US3927955A - Medical cassette pump - Google Patents

Abstract

A medical cassette pump is provided, especially adapted for acting upon disposable fluid-carrying tubing in a manner such that the tubing can easily be inserted and removed from the fluid-pumping assembly. The pump includes a drive motor which rotates a fluid-pumping assembly about a principal axis. The fluid pumping assembly including pumping means engaging the fluid-carrying tube and advancing fluid along the tube in response to rotation of the fluid-pumping assembly, and displaceable cassette means for releasably engaging the fluidcarrying tube against the pumping means.

Description

US. Patent Dec. 23, 1975 Sheet 1 of 8Sheet 2 of 8 U.S. Patent Dec. 23, 1975 DOM SPINOSA JOHN VARGA U.S. Patent Dec. 23, 1975 Sheet3 0f8 3,927,955

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US. Patent Dec. 23, 1975Sheet 4 of8 3,927,955

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INVENTORS DOM SPINOSA BY JOHN VARGA ATTORNEYS U.S. Patent Dec. 23, 1975Sheet 6 of 8 3,927,955

US. Patent Dec. 23, 1975Sheet 7 of 8 3,927,955

US. Patent Dec. 23, 1975Sheet 8 of 8 MEDICAL CASSETTE PUMP This application is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 174,019, filed Aug. 23, l97l, and now abandoned.

Pumps are frequently used for the delivery of fluids to and removal of fluids from patients where cavities of the body are to be washed out, such as the stomach, bladder or uterus, or where fluids are to be pumped from the body. Medical applications in which pumps are used include infusion, dialysis, hemoperfusion, constant irrigation, and the suction method of abortion. The fluid being delivered to or from the patient via the pump should move through a path in which it does not come into contact with any of the pump parts, in order to maintain the sterility of the fluid delivered to the patient, and to avoid contamination of the fluid taken from the patient. If the pump parts come in contact with the fluid being processed, it is necessary to clean and sterilize these parts between uses, which is an expensive and slow procedure.

Peristaltic pumps have been put to medical uses, but they have required threading of the fluid-carrying tube through intricate paths in the pump, which has made it difficult to replace the tubes between uses, and also raise the possibility of contamination of the tube during the threading operation.

In accordance with the invention, a peristaltic pump is provided in which a fluid-carrying tube is held against the pumping means by a readily displaceable cassette, which can be moved between a first position in which the fluid-carrying tube is held against the pump means for pumping of fluid through the tube, and a second position in which the fluid-carrying tube is exposed and can be freed from such engagement, and removed. Thus, merely by movement of the cassette between two positions the tube can be inserted, put in a pumping position for engagement by the pumping means, and replaced in a simple quick operation, without interference with the sanitary interior of the tube. No special equipment or tools and removal and replacement of bolts or screws is required.

The medical cassette pump of the invention comprises, in combination, a drive means; a fluid-pumping assembly operatively coupled to the drive means, for rotation thereby about a principal axis, said fluid pumping assembly including a pumping means rotatable about the principal axis; cassette means movable between a first position towards and a second position away from the pumping means; means defining at least one wall of a channel for reception of a fluid carrying tube, the wall restraining the tube from movement away from the pumping means, and retaining the tube in a path corresponding to the rotational path of the pumping means in close proximity to the pumping means in a manner such that the tube is collapsed by the pumping means against the wall; the cassette means in the first position retaining the fluid-carrying tube in the channel and in a position to be collapsed by the pumping means, and in the second position releasing the tube from such engagement to permit insertion of the tube in the channel or removal of the tube from the channel, and the pumping means in said first position of the cassette means being always in engagement with the tube at some portion of its length, and moving the collapsed portion along the tube for pumping of fluid through the tube upon rotation of the drive means.

The cassette means may comprise one or several cassette members describing segments of the arc of a circle or approximately circular shape and mounted for relative pivotable movement towards and away from the pumping means. A pair of cassette half-members each describing an approximately arc can be pivotably mounted at one end, in a manner such that when brought together they extend through an approximately 360 arc about the fluid drive assembly. They engage the fluid-carrying tube against an inside wall thereof, which describes a circular channel about the fluid drive assembly. The cassette means can also be in the form of a disc, pivotably mounted at one side with the channel extending about one side of the disc, and enclosing the circular path followed by the pumping means.

The pumping means is coupled to the drive means for rotation thereby about its axis, in an arc corresponding to the channel, and in close proximity thereto, spaced therefrom by a distance equal only to the diameter of a fluid-carrying tube when collapsed and therefore closed off by the pumping means against the channel restraining wall. Thus, where the pumping means engages the tube, it closes off the tube to fluid flow against the interior wall of the cassette means, and by its rotation about the principal axis advances the fluid along the tube in response to the rotation of the fluid drive assembly.

The medical cassette pump can be formed with a frame and the cassette means may be releasably mounted on the frame for simultaneous removal of the cassette and fluid-carrying tube. The channel can be attached to the frame, or to the cassette means, or to the pumping means, or any combination of these alternatives. Thus, the pumping means can comprise grooved rollers or a grooved cam, with the channel being the groove, and the restraining wall thereof can be an internal peripheral wall of the cassette means.

The cassette means can be formed with one or two holes, slots, or other forms of openings therethrough, in a side thereof, for reception of the fluid carrying tube, so that it can enter the channel, each of the openings communicating with the channel.

The cassette means can be pivotably mounted on a shaft upstanding from the frame, which shaft is adapted to retain the cassette means secured to the frame. Bias means mounted on the frame can be provided, for biasing the cassette means into the first position, holding the fluid-carrying tube in engagement with the pumping means. The bias means can for instance take the form of a spring, such as a leaf or coil spring of the compression or tension type, or a magnet and magnetic member or pair of magnets.

Tab means can be provided, to act with a switch, the tab means engaging and preventing operation of the switch means operatively coupled to the drive means, to prevent the operation thereof unless the tab means is engaged by a tube.

The channel defines the loop described by the tube in traversing the inside wall of the cassette. This loop may extend over an arc that is greater or less than 360. The only requirement is that a pumping means be continuously in engagement with the loop, during rotation of the pumping means about the principal axis, to ensure positive displacement of fluid along the loop.

Thus, if the loop be in excess of 360, one pumping means will suffice, for advancement of fluid through the tube. If the loop be less than 360, two pumping means will suffice for this purpose, but more than two pumping means can be used, such as three, four or five, or even more, as desired. The spacing of the several pumping means from each other determines the volume of each pulse of fluid pumped through the tube, since each pulse is defined by the distance between adjacent pumping means of the fluid drive assembly. A large number, three, four or five, of pumping means give smaller relative pulses, but a more uniform pumped flow, along the tube.

