Filling pump with automatic blocking detection and controlled adjustment

Abstract

A roller pump comprising a pump head operably connectable to be driven by a pump driver wherein the pump head comprises: a pump stator; the pump rotor is arranged to rotate in the pump stator, the pump rotor comprises one or more rollers, each roller is connected to a corresponding roller block, and the roller blocks can move in the radial direction relative to the central axis of the pump head; the blocking adjusting mechanism is connected to the roller blocks of the rollers, and the blocking adjusting mechanism is operated to move the roller blocks in the radial direction relative to the central axis of the pump head so as to compress and partially block a compressible fluid pipeline arranged in the roller path; and a sensor device configured to measure a pressure applied by the roller block of the at least one roller when the compressible fluid conduit is compressed by the one or more rollers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure broadly relates to the field of roller pumps for use in medical devices such as heart-lung machines, ECMO machines, other cardiopulmonary bypass machines, and extracorporeal circulation machines for dialysis. More specifically, the field of this disclosure can be understood to relate to blocking mechanisms for roller pumps used in medical devices such as heart-lung machines, ECMO machines, other cardiopulmonary bypass machines, and extracorporeal circulation machines for dialysis. Background Technology

[0002] Roller pumps, also known as peristaltic pumps, are used in internal medicine and surgery to circulate blood in extracorporeal circulation machines such as dialysis machines and cardiopulmonary bypass machines (such as heart-lung machines and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) machines). Roller pumps operate by utilizing the rotation of a closed flexible tubing to pump fluids (such as blood) through the forward displacement of the rollers. For cardiopulmonary bypass machines, multi-roller pumps can be used as part of a perfusion circuit to provide aortic root aspiration, ventilation aspiration, blood cardiac arrest pumps, and systemic blood pumps. However, roller pumps can also be used in other settings, such as with dialyzers or as a pump to intravenously feed intravenous (IV) fluids to a patient.

[0003] A roller pump is a simple device used to generate a constant flow, using disposable tubing as the fluid path through which the pumped fluid passes. A roller pump generally consists of a pump driver and a pump head. The pump driver is connected to drive the pump head to rotate, thereby pumping fluid. The pump head includes a pump stator and a pump rotor. The pump stator forms a housing that defines an inner circumferential surface or raceway. Rollers connected to the pump rotor press against this inner circumferential surface or raceway, compressing one or more tubes through which the fluid flows. When the pump rotor is rotated by a drive shaft connected to it, the rollers connected to the pump rotor press the fluid tubing against the inner circumference of the pump stator, causing the rollers to roll along the tubing and thus pushing the fluid in the tubing in the direction of rotation of the pump rotor. The amount of compression (i.e., resistance) applied to the fluid tubing by the pump rollers needs to be adjusted to compensate for, for example, minor manufacturing differences in the diameter of fluid tubing supplied by different suppliers, or to compensate for the use of fluid tubing of different sizes.

[0004] Because the fluid flowing through the tubing may include blood, it is crucial that the degree of compression of the tubing in a roller pump be adjustable during roller rotation and pumping. If compression is complete, causing the tubing walls to collapse entirely during compression, red blood cells in the pumped blood may be dissolved, making the pump unsuitable for use. If compression is insufficient, resulting in the tubing walls not being adequately compressed during pump rotor rotation, insufficient fluid flow or even backflow may occur. Therefore, considering the possibility of using fluid tubing of different diameters in roller pumps, it is essential that the amount of compression applied to the rollers and raceways on the tubing during pump rotor rotation be adjustable.

