BACKGROUND
Pumps and siphons are commonly utilized for transferring fluids from one location to another location. Typically, these devices comprise a tubular structure, where a first end of the tubular structure is placed into a body of fluid, while the second end of the tubular structure is placed in a targeted area to receive the fluid. For siphons, when the vertical height of the intake body is greater than that of the outlet body, the force of gravity will pull the fluid through the first end of the tubular structure outward into the second end of the tubular structure. Alternatively, a pump may be utilized to force fluid through the tubular structure.
Siphons, or similar apparatuses, are utilized across a wide range of technological fields. For example, these structures are commonly utilized on large scales in the chemical industry, the food and beverage industry and in waterworks systems, as well as in small scale settings such as assisting individuals in plumbing or automotive tasks.
Current methods and apparatuses for initiating siphoning may be ineffective or inefficient in several settings. Many devices utilize differential hydraulic pressure, coupled with pumps or oscillation devices, to initiate the siphoning process. These devices typically require clear access to the surface of the fluid to be siphoned. Thus, these devices are not ideal for situations where the user lacks a clear line of sight to the fluid surface. Other devices utilize check valves, coupled with an oscillating mechanism to initiate a siphon. These devices are also limited by surface access and sufficient depth of the fluid to be siphoned. Furthermore, other devices apply pressure to the vessel containing the fluid to be siphoned, resulting in an overflow that initiates the siphon. However, these devices are ineffective in situations where the vessel is not sealed.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Therefore, there is a defined need amongst the known prior art references for an improvement to the methods and apparatuses used in siphoning processes. Ideally, the solution for this problem would allow for siphoning to occur across multiple settings. This includes settings where the fluid to be siphoned may be in a non-sealed container, the fluid to be siphoned may not be directly viewable by the user. Such solution should be cost-effective, light in weight and provide all the benefits of the known prior art references. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a closed system, to prevent contamination of the fluid to be siphoned. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a gentler form of siphoning, such as to prevent the disturbance of sediment or other particulate contaminants in the container of the fluid to be siphoned. Additionally, it is a further object of the present invention to provide a lightweight and structurally strong unit through the use of a rotatable cap.
In furtherance of this solution, a peristaltic pump device capable of transforming into a siphon is provided. The device comprises a body. A rotary pump is disposed within an internal cavity of the body. The rotary pump comprises a plurality of outer rollers. An actuator is in operable connection with the plurality of outer rollers. A tube is in operable connection with the plurality of outer rollers, such that engaging the actuator creates suction within the tube in the direction that the actuator is turned.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the peristaltic pump device.
FIG. 2 shows a top view of an embodiment of the peristaltic pump device wherein the removable bypass door is in an open position.
FIG. 3 shows a side view of an embodiment of the peristaltic pump device wherein the removable bypass door is in an open position.
FIG. 4 shows a top view of an embodiment of the peristaltic pump device wherein the removable bypass door is in a closed position.
FIG. 5 shows a side view of an embodiment of the peristaltic pump device wherein the removable bypass door is in a closed position.
FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of the peristaltic pump device.
FIG. 7 shows a demonstrative, cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the peristaltic pump device.
FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the peristaltic pump device wherein an actuator is affixed thereto.
FIG. 9 shows a top view of an embodiment of the peristaltic pump device wherein an actuator is affixed thereto.
FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the peristaltic pump device wherein the outer rollers contain gear teeth thereon.
FIG. 11 shows a top view of an embodiment of the peristaltic pump device wherein the outer rollers contain gear teeth thereon.
DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the peristaltic pump device. The peristaltic pump comprises a body 19 having a base portion and a sidewall 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the body 19 defines a substantially circular housing in which a rotary pump 25 is situated. The rotary pump 25 is in operable connection with a tube 1 defining an opening on each end thereof for fluid to pass.