The pumping means can take any desired form. The design and configuration of the pumping means in peristaltic pumps are conventional and form no part of the instant invention. Thus, for example, the pumping means can take the form of rollers, cams, fingers or spokes.

Thus, for example, a plurality of planetary rollers rotatably mounted in spaced relation to the principal axis and to each other can be used. The planetary rollers can be mounted at one side of a disc, or on spokes extending from a central hub attached to the drive shaft. A spoked wheel, the spokes serving as fingers, can be used, and a cam disc with cam-like protruberances can also be used, the tips or ends of the cams or fingers engaging and collapsing the tube in the manner described.

Two or more sets of pumping means can be provided, aligned in two planes, spaced along the principal axis, each engaging a separate fluid-carrying tube. The pumping means for each fluid-carrying tube can be arranged the same or differently, so as to engage and advance the fluid in each of the fluid-carrying tubes at the same or different times and in the same or different ways. The pumping means can be arranged to engage several or all of the tubes simultaneously, so as to pump fluid through such tubes at the same rate, although, optionally, not in the same direction, such as for example, in pumping fluid to and away from the body, to irrigate or flush a portion of the body.

in one embodiment of the medical cassette pump according to the invention, planetary rollers are provided composed of a cylindrical portion and a conical portion extending from one end of the cylindrical portion, in a manner such that the fluid-carrying tube rides along the conical portion for positioning and gradual compression until engagement by the cylindrical portion, at which point the tube is positioned for pumping operation.

The drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of medical cassette pump according to the invention having a pair of cassette members, and three planetary rollers as the pumping means;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along theline 22 of FIG. 1, and looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the medical cassette pump of FIG. 1, showing the cassette half members in the open position;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along theline 44 of FIG. 1, and looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along theline 55 of FIG. 1, and looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view partially in section of a second embodiment of medical cassette pump according to the invention;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary side elevation of the medical cassette pump of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along theline 88 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary perspective view of a third embodiment of medical cassette pump according to the invention, having two planetary rollers as the pumping means;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the embodiment of medical cassette pump of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along the line 11-ll of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along the line 12-12 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of a fourth embodiment of medical cassette pump according to the invention, having three grooved planetary rollers as part of the channel and the pumping means;

FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken along line 14- 14 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of a fifth embodiment of medical cassette pump according to the invention; and

FIG. 16 is a sectional view taken along the line 16-16 of FIG. 15.

The medical cassette pump indicated generally by 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 is supported on a table 12, which also has astand 14 mounted thereon. Hanging from thestand 14 is a fluid-dispensingbottle 16, to which is removably coupled a flexible resilient fluid-carryingtube 18, for delivery of fluid from the bottle to a patient by way of a catheter or other delivery device (not shown) attached to the end 17 of thetube 18. The end 17 of the fluid-carryingtube 18 can also be connected to a collection receptacle (not shown} in which case the pump can be arranged to draw fluid from the patient, and deliver it to the receptacle.

The medical cassette pump 10 includes ahousing 22 within which is mounted anelectric drive motor 24, best seen in FIG. 2. An on-off switch 26 and a reversingswitch 28 mounted on the exterior of thehousing 22 are operatively coupled in the electric circuit with themotor 24, so as to open and close the circuit and thus to turn the motor on and off, and also to control the direction of rotation thereof.Rheostat knob 30 mounted on thehousing 22 turns a rheostat (not shown) and thus controls the speed of the drive motor. These components are conventional, and any design can be used. Timing and sequence controls permitting the automatic operation of the pump for predetermined periods, spaced by predetermined rest intervals, also can be provided. The drive motor is preferably noiseless and arc-less, so that it can be used in an oxygen environment.

Thedrive motor 24 rotates thedrive shaft 32, which defines the principal axis of rotation of a fluid pumping assembly indicated generally by 34. As best seen in FIG. 2, the fluid-pumpingassembly 34 is composed of acentral hub 36, secured to driveshaft 32 by aset screw 38, and rotating therewith. A pair of spaced circular discs orplates 40 are mounted on each end ofhub 36 byscrews 42, for the rotation of the plates with the hub and drive shaft. Three spacedplanetary rollers 44 are freely rotatably mounted betweenplates 40 uponroller shafts 46.

As best seen in FIG. 3, the threerollers 44 are circumferentially placed about the outer periphery of theplates 40, and are equally spaced from each other and thedrive shaft 32. The threerollers 44 are carried in a circular path about the principal axis of rotation by thedrive shaft 32.

A cassette 48 is provided, comprising a pair of cars sette half-members 50, 50', joined at one end by acommon hinge 52, best seen in FIG. 5. Thehinge 52 is provided with anaxial aperture 54 therethrough, engaging apost 56 projecting upwardly from thehousing 22. Thepost 56 serves as a pivot pin for the pivotal movement of the two cassette half-members 50, 50' with respect to each other and the drive assembly, as well as positioning the cassette on the housing.

If themotor 24 is to be of the unidirectional type, theaperture 54 could be closed at one end by a wall, to prevent accidental reversal of the direction of fluid flow.

As shown in FlG. 3, the two cassette half members are swung apart to open the cassette, and together to close the cassette. They also may be lifted off thepost 56, for removal from the housing. Theother end 57, 57' of eachcassette half member 50, 50 is provided with anotch 58, 58', which cooperates with aspring finger 60, 60' as best seen in FIG. 4. Each of thespring fingers 60, 60' is mounted at one end to thehousing 22 by ascrew 62, 62', and each extends through anaperture 64, 64' in the housing. The aperture permits the movement of the spring finger to the position shown in phantom lines in FIG. 4, to permit the pivoting of the associatedcassette halfmember 50. Apad 66 at the end of eachspring finger 60 engages the top surface of eachcassette halt member 50, S0 to prevent the upward displacement of the cassette half-members.

Each cassette half-member is formed with a substantially semi-circular innerperipheral wall 68, 68', dimensioned to extend about and receiveplates 40, and serving as a retaining wall for thetube 18. In this embodiment, the portion of the innerperipheral wall 68, 68' of each of the cassette half-members retaining the tube is formed as the base, 72, 72 of a U-channel 70, 70, and is integral with the cassette half-member. Thechannel 70 can also be a separate component, pivotably mounted to thepost 56 orframe 22, and movable with the cassette half-member.

The two cassette half-members together describe an arc of 360 about the fluid-pumping assembly, each extending over about 180. The channels, 70, 70' extend over the same are.