[0005] The ability to adjust the amount of compression applied to the fluid fitting by the rollers in the raceway is referred to in the art as "blocking," a term that reflects the degree to which the fluid fitting is compressed or blocked between the rollers and raceway surfaces during pump rotor rotation. Roller pumps are generally equipped with mechanisms for adjusting blocking by rotating a knob or other component in one direction to move the rollers radially outward and closer to the inner surface of the pump stator, thereby increasing blocking; and rotating the knob or other component in the other direction to move the rollers radially inward and further away from the inner surface of the pump stator, thereby decreasing blocking. Therefore, when the pump rollers are completely disengaged from the fluid fitting in the raceway, the ability to quickly move the pump rollers to engage the fluid fitting in the raceway is required. Once the pump rollers have engaged the fluid fitting in the raceway, the rollers need to be moved in small increments to fine-tune the degree of blocking. Once the degree of blocking has been fine-tuned, the fraction of the increment is locked for the duration of the pumping program. The pump roller increment can be evaluated as the clearance distance between the rollers and the corresponding portion of the fluid fitting path. In addition, all rollers of the roller pump need to maintain the same fluid fitting compression.

[0006] Force is required to compress fluid fittings to achieve the desired amount of closure. The force required for the user to obtain the desired amount of fluid fitting compression is typically directly related to the pipe compression force. Existing closure adjustment mechanisms for roller pumps, such as thumbwheel actuations, have poor mechanical efficiency and hinder usability, including causing glove damage and requiring frequent wheel adjustments. This is undesirable.

[0007] The occlusion level of a peristaltic blood pump must be precisely adjusted to effectively move blood within the tubing without damaging it. High synchronization of the occlusion rollers is essential to reduce the pressure differential at the outlet. Therefore, this is currently achieved by utilizing variations in the tubing diameter.

[0008] A common method for setting closure in a blood pump involves statistically analyzing the drip rate of the fluid column through the tubing loop. The closure mechanism of the roller pump is then manually adjusted to achieve a defined drip rate correlated with the desired level of closure. This method is very time-consuming and can only be implemented when the pump is not in use. Adjustments cannot be made during operation, such as by increasing the temperature to reduce tubing consistency.

[0009] Most priming pumps have a central knob for manually setting the stop, but in all cases, the rollers move together. It is impossible to adjust a single roller individually to compensate for differences in synchronicity between the rollers that may arise due to manufacturing tolerances. Such differences can only be limited by the precision of the components themselves.

[0010] Figure 1A prior art blocking adjustment mechanism 2 for a roller pump is shown. The blocking adjustment mechanism 2 is integrated into the pump head 3 of the roller pump and moves the pump rollers linearly. The pump head 3 includes a pump rotor 4, which is configured to rotate within a pump stator 6. The pump rotor 4 includes a plurality of pump rollers 8 mounted on a corresponding number of roller blocks 10. The blocking adjustment mechanism 2 includes a knob 12, which can be manually rotated to turn an elongated rod 14. A conical drive piston 16 is threaded onto the elongated rod 14, thereby moving the conical drive piston 16 along the elongated rod 14 by rotation of the elongated rod 14. The movement of the conical drive piston 16 on the elongated rod 14 causes the conical drive piston 16 to push the plurality of roller blocks 10, thereby causing the roller blocks 10 to move linearly and uniformly in the radial direction relative to the central axis of the pump head 3. Therefore, the knob 12 in this system is connected to a thread (not specifically shown) on the elongated rod 14 to advance the wedge-shaped member (i.e., the conical drive piston) of the drive roller 8 toward the periphery of the housing defining the tube raceway (i.e., the inner circumferential surface of the stator 6). For an image illustrating how the tube can be positioned in the raceway of the roller pump, refer to U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2014 / 0127063A1, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. One disadvantage associated with the conical drive piston 16 is that this wedge shape relies on precise machining of the sides of the wedge and those components that intersect with the sides of the wedge to maintain the positional symmetry of the roller 8.

