Abstract
A method of priming a medical pump is disclosed. The method includes providing a medical pump comprising a chamber, a first plunger element and, a second plunger element. The method further comprises determining a minimum distance (MD) between the first and the second plunger element and determining the location of an opening of the chamber.
Claims
1. A method of calibrating a medical pump, comprising the steps of: providing a medical pump comprising a chamber, a first plunger element and a second plunger element, the first and second plunger elements being movable relative to each other and relative to the chamber, determining a minimum distance between the first plunger element and the second plunger element, detecting the location of an opening of the chamber, wherein the following steps are carried out to detect the location of the opening: a) introducing a fluid into a chamber space defined by the first and the second plunger elements, b) ejecting the fluid via the opening until the first and second plunger elements are arranged at the minimum distance relative to each other, and c) determining the location of the opening based on the position of at least one of the first and second plunger elements when the first and second plunger elements are arranged at the minimum distance after step b).
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein determining the location of the opening of the chamber comprises determining the location of at least one boundary of the opening, and wherein determining the location of the at least one boundary of the opening comprises: moving the fluid to a position axially spaced from a detection position of the opening by a tolerance distance, and 1) if, under compression of the fluid, the distance between the first and the second plunger element equals the minimum distance, recording the axial position of a borderline between the first and the second plunger elements as the location of the at least one boundary of the opening, and 2) if, under compression of the fluid, the distance between the first and the second plunger elements does not equal the minimum distance, moving the fluid to a position being arranged closer to the detection position, by a predetermined distance, and continuing with step 1).
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, in step a) and/or before step b) it is detected whether the fluid fulfils a compression property requirement by compressing the fluid while being fluidly disconnected from an exterior of the chamber, wherein, when the fluid does not fulfil the compression property requirement, the fluid is removed from the chamber space and replaced with a new fluid in the chamber space until the fluid in the chamber space does fulfil the compression property requirement.
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the determination of the minimum distance between the first plunger element and the second plunger element is carried out by an approximative iteration comprising: moving the second plunger element to an arbitrary position in a tolerance zone of the opening; moving the first and the second plunger elements relatively towards each other until no further relative movement is possible, and recording the minimum distance of the first and the second plunger element from the iteration.
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein, before the determination of the minimum distance, the first and the second plunger elements are moved axially away from each other until each of the first and the second plunger elements abuts a stop.
6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the axial positions of the first and/or the second plunger element at which the minimum distance is determined are recorded as a removal positions of the first and the second plunger elements.
7. The method according to claim 2, wherein the tolerance distance is defined by a tolerance zone of the opening.
8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the medical pump comprises a driving unit configured to drive the first plunger element and the second plunger element, and wherein the tolerance zone of the opening is defined by the nominal position of the opening and driving tolerances of the driving unit.
9. The method according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined distance is less than half of a diameter of the opening the location of which should be determined.
10. The method according to claim 2, wherein the medical pump comprises an inlet for receiving a fluid and an outlet for removing the fluid from the chamber, the outlet being axially spaced from the inlet.
11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the opening comprises the inlet and the boundary comprises a first boundary of the inlet.
12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the opening comprises the inlet and the boundary comprises a second boundary of the inlet being arranged axially opposite to the first boundary.
13. The method according to claim 10, wherein the opening comprises the outlet and the boundary comprises an inner boundary of the outlet being arranged facing towards the inlet.
14. The method according to claim 10, wherein the tolerance distance equals half of an axial extension of the opening.
15. The method according to claim 10, wherein the opening comprises the outlet and the boundary comprises an outer boundary of the outlet arranged facing away from the inlet, and wherein the tolerance distance equals the axial extension of the outlet.
16. The method according to claim 10, wherein the chamber comprises a further opening defining one of a second outlet and a second inlet, and wherein the boundary comprises one or more of an inner boundary and an outer boundary of the further opening.
17. A medical pump configured to perform the method of claim 1.
18. The method according to claim 1, wherein the medical pump comprises an inlet for receiving a fluid and an outlet for removing the fluid from the chamber, the outlet being axially spaced from the inlet.
19. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first plunger element and the second plunger element abut at the minimum distance.
20. A method of priming a medical pump comprising the method of claim 1.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
(1) Further features and advantageous embodiments of the subject-matter of the disclosure will become apparent from the following description of the exemplary embodiment in conjunction with the figures, in which:
(2) FIGS. 1a to 1c show schematically an initial process sequence of a priming method of a medical pump.
(3) FIGS. 2a to 2l show schematically a partial process sequence of determining a reference position of a first and a second plunger element of the medical pump.
(4) FIGS. 3a to 3n show schematically a process sequence of determining the location of a boundary of an inlet of a chamber of the medical pump.
(5) FIGS. 4a to 4n show schematically a process sequence of determining of a location of another boundary of the inlet.
