Patent ID: 8128384
Filing Date: 2012-03-06
Classification: F04B

Abstract:
1. A tube loading assembly for a peristaltic pumping head having a rotor assembly with a plurality of circulating rollers, the tube loading assembly comprising: a base plate for positioning the rotor assembly above a top surface thereof; a helical torsion spring having a first extended end and a second extended end at a predetermined angle with the first extended end, the helical torsion spring being pivotally mounted on the top surface of the base plate; a spring tension adjustment device disposed on the base plate, the spring tension adjustment device being capable of interacting with the second extended end of the helical torsion spring to put a bending moment within a range of magnitude on the helical torsion spring; and a tube pressing member having an arcuate side, the tube pressing member being retractably mounted on the first extended end of the helical torsion spring; wherein when the second extended end of the helical torsion spring interacts with the spring tension adjustment device on the base plate, the first extended end of the helical torsion spring will press the arcuate side of the tube pressing member toward the rotor assembly to form a tube pumping chamber between the arcuate side and the circulating rollers for a section of a tube to pass through for peristaltic pumping; and when the second extended end of the helical torsion spring does not interact with the spring tension adjustment device on the base plate, the first extended end of the helical torsion spring is free to swing with the tube pressing member to move the arcuate side away from the rotor assembly for tube loading and unloading or tube pressing member replacement.