Free flow prevention system for infusion pump

摘要

A free flow prevention system for preventing undesired free flow of fluid through IV tubing of the type used in an infusion pump. The system comprises a spring clip having a base and a spring arm defining a channel adapted to receive the IV tubing. The spring arm is resiliently biased to a closed position in which the IV tubing is squeezed by the spring clip to close the lumen to prevent fluid flow, and the spring arm is movable against the bias to an open position wherein the lumen of the IV tubing is allowed to open to allow flow. The system also includes a clip-opening pin in the infusion pump for moving the spring arm of the clip from its closed position to the open position. The clip-opening pin is movable relative to the spring clip to move the spring arm between an unloading position, in which the clip-opening pin does not hold the spring arm in its open position, and an operating position, in which the clip-opening pin moves the spring arm to its open position and holds the spring arm in the open position.