Abstract: A reciprocating pump having an active feedback system is provided. The reciprocating pump includes a reciprocating pump having a pump chamber with a rod reciprocally movable along a longitudinal axis of the pump chamber, with the rod including a ferromagnetic material. An induction coil disposed around the rod wherein relative axial movement between the inductance coil and the ferromagnetic material of the rod varies the inductance of the induction coil. Also provided is a reciprocating pump having an active feedback system in which the rod has an electrically conductive, diametrically tapered portion. A linear displacement sensor is disposed next to the tapered portion which induces a current in the tapered portion and generates an output voltage proportional to a relative position between the linear displacement sensor and the tapered portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pump of resin deposition on a semiconductive wafer including a pump body divided by a membrane of definition of a resin dispensation chamber and of a control chamber and an element of filtration of the resin before its dispensation to an outlet access of the pump body. The pump includes a control system for injecting the resin under constant pressure into the control chamber and aspiring the resin from the control chamber, and a capacitive presence sensor for detecting a first position of the membrane.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sensing a parameter of a hydraulic pump. The hydraulic pump includes a housing and an input shaft. The shaft is rotationally driven relative to the housing and electrically coupled to the housing. The hydraulic pump forms a variable capacitor. The apparatus includes an electrode portion positioned adjacent to the input shaft and is electrically isolated from the housing and input shaft. The electrode portion and the input shaft form a fixed capacitor. The fixed capacitor and the variable capacitor are coupled. The apparatus supplies electrical energy to the electrode portion and produces a capacitive signal indicative of the capacitance value of the variable capacitor. The apparatus further applies a filter to the capacitive signal and produces a filtered capacitive signal. The parameter of the hydraulic pump is determined as a function of the filtered capacitive signal.

Abstract: A submersible sump pump connected to a discharge pipe is disclosed. The sump pump includes a pedestal mounted above a sump. The pedestal includes a power cord, an indicator, and a high water alarm. The sump pump further includes a float switch connected to a styrofoam float which detects movement of the drainage level beyond a first predetermined point, a second predetermined point, and a third predetermined point.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump delivering a medicant through a plastic tube with an appropriate wall thickness to withstand external rubbing contact with the rotating rotor of the pump, in which downstream of the rotor a tubing length is used in the plastic tube having a thinner wall thickness so that when a downstream occulsion is detected, the pressure build-up transmitted upstream to the tubing length more readily causes it to undergo an expansion radially because of its thinner wall to actuate an on-off switch of the peristaltic pump.

Abstract: A centrifugal fluid pump assembly has a pump body and a controller. The pump body has a housing, a pump section having an impeller rotating inside the housing, an impeller rotational torque generating section having a motor for rotating the impeller and an impeller position control section. The impeller rotates without contacting the housing. The controller has an impeller-floating position control function for changing the floating position of the impeller inside the housing by using the impeller position control section, a function of measuring electric current for driving the motor and a fluid viscosity calculation function for calculating a viscosity of fluid by utilizing a variation amount of the motor-driving electric current obtained by changing the floating position of the impeller.

Abstract: Sump pump alarms are disclosed wherein existing home alarms are utilized to provide the indication of the failure of the sump pump. In one application a RF transmitter sends a signal from the sump pump to the doorbell. In a second application the warning is sent to the smoke alarm of the residence.

Abstract: A system for use in a subterranean well includes a production tubing and a valve. The production tubing has a port to receive well fluid from a formation. The valve is mounted to the production tubing and includes a sealed housing, a motor, a valve cover, an actuator drive and a sensor. The motor is located inside the housing, and the actuator drive is actuated by the motor to move the valve cover over the port to selectively control the communication of the well fluid between the formation and the passageway of the tubing. The sealed housing may permit the well fluid to accumulate inside the housing over time. The sensor is located inside the housing and provides an indication of the amount of well fluid that has accumulated inside the housing. This information may be useful for such exemplary purposes as predicting when the valve will fail and for evaluating the condition of the valve.

Abstract: An air flow sensor and method for filling a filter press which detects slowing and/or intermittent stoppage of the feed pump and signals a controller associated with a pressure regulator to increase the pressure of the air supplied to the feed pump. The air flow sensor includes a spring-biased piston slidably movable within a housing, which piston defines a flow passage therein and carries a magnet thereon. A switching device is mounted on the housing and detects the position of the piston magnet, and when the piston approaches the closed position, the switching device transmits a signal to step-up the air pressure to the feed pump.

