Dynamically tensioned peristaltic tubing pump

• US 20060083644A1
• Filed: 10/08/2005
• Published: 04/20/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 10/12/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Maztech, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Maztech, Inc.
• Inventors: Zumbrum, Michael Allen, Coates, George H. III
• Granted Patent: US 7,878,773 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 417/476
• CPC Class Codes: F04B 43/0072 of tubular flexible members
• CPC Class Codes: F04B 43/1253 by using two or more rollers as squeezing elements, the rollers moving on an arc of a circle during squeezing

Abstract

An improved peristaltic pump whereby the elastomeric tubing communicates with the peristaltic pump in a way that allows for axial movement of the tubing thereby extending the flex life of the pump tubing. A tubing element is fitted with a flange that allows tension to be applied to the tubing in a way that changes depending upon the location of the rotor at any given time. The tension can be applied via an elastic material located between the flange and the housing or between the housing and a device that communicates with the flange. The dynamic tension reduces the amount of stress on the tubing material when the rollers first engage the tubing on the suction side of the pump and when they depart the tubing on the discharge side of the pump. The invention is particularly useful for materials that have limited axial flexibility and for those with very large axial flexibility.

Claims

1. A peristaltic pump head comprising a first flexible tube, and a compliant attachment to said flexible tube that allows said flexible tube to undergo an axial motion during pumping.

2. The peristaltic pump head of claim 1 wherein said compliant attachment comprises at least one elastomer.

3. The peristaltic pump head of claim 1 wherein said compliant attachment comprises at least one spring.

4. The peristaltic pump head of claim 3 wherein said spring contacts a collar which communicates with said flexible tube.

5. The peristaltic pump head of claim 3 wherein said springs communicate with at least one mounting block wherein said mounting block communicates with said flexible tube to allow the tube and mounting blocks to undergo axial motion during pumping.

6. The peristaltic pump head of claim 1 wherein said compliant attachment comprises a second flexible tube in communication with said first flexible tube.

7. The peristaltic pump head of claim 5 wherein the pump head further comprises collars for locating said flexible tube into said mounting blocks.

12. A positive displacement pump comprising

(a) at least one flexible tube for conveying fluids;

(b) a pump head of claim 1, and

(c) a means for driving said pump head.

8. A pinch valve comprising a means for allowing a flexible tube to undergo axial motion during operation.

9. The pinch valve of claim 8 wherein said means for allowing said flexible tube to undergo said axial motion comprises a compliant attachment wherein the compliant attachment comprises at least one spring.

10. A method of peristaltic pumping, said method comprising

(a) preparing a flexible tube comprising

(i) attaching retaining rings onto an elastomeric tube

(ii) contacting collars with said retaining rings

(b) mounting said flexible tube in a peristaltic pump head comprising

(i) securing said compliant attachment to said pump head

(ii) retaining said flexible tube with a compliant attachment

(c) squeezing said flexible tube to convey fluid

11. A method of pinching a fluid stream, said method consisting essentially of

(a) preparing a flexible tube comprising;

(i) attaching retaining rings onto an elastomeric tube

(ii) contacting collars with said retaining rings

(b) mounting said flexible tube in a pinch valve comprising

(i) securing said compliant attachment to said valve body

(ii) retaining said flexible tube with a compliant attachment

(c) squeezing said flexible tube to control fluid flow