Air-in-line sensor systems and methods of using same are provided. The system includes an adapter (60) including first and second cylindrical portions defining a fluid flow channel, the first cylindrical portion comprising two adjacent wedge-shaped protrusions (68). Each wedge-shaped protrusion is infrared transmittive and defines an outer surface and an inner surface. The system further includes a tube and an infrared reflective sensor having an infrared light emitter (42,52) and an infrared light detector (44,54). The infrared light emitter and the infrared light detector are positioned at or near an adapter so that an infrared light can be transmitted to the adapter and at least a portion of the infrared light reflected off the adapter can be detected by the infrared light detector.

A method, apparatus, and system according to which a patient simulator includes one or more of the following: a left eye assembly including a simulated left pupil, a simulated left eyelid, and/or a simulated left iris; a right eye assembly including a simulated right pupil, a simulated right eyelid, and/or a simulated right iris; a neck assembly including a simulated neck; a left brow assembly including a simulated left brow; a right brow assembly including a simulated right brow; a tear duct assembly including simulated left and right cheeks through which artificial pores are formed; and a mouth assembly including a simulated mouth. In various embodiments, any one, or a combination, of these assemblies may be, include, or be part of, a manikin in the form of a human face, and may therefore be activated simultaneously to realistically simulate life-like human emotional states.

Apparatus for delivering a fluid to a subject through infusion tubing (22) includes a tube cassette (20) for receiving the infusion tubing. The tube cassette has an anti-free-flow valve (26) configured to (i) occlude the infusion tubing, and (ii) be actuated by a force external to the tube cassette to terminate the occlusion of the infusion tubing. The tube cassette is configured to be removably coupled to a pump (24). The pump is configured to, as part of a pumping cycle for delivering the fluid to a subject, repeatedly (a) actuate the anti-free-flow valve to terminate the occlusion of the infusion tubing, and subsequently (b) release the anti-free-flow valve to occlude the infusion tubing. Other applications are also described.

Peristaltic pumps are described herein. In certain embodiments, a peristaltic pump includes a plunger, a camshaft, and a first biasing member. The plunger is movable to selectively engage a pumping volume of a tubing segment. The camshaft includes a first plunger cam lobe. The first plunger cam lobe is configured to move the plunger between an engaged position in contact with the pumping volume and a disengaged position spaced apart from the pumping volume. The first biasing member is configured to urge the plunger toward the tubing segment to maintain contact with the tubing segment in the engaged position.

Peristaltic pumps are described herein. In certain embodiments, a peristaltic pump includes a plunger and a feeler pin. The plunger is movable to selectively engage a pumping volume of a tubing segment to expand the pumping volume to draw fluid flow into the pumping volume and to contract the pumping volume to conduct fluid flow from the pumping volume. The feeler pin extends through the plunger and movable to maintain contact with the tubing segment, wherein the feeler pin is movable in response to a height of the pumping volume.

A patient care system is configured for infusing fluid to a patient. The system includes a plurality of modular fluid infusion pumps that each has a connector for connecting to a modular programming unit or to one another. Systems and methods are configured for verifying that the connectors are reliably performing their functions or communicatively connecting the pumps to one another or to the programming unit.

The systems, methods and articles described herein are directed to at least one pressure sensor along a downstream fluid line which senses fluid pressure and assists an occlusion detection feature in determining the presence of occlusions in the downstream fluid line. In addition, the system can dynamically adapt the occlusion detection feature based on a delivery of fluid, such as a bolus, in order to prevent the system from creating a false alarm regarding an occlusion of the downstream fluid line.

A method and system is disclosed for operating a medical device with or without a cassette in place. A method is disclosed for adding additional VTBI to an ongoing infusion without stopping the infusion and with maintaining the infusion parameters. A method and system is disclosed for changing the CCA without having to interrupt or completely stop an ongoing infusion. Quick titration buttons are provided to allow improved navigation between various delivery display screens.

A system includes a drip chamber. The drip chamber has a proximal end coupled with a drug container and a distal end coupled with fluidic tubing. The drip chamber has a proximal check valve configured to prevent fluid flow in a proximal direction and to allow fluid flow in a distal direction when a cracking pressure threshold is overcome. The drip chamber also includes a distal check valve configured to prevent fluid flow in the proximal direction and to allow fluid flow in the distal direction when a cracking pressure threshold is overcome. The cracking pressure threshold of the proximal check valve and the cracking pressure threshold of the distal check valve in combination is greater than or equal to 1 PSId. The system also includes a pneumatic port between the check valves that is configured to pneumatically couple with a pneumatic feedback control system.

An implant that includes an electrode is advanced to a nerve of a subject using a tube. The tube and the implant are arranged at a nonzero angle with respect to a skin surface of the subject, and the implant is passed distally from an opening of the tube, in a vicinity of a portion of the nerve. A longitudinal axis of the implant is realigned to become generally parallel with the skin surface, by proximally withdrawing the tube from the subject. Other embodiments are also described.