Tubing installation tool for a peristaltic pump and methods of use

Abstract

A peristaltic pump is provided that can comprise a safety switch in order to control an operational parameter of the pump in response to a state of the pump. Additionally, methods are provided for maintaining and replacing tubing of the pump. A tubing installation tool is also provided for handling industrial tubing during installation or removal of the tubing from a pump.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 080,642, filed Jul. 14, 2008, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field of the Inventions[0003]The present inventions relate generally to peristaltic pumps. More particularly, the present inventions relate to a uniquely-configured peristaltic pump tubing installation tool and related methods of pump maintenance, such as replacing pump tubing.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]A peristaltic pump typically has one or more rollers that rotate and urge material through a flexible tubing, but may have other configurations. If a plurality of rollers is used, the rollers are spaced circumferentially evenly apart and are mounted on a rotating carrier that moves the rollers in a circle. A length of flexible tubing is placed between the roller(s) and a semi-circular wall. In medical applications, the tubing can be a relative...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0019]Various embodiments of a tubing installation tool are disclosed herein for facilitating installation of a tubing assembly in a peristaltic pump. For example, in an embodiment a tubing installation tool can be provided that comprises a handle portion and an engagement portion. The engagement portion can extend from the handle portion and comprise an interior cavity that defines a longitudinal axis. The interior cavity can be attachable with a connector of the tubing assembly. The interior cavity can comprise at least one slot formed therein for engaging a protrusion of the connector. Further, the engagement portion can comprise an opening formed along a s

Problems solved by technology

Over time, the high pressures at the pump outlet can wear on the tubing and result in the development of small pinholes in the tubing.

If unnoticed, the pinholes can grow and eventually result in failure of the tubing.

Ruptured tubing can lead to internal leakage and the cessation of proper function.

When the pump is used to move a corrosive chemical, such as chlorine, internal leakage can be particularly hazardous.

As the chemical comes into contact with the pump components, the pump may become irreparably damaged.

This is a serious shortcoming because the costs associated with replacement of the pump can be very substantial.

When tubing is replaced, the placement of the tubing underneath the rollers of the pump can be a very difficult task, e

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