WO2020005867A1

WO2020005867A1 - Pouch with integrated channel for use with peristaltic pumps

Info

Publication number: WO2020005867A1
Application number: PCT/US2019/038878
Authority: WO
Inventors: Joseph E. Owensby; Howard Dean Conner; Stephen F. Compton; Bill W. Austin; Douglas Wilson; Bradley DALEY; Art BIHN
Original assignee: Cryovac, Llc
Priority date: 2018-06-27
Filing date: 2019-06-25
Publication date: 2020-01-02

Abstract

A system includes a peristaltic pump and a pouch. The pouch includes a reservoir section and a channel section. The reservoir section and the channel section are formed from at least one continuous sheet. The at least one continuous sheet is coupled to form the reservoir section and the channel section. The system further includes a fluid located inside of the reservoir section of the pouch. The peristaltic pump includes a passage and the channel section of the pouch is configured to be placed in the passage so that the channel section extends through the passage. When the channel section is placed in the passage, an actuator of the peristaltic pump is operable to impart a peristalsis force to the channel section to cause the fluid to flow from the reservoir section and through the channel section.

Description

POUCH WITH INTEGRATED CHANNEL FOR USE WITH PERISTALTIC PUMPS

SPECIFICATION

BACKGROUND

[0001] The present disclosure is in the technical field of pumping fluids using peristaltic pump. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to pouches that include integrated channels, where the integrated channel passes through the peristaltic pump in place of any flexible tube.

[0002] Peristaltic pumps are typically positive displacement pump used for pumping fluids. In existing pumps, the fluid is contained within a flexible tube that is located inside the pump’s housing. Actuators (e.g., rollers, cam surfaces, etc.) are brought into contact with the flexible tube, and the portions of the flexible tube contacted by the actuators in compressed to pinch closed that portion of the flexible tube. The actuators are passed along the flexible tube. As each actuator passes along the flexible tube, the portion of the tube under compression is advanced, thereby forcing or“pushing” the fluid through the flexible tube. After the actuator passes by a section of the flexible tube, that section opens to its natural state, drawing or“sucking” the next aliquot of fluid into the flexible tube. In this way, a flow of the liquid is induced by the actuators pinching the flexible tube to advance liquid downstream and the flexible tube drawing additional liquid in after the actuators pass. Peristaltic pumps may run continuously to pump the fluid (e.g., to pump coolant to machinery) or they may be indexed to deliver specific amounts of fluid (e.g., to deliver fluids to a patient intravenously).

[0003] One advantage of peristaltic pumps is that the moving parts of peristaltic pumps (e.g., actuators) do not come into contact with the fluid being pumped because the fluid is located in the flexible tube. Thus, a peristaltic pump can be used to pump abrasive or otherwise harmful substances without the harmful substances contacting the non- wearable parts of the pump. Peristaltic pumps are also useful for pumping viscous and non-Newtonian fluids that cannot easily be pumped by other types of liquid pumps.

SUMMARY

[0004] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0005] In one embodiment, a system a peristaltic pump, a pouch, and a fluid. The pouch includes a reservoir section and a channel section. The reservoir section and the channel section are formed from at least one continuous sheet. The at least one continuous sheet is coupled to form the reservoir section and the channel section. The fluid is located inside of the reservoir section of the pouch. The peristaltic pump includes a passage and the channel section of the pouch is configured to be placed in the passage so that the channel section extends through the passage. When the channel section is placed in the passage, an actuator of the peristaltic pump is operable to impart a peristalsis force to the channel section to cause the fluid to flow from the reservoir section and through the channel section.

[0006] In one example, the system is configured to apply a pressure head to one or both of the reservoir section or the fluid in the reservoir section. In another example, the system includes a container configured to house at least a portion of the reservoir section. In another example, the system is configured to cause a pressure inside of the container to be greater than a pressure outside of the container. In another example, the container is one or more of a cylinder or an elliptic cylinder. [0007] In another embodiment, an article includes a pouch that includes at least one continuous sheet. The at least one continuous sheet is coupled to form a reservoir section of the pouch and a channel section of the pouch. The reservoir section of the pouch is arranged to hold a fluid. The channel section of the pouch is configured to be placed in a passage of a peristaltic pump so that the channel section extends through the passage. The channel section, when placed in the passage, is configured to be engaged by an actuator of the peristaltic pump such that the actuator is capable of imparting a peristalsis force to the channel section to cause the fluid to flow from the reservoir section and through the channel section.

[0008] In one example, a cross-sectional area of the reservoir section is greater than a cross-sectional area of the channel section. In another example, the cross-sectional area of the reservoir section is at least ten times the cross-sectional area of the channel section. In another example, the channel section includes an opening feature located proximate a first end of the channel section, the first end is opposite from the reservoir section, and the opening feature is configured to aid in opening the channel section to permit the fluid to flow out of the channel section. In another example, the opening feature includes a notch at which a tear across the channel section can be initiated.

[0009] In another example, the reservoir section includes a first fluid reservoir and a second fluid reservoir, and the fluid in the reservoir section includes a first fluid in the first fluid reservoir and a second fluid in the second fluid reservoir. In another example, the article further includes a first frangible seal configured to deter flow of the first fluid into the channel section before the first frangible seal is broken and a second frangible seal configured to deter flow of the second fluid into the channel section before the second frangible seal is broken. In another example, the channel section is a common channel configured to permit the first and second fluids to mix in the channel section. In another example, the channel section includes one or more static mixing elements configured to encourage mixing of the first and second fluids as the first and second fluids pass through the channel section. In another example, the one or more static mixing elements includes a plurality of bidirectional baffles. In another example, the channel section includes a first channel fluidically coupled to the first fluid reservoir and a second channel fluidically coupled to the second fluid reservoir. In another example, the first channel and the second channel are not fluidly coupled to each other so that the first fluid and the second fluid do not mix until after the first and second fluids flow out of the channel section. In another example, respective cross-sectional areas of the first and second channels are selected so that respective amounts of the first and second fluids flow out of channel section in response to the peristalsis force being imparted to the channel section.

[0010] In another example, the at least one continuous sheet is a single continuous sheet of polyethylene-based film that is folded to form two sides of the pouch on either side of a fold and the two sides of the pouch are sealed to each other to form the reservoir section and the channel section of the pouch. In another example, the at least one continuous sheet includes two continuous sheets of polyethylene-based film are sealed to each other to form two sides of the pouch and to form the reservoir section and the channel section of the pouch. In another example, the channel section has substantially constant cross-sectional dimensions throughout the length of the channel section.

