 that receives and supports the finger tab 126 provides support for the syringe 102 as a human operator's finger. For yet another embodiment, the collar 146 and the selector 150 both provide support for the syringe barrel 104.

It will be understood and appreciated that for at least one embodiment, the selector 150 may be substituted for the clip 146 to provide support for the syringe 102. Further, for at least one embodiment, each distinct location has a coupling 160 such that once selector 150 is slid to the desired location, it can be temporarily coupled to base 134 at that location. For at least one embodiment, the coupling 160 is provided by a notch in the base 134 and a ridge extending from the selector 150. When the selector 150 is grasped and tilted slightly upward, the ridge is removed from the notch and the selector 150 can be moved to a new position. Once repositioned, the selector 150 is depressed and the ridge is then pressed into the corresponding notch so that the selector 150 will remain in the selected position until it is again tilted upward to disengage the ridge from the notch.

For at least one embodiment, the selector 150 is a component of the sizer 148, the sizer 148 being constructed and arranged to size a chamber of the syringe 102 disposed in CFPDSS, and more particularly disposed between the selector 150 and the clip 146. For at least one embodiment, the sizer 148 is a mechanical system provided at least in part by a selector 150 and at least one selector or lever or wand that mechanically interconnects the selector 150 with the puller 142.

In fig. 1A, adjustable driver 152 is shown with cover 162 in place. In fig. 1B, cover 162 has been removed, and for the exemplary embodiment shown, adjustable driver 152 is understood to be a plurality of strap springs 164, with strap springs 164A, 164B, 164C, and 164D being exemplary and shown in fig. 1B.

With respect to interconnecting the selector 150 with the puller, it will be appreciated that in FIG. 1B, for at least one embodiment, a selected position of the selector 150 mechanically triggers one or more levers/rods 168 to engage and selectively attach the first ends 166 of one or more strap springs 164 to the puller 142. Indeed, each of the one or more control rods/sticks 168 may be further described as a lever-having a low section and a high section. When selector 150 slides longitudinally along one or more rails 154 within housing 128, one or more control rods/bars/levers 168 may slide a sufficient distance such that the low section transitions to the high section, which initiates selection of the associated band spring 164.

Indeed, it will be understood and appreciated that when the syringe 102 is disposed in CFPDSS a, the mechanical determination of the size of the syringe 102, for at least one embodiment, is determined by the movement of the selector 150 toward the distal end 130. More specifically, the user positions the first end 106 of the syringe 102 in the seat 158 of the selector 150 and pushes the selector 150 toward the distal end 130 to bring the finger tab 126 into position to be positioned in the clip 146. Longitudinal movement of selector 150 within housing 128 along base 134 triggers one or more levers/sticks/levers to selectively couple one or more strap springs 164 provided by pusher 144 to puller 142. Thus, unless specifically described otherwise, it will be understood and appreciated that the terms "rod"/"bar"/"lever" with respect to a control linkage that triggers engagement of the first end 166 of the selected strap spring 164 may be used interchangeably.

When the cover 136 is closed, a linkage 156 coupled between the cover 136 and the puller 142 operates to drive the puller 142 along the track(s) 154 of the base toward the clip 146 and the distal end 130. When this sliding movement occurs, each of the selectively attached springs 164 will be pulled out, providing an attractive force between the pusher 144 and the puller 142, as the selectively attached springs 164 attempt to re-coil themselves.

When the cover 136 is closed, it is the pusher 144 that will then slide toward the puller 142, as the puller 142 will be held substantially in place by the linkage 156. As can be appreciated in fig. 1A and 1B, the pusher 144 has a plunger receiver 170, the plunger receiver 170 being constructed and arranged to contact the head 124 of the plunger 122. For at least one embodiment, the plunger receiver 170 not only contacts the head 124 of the plunger 122, but rather engages the head 124, such as by providing a seat or cradle (basin) that may help center the plunger 122 and avoid possible slippage (SLIDE SLIPPAGE) when force is applied to the plunger 122. The force exerted by the band spring(s) 164 pulling the pusher 144 toward the puller 142 is thereby applied to the plunger 122-driving it into the syringe barrel 104 and expressing liquid from the outlet 108 at the first end 106.

Furthermore, the sizing device 148, provided by the selector 150, the control rod (s)/bar/lever 168, and the exemplary embodiment of the selected engagement of the first end 166 of the one or more strap springs 164, advantageously ensures that the force provided by the engaged strap spring 164 is a predetermined force that is appropriate for the size of the syringe 102 that has been disposed within CFPDSS.

This mechanical selection of strap spring 164 based on the position of selector 150 may be more fully understood with respect to the conceptual illustrations presented in fig. 2A-2 EE and 3A-3 DD. For ease of discussion and illustration, the CFPDSS system has been simplified to show three strap springs 164 and how they are selectively attached to the puller 142. It will be appreciated and understood from a review of at least fig. 1B that the band spring 164 is understood and appreciated to be disposed on the pusher 144, but that the distinguishing elements of the pusher 144, as well as the syringe 102, cover 136 and clip 146, are omitted from fig. 2A-2 EE and 3A-3 DD for ease of illustration and discussion to help highlight and clarify the concept of selective attachment of the band spring 164 to the puller 142.

In the respective fig. 2A-2 EE, a top view of the simplified CFPDSS 100 is shown above the drawing sheet (fig. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E), while a corresponding perspective view of the simplified CFPDSS 100 is shown below (fig. 2AA, 2BB, 2CC, 2DD, 2 EE). In fig. 2A, the system is at rest (at rest) and none of the strap springs 164 are engaged. Fig. 2B and 2BB, fig. 2C and 2CC, fig. 2D and 2DD, and fig. 2E and 2EE each illustrate how different syringes having different lengths advantageously mechanically trigger different engagement of the strap spring 164 to advantageously ensure and allow CFPDSS 100 to provide a proper constant force to the plunger 122 of the syringe 102 disposed within CFPDSS 100.

