Peristaltic pump

A pump for generating fluid flow in an elastic tubular conduit. The pump comprises a plurality of electrically operated valves, each valve being positionable adjacent to the conduit. Each valve has a valve head configured to alternate from a first position in which the lumen of the conduit adjacent to the valve head is unobstructed and a second position in which the lumen of the conduit adjacent to the valve head is obstructed. The pump also comprises a driver configured to control the positions of the valve heads, so as to execute a predetermined temporo-spatial array of valve head positions.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to devices for controlling fluid flow.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Peristaltic pumps are used for controlling the flow of a fluid in an elastic tubular conduit. These pumps have many medical and industrial applications.

In one form of peristaltic pumps, a rotor is used to rotate a plurality of eccentric cams. Each cam, in turn, intermittently collapses the elastic conduit at an initial contact point, and slides along the conduit over a short distance as the rotor turns. A second cam contacts the initial contact point and the first cam is then released from the conduit as the second cam slides along the conduit. As this process is repeated, a flow of fluid in the conduit is generated in the direction of the sliding of the cams.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,996,964 to Ben-Shalom discloses a peristaltic pump in which a plurality of electromagnets are arranged along an elastic conduit. The electromagnets are activated according to a temporo-spatial scheme in order to generate undulations along a magnetizable membrane that is disposed along the conduit. The undulations in the membrane generate undulations in the wall of the conduit, which in turn generate a flow of fluid in the conduit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a peristaltic pump for generating a flow of fluid in a elastic tubular conduit. The pump comprises a plurality of electrically operated valves that are arranged along the conduit. Each valve has a valve head that alternates between two positions, referred to herein as the “up position” and a “down position”. The designations “up”, “down”, “left” and “right” are used herein only for the sake of clarity in describing the invention, and the invention is not limited to any particular orientation. When a valve head is in its down position, the valve head presses on a segment of the conduit so as to obstruct the lumen of the conduit in the segment, thus preventing fluid from entering the segment. When the valve head is in its up position, the lumen of the conduit in the segment is open, and fluid may flow into the segment.

Electric power from a power supply is distributed among the valves according to a predetermined temporo-spatial pattern by a driver unit. This generates a temporo-spatial array of valve head positions, which in turn generates a flow of fluid in the conduit.

The invention thus provides a pump for generating fluid flow in an elastic tubular conduit having a lumen, comprising:(a) a plurality of electrically operated valves, each valve being positionable adjacent to the conduit, each valve having a valve head, the valve head configured to alternate from a first position in which the lumen of the conduit adjacent to the valve head is unobstructed and a second position in which the lumen of the conduit adjacent to the valve head is obstructed;(b) a driver configured to control the positions of the valve heads, so as to execute a predetermined temporo-spatial array of valve head positions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1shows schematically a peristaltic pump generally referred to as10in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The pump10is used to generate a flow of fluid in a tubular conduit12having an elastic wall. The tubular conduit12may have any cross-sectional shape such as circular, square, rectangular, and so on. A plurality of electrically operated valves14are arranged along the conduit12. Electric power from a power supply16is distributed among the valves according to a predetermined temporo-spatial pattern by a driver unit18via cables20.

FIG. 2shows the structure of the valve14in detail. The valve14comprises an electromagnet formed from a wire coil24. A permanent magnet28is attached to a valve head30. When current flows in a first direction in the coil24, a magnetic field is generated that raises the magnet28and head30so as to position them proximate to the electromagnet24as shown inFIG. 2a. When current flows in the opposite direction in the coil24, a magnetic field is generated that lowers the magnet28and head30so as to position them distal to the electromagnet24, as shown inFIG. 2b. The coil24is enclosed in a cylindrical housing32. Guide rods34maintain the head30coaxial with electromagnet24as the head travels from the position shown inFIG. 2a(referred to herein as the “up position”) to the position shown inFIG. 2b(referred to herein as the “down position”).

As shown inFIG. 2, the head30may have a rectangular cross-section when viewed along the longitudinal axis of the coil24. This is by way of example only, and the head30may have any shape as required in any particular application. For a head having a rectangular cross section, one dimension of the rectangular cross-section (indicated by y inFIG. 2) is selected to be slightly larger than half the circumference of the conduit12(i.e. slightly larger than the width of the conduit when flattened).