[0011] In another example, the channel section includes a narrowing section having a cross-sectional area at a first portion of the narrowing section that is closer to the reservoir section than a cross-sectional area of at a second portion of the narrowing section that is closer to an outlet at an end of the channel section. In another example, the channel section further includes an outlet section located between the narrowing section and the outlet. In another example, the channel section further includes a first spring claim configured to bias shut the channel section at the first portion of the narrowing section. In another example, the channel section further includes a second spring claim configured to bias shut the channel section at the second portion of the narrowing section. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0012] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of the disclosed subject matter will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0013] Fig. 1 depicts an embodiment of a system that includes a traditional rotary peristaltic pump and fluid source, including a flexible tube that passes through the peristaltic pump;

[0014] Figs. 2A and 2B depict front and side views of a pouch that has a reservoir section integrated with a channel section, in accordance with the embodiments described herein;

[0015] Figs. 3A, 3B, and 3C depicts various embodiments of systems that include the use of the pouch depicted in Figs. 2A and 2B with the peristaltic pump depicted in Fig. 1 , in accordance with the embodiments described herein; [0016] Figs. 4A and 4B depict front and side views, respectively, of a pouch that is configured to hold multiple fluids, in accordance with the embodiments described herein;

[0017] Figs. 4C and 4D depict front and side views, respectively, of the pouch depicted in Figs. 4A and 4B in an open state, in accordance with the embodiments described herein;

[0018] Figs. 5A and 5B depict front and side views, respectively, of a pouch that is configured to hold multiple fluids and that has static mixing elements located in a common channel, in accordance with the embodiments described herein; [0019] Figs. 5C and 5D depict front and side views, respectively, of the pouch depicted in Figs. 5A and 5B in an open state, in accordance with the embodiments described herein;

[0020] Figs. 6A and 6B depict front and side views, respectively, of a pouch that is configured to hold multiple fluids and that holds multiple fluids that do not mix together until after flowing out of the pouch, in accordance with the embodiments described herein;

[0021] Figs. 6C and 6D depict front and side views, respectively, of the pouch depicted in Figs. 6A and 6B in an open state, in accordance with the embodiments described herein;

[0022] Fig. 7 depicts an embodiment of a system that includes the pouch and a linear peristaltic pump, in accordance with the embodiments described herein; and

[0023] Figs. 8A-8C depict front, detail, and partial perspective views, respectively, of an embodiment of a channel section with narrowing cross-sectional dimensions, in accordance with the embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The present disclosure is directed to embodiments of peristaltic pump systems and embodiments of pouches for use with peristaltic pump systems that eliminate the need for a flexible tube that passes through the peristaltic pump. A pouch forms both a reservoir section for storing a fluid and a channel section that can be inserted through a passage of the peristaltic pump. An actuator (e.g., rollers) of a peristatic pump engage the channel section to cause the fluid to flow out of the reservoir section, through the channel section, and out of the channel section. In some cases, the peristaltic pump systems apply a pressure head to the reservoir section to cause fluid to pass from the reservoir section into the channel section as the actuator of the peristaltic pump causes the fluid to flow out of the channel section. These and other embodiments are disclosed in greater detail below.

[0025] Fig. 1 depicts an embodiment of a system 100 that includes a traditional rotary peristaltic pump 102 and a fluid source 104. The peristaltic pump 102 has a housing 106 that includes a passage 108 for a flexible tube 1 10. The passage 108 is located between an actuator 1 12 of the peristaltic pump 102 and the housing 106 of the peristaltic pump. In the depicted embodiment, the actuator 112 is a rotatory actuator having a rotor 1 14 and rollers 1 161 , 1 162, and 1 163 (collectively, rollers 1 16).

[0026] The fluid source 104 includes a reservoir 1 18 that holds fluid 120. The reservoir 1 18 may be a rigid container, such as a metallic cylinder, a thermoset plastic tank, or any other type of rigid container. The reservoir 1 18 may also be a flexible container, such as an elastomeric bladder, a flexible plastic pouch (e.g., a polyurethane-based pouch), or any other type of flexible container. The fluid 120 can be any type of fluid, such as a Newtonian fluid (i.e. , a fluid having a viscosity that is independent of any stress or strain), a shear-thickening fluid (i.e., a fluid having a viscosity that increases with the rate of shear strain), a shear-thinning fluid (i.e., a fluid having a viscosity that decreases with the rate of shear strain, a thixotropic liquid (i.e., a fluid that become less viscous over time when shaken, agitated, or otherwise stressed), a rheopectic fluid (i.e., a fluid more viscous over time when shaken, agitated, or otherwise stressed, a Bingham plastic (i.e., a fluid that behave as a solid at low stresses but flow as a viscous fluid at high stresses), or any other type of fluid.

[0027] The fluid source 104 is coupled to the flexible tube 110 via a coupling 122. In the depicted embodiment, the coupling is an adapter that coupled the outside of an outlet of the reservoir 1 18 and is inserted into one end of the flexible tubing 110. The coupling 122 can take any number of forms to fluidically couple the reservoir 1 18 to the flexible tubing 1 10. The coupling 122 permits the fluid 120 to flow from the reservoir 1 18 into the flexible tube 1 10. In the depicted embodiment, the coupling 122 is a single adapter. In other embodiments, the coupling 122 can include any number of adapters or couplers, any length of tubing or other fluid conduits, or any combination thereof.

[0028] In the depicted embodiment, the actuator 112 is configured to operate by rotating so that each of the rollers 1 16 periodically comes into contact with the flexible tube 1 10. When one the rollers 1 16 comes into contact with the flexible tube 1 10, the one of the rollers 1 16 pinches a portion of the flexible tube 1 10. In the instance shown in Fig. 1 , the roller 1 161 is pinching a portion of the flexible tube 110 against the housing 106 of the peristaltic pump 102. As the rotor 1 14 turns, the roller 1 161 will continue in a clockwise direction to pinch portions of the flexible tube lower than the position of roller 1 16i that is shown in Fig. 1. As the roller 1 161 moves, the roller 1 161 imparts a pushing force on the fluid 120 below the roller 1 161 to cause the fluid to be pushed out of the bottom of the flexible tube 1 10.