More specifically, turning to fig. 2AA and 2AA, three strap springs 164A, 164B, 164C are shown with respective first ends 166 disposed on the puller 142. Beneath the puller 142 and the first end 166 of each strap spring 164 is an adapter 200, and each adapter 200 is disposed on one end of an associated control rod 168, which for the example shown is a lever 202. The selector 150 is shown disposed on the base 134, and each of the three levers 202A, 202B, 202C is shown with an activator 204A, 204B, 204C.

In fig. 2B and 2BB, conceptualization of insertion of a syringe having a first length, the selector 150 has been slid forward, and the activator 204A of the first lever 202A has now been depressed. With activator 204A depressed, the other end of lever 202A is lifted such that coupler 200A is now positioned to couple first end 166A of strap spring 164A to puller 142. It will be appreciated and understood that for this conceptual view, the adapter 200A is shown as a distinguishing element such that once engaged, it can move with the puller 142 to maintain the attachment between the puller 142 and the strap spring 164A even when the puller 142 slides away from the spring, as occurs when the cover is closed such that the linkage 156 (not shown in fig. 2B and 2 BB) causes the puller 142 to slide away from the pusher 144.

In fig. 2C and 2CC, conceptualizing insertion of a syringe having a second length, selector 150 has been slid to a second position and now set such that both first activator 204A and second activator 204B are triggered, and accordingly, adapters 200A and 200B for strap spring 164A and 164B have been lifted, enabling temporary attachment of their respective first ends 166A and 166B with puller 142.

In fig. 2D and 2DD, the insertion of a syringe having a third length is conceptualized, the selector 150 has been slid to the third position, and now all three activators 204A and 204B and 204C have been triggered such that all three band springs 164A, 164B and 164C are temporarily attached to the puller 142 by their respective adapters 200A, 200B, 200C.

In fig. 2E and 2EE, the insertion of a syringe having a fourth length is conceptualized, and a variation of selector 150 has been shown in which first activator 204A and third activator 204C are activated, but second activator 204B is not activated. Thus, the strap springs 164A and 164C are temporarily attached to the puller 142, but the strap spring 164B is unattached.

Further, it will be appreciated that selectively engaging the combination of strap springs 164A, 164B, 164C can easily, reliably, and reproducibly achieve different spring force combinations between puller 142 and pusher 144 to provide a suitable predetermined constant force to the syringe disposed within CFPDSS 100 that is advantageously and automatically adjusted by CFPDSS according to the size of syringe 102, e.g., the size of chamber 110 of syringe 102. In some embodiments, the constant force generated by the strip spring is about 1 to 25 pounds of force. In certain embodiments, CFPDSS 100 adaptively provides a pressure of from about 5 psi to about 30 psi. In other words, CFPDSS, advantageously and adaptively vary the combination of the strap spring 164 to ensure that the predetermined constant force is selected to fit the size of the chamber, thereby ensuring that the outflow rate from the syringe chamber 110 does not exceed the predetermined rate.

It will also be appreciated that in alternate embodiments, each of the strap springs 164 may be substantially identical, at least two of the strap springs 164 may be substantially identical, and/or each of the strap springs 164 may be substantially different. More specifically, at least four springs 164 may be selectively employed to provide a suitably constant force for a plurality of different but common pre-filled syringes, as may be desired and used in an infusion therapy regimen.

As an alternative to the embodiment of the lever depicted in fig. 2A-2 EE, fig. 3A-3 DD provide a simplified conceptual overview of an alternative embodiment of the strap spring 166 selection process implemented in one embodiment of CFPDSS incorporated into a tapered control lever 300. In each of fig. 3A-3 DD, a top view of CFPDSS a is shown above the drawing sheet (fig. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D), while a corresponding perspective view of CFPDSS a is shown below (fig. 3AA, 3BB, 3CC, 3 DD). Intermediate this top view and perspective view is a reference view of the control lever 168, with the control lever 168 being identified as control levers 300A, 300B and 300C for the present illustration.

In each reference view, each lever 300, and more specifically levers 300A, 300B, and 300C, is understood to have low sections 302A, 302B, and 302C and high sections 304A, 304B, and 304C. As will be apparent from the reference illustration, each lever 300 has a different profile because each lever has a high section 304 of different length.

Additionally, the lever 300A has been illustrated with a telescoping sliding arrangement such that a portion of the low section 302A may slide into the portion of the lever 300A providing the high section 304A. Of course, it will be understood and appreciated that in alternative embodiments, this arrangement may be reversed, wherein the portion of the lever 300A providing the high section 304A slides into the portion of the lever 300A providing the low section.

For either arrangement, it will be understood and appreciated that these alternative embodiments of the lever 300 will be incorporated into the alternative embodiments described above, wherein the base 134 and cover 136 are also configured to have a sliding arrangement between a compact configuration in the storage state and an expanded configuration in the use state.

As in fig. 2A and 2AA, in fig. 3A and 3AA, the simplified CFPDSS is at rest—each lever 300A, 300B, 300C is disposed in an initial position below the strap springs 164A, 164B, 164C such that all high sections 304A, 304B, and 304C are distal from the adapters 200A, 200B, 200C, with the adapters 200A, 200B, 200C currently disposed above the low sections 302A, 302B, and 302C of each lever 300A, 300B, 300C.

In fig. 3B and 3BB, conceptualizing insertion of a first syringe having a first length, selector 150 has traveled longitudinally away from strap spring 164 to a first position for the first syringe, and first selector lever 300A has now also moved such that high section 302A is now disposed below adapter 200A, adapter 200A has been lifted to engage strap spring 164A with puller 142.