(6) FIGS. 5a to 5k show schematically a process sequence of determining of a location of an inner boundary of an outlet of the medical pump.
(7) FIGS. 6a to 6m show schematically a process sequence of determining of an outer boundary to the outlet of the medical pump.
(8) FIGS. 7a to 7k show schematically a process sequence of determining of an inner boundary of a further opening of the medical pump.
(9) FIGS. 8a to 8m show schematically a process sequence of determining an outer boundary of the further opening of the medical pump.
(10) Like elements, elements of the same kind and identically acting elements may be provided with the same reference numerals in the figures. Additionally, the figures may be not true to scale. Rather, certain features may be depicted in an exaggerated fashion for better illustration of important principles.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(11) The overall description by means of the figures is directed to a priming method of a pump 100, particularly a method of detecting or determining the location of an opening or a boundary thereof.
(12) FIG. 1a shows a schematic of a pump 100 e.g. for conveying a liquid or fluid 12 (cf. FIG. 3c). The pump 100 comprises a first plunger element 1, a second plunger element 2 and a housing 3. Accordingly, the pump is expediently a boxer pump, as the first and the second plunger element 1, 2 are arranged oppositely.
(13) The pump is preferably a medical pump 100 which may e.g. be operated as an infusion pump for delivering, particularly continuously delivering a subquantity of the liquid or fluid 12. Accordingly, the medical pump 12 may convey or deliver a medical substance, wherein the fluid 12 may be or comprise said medical substance.
(14) Alternatively, the pump 100 may be any other kind of boxer pump, for example.
(15) The housing 3 defines a chamber 4 in which the first and the second plunger element 1, 2 are oppositely arranged, thereby being movable along a common longitudinal axis x which preferably exhibits also the longitudinal axis of the chamber 4. The chamber 4 comprisesas an openingan inlet 5, an outlet 6, e.g. a dispensing outlet, and a further outlet 7, e.g. a non-dispensing outlet or vent. Each of the outlet 6 and the further outlet 7 also exhibit openings of the chamber 4. The diameter of the respective opening may be 0.25 mm to 1.5 mm.
(16) Alternatively, the further outlet may be a further inlet and the inlet may be the outlet.
(17) Further, each of the first and the second plunger element 1, 2 are preferably axially movable in or with respect to the chamber 4, namely independently from each other.
(18) Furthermore, the medical pump 100 may comprise a driving unit (not explicitly indicated in the figures) for driving and/or moving the first and the second plunger element. Said driving unit may e.g. comprise one or preferably at least two motors or step motors for driving the first and the second plunger element 1, 2, e.g. with respect to the housing 3 or the chamber 4.
(19) The medical pump 100 further comprises a control unit 10 for controlling the driving unit and or the mentioned motors. The control unit 10 may comprise the driving unit and is indicated in FIG. 1 on both axial sides of the medical pump 100. Advantageously, by means of the control unit 10 carrying out the method steps described herein, the medical pump 100 can be primed or operated autonomously and/or automatically 20 without the necessity of procedural steps being carried out by a user of the medical pump.
(20) Particularly, the medical pump 100 may carry out the steps of localizing or determining of the location of openings of the chamber autonomously and/or automatically by means of the control unit 10. Further, the control unit 10 may comprise a recording unit (not explicitly indicated) for recording e.g. an axial position of the first and the second plunger element 1 or a borderline of said plunger elements (see below). The recording unit may also record, the location a boundary of the opening 5, 6, 7 of the chamber 4 or e.g. of an axial distance between the first and the second plunger element 1, 2 (see below).
(21) Moreover, the medical pump 100 is preferably configured such that the first and the second plunger element 1, 2 can selectively be locked with respect to the housing 3 or the chamber 4. The medical pump 100 may further comprises a substance reservoir (not explicitly indicated) containing liquid or fluid 12 e.g. with a medical substance or another fluid.
(22) The outlet 6 and the further outlet 7 are arranged at a first side (upper side in FIG. 1) of the chamber 4 and the inlet 5 is arranged at a second side of the chamber 4 which is opposite from the first side. Moreover, the inlet 5 is arranged at an axial position between the outlet 6 and the further outlet 7.
(23) The medical pump 100 is e.g. configured and operable to move the fluid e.g. from the substance reservoir into a chamber space 16 through the inlet 5. The chamber space 16 is preferably formed within the chamber 4 between the first plunger element 1 and the second plunger element 2.
(24) By means of FIGS. 1a to 1c an initial process sequence of the described method of the medical pump 100 is indicated. Particularly, as the absolute position of the first and the second plunger element 1, 2 with respect to the chamber may be unknown (cf. FIG. 1a), e.g. when a new chamber has been introduced or applied to the pump 100, a reliable positional or reference information of the first and the second plunger element 1, 2 may be desired.
