Importance

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Abstract

An improved peristaltic pump using a pumptube comprising a single tube of a relatively rigid and hard fluoroplastic material, preferably relatively rigid and hard polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and a roller strap located between the pressure rollers of the peristaltic pump and the pumptube, is provided. The roller strap prevents direct contact between the pressure rollers of the peristaltic pump and the pumping section of the pumptube. The pumping section of the pumptube is formed or shaped into a flattened, oval-like shape which approximately conforms to the pumptube passageway in the peristaltic pump. The pressure rollers contact the roller strap and then compress the flattened side of the pumptube and, thereby, effecting transport or pumping of the fluid. The use of the strap prevents excessive tube expansion at the output back-pressure, thereby increasing the lifetime of the pumptube. Using the pumptubes and peristaltic pumps of this invention, corrosive, viscous, sensitive, biological, and/or high pressure fluids can be readily handled. The pumptube and peristaltic pumps of this invention are especially adapted to operate against high back- or counter-pressures.

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First Claim