Elongated Flexible Chamber Wall Progressively Deformed Patents (Class 417/474)
  • Patent number: 8197234
    Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator for a microfluidic pump of the type that causes periodic pinching and releasing against the walls of a fluidic channel, e.g., a tube. At least one permanent magnet is placed against the walls of the fluidic channel, and located in an area with magnetic fields, produced by coils that are radially symmetric to the channel. The permanent magnet is cause to press and release against the wall of the fluid channel to cause a fluid flow through the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Morteza Gharib, Derek Rinderknecht, Mladen Barbic
  • Patent number: 8186973
    Abstract: A tubular fluid pump is provided. The pump includes a chamber for receiving and discharging fluid, and a squeezing mechanism for pumping fluid through the chamber. The chamber has a first end with a first opening, a second end with a second opening, and a length of resilient tubular material extending between the first and second openings. One-way valves disposed at the openings cooperate to permit fluid to pass through the chamber in only one axial direction. The squeezing mechanism includes a substantially rigid base and a substantially rigid displaceable actuator. The tubular material is mounted on the base of the squeezing mechanism, and the actuator is aligned to alternately squeeze the tubular material against the base to pump fluid out of the chamber, and release the tubular material from the base to draw fluid into the chamber. A steam appliance incorporating a one-way tubular pump is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Euro-Pro Operating LLC
    Inventors: Maximilian Rosenzweig, Ognjen Vrdoljak
  • Patent number: 8167592
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a rotor assembly for a peristaltic pump. The pump includes a first rotor having a plurality of rollers and a second rotor, coupled to the first rotor, having a plurality of rollers. The rollers of the first and second rotors are located at an angle of about 45° relative to each other. In an embodiment, the first rotor and the second rotor are circular. In another embodiment, the rollers of the first rotor are equally spaced or located at an angle, about 90°, relative to each other. In yet another embodiment, the rollers of the second rotor are equally spaced or located at an angle, about 90°, relative to each other. A peristaltic pump and a method of supplying fluid to a surgical area are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventor: Cemal Shener-Irmakoglu
  • Patent number: 8157546
    Abstract: A fluid transporting device is of a writhing type for transporting a fluid continuously. The fluid transporting device comprises a plurality of push pins arranged along a tube and radially on a concentric arc for squeezing a portion of the tube through which the fluid is fed and having elasticity substantially at right angles, and rollers for pushing those push pins sequentially from the inlet side to the outlet side of the fluid. With this structure, it is possible to provide a thin, small fluid transporting device for continuing a stable flow rate, and a fluid transporter having the fluid transporting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Hajime Miyazaki, Kazuo Kawasumi, Kenichi Ushikoshi
  • Publication number: 20120082576
    Abstract: A pressure monitoring system allows for more accurate and reliable measurement of the pressure inside of a tube in a pump. The pressure monitoring system prevents movement of the tubing or a change in size of the tubing due to external forces applied to the pump, eliminating inaccuracies due to handling of the pump during use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventors: Kent Beck, Philip Eggers, Larry Walker
  • Publication number: 20120063923
    Abstract: A method for enhancing peristaltic pumping in a tube type infusion pump is provided. The method includes providing an adhesion region on a pumping finger of an infusion pump for creating an adhesion between the pumping finger and a pumping segment of the infusion pump such that when the pumping finger is moved from an occluded position to an initial position the adhesion forcibly restores the pumping segment from an occluded state to a non occluded state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventor: Jeff LY
  • Patent number: 8129176