(25) In FIG. 1b it is shown that, then, the first and the second plunger element 1, 2 are or have been moved out of the chamber 4 or fully retracted to the position of the plunger elements 1, 2 shown in FIG. 1c. The circles on each axial side (i.e. left and right) of the medical pump 100 indicate that the plunger element which is arranged on the respective side is actually not moved but locked or has not been moved in the preceding step. On the other hand, the arrows on each side of the medical pump 100 indicate the direction in which the plunger element which is arranged on the respective side, is actually moved or has been moved in the preceding step (in FIG. 1b onwards, the control unit has not been indicated for simplicity reasons).
(26) In the situation shown FIG. 1 c, the first and the second plunger element 1, 2 expediently each abut a mechanical stop (not explicitly indicated). This might be done preferably before inserting a new pump chamber. The relative positions of the first and the second plunger element 1, 2 with respect to the chamber 4 while abutting the stop may then be registered, detected or determined and/or stored by the control unit, e.g. for further positional calculations. Afterwards a reference position, e.g. comprising information of the relative axial distance of both plunger elements 1, 2 with respect to the chamber and/or about the minimum distance between the first and the second plunger element 1, 2 has to be determined.
(27) In this regard, FIGS. 2a to 2l particularly indicate by means of the schematics, a process of determining of a minimum distance MD (cf. FIG. 2l) between the first and the second plunger element 1, 2 within the presented overall priming method. The minimum distance MD is preferably the minimum axial distance between the first and the second plunger element 1, 2 that can be reached during the operation of the medical pump 100. The minimum distance MD is preferably zero such thatin this casethe first and the second plunger element 1, 2 abut. The mentioned determining is carried out by an approximative iteration or iterative process comprising moving the first plunger element 1 orwithout loss of generalitythe second plunger element 2 to an arbitrary position in a tolerance zone TZ of the respective opening such as the further outlet 7. The tolerance zone TZ of the opening 5, 6, 7 is defined by the nominal position of the opening and the driving tolerances of the driving unit 10. Preferably, the tolerance zone is an axial area in which the respective opening 5, 6, 7 is arranged and in which the first and the second plunger element 1, 2 are arranged or arrangable under the consideration of the present inaccuracies and the nominal positions of the first and the second plunger element 1, 2 e.g., with respect to the chamber 4.
(28) The determining of the minimum distance MD subsequently comprises relatively moving the first and the second plunger element 1, 2 towards each other until no further relative movement is possible. Additionally, possible air, gas or liquid which might initially have been present in the chamber 4 can be ejected therefrom in this way. This should preferably be carried out through the further outlet 7. So the touch spot, borderline or interface of both plunger elements should be at the further outlet 7 which may also be perceived as vent opening.
(29) In FIG. 2a, particularly, the first plunger element 1 is moved or has been moved towards the second plunger element 2, which is locked.
(30) In FIG. 2b, also the first plunger element 1 is locked and subsequently, the second plunger element 2 is moved towards the first plunger element 1 (cf. FIG. 2c) and into the tolerance zone TZ of the further outlet 7 where the second plunger element 2 is locked (cf. FIG. 2d).
(31) Consequently the first plunger element 1 is moved or driven in the direction or towards the second plunger element 2 until no further movement is possible as described above (cf. FIG. 2e). In FIG. 2f, the first plunger element 1 is locked as well. By means of a failure detection or a fail step detection e.g. of the motors of the driving unit, the driving unit and/or the control unit, it may be detected by any suitable means that said plunger elements 1, 2 can no further be moved towards each other, as the first and the second plunger element 1, 2 may, e.g., abut each other. This might be detected i.e. by significant increase of the driving current e.g. above a threshold current or force or by loss of steps when using a stepper motor as actuator or driver. The gap or minimum distance between both plunger elements 1, 2 may be defined by the sum of both plunger element extractions.
(32) Said sum may be calculated or determined by the control unit and by means of the above mentioned positional information of both plunger elements 1, 2 when abutting the mentioned stops (cf. FIG. 1c).
(33) Now both plunger elements 1, 2 arepreferably simultaneouslymoved to a different axial position (relative to the chamber 4) within the tolerance zone TZ of the further outlet 7, and the described procedure is repeated in a second iteration (cf. FIGS. 2g to 2i). This might be done several times, e.g. three times as described herein or even more times. Said third iteration is described in FIGS. 2j to 2l. The resulting minimum gap or minimum distance between the plunger elements 1, 2, derived from the sum of both plunger extractions (cf. above) is defined as plunger contact or a minimum distance MD of the plunger elements of zero. The more iterations are performed, the more accurate may be the result. In FIG. 2l, the minimum distance MD is determined after overall three iterations of the described process. Besides the minimum distance MD also the axial positions of the first and/or the second plunger element 1, 2 (with respect to the chamber 4) at which the minimum distance MD is determined are recorded as an outlet or removal position of the first and the second plunger element 1, 2. Consequently, the distance between both plungers is known as well as the absolute position of the touch point or borderline BL. Thereby a reference position RP is obtained which may be used for further calculations or evaluations during priming of calibration (cf. FIG. 2l).
