Abstract

There is provided a method of joining thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) tubes, comprising: abutting an end surface of a first TPE tube (2) against an end surface of a second TPE tube (4); providing a TPE sleeve (6) around the first and second tubes such that it overlaps the end surfaces; providing a compression member (8) around the sleeve which is configured to apply a radial force around a circumference of the sleeve; and fusing the first and second tubes and the sleeve to one another by applying heat to the sleeve while applying a radial force to the sleeve using the compression member.

IPC Classes  ?

• B29C 65/02 - Joining of preformed partsApparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
• B29C 65/10 - Joining of preformed partsApparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using hot gases
• B29C 65/68 - Joining of preformed partsApparatus therefor by liberation of internal stresses, e.g. shrinking of one of the parts to be joined using auxiliary shrinkable element
• B29C 65/82 - Testing the joint
• B29K 21/00 - Use of unspecified rubbers as moulding material
• B29K 101/12 - Thermoplastic materials

Abstract

A peristaltic pump (2) comprising: a rotor (4); a track assembly (10) spaced from the rotor (4) to receive n tubes (12) therebetween, where n=2m with m a positive integer = 2, the tubes (12) being manifolded to one another at a discharge port; wherein one of the rotor (4) and the track (10) comprises an occlusion surface for each of the n tubes; wherein the occlusion surfaces are located at n different angular positions, the angular offset between the occlusion surfaces offsetting pulsation associated with each tube (12) so as to reduce overall pulsation at the discharge port.

IPC Classes  ?

• F04B 43/12 - Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members having peristaltic action

Abstract

A peristaltic pumphead (2, 202) comprising a pumphead housing (4, 204) accommodating a pumping tube (52, 276), an end of the tube (52, 276) being provided with an end fitting (70, 72, 282) having a through passage (74, 76, 294) and an abutment shoulder (78, 80, 302) and a threaded shank (82, 84, 298) extending from the abutment shoulder (78, 80, 302) into the tube (52, 276), the tube end abutting the abutment shoulder (78, 80, 302) and being accommodated in an opening (62, 64), in the pumphead housing (4, 204), the abutment shoulder (78, 80, 302) abutting the housing (4, 204) at the opening (62, 64), and the end fitting (70, 72, 282) being engaged by a retaining element (90, 92, 290) to retain the abutment shoulder (78, 80, 302) against the housing (4, 204).

IPC Classes  ?

• F04B 43/00 - Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members
• F04B 43/12 - Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members having peristaltic action
• F16L 33/00 - Arrangements for connecting hoses to rigid membersRigid hose-connectors, i.e. single members engaging both hoses
• F16L 33/24 - Arrangements for connecting hoses to rigid membersRigid hose-connectors, i.e. single members engaging both hoses with parts screwed directly on or into the hose

Abstract

A peristaltic pump comprising a drive unit (1) and a pumphead (2) comprising a pressing element (48). The pumphead (2) is connectable to the drive unit (1) such that, when connected, the pressing element (48) is driveable by the drive unit (1) to exert a peristaltic action on a tube (52) arranged within the pumphead (2). The pumhead further comprises an optical sensor, wherein the optical sensor comprises an emitter (110) and a receiver (112) which are mounted on the drive unit (1) and a reflector element (53) mounted on the pumphead (2). The reflector element (53) is arranged on the pumphead (2) such that when the pumphead (2) is connected to the drive unit (1), radiation emitted by the emitter (110) is reflected by the reflector element (53) towards the receiver (112).

IPC Classes  ?

• F04B 43/00 - Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members
• F04B 43/12 - Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members having peristaltic action

Abstract

A peristaltic pumphead (2) comprising a pumping chamber (16), within which is disposed a pressing element (48) for exerting a peristaltic action on a tube (52) extending within the pumping chamber (16), and an auxiliary chamber (18), which in normal use is a dry chamber. The pumping chamber (16) and the auxiliary chamber (18) being arranged in fluid communication such that liquid which escapes from the tube (52) into the pumping chamber (16) flows from the pumping chamber (16) into the auxiliary chamber (18). Peristaltic pump comprising such a pumphead.

IPC Classes  ?

• F04B 43/00 - Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members
• F04B 43/12 - Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members having peristaltic action
• F04B 53/16 - CasingsCylindersCylinder liners or headsFluid connections