[0029] In the depicted embodiment, the flexible tube 1 10 is made from a resilient material that tends to return to its original form after being pinched by the rollers 1 16.

For example, as seen in Fig. 1 , the section of the flexible tube 1 10 above the location of the roller 1 161 is expanding back to its original form after the roller 1161 has passed. As the flexible tube 1 10 expands, the expansion draws an additional aliquot of the fluid 120 from the reservoir 118 into the flexible tube 1 10. In addition to the pushing of the fluid 120 ahead of the roller 1 16i, the drawing in of the fluid 120 from the reservoir 1 18 behind the roller 1 161 causes the fluid 120 to be pumped out of the reservoir 1 18.

[0030] The material and size of the flexible tube 1 10 may be chosen to provide a sufficient amount of rebound after pinching by the rollers. In one example, the flexible tube has is made from an elastomeric material having a wall thickness of 1/32 inches. Where the elastomeric material has a modulus of 5 MPa, the effective stiffness of the flexible tube 1 10 is c * 16x10^-5, where c is a constant. One reason for the use of the coupling 122 is that, while the flexible tube 110 has appropriate flexibility and stiffness characteristics, it is often the case that the material of the reservoir 1 18 does not have those same flexibility and stiffness characteristics. In some cases, it is undesirable for the reservoir 1 18 to have the flexibility and stiffness characteristics of the flexible tube 1 10.

[0031] One problem with the system 100 depicted in Fig. 1 is the costs associated with the coupling 122 and the flexible tube 1 10. In certain environments, the coupling 122 and the flexible tube 1 10 may only be used with one reservoir 1 18. This may be the case when the fluid 120 is an abrasive substance and decoupling the reservoir 1 18 from the flexible tube 1 10 may expose the person decoupling the reservoir 1 18 from the flexible tube 1 10 to harm from the abrasive material. This may also be the case when the fluid 120 is a food product (e.g., ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, salad dressing). After the food product has been dispensed from the reservoir 1 18, the coupling 122 and the flexible tube 1 10 cannot be reused unless they are cleaned first. This avoids contamination of food product from a subsequent reservoir with the remnants of the food product already dispensed from the previous reservoir. In any of these cases, after fluid 120 has been pumped out of the reservoir 1 18, the coupling 122 and the flexible tube 1 10 are either replaced or cleaned before reuse. Either replacing or cleaning the coupling 122 and the flexible tube 1 10 can be costly in terms of money and/or labor time.

[0032] Depicted in Figs. 2A and 2B are front and side views of a pouch 200 that has a reservoir section 202 integrated with a channel section 204. The pouch 200 includes a first continuous sheet 206 and a second continuous sheet 208. As used herein, the term“continuous sheet” means a sheet-like material (e.g., a film material, a coated paper material, etc.) that extends continuously between opposing ends of the sheet.

For example, in Fig. 2A, the first continuous sheet 206 extends continuously from the top end of the pouch 200 to the bottom end of the pouch 200 and extends continuously from the left end of the pouch 200 to the right end of the pouch 200. [0033] Any of the sheets of the various embodiments described herein, may comprise any of the materials, compositions, and polymers set forth herein with respect to sheets, and may have any thickness, properties, treatments, additives, and other characteristics (e.g., flexibility, elasticity, optics, strength, elastic recovery, transparency, load tear resistance, puncture resistance) as set forth herein with respect to sheets. In some embodiments, a sheet has a composition and thickness providing acceptable

performance properties (e.g., flexibility, elasticity, optics, strength) for the given packaging application of expected use. In some examples, a sheet has a thickness of at most any of the following: 10 mils, 6 mils, 5 mils, 4 mils, 3 mils, 2 mils, 1.5 mils, and 1 mil. (A "mil" is equal to 0.001 inch.) In some examples, a sheet has a thickness of at least any of the following: 0.5 mils, 1 mil, 1.5 mils, 2 mils, and 3 mils.

[0034] In some embodiments, a sheet has an elastic recovery in either or both of the transverse and longitudinal directions of at least any of the following values: 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, and 85%, measured according to ASTM D5459 at 100% strain, 30 seconds relaxation time, and 60 second recovery time. In some embodiments, a sheet has a maximum load tear resistance in either or both of the transverse and longitudinal directions of at least any of the following values: 400, 450, 500, 550, and 600 grams force, measured according to ASTM D1004. In some embodiments, a sheet has a slow puncture maximum load of at least any of the following values: 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, and 7 pounds force, measured according to ASTM F1306 using a crosshead speed of 5 inches per minute.

[0035] In some embodiments, a sheet is transparent so that a fluid inside the sheet is visible through the sheet. As used herein, "transparent" means that the material transmits incident light with negligible scattering and little absorption, enabling objects to be seen clearly through the material under typical unaided viewing conditions (i.e. , the expected use conditions of the material). The transparency (i.e., clarity) of the retention sheet may be at least any of the following values: 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, and 90%, measured in accordance with ASTM D1746. [0036] In some embodiments, a sheet includes one or more polymers. In some examples, a sheet includes one or more of any of the following polymers: thermoplastic polymers, polyolefins, polyethylene homopolymers (e.g., low density polyethylene), polyethylene copolymers (e g., ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymers (“EAOs”),

ethylene/unsaturated ester copolymers, and ethylene/(meth)acrylic acid), polypropylene homopolymers, polypropylene copolymers, polyvinyl chloride, various types of natural or synthetic rubber (e.g., styrene-butadiene rubber, polybutadiene, neoprene rubber, polyisoprene rubber, ethylene-propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, polysiloxane, nitrile rubber, and butyl rubber), and polyurethane (i.e., any one or more of

polyurethane, polyether polyurethane, polyester polyurethane, and polycarbonate polyurethane, any of which may be aliphatic and/or aromatic). In some embodiments, a sheet includes thermoplastic polyolefin elastomers (TPOs), which are two-component elastomer systems comprising an elastomer (such as EPDM) finely dispersed in a thermoplastic polyolefin (such as polypropylene or polyethylene). As used in this application,“copolymer” means a polymer derived from two or more types of

monomers, and includes terpolymers, etc.

[0037] In some embodiments, a sheet includes polyolefin (e.g., polyethylene), polyvinyl chloride, and/or polyurethane. In some examples, such embodiments of a sheet have a thickness of from 2 to 4 mils. Such embodiments of a sheet may be useful for lightweight applications. In some examples, a sheet including polyurethane may provide desirable elastomeric, puncture resistance, temperature resistance, and tackiness characteristics.