As best seen in FIG. 2, therollers 44 are dimensioned to extend into thechannels 70, to engage fluid-carryingtube 18 and thrust it in a flattened condition against thebase wall 72, 72', of thechannels 70, 70', as shown in the left portion of FIG. 2.Channel 70 is dimensioned to loosely receive the fluid-carryingtube 18, when thetube 18 is not in engagement by therollers 44, and to permit the flattening of thetube 18 against theinner wall 72 by therollers 44, closing off the tube at that point, and defining a pulse of fluid within the tube that is advanced along the tube by the rollers as they are rotated by theshaft 32 about their circular path.

Each of the cassette half-members is also provided with acurved bore 74, 74' communicating withchannels 70, 70', as best seen in FIG. 3. The bores are spaced approximately 120 apart, so that thechannels 70, 30' extend over an uninterrupted arc of 240 and 120 In operation, the fluid-carryingtube 18 is threaded through thebores 74, 74, and received within thechannels 70, 70', over the longer are of approximately 240". The cassette half-members 50, 50' are then mounted on thepost 56, while in the open position as shown in FIG. 3. Then, the two cassette half-members 50, 50' are brought together into the position in phantom lines in FIG. 3. When so positioned, at least two of the threerollers 44 at any given interval thrusts a portion of the fluid-carryingtube 18 against theinner wall 72, 72' of thechannels 70, to effectively close the tube at that point. A pulse of fluid is defined between such two rollers, which pulse is advanced along the tube as the fluid-pumpingassembly 34 is rotated. Be fore anyroller 44 leaves contact with the tube at one end of the arc, the next-precedingroller 44 has engaged the tube at the other end of the arc, so that a pulse of fluid is always being advanced along the tube.

Each pulse of fluid is sequentially delivered to the outlet portion of the fluid-carrying tube located in thebore 74", while a new pulse of fluid at theinlet portion 74 is formed by the next roller, in sequence, and advanced along the section of the fluid-carrying tube and delivered to the outlet portion. In this manner a smooth and continuous flow of fluid is produced, in either desired direction of flow, without any of the moving parts of the pump being in contact with the fluid being transmitted.

If desired, cassette 48 may be assembled with the tube, and furnished as a unit, each such unit constituting a complete disposable cassette. This system can be sterilized as a unit, utilized as a unit, utilized as a unit, and disposed of as a unit. Whether or not the cassettes are disposable, a plurality of cassettes 48 may be provided, each of the cassettes engaging a separate tube, so upon completion of one operation, a pump may be immediately utilized for another operation by merely substituting a new cassette for the old one, including a fluid-carrying tube already threaded thereon. This substitution is readily and quickly made.

The pump is provided with a pair ofhandles 76, 78, which permit the carrying of the pump, its mounting on a stand, or the selfsupport thereof.

The embodiment of medical cassette pump of FIGS. 6 to 8, generally designated in these Figures, comprises a drive shaft 32', with a hub 36' mounted and held thereon by set screw 38'. A pair of circular plates 40' are secured to the hub by screws 42'. In this embodiment, theplanetary rollers 82, which are freely rotatably mounted in circumferentially spaced relation on shaft 46', are formed with a cylindrical surface portion 84 and a conical surface portion 86. Thecassette 88 comprises aunitary cassette member 90 and ahandle member 92. Thecassette member 90 is formed with an innercentral opening 94, the inner periphery of which defines a relatively shallow channel 96 (See FIG. 8), thebase wall 100 of which serves as a retaining wall for atube 18. Thecentral opening 94 in thecassette member 90 is dimensioned to receive the cylindrical portion 84 ofrollers 82, with a close clearance between portion 84 andbase wall 100, so that atube 18 in the channel is collapsed by theroller 82 against thewall 100 and closed off at that point.

Thecassette member 90 is formed with a pair ofcurved bores 98, 98' spaced approximately apart and communicating with thechannel 96. The channel thus defines a 360 arc, with 120 and 240 portions between thebores 98, 98. The fluid-carryingtube 18 is threaded through the bores, around the 240 arc of thechannel 96. Since the channel is relatively shallow, portions of the fluid-carryingtube 18 project laterally out of the channel, but where in engagement with the cylindrical portion 84 of therollers 82, thetube 18 is compressed and flattened between the rollers and the 7wall 100 of thechannel 96.

Thecassette 88 is mounted on housing 22' by fourupstanding posts 102, which project from the top of the housing. Each of the posts is provided with aspringloaded detent 104, which engages a corresponding recess in thecassette member 90, to releasably retain thecassette member 88 in position. The cassette is mounted and removed by grasping thehandle 92, and moving the cassette along the principal axis defined by the drive shaft 32' towards or away from housing 22'.

The conical surfaces 86 of therollers 82 permit thefluidcarrying tube 18 to ride therealong, and to be gradually compressed and released, and also serve as a centering device for the positioning of the cassette. I

Alternatively,rollers 82 may be substantially cylindrical, but mounted for radial displacement relative to the principal axis of thedrive shaft 32. In this embodiment, the pancake-shapedcassette member 90 would be positioned about the fluid-pumping assembly, and the rollers would be displaced outwardly into thechannel 96, to engage the fluid-carrying tube against theinner wall 100, and locked in this position.

In another alternative embodiment, the fluid-pumping assembly can be formed integrally with the pancake-shapedcassette member 90, the combination being keyed to and removably mounted on the drive shaft 32'.

Thecassette 88 may be disposable, and a plurality of such cassettes may be utilized, to permit the quick substitution of one cassette for another, as in the case of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 5.

It will be apparent that the operation of this embodiment is the same as FIGS. 1 to 5, and consequently, the operation will not be described.

The embodiment of medical cassette pump shown generally as 110 in FIGS. 9 to 12 is adapted for the simultaneous pumping of fluid in the same direction (but in fact in opposite directions in the fluid system) through two separate fluid-carryingtubes 112, 114. As best seen in FIG. 1 l, the fluid-pumping assembly shown generally as 116 is provided with two roller sets, each composed of three rollers, 118, 120, one roller of each set being mounted on acommon shaft 122 for free rotation thereabout. Each of thecommon roller shafts 122 are secured to ahub member 124, which in turn is fixedly mounted on thedrive shaft 125, for rotation thereby. The hingedcassette 126 is provided with a pair of cassette half-members 128, 128', and extending along the portion of the inner peripheral walls thereof arechannels 130, 130', 132, 132' dimensioned to receive the corresponding pairs ofrollers 118, 120, and the fluid-carrying tubes I12, 114. Thecassette 126 is mounted on thehousing 134 by thepost 136, extending through thehinge 138 joining the two cassette half-portions, and by thespring fingers 140.

The cassette has four open slots 142, which communicate with thechannels 130, 130', 132, 132', and permit the insertion of the fluid-carrying tubes therein without threading the tubes through bores of the cassette. This permits permanent mounting of the cassette on the housing by means of thepin 136.