The rotary pump 25 comprises a plurality of outer rollers 6. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the rotary pump 25 comprises central gear 5 meshed with a plurality of outer rollers 6. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of outer rollers 6 are defined between an upper section 11 and a lower section 14. The upper section 11 and the lower section 14 (as shown in FIG. 6) may engage a central post 15 (as shown in FIG. 6) connected to the body 19. In the demonstrated embodiment, the plurality of outer rollers 6 comprises three rollers, however, in alternate embodiments, any number of rollers may be utilized. In one embodiment, the rotary pump 25 further comprises a cap 2. The cap 2 can act as a non-movable fixation point for the central post 15 (as shown in FIG. 6), such as to maintain the positioning of both the central gear 5 and the plurality of outer rollers 6. The cap 2 may be rotatable relative to the body 19, such as to enable loading and unloading of the tube 1 from the device. The cap 2 has a channel 26 (as shown in FIG. 6) that engages a lip 8 of the body 19 to allow rotation of the cap 2 to form a retention profile. The cap 2 may be rotated to a closed position as shown in FIG. 1, thereby locking the removable bypass door 13 in place, or in an open position as shown in FIG. 2 to allow opening or removal of the bypass door 13 so as to transition from pumping to siphoning. The removal of the bypass door 13 is not defined as losing all physical contact with the body 19 or sidewall 10 thereof, but rather that it is removed from the pressure system by pivoting, rotating, or otherwise releasing pressure from the outer rollers 6 and tube 1. In an alternate embodiment the bypass door 13 may be detached from the body 19 or associated sidewall 10 wherein it is not in physical contact with either. In the depicted embodiment any arrangement of outer rollers 6 may be utilized so long as not more than one roller is engaging the tube 1 when the primary roller is aligned with the removable bypass door 13. In this manner, when a single roller is positioned at the removable bypass door 13, all pressure may be relieved from the tube 1 when the removable bypass door 13 is opened. The single roller applying pressure to the tube 1 against the removable bypass door 13 can be further utilized as a valve, wherein fluid can flow when the door is open but is restricted when the door is closed. The same can be accomplished by moving an outer roller 6 to any part of the body 19 so as to restrict flow regardless of whether the removable bypass door 13 is open or closed. In alternate embodiments any number of doors may be utilized with a corresponding number of rollers applying pressure to the tube 1 against the body 19 or door(s). In a further embodiment the sidewall 10 may be continuous without a bypass door. Furthermore, while depictions are made showing a single tube 1, any number of tubes may be used so long as the sum of their compressed diameters is no larger than the length of the outer rollers 6 as measured from the roller end nearest the body 19 to the roller end nearest the cap 2.
An actuator 4 is in operable connection with the plurality of outer rollers 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 4 is a manually-operated crank. Various actuators are conceived including in alternate embodiments where rotation of the plurality of outer rollers 6 is accomplished by other mechanical means such as a motor. When the actuator 4 is engaged by the user, the siphoning or pumping process will be engaged in the tube 1. As such, the user has direct control over the suction or siphon force generated by the plurality of outer rollers 6. The actuator 4 is bidirectional, such that pumping in forward and reverse is enabled. In some embodiments, a pair of tubing brackets 3 are disposed on the body 19. The pair of tubing brackets 3 are configured to removably receive the ends of the tube 1 therein for providing enhanced stability and alignment of the tube 1 as well as aiding in inserting and removing the tube 1. The tubing brackets 3 are of any suitable structure for securing the ends of the tube 1. For example, the tubing brackets 3 may be clamps, snaps, swings, straps, press fit brackets or similar attachments. The tubing brackets 3 may be interchangeable with other tubing bracket configurations via screws, snap fits, dovetails or any suitable fastening structure.
In some embodiments, one or more mounting features 12 may be disposed on the body 19. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting features 12 comprises a pair of slots. The pair of slots are configured to receive a strap therebetween. As such, a user may secure the pump to his or her hand via the strap. In further embodiments, the body 19 may comprise one or more finger grips 9 therein. The finger grips 9 are configured to assist the user with comfortably holding the body 19 of the device when using the device.
Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, there are shown a top view and a side view, respectively, of the peristaltic pump device wherein the removable bypass door 13 is in an open position. In the illustrated embodiment, the removable bypass door 13 forms a section of the sidewall 10. The removable bypass door 13 is movable between an open position (shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) and a closed position (shown in FIGS. 4 and 5). The removable bypass door 13 is configured to release pressure on the tube 1 when placed into the open position, such that free flow of fluids through the tube 1 may be allowed when the removable bypass door 13 is opened and an outer roller 6 is aligned with it or otherwise not applying pressure against the body 19. In the illustrated embodiment, the removable bypass door 13 is affixed to the body 19 via a hinge 17. Specifically, the hinge 17 in the illustrated embodiment is a snap fit hinge that is engaged with a corresponding recess formed on the body 19. Alternatively, the removable bypass door 13 may be secured by any suitable means, such as an external hinge, a molded pin, a pressed pin, a magnetic fixturing structure or the like. Furthermore, in some embodiments, a plurality of removable bypass doors 13 may be placed on the body 19 thereby forming sections of the sidewall 10.
Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, there are shown a top view and a side view, respectively, of the peristaltic pump device wherein the removable bypass door 13 is in a closed position. The closed position of the removable bypass door 13 is defined where the removable bypass door 13 is locked into place with the body 19 and conforms to the shape of the body 19 thus providing a continuous surface. Furthermore the removable bypass door 13 has a matching lip 8 to engage the cap 2. In some embodiments, the removable bypass door 13 may be removably securable in the closed position via rotation of a cap 2 defined by the body 19 so long as the cap 2 is wider than the removable bypass door 13. Alternatively, the removable bypass door 13 may be retainable or releasable via any suitable means, such as a translational sliding mechanism, a latch, a magnet, a cam, a pin or a wedge. Furthermore, the cap 2 itself may be securable via a retention profile defined as the lip 8 and channel 26.
