Abstract: A peristaltic pumping apparatus and associated method to control power to the pump rotor to establish, during a preestablished first time period, a selected first angular velocity and sequentially establishing during a preestablished second time period immediately following the first time period a second angular velocity different than the first angular velocity. In this fashion, the apparatus and method achieve flow rates well below the minimum continuous flow rate of the rotor.

Abstract: A self-loading peristaltic pumping apparatus includes a pump race for receiving a tubing loop, a pump rotor carrying a roller, and a drive mechanism for rotating the rotor within the pump race. The apparatus also includes a roller locating mechanism that moves the pump roller between a retracted position, free of contact with the received tubing loop, and an extended position, at least partially within the pump race for operative contact with the received tubing loop. The apparatus includes at least one tubing guide element carried by the rotor. The guide element extends from the rotor at least partially into the pump race. The guide element serves during rotation of the rotor with the roller in its retracted position, for contacting the received tubing loop to orient the tubing loop within the pump race.