Referring again toFIG. 1, the valves14are oriented adjacent to the conduit12with the y dimension perpendicular to the axis of the conduit12. The other dimension of the head30(indicated by x inFIGS. 1 and 2) is parallel to the axis of the conduit12. As seen inFIG. 1, the x-dimension may be different for different valves. Thus, for example, the x-dimension of valve14ais greater than the x-dimension of valve14b. The head of the valve14a, for example, is shown in its up position. The head of the valve14dis shown in its down position.

When a valve head is in its down position, the lumen of the segment adjacent to the valve is obstructed, and fluid cannot flow into the segment. As shown inFIG. 1, the valve head preferable contacts the conduit12obliquely, for example by an angle θ of about 4°. Due to the elasticity of the conduit, when a valve head is brought from its down position to its up position, the lumen of the segment of the conduit adjacent to the valve becomes unobstructed, and fluid may flow into that segment of the conduit. The elastic conduit12is preferably pre-loaded by limiting the elastic expansion of a segment of the conduit when the valve head adjacent to the segment is brought from its down position to its up position, so that some elastic strain is always present in all segments of the conduit adjacent to valve heads. This decreases the variability in the volume flow that occurs when a valve moves from one position to another.

The driver18is configured to determine the polarity of a voltage applied to the coil24of each valve14according to a predetermined temporo-spatial array of voltages, so as to generate the temporo-spatial array of the positions (up or down) of the valve heads30that generates a flow of fluid in the conduit12.

FIG. 3shows schematically an example of a temporo-spatial array of valve activation that may be used with the pump of the invention. This is by way of example, and any temporo-spatial array of valve positions that generates a flow of fluid in the conduit12may be used with the pump of the invention. The example ofFIG. 3relates to a pump having three valves. This, however, is only to simplify the explanation of the operation of the pump, and, a pump in accordance with the invention may have any number of valves. For simplicity, only the valve heads40a,40band40cof the valves is shown inFIG. 3.

In the initial configuration51of the valve heads, the three valve heads40a,40band40care in their down position so that the lumen of the conduit12is obstructed in the segments of the conduit12adjacent to the valve heads40a,40b, and40c. In stroke52, the valve head40ais brought to its up position, so that the lumen of the conduit12is open under the valve40a. The pump now has the configuration53. Stroke52causes fluid to flow into the conduit12in the portion of the lumen that was opened by raising valve40afrom its down position to its up position. The flow of fluid is from left to right under the valve head40a. The volume of fluid that flows is proportional to the x-dimension of the head of the valve40a. In stroke54, valve head40bis raised to its up position, so that the pump acquires the configuration55. Stroke54causes fluid to flow into the segment of conduit12that was opened by raising valve40bfrom its down position to its up position. No fluid flows out of the pump during stroke54. In stroke56, valve head40ais lowered. Stroke56causes an amount of fluid that is proportional to the x-dimension of the valve head40ato flow from left to right under the valve head40b. The pump now has the configuration57. In stroke58, valve head40cis raised to its up position, so that the pump assumes the configuration59. Stroke58causes an amount of fluid proportional to the x-dimension of the valve head40cto flow in the negative direction under the valve head40c.

In stroke60, valve head40bis lowered causing an amount of fluid proportional to the x-dimension of the valve head40bto flow in the positive direction. The pump thus acquires the configuration61. In stroke62, the valve40cis lowered, causing 1 volume unit to flow in the positive direction. The valve heads40are now all in their down position, and the cyclic temporo-array may begin again.

FIG. 4shows a temporo-spatial array for activating a pump having 4valves. For convenience, a valve head in its down position is represented as a 1, and a valve in the up position is represented as a 0. The four valve heads are referred to as a1, a2, a3, and a4. This array begins with valve heads a1and a2in their down position, and valve heads a3and a4in their up position (configuration500). In the first stroke of the pump (stroke505), valve head a1is raised and valve a3is lowered, and the pump acquires the configuration510. Valve head a2is then raised and valve a4is lowered (stroke515) so that the pump acquires the configuration520. Valve head a1is then lowered and valve head a3is raised (stroke525) leading to configuration530. Valve head a2is then lowered and valve head a4is raised (stroke535). The configuration of the pump thus returns to configuration500, and the cycle may begin again.