In embodiments where the body 19 is circular, the cap 2 may be hemispheric in shape for maximum stability of the central post 15 (as shown in FIG. 6) or can be of any size depending on the force applied or the strength needed to prevent deflection of the central post 15. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the cap 2 defines a plurality of indexing tabs 7. The indexing tabs 7 are configured to partially restrain the cap 2 in configurations most convenient for use, such as in a closed position to lock the removable bypass door 13, an open position to unlock the removable bypass door 13, or any suitable position therebetween. Furthermore, in the demonstrated embodiment, a bottom platform is defined on the body 19, while a top platform 20 is disposed on the cap 2. The bottom platform 19 and the top platform 20 work in conjunction to vertically confine the plurality of outer rollers 6 and the tube 1, preventing misalignment.
Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown an exploded view of an embodiment of the peristaltic pump device. As shown in the demonstrated embodiment, the plurality of outer rollers 6 may be toothed, wherein gear teeth are disposed on the rollers outer surface. Specifically, a toothing surface 18 may be centrally defined on each roller of the plurality of outer rollers 6. The plurality of outer rollers 6 may be toothed in any pattern, such as a herringbone pattern, suitable for engaging the tube 1. Alternatively, the toothing 18 may include standard straight gear teeth or single angle gear teeth. By providing toothing 18 that applies variable pressure to the tube 1, reduced energy is required to operate the pump while increasing the lifespan of the tube 1. Furthermore, the toothing 18 assists with maintaining the central orientation of the plurality of outer rollers 6 relative to the tube 1. The lower section 14 of the frame has a plurality of posts 23 rising from it that form an axel for the corresponding outer rollers 6 to rotate on. The posts 23 receive the outer rollers 6 and allow them to rotate freely while also providing attachment means for the upper section 11 of the frame to be attached to the lower frame 14 with fasteners 22. While the illustrated embodiment shows posts 23 rising from the lower frame 14 and fasteners 22 coming through the upper frame 11, the opposite can be done to achieve the same result, wherein the posts 23 come down from the upper frame 11 and fasteners 22 go up through the lower frame 14. A further embodiment of the invention includes only one of the upper or lower frame as shown in FIG. 6 whereby the in the present embodiment the upper frame 11 would be removed and the fasteners 22 would attach the outer rollers 6 to the posts 23. The same can be contemplated whereby the lower frame 14 is removed and the upper frame 14 has posts 23 for receiving the outer rollers 6 and fasteners 22.
Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown a demonstrative, cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the peristaltic pump device wherein the tube 1 is being compressed between the removable bypass door 13 and the outer rollers 6. The tube 1 is made of a flexible material, such as to enable suction when the tube 1 is engaged by the plurality of outer rollers 6.
A further benefit of the outer rollers 6 having teeth 18 is to allow the tube 1 to be compressed in a variable way. The placement of the teeth 18 allows areas at the outside of the tube 1 that experience the most deformation to be compressed to a different quantity than the compression experienced by areas of the tube 1 that are less deformed. Providing variable levels of compression, also known as occlusion, on the tube 1 promotes reduced energy required to operate the pump and increases the tube 1 lifecycle. Design of the tooth 18 feature may be in the form of a herringbone pattern as demonstrated on the outer roller 6 of FIG. 1. If the herringbone pattern is oriented in the correct direction of rotation, the tooth 18 pattern of the outer roller 6 will modestly improve central orientation of the tube 1 on the outer roller 6 during operation. In the instance of FIG. 1, ideal orientation is promoted when the actuator 4 is rotated clockwise, whereby fluid is drawn in from the left side of the tube 1 and exits out of the right side of the tube 1 when viewed from the perspective of FIG. 1. The use of a herringbone pattern also promotes central alignment of the outer rollers 6 with the central gear 5. Other embodiments of the outer roller 6 include standard straight gear teeth 18, or single angle gear teeth.
Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9 there is shown a perspective view and top view, respectively, of an embodiment of the peristaltic pump device wherein an actuator 4 is affixed thereto. In the illustrated embodiment the pump assembly 24 operates without a central gear, wherein the actuator 4 is statically affixed to the upper section 11 of the frame , thereby negating the need for gear teeth on the outer rollers 6. In a further embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 there is shown a perspective view and top view, respectively, of an embodiment of the peristaltic pump device wherein the outer rollers 6 contain gear teeth 18 thereon. In the illustrated embodiment the pump assembly 25 is without a central gear but with the outer rollers 6 having gear teeth 18 to aid in alignment of and pressure distribution on the tube 1. While a herringbone gear pattern is shown, any type of gear pattern or any type of protuberances or recesses on the surface of the outer rollers 6 may be used to accomplish the same alignment and pressure distribution.
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
Patent Application
20230279849