    Abstract: The invention relates to a microfabricated device for the rapid detection of DNA, proteins or other molecules associated with a particular disease. The devices and methods of the invention can be used for the simultaneous diagnosis of multiple diseases by detecting molecules (e.g. amounts of molecules), such as polynucleotides (e.g., DNA) or proteins (e.g., antibodies), by measuring the signal of a detectable reporter associated with hybridized polynucleotides or antigen/antibody complex. In the microfabricated device according to the invention, detection of the presence of molecules (i.e., polynucleotides, proteins, or antigen/antibody complexes) are correlated to a hybridization signal from an optically-detectable (e.g. fluorescent) reporter associated with the bound molecules. These hybridization signals can be detected by any suitable means, for example optical, and can be stored for example in a computer as a representation of the presence of a particular gene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Stephen R. Quake, Hou-Pu Chou
  • Patent number: 8114276
    Abstract: A dialysis machine includes a dialysis instrument having a pump actuator and first and second valve actuators, and a disposable cassette operable with the dialysis instrument, the disposable cassette including a pump portion operable with the pump actuator, first and second valve chambers operable with the first and second valve actuators, the first and second valve chambers communicating fluidly with each other, at least the first valve chamber communicating fluidly with a compliance chamber, the compliance chamber negating a first backpressure due to a pneumatic closing pressure used to close the first valve chamber to help to ensure the pneumatic pressure applied to the first valve chamber will close the first valve chamber against a second backpressure from an existing closure of the second valve chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Robert W. Childers, Thomas D. Kelly, Rodolfo Roger
  • Publication number: 20120034117
    Abstract: In a method and system for forming tubing to achieve at least one predetermined performance characteristic relating to the flow of a flowable material therethrough, a relationship is determined between at least one material characteristic of the tubing material, at least one operating parameter of the tube forming machine, and the at least one predetermined performance characteristic of the tubing. Based on this relationship, at least one operating parameter for operation of the tube forming machine to achieve the at least one predetermined performance characteristic is determined. The at least one operating parameter is input into the tube forming machine and the machine is operated to achieve the at least one predetermined performance characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: ABBOTT LABORATORIES
    Inventors: Mark D. Pfouts, Philip Anthony O'Donnell
  • Publication number: 20120034118
    Abstract: A fluorinated elastic tube includes: an elastic hollow body made of a fluorinated polymer; and an amorphous perfluororesin membrane having a thickness of not greater than 1 ?m and being in direct close contact with the inner surface of the hollow body. The amorphous perfluororesin membrane may have a repeating unit of, for example, formula (1), (2a), or (2b). The fluorinated elastic tube can have further improved durability while ensuring solvent resistance. wherein R1, R2, and R3 are each independently a fluorine atom or a perfluoroalkyl group; p+q+r is an integer of from 1 to 6; p is an integer of from 0 to 5; q is an integer of from 0 to 4; and r is 0 or 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: Haruo Nomi, Hiroyasu Kikukawa
  • Publication number: 20120027624
    Abstract: A fluid transporter which transports fluid by pressing a plurality of radially disposed pressing shafts against a tube held in a circular-arc shape in directions from the inside of the circular-arc shape in accordance with rotation of a rotational pressing plate having a plurality of projections on the outer circumference thereof so as to allow flow of fluid includes: a first detecting section which detects the rotation angle of the rotational pressing plate; a second detecting section which detects the rotation angle of either a driving rotor for giving a rotational force to the rotational pressing plate or a reduction transmission mechanism for connecting the driving rotor and the rotational pressing plate; a data table which shows the relationship between the rotation angle of the rotational pressing plate and a cumulative delivery amount; and a controller which controls the drive of the driving rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hajime Miyazaki, Kazuo Kawasumi
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8096784
    Abstract: A bi-directional continuous peristaltic micro-pump is described. The micro-pump comprises: a substrate, an actuating mechanism and a fluid channel. The actuating mechanism comprises: a first slanted membrane the thickness of which increases progressively from left to right, a first chamber formed between the first slanted membrane and the substrate; and a second slanted membrane, the thickness of which decreases progressively from left to right, the second slanted membrane being located to the first slanted membrane's right side and parallel to the first slanted membrane with a space between the two membranes, a second chamber formed between the second slanted membrane and the substrate. By inflating the first chamber and the second chamber, the first slanted membrane and the second slanted membrane generate a continuous sweeping motion to force the working fluid to flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: National Taiwan Ocean University
