Pneumatic pulsator pumping system with pulsator fluid venting valve
US4047849A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 9, 1976 |
| Grant date | Sep 13, 1977 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 9, 1996 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/2544
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A pneumatic pump adapted primarily as a left ventricular heart assist device includes a flexible bladder with a rigid housing. A pneumatic driver applies rhymical pulses between the bladder and the housing to repetitively collapse the bladder and establish a pumping action through the bladder, in conjunction with check valves in the inlet and outlet to the bladder. Between the driver and the pump there is provided a pneumatic pulse limiter which includes a flexible diaphragm isolating the driver from the pump. Pulses from the driver are transmitted to the pump only through the flexible diaphragm and the diaphragm is constrained to move only within established limits. Regardless of the magnitude of the pulse from the driver, the maximum pulse applied to the pump cannot exceed that corresponding to the maximum displacement of the diaphragm. Between successive pulses, the portion of the system between the driver and the flexible diaphragm is depressurized. The rapidity with which depressurization occurs is enhanced by provision of a quick release valve between the driver and the diaphragm.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.