In fig. 3C and 3CC, the insertion of a syringe having a second length is conceptualized, the selector 150 having traveled longitudinally away from the strap spring 164 to a second position for a second syringe, the second syringe being of a different size than the first syringe. In this second position, both the first lever 300A and the second lever 300B have moved a sufficient distance such that both high sections 304A and 304B are now disposed below the adapters 200A and 200B such that both strap springs 164A and 164B are now selectively engaged with the puller 142.

In fig. 3D and 3DD, the insertion of a syringe having a third length is conceptualized, the selector 150 having traveled longitudinally away from the strap spring 164 to a third position for a third syringe, the third syringe being of a different size than the first syringe and the second syringe. In this third position, all three levers 300A, 300B, 300C have been moved a sufficient distance such that all high sections 304A, 304B, 304C are now disposed below the adapters 200A, 200B, and 200C such that all three springs are now selectively engaged with the puller 142. It will be appreciated and understood that at least a fourth option for at least a fourth length of the syringe may also be provided, corresponding at least in part to fig. 2E and 2EE, wherein a hole may be provided such that two or more levers 300 are engaged while at least one lever 300 is not engaged.

With respect to the above description of fig. 2A-2E and 3A-3D, and the sizing device 148 described as a mechanical system provided at least in part by the selector 150 and at least one lever mechanically interconnecting the selector 150 with the puller 142, it will be understood and appreciated that alternative selector 150 embodiments may also be employed. More specifically, the selector 150 may be incorporated as an element of the clip 146.

As described above, to accommodate syringes of different diameters 114, the collar 146 may be provided by primarily two side members that may be adjusted outwardly or inwardly by a user to securely grip the syringe barrel 104. It will be appreciated and understood that activation of the control lever 168/202/300 as described above may be accomplished by a linkage between the side members of the yoke and the control lever 168/202/300. Such linkages may be in the form of gears, arms, levers, or other elements that are constructed and arranged to translate lateral movement of the side members of the yoke 146 into longitudinal movement of the control rods 168/202/300.

Further, for at least one embodiment, the size of the syringe 102, and more specifically the chamber 110/barrel 104, is determined by the length 116 of the chamber 110, the length 116 being determined by the longitudinal movement selector 150 conceptualized in fig. 2A-2E and 3A-3D. For at least one alternative embodiment, the size of the syringe 102, and more particularly the chamber 110/barrel 104, is determined by the diameter 114 of the chamber 110, the diameter 114 being determined by a selector 150 provided by a laterally moving side element of the collar 146.

Additionally, while the above discussion has presented a mechanical embodiment of the sizer, it will be appreciated and understood that the sizer 148 may be an electrical system.

More specifically, for at least one alternative embodiment of CFPDSS, the sizer 148 incorporates a hall effect sensor. More specifically, magnets are disposed in the base 134 and the selector 150 or clip 146. When the selector 150 and/or the yoke 146 is slid in one direction or the other, the magnet attached thereto is sensed by a hall effect sensor array, which may be provided by a Printed Circuit Board (PCB). The sensed signal is interpreted by one or more computer chips using a positional algorithm to determine the length of the syringe barrel, which then activates one or more adapters 200 (such as, for example, solenoids) to selectively attach one or more strap springs 166 with the puller 142.

For yet another embodiment of CFPDSS, the sizer 148 is provided at least in part by a resistive strip (RESISTIVE STRIP). Here again, movement of the selector 150 or the clip 146 is detected by a slider (wiper) moving along the resistor strip. The sensed change in resistance is interpreted by one or more computer chips using a positional algorithm to determine the length of the syringe barrel, which then activates one or more adapters 200 (such as, for example, solenoids) to selectively attach one or more ribbon springs 166 with the puller 142.

For yet another embodiment of CFPDSS, a sizer 148 provided at least in part by a laser system that measures time of flight (TOF) is provided. Generally, the laser beam is activated to strike a target mounted on an element that is understood and appreciated to move to properly accommodate a syringe, such as selector 150 or collar 146. The laser light reflected back by the target is captured by the sensor. The elapsed time between the firing of the laser and the sensing of the rebound is interpreted by the one or more computer chips using a positional algorithm to determine the length of the syringe barrel, which then activates one or more adapters 200 (such as, for example, solenoids) to selectively attach one or more strap springs 166 with the puller 142.

Fig. 4A-4C present enlarged partial illustrations of the lever 168 and the adapter 200 and their course of operation. More specifically, in fig. 4A CFPDSS is at rest and the syringe has not been placed in engagement with the collar and selector (not shown). In fig. 4B, the syringe has now been set within CFPDSS a 100 and the selector has been moved from the rest first position to the second position, which now indicates the syringe barrel length.

Thus, such movement of the selector 150 has triggered movement of the at least one control lever 168, and as clearly shown, the example control lever 168A has moved to raise the coupling 200A to couple the first end 166A of the strap spring 164A with the puller 142. As shown in fig. 4B, a plurality of levers have been engaged, causing at least the adapters 200A and 200B to engage the first ends 166A and 166B of their associated strap springs 164A and 164B.

In fig. 4C, puller 142 has been slid away from pusher 144, and it will be appreciated that all four (4) selectable-band springs 164A, 164B, 164C and 164D have been engaged with puller 142 by their first ends 166A, 166B, 166C and 166D. It will also be appreciated that for at least one embodiment, a strap spring, such as 164E (not shown in FIG. 4C-see FIG. 5A) is permanently attached between the puller 142 and the pusher 144. For the illustrated embodiment, this is an intermediate strap spring 164E, with a first end attached to the puller 142 by a fixed attachment 400 (e.g., a screw).