    Inventors: Jyh-Jong Sheen, Shang-Chian Su
  • Patent number: 8087909
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a rotor assembly for a peristaltic pump. The pump includes a first rotor having a plurality of rollers and a second rotor, coupled to the first rotor, having a plurality of rollers. The rollers of the first and second rotors are located at an angle of about 45° relative to each other. In an embodiment, the first rotor and the second rotor are circular. In another embodiment, the rollers of the first rotor are equally spaced or located at an angle, about 90°, relative to each other. In yet another embodiment, the rollers of the second rotor are equally spaced or located at an angle, about 90°, relative to each other. A peristaltic pump and a method of supplying fluid to a surgical area are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventor: Cemal Shener
  • Patent number: 8080220
    Abstract: A peristaltic microfluidic pump. The pump comprises a pumping chamber positioned between an inlet and an outlet; a plurality of moveable fingers positioned in a wall of the pumping chamber, the fingers being arranged in a row along the wall; and a plurality of thermal bend actuators. Each actuator is associated with a respective finger such that actuation of the thermal bend actuator causes movement of the respective finger into the pumping chamber. The pump is configured to provide a peristaltic pumping action in the pumping chamber via movement of the fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Gregory John McAvoy, Kia Silverbrook
  • Publication number: 20110305588
    Abstract: A fluid transporter includes: a rotor; a fluid delivery channel which has a groove having a circular-arc shape around a rotation axis of the rotor and disposed on a surface of a channel frame opposed to the rotor, and a sheet-shaped elastic member sealing an opening of the groove; and a plurality of pressing members disposed between the rotor and the elastic member to sequentially and repeatedly open and close the delivery channel from the upstream side to the downstream side by deforming the elastic member in accordance with the rotation of the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Hajime Miyazaki, Kazuo Kawasumi
  • Patent number: 8075855
    Abstract: A MEMS integrated circuit comprising a peristaltic microfluidic pump and control circuitry for the pump. The pump comprises a pumping chamber positioned between an inlet and an outlet; a plurality of moveable fingers positioned in a wall of the pumping chamber, the fingers being arranged in a row along the wall; and a plurality of thermal bend actuators. Each actuator is associated with a respective finger such that actuation of the thermal bend actuator causes movement of the respective finger into the pumping chamber. The control circuitry controls actuation of the plurality of actuators. The control circuitry is configured to provide a peristaltic pumping action in each pumping chamber via peristaltic movement of the fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Gregory John McAvoy, Kia Silverbrook
  • Publication number: 20110286870
    Abstract: An enhancement for a peristaltic pump that, in a particular embodiment, can be a thin concave spring member or other mechanism with at least one tubing notch adapted to be mounted on a peristaltic pump frame such that peristaltic pump tubing can pass through a notch in the spring member, through the peristaltic pump and through a notch in a similar thin concave spring member mounted on an opposite side of said peristaltic pump so that the spring members prevent tube-stretching or deformation of the tubing. Numerous other embodiments are possible. All of the embodiments allow attaching a first and second notched spring-clamp or other tubing holder onto the input and output sides of a peristaltic pump frame; threading peristaltic pump tubing through a notch or other part in a first spring-clamp or tubing holder, through the peristaltic pump and through a notch or other part in a second spring-clamp or tubing holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventor: David Bach
  • Patent number: 8062009
    Abstract: The invention concerns a peristaltic cassette casing comprising a tube housing forming an arc, characterized in that it comprises tube fixing means arranged along said housing so as to prevent the longitudinal displacement of a tube arranged in said housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: SMC—Swiss Medical Care S.A.