FIG. 5shows a pump600in accordance with another embodiment of the invention that executes the temporo-spatial array of valve activation shown inFIG. 4. In this embodiment, a segment of a elastic tubular conduit605is fixed to a base610by clips615so that the segment of the conduit605fixed to the base610has an “S” shape, as shown inFIG. 5b.

The pump600comprises two dual valves620aand620b. The dual valve620ahas two valve heads625aand625c, and the dual valve620bhas two valve heads625band625d. The dual valves are fixed to the base610via a bracket630so that the valve heads625a,625b,625cand625dare located over the points a, b, c, and d, respectively, along the conduit605. Each of the valve heads625has an up position in which the lumen in the conduit605under the valve head is open allowing fluid flow, and a down position in which the lumen under the valve head is obstructed, preventing fluid flow. The design of the dual valve620ais shown schematically inFIG. 6. The valve heads625aand625care attached to opposite ends of an iron bar635. The lever bar is pivotable around an axle645. When the lever bar is in the configuration shown inFIG. 6a, the valve head625ais in its up configuration, and the valve head625cis in its down configuration. When the lever bar is in the configuration shown inFIG. 6b, the valve head625ais in its down configuration, and the valve head625cis in its up configuration. Movement of the lever bar is controlled by an electromagnet640. A “U” shaped iron bar642passes through the interior of a wire coil647. A pair of permanent magnets650aand650bare attached at either end of the lever bar. When current flows in one direction in the coil647, the lever bar assumes the configuration shown inFIG. 6a. Attraction between the magnet650aand the bar642latches the lever bar in this configuration. When current flows in the other direction in the coil647, the lever bar switches to the configuration shown inFIG. 6b. Attraction between the magnet650bto the bar642latches the lever bar in this configuration. Operation of the dual valve620bis similar to that just described for dual valve620a.

Due to the construction of the dual valve620a, the valve head625aand625care never both open or closed simultaneously. Similarly, the valve heads625band625dare never both opened or closed simultaneously. Note that in the temporo-spatial array of valve positions shown inFIG. 4that is to be executed by embodiment, valve heads a1and a3are never open or closed simultaneously. This also applies to valves a2and a4.

FIG. 7shows another embodiment of a pump in accordance with the invention that executes the temporo-spatial array of valve activation shown inFIG. 4. In this embodiment, a lever810ais rotatable around a pivot815a. The lever810ahas a notch820aat a notched end825athat is close to the center of the pump800. The lever810ais pivotable around the pivot815afrom a first position in which the notch820ais lowered as shown inFIG. 7, and a second position in which the notch820ais raised (not shown). The position of the lever810ais determined by a pair of electromagnets805aand806a. When the electromagnet805ais activated, the lever810aassumes its first position in which the notch820is lowered. A permanent magnet840alatches the lever810ain this position. When the electromagnet806ais activated, the lever810aassumes its second position in which the notch820is raised. A permanent magnet842alatches the lever810in this position.

A second lever845ahas a first valve head855aand a second valve head856a. The lever845ais rotatable about a pivot850afrom a first position in which the valve head855ais higher than the valve head856a, as shown inFIG. 7, and a second position in which the valve head855ais lower than the valve head856a. The lever845aincludes an extension860ahaving a terminal projection865athat mates with the notch820a. The position of the lever845ais determined by the position of the lever810a. When the lever810ais in its first or second position, the lever845ais also in its first or second position, respectively.

Another lever810bis rotatable around a pivot815b. The lever810bis pivotable around the pivot815bfrom a first position in which a first end825bis raised, as shown inFIG. 7, and a second position in which the first end825bis lowered (not shown). The position of the lever810bis determined by a pair of electromagnets805band806b. When the electromagnet806bis activated, the lever810bassumes its first position. A permanent magnet842blatches the lever810bin this position. When the electromagnet805bis activated, the lever810bassumes its second position. A permanent magnet840blatches the lever810bin this position.

A lever845bhas a first valve head855band a second valve head856b. The lever845bis rotatable about the pivot815bfrom a first position in which the valve head855bis higher than the valve head856b, as shown inFIG. 7, and a second position in which the valve head855bis lower than the valve head856b. When the lever810bis in its first or second position, the lever845bis also in its first or second position, respectively.

The temporo-spatial array of activation of the four electromagnets805a,806a,805b, and806b, is determined by a driver (not shown) so as to activate a predetermined temporo-spatial array of valve head positions. Valve heads855a, and856aare never open or closed simultaneously. The same also applies to855band856b. This is consistent with the temporo-spatial array of valve head activation shown inFIG. 4.

