A PERISTALTIC PUMP AND A METHOD OF OPERATING THE SAME

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/662,884, filed Jun. 21, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a peristaltic pump. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a peristaltic pump and a method of operating the same for aquatic applications.

BACKGROUND

Existing peristaltic pumps are primarily used for transferring fluid such as water, chemicals, or bodily fluid from one point to another point in a controlled manner. For transferring the fluid from one point to another, the existing peristaltic pump can be operated either in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction. When the existing peristaltic pump is either operated in the clockwise or the counterclockwise direction, the fluid is passed through a tube of the existing peristaltic pump. Thereby, the fluid does not come into contact with foreign elements and prevents contamination and remains safe to use.

When the existing peristaltic pump is stopped, the existing peristaltic pump acts as a closed valve. In this stopped state, the existing peristaltic pump does not allow more fluid to enter into the tube and does not allow the fluid inside the tube to flow out of the tube. Thus, in this stopped state, the existing fluid remains inside the tube. However, there are applications where it is desirable for the existing peristaltic pump to allow flow, driven by pressure in a feed line, through the existing peristaltic pump at certain times and to substantially prevent flow at other times while still allowing the standard functionality of the existing peristaltic pump.

Therefore, the art recognizes the need for an improved peristaltic pump that addresses the above-mentioned problems in the existing peristaltic pump.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments provide a peristaltic pump for an aquatic application, the peristaltic pump including a first drive plate, a second drive plate, a tube for transferring fluid, and an actuatable roller assembly coupled to the first drive plate and the second drive plate. The tube at least partially surrounds the first drive plate and the second drive plate. The actuatable roller assembly includes at least one roller arm, a first pin extending axially outward from the at least one roller arm, and a second pin extending axially outward from the at least one roller arm. The first pin is designed to slidably engage the first drive plate and the second pin is designed to slidably engage the second drive plate. The at least one roller arm moves radially outward and applies pressure to the tube when the pump is rotated in a first direction, and the at least one roller arm moves radially inward and removes pressure from the tube when the pump is rotated in a second direction.

In some embodiments, the first pin extends from a first side of the at least one roller arm and the second pin extends from a second side of the at least one roller arm. In some embodiments, the first pin is substantially orthogonal to the first side and substantially parallel to a rotational axis of the first drive plate and the second drive plate, and the second pin is substantially orthogonal to the second side and substantially parallel to the rotational axis. In some embodiments, the at least one roller arm is configured to pivot about a pivot axis. In some embodiments, the first drive plate includes a first cam slot by which the first pin slidably engages the first drive plate and the second drive plate includes a second cam slot by which the second pin slidably engages the second drive plate. In some embodiments, the at least one roller arm pivots radially inward and radially outward via the slidable engagement of the first pin with the first drive plate and the slidable engagement of the second pin with the second drive plate. In some embodiments, the first pin engages a first radially outer end of the first cam slot and the second pin engages a second radially outer end of the second cam slot when the pump is rotated in the first direction. In some embodiments, the first pin engages a first radially inner end of the first cam slot and the second pin engages a second radially inner end of the second cam slot when the pump is rotated in the second direction.

Some embodiments provide a method of operating a peristaltic pump including operating the peristaltic pump in a first mode in which the peristaltic pump rotates in a first direction and a roller arm of an actuatable roller assembly applies pressure to a tube to cause fluid to move through the tube, operating the peristaltic pump in a second mode in which the peristaltic pump is not rotating and the roller arm of the actuatable roller assembly applies pressure to the tube to cause fluid to be retained in the tube, and operating the peristaltic pump in a third mode in which the peristaltic pump rotates in a second direction opposite the first direction, or is stopped after having been rotated in the second direction, and the roller arm of the actuatable roller assembly does not apply pressure to the tube, allowing fluid to flow freely through the tube.

