Laboratory syringe pumps

Abstract

A syringe pump which includes a pusher block is slidably mounted on bearings on one or more guide rails. The pusher block is advanced or retracted by a lead screw having an axis which is offset from the axis of the one or more guide rails which are supported at their respective ends by support blocks, wherein forward and/or trailing sides of the pusher block bearings are extended, and wherein the guide rail support blocks include recesses for accommodating the extended ends of the pusher block slide bearings. In another embodiment, the syringe pump includes quick connect-disconnect fixtures for loading and unloading syringes. Other mechanical and programmable improvements are described in the specification.

1 - 7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . A system of syringe pumps comprising a master pump and one or more satellite syringe pumps, wherein the satellite syringe pumps are controlled and powered by the master pump, and wherein electrical power and controls for operation of the one or more satellite pumps are distributed from the master pump. 
     
     
         9 . The system of syringe pumps as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the master pump includes a control system having a memory for storing run protocols. 
     
     
         10 . A method for maintaining smooth and consistent flow rates to and from a syringe pump, which comprises output from at least two syringes into a single flow channel, and operating the at least two syringes in a coordinated and sequential order in order to maintain a consistent flow rate or pressure. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , and including removing and replacing or refilling one of the syringe pumps while the other or others are dispensing or withdrawing fluid at a predetermined flow rate. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the syringes dispense fluid at a constant volume flow rate, or constant pressure or constant force. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the syringes withdraw fluid at constant volume flow rate, or constant pressure, or constant force. 
     
     
         14 . A method of operating one or more syringe pumps which comprises pulsing the syringe pumps to mimic physiologic characteristics. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the physiological characteristic comprises an EKG. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the physiological characteristic mimics blood flow. 
     
     
         17 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A method for controlling a syringe pump, which comprises comparing actual syringe movement to a theoretical desired value, and adjusting said syringe movement to approximate said theoretical value. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein said syringe is moved by a screw mechanism, and including the step of adjusting rotation of said screw. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein said screw profile is determined by one or more encoders.