FIG. 8shows the pump800in conjunction with an elastic tubular conduit905. The tubular conduit905is held in a sleeve910. The sleeve910is reversibly attached onto the pump800so that when the lever845ais in its first position, the segment of the tubular conduit905adjacent to the valve head855ais unobstructed while the portion of the tubular conduit905adjacent to the valve head856ais obstructed. The conduit905is adapted at each of its end to mate with extension conduits (not shown), for example, by means of male and female luer fittings at either end. The conduit905and the sheath may be provided as a single disposable unit.

FIG. 9shows schematically another embodiment of a pump in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. This embodiment, generally indicated by915, is used for generating fluid flow in an elastic tubular conduit920having a section930of large cross sectional area (referred to herein as the “expanded section”), flanked by regions935aand935bof small cross section area (referred to herein as the “narrow sections”).

The pump includes one or more valves925that are positionable adjacent to the expanded section930of the conduit920. Valves940aand940bare postionable adjacent to the narrow section935aand935b, respectively. Four valves925are shown inFIG. 9. This is by example only, and any number of valves925maybe used as required by any particular application. The valves925and the valves940may have for example, the structure described above in reference toFIG. 2. Each of the valves925has a valve head927, and each of the valves940has a valve head942. The valve heads927have an up position in which a portion of the expanded section930adjacent to the valve is not obstructed, and a down position in which a portion of the expanded section930adjacent to the valve is at least partially obstructed. The valve heads927may have the same stroke length (the distance traveled by the valve head between its up position and its down position), or the valve heads927may have different stroke lengths. The valves925may be positioned in any array adjacent to the expanded section930(i.e. in a straight line, or in a random array). Due to the large cross sectional area of the expanded region930, when a valve head927is in its down position, flow of the fluid in the expanded region930is possible around the valve head.

Electric power from a power supply (not shown) is distributed among the valves925and940according to a predetermined temporo-spatial array by a driver unit (not shown).

When a valve head942aor942bis in its down position, the segment of the narrow region935aor935b, respectively, is obstructed. In use, a valve head942aor942bis brought to its down position so as to obstruct the narrow section935aor935b, respectively. One or more of the valve heads927are then brought to their down position so as to decrease to volume of the expanded section930. The valve heads927may be brought to their down position, for example, either simultaneously or sequentially. When the valve head942ais in its down position and the valve head942bis in its up position, lowering one or more of the valve heads927will cause fluid to flow from the expanded section930in the narrow section935bof the conduit920. Similarly, when the valve head942bis in its down position and the valve head942ais in its up position, lowering one or more of the valve heads927will cause fluid to flow from the expanded section930in the narrow section935aof the conduit920. The pump915may thus be used to generate a flow from the expanded section930to either one of the narrow sections935.

FIG. 10ashows a perspective view of a driving mechanism120that may be used in a pump of the invention. The mechanism120is shown in an exploded view inFIG. 10b, and a front view of the mechanism120is shown inFIGS. 11ato11g. The mechanism120includes an X-shaped metal lever122pivotable around an axis124. A first auxiliary lever126and a second auxiliary lever128also pivot around the axis124. An electromagnet130is used to generate a magnetic field between a first metal core arm132aand a second metal core arm132b.

The lever122has four arms134a,134b,134c, and134d, with arms134aandcdiametrically opposite each other, and arms134bandddiametrically opposite each other. The first auxiliary lever126has first and second arms126aandb, and the second auxiliary lever128has first and second arms128aandb.

InFIG. 11a, the driving mechanism120is shown with the lever122in a configuration in which lever arms134aandcare between the first and second core arms132aandb, and lever arms134banddare outside the core arms132aandb. The distance between the lever arm134dand the first arm128aand the distance between the lever arm134band the second arm128bare both less than the distance between the lever arms134candafrom the first and second arms126aandb. When the electromagnet130is activated with the lever in the configuration shown inFIG. 11a, the second auxiliary lever128rotates counterclockwise in the direction of the arrows133, until it contacts the lever arms134bandd, as shown inFIG. 11b. The second auxiliary lever128continues to move counter clockwise in the direction of the arrows133, urging the lever122counterclockwise in the direction of arrows138(FIGS. 11bandc). Counterclockwise movement of the lever122and the second auxiliary lever128continues until one of the valve heads contacts and obstructs the tubular conduit905(seeFIG. 8). The mechanism120is now in the configuration shown inFIG. 11d.

