Method of operating a peristaltic pump

• US 20070207041A1
• Filed: 03/01/2006
• Published: 09/06/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 03/01/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Alcon Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Alcon Incorporated
• Inventors: Williams, David, Gao, Shawn
• Granted Patent: US 8,079,836 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 417/53
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/72 Cassettes forming partially or totally the fluid circuit
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/82 Membrane pumps, e.g. bulbs
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/12 with interchangeable cassettes forming partially or totally the fluid circuit
• CPC Class Codes: F04B 2201/1208 Angular position of the shaft
• CPC Class Codes: F04B 43/0081 systems, control, safety measures
• CPC Class Codes: F04B 43/14 having plate-like flexible members

Abstract

A method for operating a peristaltic pump having a molded flow channel contained on an elastomeric sheet that is bonded or mechanically attached to a rigid substrate. The pump head rollers are mounted radially from the axis of rotation of the pump motor and compress the elastomeric flow channels against the rigid substrate. During reflux, the pump head is positioned so that at least one of the rollers compresses the elastomeric flow channel at the input end of the peristaltic pump. Such an operation minimizes the amount of the elastomeric sheet that is exposed to high transient pressures.

Claims

1. A method for operating a peristaltic pump having a roller head, comprising the steps of:

a) operatively connecting the roller head to a cassette, the cassette having a body and a sheet attached to the body, the sheet containing at least one molded fluid channel;

b) rotating the roller head so that a plurality of rollers contained on the roller head contact the fluid channel and cause fluid flow through the fluid channel;

c) continuously determining the location of the rollers; and

d) parking the rollers in a position so that fluid flow through the fluid channel is prevented, the parked position of the rollers being based upon the continuously determined location of the rollers.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the peristaltic pump is spaced between a fluid reservoir and a drain bag.

3. The method of claim 2 further comprising the step of exposing the fluid reservoir to transient high positive pressures.

4. A method for operating a peristaltic pump having a roller head, comprising the steps of:

a) operatively connecting the roller head to a cassette, the cassette having a body and a sheet attached to the body, the sheet containing at least one molded fluid channel;

b) rotating the roller head so that a plurality of rollers contained on the roller head contact the fluid channel and cause fluid flow through the fluid channel;

c) continuously determining the location of the rollers; and

d) parking the rollers in a position so that the fluid channel is isolated from transient high pressure, the parked position of the rollers being based upon the continuously determined location of the rollers.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein the peristaltic pump is spaced between a fluid reservoir and a drain bag.

6. The method of claim 5 further comprising the step of exposing the fluid reservoir to transient high positive pressures.