In order to position and retain the fluid-carrying tubes, and to permit their easy insertion in and removal from thepump 110, a tab member 144 (see FIG. 9) is provided having four apertures 146, positioned in two aligned spaced pairs opposite the slots 142. Each of the fluid-carryingtubes 112, 114 is threaded through the two apertures, 146 of each pair, and about thechannels 130, 130', 132, 132 to define a 240 loop in each of the tubes in which at least two of therollers 118, engage thetubes 118, 120 at any given moment. Pivoting the cassette half-members 128, 128' to the closed position shown in FIG. 10 brings the rollers I18, 120 into engagement with thetubes 118, 120 over this 240 loop. They are released for removal from thechannels 130, 132, 132' by pivoting the half-members 128, 128' away from this position.

Tab 144 is provided with ahandle 148, and is also adapted to serve a further safety switching function. For this purpose,tab 144 is provided with a projectingfinger 150, as best seen in FIGS. 9 and 12. The finger projects through anaperture 152 inhousing 134 into aswitch block 154. As shown in FIG. 12, the finger engages adisplaceable switch member 156 against aswitch member 158, to close an enabling circuit, which when open will not permit the motor to operate. The circuit is connected by theleads 160, 162 to the drive motor of the pump. Thedisplaceable contact 156 is in the form of a leaf spring, which will move to the open position whenfinger 150 oftab 144 is withdrawn. This ensures that the pump will only operate when the fluidcarrying tubes are properly positioned. A tab arrangement such astab 144 can also be incorporated in pumps using only a single fluid-carrying tube.

The two-tube embodiment of FIGS. 9 to 12 permits the coordinated withdrawal and delivery of fluids from the body, and is particularly useful in flushing out cavities such as the stomach, intestine, and the like, and in particular in drug or poison cases, where the stomach must be washed out rapidly. The two sets of planetary rollers can also be mounted on separate hubs joined by a clutch mechanism, so that the two sets can be selectively operatively coupled to the drive shaft. This arrangement permits intermediate fluid delivery or withdrawal while maintaining continuous withdrawal or delivery, respectively.

The fluid-carrying tubes can also include concentric tubes, one within the other, for simultaneous delivery of two fluids at the same time. Two, three or more fluid-carrying tubes can be driven, if desired, simply by providing an adequate supply of pumping means. Closed disposable delivery and collection systems can be arranged for, with the fluid receptacle, fluid-carrying tube, and fluid passage means (such as a catheter) all formed as a unit. The medical cassette pump according to the invention provides a flexible efficient and sanitary pumping system, which can be utilized for a wide range of medical and other functions.

The medical cassette pump shown generally as 1 in FIGS. 13 and 14 includes a mountingplate 2 on which is mounted adrive motor 3, best seen in FIG. 14. The plate can mount the pump on a cabinet or table, the pump mechanism fitting within the cut-out portion. As on-off switch and a reversing switch (not shown) are operatively coupled to drive themotor 3 so as to turn the motor on and off and control the direction of rotation thereof. Means also can be provided to control the speed of the drive motor. Timing and sequence controls permitting the automatic operation of the pump for predetermined periods spaced by predetermined rest intervals also can be provided. The drive motor is preferably noiseless and arcless, so that it can be used in an oxygen environment.

Thedrive motor 3 rotates thedrive shaft 4 which defines the principal axis of a fluid-pumpingassembly 5. The fluid-pumping assembly is composed of acentral hub 6 secured to driveshaft 4, and a pair of spacedwings 7 extend fromhub 6 and are integral therewith for rotation of the wings with the drive shaft. Twoplanetary rollers 8 are freely rotatably mounted onwings 7 byroller shafts 9, cradled byarms 11.

As best seen in FIG. 13, the two rollers are circumferentially spaced 180 apart about thewings 7, and are equally spaced from thedrive shaft 4. The two rollers are carried about the principal axis by rotation of thedrive shaft 4.

Acassette 15 is provided comprising a pair of cassette half-members 19, 19' joined at one end by apivot post 21 mounted onplate 2. Thepost 21 is provided with acap 23 and awasher 25 on each side of themembers 19, 19'. Thepost 21 serves as an axis for the relative pivotal movement of the twocassette halfmembers 19, 19', as well as serving to retain thecassette 15 in position on thehousing 2.

The two cassette half-members are pivoted away from each other to open the cassette. The other end of each cassette half-member 19, 19' is provided with anotch 27, 27' which cooperates with aspring finger 29, 29', as best seen in FIG. 14. Each of the spring fingers is mounted at one end to theplate 2 by ascrew 31, and extends through anaperture 33 in the plate. The aperture permits the displacement of the spring finger to the position shown in phantom lines in FIG. 14, to permit the pivoting of the associated cassette half-member 19, 19'.

Each cassette half-member is formed with a substantially semi-circular innerperipheral wall 35 dimensioned to extend about and receivewings 7. In this embodiment at least a portion of the innerperipheral wall 35 of each of the cassette half members is formed with achannel 37, 37' having abase wall 39, 39 serving as a retaining wall for a fluid-carryingtube 18.

As best seen in FIG. 13 therollers 8 are dimensioned to extend into thechannels 37, 37' to engagefluid carrying tube 18 against thebase walls 39, 39 of the channels, as shown in the left portion of FIG. 14. Thechannels 37, 37' are dimensioned to loosely receive the fluid-carryingtube 18 when not in engagement by the rollers, and to permit the flattening thereof against theinner walls 39, 39 by therollers 8, thus defining a pulse of fluid within the tube, that is advanced along the tube by therollers 8 as they rotate about thedrive shaft 4. Eachchannel 37, 37' of the cassette half members terminates in acurved slot 41, 41', as best seen in FIG. 13.

In operation, with the cassette half-members 19, 19' in the open position shown in phantom lines in FIG. 13, fluid-carryingtube 18 is placed in thechannels 37, 37', extending through thecurved slots 41, 41', and looping in an arc of approximately 320 about thedrive assembly 5. Then, the two cassette half-members 19, 19 are brought together into the closed position shown in FIG. 13. When so positioned at least one and sometimes both of the tworollers 8 engage a portion of thefluidcarrying tube 18 against theinner wall 39, 39' of thechannels 37, 37' to effectively close the tube. A pulse of fluid is defined before each roller engaging the tube, which pulse is advanced along the tube as the roller travels its circular path about thechannels 37, 37 when the fluid drive assembly is rotated.

