Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for pumping fluids at desired average flow rates by applying a predetermined force to a pump chamber and pulsing an outlet valve of the pump chamber to deliver a fluid therefrom. In some embodiments, pump chambers are provided within removable pumping cartridges that are constructed and configured to be coupled to a reusable pump drive component. In other embodiments, the pumping cartridges include multiple pump chambers, which pump chambers are operated so that a pump flow rate of one pump chamber is a predetermined fraction of the pump flow rate of another pump chamber within the pumping cartridge.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for pumping fluids at desired average flow rates by applying a predetermined force to a pump chamber and pulsing an outlet valve of the pump chamber to deliver a fluid therefrom. In some embodiments, pump chambers are provided within removable pumping cartridges that are constructed and configured to be coupled to a reusable pump drive component. In other embodiments, the pumping cartridges include multiple pump chambers, which pump chambers are operated so that a pump flow rate of one pump chamber is a predetermined fraction of the pump flow rate of another pump chamber within the pumping cartridge.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for pumping fluids at desired average flow rates by applying a predetermined force to a pump chamber and pulsing an outlet valve of the pump chamber to deliver a fluid therefrom. In some embodiments, pump chambers are provided within removable pumping cartridges that are constructed and configured to be coupled to a reusable pump drive component. In other embodiments, the pumping cartridges include multiple pump chambers, which pump chambers are operated so that a pump flow rate of one pump chamber is a predetermined fraction of the pump flow rate of another pump chamber within the pumping cartridge.

Abstract: Reusable pump drive systems are disclosed that utilize pressurized fluids for creating a force on a flexible or moveable surface of a pump chamber of a pumping cartridge. One such system includes a variable sized orifice valve included as part of a fluid supply system, which valve is able to selectively control a fluid pressure applied to the surface of a pump chamber. Other such systems include a switch valve, which is configured to select a first or second fluid supply source within the system for applying a desired pressure to the surface of a pump chamber.

Abstract: Pumping cartridges are disclosed for use in pumping systems. One such cartridge includes a series of fluid flow paths therein and a bypass valve therein, the bypass valve can selectively block fluid flow along one or both of two fluid flow paths through the valve. In some embodiments, the pumping cartridges are removable from a reusable pump drive component. In some embodiments the pumping cartridges comprise a substantially rigid component having one or more channels and/or depressions therein covered by a membrane so that together the rigid component and the membrane define a series of fluid flow paths, pump chambers and fluidic valves, including a bypass valve.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for detecting the presence of a gas in a pump chamber of a pumping system. The methods, and systems employing the methods, involve isolating a pump chamber from its surroundings, for example by closing an inlet and outlet valve on lines to and from the chamber, and determining the volume of the pump chamber with a force applied to a moveable or flexible surface of the pump chamber. The volume of the pump chamber is then redetermined in a similar fashion but with a second, different level of force applied to the surface of the pump chamber. The volumes thus determined can then be compared to detect the presence of a gas in the pump chamber.