Peristaltic pump providing simplified loading and improved tubing kink resistance
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A peristaltic pump for use with tubing, the pump comprising:
- a pump wall;
a pump wheel rotatably coupled to the pump wall;
an elongated arm pivotally coupled to the pump wall in the vicinity of the pump wheel, the elongated arm movable from an engaged position adjacent to the pump wheel, wherein the tubing contacts the pump wheel, to a disengaged position spaced apart from the pump wheel;
a first pinch fork integrally formed with the elongated arm, the pinch fork configured to accept tubing having a predefined diameter; and
a clamp comprising a handle slidably engaged with a base, the handle and the base cooperating to define a compartment that captures a spring, the spring biasing the handle away from the base, the base pivotally mounted to the pump wall and configured to move the elongated arm between the engaged and disengaged positions, the handle urging the elongated arm and the tubing against the pump wheel in the engaged position;
wherein the first pinch fork is configured to engage the tubing and center the tubing relative to the pump wheel.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A peristaltic pump is provided that simplifies the loading of tubing and automatically self-centers the tubing relative to the pump wheel, wherein the pump includes an elongated arm having slotted pinch forks for engaging the tubing. The pinch forks are arranged substantially tangential to the pump wheel to reduce tubing kinking. The pump further includes a spring-loaded clamp that moves the elongated arm between engaged and disengaged positions, the clamp optionally including a sensor element used to detect when the pump is ready for operation.
57 Citations
27 Claims
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1. A peristaltic pump for use with tubing, the pump comprising:
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a pump wall; a pump wheel rotatably coupled to the pump wall; an elongated arm pivotally coupled to the pump wall in the vicinity of the pump wheel, the elongated arm movable from an engaged position adjacent to the pump wheel, wherein the tubing contacts the pump wheel, to a disengaged position spaced apart from the pump wheel; a first pinch fork integrally formed with the elongated arm, the pinch fork configured to accept tubing having a predefined diameter; and a clamp comprising a handle slidably engaged with a base, the handle and the base cooperating to define a compartment that captures a spring, the spring biasing the handle away from the base, the base pivotally mounted to the pump wall and configured to move the elongated arm between the engaged and disengaged positions, the handle urging the elongated arm and the tubing against the pump wheel in the engaged position; wherein the first pinch fork is configured to engage the tubing and center the tubing relative to the pump wheel. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 20, 22, 24, 26)
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13. A peristaltic pump for use with flexible tubing, the pump comprising:
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a plurality of rotatably driven rollers; an elongated arm pivotally disposed in the vicinity of a pump wheel, the elongated arm movable from an engaged position adjacent to the plurality of rollers, wherein the tubing contacts at least one of the plurality of rollers, to a disengaged position spaced apart from the plurality of rollers; a first pinch fork integrally formed with the elongated arm, the pinch fork configured to accept tubing having a predefined diameter; and a clamp that moves the elongated arm between the engaged and disengaged positions, the clamp comprising a handle slidably engaged with a base, the handle and the base cooperating to define a compartment that captures a spring, the spring biasing the handle away from the base, the base pivotally mounted to the pump wall and configured to urge the elongated arm and the tubing against the pump wheel in the engaged position; wherein the first pinch fork is configured to engage the tubing and center the tubing relative to the plurality of rollers. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27)
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Specification