Abstract:
A pump producing peristaltic pumping action by sequentially occluding a tube between staggered curved surfaces. The pump includes a pump frame with a platen. The platen has an irregular surface forming a plurality of curved end surfaces. The irregular surfaces of the platen operatively interact with a pressure plate assembly having a plurality of pressure plates. The pressure plates are configured for translational motion. In operation the pressure plates are spaced one from another such that each one includes an end curved surface extending generally toward complementary staggered curved surfaces on the platen. Pumping is accomplished via a tube sandwiched between the platen and the pressure plate assembly. A drive operatively associated with the pump frame and pressure plate assembly drives the pressure plates in a wave sequence so as to sequentially occlude portions of the tube between staggered curved surfaces so as to promote a peristaltic pumping action within the tube.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention is generally related to positive displacement pumps utilizing a peristaltic pumping action and more particularly to linear peristaltic pumps. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In fluid pumping applications where cross contamination between a pump and the fluid to be pumped must be avoided, peristaltic pumps are preferred. There are generally two types of peristaltic pumps, namely rotary, and linear. Rotary peristaltic pumps utilize a rotor with a number of protuberances around the rotor&#39;s circumference or shaft. As the rotor rotates the protuberances (e.g., rollers, shoes, wipers, and the like) sequentially occlude the flexible tube. The part of the tube under compression closes (or “occludes”) thus forcing the fluid through the tube. As the tube opens to its natural state (after each compression) fluid is restored inducing pumping action. This process has several analogs in biology and is called peristalsis, e.g., the gastrointestinal tract. Also known in the art of peristaltic pumps are linear peristaltic pumps. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is an improved linear peristaltic pump. This pump sequentially occludes a malleable resilient tube or hose between staggered opposed curved surfaces so as to peristaltically force flow-able materials through the tube or hose. The embodiment of the peristaltic pump incorporates a pump frame with a platen or platens and movable pressure plates. The platen or platens have a series of parallel raised curved surfaces which are perpendicular to the flow through the pump. The pressure plates with curved surfaces are parallel to the curved surfaces of the platen or platens and are positioned in a staggered opposed relationship to the curved surfaces of the platen or platens and they operatively interact in a sequential wave pattern against the platen or platens. This sequence of motion manipulates the tube or hose over the alternating staggered opposed curved surfaces as the pressure plates are actively moved in a wave pattern by the drive assembly operatively associated with the pump frame, to occlude the tube or hose, thus moving the flow-able material through the tube or hose. In another embodiment, in lieu of a platen, a second set of pressure plates is incorporated with the first set of pressure plates, each set being in staggered opposed relationship with the other and in reverse phase with each other, so as to occlude the transfer tube or hose between staggered curved surfaces in a wave pattern to promote flow through the tube or hose. 
     A first object of the present invention is to provide an improved peristaltic pump. 
     A second object of the present invention is to provide an improved linear peristaltic pump. 
     A third object of the present invention is to provide a linear peristaltic pump that produces a quasi-continuous flow. 
     A fourth object of the present invention is to provide a linear peristaltic pump which reduces backflow. 
     A fifth object of the present invention is to provide a peristaltic pump capable of drawing a vacuum in excess of 27 inches of mercury (approximately 70 Torr) at ambient standard temperature and pressure and producing pumping pressures of less than or equal to the failure limit of a flexible resilient hose or tube. 
     A sixth object of the present invention is to provide a method of pumping a fluid peristaltically between staggered curved surfaces. 
     A seventh object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable peristaltic pump. 
     An eighth object of the present invention is to provide a peristaltic pump capable of accurately mixing different pumpable materials at a desired ratio. 
     A ninth object of the present invention is to provide a peristaltic pump that may be adjusted to pump at different rates. 
     A tenth object of the present invention is to provide a peristaltic pump which without adjustment can accommodate tubes of varying diameters and like wall thicknesses. 
     An eleventh object of the present invention is to provide a peristaltic pump that may be easily adjusted to produce varying pressures. 
     A twelfth object of the present invention is to provide a peristaltic pump that may accommodate a number of stations, nozzles, and/or outputs. 