[0011] Therefore, there is a need for a damping adjustment mechanism for roller pumps, such as roller pumps used as heart pumps in devices like cardiopulmonary bypass machines, which allows individual actuation of each roller to adjust the damping produced by each roller and provides finely adjustable movement of each pump roller independently of each other. This disclosure relates to a description of embodiments of apparatus and methods related to damping adjustment in devices such as roller pumps employing such a damping adjustment mechanism. Summary of the Invention

[0012] In one non-limiting embodiment or aspect of this disclosure, a roller pump may include a pump head operatively connectable to be driven by a pump drive assembly, wherein the pump head includes: a pump stator including an inner circumferential surface defining a raceway; a pump rotor configured to rotate within the pump stator, wherein the pump rotor includes one or more rollers, each roller being connected to a corresponding roller block, the roller block being radially movable relative to a central axis of the pump head; a blocking adjustment mechanism connected to the roller blocks of each roller, wherein the blocking adjustment mechanism is operable to radially move each roller block relative to the central axis of the pump head to compress and partially block a compressible fluid conduit disposed within the raceway; and a sensor device configured to measure pressure or force applied by the rollers when the compressible fluid conduit is compressed by the one or more rollers.

[0013] In one non-limiting embodiment or aspect of this disclosure, the encoder may be configured to compare the pressure or force applied by the roller blocks of each roller with the pressure or force measured by the sensor device to determine whether the pressure difference is equal to zero. When a predetermined pressure limit is exceeded, the encoder may be configured to readjust the position of the roller blocks. The sensor device may include at least one pressure sensor configured to measure the pressure or force applied by the roller blocks of each roller. The encoder may be configured to receive pressure or force measurements from each force sensor, wherein the encoder is configured to compare the difference between the pressure or force measurements with zero. A cable path may be defined in the pump head for receiving wires from the sensor device. A slip ring may be operatively connected between the pump rotor and the pump stator to allow signal and power transmission between the pump rotor and the pump stator. A linear actuator may be used to actuate the rollers. The linear actuator may be configured to adjust based on the pressure or force measured by the sensor device. Each linear actuator may be provided with a wedge member for holding a pressure sensor in the sensor device, wherein, when the linear actuator is activated, the wedge member is configured to press the pressure sensor against a corresponding roller block. Each linear actuator may be provided with a screw member, wherein, when the screw member rotates, the corresponding wedge member moves up or down to move the pressure sensor toward or away from the corresponding roller block. The linear actuator may be positioned on the top surface of the pump head. The sensor device may be configured to continuously measure the pressure or force applied by the roller block of each roller. The roller block may be configured to press against a fluid tube guided through the pump head to move fluid through the fluid tube. The sensor device may be operatively connected to a slip ring positioned on the pump head. The sensor device may be operatively connected to a pair of linear actuators configured to guide the sensor device toward and away from the roller blocks, wherein the linear actuators are operatively connected to an encoder, respectively. At least one spring can be provided in the pump head, wherein the spring is configured to guide the roller block back to its return position after the sensor device receives a pressure or force measurement result. Each roller block can move radially independently relative to the central axis of the pump head, thereby independently adjusting the movement and position of each roller through a blocking adjustment mechanism based on the pressure or force measurement result provided by the sensor device.

[0014] In one non-limiting embodiment or aspect of this disclosure, a method for adjusting the blockage of a compressible fluid conduit within a pump head may include the following steps: arranging a compressible fluid conduit in a raceway of a roller pump head, wherein the raceway is defined by the inner circumferential surface of the stator of the roller pump head, and the fluid conduit includes an inner cavity through which fluid flows; operating a blockage adjustment mechanism of the roller pump head to move a plurality of roller blocks of the roller pump head radially relative to the central axis of the pump head, thereby partially blocking the inner cavity of the compressible fluid conduit by compressing the compressible fluid conduit between the plurality of rollers connected to the plurality of roller blocks; measuring the pressure or force applied by each roller block of the roller pump using a sensor device positioned within the pump head; and adjusting the position of one or more rollers based on one or more applied pressure or force values ​​obtained by the sensor device.