Abstract: A medical infusion pump is disclosed which has a tube present sensor that determines the position of the tube within a pumping body. The tube present sensor having a pivotable sensor arm with a blade which engages the tube. The pivotable sensor arm having a sensor flag which actuates an optical switch to signal that the sensor arm is in engagement with the tube. The sensor exchanges positional information with a pump controller to affect operation of the pump.

Abstract: In a turbo molecular pump having a rotor magnetically supported in a non-contact manner by a magnetic bearing, a pump controller has a magnetic bearing controller having a programmable digital signal processor. This digital signal processor not only controls the magnetic bearing, but also controls the heater, thus serving as a temperature regulator.

Abstract: The invention is a peristaltic pump having a particularly simple construction and a low axial bulk.The pump (1) includes a rotor (20) having rollers (21,22,23) which roll against a tube (14) containing the liquid to be pumped. The compression of the tube presses the rollers against the circular peripheral surface (35) of a central vibrating stator (32) in the form of a disc or ring, which guides the rollers and causes them to turn. The stator (32) is set in vibration by piezoelectric means and vibrates by extension in its radial plane following a progressive wave. The chassis (24) of the rotor is devoid of a central drive shaft.Such a peristaltic pump is notably useful in the medical domain, in machines to be worn by a patient or implanted in the body of a human being or animal.

Abstract: A leak detector for a pump having a plurality of stacked diaphragms includes a plurality of flat spacer rings each having discontinuous channels and being disposed in face-to-face abutting and stacked relationship with one another wherein the discontinuous channels of the spacer rings together form tortuous leak paths extending through the flat spacer rings from working areas of the pump to a point outside of sealing areas thereof. A port is disposed in fluid communication with the port and an apparatus is provided for developing a visual indication of fluid in the port. A circumferential fluid-tight seal is disposed radially outside of the port for sealing off fluid loss beyond the outer periphery of the plurality of diaphragms and flat spacer rings.

Abstract: An improved structure for a compact air compressor including a securing seat, a transmission device, and a compression device. The securing seat is connected to a motor by means of screw rods. A shaft receiving hole is provided at the bottom of the securing seat, and a compression cylinder is disposed on the top. A top tube connected to a threaded tube and a guide tube is disposed on top the compression cylinder. The transmission device includes a weight, a link shaft, and a transmission gear. The compression cylinder contains the compression device, which is comprised of a link, a piston container, a compression valve, and a compression positioning block. The bottom of the link is pivotally connected to a connecting rod at the top of the weight. The motor has a main gear which drives the transmission gear to cause the weight disposed in a receiving recess thereof to actuate the link, thereby air may be pushed to the top tube and discharged from the guide tube.

Abstract: A high accuracy and high precision pump for fluids, specifically for use in chemical and/or medical analyzers includes a female-thread or nut inside the motor rotor shaft and a male-thread or lead screw mated with the female-thread or nut supported by a bearing that restricts the rotation of the lead screw. The lead screw slides axially, and is connected directly to a plunger or piston which is moved forward or backward by the rotation of the motor rotor. The end of the plunger or piston cylinder chamber includes a common fluid path switch-over valve by which fluid flow may be switched over to a plurality of fluid paths. Movement of pumping components, including pump(s), nozzle(s), valve(s), and tubing, is unified to eliminate volume changes due to changes in fluid tubing flexion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for diagnosing components in high-pressure pumps to indicate when a component of the pump head is malfunctioning and to identify the malfunctioning component. In one embodiment, a high-pressure pump head incorporating a diagnostic system in accordance with the invention has a pressurization chamber and a pressurizing member at least partially received in the pressurization chamber. The pressurizing member moves within the pressurization chamber along an intake action to draw fluid into the pressurization chamber and along a pressurizing action to compress fluid in the pressurization chamber. An inlet fluid control assembly is coupled to the pressurization chamber to allow fluid to enter the pressurization chamber during the intake action, and a pressurized fluid control assembly is coupled between the pressurization chamber and an outlet chamber to selectively allow pressurized fluid into the outlet chamber during the pressurizing action.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oil level sight glass for a compressor. The oil level sight glass is at an angle relative to a longitudinal housing axis, such that it can be rotated to achieve an improved position for seeing the sight glass. The sight glass housing further includes an oil return valve which permits return of oil into the oil sump through the sight glass housing.