     These and other objects of the present invention will be apparent upon a review of this specification and its appended drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a multiple output mono-lateral peristaltic pump of the present invention illustrating a presently preferred dual sequenced pumping configuration for reducing output spurting and increasing pumping action; 
         FIG. 2  is a partial perspective view of a multiple output mono-lateral peristaltic pump in an open position illustrating the pressure plates, platens, pump tube collars, and presently preferred latching mechanism; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective end view of a multiple output mono-lateral peristaltic pump in a closed position illustrating a preferred pump frame assembly and motor mount configuration; 
         FIG. 4  is a front elevation view of a multiple output mono-lateral peristaltic pump where the latch mechanism is in an unfastened position; 
         FIG. 5  is a front elevation view of a multiple output mono-lateral peristaltic pump where the pump is in an open unlatched position; 
         FIG. 6  is a side elevation of a multiple output mono-lateral peristaltic pump illustrating a presently preferred drive and mounting configuration; 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view of a presently preferred pressure plate drive assembly illustrating the hex-drive of one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view of a presently preferred pump frame assembly illustrating the pressure plate guides and a presently preferred frame construction; 
         FIG. 9  is a top cross-sectional partial view of a mono-lateral peristaltic pump pressure plate drive assembly illustrating the serpentine pumping action and phase difference between opposing sides of the pressure plates and their respective platens; 
         FIGS. 10A through 10F  are top cross-sectional partial views of a mono-lateral peristaltic pump pressure plate drive assembly illustrating the serpentine pumping action and phase difference between opposing sides of the pressure plates and their respective platens at 60° drive shaft rotation intervals; 
         FIGS. 11A and 11B  are cross-sectional end views of the geometric-drive system of the present invention (in a hexagonal configuration) wherein  FIG. 11A  schematically illustrates eccentric shift in a ⅙ rotational interval and  FIG. 11B  schematically illustrates the eccentric shift in a full rotation at ⅙ intervals (as illustrated by  FIGS. 10A-10F ); 
         FIG. 12  is a top cross-sectional view of a mono-lateral peristaltic pump pressure plate drive assembly illustrating the serpentine pumping action and phase difference between opposing sides of the pressure plates and their respective platens and showing the transfer tubes occluded between staggered curved surfaces perpendicular to the tubes; 
         FIG. 13  is a partial schematic view of the pressure plate, transfer tube, and platen pumping action resulting from tube occlusions between staggered curved surfaces; 
         FIG. 14  is a partial schematic view of the pressure plate and platen configuration illustrating staggered curved surfaces of the pressure plates and the platen showing that there are two occlusion points on each curved surface; 
         FIG. 15  is a partial cross-sectional end view of the geometric drive assembly of the present invention wherein the phase difference between the first side and the second side of the pump are illustrated as indicated by cross-section arrows on  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a top cross-sectional view of a mono-lateral peristaltic pump pressure plate drive assembly illustrating the serpentine pumping action and phase difference between opposing sides of the pressure plates and their respective platens showing the transfer tubes occluded between staggered curved surfaces perpendicular to the tubes in a nine pressure plate overlapping 1.5 rotation increased pressure configuration; 
         FIG. 17  is a top schematic view of a mono-lateral peristaltic pump diagrammatically illustrating the joined flow of the outputs on either side of the pump for reducing output spurting in flow and overall pumping variance; 
         FIGS. 18A ,  18 B, and  18 C are perspective views of three means for adjusting a presently preferred embodiment of the present invention to different outputs by configuring the pressure plates differently (tube diameters and tube wall thicknesses) wherein  18 A utilizes a longer pressure plate,  18 B utilizes a larger eccentric, and  18 C utilizes different pressure plate end radiuses; 
         FIGS. 19A and 19B  are perspective views of different platens illustrating different thickness configurations for controlling pump sizing; 
         FIG. 20  is a top schematic view of a mono-lateral peristaltic pump utilizing two tubes of different diameters, diagrammatically illustrating the pump producing a pumped mixture of two fluids at different ratios; 
         FIGS. 21  et al,  22 , et al, and  23  et al, are schematic diagrams: 
         FIGS. 21A ,  22 A, and  23 A are schematic end views of transfer tubing having different diameters (ODs) and interior diameters (IDs) but having the same wall thickness; 
         FIGS. 21B ,  22 B, and  23 B are schematic end views of un-occluded transfer tubing of different sizes, but substantially the same wall thicknesses, between an opposing pressure plate and platen, the plate and platen spaced apart by a distance x 1 ; 