[0015] In one non-limiting embodiment or aspect of this disclosure, the method may include comparing differences between the pressures or forces applied by the roller blocks and determining whether the differences are equal to zero. The method may include adjusting a blocking adjustment mechanism when the differences are not equal to zero. The blocking adjustment mechanism may be operable to independently move each of the plurality of roller blocks to independently adjust the position of each of the plurality of roller blocks, and the method further includes the step of independently adjusting the position of each roller based on a measured pressure or force value obtained using a sensor device. The lumen of the compressible fluid conduit may be adapted to receive a fluid including blood.

[0016] Non-limiting illustrative examples of embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in the following numbered clauses: Clause 1: A roller pump comprising: a pump head operatively connectable to be driven by a pump driver, wherein the pump head includes: a pump stator including an inner circumferential surface defining a raceway; a pump rotor configured to rotate within the pump stator, wherein the pump rotor includes one or more rollers, each roller being connected to a corresponding roller block, the roller block being radially movable relative to a central axis of the pump head; a blocking adjustment mechanism connected to the roller blocks of each roller, wherein the blocking adjustment mechanism is operable to radially move each roller block relative to the central axis of the pump head to compress and partially block a compressible fluid conduit disposed within the raceway; and a sensor device configured to measure pressure or force applied by the roller block of at least one roller when the compressible fluid conduit is compressed by the one or more of the rollers.

[0017] Clause 2: The roller pump according to Clause 1 further includes an encoder configured to compare the pressure or force applied by the roller block of each roller with the pressure or force measured by the sensor device to determine whether the pressure difference is equal to zero.

[0018] Clause 3: The roller pump according to Clause 2, wherein the encoder is configured to readjust the position of the roller blocks when a predetermined pressure or force limit is exceeded.

[0019] Clause 4: A roller pump according to any one of Clauses 1 to 3, wherein the sensor device includes at least one pressure sensor configured to measure the pressure or force exerted by the roller block of each roller.

[0020] Clause 5: The roller pump according to Clause 4 further includes an encoder configured to receive pressure or force measurements from each force sensor, wherein the encoder is configured to compare the difference between the pressure or force measurements with zero difference.

[0021] Clause 6: A roller pump according to any one of Clauses 1 to 5, wherein a cable channel is defined in the pump head for receiving a wire from the sensor device.

[0022] Clause 7: The roller pump according to any one of Clauses 1 to 6 further includes a slip ring operatively connected between the pump rotor and the pump stator to allow signal and power transmission between the pump rotor and the pump stator.

[0023] Clause 8: A roller pump according to any one of Clauses 1 to 7, wherein a linear actuator is used to actuate the rollers.

[0024] Clause 9: The roller pump as described in Clause 8, wherein the linear actuator is configured to adjust based on the pressure or force measured by the sensor device.

[0025] Clause 10: The roller pump according to Clause 8, wherein each linear actuator is provided with a wedge member for holding the pressure sensor in the sensor device, and wherein, when the linear actuator is activated, the wedge member is configured to press the pressure sensor against the corresponding roller block.

[0026] Clause 11: The roller pump according to Clause 10, wherein each linear actuator is provided with a screw member, and wherein, when the screw member rotates, the corresponding wedge member moves up or down to move the pressure sensor toward or away from the corresponding roller block.

[0027] Clause 12: The roller pump according to Clause 8, wherein the linear actuator is positioned on the top surface of the pump head.

[0028] Clause 13: A roller pump according to any one of Clauses 1 to 12, wherein the sensor device is configured to continuously measure the pressure or force exerted by the roller block of each roller.

[0029] Clause 14: A roller pump according to any one of Clauses 1 to 13, wherein the roller block is configured to press against a fluid tube guided through the pump head to cause fluid to move through the fluid tube.

[0030] Clause 15: A roller pump according to any one of Clauses 1 to 14, wherein the sensor device is operatively connected to a slip ring positioned on the pump head.

[0031] Clause 16: A roller pump according to any one of Clauses 1 to 15, wherein the sensor device is operatively connected to a pair of linear actuators configured to guide the sensor device toward and away from the roller block, and wherein the linear actuators are operatively connected to encoders respectively.