Each pulse of fluid is sequentially delivered to theoutlet portion 41 of the channel 37', while a new pulse of fluid is formed by thenext roller 8, as it contacts the tube atinlet portion 41, ofchannel 37, and advanced in sequence along the fluid-carrying tube by the roller, and delivered to the outlet portion 41'. In this manner, a smooth and continuous flow of fluid in either direction is produced, without any of the moving parts of the pump being in contact with the fluid being transmitted.

The medical cassette pump shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 includes ahousing 51 within which is mounted adrive motor 53. An on-off switch and a reversing switch are operatively coupled to drive themotor 53, was to turn the motor on and off, and control the direction of rotation thereof. Means can be provided to control the speed of the drive motor. Timing and sequence controls permitting the automatic operation of the pump for predetermined periods spaced by predetermined rest intervals also can be provided. The drive motor is preferably noiseless and arcless, so that it can be used in an oxygen environment.

Thedrive motor 53 rotates thedrive shaft 55 which defines the principal axis of a fluid-pumpingassembly 57. The fluid-pumping assembly is composed of a central hub secured to driveshaft 55 by a set screw 61. A pair ofwings 63 extend from and are integral withhub 59 for rotation of the plates with the drive shaft. Two planetary rollers 67 are freely rotatably mounted onroller shafts 69, which are cradled onarms 71. Thearms 71 are pivotably mounted to thewings 63 by pins 73, and spring-biased outwardly relative to thedrive shaft 55 by compression springs 75 attached tohub 59.

As best seen in FIG. 15, the two rollers 67 are circumferentially spaced 180 apart about thewings 63 and are equally spaced from thedrive shaft 55. The two rollers are carried in a circular path about the principal axis of rotation by thedrive shaft 55. Each roller has acentral groove 77 which accommodates the fluid-carryingtube 18.

Acassette 81 is provided, comprising a pair of cassette half-members 83, 83' joined at one end by apivot pin 85, best seen in FIG. 16. The pin projects upwardly from thehousing 51. The pin serves as an axis for the relative pivotal movement of the twocassette halfmembers 83, 83', as well as serving to retain the eassette in position on thehousing 51.

As shown in FIG. 15, the two cassette half-members 83, 83' are pivoted away from each other to open the cassette. The other end of each cassette half-member is provided with anotch 87, 87' which cooperates with aspring finger 89, 89' as best seen in FIG. 16. Each of the spring fingers is mounted at one end to thehousing 51 by a screw 91, and extends through anaperture 93 in the housing. The aperture permits the displacement of the spring finger to the position shown in phantom lines in FIG. 16, to permit the pivoting of the associated cassette half-member 83, 83'.

Each cassette half-member is formed with a flat substantially semi-circular innerperipheral wall 95, 95' dimensioned to extend about and receivewings 63. In this embodiment, thegroove 77 of each roller 67 serves as the channel for the fluid-carryingtube 18.

As best seen in FIG. 15, thegrooves 77 are dimensioned to compress and flatten the fluid-carryingtube 18 against theinner walls 95, 95' of thecassette halfmembers 83, 83', as shown in the left portion of FIG. 15. The fluid-carryingtube 18 lies free and expanded when not in engagement by the rollers 67. Thus, the rollers 67 define a pulse of fluid within the tube before them, that is advanced along the tube by the rollers as they rotate along their circular path about the principal axis of thedrive shaft 55. Each of the cassette half- 1 1members 83, 83' is provided with acurved end 97, defining an opening 99 therebetween, as best seen in FIG. 15. The members describe an arc of approximately 320 between the two sides of opening 99.

In operation, with the cassette half-members in the open position shown in phantom lines in FIG. 15,fluidcarrying tube 18 is placed in a loop of approximately 320 over the rollers 67. Then the twocassette halfmembers 83, 83' are brought together into the closed position in FIG. 15. When so positioned, the ends of thetube 18 both pass through opening 99, and at least one and sometimes two of the two rollers 67 engages a portion of the fluid-carrying tube against theinner walls 95, 95' of themembers 83, 83', flattening it so as to effectively close the tube there. ()ne of the rollers 67 is always flattening the fluid-carrying tube against the wall at any given interval, and a pulse of fluid is defined ahead of such roller, which pulse is advanced along the tube by that roller as the fluid-pumpingassembly 57 is rotated.

Each pulse of fluid is sequentially delivered to the outlet portion of the fluid-carrying tube located at opening 99, while a new pulse of fluid is formed by the next roller, in sequence, and advanced along the section of the fluid-carrying tube by the roller as it moves about its circular path, and delivered to the outlet portion. In this manner, a smooth and continuous flow of fluid in either direction is produced, without any of the moving parts of the pump being in contact with the fluid being transmitted.

Having regard to the foregoing disclosure the following is claimed as the inventive and patentable embodiments thereof:

1. A medical cassette pump comprising in combina tion a driving means; a fluid-pumping assembly operatively coupled to the drive means for rotation thereby about a principal axis, said fluid-pumping assembly including a pumping means rotatable about the principal axis; cassette means movable between a first position towards and a second position away from the pumping means; means defining at least one wall of a channel for reception of a fluid-carrying tube; the wall restraining the tube from movement away from the pumping means and retaining the tube in a path corresponding to the rotational path of the pumping means in close proximity to the pumping means in a manner such that the tube is collapsed by the pumping means against the wall; the cassette means in the first position retaining the fluid-carrying tube in the channel and in a position to be collapsed by the pumping means, and in the second position releasing the tube from such engagement to permit insertion of the tube in the channel or removal of the tube from the channel, and the pumping means in said first position of the cassette means being always in engagement with the tube at some portion along the tube for pumping of fluid through the tube upon rotation of the drive means; said cassette means comprising a pair of cassette half-members each describing an approximately 180 arc and pivotably mounted at one end in a manner such that, when brought together, they extend through an approximately 360 are about the fluid-pumping drive assembly and having an inside wall defining one wall of the channel.

2. A medical cassette pump according to claim 1 in which the cassette means comprises a plurality of cassette members each describing a segment of the arc of an approximately circular shape, and mounted for relative pivotable movement towards and away from the pumping means.

3. A medical cassette pump according to claim 1 in which the cassette means comprises a disc pivotably mounted at one side with the channel extending about one side of the disc, and enclosing the circular path followed by the pumping means.

4. A medical cassette pump according to claim 1 in which the pumping means is coupled to the drive means for rotation thereby about its axis, in an arc corresponding to the arc of the channel, and in close proximity thereto, spaced therefrom by a distance equal only to the diameter of a fluid-carrying tube when collapsed and therefore closed off by the pumping means against the channel restraining wall, so that where the pumping means engages the tube, it closes off the tube to fluid flow against the interior wall of the cassette means, and by its rotation about the principal axis advances the fluid along the tube in response to the rotation of the fluid drive assembly.