[0038] In some embodiments, a sheet includes effective amounts of one or more of tackifiers, antiblocking agents, and slip agents— or may be essentially free of any of these components. Tackifiers, antiblocking agents, and slip agents, and their effective amounts, are known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In some embodiments, a sheet is manufactured by thermoplastic film forming processes known in the art (e.g., tubular or blown-film extrusion, coextrusion, extrusion coating, flat or cast film extrusion). In some embodiments, a combination of these processes is also employed to manufacture a sheet.

[0039] The first and second continuous sheets 206 and 208 are coupled to form the reservoir section 202 and the channel section 204. In the depicted embodiment, the first and second continuous sheets 206 and 208 are polyethylene-based films that are heat sealed to each other to form the reservoir section 202 and the channel section 204. In other embodiments, the first and second continuous sheets 206 and 208 can be made from any sheet-like material and coupled to form the reservoir section 202 and the channel section 204 in any manner. In other embodiments, the pouch 200 could include a single continuous sheet that is folded so that the two portions of the sheet on either side of the fold are the two sides of the pouch 200. The two sides of the single sheet can be coupled to each other to form the reservoir section 202 and the channel section 204.

[0040] As noted above, the reservoir section 202 and the channel section 204 are formed based on the coupling of the first and second continuous sheets 206 and 208.

In the depicted embodiment, the shapes of the reservoir section 202 and the channel section 204 defined by the heat seals between the reservoir section 202 and the channel section 204. The reservoir section 202 is configured to hold a fluid 210. The reservoir section 202 is in fluid communication with the channel section 204 so that the fluid 210 is also located in the channel section 204. As will be described in greater detail below, the channel section 204 of the pouch 200 is configured to be placed in the passage of a peristaltic pump so that the channel section 204 extends through the passage. In some embodiments, a cross-sectional area of the reservoir section 202 is greater than a cross-sectional area of the channel section 204 so that the reservoir section 202 is capable of holding more of the fluid 210 than can be held by the channel section 204. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of the reservoir section 202 is substantially greater than the cross-sectional area of the channel section 204, such as at least ten times greater than the cross-sectional area of the channel section 204.

[0041] In some embodiments, the pouch 200 may be considered a disposable pouch that is intended to be used one time to dispense the fluid 210. In this case, the fluid 210 may be sealed in the pouch 200 (e.g., in the arrangement shown in Figs. 2A and 2B) before transportation to an end user. The end user may place channel section 204 of the pouch 200 inside a passage of a peristaltic pump, open an end of the channel section 204 to permit the fluid 210 to be pumped out of the reservoir section 202 through the channel section 204 by the peristaltic pump, use the peristaltic pump to dispense the fluid 210 out of the open end of the channel section 204, and then dispose of the entire pouch 200 (including both the reservoir section 202 and the channel section 204) after the fluid 210 has been dispensed. Residual amounts of the fluid 210 may remain in the pouch 200 after the fluid 210 has been dispensed, and disposing of the entire pouch 200 eliminates any concern of those residual portions of the fluid 210 contaminating fluid from a subsequent fluid reservoir.

[0042] The pouch 200 includes an opening feature 212 that is configured to aid in opening the channel section 204 to permit the fluid 210 to flow out of the channel section 204. The opening feature 212 is located proximate an end of the channel section 204 (e.g., the bottom end in Figs. 2A and 2B), where the end of the channel section 204 is opposite from the reservoir section 202. In the depicted embodiment, the opening feature 212 includes a pair of notches at which a tear across the channel section 204 can be initiated. In other embodiments, the opening feature 212 can include a weakened portion, such as a perforation or a frangible seal, that is configured to be broken by a user without the need for tools (e.g., scissors).

[0043] One embodiment of a system 300 that includes the use of the pouch 200 with the peristaltic pump 102 is depicted in Fig. 3A. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3A, the channel section 204 of the pouch 200 has been placed in the passage 108 of the peristaltic pump 102 between the actuator 1 12 and the housing 106. The opening feature 212 of the pouch 200 has also be broken previously so that the fluid 210 is permitted to flow out of the open bottom end of the channel section 204. As the actuator 112 of the peristaltic pump 102 imparts a peristalsis force on the channel section 204, the rollers 1 16 push portions of the fluid 210 out of the channel section 204.

[0044] One difficulty with the system 300 is that the material of the first and second continuous sheets 206 and 208 may not have the flexibility and stiffness characteristics that would cause the channel section 204 to expand after each of the rollers 1 16 passes. For example, each of the first and second continuous sheets 206 and 208 may be made of a non-elastic film having a thickness of 3 mil with a modulus of 400 MPa. This gives the first and second continuous sheets 206 and 208 an effective stiffness of c x 1 .1 x10 ⁵, where c is a constant. In this case, the first and second continuous sheets 206 and 208 do not have enough stiffness for the channel section 204 to naturally rebound after the each of the rollers 1 16 passes the channel section 204. Thus, the channel section 204 does not necessarily draw additional portions of the fluid 210 from the reservoir section 202 into the channel section 204. In other embodiments, one or more of the continuous sheets used in a pouch may have an effective stiffness of less than or equal to about one or more of the following: c ^c 15x1 O ⁵, c ^c 12x1 O ⁵, c x 10x1 O ⁵, c x 8x10 ⁵, c ^c 6x10 ⁵, c ^c 4x1 O ⁵, c ^c 2x10 ⁵, or c ^c 1 x10 ⁵, where c is a constant.

[0045] The difficulty of drawing portions of the fluid 210 from the reservoir section 202 into the channel section 204 after the actuator 1 12 of the peristaltic pump 102 passes the channel section 204 may be addressed in a number of ways. In Fig. 3A, the existing forces working on the fluid 210 draw the fluid 210 from the reservoir section 202 into the channel section 204. In this case, the force of gravity acting on the fluid 210 may cause a portion of the fluid 210 to pass from the reservoir section 202 into the channel section 204 after one of the rollers 1 16 passes by the channel section 204. The force of gravity may be sufficient under certain circumstances, such as with the fluid 210 is a liquid with low viscosity or a Newtonian fluid. However, under other

circumstances, such as when the fluid 210 is a liquid with high viscosity or a non- Newtonian fluid, the existing forces on the fluid 210 may not be sufficient to cause the fluid 210 to flow from the reservoir section 202 into the channel section 204.

