Perfusion pump with automatic blockage detection and control adjustment

Abstract

A roller pump comprising a pump head, a blockage adjustment mechanism, and a sensor assembly, wherein the pump head is operably connected to be driven by a pump drive unit and includes a pump stator and a pump rotor, the pump rotor is rotatably arranged within the pump stator and the pump rotor includes one or more rollers, each roller being connected to a roller block that is radially movable with respect to the central axis of the pump head, the blockage adjustment mechanism is connected to the roller block of each roller and operates to move each roller block radially with respect to the central axis of the pump head, compressing and partially blocking a compressible fluid conduit located in a raceway, and the sensor assembly is configured to measure the pressure exerted by the roller block of at least one roller when the compressible fluid conduit is compressed by one or more rollers.

Description

Background Art

[0001] [Field of the Disclosure]

[0002]

[0001] This disclosure relates broadly to the field of roller pumps for use in medical devices such as cardiopulmonary bypass machines, ECMO machines, other cardiopulmonary bypass devices, and extracorporeal circulation machines used in dialysis. More specifically, the field of this disclosure can be construed as being directed to occlusion mechanisms for roller pumps used in cardiopulmonary bypass machines, ECMO machines, other cardiopulmonary bypass devices, and extracorporeal circulation machines used in dialysis. [Description of Related Art]

[0003]

[0002] Roller pumps (also called peristaltic pumps) are used to circulate blood in the medical and surgical fields in extracorporeal circulation machines such as dialysis machines, and in cardiopulmonary bypass machines such as cardiopulmonary bypass machines and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) machines. A roller pump pumps a fluid such as blood by positive displacement using a rotating roller that occludes a flexible tube. With respect to cardiopulmonary bypass machines, multiple roller pumps can be used as part of the perfusion circuit to provide aortic root aspiration, vent aspiration, a myocardial protection fluid pump for blood delivery, and a systemic blood delivery pump. However, roller pumps can also be used in other environments, such as when used with a dialyzer or as a pump for intravenous (IV) infusion to a patient.

[0004]

[0003] A roller pump is a simple device that produces a constant flow rate and uses disposable tubing as the fluid delivery path. A roller pump generally includes a pump drive unit and a pump head, the pump drive unit being connected to drive the rotation of the pump head to pressurize the fluid. The pump head includes a pump stator and a pump rotor, the pump stator forming a housing that defines an inner surface, i.e., a raceway, against which one or more fluid flow tubes are compressed by rollers connected to the pump rotor. As the pump rotor rotates due to the rotation of a drive shaft connected to the pump rotor, the rollers connected to the pump rotor press the fluid tubes against the inner surface of the pump stator, and the rolling of the rollers along the tubes pushes the fluid in the tubes in the direction of rotation of the pump rotor. The amount of compression (i.e., blockage) of the fluid tubes by the pump rollers needs to be adjusted, for example, to accommodate subtle manufacturing differences in tube diameter due to differences in suppliers or to accommodate the use of tubes of different sizes.

[0005]

[0004] Since the fluid flowing through the tube may contain blood, it is important that the degree of compression of the tube during roller rotation and pumping can be adjusted. If the compression is complete and the tube wall collapses completely during compression, the red blood cells in the pumped blood may lyse, reducing the suitability of the pumped blood for use. On the other hand, if the compression is insufficient and the tube wall is not sufficiently compressed while the pump rotor rotates, insufficient flow or backflow may occur. Therefore, given that fluid tubes of different diameters may be used in roller pumps, it is necessary that the amount of compression exerted on the tube by the rollers and raceway during the rotation of the pump rotor can be adjusted.

[0006]

[0005] The ability of a roller to adjust the amount of compression exerted on a fluid tube within a raceway is known in the industry as "occlusion," a term that describes the degree to which the tube is compressed, or occluded, between the roller and the raceway surface during the rotation of the pump rotor. Roller pumps are generally equipped with an occlusion adjustment mechanism, which increases occlusion by turning a knob in one direction or rotating another assembly to move the roller radially outward, i.e., closer to the inner surface of the pump stator, and decreases occlusion by turning it radially inward, i.e., further away from the inner surface, by turning it in the opposite direction. For this reason, when the pump roller is completely away from the fluid tube in the raceway, it is necessary to move the pump roller quickly to engage it with the tube in the raceway. After the pump roller is engaged with the fluid tube in the raceway, it is necessary to move the roller in small steps to fine-tune the degree of occlusion. Once the fine-tuning of the degree of occlusion is complete, the increment is partially fixed for the duration of the pumping process. The increment of the pump roller can be evaluated as the gap distance between the roller and the corresponding portion of the fluid tube path. Furthermore, all rollers in a roller pump are required to maintain the same amount of compression relative to the fluid tube.