         FIGS. 21C ,  22 C, and  23 C are schematic end views of occluded transfer tubing of different sizes, but substantially the same wall thicknesses, between an opposing pressure plate and platen, the plate and platen spaced apart by a distance x 2 ; 
       wherein it is illustrated that the invention accommodates transfer tubing of different diameters but substantially like wall thicknesses without altering the platens or pressure plates; 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view of a bilateral peristaltic pump of the present invention illustrating a presently preferred opposing pressure plate configuration for increased improved pumping action in demanding industrial applications; 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view of the bilateral peristaltic pump in an open position illustrating the drive assembly and opposing pressure plate configuration; 
         FIG. 26  is a perspective view of the bilateral peristaltic pump in an open position illustrating the transfer tube re-sizing collars and opposing pressure plate configuration of a presently preferred embodiment; 
         FIG. 27  is an end view of the bilateral peristaltic pump illustrating the adjustable latch assembly; 
         FIGS. 28A ,  28 B, and  28 C are perspective views of various sample configurations of transfer tube re-sizing collars for allowing different sizes and numbers of transfer tubes to be accommodated; 
         FIG. 29  is a partial cross-sectional plan view of the bilateral peristaltic pump in operation illustrating the operation of the opposing pressure plates and the transfer tube; and 
         FIG. 30  illustrates a pump contamination prevention embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention may be generally configured in both mono-lateral ( FIG. 1 ) and bilateral ( FIG. 24 ) embodiments. It will be appreciated from the drawings and the description herein that many alternative embodiments are contemplated.  FIG. 1  illustrates a mono-lateral peristaltic pump  100  of the present invention. The mono-lateral pump  100  includes a pump frame assembly ( FIG. 2 ), which includes a plurality of pressure plates  106  ( FIGS. 2 ,  5 ,  7  &amp;  9 ) operatively housed in the frame ( FIG. 2 ) in spaced apart parallel arrangement by pressure plate guides  104  ( FIG. 8 ). The pump frame assembly includes a top plate  170 , a bottom plate  172 , and a pair of side plates  118  ( FIG. 8 ). The top and bottom plates ( 170 ,  172 ) are retained in a dado (shown) or rabbet (not shown)  174  or other suitable joint ( FIG. 8 ). It will be appreciated that the pressure plate guides  104  not only act as bearings and guides but also set the spacing between pressure plates  106  (0.5 to 5.0 mm is presently preferred). 
     The pressure plates  106  have radiused ends  122  ( FIG. 7 ). The radiused ends  122  may have a radius of between one-half and five times the diameter of the transfer tube to be utilized. However, a radius approximating the transfer tubing diameter is preferred. 
     The pump frame assembly ( FIG. 2 ) includes platens  108  having a plurality of curved surfaces  124  ( FIG. 9 ). Platen guides  168  secure the platens  108  in opposed arrangement to the pressure plates  106 . The configuration of the pump  100  may be altered to produce varying rates and pressures, by changing platens  108  and the like. For example, a platen  108  ( FIG. 9 ) having a greater or lesser thickness may be utilized to accommodate different diameter transfer tubes  144  ( FIGS. 19A &amp; 19B ). It will be appreciated that the platens in a preferred embodiment have a cross-sectional profile of a plurality of parallel curved surfaces which are perpendicular to the flow in the transfer tube of the pump. This results in an irregular surface which complementarily interacts with the curved ends  122  of the pressure plates 106  ( FIGS. 10A to 10F ) so as to occlude ( FIG. 12 ) the transfer tube  144  against the platen  108  between staggered curved surfaces ( FIGS. 13 &amp; 14 ) perpendicular to the transfer tube  144  in a wave sequence ( FIG. 16 ) to promote a peristaltic pumping action. 
     The staggered curved surfaces of the pressure plates  106 , and platen radiuses  124  interfaces produce a first and second occlusion point  126 ,  128  ( FIG. 14 ). The two occlusions  126 ,  128  between staggered curved surfaces allow the pump to produce heretofore unobtainable linear peristaltic pump pressures and vacuums. Additionally, by occluding the pumping tube (transfer tube  144 ) between staggered curved surfaces (pair of occlusion points  126 ,  128 ) pump backflow is prevented. It will be appreciated that the pumps  100 ,  200  of the present invention, when configured in accordance with the recited preferred embodiment, are generally capable of producing a vacuum sufficient to raise a column of water 30 feet or a column of mercury 27 inches (approximately 70 Torr). Likewise, the recited pump configuration produces generally equal forces on the opposing sides of each transfer tube occlusion. This reduces transfer tube wear (delamination and the like) and heat in the transfer tubing. It will be recognized that heat and shear forces damage pumped cellular material such as blood and the like. Additionally, the pump  100  of the present invention produce a more even flow. 