5. A medical cassette pump according to claim 1 comprising a frame with the cassette means releasably mounted on the frame, for simultaneous removal of the cassette and fluid-carrying tube.

6. A medical cassette pump according to claim 1 in which the channel is attached to the cassette means.

7. A medical cassette pump comprising in combination a driving means; a fluid-pumping assembly operatively coupled to the drive means for rotation thereby about a principal axis, said fluidpumping assembly including a pumping means rotatable about the principal axis; cassette means movable between a first position towards and a second position away from the pumping means; said pumping means defining at least one wall of a channel for reception of a fluid-carrying tube, the wall restraining the tube from movement away from the cassette means and retaining the tube in a path corresponding to the rotational path of the pumping means in close proximity to the pumping means in a manner such that the tube is collapsed by the cassette means against the wall; the cassette means in the first position retaining the fluid-carrying tube in the channel and in a position to be collapsed by the pumping means, and in the second position releasing the tube from such engagement to permit insertion of the tube in the channel or removal of the tube from the channel, and the pumping means in said first position of the cassette means being always in engagement with the tube at some portion along the tube for pumping of fluid through the tube upon rotation of the drive means; said cassette means comprising a pair of cassette half-members each describing an approximately arc and pivotably mounted at one end in a manner such that, when brought together, they extend through an approximately 360 arc about the fluid-pumping drive assembly, said pumping means comprises grooved rollers, with the channel being the groove and the restraining wall thereof an internal peripheral wall of the cassette means.

8. A medical cassette pump according to claim 1 in which the cassette means is formed with at least one opening therethrough in communication with the channel for passage of the fluidcarrying tube to the channel.

9. A medical cassette pump according to claim 1 in which the cassette means is pivotably mounted on a shaft and having bias means for biasing the cassette means in the first position, holding the fluid-carrying tube in engagement with the pumping means.

10. A medical cassette pump according to claim 1 comprising a switch operatively coupled to the drive means and means engaging the switch.

11. A medical cassette pump according toclaim 4 in which there is one pumping means in continuous engagement with one portion of the fluid-carrying tube.

12. A medical cassette pump according to claim 1 in which the channel defines a loop extending over an are that is less than 360.

13. A medical cassette pump according toclaim 12 in which there are at least two pumping means, of which at least one is always in engagement with a portion of the loop.

14. A medical cassette pump according to claim I in which the pumping means is a roller mounted for free rotation on a shaft attached for rotation about the principal axis.

15. A medical cassette pump comprising drive means; a fluid-pumping assembly operatively coupled to said drive means for rotation thereby about a principal axis, said fluid-pumping assembly including at least two planetary rollers freely rotatably mounted in spaced relation to said principal axis to each other; a fluid-carrying tube; and displaceable cassette means for releasably engaging said fluid-carrying tube against at least one of said planetary rollers for the displacement of said fluid therealong, said cassette means including a pair of cassette half-members hingedly joined at one end thereof for relative pivotal displacement toward and away from said principal axis, said cassette halfmembers being formed so as to define a central opening for receiving said fluid-pumping assembly when said cassette half-members are joined together, at least a portion of the inner periphery of said cassette halfmembers defining said central opening being formed with a channel facing said principal axis for receiving a portion of said fluid-carrying tube and for crimping said tube substantially closed against at least one of said planetary rollers when said cassette half-members are joined.

16. A medical cassette pump according to claim 15 wherein said channel has an inner wall, said planetary rollers being dimensioned to extend into said channel with said fluidcarrying tube crimped between said channel inner wall and at least two of said rollers when said cassette half-members are joined.

17. A medical cassette pump according to claim 15 wherein said channel is formed with an inner wall, and dimensioned to permit said portion of said fluid-carrying tube received therein to extend laterall therefrom while permitting said planetary rollers to engage said fluid-carrying tube in a substantially closed position against said channel inner wall when said cassette halfmembers are joined.

18. A medical cassette pump according to claim 15 wherein each of said pair of cassette half-members is formed with a bore therethrough in a region spaced from the hinge thereof and providing communication to said channel, each of said bores being dimensioned to permit the threading of said fluid-carrying tube therethrough with a portion thereof in said channel.

19.. A medical cassette pump according to claim 15 including frame means. and spring latch means mounted on said frame means and positioned to engage each of said cassette half-members for releasably retaining said cassette half-members joined together.

20. A medical cassette pump according to claim 15 including a frame, and latch means mounted on said 14 frame member and releasably engaging said cassette means for retaining said cassette means mounted on said frame while permitting the removal therefrom independent of said fluid-pumping assembly.

21. A medical cassette pump according to claim 15 including at least two fluid-carrying tubes, each of said cassette half-members including atleast one channel for receiving each of said fluid-carrying tubes for engaging said fluid-carrying tubes against at least two of said planetary rollers.

22. A medical cassette pump according to claim 21 wherein said fluid-pumping assembly includes two sets of said planetary rollers substantially alignedin two planes spaced along said principal axis and positioned so that one of said sets of planetary rollers engages each of said fluid-carrying tubes.

23. A medical cassette pump according to claim 15 wherein the end of said cassette half-member spaced from said hinge connection therebetween is formed with a facing slot providing communication to said channel and dimensioned to receive said fluid-carrying tube as said cassette half-members are brought together, and to retain said fluid-carrying tube when said cassette half-members are joined.

24. A medical cassette pump according to claim 23 including tab means formed with a pair of apertures therethrough dimensioned to have said fluid-carrying tube threaded therethrough to define a loop, said loop being dimensioned to extend about said planetary rollers for receipt in said cassette half-member channels and said cassette half-member slots.

25. A medical cassette pump according to claim 15 including tab means formed with at least a pair of apertures dimensioned to have said fluid-carrying tube threaded therethrough to define a loop in said fluidcarrying tube dimensioned to extend about said plane tary rollers, said pump including enabling switch means coupled to said drive means and adapted to enable the operation of said drive means when closed, said tab means including a finger dimensioned to engage said enabling switch means to close same when said loop of said fluid-carrying tube is properly positioned about said planetary rollers.

26. A medical cassette pump according to claim 15 wherein said displaceable cassette means includes a channel for receiving said fluid-carrying tube threaded therein, said displaceable cassette means and said fluidcarrying tube being disposable as a unit.