[0007]

[0006] Force is required to compress the fluid tube to obtain the desired amount of occlusion. The force required by the user to obtain the desired amount of tube compression is usually directly related to the compressive force of the tube. Conventional operating mechanisms for the occlusion adjustment mechanism of a roller pump (e.g., thumb wheel operating mechanism) have low mechanical gain and are unusable due to factors such as glove damage and the need for numerous wheel adjustments. This is undesirable.

[0008]

[0007] The occlusion level of a peristaltic blood pump must be precisely adjusted to efficiently move blood through the tube without damaging the blood. High synchronization between the occlusion rollers is required to reduce the pressure difference in the discharge pressure. For this reason, variations in tube diameter are currently used to obtain the desired results.

[0009]

[0008] A commonly used method for setting the occlusion of a blood pump is to count the drip rate of the fluid column in the tubular loop. Then, the occlusion mechanism of the roller pump is manually adjusted to obtain a predetermined drip rate (corresponding to the desired occlusion level). This method is time-consuming and can only be performed when the pump is stopped. Adjustments during use, such as addressing a decrease in tubular consistency due to rising temperature, cannot be achieved.

[0010]

[0009] Many perfusion pumps have a central knob for manually setting the blockage, but in any case the rollers move together. It is not possible to adjust only one roller individually to compensate for differences in synchronization between rollers that may arise due to manufacturing tolerances. This difference is determined solely by the precision of the parts themselves.

[0011]

[0010] Figure 1 shows a conventional blockage adjustment mechanism 2 incorporated into the pump head 3 of a roller pump, which moves the pump rollers linearly. The pump head 3 includes a pump rotor 4 rotatably arranged 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 blockage adjustment mechanism 2 includes a knob 12 that can be manually rotated to rotate an elongated rod 14. A tapered drive piston 16 is screw-connected to the elongated rod 14, and the rotation of the elongated rod 14 causes the tapered drive piston 16 to move along the elongated rod 14. As the tapered drive piston 16 moves along the elongated rod 14, the tapered drive piston 16 pushes the plurality of roller blocks 10, causing the roller blocks 10 to move linearly and uniformly radially with respect to the central axis of the pump head 3. Therefore, the knob 12 of this system is connected to the threads (not shown) of an elongated rod 14, which advances the wedge (i.e., the tapered drive piston) to drive the roller 8 toward the circumferential surface of the stator 6 that defines the raceway of the tube around the housing. For an image showing how the tube may be positioned in the raceway of the roller pump, see U.S. Patent Application Publication U.S. 2014 / 0127063 A1 (this document is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). A disadvantage associated with the tapered drive piston 16 is that maintaining the positional symmetry of the roller 8 relies on high-precision machining of the wedge side and the components that abut it.

[0012]

[0011] Therefore, in roller pumps used as cardiac pumps in cardiopulmonary bypass machines and the like, there is a need for an obstruction adjustment mechanism that enables individual operation of each roller, allows adjustment of obstruction caused by each roller, and allows for independent fine adjustment of each pump roller. The purpose of this disclosure is to describe embodiments of devices and methods for obstruction adjustment in roller pumps and the like that use such an obstruction adjustment mechanism.

[0013] Summary of Disclosure

[0014]

[0012] In one embodiment or aspect not limited to the present disclosure, a roller pump includes a pump head operably connected to be driven by a pump drive assembly, the pump head including: a pump stator having an inner surface and defining a raceway; a pump rotor rotatably disposed within the pump stator, comprising one or more rollers, each roller connected to a respective roller block that is radially movable with respect to the central axis of the pump head; a occlusion adjustment mechanism connected to the roller block of each roller, which operates to move each roller block radially with respect to the central axis of the pump head, compressing and partially occluding a compressible fluid conduit located within the raceway; and a sensor configuration configured to measure the pressure or force exerted by the rollers when the compressible fluid conduit is compressed by one or more rollers.