[0046] Depicted in Fig. 3B is an embodiment of a system 310 that includes the use of the pouch 200 with the peristaltic pump 102. In the system 310, the fluid environment inside of the reservoir section 202 is subjected to a pressure head 312. The pressure head 312 represents a higher pressure in the reservoir section 202 outside of the fluid 210. In some embodiments, the pressure head 312 causes the pressure in the reservoir section 202 to be at least 1 % higher than the pressure outside of the pouch 200. For example, the pressure head 312 may causes the pressure in the reservoir section 202 to be in a range from 1 % to 10% higher than the pressure outside of the pouch 200. In some embodiments, the pressure head 312 causes the pressure in the reservoir section 202 to be at least 2.5 kPa higher than the pressure outside of the pouch 200.

[0047] In some embodiments, the system 310 is configured to create the pressure head 312 on the fluid 210. In some embodiments, the system 310 includes an air

compressor or other gas compressor configured to pump a pressurized gas into the reservoir section 202 to create the pressure head 312. For example, a gas compressor can be fluidically coupled to the reservoir section 202 via a gas line, hose, conduit, or any other device to allow pressurized gas to pass from the gas compressor to the reservoir section 202. In some embodiments, the system 310 includes a source of pressurized gas (e.g., a pressurized gas cylinder) configured to permit pressurized gas to pass from the source into the reservoir section 202. For example, a source of pressurized gas can be fluidically coupled to the reservoir section 202 via a gas line, hose, conduit, or any other device to allow pressurized gas to pass from the g source of pressurized gas to the reservoir section 202. [0048] The pressure differential caused by the pressure head 312 can aid in the flow of the fluid 210 from the reservoir section 202 into the channel section 204. In some embodiments, portions of the channel section 204 are collapsed after one of the rollers 1 16 passes. Because the pressure outside of the reservoir section 202 is greater than inside of the reservoir section 202, the pressure difference induces the fluid 210 to pass from the reservoir section 202 into the collapsed portion of the channel section 204. As the fluid 210 enters the collapsed portion of the channel section 204, that portion of the channel section 204 returns to its original shape as it is again filled with the fluid 210. In this way, the channel section 204 is refilled after each of the rollers 1 16 passes by the channel section 204 even though the channel section 204 is not made from a material that naturally rebounds like the flexible tube 110 does. Because the channel section 204 does not need to have the flexibility and stiffness characteristics of the flexible tube 1 10, the channel section 204 can be made from the same material as the reservoir section 202. Thus, the pouch 200 can be formed with the first and second continuous sheets 206 and 208 forming both the reservoir section 202 and the channel section 204.

[0049] Depicted in Fig. 3C is an embodiment of a system 320 that includes the use of the pouch 200 with the peristaltic pump 102. The system 320 includes a container 322 that is configured to house a portion or all of the reservoir section 202. In some embodiments, the container 322 is configured to constrict the volume of the reservoir section 202 to create a pressure head inside of the reservoir section 202. Constriction of the reservoir section 202 will tend to reduce the volume inside of the reservoir section 202. The reduction in volume of the reservoir section 202 will increase the pressure within the reservoir section 202, particularly where the fluid 210 is incompressible or substantially incompressible. In the depicted embodiment, the container 322 includes a piston 324 that can be moved through the interior of the container 322 to constrict the reservoir section 202.

[0050] The force to constrict the reservoir section 202 or the pressure differential caused by constriction of the reservoir section 202 can aid in the flow of the fluid 210 from the reservoir section 202 into the channel section 204. In some embodiments, portions of the channel section 204 are collapsed after one of the rollers 1 16 passes. Because of the pressure on the fluid 210 from the constriction of the reservoir section and/or the associated pressure head, the fluid 210 is urged to pass from the reservoir section 202 into the collapsed portion of the channel section 204. As the fluid 210 enters the collapsed portion of the channel section 204, that portion of the channel section 204 returns to its original shape as it is again filled with the fluid 210. In this way, the channel section 204 is refilled after each of the rollers 1 16 passes by the channel section 204 even though the channel section 204 is not made from a material that naturally rebounds like the flexible tube 1 10 does. Because the channel section 204 does not need to have the flexibility and stiffness characteristics of the flexible tube 110, the channel section 204 can be made from the same material as the reservoir section 202. Thus, the pouch 200 can be formed with the first and second continuous sheets 206 and 208 forming both the reservoir section 202 and the channel section 204.

[0051] In the above-described examples, the pouches contained a single fluid. Having a single fluid in a pouch may be advantageous in certain circumstances, such as in the case of dispensing a food product, an abrasive substance, and the like. In those circumstances, the pouches described above (e.g., pouch 200) can allow for the dispensing of the single fluid form a pouch that has an integrated channel section using a peristaltic pump. In some instances, it may be advantageous for a pouch to include multiple fluid reservoirs that hold different fluids that are dispensed together. These pouches may include a common channel that permits the different fluids to mix while the fluids pass through the channel section. The pouches may also include individual channels for each of the fluids so that the fluids pass through the channel section without mixing. A number of examples of such pouches are described below.

[0052] Depicted in Figs. 4A and 4B are front and side views, respectively, of a pouch 400 that is configured to hold multiple fluids. The pouch 400 includes a reservoir section 402 and a channel section 404. The pouch 400 is formed from a first continuous sheet 406 and a second continuous sheet 408. The first and second continuous sheets 406 and 408 are coupled to form the reservoir section 402 and the channel section 404. In the depicted embodiment, the first and second continuous sheets 406 and 408 are polyethylene-based films that are heat sealed to each other to form the reservoir section 402 and the channel section 404. In other embodiments, the first and second continuous sheets 406 and 408 can be made from any sheet-like material and coupled to form the reservoir section 402 and the channel section 404 in any manner. In other embodiments, the pouch 400 could include a single continuous sheet that is folded so that the two portions of the sheet on either side of the fold are the two sides of the pouch 400. The two sides of the single sheet can be coupled to each other to form the reservoir section 402 and the channel section 404.

[0053] In the depicted embodiment, the shapes of the reservoir section 402 and the channel section 404 are defined by the heat seals between the first and second continuous sheets 406 and 408. The heat seals between the first and second continuous sheets 406 and 408 also form a reservoir divider 410 that divides the reservoir section into a first fluid reservoir 412 and a second fluid reservoir 414. The first fluid reservoir 412 is configured to hold a first fluid 416 and the second fluid reservoir 414 is configured to hold a second fluid 418.

