A SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEM FOR AN ENTERAL FEEDING PUMP

摘要

A safety interlock system (11) for a flow control apparatus (12) is disclosed that permits operation when a magnet-less administration feeding set (14) is properly mounted to recess (29) formed along the housing (20) of the flow control apparatus (12). The administration feeding set (14) comprises flexible patient tubing having a support member (18) at one end and a mounting member (30) including a magnetically-susceptible metallic component (21) at the other end thereof. A sensing arrangement (33)is provided by the flow control apparatus (12) for sensing the proper engagement of the metallic component (21) to the recess (29) of the flow control apparatus (12). A control means (40) permits operation of the flow control apparatus (12) when the metallic member (21) is properly engaged to recess (29), while terminating operation when the metallic member (21) is improperly engaged to recess (29).