Abstract: An air pumping station for a pneumatic toy vehicle powered by a re-fillable compressed air bottle or canister includes a stabilizing base having a flat ground engaging horizontal lateral bottom including a horizontal projecting geometry proportioned for placement under the feet of the user. The station also includes a fluid-tight vertical cylindrical housing. The station includes a reciprocating piston having a first end in fluid tight relation to interior walls of the housing and a second end defining hand-grippable pumping handles. The station has an air intake valve for the cylindrical housing. The pumping station includes an element for selectable clamping and unclamping of the toy vehicle to at least a first surface of the cylinder, however offset therefrom by a sufficient distance to avoid the reciprocal movement of the piston and grippable pumping handles. The cylinder includes an air exhaust aperture in fluid communication with the base of the cylinder.

Abstract: A scroll-type compressor which prevents seizure or scuffing due to tight contact between spiral laps and end plates of fixed and revolving scrolls is provided. The compressor comprises two thermocouples, the contact point of one thermocouple being with a central portion of the end plate of the fixed scroll, while the contact point of the other thermocouple being with the housing. The operation of the scroll-type compressor is terminated when a difference between temperature values detected by the thermocouples reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: A peristaltic piezoelectrically actuated fluid pump including two or more pairs of piezoelectric deformable members that are self-actuated, a flexible hose member, a pump chamber, inlet and outlet ports for communicating the pump chamber with the exterior of the flexible hose member, valves for opening and closing the ports, and a power supply is provided. The diaphragm members may include a prestressed piezoelectric element which is durable, inexpensive and lightweight as compared with diaphragm members of prior diaphragm pumps of comparable discharge capacity, and is actuated via electrical signals from an outside power source. Each pair of piezoelectric diaphragm members is actuated out of phase with the other(s) so as to allow fluid to be pumped through the flexible hose member peristaltically.

Abstract: A method and system for determining when a fluid has stopped flowing within a line. The pressure variation in a second fluid, separated from the first by a pumping membrane, is measured in response to energy applied in a time-varying manner to the second fluid. From the response of the second fluid to the applied energy, it is determined whether the first fluid has stopped flowing.

Abstract: A diaphragm dosing pump has a dosing chamber, which has an inlet and a pressure-side outlet, as well as a dosing diaphragm operated by a stroke drive, and a delivery chamber upstream of the dosing chamber has a suction connection for the medium to be dosed and a pressure connection, as well as a delivery diaphragm operated by the stroke drive. The delivery chamber, is connected by means of its pressure connection to a receiving container connected on the outlet side to the dosing chamber inlet.

Abstract: A dynamic displacement sensor for detecting an out-of-fluid condition in a liquid delivery system detects an increased amplitude of pump motion of a reciprocating air pump and provides an output signal upon detecting the increased amplitude motion. The detector includes a spring-mass combination supported within a housing such that the mass is movable along a defined axis of the housing, with the spring applying a restoring force to the mass when the mass moves away from its static position. The detector is attached to the pump with its defined axis aligned parallel with the pump axis. A sensor within the housing is triggered to change state when the mass is displaced by pump motion of a predetermined amplitude and frequency, thereby providing is an output signal indicating an out-of-fluid condition.

Abstract: A system for optimizing progressive cavity pump operation during oil and gas recovery is provided. By strategically disposing a plurality of sensors along the production tubing and sucker rod strings, progressive cavity pump operation and performance may be monitored real-time. As an important indicia of pump performance, dynamic fluid level is provided to the operator/end user on a real-time basis. Prerequisite to achieving pump optimization, dynamic fluid level and other pertinent data are analyzed and enables corrections to be made in the pumping system during operation. A computer system having sufficient inherent and adaptable expertise is provided to interpret pump conditions based upon a plurality of variables and parameters to increase or decrease pump production and to maintain a dynamic fluid level determined to be optimal or otherwise advantageous by the end user.

Abstract: A method and system for determining when a fluid has stopped flowing within a line. The pressure variation in a second fluid, separated from the first by a pumping membrane, is measured in response to energy applied in a time-varying manner to the second fluid. From the response of the second fluid to the applied energy, it is determined whether the first fluid has stopped flowing.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for communicating with ambulatory medical devices, such as drug delivery devices, both locally and remotely. In one embodiment, a caregiver drug pump communicates with a remote patient drug pump for data gathering, trouble shooting, and operational program changes. The caregiver drug pump is substantially identical in configuration to the patient drug pump. The caregiver drug pump transmits caregiver key input signals to the remote patient drug pump. The patient drug pump receives the key input signals, accesses a desired program, and transmits information for display on the display of the caregiver drug pump. In another embodiment, a computer is provided for communicating locally and/or remotely with a drug pump. The computer may include a display with an image of a pump. The computer may be operated through the use of a mouse or touch screen with respect to the image of the pump, to simulate use of the pump while using the personal computer.