In some embodiments, the roller arm causes a predetermined volume of fluid to exit the tube in the first mode. In some embodiments, the roller arm pinches the tube to prevent fluid from entering or exiting the tube in the second mode. In some embodiments, the method further includes pivoting the roller arm to a radially outward position in the first mode and the second mode and pivoting the roller arm to a radially inward position in the third mode. In some embodiments, a drive plate, driven by a motor, is configured to pivot the roller arm between the radially outward position and the radially inward position. In some embodiments, the roller arm includes a first pin slidably engaged with the drive plate, and the roller arm moves between the radially outward position and the radially inward position via the slidable engagement of the first pin with the drive plate.

Some embodiments provide a peristaltic pump including a motor having a drive shaft, a drive plate coupled to the drive shaft, a tube in fluid communication with a fluid, and an actuatable roller assembly having a roller arm and a pin extending axially outward from the roller arm. The drive plate includes a cam slot with a radially inner end and a radially outer end, and the pin is slidably engaged with the cam slot. The roller arm pivots radially outward to press against the tube by way of the pin engaging the radially outer end of the cam slot and the roller arm pivots radially inward away from the tube by way of the pin engaging the radially inner end of the cam slot.

In some embodiments, the pin engages the radially outer end when the motor rotates in a first direction and the pin engages the radially inner end when the motor rotates in a second direction opposite the first direction. In some embodiments, the drive plate is provided in the form of a circular disc, and the tube at least partially encircles the circumference of the circular disc. In some embodiments the tube has an inlet and an outlet and is configured to transfer the fluid between the inlet and the outlet. In some embodiments, the radially inner end of the cam slot is positioned further from the outer circumference of the drive plate than the radially outer end of the cam slot. In some embodiments, pressurized fluid can freely flow through the tube when the roller arm is pivoted radially inward away from the tube.

In some embodiments, a peristaltic pump for an aquatic application is provided. The peristaltic pump is provided in the form of a first drive plate, a second drive plate, a tube and a actuatable roller assembly connected between the first drive plate and the second drive plate. The tube transfers fluid and surrounds the first drive plate and the second drive plate. The actuatable roller assembly includes one or more roller arms. Each of the one or more roller arms has one or more pins to be engaged with the first drive plate and/or the second drive plate. Further, the one or more pins engage with the first drive plate and/or the second drive plate when the pump is rotated in a first direction allowing each of the one or more roller arms to press the tube enabling entry of the fluid inside the tube. Furthermore, the one or more pins disengages with the first drive plate and/or the second drive plate when the pump is rotated in a second direction allowing each of the one or more roller arms to free the tube disabling entry of the fluid inside the tube and/or allowing free flow of the fluid outside the tube.

A method for operating a peristaltic pump for an aquatic application is provided. The method comprises the step of operating the peristaltic pump in a first mode when the peristaltic pump is rotated in a first direction. The method also comprises the step of operating the peristaltic pump in a second mode when the peristaltic pump is not rotating. The method further comprises the step of operating the peristaltic pump in a third mode when the peristaltic pump is rotated in the second direction or stopped after rotating in the second direction.

A system having a peristaltic pump for use in an aquatic application is provided. The system includes a motor and a peristaltic pump. The peristaltic pump is coupled to the motor. The peristaltic pump includes: a first drive plate, a second drive plate, a tube for transferring fluid and the tube substantially surrounds the first drive plate and the second drive plate, and a actuatable roller assembly coupled to the first drive plate and the second drive plate. The actuatable roller assembly includes at least one roller arm, at least one first pin extending outwardly from the at least one roller arm, and at least one second pin extending outwardly from the at least one roller arm, wherein the at least one first pin is designed to engage the first drive plate and the at least one second pin is designed to engage the second drive plate when the pump is rotated and the at least one roller arm applies pressure to the tube.

In some embodiments, the one or more roller arms are provided in the form of a first roller arm, a second roller arm and a third roller arm. In some embodiments, each of the first roller arm, the second roller arm, and the third roller arm include a first pin on a first side and a second pin on a second side. In some embodiments, each of the first roller arm, the second roller arm, and the third roller arm is a pivotable arm. In some embodiments, each of the first drive plate and the second drive plate include a first cam slot, a second cam slot, and a third cam slot. In some embodiments, each of the one or more pins engage with a cam slot of the first drive plate and/or the second drive plate. In some embodiments, the first direction corresponds to a counterclockwise direction. In some embodiments, the second direction corresponds to a clockwise direction.