[0054] The first and second fluid reservoirs 412 and 414 are in the reservoir section 402 are in fluid communication with a common channel 420 in the channel section 404. In the depicted embodiment, the pouch 400 includes a first frangible barrier 422 configured to deter flow of the first fluid 416 from the first fluid reservoir 412 into the common channel 420 until the first frangible barrier 422 is broken. The pouch 400 also includes a second frangible barrier 424 configured to deter flow of the second fluid 418 from the second fluid reservoir 414 into the common channel 420 until the second frangible barrier 424 is broken. The first and second frangible barriers 422 and 424 together operate to prevent the first and second fluids 416 and 418 from mixing together until a user of the pouch 400 intentionally breaks the first and second frangible barriers 422 and 424. In the event that one of the first and second frangible barriers 422 and 424 is inadvertently broken and allows either the first fluid 416 or the second fluid 418 to flow into the common channel 420, the first and second fluids 416 and 418 still would not mix together because only one of the first and second frangible barriers 422 and 424 is broken.

[0055] In the instance shown in Figs. 4A and 4B, the bottom end of the channel section 404 is closed. In some embodiments, the channel section 404 is closed so that no fluid will leave the common channel if one of the first and second frangible barriers 422 and 424 is inadvertently broken before the pouch 400 is used with a peristaltic pump. The pouch 400 includes an opening feature 426 that is configured to aid in opening the channel section 404 to permit fluid to flow out of the channel section 404. The opening feature 426 is located proximate an end of the channel section 404 (e.g., the bottom end in Figs. 4A and4B), where the end of the channel section 404 is opposite from the reservoir section 402. In the depicted embodiment, the opening feature 426 includes a pair of notches at which a tear across the channel section 404 can be initiated. In other embodiments, the opening feature 426 can include a weakened portion, such as a perforation or a frangible seal, that is configured to be broken by a user without the need for tools (e.g., scissors).

[0056] The pouch 400 is capable of being used to dispense the first and second fluids 416 and 418 using a peristaltic pump. For example, the pouch 400 could be used in place of the pouch 200 in any of the systems 300, 310, and 320 depicted in Figs. 3A,

3B, and 3C. In any of the systems 300, 310, and 320 the channel section 404 of the pouch 400 would be placed in the passage 108 of the peristaltic pump 102. In some cases, when the pouch 400 is used with a peristaltic pump, a user of the pouch 400 can open the pouch 400 before the peristaltic pump begins operating.

[0057] An embodiment of the pouch 400 in the open state is shown in Figs. 4C and 4D. In the open state, the first and second frangible barriers 422 and 424 have been broken so that the first and second fluids 416 and 418 are permitted to flow into the common channel 420. Within the common channel 420, the first and second fluids 416 and 418 mix to form a mixed fluid 428. In the open state, the opening feature 426 has also been opened so that the bottom of the channel section 404 is open. Because the bottom of the channel section 404 is open, the mixed fluid 428 is able to flow out of the bottom of the channel section 404.

[0058] When the pouch is in an open state, as shown in Figs. 4C and 4D, the pouch 400 is able to be used with a peristaltic pump to dispense and mix the first and second fluids 416 and 418. An actuator of the peristaltic pump engages the channel section 404 of the pouch 400. The movement of the actuator and/or a pressure head applied to the reservoir section 402 causes the first and second fluids 416 and 418 to flow from the first and second fluid reservoirs 412 and 414, respectively, into the common channel 420. In the common channel 420, the first and second fluids 416 and 418 mix to form the mixed fluid 428. In some cases, the movement of the actuator against the channel section 404 increases the efficiency of the mixing of the first and second fluids 416 and 418 to form the mixed fluid 428. The movement of the actuator also causes the mixed fluid to be forced through the common channel 420 and out of the channel section 404 to dispense the mixed fluid 428.

[0059] The embodiment of the pouch 400 may be useful to dispense fluids that react with each other. In one example, the first and second fluids 416 and 418 may be epoxy precursors that, when sufficiently mixed, form liquid epoxy in the common channel 420. After the liquid epoxy is dispensed out of the common channel 420 onto materials, it can cure to bond the materials together. In another example, two cleaning solutions may be mixed together immediately before dispensing to improve the potency of the mixed solution. In this example, the first and second fluids 416 and 418 are the two cleaning solutions, and the two cleaning solutions mix together in the common channel 420 before being dispensed out of the common channel 420. In some cases, the mixing that occurs in the common channel 420 is a sufficient to effectively mix the first and second fluids 416 and 418 to form the mixed fluid 428. In other cases, the mixing of the first and second fluids 416 and 418 may be improved by static mixing elements located in the common channel 420.

[0060] Depicted in Figs. 5A and 5B are front and side views, respectively, of a pouch 400’ that is configured to hold multiple fluids and that has static mixing elements located in a common channel. The pouch 400’ is similar to the pouch 400 and the use of common reference numbers with the pouch 400 and the pouch 400’ indicate a similar element referenced by the common reference number. In the pouch 400’, the shapes of the reservoir section 402 and the channel section 404 are defined by the heat seals between the first and second continuous sheets 406 and 408. The reservoir section 402 of the pouch 400’ is similar to the reservoir section 402 of the pouch 400. In the channel section 404 of the pouch 400’, the heat seals between the first and second continuous sheets 406 and 408 form a common channel 420’ and static mixing elements 430 in the common channel 420’. In the depicted embodiment, the static mixing elements 430 are in the form of baffles. In particular, the baffles are bidirectional baffles because some of the baffles extend to the right from the left side of the common channel 420’ and others of the baffles extend to the left from the right side of the common channel 420’. In some embodiments, the common channel in a tortuous path channel that does not have a single linear path from the inlet to the outlet, such as in the case of the pouch 400’ with the static mixing elements 430 not providing a single linear path from the top of the channel section 404 to the bottom of the channel section 404.

[0061] An embodiment of the pouch 400’ in the open state is shown in Figs. 4C and 4D. In the open state, the first and second frangible barriers 422 and 424 have been broken so that the first and second fluids 416 and 418 are permitted to flow into the common channel 420’. Within the common channel 420’, the first and second fluids 416 and 418 mix to form a mixed fluid 428. The efficiency of the mixing of the first and second fluids 416 and 418 in the common channel 420’ may be increased by the presence of the static mixing elements in the common channel 420’. In the open state, the opening feature 426 has also been opened so that the bottom of the channel section 404 is open. Because the bottom of the channel section 404 is open, the mixed fluid 428 is able to flow out of the bottom of the channel section 404.

