Planar flow channels for peristaltic pumps

Abstract

A flow channel plate suitable for use with a peristaltic pump comprises: a planar substrate; a flow channel in the planar substrate and mechanical strain relief means in the planar substrate, allowing lateral expansion of the flow channel during vertical compression of the flow channel. The path of the flow channel in the flow channel plate may be nonlinear. The flow channel may be characterized by a Davis-Butterfield cross sectional shape. A roller pump head comprises: a flow channel plate; a roller cage; tapered rollers held in position by the roller cage; and a drive rotor comprising one of a tapered rotor and a rotor having a radially limited zone of contact on the sloping portions of the tapered roller. Lower surfaces of the tapered rollers apply force to the flow channel plate and upper surfaces of the tapered rollers receive force from the drive rotor.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A flow channel plate suitable for use with a peristaltic pump, the flow channel plate comprising:
 a planar substrate;   a flow channel in the planar substrate; and   mechanical strain relief means in the planar substrate, allowing lateral expansion of the flow channel during vertical compression of the flow channel.   
     
     
         2 . The flow channel plate of  claim 1 , wherein the path of the flow channel in the flow channel plate is nonlinear. 
     
     
         3 . The flow channel plate of  claim 1  wherein the flow channel is characterized by a Davis-Butterfield cross sectional shape. 
     
     
         4 . The flow channel plate of  claim 1 ,
 wherein the planar substrate has a full thickness; and   wherein the mechanical strain relief means comprises holes extending through the full thickness.   
     
     
         5 . The flow channel plate of  claim 1 ,
 wherein the planar substrate has a full thickness; and   wherein the mechanical strain relief means comprises recesses extending only partway through the full thickness.   
     
     
         6 . The flow channel plate of  claim 1  wherein the mechanical strain relief means comprises a region of elastomeric material. 
     
     
         7 . The flow channel plate of  claim 1  wherein the mechanical strain relief means comprises one or more corrugations. 
     
     
         8 . The flow channel plate of  claim 1  wherein the mechanical strain relief means comprises a region prone to buckling under lateral expansion. 
     
     
         9 . A disposable kit for an infusion pump, the kit comprising:
 the flow channel plate of  claim 1 ; and   one or more additional elements;   wherein the flow channel plate and the one or more additional elements are integrated to form a single assembly.   
     
     
         10 . A flow system comprising:
 the flow channel plate of  claim 1 ; and   one or more additional elements;   wherein the flow channel plate and the one or more additional elements are connected to form a manifold.   
     
     
         11 . The flow channel plate of  claim 1 , wherein the plate material comprises one of poly-ether ether ketone, polycarbonate, cyclic olefin copolymer, polyvinyl chloride with plasticizers, polyvinyl chloride without plasticizers, polymethyl methacrylate, polyethylene, high density polyethylene, ultra high density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, Formlabs printing resin, other printing resin, silicon, glass, silicone rubber, polyimide, stainless steel, brass, and bronze. 
     
     
         12 . A method of making the flow channel plate of  claim 1 , the method comprising at least one of microstereolithography, stereolithography, three-dimensional printing, lamination, injection molding followed by lamination, vacuum forming followed by lamination, lamination around a mandrel, and investment casting. 
     
     
         13 . A roller pump head comprising:
 a flow channel plate;   a roller cage;   tapered rollers held in position by the roller cage; and   a drive rotor comprising one of a tapered rotor and a rotor having a radially limited zone of contact on the sloping portions of the tapered rollers;   wherein lower surfaces of the tapered rollers apply force to the flow channel plate and upper surfaces of the tapered rollers receive force from the drive rotor.   
     
     
         14 . The roller pump head of  claim 13 , further including one of a collar around the path of the tapered rollers to aid in roller retention, and a lip on the drive rotor to aid in roller retention. 
     
     
         15 . The roller pump head of  claim 13 , further including a drive shaft connected to the drive rotor. 
     
     
         16 . The roller pump head of  claim 15 , further including a thrust bearing connected to the drive shaft. 
     
     
         17 . The roller pump head of  claim 16 , further including a spring exerting force on the thrust bearing. 
     
     
         18 . The roller pump head of  claim 16 , further including an adjustable spring exerting force on the thrust bearing. 
     
     
         19 . The roller pump head of  claim 13  wherein the drive rotor is tapered. 
     
     
         20 . The roller pump head of  claim 13  wherein the drive rotor has a radially limited zone of contact on the sloping portions of the tapered rollers.