[0015]

[0013] In one embodiment or aspect not limited to the present disclosure, the encoder may be configured to compare the pressure or force exerted by the roller block of each roller as measured by the sensor configuration to determine whether the pressure difference is equal to zero. If a predetermined pressure limit is exceeded, the encoder may be configured to readjust the position of the roller block of the roller. The sensor configuration may include at least one pressure sensor configured to measure the pressure or force exerted by the roller block of each roller. The encoder may be configured to receive pressure or force measurements from each force sensor and to compare the difference between the measurements to a zero difference. Cable passages may be defined in the pump head to receive wiring from the sensor configuration. Slip rings may be operably connected between the pump rotor and the pump stator to enable signal and power transmission between the pump rotor and the pump stator. The rollers may be actuated using linear actuators. The linear actuators may be configured to adjust based on the pressure or force measured by the sensor configuration. Each linear actuator may be provided with a wedge member that holds a pressure sensor of the sensor assembly, and when the linear actuator is operated, the wedge member may be configured to press the pressure sensor against the respective roller block. Each linear actuator may be provided with a threaded member, and when the threaded member is rotated, the respective wedge member may move up and down, moving the pressure sensor closer to or further away from the respective roller block. The linear actuators may be located on the uppermost surface of the pump head. The sensor assembly may be configured to continuously measure the pressure or force exerted by the roller block of each roller. The roller blocks may be configured to press against a fluid tube led through the pump head to move the fluid within the fluid tube. The sensor assembly may be operably connected to a slip ring located on the pump head. The sensor assembly may be operably connected to a pair of linear actuators configured to direct the sensor assembly toward and away from the roller block, and each linear actuator may be operably connected to an encoder.The pump head may be provided with at least one spring, which may be configured to return the roller block to its return position after the sensor assembly has measured pressure or force. Each roller block is independently movable radially with respect to the central axis of the pump head, so that the movement and position of each roller are independently adjusted by the blockage adjustment mechanism based on the pressure or force measurements provided by the sensor assembly.

[0016]

[0014] In one embodiment or aspect not limited to the present disclosure, a method for adjusting the occlusion of a compressible fluid conduit in a pump head may include the following steps: 1. Positioning the compressible fluid conduit in a raceway of a roller pump head, the raceway being defined by the inner surface of the stator of the roller pump head, and the fluid conduit containing a lumen through which fluid flows; 2. Operating an occlusion adjustment mechanism of the roller pump head to move a plurality of roller blocks of the roller pump head radially with respect to the central axis of the pump head, thereby compressing the compressible fluid conduit between a plurality of rollers connected to the plurality of roller blocks, thereby partially occluding the lumen of the compressible fluid conduit; 3. Using a sensor configuration located within the pump head, measuring a value of pressure or force applied to each roller block of the roller pump; 4. Adjusting the position of one or more rollers based on one or more pressure or force values ​​obtained by the sensor configuration.

[0017]

[0015] In one embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure that is not limited thereto, the method may include the step of comparing the difference in pressure or force exerted by each roller block and determining whether the difference is equal to zero. If the difference is not equal to zero, the method may include the step of adjusting the blockage adjustment mechanism. The blockage adjustment mechanism is operable to move each roller block of a plurality of roller blocks independently and to adjust the position of each roller of the plurality of rollers independently, and the method may further include the following steps: Adjusting the position of each roller independently based on the measured pressure or force value obtained using a sensor configuration. The lumen of the compressible fluid conduit may be adapted to receive a fluid including blood.

[0018]

[0016] Next, non-limiting examples of embodiments of the present disclosure are described in the following numbered clauses.

[0019]

[0017] Clause 1: A roller pump comprising a pump head, a blockage adjustment mechanism, and a sensor configuration, wherein the pump head comprises a pump stator having an inner surface and defining a raceway, and a pump stator operably connected to be driven by a pump drive unit, and comprising one or more rollers, each roller connected to a respective roller block that is radially movable with respect to the central axis of the pump head, the blockage adjustment mechanism being connected to the roller block of each roller and operating to move each roller block radially with respect to the central axis of the pump head, thereby compressing and partially blocking a compressible fluid conduit located in the raceway, and the sensor configuration being configured to measure the pressure or force exerted by the roller block of at least one roller when the compressible fluid conduit is compressed by one or more rollers.

[0020]

[0018] Clause 2: The roller pump according to Clause 1, further comprising an encoder, the encoder configured to compare the pressure or force exerted by the roller block of each roller as measured by the sensor assembly to determine whether the pressure difference is equal to zero.