[0032] Clause 17: The roller pump according to any one of Clauses 1 to 16 further includes at least one spring disposed in the pump head, wherein the at least one spring is configured to guide the roller block back to the return position after the sensor device obtains the pressure or force measurement result.

[0033] Clause 18: A roller pump according to any one of Clauses 1 to 17, wherein each roller is capable of independent radial movement relative to the central axis of the pump head, thereby independently adjusting the movement and position of each roller by means of the blocking adjustment mechanism based on pressure or force measurements provided by the sensor device.

[0034] Clause 19: A method for regulating the closure of a compressible fluid conduit within a pump head, the method comprising the steps of: arranging a compressible fluid conduit in a raceway of a roller pump head, wherein the raceway is defined by an inner circumferential surface of a stator of the roller pump head, and the fluid conduit includes an inner cavity through which fluid flows; operating a closure regulating mechanism of the roller pump head to move a plurality of roller blocks of the roller pump head radially relative to a central axis of the pump head, thereby partially closure of the inner cavity of the compressible fluid conduit by compressing the compressible fluid conduit between a plurality of rollers connected to the plurality of roller blocks; measuring, using a sensor device located within the pump head, the pressure or force applied by each roller block of the roller pump; and adjusting the position of one or more of the rollers based on one or more applied pressure or force values ​​obtained by the sensor device.

[0035] Clause 20: As described in Clause 19, compare the differences between the pressures or forces applied by each roller block and determine whether the differences are equal to zero.

[0036] Clause 21: When the difference is not equal to zero, the blocking adjustment mechanism shall be adjusted according to the method described in Clause 19 or Clause 20.

[0037] Clause 22: The method according to any one of Clauses 19 to 21, wherein the blocking adjustment mechanism is operable to independently move each of the plurality of roller blocks to independently adjust the position of each of the plurality of rollers, and the method further comprises the step of: independently adjusting the position of each roller based on a measured pressure or force value obtained using the sensor device.

[0038] Clause 23: The method according to any one of Clauses 19 to 22, wherein the inner cavity of the compressible fluid conduit is adapted to receive a fluid including blood.

[0039] These and other features and characteristics of this new technology, the operation and function of structurally related elements, the component combinations, and the cost savings in manufacturing will become more apparent when considered in conjunction with the following description, claims, and drawings, all of which are part of this application. Similar reference numerals are used to denote corresponding components in different drawings. However, it should be clearly understood that the drawings are for explanation and illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure or any invention. In the description and claims, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural forms. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of a blocking adjustment mechanism in the prior art that adjusts the roller blocking in a linear manner.

[0041] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a pump head according to a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of this disclosure.

[0042] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the pump head is shown, illustrating a blocking adjustment mechanism that linearly adjusts the roller blocking, with the roller in the pre-applied position.

[0043] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the pump head is shown, illustrating a blocking adjustment mechanism that adjusts the roller blocking in a linear manner, with the roller in the middle position.

[0044] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the pump head is shown, illustrating a blocking adjustment mechanism that linearly adjusts the roller blocking, with the roller in the applied position.

[0045] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the pump head. Detailed Implementation

[0046] These illustrations generally depict illustrative and non-limiting aspects of the devices, components, and methods of this disclosure. While this specification presents various aspects of the devices and components, it should not be construed as limiting the disclosure in any way. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that modifications, concepts, and applications of various aspects of this disclosure are included in, but not limited to, the illustrations and descriptions herein.

[0047] Furthermore, for ease of description below, the terms “end,” “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “lateral,” “longitudinal,” “radial,” and their derivatives, in describing this disclosure, all refer to the orientation shown in the accompanying drawings. The term “proximal” refers to the end of the device configured for user manipulation, or, for implanted devices, the side or end of the device that remains closest to the implantation site when the device is deployed. The term “distal” refers to the end of the device opposite the proximal end, which may be the end of the device furthest from the part intended for user manipulation. For implanted devices, the “distal” end of the device is the end of the device furthest from the implantation site. However, it should be understood that, unless explicitly stated otherwise, this disclosure may employ various alternative variations and sequences of steps. It should also be understood that the specific devices and processes shown in the accompanying drawings and described in the following description are merely exemplary aspects of this disclosure. Therefore, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the aspects disclosed herein should not be considered limiting. To facilitate understanding of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings and description illustrate preferred aspects of this disclosure, from which the contents of this disclosure, its various structures, constructions and methods of operation, and many advantages can be understood and appreciated.