In some embodiments, the first mode corresponds to a mode allowing entry of the fluid inside the tube from a second opening of a tube and exit of the fluid from a first opening of the tube. In some embodiments, the second mode corresponds to a mode stopping entry of the fluid inside a tube through a second opening of the tube and stopping exit of the fluid outside the tube through a first opening of the tube. In some embodiments, the third mode corresponds to a mode that disables pumping or entry of any fluid inside a tube and/or allows the fluid to freely flow outside or exit the tube through a first opening and/or a second opening of the tube. In some embodiments, the peristaltic pump comprises a first roller arm, a second roller arm and a third roller arm.

In some embodiments, the peristaltic pump comprises a first drive plate and a second drive plate. In some embodiments, each of the first roller arm, the second roller arm and the third roller arm has one or more pins to be engaged with one or more cam slots of the first drive plate and/or the second drive plate. In some embodiments, the first drive plate includes three cam slots designed to engage at least one of the first pin or the second pin, and the second drive plate includes three cam slots designed to engage at least one of the first pin or the second pin. In some embodiments, the system also includes a retainer including a first part designed to accommodate at least a portion of the tube and a second part designed to accommodate the first drive plate and the second drive plate. In some embodiments, the tube has an inlet for the fluid to enter the tube, and an outlet for the fluid to exit the tube. In some embodiments, the motor is designed to engage the first drive plate and the second drive plate to rotate both the first drive plate and the second drive plate substantially simultaneously.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is an isometric view of a peristaltic pump according to an embodiment;

FIG. 1B is an exploded view of the peristaltic pump of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is an isometric view of a drive plate for use with the peristaltic pump of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2B is an isometric view of another drive plate for use with the peristaltic pump of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 3 is a actuatable roller assembly for use with the peristaltic pump of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of a plurality of pins with drive plates of the peristaltic pump of FIG. 1A that can rotate between in a first mode and a second mode;

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of a plurality of pins with drive plates of the peristaltic pump of FIG. 1A shown in a third mode; and

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating the peristaltic pump of FIG. 1A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various modifications to the illustrated embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications. Thus, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of the configuration and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The disclosure is capable of being practiced or conducted in various ways and is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The following detailed description is to be read with reference to the figures, in which like elements in different figures have like reference numerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of embodiments of the disclosure. Skilled artisans will recognize the examples provided herein have many useful alternatives and fall within the scope of the disclosure.

Before any embodiments are explained in further detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the attached drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being conducted in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. For example, the use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

As used herein, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, unless otherwise specified or limited, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

As used herein, unless otherwise specified or limited, “at least one of A, B, and C,” and similar other phrases, are meant to indicate A, or B, or C, or any combination of A, B, or C. As such, this phrase, and similar other phrases can include single or multiple instances of A, B, or C, and, in the case that any of A, B, or C indicates a category of elements, single or multiple instances of any of the elements of the categories A, B, or C.

An exemplary peristaltic pump 100 is shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The peristaltic pump 100 can be used in various aquatics applications, such as with a swimming pool/spa, water treatment systems, chemical systems, beverage preparation systems, or dispensing systems. The peristaltic pump 100 includes a support frame 102 for holding one or more parts of the peristaltic pump 100, a retainer 104 for holding a tube 108, one or more drive plates (e.g., a first drive plate 106A and a second drive plate 106B), and a actuatable roller assembly 110. The tube 108 can include two openings, a first opening 108A and a second opening 108B. One of the first or the second opening 108A, 108B is designed to allow fluid to enter the tube 108 and the other of the first or the second opening 108A, 108B is designed to allow fluid to exit the tube 108. For example, when the second opening 108B acts as an inlet, then the first opening 108A acts as an outlet. In other instances, when the second opening 108B acts as an outlet, then the first opening 108A acts as an inlet. The peristaltic pump 100 also defines a rotational axis X.