[0021]

[0019] Clause 3: The roller pump according to Clause 2, wherein the encoder is configured to readjust the position of the roller block of the roller if a predetermined pressure or force limit is exceeded.

[0022]

[0020] Clause 4: The roller pump according to any one of Clauses 1 to 3, wherein the sensor configuration comprises at least one pressure sensor configured to measure the pressure or force exerted by the roller block of each roller.

[0023]

[0021] Clause 5: The roller pump according to Clause 4, further comprising an encoder, the encoder configured to receive pressure or force measurements from each force sensor and to compare the difference between the measurements to a zero difference.

[0024]

[0022] Clause 6: A roller pump according to any one of Clauses 1 to 5, wherein the pump head has a defined cable passage for receiving wiring from a sensor component.

[0025]

[0023] Clause 7: A roller pump according to any one of Clauses 1 to 6, further comprising a slip ring, the slip ring being operably connected between the pump rotor and the pump stator, enabling signal transmission and power transmission between them.

[0026]

[0024] Clause 8: A roller pump according to any one of Clauses 1 to 7, wherein the rollers are actuated using linear actuators.

[0027]

[0025] Clause 9: The roller pump according to Clause 8, wherein the linear actuator is configured to be adjusted based on pressure or force measured by a sensor component.

[0028] Clause 10: Each linear actuator is provided with a wedge member for holding the pressure sensor of the sensor assembly. When the linear actuator is actuated, the wedge member is configured to press the pressure sensor against each roller block, the roller pump according to Clause 8.

[0029] Clause 11: Each linear actuator is provided with a screw member. When the screw member is rotated, each wedge member moves up and down to bring the pressure sensor closer to or farther away from each roller block, the roller pump according to Clause 10.

[0030] Clause 12: The linear actuator is located on the uppermost surface of the pump head, the roller pump according to Clause 8.

[0031] Clause 13: The sensor assembly is configured to continuously measure the pressure or force exerted by each roller block of each roller, the roller pump according to any one of Clauses 1 to 12.

[0032] Clause 14: The roller block is configured to press against a fluid tube led through the pump head to move the fluid within the fluid tube, the roller pump according to any one of Clauses 1 to 13.

[0033] Clause 15: The sensor assembly is operably connected to a slip ring located on the pump head, the roller pump according to any one of Clauses 1 to 14.

[0034] Clause 16: The sensor assembly is operably connected to a pair of linear actuators configured to direct the sensor assembly towards and away from the roller block. Each linear actuator is operably connected to an encoder respectively, the roller pump according to any one of Clauses 1 to 15.

[0035]

[0033] Clause 17: The roller pump according to any one of Clauses 1 to 16, further comprising at least one spring in the pump head, the spring configured to return the roller block to its return position after the sensor assembly has measured pressure or force.

[0036]

[0034] Clause 18: Each roller block is independently movable radially with respect to the central axis of the pump head, so that the movement and position of each roller are independently adjusted by the blockage adjustment mechanism based on pressure or force measurements provided by the sensor assembly. A roller pump as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 17.

[0037]

[0035] Clause 19: A method for adjusting the blockage of a compressible fluid conduit in a pump head, the method comprising the steps of: positioning the compressible fluid conduit in a raceway of a roller pump head, the raceway being defined by the inner surface of the stator of the roller pump head, and the fluid conduit containing a lumen 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 with respect to the central axis of the pump head, and compressing the compressible fluid conduit between a plurality of rollers connected to the plurality of roller blocks to partially blockage the lumen of the compressible fluid conduit; measuring a value of pressure or force applied to each roller block of the roller pump using a sensor configuration located in the pump head; and adjusting the position of one or more rollers based on one or more values ​​of pressure or force applied obtained by the sensor configuration.

[0038]

[0036] Clause 20: The method of Clause 19, which involves comparing the difference in pressure or force exerted by each roller block and determining whether the difference is equal to zero.

[0039]

[0037] Clause 21: The method of Clause 19 or Clause 20, wherein the blockage adjustment mechanism is adjusted when the difference is not equal to a zero difference.

[0040]

[0038] Clause 22: The method according to any one of Clauses 19 to 21, wherein the blockage adjustment mechanism is operable to move each roller block of a plurality of roller blocks independently to independently adjust the position of each roller of the plurality of rollers, the method further comprising the step of independently adjusting the position of each roller based on a measured pressure or force value obtained using a sensor configuration.