    Inventor: Reto Cueni
  • Patent number: 8012555
    Abstract: An improved fluoroplastic lined elastomeric tube that can maintain a stable flow rate while pumping aggressive chemicals in a peristaltic pump for an extended period of time and is fabricated in sizes ranging from 0.5 mm to 100 mm in inside diameter. The inner fluoroplastic liner comprises a composite of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene and a fluoroplastic polymer resulting in improved flex life over single component fluoroplastics. The inventive liner is bonded to either an unreinforced elastomer or a fiber reinforced elastomer for use in both low and high pressure peristaltic pump applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Maztech, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Allen Zumbrum
  • Patent number: 8011905
    Abstract: A surgical system and cassette, the cassette having an identification method that is specific to the cassette. Suitable methods include bar coding or Radio Frequency Identification (“RFID”). Cassette information that may be encoded include features such as lot number and performance characteristics, such as pressure sensor calibration data, flow and pressure data and any other performance characteristics of the cassette captured during testing of the cassette at manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Alexander N. Artsyukhovich, Mikhail Boukhny, Raphael Gordon, Gary P. Sorensen, David Thoe, Ralph E. Svetic, Michael Yadlowsky
  • Patent number: 7985057
    Abstract: The invention relates to a micropump for peristaltic pumping of a liquid medium and to a device which contains a peristaltic micropump and which is for metered administration of a liquid drug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Hans-Peter Haar
  • Publication number: 20110176945
    Abstract: An undulating diaphragm pump having a propulsion chamber for receiving said diaphragm, wherein the diaphragm has mechanical characteristics that vary from an inlet of the propulsion chamber towards an outlet of the propulsion chamber in such a manner that, when the diaphragm is actuated to deform with a traveling wave that propagates from the inlet towards the outlet of the propulsion chamber in order to propel the fluid, the propagation speed of the wave in the diaphragm in any cross-section relative to the movement of the fluid inside the propulsion chamber is equal to or greater than the mean travel speed of the fluid in said section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: AMS R&D SAS
    Inventor: Jean-Baptiste Drevet
  • Publication number: 20110176946
    Abstract: A pump having an undulating diaphragm mounted for undulating between two end plates under drive from at least one electromagnetic actuator in order to transfer a fluid between an inlet of the pump and an outlet of the pump. The pump includes adapter means connecting the diaphragm support to a movable portion of the actuator in order to shorten the stroke of the movable mass of the actuator such that its stroke is shorter than the stroke of the diaphragm support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: AMS R&D SAS
    Inventor: Jean-Baptiste Drevet
  • Patent number: 7966993
    Abstract: A fuel injection pump is provided. The fuel injection pump includes a barrel including an inner surface defining a bore. The fuel injection pump also includes a plunger movable inside the bore of the barrel. An outer surface of the plunger and the inner surface of the barrel form a clearance therebetween. One or more sleeves at least partially encircle one or more portions of an outer surface of the barrel, and are configured to apply a load to the outer surface of the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Timur Trubnikov
  • Publication number: 20110152772
    Abstract: Fluid delivery apparatus includes a peristaltic pump having an upstream end for receiving a fluid from a fluid source and a downstream end for delivering the fluid to a fluid target. A single pressure sensor is configured to measure, in alternation, an input pressure of the pump at the upstream end and an output pressure of the pump at the downstream end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: Q-CORE MEDICAL LTD
    Inventors: Shachar Rotem, Ori Goldhor, Omer Havron, Meged Offer
  • Publication number: 20110142700
    Abstract: A dual channel pulsatile pump for use with a completely wearable renal replacement device is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Victor Gura, Edmond Rambod
  • Patent number: 7950908
    Abstract: A fluid transporting device is of a writhing type for transporting a fluid continuously. The fluid transporting device comprises a plurality of push pins arranged along a tube and radially on a concentric arc for squeezing a portion of the tube through which the fluid is fed and having elasticity substantially at right angles, and rollers 50 to 53 for pushing those push pins sequentially from the inlet side to the outlet side of the fluid. With this structure, it is possible to provide a thin, small fluid transporting device for continuing a stable flow rate, and a fluid transporter having the fluid transporting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Hajime Miyazaki, Kazuo Kawasumi, Kenichi Ushikoshi