Abstract: A module for an on-board evaporative emission leak detection system that detects leakage from an evaporative emission space of an automotive vehicle fuel system, and corresponding method that calibrates a leak detection module pump to set a desired stroke of a moveable wall in the pump of such evaporative emission leak detection system. A pump disposed within interior space of the module has an inlet in communication with the interior space and an outlet that communicates through a flow passage with the evaporative emission space. A vent valve within the interior space is selectively operable to a first state that vents the flow passage to the interior space of the module, thereby venting the evaporative emission space to atmosphere, and to a second state that does not vent the flow passage to the interior space. An electromechanical actuator within the interior space operates the pump and the vent valve by respective magnetically responsive levers.

Abstract: A precision metering, multiple fluid pumping system comprised of a main pump for pumping a primary fluid and an auxiliary pump for pumping a secondary fluid adjustably linked to work in unison with the main pump. The auxiliary pump is linked to the main pump through a rack and pinion gear system connected to an oscillating arm that operates the auxiliary pump simultaneously with the main pump. The auxiliary pump is infinitely adjustable over a selected range by varying the connecting point of the auxiliary pump to the oscillating arm. The connecting point is varied by a worm screw adjustment that provides precision adjustment and metering of a secondary fluid. The system also includes a clutch mechanism between the auxiliary pump oscillating arm and a rack and pinion gear system to disengage the auxiliary pump for priming.

Abstract: A piston-type positive-displacement liquid-metering pump with an output-control apparatus for varying the pump output volume per piston stroke by very minute amounts on a smoothly gradual and continuous basis, in which an actuator or actuation portion of the piston has an associated stop structure for limiting its allowable movement to thereby limit the output volume produced on each stroke of the piston, and an indexing member disposed in alignment with the stop structure and having a portion engageable therewith to effect the aforementioned limitation on allowable piston movement and thus define the stroke length of the piston. A continuously variable coupling is operatively disposed between the indexing member and the pump body and/or the indexing member, for changing the effective position of the stop structure relative to the pump body or indexing member and thus changing the allowable length of the piston stroke.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the level efficiently, and rate of removal of water from an oil or gas well using a progressive cavity pump operated by a rotating drive shaft extending downwardly from ground level to the pump comprises a sensor that detects the downward force on the shaft produced by the dynamic operation of the pump; and a control mechanism responsive to the output from the sensor that correlates the downward force on the pump with liquid depth in the casing and controls pump speed in order to achieve a desired rate of liquid removal from the casing and a desired ultimate depth level of liquid in the casing above the pump. A novel fluid pressure sensing mechanism mounted on the shaft at ground level permits the shaft to rotate while providing an accurate reading of the downward force on the shaft.

Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring the operating status of one or more pumps, particularly gear pumps, whereby system parameters are determined by a corresponding measuring device. The system parameters are subsequently processed in a local evaluation unit into characteristic numbers. Finally at least some of the characteristic numbers determined in the local evaluation unit are transmitted from the pump and/or the local evaluation unit to the central evaluation unit. Based on the characteristic numbers, the operating status of the pump is determined and if necessary, an appropriate action is triggered.

Abstract: A combined compressor pressure sensor and excess pressure relief valve (12) uses a formed disk (22) that snaps down and back up at a pair of predetermined pressures. The disk (22), when it snaps down, opens a plug (34) to in turn allow excess pressure from the compressor (10) to escape. When up, the plug (34) remains sealed, the outside vents (42) remain blocked, and compressor gas flow only through the center of the plug (34) and disk (22) to a sensing chamber (46).

Abstract: An emergency discharge control system for use with a cargo tank motor vehicle and a primary storage tank for remotely terminating the flow of product from the cargo tank of the cargo tank motor vehicle and the storage tank in an emergency situation is provided. The system includes a cylinder having a piston rod connected to a cable assembly of the cargo tank motor vehicle and a cylinder having a piston rod connected to a cable assembly of the primary storage tank for actuating the respective cable assemblies and closing the vapor valves and the liquid valves of the cargo tank and the primary storage tank. The piston rod is extended by passing pressurized fluid into the cylinder. A valve is interposed between the cylinder and a source of the pressurized fluid for controlling the flow of the pressurized fluid to the cylinder.