     In a presently preferred embodiment the radiuses for the curved surfaces for various tubes are provided: 
                                             Tube OD   Radius                            ⅜ inch    9/32 inch            ½ inch    5/16 inch           1¼ inch    9/16 inch                        
Collar  110  openings may be slightly undersized so as to better secure the transfer tubing  144 .
 
     In a preferred embodiment, the pump  100  is configured as shown in  FIG. 1  with transfer tube collars  110 . The collars  110  are adjustably mounted to the platen assemblies with collar fasteners  112  or the like. In operation, it is desirable to allow differently configured collars  110  to be utilized. For example, collars for more or fewer transfer tubes, different sized transfer tubes, or transfer tubes with differing retention requirements (tube stiffness, thickness, flexibility, memory, and the like). In operation, the pumps may be configured to pump and mix multiple materials at a specified ratio by utilizing transfer tubes of different sizes ( FIG. 20 ) and/or a different number of transfer tubes for different materials ( FIGS. 21 ,  22 ,  23 , et al). 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the transfer tubes  144  may be of a different material than the input or output tubes  146  and  148 . For example, in the mono-lateral pump  100  the transfer tubes may be joined to the input tubes  146  via connectors  176  and the output tubes  148  may be joined to pairs of opposing transfer tubes  144  via a T-connector  156 . This configuration reduces spurting (non-continuous) flow as the two sides of the mono-lateral pump are out of phase ( FIGS. 12 ,  15 ,  16 , &amp;  17 ). This reduction in flow pulsation without a pressure and rate restricting pulse dampener is unique. It will be appreciated from the schematic diagram of  FIG. 17  that the pumped portions  178 ,  180  are generally joined  182  together at the T-connector  156 . This allows for more consistent, reliable and controllable rates of delivery. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates the mono-lateral pump  100  unlatched and in an opened position ready to accept transfer tubes  144 . The latch  114  secures both platens  108  in a spaced apart configuration opposing the pressure plates  106  via the latch pin  120  and pivot pins  116  ( FIG. 3 ). The transfer tubes are secured between the collars  110  and the assembly is latched ( FIG. 3 ). As the drive shaft  130  ( FIG. 3 ) is rotated via the motor  150  and drive mechanism  132  ( FIG. 1 ) the pressure plates  106  move in a peristaltic wave ( FIGS. 10A to 10F ). Limiters  142  ( FIG. 15 ) control the angle the platen assemblies are allowed to open ( FIGS. 2 &amp; 5 ). 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a preferred pressure plate  122  drive assembly. Each pressure plate  106  has an elliptical shaped void  184 . The drive shaft  130  includes a hex drive portion  134  and a pressure plate bearing  136  for each pressure plate  106 . Each pressure plate bearing  136  has an eccentric insert  138  with a hexagonal void which is driven by the drive shaft  130  to perform the oscillation of the pressure plates ( FIGS. 11A &amp; 11B ). The pressure plate  106  voids  184  are then utilized to drive the pressure plates  106  in a reciprocal motion in a wave sequence ( FIGS. 15 &amp; 16 ). 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a presently preferred pump belt drive and mounting configuration. It is anticipated that reduction gears, chains, direct drive, stepper motor drive and the like may also be utilized. 
       FIGS. 18A &amp; 18B  illustrate means for adjusting pump characteristics, for example, altering the size of the elliptical void  184 , increasing the length of the pressure plates  106 , increasing the width of the pressure plates  106 , changing the eccentric  138 , or the like.  FIG. 18C  illustrates different radiuses  122  on a pressure plate  106 . 
       FIGS. 21A ,  22 A, and  23 A illustrate transfer tubes  144 , having different outer diameters  152  and different inner diameters  154 , but all with generally the same wall thickness.  FIGS. 21B ,  22 B, and  23 B illustrate the cross-sectional configuration of transfer tubes having like wall thicknesses but different outer diameters in a non-occluded (open) position.  FIGS. 21C ,  22 C, and  23 C illustrate the cross-sectional configuration of transfer tubes having like wall thicknesses but different outer diameters in an occluded (closed) position. Those skilled in the art will recognize the adaptability of the present pump to accommodate varying sizes of transfer tubing without adjustment to the platen or pressure plates. 
