Method and apparatus for a molded tube and peristaltic pump

Abstract

A peristaltic pump ( 10 ) and tube ( 18 ) system are provided. The peristaltic pump ( 10 ) operates to squeeze the tube ( 18 ) and push liquid in the tube ( 18 ) in the desired direction. The tube ( 18 ) is molded, and thus allows for predictable and consistent flow rates.

1 . A pump for pumping a material, comprising: 
 a motor;    a molded tube; and    one or more compression heads coupled to the motor and adapted to compress the molded tube for pushing the material in a desired flow direction.    
   
   
       2 . The pump of  claim 1 , wherein the molded tube comprises a first section having a first inside diameter, and a second section having a second inside diameter greater than the first inside diameter.  
   
   
       3 . The pump of  claim 2 , and further comprising a fitment coupled to the second section.  
   
   
       4 . The pump of  claim 2 , wherein the first section is a discharge end of the molded tube.  
   
   
       5 . The pump of  claim 1 , wherein the molded tube comprises an injection molded tube.  
   
   
       6 . A fluid delivery system, comprising: 
 a peristaltic pump;    a molded tube coupled to the peristaltic pump through which the fluid flows;    a supply of the fluid coupled to the molded tube upstream of the peristaltic pump; and    a dispenser coupled to the molded tube downstream of the peristaltic pump.    
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the molded tube comprises a first section having a first inside diameter, and a second section having a second inside diameter greater than the first inside diameter.  
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 7 , and further comprising a fitment coupled to the second section.  
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the first section is a discharge end of the molded tube.  
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the molded tube comprises an injection molded tube.  
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the fluid is a beverage concentrate.  
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the fluid is a pharmaceutical.  
   
   
       13 . A method of forming a molded tube for a peristaltic pump, comprising: 
 providing a core and a fitment;    providing a cavity adapted to mate with the core and fitment;    injecting material into the cavity for forming the molded tube around at least a part of the core and fitment; and    ejecting the molded tube and fitment from the core.    
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the injected material comprises a thermosetting elastomer.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein ejecting comprises ejecting the molded tube and fitment by supplying a gas through the core.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein providing a fitment comprises forming the fitment and placing the fitment on the core.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein providing a fitment comprises molding the fitment in place on the core.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 13 , and further comprising forming a weakened area on the molded tube for removing an end of the tube.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 18 , and further comprising forming a removal tab proximate to the weakened area.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the fitment has a fitment inside diameter, and the fitment inside diameter is greater than or equal to an inside diameter of a portion of the molded tube not formed around the fitment.  
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the molded tube has a discharge end with an inside diameter different than a portion of the molded tube not formed around the fitment.