Cassette having elastomeric clamping ribs

Abstract

A cassette having a molded flow channel contained on an elastomeric sheet that is bonded or mechanically attached to a rigid substrate. A surgical console contains a cassette receiving area having a pump head with rollers that are mounted radially from the axis of rotation of the pump motor and compress the elastomeric flow channels against the rigid substrate. The cassette is held in place against the pump head by a latching mechanism that draws the cassette against the pump head. The periphery of the elastomeric sheet contains a raised ridge or boss integrally formed as part of the elastomeric sheet at or near the area(s) of the elastomeric sheet that is / are subject to high transient or static pressures. The ridge allows the elastomeric sheet to be firmly pressed against the cassette receiving portion of the surgical console, yet still allow the cassette to be drawn against the pump head. The firm engagement of the sheet ridge against the cassette receiving portion of the surgical console helps to ensure that the elastomeric sheet does not become dislodged when the cassette is exposed to high transient pressures.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to peristaltic pumps and more specifically to fluidic cassettes used in ophthalmic surgical equipment. [0002] Most prior art peristaltic pumps work by compressing or squeezing a length of flexible tubing (sometimes between a fixed race) using a rotating roller head. As the roller head rotates, the rollers pinch off a portion of the tubing and push any fluid trapped in the tubing between the rollers in the direction of rotation. Peristaltic pumps are widely used in medical applications because of their predictable, constant flow properties. These prior art systems, however, typically require manual connection of the pump tube segment around the rotating roller head. [0003] Prior art peristaltic pumps using rotating roller heads also typically impart unwanted pressure pulsations. Several pulsation damping devices have been developed to address this problem (see e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,921,477 (Davis)). [0004] Ano...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a peristaltic pump with molded elastomeric flow channels that are bonded or mechanically attached to a rigid substrate. The cassette is held in place against the pump head by a latching mechanism that draws the cassette against the pump head. The elastomeric sheet contains a raised ridge or boss that helps to ensure that the elastomeric sheet does not become dislodged when the cassette is exposed to high transient pressures. The invention has advantages such as using molded elastomeric flow channels, having radially oriented pump rollers, and compressing elastomeric flow channels against a rigid substrate. The cassette is designed to fit to a rigid substrate so that the elastomeric sheet does not become dislodged when exposed to high transient pressures.

Problems solved by technology

These prior art systems, however, typically require manual connection of the pump tube segment around the rotating roller head.

Prior art peristaltic pumps using rotating roller heads also typically impart unwanted pressure pulsations.

These high positive pressures can be as high as 700 mm Hg and have the potential to cause failure at the elastomer / substrate interface if a friction fit construction technique is used.

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