Fig. 5 is an elevation partial perspective view showing similar subsections of CFPDSS as shown in fig. 4C, fig. 5 being illustrated from a higher perspective. In fig. 5, the plunger receiver and other elements have been removed to provide an enhanced view of the engagement between the puller 142 and the first end 166 of at least some of the strap springs 164. The state of the band spring 164E permanently attached between the puller 142 and the pusher 144 is more clearly illustrated. Additionally, it will also be appreciated that for the exemplary embodiment shown, strap spring 164C has been selectively engaged to puller 142, but that strap springs 164A, 164B, and 164D are not engaged. More specifically, the adapter 200C is shown engaged with the first end 164C, but the adapters 200A, 200B, 200D are shown in their undeployed and thus non-engaged state.

Fig. 6A-6C present an enlarged partial view of yet another embodiment CFPDSS in which the control rod 168 is a tapered control rod 300 having a low section 302 and a high section 304 as described above with respect to fig. 3A-3 DD, and an operational procedure therefor.

For this embodiment, each control rod 168/300 is moved longitudinally within the housing as the selector 150 is moved longitudinally. Selection of a particular strap spring is accomplished by moving its associated control rod 168 a sufficient lateral distance to transition from the low section 302 to the high section 304 such that the adapter 200 is urged upward to engage the first end 166 of its associated strap spring 164.

It should also be noted that each control rod 168 as shown in fig. 6A-6C may be a telescoping control rod or wand as discussed above. The telescoping nature of each lever 168 allows the first portion to move within the second portion (and vice versa) when CFPDSS a100 is compressed, but the first portion locks with the second portion to provide the full length lever 168 when CFPDSS a is expanded to receive a syringe. In at least one embodiment, a spring (not shown) may be disposed between the second portion of CFPDSS and the hinge end to resist lateral movement of the second portion of each lever unless and until the first portion has been fully retracted.

Additionally, the illustrated embodiment utilizes tapered pin 500 as first end 166 of strap spring 164 (see strap spring 164 of FIG. 7). More specifically, in fig. 6A CFPDSS is at rest and the syringe 102 has not been placed in engagement with the collar 146 and selector 150 (not shown).

In fig. 6B, the syringe 102 (not shown) has now been set within CFPDSS a 100 and the selector 150 (not shown) has been moved from the resting first position to the second position, which now indicates the syringe barrel length. Thus, such movement of the selector 150 has triggered movement of the at least one control lever 168, and as clearly shown, the example control lever 168A/300A has moved such that the high section 304 is now below the coupling 200A, thereby lifting the coupling 200A to engage the first end 166A/500A of the strap spring 164A with the puller 142. Since this is the initial movement of engagement, a gap 600 (see FIG. 7) between the adapter 200A and the first end 166A/500A of the strap spring 164A is shown.

In FIG. 6C, puller 142 has been slid away from pusher 144, and it will be appreciated that with adapter 200A now in direct contact with first end 166A/500A of strap spring 164A, alternative strap spring 164A has been engaged with puller 142 via first end 166A/500A.

FIG. 7 illustrates a partial perspective view of one embodiment of CFPDSS utilizing a tapered pin 500 as the first end 166 of the optional strap spring 164 and utilizing a socket 502 to advantageously improve alignment and engagement of the first ends 500/166. As with the partial perspective view of fig. 5, some elements (e.g., plunger receiver.) have been removed to allow for enhanced viewing and understanding of at least one alternative embodiment for engaging strap spring 164 between puller 142 and pusher 144. More specifically, tapered pins 500 are self-aligned with their respective receiving sockets 502. Because they are self-aligning, engagement of the selected coupler 200 (not shown in fig. 7) for the strap spring 164 may be improved.

Continuing with the CFPDSS embodiment, which incorporates the control lever 168 as the tapered lever 300 having the low section 302 and the high section 304 and the tapered pin 500 as the first end 166 of the strap spring 164, fig. 8A-8C present a series of enlarged partial side views of the base 134 showing the puller 142, the pusher 144, the control lever 168/300, and the adapter 200 disposed below the first end 166/500 of the strap spring 164 for selective attachment with the puller 142.

As shown in FIG. 8A, CFPDSS is substantially stationary because the syringe has not been set, and the control lever 168A/300A is in its initial position with the low section 302 below the adapter 200. In fig. 8B, the syringe has now been placed in CFPDSS a 100 such that selector 150 (not shown) has been placed toward distal end 130 (not shown), which causes control rod 168A/300A to move longitudinally toward distal end 130. Thus, the high section 304 has now moved under the adapter 200A, and thus the adapter 200A has been lifted into engagement with the first end 166A/500A.

In fig. 8C, with first end 166A/500A engaged to puller 142 by engager 200A, cover 136 (not shown) has been at least partially closed so as to engage linkage 156 (not shown) to move puller 142 away from pusher 144, thereby pulling out strap spring 164A. In other words, closing the cover 136 (not shown) will tension the selectively engaged strap spring 164 because the puller will be moved toward the distal end 130 of CFPDSS.

With respect to the above description, fig. 9 is a top perspective view of CFPDSS, with the cover now shown moved downward to the closed position. Thus, it will be appreciated that the linkage between the cover and the pusher 144 has traveled the pusher 144 away from the puller 142 and toward the distal end 130. This action has been shown in the partially enlarged side views of fig. 8A-8C.

Fig. 10 presents a top view of CFPDSS a further allowing an understanding of the above-described components (such as, but not limited to, the puller 142, the pusher 144, the clip 146, the sizer 148, the selector 150, and the adjustable drive 152).

