Peristaltic pump and tube loading system

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Generally stated, the peristaltic pump 10 embodying the present invention includes a pump housing 11 enclosing a rotor 12 driven by a motor 14.
The housing is adapted to be mounted on a housing platform or tray 15 as shown in FIG.
1.
The pump is secured to the housing tray by an adaptor plate 16 and appropriate bolts 17.
A fluid tube 25 held in the shape of a U is shown mounted inside the housing with two end portions of the tube extending beyond the housing.
The pump housing 11 has a base 19, a hinge block 20 at one end of the base, a guide and latch block 21 opposite and in spaced relation to the hinge block, a pair of spaced side walls 24 extending between opposite ends of the blocks 20 and 21 to define a top opening in the housing and an inner cavity 18 shaped to receive and support a tube 25 in a U-shaped configuration with end portions of the tube extending through two spaced, tube exit openings 68 in the guide and latch block 21.
A gasket or pad 22 is positioned between the base 19 and the housing tray 15.
The hinge block 20 is in the form of an upright first end wall extending up from a first end portion of the base 19 and is symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal center line of the housing so there is identical structure on both sides of this center line so that a description of one side also applies to the other side.
The hinge block 20 has an arcuate or curved first inner surface 20A.
The hinge block 20 has an intermediate body portion and a first hinge flange 28 above and spaced from a second hinge flange 27 that project out from the intermediate body portion and form a channel opening along the side.
Aligned vertical holes are provided in the hinge flanges which receive and support a hinge pin 29 for pivotally supporting a side wall 24.
A pair of laterally spaced lugs 37 on the outside at the top of block 20 receive a cover hinge pin 36 to pivotally support the cover 35.
The guide and latch block 21 is in the form of an upright second end wall extending up from a second end portion of the base 19 and is also symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal center line of the housing so there is identical structure on both sides of the center line and a description of one side applies to the other side