A peristaltic pump and method

Abstract

Disclosed is a peristaltic pump comprising a housing defining a pressing surface, a rotor assembly within the housing comprising a plurality of moveable pressing members and a drive portion configured to be connected to a drive unit, the rotor assembly having engaged and disengaged positions where the pressing members 34a,b are extended or retracted respectively, the rotor assembly configured such that when rotated in one direction the pressing members are extended and the assembly is in the engaged position, and when rotated in the other direction the assembly moves into the disengaged position with the pressing members retracted. The pressing members may be hingedly connected to the assembly and may be actuated by a cam connected to the drive portion. The cam plate may be flipped to allow the direction of the pumping to be reversed. Also claimed is a method of operating a pump with the features disclosed.

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