  • Patent number: 7942654
    Abstract: The present invention provides an addressable multi-channel peristaltic pump. According to the invention, this pump design allows for selection and operation of one or more pump heads on a drive shaft, while locking other non-selected pump heads in a stationary position. It is possible to operate the multi-channel pump using a limited number of motors, preferably two motors: a selector motor and a dispense motor. Thus, the pump provides for pumping or dispensing of one or more fluids without the need for multiple pumps. Likewise, compared with typical single motor multi-channel systems, where all pump heads on the drive shaft must rotate at the same time, the present invention provides for selective dispensing of one or more fluids. The pumps of the present invention are suitable for any multiple fluid transfer application, including in automated multi-channel reagent dispensing systems, such as nucleic acid purification systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James Chang
  • Publication number: 20110076204
    Abstract: A pinch valve, a chip including a pinch valve of this type, a peristaltic pump including a pinch valve of this type and a method for manufacturing same. The pinch valve includes a first substrate, a second substrate, and a third substrate, the third substrate being farmed from an elastic material and situated between the first and second substrates, the first substrate adjoining the third substrate and having at least one first recess on the side adjacent to the third substrate, the second substrate adjoining the third substrate and having at least one second recess on the side adjacent to the third substrate, the first recess and the second recess being situated at least partially opposite each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Manuela Schmidt, Jochen Rupp
  • Publication number: 20110063582
    Abstract: Generation of noise is suppressed by solving the problems of crushing and wear of a cushion caused by thermal expansion of a communicating tube. A pump unit includes main pump body 1 for discharging compressed air, a communicating tube made of an elastomer and having its one end fitted to a discharge opening of the main pump body 1, pump fixing portion 2 for holding a part of a portion of the communicating tube other than its portion fitted to the discharge opening, cushions 13a and 13b arranged on an outer circumferential surface of main pump body 1, and films 15a and 15b arranged on surfaces of cushions 13a and 13b. Films 15a and 15b have smooth surfaces, and friction coefficients of the smooth surfaces are smaller than those of cushions 13a and 13b.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventor: Junsi Lee
  • Patent number: 7905172
    Abstract: A laminate membrane having an elastomer body and a contact layer applied to the elastomer body. The contact layer is made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). A barrier layer configured as a permeation barrier is additionally provided, which is disposed between the contact layer and the elastomer body, or applied to the side of the contact layer that faces away from the elastomer body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: ULMAN Dichtungstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Öhrle, Leon Radom
  • Patent number: 7900850
    Abstract: A microdosing apparatus and method include a fluid conduit having a flexible tube with a first end for connecting to a fluid reservoir and a second end where an outlet opening is located. An actuating device with a displacer with an adjustable stroke is provided, by which the volume of a portion of the flexible tube can be changed to thereby dispense liquid as free flying droplets or as a free flying jet at the outlet opening by moving the displacer between a first end position and a second end position, whereby the tube is partly compressed in the first or the second end position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Inventors: Roland Zengerle, Peter Koltay, Wolfgang Streule, Gerhard Birkle
  • Patent number: 7866960
    Abstract: A hose compressed peristaltic pump is provided. The pump includes a base, a sidewall structure mounted on the base, and forming a containing space therein, a rotor having a center in the space and further having plural integral protrusions, and a hose disposed between the protrusions and the sidewall structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventor: Shaw-Hwa Parng
  • Patent number: 7854600
    Abstract: A tube pump includes tubes, hooks, tube receivers, three or more fingers, and a drive mechanism. The tubes each include intermediate tubes, connectors, and end tubes. The tubes are attached by engaging the connectors with the hooks provided on upper and lower sides. The intermediate tubes are provided along the tube receivers. Tube press portions of the fingers are provided between the intermediate tubes. The fingers are driven by the drive mechanism so that the tube press portions are reciprocated between a position where one of the intermediate tubes is squeezed and a position where the other of the intermediate tubes is squeezed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Neuberg Company Limited
    Inventor: Kenji Ogawa