The peristaltic pump 100 can further include a motor 112 for operating the peristaltic pump 100 in a plurality of modes (explained with respect to FIGS. 4-6). A clamp 114 can be used for clamping the motor 112 to the support frame 102.

The peristaltic pump 100 is shown in an exploded view in FIG. 1B. The retainer 104 includes a first part 104A and a second part 104B. The first part 104A is designed to accommodate the tube 108 and the second part 104B is designed to enclose the drive plates 106A, 106B, and the actuatable roller assembly 110. The first drive plate 106A and the second drive plate 106B can be positioned between the first part 104A and the second part 104B. Also, in one instance, the first drive plate 106A is connected to the support frame 102 and the second drive plate 106B is not connected to the support frame 102 (e.g., faces the actuatable roller assembly 110). The actuatable roller assembly 110 is enclosed or captured between the first drive plate 106A and the second drive plate 106B.

The peristaltic pump 100 can be rotated in a first direction or a second direction by the motor 112 to operate the peristaltic pump 100 in a first mode, a second mode, and/or a third mode, described herein. The first direction may correspond to a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction. The second direction may correspond to a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction. In one instance, if the first direction is a counterclockwise direction, then the second direction is a clockwise direction and vice versa.

As used herein, the term “fluid” can be at least one of water, a beverage, a chemical, a bodily fluid (e.g., blood), or another suitable fluid. During operation, a fluid may enter the tube 108 through one or the opening 108A or the opening 108B. The fluid can be provided to the opening 108A or 108B from a fluid source such as a swimming pool/spa, a water treatment system, a container or tank (e.g., for storing chemicals, agents, reagents), or another suitable fluid source.

Turning to FIG. 2A, the first drive plate 106A of the peristaltic pump 100 is shown. The first drive plate 106A has a first side 202A and an opposing second side 202B. On the first side 202A, the first drive plate 106A faces and is coupled to the actuatable roller assembly 110. On the second side 202B, the first drive plate 106A faces and is coupled to the support frame 102.

Furthermore, the first drive plate 106A includes one or more cam slots (e.g., a first cam slot 204, a second cam slot 206, and/or a third cam slot 208). Each cam slot 204, 206, 208 is designed to surround a central circular cavity 202C. Each cam slot 204, 206, 208 in the first drive plate 106A is designed to slidably capture and engage one or more pins (e.g., a pin 304A, 304B, 306A, 306B, 308A, 308B), as shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, of the actuatable roller assembly 110. More specifically, each cam slot 204, 206, 208 has a radially inner end 205A, 207A, 209A, respectively. Similarly, each cam slot 204, 206, 208 has a radially outer end 205B, 207B, 209B, respectively.

Turning to FIG. 2B, a second drive plate 106B of the peristaltic pump 100 is shown. In one instance, the second drive plate 106B has a first side 210A and an opposing second side 210B. On the first side 210A, the second drive plate 106B is open and can be exposed to the environment. On the second side 210B, the second drive plate 106B faces and is connected to the actuatable roller assembly 110. In one instance, on the first side 210A, the second drive plate 106B does not face any part of the peristaltic pump 100 (e.g., faces away from the peristaltic pump 100).

Also, the second drive plate 106B can include one or more cam slots (e.g., a first cam slot 212, a second cam slot 214 and/or a third cam slot 216). Each cam slot 212, 214, 216 surrounds a central cavity 210C and the cam slots 212, 214, 216 in the second drive plate 106B are used to slidably capture and engage one or more pins (e.g., the pin 304A, 304B, 306A, 306B, 308A, 308B), as shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, of the actuatable roller assembly 110. More specifically, each cam slot 212, 214, 216 has a radially inner end 213A, 215A, 217A, respectively. Similarly, each cam slot 212, 214, 216 has a radially outer end 213B, 215B, 217B, respectively. In some forms, the central cavity 210C is formed as a keyway that corresponds to a key in a drive shaft of the motor 112. Accordingly, the second drive plate 106B can be driven by the motor 112.

