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 method of pumping a material, comprising: 
 providing a motor;    molding a tube from raw materials;    coupling the molded tube to the material;    coupling one or more compression heads to the motor; and    compressing the molded tube with the one or more compression heads to push the material in a desired flow direction.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein molding the tube comprises molding a first section having a first inside diameter and a second section having a second inside diameter greater than the first inside diameter, wherein the second section is at an end of the tube.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 2 , and further comprising coupling a fitment to the second section, such that the second section is coupled to the material by the fitment.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the desired flow direction is from the second section toward the first section.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein molding the tube comprises injection molding the tube.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein molding the tube comprises forming a weakened area on the molded tube for removing an end of the tube.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6 , and further comprising forming a removal tab proximate to the weakened area.  
   
   
       8 . A method of delivering a fluid, comprising: 
 providing a peristaltic pump;    molding a tube from raw materials;    coupling the peristaltic pump to the molded tube;    coupling a supply of the fluid to the molded tube upstream of the peristaltic pump; and    dispensing the fluid downstream of the peristaltic pump.    
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein molding the tube comprises molding a first section having a first inside diameter and a second section having a second inside diameter greater than the first inside diameter, wherein the second section is at an end of the tube.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9 , and further comprising coupling a fitment to the second section.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the first section is downstream from the second section.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein molding the tube comprises injection molding the tube.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the fluid is a beverage concentrate.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the fluid is a pharmaceutical.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein molding the tube comprises forming a weakened area on the molded tube for removing an end of the tube.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15 , and further comprising forming a removal tab proximate to the weakened area.  
   
   
       17 . A method of pumping a material, comprising: 
 providing a motor;    molding a tube to have a first section having a first inside diameter and a second section having a second inside diameter greater than the first inside diameter, wherein the second section is at an end of the tube;    coupling the second section to the material;    coupling one or more compression heads to the motor; and    compressing the molded tube with the one or more compression heads to push the material such that the first section is downstream from the second section.    
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 17 , and further comprising coupling a fitment to the second section, such that the second section is coupled to the material by the fitment.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein molding the tube comprises injection molding the tube.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein molding the tube comprises forming a weakened area on the molded tube for removing an end of the tube opposite the second section.