[0041]

[0039] Clause 23: The method according to any one of Clauses 19 to 22, wherein the lumen of a compressible fluid conduit is adapted to receive a fluid containing blood.

[0042]

[0040] These and other features and characteristics of the present technology, as well as the operation and function of the related structural elements, the combination of parts and the economics of manufacture, will become more apparent by considering the following description and the attached claims with reference to the attached drawings (all of which constitute part of this specification, and the same reference numerals in each drawing indicate the corresponding part). However, it should be clearly understood that the drawings are for illustrative and explanatory purposes only and are not intended to define the scope of this disclosure or any invention. In this specification and the claims, the singular forms of the indefinite and definite articles also include the plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0043] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional blockage adjustment mechanism that linearly adjusts the blockage of a roller. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a pump head according to one embodiment or aspect not limited to the present disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the pump head shown in Figure 2, and illustrates the blockage adjustment mechanism that linearly adjusts the blockage of the rollers, located before the rollers are applied. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the pump head shown in Figure 2, illustrating a blockage adjustment mechanism that linearly adjusts the blockage of the roller, with the roller in an intermediate position. [Figure 5]Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the pump head shown in Figure 2, and illustrates the blockage adjustment mechanism that linearly adjusts the blockage of the roller at the position where the roller is applied. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the pump head shown in Figure 2.

[0044] Description of Non-Limiting Embodiments of Disclosure

[0045]

[0047] The illustrations generally show exemplary and non-limiting embodiments of the devices, assemblies, and methods of this disclosure. The descriptions illustrate various embodiments of the devices and assemblies, but should not be construed as limiting this disclosure in any way. Furthermore, modifications, concepts, and applications of embodiments of this disclosure should be construed by those skilled in the art as being included in, but not limited to, the illustrations and descriptions herein.

[0046]

[0048] Furthermore, in the following description, “end,” “top,” “bottom,” “right,” “left,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “lateral,” “longitudinal,” “radial,” and their derivatives are related to this disclosure in terms of orientation in the drawings. “Proximal” refers to the end of a device configured to be operated by a user, or, in the case of an implanted device, the side or end closest to the implantation site when the device is deployed. “Distal” refers to the end of the device opposite to the proximal end and may be the end furthest from the user-operated portion. In the case of an implanted device, the “distal” end of the device is the end furthest from the implantation site. However, it should be understood that this disclosure may take various alternative modifications and steps unless expressly specified otherwise. It should also be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following specification are merely illustrative embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein should not be interpreted restrictively. To facilitate understanding of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings and descriptions illustrate preferred embodiments thereof, thereby enabling understanding and appreciation of the disclosure and its various aspects of structure, configuration, and operation, as well as its many advantages.

[0047]

[0049] In this disclosure, "approximately" refers to a range of ±10% of the stated value.

[0048]

[0050] As shown in Figures 2 and 3-6, the pump head 20 of the roller pump is operably connected to be driven by the pump drive assembly 22 of the roller pump, which includes a pump motor 27 that rotates the pump rotor 30. The pump head 20 includes a pump stator 24 having an inner surface 26 defining a raceway 28 of a fluid tube T (see Figure 2), and a pump rotor 30 rotatably positioned within the pump stator 24. The pump rotor 30 includes a plurality of rollers 32, and while roller pumps used in cardiopulmonary bypass machines typically use two rollers, pump heads with three, six, eight, or other rollers may also be used. Each roller 32 is provided with a roller bearing 33 that allows rotation. The pump rotor 30 includes a plurality of roller blocks 34, and each roller 32 is connected to a respective roller block 34 that is radially movable relative to the central axis 36 of the pump head 20. The pump head 20 also includes an occlusion adjustment mechanism 38 connected to a drive shaft 29 (shown in Figure 6). The blockage adjustment mechanism 38 can be considered an integral component of the pump head 20 and operates to move each roller block 34 radially in a nonlinear and non-uniform manner with respect to the central axis 36 of the pump head. The pump head 20 may also include bearings 23 that allow each component of the rollers 32 and the blockage adjustment mechanism 38 to rotate relative to the stator 24.

[0049]

[0051] The blockage adjustment mechanism 38 is oriented on the central axis 36 of the pump head 20. The range of movement of the roller 32 extends from the position where the roller 32 is fully retracted, which maximizes the gap in the raceway 28, to the position where the roller 32 is fully extended toward the inner circumferential surface 26 of the stator 24, which minimizes the gap in the raceway.

