| Method and apparatus for a molded tube and peristaltic pump -> Monitor Keywords |
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Method and apparatus for a molded tube and peristaltic pumpRelated Patent Categories: Pumps, ProcessesMethod and apparatus for a molded tube and peristaltic pump description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060153691, Method and apparatus for a molded tube and peristaltic pump. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CONTINUING APPLICATION INFORMATION [0001] This application is a continuation of and claims priority from co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/759,503, filed Jan. 16, 2004, entitled Method and Apparatus for a Molded Tube and Peristaltic Pump. TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates generally to pumping systems, and more particularly to peristaltic pumping systems. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Peristaltic pumps are widely used in various applications, including applications in the beverage and pharmaceutical fields, among other fields. Peristaltic pumps generally operate by compressing a flexible tube or channel with one or more heads (or other mechanisms). The head or heads pinch off a portion of the tube or channel (against either a back or an opposing head) and push fluid in the desired direction. [0004] In some applications, a peristaltic pump itself is used over and over again and the tube is frequently replaced, such as when a beverage concentrate is depleted in a beverage system or a medicine is depleted in a pharmaceutical application. In other applications, one tube may be used with the same pump for a relatively long time. In still other applications, the pump itself may be disposable along with the tube. [0005] Although peristaltic pumps offer certain advantages, they do not economically allow for the kind of reproducible and precise flow rates that are often required. In many instances, the inaccuracies result from the tubes, which are made with an extrusion process. The extrusion process results in variations in the inside diameters of the tubes, as well as variations in the thickness of the tube walls. Because of such variations, as tubes are replaced, different flow rates result from the same pump. Also, variations occur from pump to pump (and thus system to system), because of the differences in the tubes, both in disposable tube applications, and in applications where one tube is used for a relatively long time. It is generally not practical to calibrate systems to overcome the variations. [0006] Thus, for example, where a beverage concentrate is to be pumped at a specific flow rate for mixture with water at a given ratio, tube variations result in inaccurate mixture ratios--and hence different quality drinks--from tube to tube. Such beverage systems are often used in restaurants and convenience stores (among other locations), and the variations create unacceptable differences in drink quality from batch to batch in the same location, and from location to location. Similar issues are found in other applications, such as those in the pharmaceutical field. [0007] Another problem with prior art peristaltic pumps is that the pump inlet side of the tube is often attached to a tube fitment that operates as a restriction to free flow to the inlet to the pump. [0008] Therefore, a need has arisen for peristaltic pump and tube system that overcomes the limitations of prior art systems. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0009] In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, methods and apparatus for a molded tube and peristaltic pump are provided which eliminate or substantially reduce the problems associated with prior art systems. [0010] In a particular embodiment, a pump for pumping a material is provided which includes a motor, a molded tube, and one or more compression heads coupled to the motor and adapted to compress the molded tube for pushing the material in a desired flow direction. In one embodiment, the molded tube comprises a first section having a first inside diameter, and a second section having a second inside diameter greater than the first inside diameter. In another embodiment, a fitment is coupled to the second section. Also, the discharge end of the tube may have an inside diameter greater or less than other parts of the molded tube. The molded tube may be an injection molded tube. [0011] In another embodiment of the present invention, a fluid delivery system is provided which includes a peristaltic pump, a molded tube coupled to the peristaltic pump through which the fluid flows, a supply of the fluid coupled to the molded tube upstream of the peristaltic pump, and a dispenser coupled to the molded tube downstream of the peristaltic pump. In one embodiment, the molded tube comprises a first section having a first inside diameter, and a second section having a second inside diameter greater than the first inside diameter. In another embodiment, a fitment is coupled to the second section. Also, the discharge end of the tube may have an inside diameter greater or less than other parts of the molded tube. The molded tube may be an injection molded tube. [0012] Particular applications for the present invention include, without limitation, beverage and pharmaceutical applications. [0013] Also provided is a method of forming a molded tube for a peristaltic pump, which includes providing a core and a fitment, providing a cavity adapted to mate with the core and fitment, injecting material into the cavity for forming the molded tube around at least a part of the core and fitment, and ejecting the molded tube and fitment from the core. [0014] In a particular embodiment, the injected material is a thermosetting elastomer. In one embodiment, the molded tube and fitment are ejected by supplying a gas through the core. In another embodiment, the fitment is formed and then placed on the core. In an alternative embodiment, the fitment is molded in place on the core. In another embodiment, a weakened area may be formed on the molded tube for removing an end of the tube, and, if desired, a removal tab may be formed proximate to the weakened area. [0015] In another embodiment, the fitment has a fitment inside diameter, and the fitment inside diameter is greater than or equal to an inside diameter of a portion of the molded tube not formed around the fitment. In still another embodiment, the molded tube has a discharge end with an inside diameter different than a portion of the molded tube not formed around the fitment. [0016] One important technical advantage of the present invention is that it includes a molded tube which allows more precise and repeatable flow rates from peristaltic pumping systems than prior art systems. Another important technical advantage of one embodiment of the present invention is that it includes a molded tube which may be formed in combination with a fitment. Still another important technical advantage of the present invention is that it includes a molded tube which may be formed with an increased diameter portion which makes it easier to improve flow rates into peristaltic pumping systems. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0017] Reference is made in the description to the following briefly described drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to corresponding elements: [0018] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a peristaltic pump and tube according to the teachings of the present invention; [0019] FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a tube for a peristaltic pump according to the teachings of the present invention; Continue reading about Method and apparatus for a molded tube and peristaltic pump... 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