[0048] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term “about” refers to a range of ±10% of a value.

[0049] like Figure 2 and Figures 3 to 6 As shown, the pump head 20 of the roller pump is operatively connected to be driven by a pump drive assembly 22 of the roller pump, which includes a pump motor 27 for rotating the pump rotor 30. The pump head 20 includes a pump stator 24 having a defined fluid fitting T (see...). Figure 2The pump head 20 includes the inner circumferential surface 26 of the raceway 28; and a pump rotor 30, which is configured to rotate within the pump stator 24. The pump rotor 30 includes a plurality of rollers 32, most typically two rollers for a roller pump used in a cardiopulmonary bypass machine, although pump heads with three, six, or eight rollers can also be used. Each roller 32 includes a roller bearing 33 that allows it to rotate. The pump rotor 30 includes a plurality of roller blocks 34, each roller 32 connected to a corresponding roller block 34, the roller blocks 34 being radially movable relative to the central axis 36 of the pump head 20. The pump head 20 also includes a blocking adjustment mechanism 38, which is connected to the drive shaft 29 (e.g., Figure 6 (As shown). The blocking adjustment mechanism 38 can be configured as an integral part of the pump head 20 and operate to cause each roller block 34 to move radially in a non-linear, non-uniform manner relative to the central axis 36 of the pump head. The pump head 20 may also include a bearing 23 that allows the rollers 32 and the blocking adjustment mechanism 38 components to rotate relative to the stator 24.

[0050] The blocking adjustment mechanism 38 is oriented on the central axis 36 of the pump head 20. The range of motion of the roller 32 extends between two positions: the position where the roller 32 is fully retracted and the clearance of the raceway 28 is at its maximum, and the position where the roller 32 is positioned in a fully extended position facing the inner circumferential surface 26 of the stator 24 and the clearance of the raceway 38 is at its minimum.

[0051] See Figures 3 to 6 According to one embodiment or aspect, the pump head 20 may include at least two actuators 100, 102 for adjusting the position of rollers 32 disposed within the pump 20. A sensor device 104 is operatively connected to each roller device, and the sensor device 104 may be a force feedback sensor device for measuring the force exerted by the rollers 32 on the pipe fitting T. It should be understood that although two actuators 100, 102 are shown for use with the pump head 20, it is conceivable that fewer or additional actuators may be provided to assist the force feedback measurement of the sensor device 104. In one embodiment, the actuators 100, 102 are operatively connected to the top surface of the pump head 20. In one embodiment, the actuators 100, 102 may be linear actuators including a lead screw that can extend and retract from the actuators 100, 102.

[0052] In one embodiment or aspect, each actuator 100, 102 is operatively connected to wedge members 106, 108. A lead screw of each actuator 100, 102 is operatively connected to the corresponding wedge member 106, 108. When the lead screw of each actuator 100, 102 rotates in a first direction (e.g., clockwise), the corresponding wedge member 106, 108 can move downwards away from the corresponding actuator 100, 102. When the lead screw of each actuator 100, 102 rotates in a second direction (e.g., counterclockwise), the corresponding wedge member 106, 108 can move upwards toward the corresponding actuator 100, 102.