[0050]

[0052] Referring to Figures 3-6, in one embodiment or aspect, the pump head 20 may include at least two actuators 100, 102 for adjusting the position of rollers 32 provided on the pump 20. A sensor assembly 104 may be operably connected to each roller mechanism and may be a force feedback sensor assembly for measuring the force exerted by the rollers 32 on the tube T. Although two actuators 100, 102 are shown on the pump head 20, it should be understood that fewer or more actuators may be provided to assist the force feedback measurement of the sensor assembly 104. In one embodiment, the actuators 100, 102 are operably connected to the uppermost surface of the pump head 20. In one embodiment, the actuators 100, 102 may be linear actuators including lead screws (screw members) that can extend from or retract inward from the actuators 100, 102.

[0051]

[0053] In one embodiment or configuration, each actuator 100, 102 may be operably connected to wedge members 106, 108. The lead screw of each actuator 100, 102 may be operably connected to the respective wedge members 106, 108. When the lead screw of each actuator 100, 102 rotates in a first direction (for example, clockwise), the respective wedge members 106, 108 may move downward away from the respective actuators 100, 102. When the lead screw of each actuator 100, 102 rotates in a second direction (for example, counterclockwise), the respective wedge members 106, 108 may move upward toward the respective actuators 100, 102.

[0052]

[0054] In one embodiment or aspect, the movement of the wedge members 106, 108 is configured to cause the movement of the respective sensor holders 110, 112, which are held within the pump head 20 adjacent to or near the tube T. The pump head 20 may include at least two sensor holders 110, 112 adjacent to or near the tube T and on the opposite side of the pump head 20. Each sensor holder 110, 112 may be sized and configured to hold the corresponding force sensors 114, 116 within the cavity defined within 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 with respect to the central axis 36 of the pump head 20. In one embodiment or aspect, the diameter of the uppermost part of each sensor holder 110, 112 may be smaller than the diameter of the bottom part, and the diameter of the sensor holder 110, 112 may widen from the top to the bottom. As the lead screws of each actuator 100, 102 move their respective wedge members 106, 108, the wedge members 106, 108 press against the inclined or angled inner surfaces of their respective sensor holders 110, 112. As the wedge members 106, 108 slide along the inclined or angled inner surfaces of the sensor holders 110, 112, the sensor holders 110, 112 are pushed or moved toward the roller 32, causing the force sensors 114, 116 to make working contact with the roller 32 and move the roller 32 radially outward. When the force sensors 114, 116 are moved to a position adjacent to or in contact with the roller 32, they may be configured to measure the force with which the occluding roller 32 presses against the tube T.

[0053]

[0055] In one embodiment, encoders 124, 126, operably connected (wired or wirelessly) to the pump head 20 and, for example, operably connected to actuators 100, 102, can compare measurements recorded by force sensors 114, 116. If the force values ​​from both force sensors 114, 116 are compared and there is a difference exceeding a predetermined limit, the actuators 100, 102 readjust the position of the occlusion roller 32. This sensor configuration allows for high-precision adjustment of the occlusion (the distance between the roller 32 and the raceway 28). After the force sensors 114, 116 have provided the desired force measurements, the lead screws of each actuator 100, 102 can be rotated in opposite directions to move the wedge members 106, 108 (and force sensors 114, 116) away from the occlusion roller 32. As the lead screw is rotated further, springs 118 and 120, which are operably connected to one of the wedge members 106 and 108, are configured to assist in the movement of separating the wedge members 106 and 108 from the sensor holders 110 and 112.

[0054]

[0056] Referring to Figures 3-5, according to one embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure, the pump head 20 may also include a passage 122 extending between the uppermost and bottom portions of the pump head 20. The passage 122 may be configured to receive and hold cables connecting force sensors 114, 116, linear actuators 100, 102, and encoders 124, 126 operably connected to each linear actuator 100, 102, as well as an encoder 125 provided on 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 slip rings 128 located and held within the passage 122. The encoders 124, 126 are provided to transmit information to a controller (not shown), and the information recorded by the encoders 124, 126 relates to the rotation angle of the pump rotor 4 and the rotation speed of the pump rotor 4.