The electromagnet130is then deactivated. A repulsion between the arm128aand the arm134dcauses the second auxiliary lever128to rotate clockwise in the direction of the arrows144(FIG. 11d), until the mechanism120acquires the configuration shown inFIG. 11e. The repulsion may be due, for example to a first permanent magnet142located on the arm128aand a second permanent magnet143located on the arm134d, as shown inFIG. 11. Alternatively, the repulsion may be due to a spring mechanism (not shown).

In the configuration shown inFIG. 11e, the lever arms134banddare between the first and second core arms132aandb, and lever arms134aandcare outside the core arms132aandb. The distance between the lever arm134dand the first arm128aand the distance between the lever arm134band the second arm128bare both greater than the distance between the lever arms134cand a from the first and second arms126aandb. The electromagnet130is now reactivated. The first auxiliary lever126rotates clockwise in the direction of the arrows146, until it contacts the lever arms134aandc, as shown inFIG. 11f. The first auxiliary lever126continues to move clockwise in the direction of the arrows146, urging the lever122clockwise in the direction of arrows150(FIG. 11f). Clockwise movement of the lever122and the first auxiliary lever126continues until one of the valve heads contacts and obstructs the tubular conduit905(seeFIG. 8).

The electromagnet130is then deactivated. A repulsion between the arm126band the arm134acauses the first auxiliary lever126to rotate counterclockwise in the direction of the arrows154(FIG. 11g), until the mechanism120acquires the configuration shown inFIG. 11a. This repulsion may be due, for example, to a third permanent magnet152located on the arm126band a fourth permanent magnet155located on the arm134a, or to a spring mechanism (not shown). The mechanical cycle of the mechanism120may then begin again.

FIG. 12shows a pump1200in accordance with another embodiment of the invention that executes the temporo-spatial array of valve activation shown inFIG. 4, to generate flow in an elastic tube1205. The pump1200is shown in a front view inFIG. 12a, and in a rear view inFIG. 12b. In the pump1200, a segmental actuator1010ais rotatable around a pivot1015a. The segmental actuator1010ahas a first notch1020aand a second notch1025a. The first notch1020aand the second notch1025aare separated by an inter-notch region1022a. The position of the segmental actuator1010ais determined by a pair of electromagnets1005aand1006a. When the electromagnet1005ais activated, the segmental actuator1010arotates counter clockwise (when viewed from the perspective ofFIG. 12a) so as to bring the first notch1020abetween a first end1031aand a second end1032aof a metal core1033a. The segmental actuator thus assumes a first position shown inFIG. 12. When the electromagnet1006ais activated, segmental actuator1010arotates clockwise (when viewed from the perspective ofFIG. 12a) so as to assume a second position (not shown) in which the second notch1025ais between a first end1036aand a second end1037aof a metal core1038a.

A lever1045ahas a first valve head1055aand a second valve head1056a. The lever1045ais fixed to the segmental actuator1010aand rotates about the pivot1015afrom a first position in which the valve head1055ais lower than the valve head1056a, as shown inFIG. 12, and a second position in which the valve head1055ais higher than the valve head1056a(not shown). The lever1045ais fixed to segmental actuator1010a, so that the position of the lever1045ais determined by the position of the segmental actuator1010a. When the segmental actuator1010ais in its first or second position, the lever1045ais also in its first or second position, respectively. A permanent magnet1040a, attached to the base1041of the pump, latches the lever1045aand the segmental actuator1010ain their first position. A permanent magnet1042a, attached to the base1041of the pump, latches the lever1045aand the segmental actuator1010ain their second position.

A second segmental actuator1010bis rotatable around a pivot1015b. The segmental actuator1010bhas a first notch1020band a second notch1025b. The first notch1020band the second notch1025bare separated by an inter-notch region1022b. The position of the segmental actuator1010bis determined by a pair of electromagnets1005band1006b. When the electromagnet1005bis activated, the segmental actuator1010brotates clockwise (when viewed from the perspective ofFIG. 12a) so as to bring the first notch1020bbetween a first end1031band a second end1032bof a metal core1033b. The segmental actuator thus assumes a first position shown inFIG. 12. When the electromagnet1006bis activated, segmental actuator1010brotates counterclockwise (when viewed from the perspective ofFIG. 12a) so as to assume a second position (not shown) in which the second notch1025bis between a first end1036band a second end1037bof a metal core1038b.