       FIGS. 24 to 29  illustrate components of a bilateral embodiment of the peristaltic pump  200  of the present invention. In the bilateral embodiment  200  platens are not required. Opposing pairs of pressure plates  226  push against opposite sides of a transfer tube  240  ( FIG. 24 ). 
       FIG. 24  illustrates the bilateral pump  200  in a closed and ready for operation configuration. The pump  200  includes a frame  202  consisting of a main pressure plate assembly frame  218  and a secondary pressure plate assembly frame  220  ( FIG. 25 ). Each of the first and secondary pressure plate assembly frames  218 ,  220  include a plurality of pressure plates  226 . The pressure plates are guided and maintained in an operative spaced apart parallel arrangement via a plurality of pressure plate guides  204  shown in  FIGS. 24 ,  25  and  26  (not shown,  FIG. 29 , illustrated by  104 ,  FIG. 8 ). 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 25 and 26 , the bilateral pump  200  secondary pressure plate assembly may be swung open so as to allow transfer tube(s) to be loaded. The two pressure plate assemblies  218 ,  220  are hinged about pivot pin  216  (and drive spindle) ( FIG. 25 ). The two pressure plate assemblies are held in operating position via an adjustable latch mechanism  214 ,  222 ,  224  ( FIG. 27 ). The distance between the two pairs of opposing pressure plates may be adjusted to accommodate change in occlusion on the transfer tubes. Additionally, the amount of compressive force applied to a given diameter of tubing may be adjusted via the latch adjustment mechanism  224  ( FIG. 25 ). The transfer tube(s)  240  are retained via a pair of collars  248  ( FIGS. 26 &amp; 28A ,  28 B, &amp;  28 C). The collars  248  may be readily removed and replaced with collars designed to accommodate different tubing types ( FIGS. 28A ,  28 B, &amp;  28 C). 
       FIG. 25  illustrates the drive assembly  234 , which includes a motor  246 , main drive assembly  234 , and secondary drive assembly  236 . The pressure plates  226  are driven in a preferred embodiment in the same manner as in the mono-lateral pump  100  ( FIG. 7 ).  FIG. 29  best illustrates the peristaltic pumping action of the opposing pressure plates. 
       FIG. 30  illustrates a preferred means for preventing pump contamination in the event a transfer tube  140 ,  240  ruptures. In such a configuration the safety tubing  188  acts as a sleeve around the protected transfer tube  190 . In operation both ends of the safety tubing  188  may be placed into tube rupture reservoirs (not shown). If a transfer tube ruptures its contents are dispersed between the outer diameter of the protected transfer tube  190  and the safety tubing  188  and then flow into tube rupture reservoirs. Safety tubing  188  can be utilized in this linear pump configuration because there is no rolling action of the tube and minimal linear pull on the tube. 
     The preferred materials for the pressure plates, platens, and collars are either machined Delrin® (Acetal-(PolyOxy-Methylene)) or molded Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMW-PE). Transfer tubing is preferably Masterflex® Norprene, or a like Masterflex® tubing selected for the required application. The metal components are preferably manufactured from machined or cast aluminum and stainless steel laser-cut components. 
     It should also be appreciated that: (1) The eccentrics (cams)  138  ( FIG. 7 ) on the drive shaft  130  manipulate a single set of pressure plates  106  with two opposing sets of curved surfaces in cooperation with two platens  108  (with curved surfaces which are staggered in relationship to those of the pressure plates  106 ) will occlude two separate transfer tubes in opposition to each other in occlusion, and where, when the two transfer tubes are joined on the output, a near constant flow of the pumped fluid is produced; (2) The drive shaft  130  eccentrics (cams)  138  are in a spiral form over the length of the powered shaft whereby the transfer tubes are occluded in a wave pattern over the staggered curved surfaces to promote flow within the transfer tubes; (3) The present pump promotes laminar flow and minimizes turbulence within the fluid being pumped; (4) The transfer tube(s) may be replaced without affecting occlusion settings; (5) The present pump minimizes tubing shear stresses; (6) The present invention prevents rolling of the transfer tube during pumping; and (7) As shown in  FIGS. 16 and 29 , greater than six pressure plates, for example, nine pressure plates producing an overlapped cycle (1.5 cycles per rotation) may be utilized to improve the performance of the pump for pressure (or suction).