(34) In FIGS. 3a to 3n, a boundary B1 (cf. FIG. 3n) of the inlet 5 or its location relative to the chamber 4 is determined. This process or sub-process of determining is an iterative process as well. Preferably, said process is an iterative approximation being carried out until the location of the boundary of the opening, in this case the inlet 5, is found.
(35) Originating from the situation of FIG. 2l, both plunger elements 1, 2 are or have been moved simultaneously, i.e. preferably in contact with each other towards (cf. FIG. 3a) and into the tolerance zone TZ (cf. FIG. 3b) of the inlet 5 and are subsequently locked. The first and the second plunger element 1, 2 are then retracted or both moved away from each other such that a (test) volume of fluid or (test) fluid 12 is introduced into the chamber 4 by way of an underpressure generated between the first and the second plunger element 1, 2 by said relative movement (cf. FIG. 3c). Both plungers are then locked with respect to the chamber 4 again (cf. FIG. 3d).
(36) For further evaluation or the further proceedings, it has to be verified, that the fluid 12 introduced into the chamber space 16 or a content of the chamber space 16 is suitable for the determining of the location of the boundary of the inlet 5 and, thus, fulfils a compression property requirement.
(37) If the fluid 12 or the content of the chamber space 16 containing the fluid 12 fulfils or complies to the compression property requirement, it is preferably not completely compressible, as, then, (i.e. if it would be completely compressible) the chamber space 16 would preferably mainly comprise air or gas and the location of the respective boundary (cf. B1, B2 below) could not be determined. The compression property requirements mentioned herein are preferably predefined by any suitable measures. They may coincide or, alternatively differ from each other. By means of a detection whether the fluid 12 fulfils the compression property requirement, it is preferably assessed if gas or gas bubbles are present in the chamber space 16 along with the fluid 12 or liquid. Such gas may have entered the chamber 4 during the introduction of the fluid, due to leakage or gas bubbles present in the substance reservoir, for example. The relative movement of the first and the second plunger element 1, 2 tends to reduce or reduces the size of the chamber space 16.
(38) For the detection if the fluid fulfils the compression property requirement, the fluid 12 and expediently the first and the second plunger element 1, 2 are moved to a position, at which the fluid 12 is fluidly disconnected from an exterior of the chamber 4, i.e. from an opening 5, 6, 7 of the chamber 4 (cf. FIG. 3e). Subsequently both plunger elements 1, 2 are locked (cf. FIG. 3f) and compressed by way of movement of e.g. the first plunger element 1 towards the second plunger element 2 until no further movement is possible (cf. FIG. 3g). If the resulting gap between the plunger elements 1, 2 is zero, the fluid 12 in the chamber space 16 is filled with air or gas which has to be removed from the chamber space 16. In FIG. 3h, it is shown that the mentioned fluid may be completely compressible as the plunger elements 1, 2 abut and/or the minimum distance MD is reached. This can particularly be detected, due to the previously performed determining of the minimum distance MD (see above).
(39) Said removal is indicated in FIGS. 3i to 3l, wherein in FIG. 3k, the first plunger element 1 is moved back such that the first and the second plunger element 1, 2 are again spaced away from each other at a distance D as shown in FIG. 3f, for instance. Then, in FIG. 3i to 3l, it is shown that the fluid 12 is moved along with the plunger elements 1, 2 towards the further outlet 7 through which it is then removed from the chamber 4 as the second plunger element is locked at the recorded reference position RP or removal position of the second plunger element 2 (cf. FIG. 3l). By the method described up to now, the medical pump is preferably at the same time or automatically primed in terms of the movements of the plunger elements. Then, the presented method requires to introduce a further or new test volume as described in FIG. 3b onwards. Consequently, as gaseous fluid is removed before the method is continued, it is also ensured that any remaining gas between a reservoir with a liquid drug and the chamber 4 is removed before the method is continued. A gas or air-free pump conduit is facilitated in this way.
(40) When, as suggested in FIG. 3g and/or 3h, under compression or movement of e.g. the first plunger element 1 towards the second plunger element 2 until no further movement is possible, the resulting gap or minimum distance between the plunger elements 1, 2 differs from zero, i.e. being greater than zero and/or the minimum distance MD the fluid 12 in the chamber space 16 fulfils the compression property requirement. In this case, the fluid 12 can be used to detect the location of the boundary B1 of the inlet 5. Therefore, the fluid 12 is moved or replaced by simultaneous movement of the plunger elements 1, 2 towards the tolerance zone TZ of the inlet 5 (cf. FIG. 3m). Particularly, the fluid 12 or as the case may be the inner side or end of the second plunger element 2 is moved near the tolerance zone TZ of the inlet 5, i.e. to a position axially spaced from a detection position DP of the inlet 5 at which the location of the boundary B1 can be determined or detected provided that the borderline BL of the first and the second plunger element 1, 2 is axially arranged at the detection position DP. The mentioned spacing of the position preferably relates to an axial spacing from the detection position DP by a tolerance distance T D. The tolerance distance TD is, in turn, preferably defined by the tolerance zone TZ of the inlet 5 or its extension. In other words, the tolerance distance TD is necessary in order not to miss the detection position DP during the approximation.