[0053] In one embodiment or aspect, movement of the wedge members 106, 108 is configured to achieve movement of corresponding sensor holders 110, 112, which are held in the pump head 20 near or adjacent to the fitting T. The pump head 20 may include at least two sensor holders 110, 112, which are disposed on opposite sides of the pump head 20 near or adjacent to the fitting T. Each sensor holder 110, 112 may be sized and configured to hold a corresponding force sensor 114, 116 within a cavity defined in each sensor holder 110, 112. The inner surface of each sensor holder 110, 112 (the surface closest to the center of the pump head 20) may be inclined or angled relative to the central axis 36 of the pump head 20. In one embodiment or aspect, the diameter of the top portion of each sensor holder 110, 112 may be smaller than the diameter of the bottom portion of each sensor holder 110, 112, such that the diameter of the sensor holders 110, 112 gradually increases from the top to the bottom. When the lead screw of each actuator 100, 102 moves each corresponding wedge member 106, 108, the wedge member 106, 108 presses against the inclined or angled inner surface of the corresponding sensor holder 110, 112. When the wedge member 106, 108 slides along the inclined or angled inner surface of the corresponding sensor holder 110, 112, the sensor holders 110, 112 are pushed or moved toward the roller 32 to operatively contact the force sensors 114, 116 with the roller 32 and to move the roller 32 in a radially outward direction. Once force sensors 114 and 116 are located near or in contact with roller 32, they can be configured to measure the force exerted by the blocking roller 32 against the fitting T.

[0054] In one embodiment, encoders 124, 126 are operatively connected (wired or wirelessly) to pump head 20, and in one example, operatively connected to actuators 100, 102, allowing comparison of measurements recorded by force sensors 114, 116. The force values ​​of the two force sensors 114, 116 can be compared, and if the difference exceeds a defined limit, actuators 100, 102 will readjust the position of the blocking roller 32. Using this sensor arrangement, the blocking (the distance between roller 32 and raceway 28) can be precisely adjusted. After the force sensors 114, 116 provide the desired force measurement, the lead screw of each actuator 100, 102 can rotate in opposite directions to remove the wedge members 106, 108 (and force sensors 114, 116) from the blocking roller 32. As the lead screw continues to rotate, springs 118 and 120, operatively connected to one of the corresponding wedge members 106 and 108, are configured to assist in removing the wedge members 106 and 108 from the sensor holders 110 and 112.

[0055] See Figures 3 to 5 According to one embodiment or aspect of this disclosure, the pump head 20 may further include a channel 122 extending between a top portion and a bottom portion of the pump head 20. The channel 122 may be configured to receive and hold cables connecting force sensors 114, 116, linear actuators 100, 102, encoders 124, 126 operatively connected to one of the linear actuators 100, 102, and encoder 125 disposed in the pump drive assembly 22. The cables of the force sensors 114, 116, linear actuators 100, 102, and encoders 124, 126 may be connected to a slip ring 128, which is positioned and held in the channel 122. The encoders 124, 126 are configured to send information, recorded by the encoders 124, 126, about the rotation angle of the pump rotor 4 and how fast the pump rotor 4 is rotating to a controller (not shown).

[0056] Although the apparatus and methods have been described with reference to certain embodiments in this disclosure, those skilled in the art will recognize that additions, deletions, substitutions and modifications can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A roller pump comprising: a pump head operatively connected to be driven by a pump driver assembly, wherein the pump head comprises a pump stator comprising an inner circumferential surface defining a raceway, a pump rotor disposed to rotate within the pump stator, wherein the pump rotor comprises one or more rollers, wherein each roller is connected to a corresponding roller block that is radially movable relative to a central axis of the pump head; a blockage adjustment mechanism operatively connected to the roller blocks of each roller, wherein the blockage adjustment mechanism operates to radially move each roller block relative to the central axis of the pump head to compress and partially block a compressible fluid conduit disposed within the raceway; and a sensor device configured to measure a pressure or force exerted by the one or more rollers as the compressible fluid conduit is compressed by the one or more rollers.

2. The roller pump of claim 1, further comprising an encoder configured to compare the pressure or force exerted by each roller to the pressure or force measured by the sensor device to determine if the pressure or force is greater than a zero differential.

