| Method and system for providing adjustable compression force on a tube in a peristaltic pump -> Monitor Keywords |
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Method and system for providing adjustable compression force on a tube in a peristaltic pumpRelated Patent Categories: Pumps, Expansible Chamber Type, Elongated Flexible Chamber Wall Progressively Deformed, Deformation By Rolling Or Sliding Engagement Member, Plural Spaced Engagement Members Or Member Portions, CassetteMethod and system for providing adjustable compression force on a tube in a peristaltic pump description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070217932, Method and system for providing adjustable compression force on a tube in a peristaltic pump. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation application of International Application No. PCT/FR2005/001524 filed on Jun. 17, 2005, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference; which claims the benefit of French Patent Application No. 04/06764 that was filed Jun. 22, 2004, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference. FIELD [0002] The field of the disclosure relates generally to peristaltic pumps. More specifically, the disclosure relates to cassettes that provide an adjustable compression force on a tube used in a peristaltic pump. BACKGROUND [0003] Peristaltic pumps have been known for many years, and are commonly used for medical and research purposes. Peristaltic pumps move a liquid through a tube without any part of the pump ever touching the liquid. As a result, it is possible to pump liquids, such as blood, which are sensitive to external contamination. Typically, a pump comprises rotating rollers that compress a part of the flexible tube as they move, which propels the liquid through the tube. [0004] For example, such a pump is described in document EP 339 857. The flexible tube must withstand the compressive force while remaining absolutely leak proof. The pump in the aforesaid document includes removable cassettes that each include a tube and a sliding movable cam that pushes the tube against the rollers to ensure good contact between tube and rollers. To maintain the tube's lifetime, the pump includes means to modulate the compressive force exerted by the cam on the tube. These means include two wedges which move inside the cassette in order to adjust the position of the cam relative to the tube. Each wedge is connected with the threaded part of a rod whose rotation can be externally controlled with a knob. However, this configuration requires a relatively long time to adjust the cam position when it is necessary to change the compressive force over a large range. Thus, what is needed is a method and a system for providing a rapid adjustment of the cam position relative to a tube in a peristaltic pump. SUMMARY [0005] A method and a system for adjusting a position of a cam in a peristaltic pump is provided in an exemplary embodiment. The position of the cam is easily and quickly moved even over a large range. By adjusting the position of the cam, the compression force on the tube placed in the peristaltic pump is modified to accommodate different size tubes and different types of fluid flowing through the tube by the action of the pump. [0006] In an exemplary embodiment, a cassette for use in a peristaltic pump is provided. The cassette includes, but is not limited to, a cassette frame a cam, a cam position selector switch, and a biasing member. The cassette frame mounts to the peristaltic pump. The biasing member mounts to the cam and to the cassette frame and operably couples with the cam position selector switch so that movement of the cam position selector switch adjusts a position of the cam relative to the cassette frame. [0007] In an exemplary embodiment, a peristaltic pump is provided. The peristaltic pump includes, but is not limited to, a pump frame, a plurality of rollers configured to mount to the pump frame, an actuator operably coupled to move the plurality of rollers, and a cassette. The cassette includes, but is not limited to, a cassette frame, a cam, a cam position selector switch, and a biasing member. The cassette frame mounts to the pump frame and receives a tube. The cam is positioned to compress the received tube against the plurality of rollers. The biasing member mounts to the cam and to the cassette frame and operably couples with the cam position selector switch so that movement of the cam position selector switch adjusts a position of the cam relative to the cassette frame. [0008] In another exemplary embodiment, a method of adjusting a position of a cam in a peristaltic pump is provided. A cassette is mounted to the peristaltic pump. The cassette includes, but is not limited to, a cassette frame, a cam, a cam position selector switch, and a biasing member. The biasing member mounts to the cam and to the cassette frame and operably couples with the cam position selector switch. Moving the cam position selector switch in a first direction releases the cam position selector switch from the cassette frame. Moving the cam position selector switch in a second direction after releasing the cam position selector switch from the cassette frame adjusts a position of the cam relative to the cassette frame. The second direction is approximately perpendicular to the first direction. [0009] Other principal features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following drawings, the detailed description, and the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0010] Exemplary embodiments of the invention will hereafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements. [0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a peristaltic pump head with a cassette in a position to be installed onto the pump in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the peristaltic pump head of FIG. 1 with the cassette installed on the pump in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [0013] FIG. 3 is a front cross sectional view of the pump head of FIG. 2 with the cassette in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [0014] FIG. 4 is a front view of the cassette of FIG. 1 with some hidden parts illustrated with dashed lines in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [0015] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the cassette of FIG. 1 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0016] With reference to FIG. 1, a peristaltic pump head 2 of a peristaltic pump is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The peristaltic pump may include peristaltic pump head 2 and an actuator. Peristaltic pump head 2 may include a crankcase 4, a frame 5, a plurality of rollers 8, and a cassette 18. Frame 5 may include a center support 10, a front wall 12, a back wall 14, and two braces 20. Crankcase 4 mounts to front wall 12 and includes an axis of symmetry 6. As used in this disclosure, the term "mount" includes join, unite, connect, associate, insert, hang, hold, affix, attach, fasten, bind, paste, secure, bolt, screw, rivet, solder, weld, and other like terms. [0017] In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the plurality of rollers 8 includes eight rollers symmetrically arranged around the axis of symmetry 6. The rollers are mounted in a rotating fashion on central support 10. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, each roller of the plurality of rollers 8 has a spherical shape and rotates about an axis parallel to the axis of symmetry 6. Central support 10 rotates around the axis of symmetry 6. [0018] The actuator is operably coupled to rotate the plurality of rollers 8. For example, the actuator may include a rotor connected to the plurality of rollers through a shaft 11 as known to those skilled in the art. The actuator may be any device as known to those skilled in the art for causing rotation of the plurality of rollers. Exemplary actuators include an electric motor, a servo, stepper, or piezo motor,a pneumatic actuator, a gas motor, etc. Continue reading about Method and system for providing adjustable compression force on a tube in a peristaltic pump... Full patent description for Method and system for providing adjustable compression force on a tube in a peristaltic pump Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Method and system for providing adjustable compression force on a tube in a peristaltic pump patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Method and system for providing adjustable compression force on a tube in a peristaltic pump or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Peristaltic pump with field generator Next Patent Application: Tubing cassette for a peristaltic pump Industry Class: Pumps ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Method and system for providing adjustable compression force on a tube in a peristaltic pump patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.15589 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Computers: Graphics , I/O , Processors , Dyn. Storage , Static Storage , Printers 174 |
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