In connection with the above description, it will be appreciated that at least one embodiment of CFPDSS containing syringes 102 of different sizes may be summarized as a base 134 having a proximal end 132 and a distal end 130, the base 134 being constructed and arranged to receive a syringe 102, the syringe 102 having a plunger 122 slidably disposed within a chamber 110 having an outlet 108, the chamber 110 having a length 116 and a diameter 114, the plunger 122 having a head 124, a pusher 144 in sliding engagement with the base 134, the pusher 144 being constructed and arranged to contact the head 124 of the plunger 122, a puller 142 in sliding engagement with the base 134, a size determiner 148 constructed and arranged to determine the size of the chamber 110, an adjustable driver 152 constructed and arranged to provide a constant force between the pusher 144 and the puller 142, the constant force being adjustably selected by the size of the chamber 110, whereby when the syringe 102 is disposed in the base 134, slidably moving the puller 142 distally causes the pusher 144 to contact the head 124 of the plunger 122 and exert a constant force on the head 124 of the plunger 122 specific to the chamber 110, the pusher 144 being constructed and arranged to move the plunger 136 toward the base 134 and the plunger 136 when the plunger 102 is disposed in the base 134, the constant force is sufficient to be pulled toward the plunger 136 and the plunger 136 is disposed toward the end and is pulled toward the end of the plunger 102, and the plunger 136 is pulled toward the end is disposed to be engaged by the puller linkage, and the puller device 136.

Yet another embodiment of CFPDSS can be summarized as an expandable base 134 having a proximal end 132 and a distal end 130, the base 134 including a first base 134 section and a second base 134 section, wherein the first base 134 section is slidably engaged with the second base 134 section such that the first base 134 section and the second base 134 section are slidably movable relative to one another between a compact position and an expanded position, wherein the base 134 in the expanded position is adapted to seat the syringe 102, the syringe 102 has a plunger 122 slidably disposed within the chamber 110 having the outlet 108, the chamber 110 has a length 116 and a diameter 114, the plunger 122 has a head 124, a pusher 144 in sliding engagement with the base 134, wherein the pusher 144 is sized to contact the head 124 of the plunger 122, a puller 142 in sliding engagement with the base 134, a size determiner 148 configured and arranged to determine the size of the chamber 110, an adjustable driver 152 configured and arranged to provide a constant force between the pusher 144 and the puller 142, the constant force being selectively variable by the size of the chamber 110, whereby the pusher cap 134 is selectively sized to be pulled by the puller cap 102 and the puller cap 136, the plunger 122 is configured to be pulled by the puller cap 136 and the puller cap 136 to be pivoted to be opened when the plunger 122 is pivoted to the proximal end 124 and the plunger 122 is disposed to be contacted by the plunger 122 when the plunger 122 is pivoted to the base 132 and the plunger 122 is pivoted to the base 124 is disposed to be contacted by the end 124 and the plunger 122 when the puller cap is pivoted to be contacted by the puller cap 132 and the puller cap is configured to be moved, closure of the cover 136 engages the pusher 144 against the plunger 122 and moves the puller 142 toward the distal end 130 and engages the adjustable driver 152.

Still further, yet another embodiment of CFPDSS may be summarized as a base 134 having a proximal end 132 and a distal end 130, the base 134 being constructed and arranged to receive a syringe 102, the syringe 102 having a plunger 122 slidably disposed within a chamber 110 having an outlet 108, the chamber 110 having a length 116 and a diameter 114, the plunger 122 having a head 124, a pusher 144 slidably engaged with the base 134, the pusher 144 being constructed and arranged to contact the head 124 of the plunger 122, a puller 142 slidably engaged with the base 134, a size determiner 148 constructed and arranged to determine the size of the chamber 110, a plurality of different springs, each spring having a first end and a second end, the first end of each spring being connected to the pusher 144, the second end of each spring being selectively attached to the puller 142, at least one of the selectively attached springs being based on the size of the chamber 110, whereby when the syringe 102 is disposed in the base 134, moving the puller 142 distally causes the puller 142 to slidably and the puller 142 to translate the plunger 122 to the plunger 132 and the plunger 132 when the syringe 102 is disposed in the base 134, the force is applied to the plunger 132 and the plunger is constantly coupled to the plunger 122 when the plunger 132 is pivoted toward the base 136, the plunger 132 is disposed to the base 136 and the plunger is constantly coupled to the plunger 122, the plunger 132 is pivoted to the end 136 and is disposed to the plunger 132, and is constantly the plunger 132 is forced to move toward the end is constantly, when the plunger 122 is disposed to be turned on the plunger 122, wherein the base 134 and the cover 136 enclose the chamber 110 body, the at least one selectively attached spring, the puller 142, and the pusher 144 are constructed and arranged to provide a constant force to the plunger 122 of the syringe 102 providing a pressure pump that is specific to the size of the chamber 110.

Having described the various embodiments of CFPDSS 100, additional embodiments related to at least one method of providing infusion therapy into subcutaneous tissue using CFPDSS 100 will now be discussed. It will be appreciated that the described methods need not be performed in the order in which they are described herein, but that these descriptions are merely examples of methods for providing and using CFPDSS a.

KORU MEDICAL SYSTEMS, inc. Of Mo Washi (Mahwah, new Jersey) has been a precursor to infusion pump technology, needle set technology, and flow rate control through specially designed flow control tubing. Indeed, KORU has recognized that different flow rates can be provided by different combinations of flow control tubing by means of (working with) flow, such as those systems and METHODs set forth in U.S. patent 10,420,886 entitled MULTI-FLOW UNIVERSAL TUBING SET, which is incorporated herein by reference, and U.S. patent 10,709,839 entitled PRECISION VARIABLE FLOW RATE INFUSION SYSTEM AND METHOD, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Further, KORU has developed an advantageous infusion system that allows high flow at low pressure, as set forth in U.S. application 17/729,914, titled HIGH FLOW AT LOW PRESSURE INFUSION SYSTEM, publication No. US 2022/0265923, which is incorporated herein by reference. Still further, for at least one embodiment, the needle hub 100 is a snap-in needle structure shown and described as element 162 in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/216,342 (incorporated herein by reference) titled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR BUTTERFLY NEEDLE ASSEMBLY.