(41) Then, as e.g. shown in FIG. 3n, the second plunger element 2 is locked and the first plunger element 1 compresses or moves the fluid 12 left i.e. towards the second plunger element 2. If, under this compression until no further movement is possible, the distance between the first and the second plunger element 1, 2 equals the minimum distance MD, the axial position of the borderline BL between the first and the second plunger element 1, 2 is recorded as the location of the boundary B1 of the inlet 5 as said boundary is found. If, on the other hand, under the compression, the distance D between the first and the second plunger element 1, 2 does not equal the minimum distance MD, the fluid 12 is moved (to the right in FIG. 3n) to a position being arranged closer to the detection position DP, by a predetermined distance PD. The predetermined distance PD is preferably the increment by which the approach towards or of the boundary B1 is carried out. The predetermined distance PD may range from 0.05 mm to 0.25 mm, for example.
(42) This procedure is repeated until the minimum distance is finally reached or preferably until the resulting gap between both plunger elements 1, 2 is zero.
(43) In FIGS. 4a to 4n, a second boundary B2 of the inlet 5 or its axial location is determined according or analogue to the determining of the location of boundary B1 (see above). The second boundary B2 is preferably arranged axially opposite to the abovementioned first boundary B1. The boundary B1 may be a first axial boundary of the inlet 5 and the second boundary B2 may be a second axial boundary of the inlet 5. Expediently, the first and the second boundary B1, B2 define an axial extension of the inlet 5.
(44) At first, a new or further fluid 12 or test volume of fluid 12 has to be introduced into the chamber space 16. As described above, both plunger elements 1, 2 are moved simultaneously, and preferably in contact with each other, towards (cf. FIG. 4a) into the tolerance zone TZ (cf. FIG. 4b) of the inlet 5 and subsequently locked. The first and the second plunger element 1, 2 are then retracted or both moved away from each other such that the fluid 12 is introduced into the chamber 4 by way of a generated underpressure (cf. FIG. 4c). Both plungers are then again locked with respect to the chamber 4 (cf. FIG. 4d).
(45) Now, it is again verified or checked, whether the fluid 12 introduced into the chamber space 16 fulfils the compression property requirement and is thus not completely compressible. Therefore, the fluid 12 and expediently the first and the second plunger element 1, 2 are moved to an position, at which the fluid 12 is fluidly disconnected from an exterior of the chamber 4 (cf. FIG. 4e). Subsequently both plunger elements 1, 2 are locked (cf. FIG. 4f) and compressed until no further relative movement of the first and the second plunger element 1, 2 is possible (cf. FIG. 4g). If the fluid 12 is completely compressible such that the plunger elements 1, 2 e.g. abut and/or the minimum distance MD is reached (cf. FIG. 4h), the fluid 12 has to be or is removed from the chamber space 16 (cf. FIGS. 4i to 4l and 3i to 3l and according description). Then, the presented method requires to introduce a further or new test volume as described in FIG. 4b onwards (cf. above).
(46) When, as indicated in FIGS. 4g and e.g. 4h, the fluid 12 in the chamber space 16 fulfils 30 the compression property requirement, the fluid 12 can be used to detect the location of the second boundary B2 of the inlet 5. Therefore, the fluid 12 is again moved or replaced by simultaneous movement of the plunger elements 1, 2 towards the tolerance zone TZ of the inlet 5 (cf. FIG. 4m). Particularly, the fluid 12 or as the case may be the inner side or end of the first plunger element 1 is moved near or slightly towards the tolerance zone TZ of the inlet 5, i.e. to a position axially spaced from a detection position DP of the inlet 5 at which the location of the second boundary B2 can be determined or detected. Said position is preferably axially spaced from the detection position by a tolerance distance TD being in turn defined by the tolerance zone TZ of the inlet 5 or its extension. Then, as e.g. shown in FIG. 4n, the first plunger element 1 is locked and the second plunger element 2 compresses or moves the fluid 12 right, i.e. towards the first plunger element 1. If, under this compression or movement until no further movement is possible, the distance D between the first and the second plunger element 1, 2 equals the minimum distance MD, the axial position of the borderline BL 10 between the first and the second plunger element 1, 2 is found and recorded or registered as the location of the second boundary B2 of the inlet 5. If, on the other hand, under said compression, the distance D between the first and the second plunger element 1, 2 does not equal the minimum distance MD, the fluid 12 is moved to a position being arranged closer to the detection position DP by a predetermined distance 15 PD which preferably equals the above-mentioned predetermined distance in the context of the determining of the location of the first boundary B1. Alternatively, the predetermined distances mentioned herein may differ from each other. This procedure is repeated until the minimum distance is finally reached or preferably the resulting gap between both plunger elements 1, 2 is zero.
