Patents by Inventor Nancy Ashburn

Nancy Ashburn has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8905730
    Abstract: A peristaltic pump comprises a pump unit including a pump which receives a replaceable tube. The tube has a transponder, for example an RFID tag, which carries data relating to the tube, which can be read by a reader of the pump unit. On the basis of a comparison between the tube data on the RFID tag and control data held in a memory of the reader, the reader permits operation of the pump unit if the tube data is compatible with the control data, but prevents such operation if the tube data is incompatible with the control data, for example indicting that an incorrect tube has been fitted, or the tube is approaching the end of its predicted operational life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Watson-Marlow Limited
    Inventor: Nancy Ashburn
  • Publication number: 20120027622
    Abstract: A peristaltic pump comprises a pump unit including a pump which receives a replaceable tube. In operation, the pump unit applies a peristaltic action to the tube to induce fluid flow between inlet and outlet ends of the tube. The tube has a transponder, for example an RFID tag, which carries data relating to the tube. The pump unit has a reader which is capable of reading the data on the RFID tag. On the basis of a comparison between the tube data on the RFID tag and control data held in a memory of the reader, the reader outputs a control signal to operating means of the pump unit which permits operation of the pump unit if the tube data is compatible with the control data, but prevents such operation if the tube data is incompatible with the control data, for example indicting that an incorrect tube has been fitted, or the tube is approaching the end of its predicted operational life.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: Watson-Marlow Limited
    Inventor: Nancy Ashburn