Further, it will be understood and appreciated that CFPDSS may function as a constant force pump for providing infusion therapy to a patient that incorporates one or more of the techniques described above. Additionally, as noted above, for alternative embodiments, where the syringe is coupled to a luer fitting (such as the flared luer fitting set forth in U.S. patent 10,500,389, titled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FLARED LUER CONNECTOR FOR MEDICAL TUBING, or the conical luer fitting set forth in U.S. provisional application 63/616,368, titled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A TAPERED LURE CONNECTOR FOR MEDICAL TUBING), the selector 150, and more particularly the seat 158 of the selector, may be constructed and arranged as a receiving base for such a conical or flared luer fitting.

Turning to fig. 11, a flow chart of at least one method 1100 of infusion therapy using CFPDSS a is presented. Generally, the method 1100 begins by providing CFPDSS 100,100, block 1102.

The cover 136 of CFPDSS is then opened, block 1104. The selected syringe is then placed in CFPDSS a. As discussed above, CFPDSS is constructed and arranged to use the size determiner 148 to determine the size of the placed syringe 102 and mechanically engage the adjustable driver 152 to provide a predetermined constant force appropriate for the placed syringe, block 1106.

To fully engage CFPDSS with a predetermined constant force, the cover 136 of CFPDSS is then closed and the infusion process to the patient is started, block 1108. Since CFPDSS are advantageously constructed and arranged to determine the size of the syringe and then determine a predetermined constant force for the syringe based on the determined size, it will be understood and appreciated that the same CFPDSS 100 may be used for infusion therapy treatment of syringes of different sizes without being adversely affected by undue force applied for such administration. Furthermore, a single CFPDSS 100 advantageously enables self-determination of different syringe sizes and automatically selects a predetermined constant force suitable for administration of a drug within a sized syringe.

Further, with respect to the above method description, it can be appreciated that at least one embodiment of a method of using CFPDSS a 100 can be generalized to provide a pump housing including a base 134 having a proximal end 132 and a distal end 130, the base 134 constructed and arranged to receive a syringe 102, the syringe 102 having a plunger 122 slidably disposed within a chamber 110 having an outlet 108, the chamber 110 having a length 116 and a diameter 114, the plunger 122 having a head 124; a pusher 144 slidably engaged with the base 134, the pusher 144 constructed and arranged to contact the head 124 of the plunger 122, a puller 142 slidably engaged with the base 134, the puller 142 constructed and arranged to receive the syringe 102, the syringe 102 having the plunger 122 configured to expel liquid from the chamber 110, the chamber 110 having a length 116 and a diameter 114, a size determiner 148 constructed and arranged to determine the size of the chamber 110, an adjustable driver 152 constructed and arranged to provide a constant force between the pusher 144 and the puller 142, the constant force being adjustably selected by the size of the chamber 110, whereby when the syringe 102 is disposed in the base 134, slidably moving the puller 142 distally causes the pusher 144 to contact the head 124 of the plunger 122 and exert a substantially constant force on the head 124 of the plunger 122 that is specific to the size of the chamber 110, the constant force being sufficient to move the plunger 122 of the syringe 102, and an expandable cap 136 connected to the proximal end 132 of the base 134, the device 156 being coupled between the cap 136 and the puller 142 and being configured to translate the pusher 136 and the puller 142 to be disposed to be moved proximally toward the syringe 102 when the puller 142 has been disposed to have been moved proximally toward the syringe 132, closure of the cover 136 engages the pusher 144 against the plunger 122 and moves the puller 142 toward the distal end 130 and engages the adjustable driver 152, wherein the expandable base 134 and the expandable cover 136 enclose the chamber 110 body, the adjustable driver 152, the puller 142, and the pusher 144 are constructed and arranged to provide a force to the plunger 122 of the syringe 102 providing the pressure pump that is specific to the length 116 of the chamber 110, opening the expandable cover 136 of the pump housing, positioning the selected syringe 102 within the expandable base 134, the size determiner 148 determining the size of the selected syringe 102, the determined size selectively engaging the adjustable driver 152, and closing the expandable cover 136 to engage the pusher 144 against the plunger 122 of the selected syringe 102.

Changes may be made in the above methods, systems and structures without departing from the scope of the invention. It should be noted, therefore, that what is included in the foregoing description and/or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Indeed, many other embodiments are possible and possible, as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. The appended claims are not to be limited to the embodiments discussed herein nor to such embodiments, but are to be limited only by the terms and principles of equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A constant force syringe pump assembly for accommodating syringes of different sizes, the constant force syringe pump assembly comprising:

A base having a proximal end and a distal end, the base constructed and arranged to receive a syringe having a plunger slidably disposed within a chamber having an outlet, the chamber having a length and a diameter, the plunger having a head;

a pusher in sliding engagement with the base, the pusher constructed and arranged to contact the head of the plunger;

a puller in sliding engagement with the base;

a sizer constructed and arranged to determine a size of the chamber;

An adjustable driver constructed and arranged to provide a constant force between the pusher and the puller, the constant force being adjustably selected by the size of the chamber;

whereby when the syringe is disposed in the base, slidably moving the puller distally causes the pusher to contact the head of the plunger and exert a substantially constant force on the head of the plunger specific to the size of the chamber, the constant force being sufficient to move the plunger of the syringe, and

A cover connected to the base, a linkage coupled between the cover and the puller and constructed and arranged to translate opening of the cover into movement of the puller and pusher toward the proximal end, and closing of the cover engages the pusher against the plunger and moves the puller toward the distal end and engages the adjustable driver when the syringe has been set.