27. A cassette for a medical cassette pump having a drive means; a fluid-pumping assembly operatively coupled to the drive means for rotation thereby about a principal axis, and a pumping means rotatable about the principal axis comprising, in combination, cassette means for attachment to the pump in a manner to be movable between a first position towards and a second position away from the pumping means; means defining at least one wall of a channel for reception of a fluidcarrying tube, the wall restraining the tube from movement away from the pumping means, and retaining the tube in a path corresponding to the rotational path of the pumping means in close proximity to the pumping means in a manner such that the tube is collapsed by the pumping means against the wall; the cassette means in the first position retaining the fluid-carrying tube in the channel and in a position to be collapsed by the pumping means and in the second position releasing the tube from such engagement to permit insertion of the tube in the channel or removal of the tube from the channel so that the pumping means in said first position of the cassette means is always in engagement with the tube at some portion of its length, and moves the collapsed portion along the tube for pumping of fluid through the tube upon rotation of the drive means; said cassette means comprising a pair of cassette half-members each describing an approximately 180 arc and pivotably mounted at one end in a manner such that, when brought together, they extend through an approximately 360 are about the fluid-pumping drive assembly and having an inside wall defining one wall of the channel; bias means for biasing the cassette means in the first position, holding the fluidcarrying tube in engagement with the pumping means.

28. A cassette according toclaim 27 in which the cassette means comprises a plurality of cassette members each describing a segment of the are of an approximately circular shape.

29. A cassette according toclaim 27 in which the cassette half-members have an inside wall which describes a circular channel about the fluid-pumping assembly.

30. A cassette according toclaim 27 in which the cassette means comprises at least one opening therethrough communicating with the channel, for reception of the fluid-carrying tube, so that it can enter the channel.

31. A cassette according toclaim 27 in which the channel defines a loop described by the tube in traversing the inside wall of the cassette.

32. A cassette according toclaim 31 in which the channel extends over an arc within the range from to 360.

33. A cassette for a medical cassette pump having a fluid-pumping assembly operatively coupled to a drive means for rotation thereby about a principal axis, said fluid-pumping assembly including at least two planetary rollers freely rotatabiy mounted in spaced relation to said principal axis and to each other, and for supporting a fluid-carrying tube for the selective engagement of said tube against at least one of said rollers, comprising a pair of cassette half-members hingedly joined at one end for relative pivotal displacement, said cassette half-members being formed so that when joined together, a central opening is formed therein, at least a portion of the inner periphery of said central opening being formed with an axially facing channel for receiving a portion of said tube for crimping against said rollers each of said cassette half-members being formed with an opening therethrough spaced from said hinged connection and providing communication to said channel for said tube.

Claims (32)

1. A medical cassette pump comprising in combination a driving means; a fluid-pumping assembly operatively coupled to the drive means for rotation thereby about a principal axis, said fluidpumping assembly including a pumping means rotatable about the principal axis; cassette means movable between a first position towards and a second position away from the pumping means; means defining at least one wall of a channel for reception of a fluidcarrying tube; the wall restraining the tube from movement away from the pumping means and retaining the tube in a path corresponding to the rotational path of the pumping means in close proximity to the pumping means in a manner such that the tube is collapsed by the pumping means against the wall; the cassette means in the first position retaining the fluid-carrying tube in the channel and in a position to be collapsed by the pumping means, and in the second position releasing the tube from such engagement to permit insertion of the tube in the channel or removal of the tube from the channel, and the pumping means in said first position of the cassette means being always in engagement with the tube at some portion along the tube for pumping of fluid through the tube upon rotation of the drive means; said cassette means comprising a pair of cassette halfmembers each describing an approximately 180* arc and pivotably mounted at one end in a manner such that, when brought together, they extend through an approximately 360* arc about the fluidpumping drive assembly and Having an inside wall defining one wall of the channel.

2. A medical cassette pump according to claim 1 in which the cassette means comprises a plurality of cassette members each describing a segment of the arc of an approximately circular shape, and mounted for relative pivotable movement towards and away from the pumping means.

3. A medical cassette pump according to claim 1 in which the cassette means comprises a disc pivotably mounted at one side with the channel extending about one side of the disc, and enclosing the circular path followed by the pumping means.

4. A medical cassette pump according to claim 1 in which the pumping means is coupled to the drive means for rotation thereby about its axis, in an arc corresponding to the arc of the channel, and in close proximity thereto, spaced therefrom by a distance equal only to the diameter of a fluid-carrying tube when collapsed and therefore closed off by the pumping means against the channel restraining wall, so that where the pumping means engages the tube, it closes off the tube to fluid flow against the interior wall of the cassette means, and by its rotation about the principal axis advances the fluid along the tube in response to the rotation of the fluid drive assembly.

5. A medical cassette pump according to claim 1 comprising a frame with the cassette means releasably mounted on the frame, for simultaneous removal of the cassette and fluid-carrying tube.

6. A medical cassette pump according to claim 1 in which the channel is attached to the cassette means.

7. A medical cassette pump comprising in combination a driving means; a fluid-pumping assembly operatively coupled to the drive means for rotation thereby about a principal axis, said fluidpumping assembly including a pumping means rotatable about the principal axis; cassette means movable between a first position towards and a second position away from the pumping means; said pumping means defining at least one wall of a channel for reception of a fluid-carrying tube, the wall restraining the tube from movement away from the cassette means and retaining the tube in a path corresponding to the rotational path of the pumping means in close proximity to the pumping means in a manner such that the tube is collapsed by the cassette means against the wall; the cassette means in the first position retaining the fluid-carrying tube in the channel and in a position to be collapsed by the pumping means, and in the second position releasing the tube from such engagement to permit insertion of the tube in the channel or removal of the tube from the channel, and the pumping means in said first position of the cassette means being always in engagement with the tube at some portion along the tube for pumping of fluid through the tube upon rotation of the drive means; said cassette means comprising a pair of cassette half-members each describing an approximately 180* arc and pivotably mounted at one end in a manner such that, when brought together, they extend through an approximately 360* arc about the fluid-pumping drive assembly, said pumping means comprises grooved rollers, with the channel being the groove and the restraining wall thereof an internal peripheral wall of the cassette means.

8. A medical cassette pump according to claim 1 in which the cassette means is formed with at least one opening therethrough in communication with the channel for passage of the fluidcarrying tube to the channel.

9. A medical cassette pump according to claim 1 in which the cassette means is pivotably mounted on a shaft and having bias means for biasing the cassette means in the first position, holding the fluid-carrying tube in engagement with the pumping means.

10. A medical cassette pump according to claim 1 comprising a switch operatively coupled to the drive means and means engaging the switch.

11. A medical cassette pump according to claim 4 in which there is one pumping means in continuous engagement with one portion of the fluid-caRrying tube.

12. A medical cassette pump according to claim 1 in which the channel defines a loop extending over an arc that is less than 360*.

13. A medical cassette pump according to claim 12 in which there are at least two pumping means, of which at least one is always in engagement with a portion of the loop.

