Rapid infusion system
A rapid infusion system for the intravenous delivery of fluids at standard and rapid flow rates. The system includes a pump assembly, a drive assembly to power the pump, and a fluid containment system that keeps the infused fluid out of direct contact with the pump assembly and that is preferably disposable and removable. In one embodiment the drive assembly includes a differential drive that interacts with more than one motor. In one embodiment, the pump assembly includes a roller pump and the pump chamber is a collapsible, preformed tube that is preferably attached to a pump cartridge frame. Optionally, the system includes a self-leveling drip chamber and the fluid containment system is disposable and includes a pump cartridge containing the drip chamber and the pump chamber, I.V. tubing, outlet infusion tubing, and a heater cartridge.
1. A rapid infusion system for delivering infusium into a patient comprising:
a. an infusium tubing;
b. means for imparting motion to infusium by contact with the infusium tubing;
c. a differential output shaft assembly comprising:
i. an output shaft in communication with the means for imparting motion to the infusium;
ii. a differential assembly in mechanical communication with the output shaft;
iii. a first speed motor assembly in mechanical communication with the differential assembly; and
iv. a second speed motor assembly in mechanical communication with the differential assembly.
2. The rapid infusion system of claim 1 , wherein the means for imparting motion to the infusium is a roller pump head.
3. The rapid infusion system of claim 2 , wherein the roller pump head comprises two pivot arm assemblies.
4. The rapid infusion system of claim 3 , wherein the two pivot arm assemblies are mounted on the roller cover 180 degrees apart.
5. The rapid infusion system of claim 3 , comprising more than two pivot arm assemblies.
6. The rapid infusion system of claim 1 , wherein the system is capable of delivering infusium to a patient at rates of between 20 cc/hour to 1,500 cc/minute.
7. The rapid infusion system of claim 1 , wherein the first speed motor is a stepper motor.
8. The rapid infusion system of claim 1 , wherein the second speed motor is capable of operating the output shaft at a faster rate than the first speed motor.
9. The rapid infusion system of claim 1 , further comprising a third speed motor in mechanical communication with the differential assembly.
10. The rapid infusion system of claim 1 , further comprising a controller in communication with the first and second speed motors to facilitate a smooth transition during a change in speed of the output shaft.
11. The rapid infusion system of claim 1 , further comprising a rotation sensor to monitor revolutions of the output shaft.
12. The rapid infusion system of claim 1 , further comprising a processor capable of controlling the speed of the first and second motors.
13. The rapid infusion system of claim 1 , wherein the differential assembly comprises a yoke, a first bevel gear in communication with the first speed motor, a second bevel gear in communication with the second speed motor, and a pair of spider gear assemblies each having a bevel gear that transfers force from the first or second motors to the output shaft.