Abstract: A remote control and indication system for an electric device (20, 22) in a sanitary environment comprises: at least one light carrier (42; 50) for indicating operational status information about the electric device to a user present in the sanitary environment, a first end (43) of said light carrier receiving light from at least one light source (46; 56a-b) in response to the operational status of the electric device; and control means (40; 52) for controlling at least one function of the electric device (20, 22), said control means being connected by at least one pneumatic or hydraulic pressure line (41; 51) to the electric device. The control means (40; 52) and a second end (44) of the light carrier (42; 50) are adjacently arranged at a position in the sanitary environment, which is visible and accessible to the user.

Abstract: A process for operating a dry-compression vacuum pump with at least one pump chamber and at least one rotor driven by an electric motor, and to a vacuum pump suitable for this operating process. To reduce operational shutdowns for maintenance purposes without any risk to the pump, it is proposed that application-specific phenomena leading to deviations from the normal operating status or their effects be monitored and, after a predetermined deviation quantity has been attained at which operation of the vacuum pump could be adversely affected in future, steps be taken to remove the causes thereof.

Abstract: A diaphragm dosing pump (1) has a rotary driving motor (3) electrically connected to control electronics (4). The motor is controlled in such a way that at the beginning and end of each dosing operation the driven diaphragm preferably always takes the same starting position, in particular a bottom dead center position. In order to achieve a reliable sealing behavior of the inlet and outlet valves even during slow working strokes and when the pressure difference between suction and compression sides is small, the valves are designed with elastic valve disks mounted without stress between their valve seat and an opposite rib-like stop.

Abstract: A hand air pump includes a cylinder having mutually communicated relatively large chamber and relatively small chamber, a mount sealingly mounted on the top of the cylinder and including an air passage communicated with the relatively small chamber, and a pressure gauge pivotally connected to the mount. The pressure gauge is pivotable between a storage a position and an operative position. In addition, the pressure gauge is communicated with the air passage at the storage position and at the operative position. A nozzle is communicated with the air passage for inflation.

Abstract: A safety device for use in a fluid transfer system for a swimming pool or similiar application, having a pump which draws water from a reservoir through one or more intake lines each extending from an open end at the reservoir to the pump intake. The device analyzes negative pressure levels in the system and, upon detecting a negative pressure level being outside of a selected operational range, the device deactivates the pump and triggers a vacuum breaker device to eliminate negative pressure in the system, by introducing air from atmosphere into the intake lines thereby removing suction at the open ends of the intake lines. The safety device may further activate warning devices including audible and visible alarms to indicate that the system has been deactivated.

Abstract: A pump having a simple and compact construction which permits leakage test of the pressure valve both outside and inside the pump housing, and, if necessary, ensures ease of replacement of individual parts, such as replacement of the pressure valve or the valve seat member, if leakage occurs during testing. The peripheral surface of the valve seat member facing the cover has a conical chamfer onto which an annular projection of the cover is movable into sealing abutment and is radially expandable to provide a press fit engagement.

Abstract: A system for optimizing pump operation during oil and gas recovery is provided. By strategically disposing a plurality of sensors along the production tubing and sucker rod strings, pump operation and performance may be monitored real-time. As an important indicia of pump performance, dynamic fluid level is provided to the operator/end user on a real-time basis. Prerequisite to achieving pump optimization, dynamic fluid level and other pertinent data are analyzed and enables corrections to be made in the pumping system during operation. A computer system having sufficient inherent and adaptable expertise is provided to interpret pump conditions based upon a plurality of variables and parameters to increase or decrease pump production and to maintain a dynamic fluid level determined to be optimal or otherwise advantageous by the end user. The system is designed with a panoply of configurations to accommodate remote administration of many wells by using serial communication and remote transmitting devices.

Abstract: The present invention is a disposable combination of tubing components for use with the roller pump that limits the negative pressure said pump generates (e.g. during left ventricular venting). The device consists of pump tubing and a shunt with resistance to flow placed between the inlet and outlet of the pump tubing. The device may also incorporate interconnecting tubing and a one way valve at the pump inlet tubing. The valve decreases the likelihood of pumping air or fluid into the ventricle with accidental pump reversal. In one preferred embodiment the device is called the Better-Ventera. The pump tubing of the device collapses more readily than tubing currently being used for either venting or suction applications, thus limiting the negative pressure generated by the pump to safer levels. In addition, the maximum suction generated by the pump is further limited by recirculation of flow between the pump inlet and outlet. The recirculation acts to "break" high suction.