3. The roller pump of claim 2 wherein, the encoder is configured to direct the blockage adjustment mechanism to readjust the position of the roller blocks of the rollers upon the zero differential being exceeded.

4. The roller pump of claim 1 wherein, the sensor device comprises at least one pressure sensor configured to measure the pressure or force exerted by each roller individually.

5. The roller pump of claim 4, further comprising an encoder configured to receive pressure or force measurements from each force sensor, wherein, the encoder is configured to compare a differential between the pressure or force measurements to a zero differential.

6. The roller pump of claim 1 wherein, a cable channel is defined in the pump head for receiving wires from the sensor device.

7. The roller pump of claim 1, further comprising a slip ring operatively connected between the pump rotor and the pump stator to allow signal and power transmission between the pump rotor and the pump stator.

8. The roller pump of claim 1 wherein, a linear actuator is used to actuate the rollers.

9. The roller pump of claim 8 wherein, the linear actuator is configured to adjust based on the pressure or force measured by the sensor device.

10. The roller pump of claim 8 wherein, each linear actuator is provided with a wedge-shaped member for holding a pressure sensor in the sensor device, and wherein the wedge-shaped member is configured to press the pressure sensor against a corresponding roller block when the linear actuator is activated.

11. The roller pump of claim 10 wherein, each linear actuator is provided with a screw member, and wherein the corresponding wedge-shaped member moves up or down when the screw member is rotated to move the pressure sensor towards or away from the corresponding roller block.

12. The roller pump of claim 8 wherein, the linear actuator is positioned on a top surface of the pump head.

13. The roller pump of claim 1 wherein, the sensor device is configured to continuously measure the pressure or force exerted by each roller.

14. The roller pump of claim 1 wherein, the rollers are configured to press against a fluid tube that is routed through the pump head to move fluid through the fluid tube.

15. The roller pump of claim 1 wherein, the sensor device is operatively connected to a slip ring positioned on the pump head.

16. The roller pump of claim 1, wherein, the sensor device is operatively connected to a pair of linear actuators configured to direct the rollers towards and away from the inner circumferential surface, and wherein each linear actuator is operatively connected to an encoder.

17. The roller pump of claim 1, further comprising at least one spring disposed in the pump head, wherein, The at least one spring is configured to direct the roller blocks back to a return position after the sensor device obtains the pressure or force measurements.

18. The roller pump of claim 1, wherein, Each roller block is independently radially movable relative to a central axis of the pump head to independently adjust movement and position of each roller based on pressure or force measurements provided by the sensor device through the choke adjustment mechanism.

19. A method of adjusting a choke of a compressible fluid conduit within a pump head, the method comprising the steps of: providing a compressible fluid conduit within a race of a roller pump head, wherein the race is defined by an inner circumferential surface of a stator of the pump head and the fluid conduit includes an internal lumen through which fluid flows; operating a choke adjustment mechanism of the roller pump head to move a plurality of roller blocks of the pump head in a radial direction relative to a central axis of the pump head to partially choke the internal lumen of the compressible fluid conduit by compressing the compressible fluid conduit between the plurality of roller blocks of the pump head; measuring a pressure or force value exerted by each roller of the roller pump using a sensor device positioned within the pump head; and adjusting a position of one or more of the plurality of roller blocks based on one or more of the measured pressure or force values obtained by the sensor device.

20. The method of claim 19, comparing a difference between the pressure or force exerted by each roller and determining whether the difference exceeds a zero differential.

21. The method of claim 20, adjusting the choke adjustment mechanism when the difference exceeds a maximum pressure or force limit.

22. The method of claim 19, wherein, The choke adjustment mechanism is operable to independently move each of the plurality of roller blocks to independently adjust a position of each of the plurality of rollers, and the method further comprises the steps of: independently adjusting a position of each roller based on the measured pressure or force values obtained using the sensor device.

23. The method of claim 19, wherein, The internal lumen of the compressible fluid conduit is adapted to receive fluid including blood.

Images