  • Publication number: 20100313996
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus includes an operable peristaltic pump. The pump supports a rigid container which includes an aggressive fluid which is to be dispensed from the container. A vent tube and a dispensing tube extends from the container through the pump. Operation of the pump causes fluid to be pumped out from the container through the dispensing tube while air is pumped into the container through the vent tube. This equalizes pressure in the container and allows fluid to be dispensed from a rigid container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: Henkel Corporation
    Inventors: John P. Breault, Steven J. Hemsen
  • Patent number: 7842248
    Abstract: A microfluidic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Gregory John McAvoy, Emma Rose Kerr, Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 7828534
    Abstract: A displacement machine has at least two adjacent working chambers which are defined by: a) a common first wall section made of an elastic material; b) a common second wall section; and c) a movable element which is movable with respect to the first wall section, which movable element has a press-on section that presses the first wall section against the second wall section to form a common sealing region between the two adjacent working chambers, which common sealing region moves with the movement of the press-on section. At least one of the first and second wall sections is provided with a non-smooth profile on the inner side of the working chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Habr
  • Patent number: 7806668
    Abstract: A flexible tube 20 has an inlet side fixed end 21, and an outlet side fixed end 22, and an elastic deformation portion 23 is provided between them. The elastic deformation portion 23 is provided with convex arc portions 42. In the convex arc portions 42, three apices 41 provided apart at approximately regular intervals in the circumferential direction are each curved in a convex shape outward so as to have smaller curvature radius than that of a virtual circle S tangent to the apices 41 from each apex as a center for deformation. Concave arc portions 43 are formed consecutively between the respective convex arc portions 42 in circumferential direction, and the concave arc portions 43 are each curved in a concave shape outward. At a time of expansion and shrinkage of the elastic deformation portion, the respective convex arc portions 42 elastically deform in the circumferential direction, and the concave arc portions 43 elastically deform in the radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Koganei Corporation
    Inventor: Takeo Yajima
  • Publication number: 20100239434
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices and methods for evacuating fluids from a flexible conduit, particularly to evacuating water from a fire hose. In one aspect, a fluid evacuating apparatus is utilized to evacuate a fluid, such as water, from a flexible conduit, such as, for example, a fire hose. The apparatus may further be utilized to collapse the flexible conduit for storage and/or transport. In exemplary embodiments, a fluid evacuating apparatus may be utilized to evacuate the water from hoses of a wide range of diameters that collapse into a compact form for storage. The apparatus may include a frame with a handle, a mobility mechanism, such as, for example, wheels or rollers, a roller which may evacuate water, and a restraining mechanism which may hold down the hose, such as a roller or rollers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: Matthew A. Fox, Robert T. Fox
  • Patent number: 7771179
    Abstract: A tube pump includes: an elastic tube (14); a circular arc-shaped guiding member (16) for guiding the tube (14); and at least one pressing member (15) for pressing the tube (14) against the guide member (16). The tube pump is characterized by being provided with a recessed portion (17) in a portion of the guiding member (16), in which the tube (14) is not pressurized by the pressing member (15) and can be recessed. Thus, there can be provided a tube pump in which a negative pressure inside an ink supply passage (7) can be eliminated and air can be readily prevented from entering the ink supply passage (7) when the main tank (5) is replaced, and an ink jet recording device using the tube pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Yuzuru Kubota, Fumiyoshi Iwase
  • Patent number: 7766630
    Abstract: A medical pump includes a chassis having a fixed seat, and a main carriage having a carriage footing for receiving a fluid delivery device and restricting its movement. An actuator automatically moves the main carriage between open and closed positions to engage the fluid delivery device to the seat. The seat establishes the position of both the main carriage and fluid delivery device in the closed position. The actuator is connected to the main carriage by a rear carriage assembly having a manual release element for disengaging the actuator from rear carriage assembly and thereby from the main carriage. A processing unit detects jam conditions by processing carriage position data and electrical load data from the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Hospira, Inc.