Turning to FIG. 3, a actuatable roller assembly 110 of the peristaltic pump 100 is shown. The actuatable roller assembly 110 can include one or more roller arms, such as a first roller arm 302A, a second roller arm 302B, and a third roller arm 302C. Each of the first roller arm 302A, the second roller arm 302B, and/or the third roller arm 302C has a first side S1 and an opposing second side S2. On each side S1, S2 of the one or more roller arms 302A, 302B, 302C, one or more pins (e.g., the pin 304A, 304B, 306A, 306B, 308A, 308B), as shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, can slide along and are respectively captured by at least one cam slot 204, 206, 208 (shown in FIG. 2A) of the first drive plate 106A and/or at least one cam slot 212, 214, 216 (shown in FIG. 2B) of the second drive plate 106B. In one instance, the first roller arm 302A has the first pin 304A on the first side S1 and the second pin 304B on the second side S2. Further, in one instance, the second roller arm 302B has the first pin 306A on the first side S1, and the second pin 306B on the second side S2. Additionally, in one instance, the third roller arm 302C has the first pin 308A on the first side S1, and the second pin 308B on the second side S2.

Each roller arm 302A, 302B, 302C has a rotatable roller, and each roller arm 302A, 302B, 302C can pivot about a respective axis A, B, C (represented by dotted lines shown in FIG. 3). Each roller arm 302A, 302B, 302C can be moved radially inwardly and outwardly (represented by arrows shown in FIG. 3) about its respective axis A, B, C as the one or more pins 304A, 304B, 306A, 306B, 308A, 308B slidably engage the three cam slots 204, 206, 208 of the first drive plate 106A (shown in FIG. 2A) and/or the three cam slots 212, 214, 216 of the second drive plate 106B (shown in FIG. 2B) to apply or remove pressure from the tube 108, as discussed herein.

During operation, when the peristaltic pump 100 is rotated in the first direction and operated in the first mode, the one or more pins (e.g., the pin 304B, 306B, and/or 308B) can engage with the first drive plate 106A. In some instances, the peristaltic pump 100 is rotated a minimum of five times in the first direction to be operated in the first mode. The number of times required for engagement can vary based on the peristaltic pump 100 and/or the selection of the tube 108.

As shown FIG. 4, the first pin 304A on the first side S1 of the first roller arm 302A engages the radially outer end 213B of the first cam slot 212 of the second drive plate 106B. Similarly, the first pin 306A on the first side S1 of the second roller arm 302B engages the radially outer end 215B of the second cam slot 214 of the second drive plate 106B. Further, the first pin 308A on the first side S1 of the third roller arm 302C engages radially outer end 217B of the third cam slot 216 of the second drive plate 106B. In one instance, on the other side of the actuatable roller assembly 110, the second pin 304B on the second side S2 of the first roller arm 302A engages the radially outer end 205B of the first cam slot 204 of the first drive plate 106A. Similarly, the second pin 306B on the second side S2 of the second roller arm 302B engages the radially outer end 207B of the second cam slot 206 of the first drive plate 106A. Further, the third pin 308B on the second side S2 of the third roller arm 302C engages the radially outer end 209B of the third cam slot 208 of the first drive plate 106A.

When the one or more pins (e.g., the pin 304A, 304B, 306A, 306b, 308A, 308B) engage with at least one cam slot (e.g., the cam slot 204, 206, 208, 212, 214, 216) of the drive plates (e.g., the drive plate 106A, 106B) to slide toward the radially outer ends (e.g., the radially outer ends 205B, 207B, 209B, 213B, 215B, 217B), the first roller arm 302A, the second roller arm 302B, and/or the third roller arm 302C are driven radially outwardly by the cam slots 204, 206, 208, 212, 214, 216. Thus, the first roller arm 302A, the second roller arm 302B, and/or the third roller arm 302C can press against (e.g., apply pressure to) at least a portion of the tube 108 when the motor 112 rotates the drive plate 106B in the first direction, causing the fluid to enter the tube 108 through the second opening 108B and further causing the fluid to exit the tube 108 through the first opening 108A (e.g., using a pumping action of the peristaltic pump 100).