(47) In FIGS. 5a to 5k, an inner boundary Bi of the outlet 6 or its axial location is assessed essentially according or analogue to the determining of the location of the first boundary B1 for example. The inlet 5 is preferably arranged axially between the outlet 6 and the further outlet 7.
(48) The inner boundary Bi is preferably arranged facing axially towards the inlet 5 (cf. FIG. 5a). As e.g. described in FIG. 3a to 3d or 4a to 4d, at first, a respective fluid 12 has to be introduced into the chamber space 16 (cf. FIGS. 5a to 5d). Now, it is again verified or checked, whether the fluid 12 introduced into the chamber space 16 fulfils the compression property requirement, and is thus not completely compressible. Therefore, the first and the second plunger element 1 and with it the fluid 12 are moved to a position, at which the fluid 12 is fluidly disconnected from an exterior of the chamber 4 (cf. FIG. 5e). Subsequently both plunger elements 1, 2 are locked (cf. FIG. 5f) and compressed until no further relative movement of the first and the second plunger element 1, 2 is possible (cf. FIG. 5g). If the fluid 12 is completely compressible such that the plunger elements 1, 2 e.g. abut and/or the minimum distance MD is reached (cf. FIG. 5h), the presented method requires again to remove the fluid 12 from the chamber space 16 (cf. FIGS. 4i to 4l for instance). Then, a new fluid 12 is introduced into the chamber 4 as described in FIG. 5b onwards (cf. above). When, as indicated in FIGS. 5g and e.g. 5h, the fluid 12 in the chamber space 16 fulfils the compression property requirement, the fluid 12 can be used to detect the location of the inner boundary Bi of the outlet 6. In FIG. 5i, the fluid 12 has been decompressed to its original volume again. Therefore, the fluid 12 is again moved or replaced towards the tolerance zone TZ of the outlet 6 (cf. FIG. 5j). Particularly, the fluid 12 or as the case may be the inner side or end of the first plunger element 1 is moved near and/or towards the tolerance zone TZ of the outlet 6, i.e. to a position axially spaced from the respective detection position DP of the outlet 6 at which the location of the inner boundary Bi can be determined or detected. Said position is preferably axially spaced from the detection position DP by the respective tolerance distance TD.
(49) Preferably, the tolerance distances TD of the openings 5, 6, 7 described herein, coincide. Alternatively, the various tolerance distances TD may differ.
(50) Then, as e.g. shown in FIG. 5k, the first plunger element 1 is locked and the second plunger element 2 compresses or moves the fluid 12 right, i.e. towards the first plunger element 1. If, under this compression, the distance D between the first and the second plunger element 1, 2 equals the minimum distance MD, the axial position of the borderline BL between the first and the second plunger element 1, 2 is found and recorded as the location of the inner boundary Bi of the outlet 6 by the recording unit. If, on the other hand, under said compression, the distance D between the first and the second plunger element 1, 2 does not equal the minimum distance MD, the fluid 12 is moved (to the left in FIG. 5j) to a position being arranged closer to the detection position DP, by the respective predetermined distance PD. This procedure is repeated until the minimum distance MD is finally reached or preferably the resulting gap between both plunger elements 1, 2 is zero.
(51) According to the described embodiments, the tolerance distance expediently equals half of the axial extension of the respective opening, i.e. the inlet 5 or the outlet 6, respectively. The tolerance distance may also be lower. The tolerance distance may be 0.75 mm.
(52) In FIGS. 6a to 6m, an outer boundary Bo of the outlet 6 or its location relative to the chamber 4 is determined essentially according or analogue to the determining of the location of the first boundary B1 of the inlet 5, for example.
(53) The outer boundary Bo is preferably arranged facing axially away from the inlet 5 (cf. FIG. 6a). As e.g. described in FIG. 3a to 3d or 4a to 4d, at first, a respective fluid 12 has to be introduced into the chamber space 16 (cf. FIGS. 6a to 6d). Now, it is again verified or checked, whether the fluid 12 introduced into the chamber space 16 fulfils the compression property requirement, and is thus not completely compressible.