2. The constant force syringe pump of claim 1, wherein the adjustable driver includes a plurality of different springs, each spring having a first end and a second end, the first end of each spring being connected to the impeller, the second end of each spring being selectively attached to the puller, at least one selectively attached spring from the plurality of springs being based on the size of the chamber.

3. The constant force syringe pump of claim 2, wherein the selection of selectively attached springs ensures that a predetermined constant force appropriate for the size of the chamber is exerted on the syringe disposed within the pump housing assembly.

4. The constant force syringe pump of claim 2, wherein the predetermined constant force that fits the size of the chamber ensures that the rate of outflow from the syringe chamber does not exceed a predetermined rate.

5. The constant force syringe pump of claim 2, wherein there are at least two different springs.

6. The constant force syringe pump of claim 1, wherein said cover is pivotally connected to said proximal end of said base, said linkage pivotally coupling said cover with said puller.

7. The constant force syringe pump of claim 1, wherein the size of the chamber is determined by the length.

8. The constant force syringe pump of claim 1, wherein said size of said chamber is determined by said diameter.

9. The constant force syringe pump of claim 1, wherein the selected adjustable constant force is a force between about 1 to 25 pounds.

10. The constant force syringe pump of claim 1, wherein the pump is constructed and arranged to accommodate a syringe having a volume of at least 5 milliliters and no more than 120 milliliters.

11. The constant force syringe pump of claim 1, wherein the sizer is a mechanical system comprising:

a plurality of levers, each corresponding to a different spring, and

A selector movable between a first position established by the size of the chamber and a second position, sliding of the selector from the first position to the second position causing one or more of the levers to engage one or more of the springs, thereby selectively attaching one or more springs to the puller.

12. The constant force syringe pump of claim 1, wherein the base and the cover are expandable.

13. A constant force syringe pump assembly for accommodating syringes of different sizes, the constant force syringe pump assembly comprising:

An expandable base having a proximal end and a distal end, the base comprising a first base section and a second base section, wherein the first base section is slidably engaged with the second base section such that the first base section and the second base section are slidably movable relative to each other between a compact position and an expanded position, wherein the base in the expanded position is adapted to house a syringe having a plunger slidably disposed within a chamber having an outlet, the chamber having a length and a diameter, the plunger having a head;

A pusher in sliding engagement with the base, wherein the pusher is sized to contact the head of the plunger;

a puller in sliding engagement with the base;

a sizer constructed and arranged to determine a size of the chamber;

An expandable cap pivotally connected to the proximal end of the base, a linkage pivotally coupled between the cap and the puller and constructed and arranged to translate opening of the cap into movement of the puller and pusher toward the proximal end, and closing of the cap engages the pusher against the plunger and moves the puller toward the distal end and engages the adjustable driver when the syringe has been set.

14. The constant force syringe pump of claim 13, wherein the adjustable driver includes a plurality of different springs, each spring having a first end and a second end, the first end of each spring being connected to the impeller, the second end of each spring being selectively attached to the puller, at least one selectively attached spring from the plurality of springs being based on the size of the chamber.

15. The constant force syringe pump of claim 14, wherein the selection of selectively attached springs ensures that a predetermined constant force appropriate for the size of the chamber is exerted on the syringe disposed within the pump housing assembly.

16. The constant force syringe pump of claim 14, wherein the predetermined constant force that fits the size of the chamber ensures that the rate of outflow from the syringe chamber does not exceed a predetermined rate.

17. The constant force syringe pump of claim 14, wherein there are at least two different springs.

18. The constant force syringe pump of claim 13, wherein said cover is pivotally connected to said proximal end of said base, said linkage pivotally coupling said cover with said puller.

19. The constant force syringe pump of claim 13, wherein said cover is slidably connected to said base, said linkage slidably coupling said cover with said puller.

20. The constant force syringe pump of claim 13, wherein said dimension of said chamber is determined by said length.

21. The constant force syringe pump of claim 13, wherein said size of said chamber is determined by said diameter.

22. The constant force syringe pump of claim 13, wherein the selected adjustable constant force is a force between about 1 to 25 pounds.

23. The constant force syringe pump of claim 13, wherein the pump is constructed and arranged to accommodate a syringe having a volume of at least 5 milliliters and no more than 120 milliliters.

24. The constant force syringe pump of claim 13, wherein the sizer is a mechanical system, the mechanical system comprising:

a plurality of levers, each corresponding to a different spring, and

25. The constant force syringe pump of claim 13, wherein the base and the cover are expandable.

26. A constant force syringe pump assembly for accommodating syringes of different sizes, the constant force syringe pump assembly comprising:

a puller in sliding engagement with the base;

a sizer constructed and arranged to determine a size of the chamber;

A plurality of different springs, each spring having a first end and a second end, the first end of each spring being connected to the pusher, the second end of each spring being selectively attached to the puller, at least one selectively attached spring from the plurality of springs being based on the size of the chamber;

A cover pivotally connected to the proximal end of the base, a linkage pivotally coupled between the cover and the puller and constructed and arranged to translate opening of the cover into movement of the puller and pusher toward the proximal end, and closure of the cover engages the pusher against the plunger and moves the puller toward the distal end and tensions the at least one selectively attached spring when the syringe has been set;

wherein the base and cover enclose the chamber body, the at least one selectively attached spring, puller, and pusher being constructed and arranged to provide the constant force specific to the size of the chamber to the plunger of the syringe providing a pressure pump.

27. The constant force syringe pump of claim 26, wherein the selection of selectively attached springs ensures that a predetermined constant force appropriate for the size of the chamber is exerted on the syringe disposed within the pump housing assembly.