[0062] Depicted in Figs. 6A and 6B are front and side views, respectively, of a pouch 500 that is configured to hold multiple fluids that do not mix together until after flowing out of the pouch 500. The pouch 500 includes a reservoir section 502 and a channel section 504. The pouch 500 is formed from a first continuous sheet 506 and a second continuous sheet 508. The first and second continuous sheets 506 and 508 are coupled to form the reservoir section 502 and the channel section 504. In the depicted embodiment, the first and second continuous sheets 506 and 508 are polyethylene- based films that are heat sealed to each other to form the reservoir section 502 and the channel section 504. In other embodiments, the first and second continuous sheets 506 and 508 can be made from any sheet-like material and coupled to form the reservoir section 502 and the channel section 504 in any manner. In other embodiments, the pouch 500 could include a single continuous sheet that is folded so that the two portions of the sheet on either side of the fold are the two sides of the pouch 500. The two sides of the single sheet can be coupled to each other to form the reservoir section 502 and the channel section 504.

[0063] In the depicted embodiment, the shapes of the reservoir section 502 and the channel section 504 are defined by the heat seals between the first and second continuous sheets 506 and 508. The heat seals between the first and second continuous sheets 506 and 508 also form a reservoir divider 510 that divides the reservoir section into a first fluid reservoir 512 and a second fluid reservoir 514. The first fluid reservoir 512 is configured to hold a first fluid 516 and the second fluid reservoir 514 is configured to hold a second fluid 518.

[0064] The first and second fluid reservoirs 512 and 514 are in the reservoir section 502 are in fluid communication with a first channel 532 and a second channel 534, respectively, in the channel section 504. In the depicted embodiment, the pouch 500 does not includes any frangible barriers, so the first fluid 516 is permitted to flow from the first fluid reservoir 512 into the first channel 532 and the second fluid 518 is permitted to flow into the second channel 534. The bottom end of the channel section 504 is closed. The pouch 500 includes an opening feature 526 that is configured to aid in opening the channel section 504 to permit fluid to flow out of the channel section 404. The opening feature 526 is located proximate an end of the channel section 504 (e.g., the bottom end in Figs. 6A and 6B), where the end of the channel section 504 is opposite from the reservoir section 502. In the depicted embodiment, the opening feature 526 includes a pair of notches at which a tear across the channel section 504 can be initiated. In other embodiments, the opening feature 526 can include a weakened portion, such as a perforation or a frangible seal, that is configured to be broken by a user without the need for tools (e.g., scissors).

[0065] The pouch 500 is capable of being used to dispense the first and second fluids 516 and 518 using a peristaltic pump. For example, the pouch 500 could be used in place of the pouch 200 in any of the systems 300, 310, and 320 depicted in Figs. 3A, 3B, and 3C. In any of the systems 300, 310, and 320 the channel section 520 of the pouch 500 would be placed in the passage 108 of the peristaltic pump 102. In some cases, when the pouch 500 is used with a peristaltic pump, a user of the pouch 500 can open the pouch 500 before the peristaltic pump begins operating.

[0066] An embodiment of the pouch 500 in the open state is shown in Figs. 6C and 6D. In the open state, the opening feature 526 has also been opened so that the bottom of the channel section 504 is open. Because the bottom of the channel section 504 is open, the first and second fluids 516 and 518 are able to flow out of the bottom of the channel section 504 and mix to form mixed fluid 528. It should be noted that the first and second channels 532 and 534 are not in fluid communication, so the first and second fluids 516 and 518 do not mix together inside of the pouch 500. When the pouch is in an open state, as shown in Figs. 5C and 5D, the pouch 400 is able to be used with a peristaltic pump to dispense and mix the first and second fluids 516 and 518. An actuator of the peristaltic pump engages the channel section 504 of the pouch 500. The movement of the actuator and/or a pressure head applied to the reservoir section 502 causes the first and second fluids 516 and 518 to flow from the first and second fluid reservoirs 512 and 514 into the first and second channels 532 and 534, respectively. The movement of the actuator also causes the first and second fluids 516 and 518 to be forced through the first and second channels 532 and 534, respectively, and out of the channel section 504 to dispense the first and second channels 532 and 534.

[0067] The embodiment of the pouch 500 may be useful to dispense fluids that react with each other. In one example, the first and second fluids 516 and 518 may be precursors of an endothermic reaction and the first and second fluids 516 and 518 may be dispensed into a container so the first and second fluids 516 and 518 mix together to form the mixed fluid 528 and initiate the endothermic reaction. This may be useful in some circumstances, such as in creating a cold pack for short term cooling needs. In one example, the first and second fluids 516 and 518 may be precursors of an exothermic reaction and the first and second fluids 516 and 518 may be dispensed into a container so the first and second fluids 516 and 518 mix together to form the mixed fluid 528 and initiate the exothermic reaction. This may be useful in some

circumstances, such as in creating a heat pack for short term warming needs. In another example, the first and second fluids 516 and 518 may be precursors of a physical state change reaction, such as when the mixed fluid 528 reacts to form a foam product from liquid precursors. Examples of such a foam creation system include the INSTAPAK series of products sold by Sealed Air Corporation of Charlotte, NC.

[0068] The above-mentioned descriptions of pouches with multiple fluid reservoirs include two fluid reservoirs. For example, the pouch 400 includes the first and second fluid reservoirs 412 and 414. It will be noted that the pouches could include any number of fluid reservoirs, such as three or more fluid reservoirs. Any such pouches may include a common channel section without mixing elements, a common channel with mixing elements, separate channels for each type of fluid, or any other arrangement of channel sections.

[0069] The examples of peristaltic pumps described above are rotary peristaltic pump. The actuator in rotary peristaltic pumps rotates, causing rollers or other engagement members to intermittently engage the tube or the channel section. The embodiments of pouches described herein can be used with other forms of peristaltic pumps. For example, the pouched described herein can be used with any type of peristaltic pump, such as a linear peristaltic pump.