(54) Therefore, the first and the second plunger element 1, 2 and with it the fluid 12 are moved to a position, at which the fluid 12 is fluidly disconnected from an exterior of the chamber 4 (cf. FIG. 6e). Subsequently both plunger elements 1, 2 are locked (cf. FIG. 6f) and compressed until no further relative movement of the first and the second plunger element 1, 2 is possible (cf. FIG. 6g). If the fluid 12 is completely compressible such that the plunger elements 1, 2 e.g. abut and/or the minimum distance MD is reached (cf. FIG. 6h), the presented method requires again to remove the fluid 12 from the chamber space 16 (cf. FIGS. 4i to 4l for instance). Then, a new fluid 12 is introduced into the chamber 4 as described in FIG. 6b onwards. When, as e.g. indicated in FIG. 6g, the fluid 12 in the chamber space 16 fulfils the respective compression property requirement, the fluid 12 can be used to detect the location of the outer boundary Bo of the outlet 6. Therefore, the fluid 12 is, then, after a decompression by (back-)movement of the second plunger element 2 (cf. FIG. 6i) replaced towards the tolerance zone TZ of the outlet 6 (cf. FIG. 6j). Particularly, the fluid 12 or as the case may be the inner side or end of the first plunger element 1 is moved towards the tolerance zone TZ of the outlet 6.
(55) Said position is preferably axially spaced from the detection position DP by the respective tolerance distance TD.
(56) Then, as e.g. shown in FIG. 6l, the first plunger element 1 is locked and the second plunger element 2 compresses or moves the fluid 12 towards the first plunger element 1 from the right to the left. If, under this compression, the distance D between the first and the second plunger element 1, 2 equals the minimum distance MD, the axial position of the borderline BL between the first and the second plunger element 1, 2 is found and recorded as the location of the outer boundary Bo of the outlet 6 by the recording unit. If, on the other hand, under said compression, the distance D between the first and the second plunger element 1, 2 does not equal the minimum distance MD, the fluid 12 is moved (to the right in FIG. 6m) to a position being arranged closer to the detection position DP, by the respective predetermined distance PD. A movement as shown in FIG. 6m may (also) be suitable if there is a step between the boundary of the outlet and the first plunger element 1, for example in a situation similar to FIG. 6l, if the first plunger element is arranged more to the left. This would lead to fluid being trapped between the two plunger elements 1, 2. Then the plunger elements 1, 2 are displaced to 15 the right and the trapped fluid can also be dispensed via the opening (outlet 6). The procedure described above is repeated until the minimum distance MD is finally reached and/or preferably the resulting gap between both plunger elements 1, 2 is zero.
(57) According to the described embodiments, the tolerance distance expediently equals or amounts to the axial extension of the respective opening, i.e. the outlet 6.
(58) In FIGS. 7a to 7k, an inner boundary Bi of the further outlet 7 or its axial location is determined according or analogue to the determining of the location of the inner boundary Bi of the outlet 6 (cf. FIGS. 5a to 5k).
(59) The inner boundary Bi of the further outlet 7 is preferably arranged facing axially towards the inlet 5 (cf. FIG. 7a). As e.g. described in FIGS. 3a to 3d or 4a to 4d, at first, a respective fluid 12 has to be introduced into the chamber space 16 (cf. FIGS. 7a to 7d). Now, it is again verified or checked, whether the fluid 12 introduced into the chamber space 16 fulfils the compression property requirement and is, thus, not completely compressible. Therefore, the first and the second plunger element 1, 2 and with it the fluid 12 are moved to a position, at which the fluid 12 is fluidly disconnected from an exterior of the chamber 4 (cf. FIG. 7e). Subsequently both plunger elements 1, 2 are locked (cf. FIG. 7f) and compressed until no further relative movement of the first and the second plunger element 1, 2 is possible (cf. FIG. 7g). If the fluid 12 is completely compressible such that the plunger elements 1, 2 e.g. abut and/or the minimum distance MD is reached (cf. FIG. 7h), the presented method requires again to remove the fluid 12 from the chamber space 16 (cf. FIGS. 4i to 4l for instance). Then, a new fluid 5 12 is introduced into the chamber 4 as described in FIG. 7b onwards. When, as e.g. indicated in FIG. 7g, the fluid 12 in the chamber space 16 fulfils the respective compression property requirement, the fluid 12 can be used to detect the location of the inner boundary Bi of the further outlet 7. In FIG. 7i, the fluid 12 has been decompressed to its original volume again. Therefore, the fluid 12 is again moved or replaced towards the tolerance zone TZ of the outlet 6 (cf. FIG. 7j). Particularly, the fluid 12 or as the case may be the inner side or end of the second plunger element 2 is moved near or close towards the tolerance zone TZ of the further outlet 7, i.e. a position axially spaced from the respective detection position DP of the further outlet 7 at which the location of the inner boundary Bi of the further outlet 7 can be determined or detected. Said position is preferably axially spaced from the detection position DP by the respective tolerance distance TD.