28. The constant force syringe pump of claim 27, wherein the predetermined constant force that fits the size of the chamber ensures that the rate of outflow from the syringe chamber does not exceed a predetermined rate.

29. The constant force syringe pump of claim 26, wherein said size of said chamber is determined by said length.

30. The constant force syringe pump of claim 26, wherein said size of said chamber is determined by said diameter.

31. The constant force syringe pump of claim 26, wherein the selected adjustable constant force is a force between about 1 to 25 pounds.

32. The constant force syringe pump of claim 26, wherein the pump is constructed and arranged to accommodate a syringe having a volume of at least 5 milliliters and no more than 120 milliliters.

33. The constant force syringe pump of claim 26, wherein there are at least two different springs.

34. The constant force syringe pump of claim 26, wherein the sizer is a mechanical system, the mechanical system comprising:

a plurality of levers, each corresponding to a different spring, and

35. The constant force syringe pump of claim 26, wherein the base and the cover are expandable.

36. A method of dispensing a solution from a syringe using a constant force syringe pump housing assembly containing syringes of different sizes, the method comprising:

providing a pump housing comprising:

A puller in sliding engagement with the base, the puller constructed and arranged to receive a syringe having a plunger configured to squeeze liquid from a chamber, the chamber having a length and a diameter;

a sizer constructed and arranged to determine a size of the chamber;

An expandable cap connected to the proximal end of the base, a linkage coupled between the cap and the puller and constructed and arranged to translate opening of the cap into movement of the puller and pusher toward the proximal end, and when the syringe has been set, closure of the cap engages the pusher against the plunger and the puller toward the distal end and engages the adjustable driver;

wherein the expandable base and expandable cover enclose the chamber body, the adjustable driver, puller, and pusher being constructed and arranged to provide a force to the plunger of the syringe providing a pressure pump that is specific to the length of the chamber;

Opening the expandable cover of the pump housing;

Positioning a selected syringe within the expandable base, the size determiner determining a size of the selected syringe, the determined size selectively engaging an adjustable driver, and

Closing the expandable cap to engage the pusher against the plunger of the selected syringe.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein the adjustable driver comprises a plurality of different springs, each spring having a first end and a second end, the first end of each spring being connected to the pusher, the second end of each spring being selectively attached to the puller, at least one selectively attached spring from the plurality of springs being based on the size of the chamber.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein the selection of selectively attached springs ensures that a predetermined constant force appropriate for the size of the chamber is exerted on the syringe disposed within the pump housing assembly.

39. The method of claim 37, wherein the predetermined constant force that fits the size of the chamber ensures that a rate of outflow from the syringe chamber does not exceed a predetermined rate.

40. The method of claim 37, wherein there are at least two different springs.

41. The method of claim 36, wherein the cover is pivotally connected to the proximal end of the base, the linkage pivotally coupling the cover with the puller.

42. The method of claim 36, wherein the cover is slidably connected to the base, the linkage slidably coupling the cover with the puller.

43. The method of claim 36, wherein the size of the chamber is determined by the length.

44. The method of claim 36, wherein the size of the chamber is determined by the diameter.

45. The method of claim 36, wherein the selected adjustable constant force is a force between about 1 to 25 pounds.

46. The method of claim 36, wherein the pump is constructed and arranged to accommodate a syringe having a volume of at least 5 milliliters and no more than 120 milliliters.

47. The method of claim 36, wherein the sizer is a mechanical system, the mechanical system comprising:

a plurality of levers, each corresponding to a different spring, and

48. The method of claim 36, wherein the base and the cover are expandable.

49. A method of dispensing a solution from a syringe using a constant force syringe pump housing assembly containing syringes of different sizes, the method comprising:

providing a pump housing comprising:

a sizer constructed and arranged to determine a size of the chamber;

a plurality of different springs, each spring having a first end and a second end, the first end of each spring being connected to the pusher, the second end of each spring being selectively attached to the puller, at least one selectively attached spring from the plurality of springs being based on the length of the chamber;

An expandable cap pivotally connected to the proximal end of the base, a linkage pivotally coupled between the cap and the puller and constructed and arranged to translate opening of the cap into movement of the puller and pusher toward the proximal end, and closure of the cap engaging the pusher against the plunger and moving the puller toward the distal end and tensioning the at least one selectively attached spring when the syringe has been set;

Wherein the expandable base and expandable cover enclose the chamber body, the at least one selectively attached spring, puller, and pusher being constructed and arranged to provide a force to the plunger of the syringe providing a pressure pump that is specific to the length of the chamber;

Opening the expandable cover of the pump housing;

positioning a selected syringe within the expandable base, the size determiner determining a size of the selected syringe, the determined size selectively engaging at least one spring of the plurality of springs, and

50. The method of claim 49, wherein the selection of the selectively attached springs ensures that a predetermined constant force appropriate for the size of the chamber is exerted on the syringe disposed within the pump housing assembly.

51. The method of claim 50, wherein the predetermined constant force appropriate for the size of the chamber ensures that a rate of outflow from the syringe chamber does not exceed a predetermined rate.

52. The method of claim 49, wherein the size of the chamber is determined by the length.

53. The method of claim 49, wherein the size of the chamber is determined by the diameter.

54. The method of claim 49, wherein the selected adjustable constant force is a force between about 1 to 25 pounds.

55. The method of claim 49, wherein the pump is constructed and arranged to accommodate a syringe having a volume of at least 5 milliliters and no more than 120 milliliters.

56. The method of claim 49, wherein there are at least two different springs.

57. The method of claim 49, wherein the sizer is a mechanical system, the mechanical system comprising:

a plurality of levers, each corresponding to a different spring, and