[0055]

[0057] While the apparatus and methods have been described with reference to specific embodiments within this disclosure, those skilled in the art will understand that additions, deletions, substitutions, and improvements 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, a blockage adjustment mechanism, and a sensor component, The pump head is operably connected to be driven by a pump drive assembly and includes a pump stator and a pump rotor. The pump stator has an inner circumferential surface and defines a raceway, The pump rotor is rotatably arranged within the pump stator, and the pump rotor includes one or more rollers, each roller being connected to a roller block that is radially movable with respect to the central axis of the pump head. The blockage adjustment mechanism is operably connected to the roller block of each roller, and operates to move each roller block radially relative to the central axis of the pump head, thereby compressing and partially blocking the compressible fluid conduit located within the raceway. A roller pump, wherein the sensor configuration is configured to measure the pressure or force exerted by one or more rollers when a compressible fluid conduit is compressed by the rollers.

2. The roller pump according to claim 1, further comprising an encoder, wherein the encoder is configured to compare the pressure or force exerted by each roller as measured by the sensor assembly and to determine whether the pressure or force is greater than the zero difference.

3. The roller pump according to claim 2, wherein the encoder is configured to command the blockage adjustment mechanism to readjust the position of the roller block of the roller when the zero difference is exceeded.

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

5. The roller pump according to claim 4, further comprising an encoder, the encoder configured to receive pressure or force measurements from each force sensor, and to compare the difference between the pressure or force measurements with a zero difference.

6. The roller pump according to claim 1, wherein the pump head has a defined cable passage for receiving wiring from the sensor component.

7. The roller pump according to claim 1, further comprising a slip ring, the slip ring being operably connected between the pump rotor and the pump stator, enabling signal transmission and power transmission between the pump rotor and the pump stator.

8. The roller pump according to claim 1, wherein the roller is operated using a linear actuator.

9. The roller pump according to claim 8, wherein the linear actuator is configured to be adjusted based on pressure or force measured by the sensor assembly.

10. The roller pump according to claim 8, wherein each linear actuator is provided with a wedge member for holding the pressure sensor of the sensor assembly, and when the linear actuator is operated, the wedge member is configured to press the pressure sensor against the respective roller block.

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

12. The roller pump according to claim 8, wherein the linear actuator is located on the uppermost surface of the pump head.

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

14. The roller pump according to claim 1, wherein the roller is configured to press against a fluid tube guided through the pump head, thereby moving the fluid within the fluid tube.

15. The roller pump according to claim 1, wherein the sensor component is operably connected to a slip ring located on the pump head.

16. The roller pump according to claim 1, wherein the sensor assembly is operably connected to a pair of linear actuators configured to direct the roller toward the inner circumferential surface and away from the inner circumferential surface, and each of the linear actuators is operably connected to an encoder.

17. The roller pump according to claim 1, wherein the pump head is further provided with at least one spring, the at least one spring is configured to return the roller block to its return position after the sensor assembly has measured pressure or force.

18. The roller pump according to claim 1, wherein each roller block is independently movable radially with respect to the central axis of the pump head, so that the movement and position of each roller are independently adjusted by the blockage adjustment mechanism based on pressure or force measurements provided by the sensor assembly.

19. A method for adjusting the blockage of a compressible fluid conduit within a pump head, Steps include: positioning 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 pump head, and the fluid conduit includes a lumen through which the fluid flows; A step of operating the blockage adjustment mechanism of the roller pump head, wherein the plurality of roller blocks of the pump head are moved radially with respect to the central axis of the pump head, and the compressible fluid conduit is compressed between the plurality of rollers connected to the plurality of roller blocks, thereby partially blocking the lumen of the compressible fluid conduit. A step of measuring the pressure or force applied to each roller of the roller pump using a sensor configuration located within the pump head, The steps include adjusting the position of one or more rollers based on one or more pressure or force values ​​obtained by the sensor assembly, A method that includes this.

20. The method according to claim 19, comprising comparing the difference in pressure or force exerted by each roller and determining whether the difference exceeds zero.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein the blocking adjustment mechanism is adjusted when the difference exceeds the upper limit of the maximum pressure or force.

22. The method according to claim 19, wherein the blockage adjustment mechanism is operable to move each roller block of the plurality of roller blocks independently to independently adjust the position of each roller of the plurality of rollers, and further includes the step of independently adjusting the position of each roller based on the measured pressure or force value obtained using the sensor configuration.

23. The method according to claim 19, wherein the lumen of the compressible fluid conduit is adapted to receive a fluid containing blood.

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