(60) Then, as e.g. shown in FIG. 7k, the second plunger element 2 is locked and the first plunger element 1 compresses or moves the fluid 12 right, i.e. towards the second plunger element 2. If, under this compression, the distance D between the first and the second plunger element 1, 2 equals the minimum distance MD, the axial position of the borderline BL between the first and the second plunger element 1, 2 is found and recorded as the location of the inner boundary Bi of the further outlet 7 by the recording unit. If, on the other hand, under said compression, the distance D between the first and 25 the second plunger element 1, 2 does not equal the minimum distance MD, the fluid 12 is moved (to the right in FIG. 7j) to a position being arranged closer to the detection position DP, by the respective predetermined distance PD. This procedure is repeated until the minimum distance MD is finally reached or preferably the resulting gap between both plunger elements 1, 2 is zero.
(61) In FIGS. 8a to 8m, an outer boundary Bo of the further outlet 7 or its location relative to the chamber 4 is determined essentially according or analogue to the determining of the location of the outer boundary Bo of the further outlet 7 (cf. FIGS. 6a to 6m).
(62) The outer boundary Bo of the further outlet 7 is preferably arranged facing axially away from the inlet 5 (cf. FIG. 8a). As e.g. described in FIGS. 3a to 3d or 4a to 4d, at first, a respective fluid 12 has to be introduced into the chamber space 16 (cf. FIGS. 8a to 8d).
(63) Now, it is again verified or checked, whether the fluid 12 introduced into the chamber space 16 fulfils the compression property requirement and is, thus, not completely compressible. Therefore, the first and the second plunger element 1, 2 and with it the fluid 12 are moved to a position, at which the fluid 12 is fluidly disconnected from an exterior of the chamber 4 (cf. FIG. 8e). Subsequently both plunger elements 1, 2 are locked (cf. FIG. 8f) and compressed until no further relative movement of the first and the second plunger element 1, 2 is possible (cf. FIG. 8g). If the fluid 12 is completely compressible such that the plunger elements 1, 2 e.g. abut and/or the minimum distance MD is reached (cf. FIG. 8h), the presented method requires again to remove the fluid 12 from the chamber space 16 (cf. FIGS. 4i to 4l for instance). Then, a new fluid 12 is introduced into the chamber 4 as described in FIG. 8b onwards. When, as e.g. indicated in FIG. 8g, the fluid 12 in the chamber space 16 fulfils the respective compression property requirement, the fluid 12 can be used to detect the location of the outer boundary Bo of the further outlet 7. Therefore, the fluid 12 is then after a decompression by (back-)movement of the second plunger element 2 (cf. FIG. 8i) replaced towards the tolerance zone TZ of the further outlet 7 (cf. FIG. 8j). Particularly, the fluid 12 or as the case may be the inner side or end of the first plunger element 1 is moved towards the tolerance zone TZ of the further outlet 7.
(64) Said position is preferably axially spaced from the detection position DP by the respective tolerance distance TD.
(65) Then, as e.g. shown in FIG. 8l, the second plunger element 2 is locked and the first plunger element 1 compresses or moves the fluid 12 towards the second plunger element 2, i.e. to the right. If, under this compression, the distance D between the first and the second plunger element 1, 2 equals the minimum distance MD, the axial position of the borderline BL between the first and the second plunger element 1, 2 is found and recorded as the location of the outer boundary Bo of the further outlet 7 by the recording unit. If, on the other hand, under said compression, the distance D between the first and the second plunger element 1, 2 does not equal the minimum distance MD, the fluid 12 is moved (to the left in FIG. 8m) to a position being arranged closer to the detection position DP, by the respective predetermined distance PD. A movement as shown in FIG. 8m may (also) be suitable if there is a step between the boundary of the further outlet 7 and the first plunger element 2, for example in a situation similar to FIG. 8l, if the second plunger element is arranged more to the right. This would lead to fluid being trapped between the two plunger elements 1, 2. Then the plunger elements 1, 2 are displaced to the left and the trapped fluid can also be dispensed via the opening (further outlet 7). The procedure described above is repeated until the minimum distance MD is finally reached or preferably the resulting gap between both plunger elements 1, 2 is zero.
(66) The scope of protection is not limited to the examples given herein above. The disclosure is embodied in each novel characteristic and each combination of characteristics, which particularly includes every combination of any features which are stated in the claims, even if this feature or this combination of features is not explicitly stated in the claims or in the examples.
REFERENCE NUMERALS
(67) 1 First plunger element 2 Second plunger element 3 Housing 4 Chamber 5 Inlet (opening) 6 Outlet (opening) 7 Further outlet (opening) 10 Control Unit 12 Fluid 16 Chamber space 100 Medical pump X Longitudinal axis MD Minimal Distance RP Reference position TZ Tolerance Zone TD Tolerance distance DP Detection position D Distance PD Predetermined distance BL Borderline B.sub.i Inner boundary B.sub.o Outer boundary B1 First boundary B2 Second boundary