Abstract: A computer-controlled injector of the type having a motor which advances and retracts a plunger located within a syringe housing toward and away from a nozzle located in the front of the syringe to inject fluid into or out of an animal subject. Manual motion is induced by operating a manual motion control; the operator can manipulate the control to indicate the desired direction and velocity of motion. The manual motion control also has a locking mode in which manual motion of the plunger will continue once initiated without requiring the operator to continue manipulating the manual motion control. The injector performs injections in accordance with one of several pre-programmed protocols, and automatically tracks the fluid volume remaining. The injector compensates for plunger extenders found in some partially pre-filled syringes by applying a stored offset value to the computed plunger position.

Abstract: A fan speed indicator is provided including a conventional fan with a pull cord adapted to change a speed at which the fan is running upon being pulled. Further provided is mechanical mechanism for mechanically indicating the speed at which the fan is currently running.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for detecting an operating condition of an oil pump of the type utilized in an oil supply system for a internal combustion engine. The apparatus includes a sensor for detecting the movement of a piston and/or a check valve of an oil pump. The apparatus preferably includes an engine control for monitoring the sensor over a fixed time interval and determining whether a signal is indicative of a malfunction or abnormality. In accordance with the method, the pump is monitored with the sensor and in the event an abnormality is detected, a warning indicator is activated and/or the engine is shut off.

Abstract: A diaphragm failure monitoring system for detecting leakage in a diaphragm of a diaphragm pump. The system includes a pump having an operating chamber containing a working fluid and a pumping chamber for pumping material into and out of the pump and a diaphragm separating the operating and pumping chambers. A first optic fiber is joined to the operating chamber for transmitting an optic signal across the working fluid. A second optic fiber is joined to the operating chamber for receiving the optic signal from the first optic fiber. An electric signal establishing device establishes a first electrical signal when the optic signal from the first optic fiber to the second optic fiber passes through uncontaminated working fluid.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump is provided with a housing, a pump head in the housing, and a receiving path defined along a housing and pump head for receiving tubing. An air sensor assembly in the pump has a slot for receiving a section of the tubing in the receiving path. A position covering the receiving path and an open position exposing the receiving path. An engaging member is provided for pushing the tubing in the slot. The engaging member is pivotally mounted to the door for rotation about an axis parallel to the door pivot axis. The engaging member has a ram for contacting the tubing. The orientation of the ram relative to the door can change as the ram enters the slot when the door closes so that the tubing is pushed relatively evenly and along a substantially straight line into the slot.

Abstract: A monitoring device for a chemical reagent supply system includes a position voltage generator, mounted to a pump of the supply system, to monitor the expansion state of a bellows. The actual outflow of the chemical reagent is calculated by the position voltage generator. According to a demand signal from equipment needing the chemical reagent, which is processed to consider the viscosity of the chemical reagent, a theoretic demand outflow is calculated by the monitoring device. When the difference between the actual outflow and the theoretic demand outflow exceeds a permissible tolerance, the monitoring device raises an alarm signal to warn an operator and thereby to assure the accuracy of the chemical reagent supply system.

Abstract: A medical infusion pump is disclosed which provides for greatly improved accuracy in the delivery of medicaments to a patient. Among the various features included in the instant invention is a pumping body which serves to deform and reform a tube so as to maintain the initial cross-section thereof and thereby preserve the output accuracy of the pump. Also disclosed with regard to the pumping body is a wholly mechanical synchronization of the pumping body and valves associated therewith and coactive with the aforementioned synchronization a mechanical linearization of output of the pumping body per each pumping cycle. Additionally, several features which serve to enhance the utility of the instant invention are also included therein among which is an associated assembly operative to automatically load or disload a tube or IV set into or out of the pumping body.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for controlling a materials handling system. The materials handling system preferably includes a feed system, a positive displacement pump and a disposal system. The feed system includes a material feeder, which in the preferred embodiment is a screw feeder driven by a drive, and a transition housing. The material feeder forces material through the transition housing to an inlet of the positive displacement pump. The control system includes a pressure sensor, located on the transition housing, connected to a computer. The computer is also connected to the drive of the screw feeder. During operation of the materials handling system, the pressure sensor senses a parameter indicative of material pressure within the transition housing and sends a signal to the computer representative of this parameter. The computer provides a control signal to the feed system to control operation of the materials handling system as a function of the sensed parameter.