As shown in FIG. 5, the first pin 304A on the first side S1 of the first roller arm 302A engages the radially inner end 213A of the first cam slot 212 of the second drive plate 106B. Similarly, the first pin 306A on the first side S1 of the second roller arm 302B engages the radially inner end 215A of the second cam slot 214 of the second drive plate 106B. Further, the first pin 308A on the first side S1 of the third roller arm 302C engages the radially inner end 217A of the third cam slot 216 of the second drive plate 106B. On the other side of the actuatable roller assembly 110, the second pin 304B on the second side S2 of the first roller arm 302A engages the radially inner end 205A of the first cam slot 204 of the first drive plate 106A. Similarly, the second pin 306B on the second side S2 of the second roller arm 302B engages the radially inner end 207A of the second cam slot 206 of the first drive plate 106A. Further, the third pin 308B on the second side S2 of the third roller arm 302C engages the radially inner end 209A of the third cam slot 208 of the first drive plate 106A.

When the one or more pins (e.g., the pin 304A, 304B, 306A, 306b, 308A, 308B) engage with at least one cam slot (e.g., the cam slot 204, 206, 208, 212, 214, 216) of the drive plates (e.g., the drive plate 106A, 106B) to slide toward the radially inner ends (e.g., the radially inner ends 205A, 207A, 209A, 213A, 215A, 217A), the first roller arm 302A, the second roller arm 302B, and/or the third roller arm 302C are driven radially inwardly by the cam slots 204, 206, 208, 212, 214, 216. Thus, the first roller arm 302A, the second roller arm 302B, and/or the third roller arm 302C are radially pulled away and thus remove pressure from the tube 108 when the motor 112 rotates the drive plate 106B in the second direction. This allows the existing/present fluid inside the tube 108 to freely exit (i.e., free flow) the tube 108 through the first opening 108A and/or the second opening 108B. Thus, the actuatable roller assembly 110 is disengaged from the tube 108 and the process of pumping fluid through the tube 108 is disabled.

Continuing with FIG. 5, when the peristaltic pump 100 is rotated in the second direction or stopped after rotating in the second direction and operated in the third mode, the one or more pins are driven radially inwardly by the cam slots 204, 206, 208, 212, 214, 216 of the first drive plate 106A and/or the second drive plate 106B and thus remain retracted away from the tube 108. Consequently, when the peristaltic pump 100 is stopped after rotating in the second direction, the first roller arm 302A, the second roller arm 302B, and/or the third roller arm 302C do not apply pressure to the tube 108.

Turning to FIG. 6, a method 400 for operating the peristaltic pump 100 is described. The method 400 starts at step 402.

At step 404, the peristaltic pump 100 is rotated in a first direction by the motor 112, which causes the first roller arm 302A, the second roller arm 302B, and the third roller arm 302C to pivot radially outward. In one instance, the first direction corresponds to a counterclockwise direction. The peristaltic pump 100 is operated in a first mode when the peristaltic pump 100 is rotated in the first direction. In one instance, the first mode corresponds to fluid being pumped to enter the tube 108 through the second opening 108B and exit the tube 108 through the first opening 108A.

At step 406, the peristaltic pump 100 is stopped (e.g., not rotated by the motor 112). When the peristaltic pump 100 stops rotation, after operating in the first mode/first direction, the peristaltic pump 100 is functioning in a second mode. In one instance, the second mode corresponds to a mode when the peristaltic pump 100 is stopped by stopping the power supply to the motor 112. In other instances, the peristaltic pump 100 can be stopped in other ways. In the second mode, radial spreading of the first, second, and third roller arms 302A-302C against the tube 108 via the engagement of the one or more pins (e.g., the pin 304A, 304B, 306A, 306b, 308A, 308B) with the radially outer ends (e.g., the radially outer ends 205B, 207B, 209B, 213B, 215B, 217B) of the cam slots 204, 206, 208, 212, 214, 216 of the drive plates 106A, 106B is maintained. Thus, the first roller arm 302A, the second roller arm 302B, and/or the third roller arm 302C maintain pressure against (e.g. apply pressure to) the tube 108 while the peristaltic pump 100 is stopped in the second mode.