A lever1045bhas a first valve head1055band a second valve head1056b. The lever1045bis fixed to the segmental actuator1010band rotates about the pivot1015bfrom a first position in which the valve head1055bis lower than the valve head1056b(not shown), and a second position in which the valve head1055bis higher than the valve head1056b, as shown inFIG. 12. The lever1045bis fixed to1010b, so that the position of the lever1045bis determined by the position of the segmental actuator1010b. When the segmental actuator1010bis in its first or second position, the lever1045bis also in its first or second position, respectively. A permanent magnet1040b, attached to the base1041of the pump, latches the lever1045band the segmental actuator1010bin their first position. A permanent magnet1042b, attached to the base1041of the pump, latches the lever1045band the segmental actuator1010bin their second position.

The temporo-spatial array of activation of the four electromagnets1005a,1006a,1005b, and1006b, is determined by a driver (not shown) so as to activate a predetermined temporo-spatial array of valve head positions. Valve heads1055a, and1056aare never open or closed simultaneously. The same also applies to1055band1056b. This is consistent with the temporo-spatial array of valve head activation shown inFIG. 4.

Two or more pumps of the invention may be used simultaneously in a pumping system. For example, two pumps may be positioned in series along a conduit, or may be positioned in parallel along two branches or tributaries of a conduit.

The pump of the invention may further comprise an anti-free-flow device1047(seeFIGS. 12aand12b). The anti-free flow device prevents flow of liquid in the tube when the tube is being inserted or removed from the pump.

FIG. 15shows an anti-free flow device1500that may be used with any of the pumps of the invention. The anti-free flow device1500includes a sleeve1505that contains a portion of a tube1520. Lever1510is spring biased by a spring1515so as to press upon the tube1520so as to occlude the lumen of the tube1520when the device1500is not inside the pump. When the sleeve is in position inside the pump, and the pump door is closed, a pin located on the inside surface of the door depresses the lever1510away from its spring biased position so as to open the lumen of the tube1520and allow flow of liquid in the tube.

FIG. 16shows another anti-free flow device1600that may be used with the pump of the invention. The anti-free flow device1600has a “C” shaped body1610. The ends1615and1620are spring biased by a spring1625to press upon a tube1630so as to occlude the lumen of the tube1630when the device1600is not located inside the pump. When the device is inserted into the pump, the end1615of the body1625engages a member fixed in the pump having a slanted surface so as to urge it up from its spring biased position, so as to open the lumen of the tube1630and allow flow of liquid in the tube. The end1615has a slanted surface1635.

In a preferred embodiment, the pump of the invention is powered by one or more batteries, so that the pump is portable as shown inFIGS. 13 and 14. As shown inFIG. 13, a portable pump1300of the invention1300may be received in a padded pouch1305that protects the pump1300from mechanical shocks during use. The pouch1305is provided with straps or clips1310in order to affix the pouch and pump onto a user's body or clothing. The pouch includes a container1307for a fluid that is to be pumped by the pump and infused into the user's body. The pump1300has a control panel1325. The pump1300has a control panel1325. The control panel1325has a display screen1330that displays various parameters of the pumps functioning (for example, the pumping rate, the total volume that has been pumped, the time that the pump has been in operation, or the occurrence of a malfunction in the pump) The control panel1325also has input buttons1335for selection of pump parameters, such as the pumping rate. The control panel1325may be detachable from the rest of the pump1340, as shown inFIG. 14, in order to facilitate viewing of the display screen or input of pump parameters. The control panel1325may communicate with the rest of the pump1340by a cable1345that is retractable inside the pump and out of view when the control panel1325is attached to the rest of the pump1340, as shown inFIG. 13. Alternatively, the control panel1325may communicate with the unit1340of the pump by a wireless connection (not shown). The pump1300may also be equipped with a transceiver1315communicating with a remote transceiver1320. The transceiver1315may transmit to the remote transceiver1320information relating to operation of the pump such as the pumping rate, the total volume that has been pumped, the time that the pump has been in operation, or the occurrence of a malfunction in the pump. The remote transceiver1320may be used to program the pump in stead of the control panel1325.