Importance

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Abstract

An improved occulsion detection apparatus and method for use in a pumping apparatus wherein a motor control sequencer provides signals adapted to rotate the shaft of a motor and a pump mechanism through a pumping cycle. The motor is advantageouly initially operated at a first higher torque to insure proper starting of the pumping cycle and is subsequently operated at a second lower torque through the remainder of the pumping cycle, the motor stalling if an occlusion within a fluid delivery system causes the back pressure within the delivery system to exceed the torque capabilities of the motor. An occulsion detector times the pumping cycle and if the cycle exceeds a first predetermined time period, an occulsion alarm is generated. The occlusion detector may further cause the motor control sequencer to increase motor torque to attempt to complete the pumping cycle or may de-energize the motor after a second predetermined period to prevent damage to the pumping apparatus.

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First Claim