Accordingly, in this second mode, fluid is stopped or prohibited from entering the tube 108 through the second opening 108B of the tube 108 and stopped or prohibited from exiting the tube 108 through the first opening 108A of the tube 108 and vice versa. Also, the (e.g., existing) fluid inside the tube 108 remains within the tube 108. The fluid that remains inside the tube 108 is the fluid that was circulating inside the tube 108 when the peristaltic pump 100 was operated in the first mode before being stopped.

At step 408, the peristaltic pump 100 is rotated in a second direction by the motor 112 which radially contracts the first roller arm 302A, the second roller arm 302B, and the third roller arm 302C. In some instances, the second direction corresponds to a clockwise direction. When the peristaltic pump 100 is rotated in the second direction or stopped after rotating in the second direction, the peristaltic pump 100 is operated in a third mode. In some instances, the peristaltic pump 100 is rotated a minimum of 5 times in the second direction to be operated in the third mode. The number of times required for radial contraction of the first, second, and third roller arms 302A-302C away from the tube 108 via the engagement of the one or more pins (e.g., the pin 304A, 304B, 306A, 306b, 308A, 308B) with the radially inner ends (e.g., the radially inner ends 205A, 207A, 209A, 213A, 215A, 217A) of the cam slots 204, 206, 208, 212, 214, 216 of the drive plates 106A, 106B can vary with the design of the peristaltic pump 100 and/or the choice of the tube 108.

The third mode corresponds to a mode that disables pumping and/or substantially prevents the entry of any (e.g., new or additional) fluid from entering the tube 108 and/or exiting the tube 108 through the first opening 108A and/or the second opening 108B. Further, in the third mode, the peristaltic pump 100 can allow free flow and/or easy exit of the fluid from any or both of the openings 108A, 108B of the tube and can allow externally pressurized flow to pass through the peristaltic pump 100. The method 400 ends at step 410.

In some forms, the peristaltic pump 100 can control the release of agents/chemicals into a swimming pool/spa. In one instance, agents/chemicals from a tank/container can enter the tube 108 through the second opening 108B when the peristaltic pump 100 is operated in the first mode and rotated in the first direction. In the first mode, the peristaltic pump 100 can release a controlled amount of agents/chemicals into the swimming pool/spa as needed. In the second mode, the peristaltic pump 100 can prevent the further release of agents/chemicals into the swimming pool/spa. In the third mode, the peristaltic pump 100 can allow for continuous flushing of the tube 108 after the chemicals have been depleted.

The peristaltic pump 100 also can fill a cuvette with a swimming pool/spa water to a controlled amount. This cuvette can be part of a device that tests chemical levels in the water of the swimming pool/spa. The second mode stops the flow of fluid (i.e., pool water) into the cuvette while the testing is in process. The third mode allows the water of the swimming pool/spa to flow into the cuvette to rinse the cuvette (e.g., water pressurized by the pool filter pump). The third mode can allow for a continuous flushing of the chemical test apparatus without having to (e.g., constantly) run the peristaltic pump 100. On the fulfillment of a need, the peristaltic pump 100 is operated in the second mode by stopping the rotation of the peristaltic pump 100. This can stop the entry of the swimming pool/spa's water into the tube 108 and can stop the exit of the swimming pool/spa's water from the tube 108. Other chemicals could be used in other applications. When the peristaltic pump 100 is operated in the third mode and rotated in the second direction, the swimming pool/spa's water can exit the tube 108 or free flow out of the tube 108 and allow entry of pressurized swimming pool/spa's water into the tube 108 on a continuous basis.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while the disclosure has been described above in connection with particular embodiments and examples, the disclosure is not necessarily so limited, and that numerous other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications and departures from the embodiments, examples and uses are intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto. The entire disclosure of each patent and publication cited herein is incorporated by reference, as if each such patent or publication were individually incorporated by reference herein. Various features and advantages of the disclosure are set forth in the following claims.