    Inventors: Marwan A. Fathallah, John Stephen Ziegler, David C. Franchino, Todd J. Bakken, Kent B. Chase, Daniel J. Lee
  • Patent number: 7764499
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of confining a liquid metal alloy within a closed-loop system; distributing a first portion of the liquid metal alloy in a cavity within the closed-loop system; turning on an electromagnet to generate a magnetic field to permeate flexible sidewalls of the cavity; attracting the liquid metal alloy in the cavity towards the electromagnet to expand the flexible sidewalls; inducing a second portion of the liquid metal alloy to enter the cavity from an inlet end of a pipe within the closed-loop system; turning off the electromagnet; repelling the liquid metal alloy in the cavity away from the electromagnet to contract the flexible sidewalls; and inducing a third portion of the liquid metal alloy to exit the cavity to an outlet end of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Ioan Sauciuc, Ravi Mahajan
  • Patent number: 7758324
    Abstract: A roller pump includes a stator with a pump bed formed therein, and a rotor for acting on a hose inserted into the pump bed in arcuate form. The ends of the hose are guided out of the pump bed in a crossed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Baumann, Berthold Breitkopf, Elmar Huegel, Herbert Neubauer, Thomas Nuernberger, Jochen Schneider, Gerhard Spengler, Ralf Wamsiedler, Wolfgang Biesel, Christian Busse, Marco Caronna, Joerg Jonas, Reinhold Reiter, Joern Apel, Martin Lauer
  • Publication number: 20100168672
    Abstract: An ambulatory pump comprising a reservoir (1) for holding the fluid to be pumped and having an outlet (7) through which fluid is expelled in use; a closure (8) device movable relative to the reservoir; and an actuator (14) for moving the closure device relative to the reservoir, wherein the reservoir is arranged in a spiral pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: Matthew John Carr
  • Patent number: 7727176
    Abstract: The invention relates to support element (4) comprising a main body (6) having a front wall (25) and a peripheral wall (32) projecting away from the front wall. The front wall and the peripheral wall define a housing compartment (33) designed to receive a fluid distribution circuitry cooperating with a treatment unit for defining an integrated blood treatment module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Gambro Lundia AB
    Inventors: Claudio Tonelli, Vincenzo Baraldi, Massimo Zaccarelli, Annalisa Delnevo, Francesco Ribolzi, Jacques Chevallet, Jacques Duchamp, Aziz Aberkane, Gabriel Meyssonnier, Dominique Pouchoulin
  • Publication number: 20100111733
    Abstract: In a pump, a flexible tube passes through the pump and is held “normally closed” at an output constriction. The pump includes a pump body and a pump member that can perform two functions by their relative motion. The first function is to open and close an input constriction of the flexible tube. The second function is to compress the section of flexible tube between the input constriction and the output constriction. This section of tube acts as the pump chamber. When closed, the input constriction provides a greater impediment to fluid flow than the output constriction. Therefore, when the input constriction is closed and the pump chamber is compressed, fluid flows out of the pump past the output constriction. When the input constriction is open and compression of the pump chamber is removed, the output constriction closes and fluid can enter the pump by flowing past the location of the input constriction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: John Ramunas, Juan G. Santiago, David P. Fenning, Viktor Shkolnikov
  • Patent number: 7704057
    Abstract: A peristaltic pump includes a removable carrier against which a flexible tube is pressed by rollers. The carrier includes an intermediate deformable section having an internal cylindrical surface whose axis coincides with the main axis of rotation of the rollers and lateral rigid arms arranged on both sides of the intermediate section. The free ends of the lateral arms include guides. The pump case is provided with paths on which the guides are slidable. The path directions are predefined in order to constrain the displacement of the free ends of the lateral arms and to deform the intermediate section in such a way that the radius of the internal face is modified keeping the axis thereof coinciding with the main axis, thereby making it possible to use a tube having variable characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Athena Innovations
    Inventors: Bertrand Malbec, Jean-Marie Perrot
  • Patent number: 7695255
    Abstract: A pump for generating fluid flow in an elastic tubular conduit. The pump comprises a plurality of electrically operated valves, each valve being positionable adjacent to the conduit. Each valve has a valve head configured to alternate from a first position in which the lumen of the conduit adjacent to the valve head is unobstructed and a second position in which the lumen of the conduit adjacent to the valve head is obstructed. The pump also comprises a driver configured to control the positions of the valve heads, so as to execute a predetermined temporo-spatial array of valve head positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Q-Core Medical Ltd
    Inventors: Zvi Ben-Shalom, Ori Goldor, Roni Shabat, Shaul Ozeri
  • Publication number: 20100086420
    Abstract: The system comprises a cylindrical recirculator (1), with a membrane concentrically fitted therein (6) for defining two chambers, one front chamber (8) and another outer one (9), in such a way that fluid flowing into either chamber causes expansion or constriction of the actual membrane (6) and corresponding impelling of the fluid, all this associated with a set of intake and impeller valves (16?), in combination with intake pumps (33) and impeller pumps (37) and check valves (34) and (35), whereby the fluid is impelled from the intake (31) towards the recirculator (1), so that the fluid flows from the recirculator to a reactor (32) and back again to the recycler (1) for the ejection of the processed fluid through the discharge conduit (36).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventors: Enrique Del Pozo Polidoro, Victoria Gallardo Garcia-Orta, José Javier Brey Sánchez