14. A medical cassette pump according to claim 1 in which the pumping means is a roller mounted for free rotation on a shaft attached for rotation about the principal axis.

15. A medical cassette pump comprising drive means; a fluid-pumping assembly operatively coupled to said drive means for rotation thereby about a principal axis, said fluid-pumping assembly including at least two planetary rollers freely rotatably mounted in spaced relation to said principal axis to each other; a fluid-carrying tube; and displaceable cassette means for releasably engaging said fluid-carrying tube against at least one of said planetary rollers for the displacement of said fluid therealong, said cassette means including a pair of cassette half-members hingedly joined at one end thereof for relative pivotal displacement toward and away from said principal axis, said cassette half-members being formed so as to define a central opening for receiving said fluid-pumping assembly when said cassette half-members are joined together, at least a portion of the inner periphery of said cassette half-members defining said central opening being formed with a channel facing said principal axis for receiving a portion of said fluid-carrying tube and for crimping said tube substantially closed against at least one of said planetary rollers when said cassette half-members are joined.

16. A medical cassette pump according to claim 15 wherein said channel has an inner wall, said planetary rollers being dimensioned to extend into said channel with said fluidcarrying tube crimped between said channel inner wall and at least two of said rollers when said cassette half-members are joined.

17. A medical cassette pump according to claim 15 wherein said channel is formed with an inner wall, and dimensioned to permit said portion of said fluid-carrying tube received therein to extend laterally therefrom while permitting said planetary rollers to engage said fluid-carrying tube in a substantially closed position against said channel inner wall when said cassette half-members are joined.

18. A medical cassette pump according to claim 15 wherein each of said pair of cassette half-members is formed with a bore therethrough in a region spaced from the hinge thereof and providing communication to said channel, each of said bores being dimensioned to permit the threading of said fluid-carrying tube therethrough with a portion thereof in said channel. 19.. A medical cassette pump according to claim 15 including frame means, and spring latch means mounted on said frame means and positioned to engage each of said cassette half-members for releasably retaining said cassette half-members joined together.

20. A medical cassette pump according to claim 15 including a frame, and latch means mounted on said frame member and releasably engaging said cassette means for retaining said cassette means mounted on said frame while permitting the removal therefrom independent of said fluid-pumping assembly.

21. A medical cassette pump according to claim 15 including at least two fluid-carrying tubes, each of said cassette half-members including at least one channel for receiving each of said fluid-carrying tubes for engaging said fluid-carrying tubes against at least two of said planetary rollers.

22. A medical cassette pump according to claim 21 wherein said fluid-pumping assembly includes two sets of said planetary rollers substantially aligned in two planes spaced along said principal axis and positioned so that one of said sets of planetary rollers engages each of said fluid-carrying tubes.

23. A medical cassette pump according to claim 15 wherein the end of said cassette half-member spaced frOm said hinge connection therebetween is formed with a facing slot providing communication to said channel and dimensioned to receive said fluid-carrying tube as said cassette half-members are brought together, and to retain said fluid-carrying tube when said cassette half-members are joined.

24. A medical cassette pump according to claim 23 including tab means formed with a pair of apertures therethrough dimensioned to have said fluid-carrying tube threaded therethrough to define a loop, said loop being dimensioned to extend about said planetary rollers for receipt in said cassette half-member channels and said cassette half-member slots.

25. A medical cassette pump according to claim 15 including tab means formed with at least a pair of apertures dimensioned to have said fluid-carrying tube threaded therethrough to define a loop in said fluid-carrying tube dimensioned to extend about said planetary rollers, said pump including enabling switch means coupled to said drive means and adapted to enable the operation of said drive means when closed, said tab means including a finger dimensioned to engage said enabling switch means to close same when said loop of said fluid-carrying tube is properly positioned about said planetary rollers.

26. A medical cassette pump according to claim 15 wherein said displaceable cassette means includes a channel for receiving said fluid-carrying tube threaded therein, said displaceable cassette means and said fluid-carrying tube being disposable as a unit.

27. A cassette for a medical cassette pump having a drive means; a fluid-pumping assembly operatively coupled to the drive means for rotation thereby about a principal axis, and a pumping means rotatable about the principal axis comprising, in combination, cassette means for attachment to the pump in a manner to be movable between a first position towards and a second position away from the pumping means; means defining at least one wall of a channel for reception of a fluid-carrying tube, the wall restraining the tube from movement away from the pumping means, and retaining the tube in a path corresponding to the rotational path of the pumping means in close proximity to the pumping means in a manner such that the tube is collapsed by the pumping means against the wall; the cassette means in the first position retaining the fluid-carrying tube in the channel and in a position to be collapsed by the pumping means and in the second position releasing the tube from such engagement to permit insertion of the tube in the channel or removal of the tube from the channel so that the pumping means in said first position of the cassette means is always in engagement with the tube at some portion of its length, and moves the collapsed portion along the tube for pumping of fluid through the tube upon rotation of the drive means; said cassette means comprising a pair of cassette half-members each describing an approximately 180* arc and pivotably mounted at one end in a manner such that, when brought together, they extend through an approximately 360* arc about the fluid-pumping drive assembly and having an inside wall defining one wall of the channel; bias means for biasing the cassette means in the first position, holding the fluidcarrying tube in engagement with the pumping means.

28. A cassette according to claim 27 in which the cassette means comprises a plurality of cassette members each describing a segment of the arc of an approximately circular shape.

29. A cassette according to claim 27 in which the cassette half-members have an inside wall which describes a circular channel about the fluid-pumping assembly.

30. A cassette according to claim 27 in which the cassette means comprises at least one opening therethrough communicating with the channel, for reception of the fluid-carrying tube, so that it can enter the channel.

31. A cassette according to claim 27 in which the channel defines a loop described by the tube in traversing the inside wall of the casSette.

32. A cassette according to claim 31 in which the channel extends over an arc within the range from 180* to 360*.

33. A cassette for a medical cassette pump having a fluid-pumping assembly operatively coupled to a drive means for rotation thereby about a principal axis, said fluid-pumping assembly including at least two planetary rollers freely rotatably mounted in spaced relation to said principal axis and to each other, and for supporting a fluid-carrying tube for the selective engagement of said tube against at least one of said rollers, comprising a pair of cassette half-members hingedly joined at one end for relative pivotal displacement, said cassette half-members being formed so that when joined together, a central opening is formed therein, at least a portion of the inner periphery of said central opening being formed with an axially facing channel for receiving a portion of said tube for crimping against said rollers each of said cassette half-members being formed with an opening therethrough spaced from said hinged connection and providing communication to said channel for said tube.

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