Cassette having elastomeric clamping ribs

Abstract

A cassette having a molded flow channel contained on an elastomeric sheet that is bonded or mechanically attached to a rigid substrate. A surgical console contains a cassette receiving area having a pump head with rollers that are mounted radially from the axis of rotation of the pump motor and compress the elastomeric flow channels against the rigid substrate. The cassette is held in place against the pump head by a latching mechanism that draws the cassette against the pump head. The periphery of the elastomeric sheet contains a raised ridge or boss integrally formed as part of the elastomeric sheet at or near the area(s) of the elastomeric sheet that is/are subject to high transient or static pressures. The ridge allows the elastomeric sheet to be firmly pressed against the cassette receiving portion of the surgical console, yet still allow the cassette to be drawn against the pump head. The firm engagement of the sheet ridge against the cassette receiving portion of the surgical console helps to ensure that the elastomeric sheet does not become dislodged when the cassette is exposed to high transient pressures.

1 . A cassette, comprising: 
 a) a body having an exterior;    b) a first relatively flexible elastomeric sheet attached to the body, the first sheet containing at least one molded pumping channel projecting outwardly from the exterior of the body; and    c) a raised rib extending along the entire area of the first elastomeric sheet that is subject to high transient or static pressures.    
   
   
       2 . The cassette of  claim 1  further comprising at least a second flexible elastomeric sheet, the second elastomeric sheet having a raised rib extending along the entire area of the second elastomeric sheet that is subject to high transient or static pressures.  
   
   
       3 . The cassette of  claim 2  wherein the second flexible elastomeric sheet comprises a pneumatics elastomer.  
   
   
       4 . The cassette of  claim 2  wherein the second flexible elastomeric sheet comprises an aspiration elastomer.  
   
   
       5 . The cassette of  claim 2  wherein the second flexible elastomeric sheet comprises a pump elastomer.  
   
   
       6 . The cassette of  claim 2  wherein the second flexible elastomeric sheet comprises a valve elastomer.  
   
   
       7 . The cassette of  claim 2  wherein the second flexible elastomeric sheet comprises an infusion elastomer.  
   
   
       8 . A cassette, comprising: 
 a) a body having an exterior;    b) a first relatively flexible elastomeric sheet attached to the body, the first flexible sheet projecting outwardly from the exterior of the body; and    c) a raised rib extending along the entire area of the first flexible elastomeric sheet that is subject to high transient or static pressures.    
   
   
       9 . The cassette of  claim 8  further comprising at least a second flexible elastomeric sheet, the second elastomeric sheet having a raised rib extending along the entire area of the second elastomeric sheet that is subject to high transient or static pressures.  
   
   
       10 . The cassette of  claim 9  wherein the second flexible elastomeric sheet comprises a pneumatics elastomer.  
   
   
       11 . The cassette of  claim 9  wherein the second flexible elastomeric sheet comprises an aspiration elastomer.  
   
   
       12 . The cassette of  claim 9  wherein the second flexible elastomeric sheet comprises a pump elastomer.  
   
   
       13 . The cassette of  claim 9  wherein the second flexible elastomeric sheet comprises a valve elastomer.  
   
   
       14 . The cassette of  claim 9  wherein the second flexible elastomeric sheet comprises at least one molded pumping channel.  
   
   
       15 . The cassette of  claim 9  wherein the second flexible elastomeric sheet comprises a valve elastomer.