Peristaltic pump
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A peristaltic pump, comprising:
- a plunger configured to move toward and away from a tube;
a spring configured to bias the plunger toward the tube;
an actuator configured to move the plunger away from the tube, wherein the actuator is further configured to mechanically engage and disengage from the plunger;
a position sensor configured to sense a position of the plunger; and
a processor in operative communication with the position sensor to receive the sensed position of the plunger, wherein the processor is configured to estimate fluid flow within the tube using a first position of the plunger when the actuator is engaged with the plunger and a second position of the plunger when the actuator is disengaged from the plunger.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A peristaltic pump is disclosed that includes a plunger, a spring, an actuator, a position sensor, and a processor. The plunger actuates toward and away from a tube. The spring biases the plunger toward the tube. The actuator actuates the plunger away from the tube and mechanically engages and disengages from the plunger. The position sensor senses a position of the plunger. The processor receives the sensed position of the plunger and estimates fluid flow within the tube using a first position of the plunger when the actuator is engaged with the plunger and a second position of the plunger when the actuator is disengaged from the plunger.
376 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A peristaltic pump, comprising:
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a plunger configured to move toward and away from a tube; a spring configured to bias the plunger toward the tube; an actuator configured to move the plunger away from the tube, wherein the actuator is further configured to mechanically engage and disengage from the plunger; a position sensor configured to sense a position of the plunger; and a processor in operative communication with the position sensor to receive the sensed position of the plunger, wherein the processor is configured to estimate fluid flow within the tube using a first position of the plunger when the actuator is engaged with the plunger and a second position of the plunger when the actuator is disengaged from the plunger. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification