Pumps – Processes
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-15
2001-09-25
Freay, Charles G. (Department: 3746)
Pumps
Processes
Reexamination Certificate
active
06293758
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to peristaltic pumps, and to the prediction of hose failure in such pumps.
BACKGROWMD OF THE INVETION
The failure of a hose in a peristaltic pump results in contamination of the pumphead with the contents of the hose or vice versa, and consequently the pump has to be shut down for cleaning. It is therefore desirable to be able to predict incipient hose failure in a reliable manner so that the hose can be replaced before failure occurs.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of monitoring performance of a peristaltic pump comprising a pumphead housing in which a hose is subjected to a peristaltic action, the method comprising monitoring pressure fluctuations in a fluid within the pumbhead housing externally of the hose,
Changes in the characteristics of the pressure fluctuations can provide an indicator of incipient hose failure, and consequently, in a preferred method, a characteristic of the waveform, such as the frequency of waveform peaks, is monitored. It has been found that the frequency of waveform peaks tends to increase when the hose is about to fail.
The monitoring of the pressure fluctuations may be achieved by means of a pressure transducer, and the analogue output of the transducer may be converted to a digital signal which is analyzed to provide an output representing hose condition.
Another aspect of the present invention provides a peristaltic pump comprising a pumphead housing in which a tube is subjected to a peristaltic action, means being provided for monitoring pressure fluctuations in a fluid within the housing externally of the hose.
The pumphead housing may be sealed from the ambient surroundings, in which case it may be provided with a pressure relief-valve to avoid excessive build up of pressure within the pumphead housing should the hose fail.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4617014 (1986-10-01), Cannon et al.
patent: 4702675 (1987-10-01), Aldrovandi et al.
patent: 4882575 (1989-11-01), Kawahara
patent: 5720721 (1998-02-01), Dumas et al.
Green Andrew John
Kruisinga Hanjo
Bredel Hose Pumps B.V.
Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott , LLC
Freay Charles G.
Jenkins David C.
Rodriguez W
LandOfFree
Peristaltic pump provided with a pressure measurement device... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Peristaltic pump provided with a pressure measurement device..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Peristaltic pump provided with a pressure measurement device... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2507674