[0070] Depicted in Fig. 7 is an embodiment of a system 700 that includes the pouch 200 and a linear peristaltic pump 702. The peristaltic pump 702 includes a housing 706 that has a passage 708. The passage 708 is configured to receive a flexible tube, in the case that a flexible tube is coupled to a reservoir of fluid. In the depicted embodiments, the channel section 204 of the pouch 200 has been placed in the passage 708. The peristaltic pump 702 includes an actuator 712 with a number of pistons 716 that are independently controllable. The peristaltic pump 702 imparts a peristalsis force on the channel section 204 by selectively extending and retracting the pistons 716. At least one of the pistons 716 is fully extended to pinch a portion of the channel section 204. In order to force fluid out of the bottom of the channel section 204, pistons below the fully- extended piston are extended in cascading fashion so they continue to push the fluid 210 downward, causing a flow of the fluid 210 out of the bottom of the channel section 204. In order to draw fluid out of the reservoir section, the pistons above the fully- extended piston are retracted in cascading fashion so they allow the fluid 210 from the reservoir section 202 to refill the channel section 204. When two neighboring pistons are fully-extended, the one of those two pistons can begin retracting as part of the cascade of retracting pistons above the other one of those two pistons that remains fully-extended. [0071] The linear peristaltic pump may be used in place of any of the peristaltic pumps described herein. For example, the linear peristaltic pump 702 may be used in place of the peristaltic pump 102 in the systems 300, 310, and 320 depicted in Figs. 3A, 3B, and 3C, respectively. The use of a linear peristaltic pump may be advantageous in certain circumstances, such when dispensing of the fluid is desired to be in specific amounts, such as in the case of dispensing medicines, intravenous fluids, or any other situation where precise control of fluid flow is desired.

[0072] Some embodiments of channel sections described herein include substantially constant cross-sectional dimensions throughout the channel section. For example, the channel section 204 in pouch 200 has substantially constant cross-sectional

dimensions, the channel section 404 in pouch 400 has substantially constant cross- sectional dimensions, and the channel section 504 in pouch 500 has substantially constant cross-sectional dimensions. It may be advantageous in some circumstances for a channel section to have substantially constant cross-sectional dimensions. In other circumstances, it may be advantageous for the cross-sectional dimensions of a channel section to vary throughout the length of the channel section. An embodiment of a channel section with narrowing cross-sectional dimensions is depicted in front, detail, and partial perspective views shown, respectively, in Figs. 8A-8C.

[0073] Fig. 8A depicts an embodiment of a pouch 800 that includes a reservoir section 802 and a channel section 804. The pouch 800 is formed from a first continuous sheet 806 and a second continuous sheet 808. The first and second continuous sheets 806 and 808 are coupled to form the reservoir section 802 and the channel section 804. As with other embodiments described herein, the first and second continuous sheets 806 and 808 can be two separate continuous sheets that are sealed together or a single continuous sheet that is folded over such that the first and second continuous sheets 806 and 808 are the portions of the single continuous sheet on either side of the fold. [0074] The channel section 804 includes a narrowing section 820 and an outlet 822.

The narrowing section 820 has a greater cross-sectional area at the end of the narrowing section 820 that is closer to the reservoir section 802 than the cross-sectional area at the end of the narrowing section 820 that is closer to the outlet 822. Noted in Fig. 8A is an area where peristaltic pump actuators (e.g., rollers) are expected to contact the channel section 804; the area of expected contact by the actuators is bounded by an expected upper limit 824 of contact and an expected lower limit 826 of contact. In the depicted embodiment, the narrowing section 820 is in the area where actuators are expected to contact the channel section 804 between the expected upper limit 824 and the expected lower limit 826. In other embodiments, the narrowing section 820 may be entirely within the area where actuators are expected to contact the channel section 804, may overlap one of the expected upper limit 824 and the expected lower limit 826, or may overlap both of the expected upper limit 824 and the expected lower limit 826. The channel section 804 also includes an outlet section 828 that extends from the narrowing section 820 down to the outlet 822. In the depicted embodiment, the outlet section 828 has substantially constant cross-sectional dimensions; in other embodiments, the cross-sectional dimensions of the outlet section 828 may vary.

[0075] In the channel section 804 in Fig. 8A, dashed lines 830 are used to depict the locations where the channel section 804 would have extended if the entire channel section 804 had substantially constant cross-sectional dimensions. The sealed sides of the narrowing section 820 and the sealed sides of the outlet section 828 are depicted in solid lines 830. The“dead space” 834 of the pouch 800— the portion of the channel section 804 that does not exist with the narrowing cross-sectional dimensions of the narrowing section 820 but would have existed had the channel section 804 had substantially constant cross-sectional dimensions— is shown between the dashed lines 830 and the solid lines 832. [0076] In the depicted embodiment, the narrowing section 820 includes an upper spring clamp 836 and a lower spring clamp 838. In some embodiments, the upper spring clamp 836 is located in the narrowing section 820 near the largest cross-sectional dimensions of the narrowing section 820 and he lower spring clamp 838 is located in the narrowing section 820 near the smallest cross-sectional dimensions of the narrowing section 820. Each of the upper and lower spring clamps 836 and 838 is configured to bias shut the channel section 804 at a particular point until a pressure generated by the actuator is sufficient to overcome the biasing force. When the biasing force of one of the spring clamps is overcome, that spring clamp opens to permit flow of the fluid through the area with the open spring clamp.

[0077] Fig. 8B depicts a detail view of a portion of Fig. 8A that includes the narrowing section 820. Fig. 8B also depicts an actuator contact area 840 indicating a shape of the contact area that an actuator of a peristaltic pump may contact the narrowing section 820 and a direction of the movement of the actuator. As the actuator contact area 840 moves downward, the volume in the narrowing section 820 decreases (just as the dead space 834 increases). This increases the pressure on the liquid to cause the lower spring clamp 838 to open and to cause the fluid to flow into the outlet section 828 at a high pressure. This higher pressure in the outlet section 828 and through the outlet 822 results in less lag of the fluid and less of a compression well after the pump. In turn, these characteristics result in less drool of the fluid out of the outlet 822 when the peristaltic pump is not operating.

[0078] Fig. 8C depicts a perspective view of the narrowing section 820 of the channel section 804 of the pouch 800. In the depicted embodiment, the top of the narrowing section 820 includes a first thickness dimension 842 and a first width dimension 844 at the largest cross-sectional area of the narrowing section 820. The bottom of the narrowing section 820 includes a second thickness dimension 846 and a second width dimension 848 at the smallest cross-sectional area of the narrowing section. In the depicted embodiment, where the reservoir section 802 includes a single fluid, the first width dimension 844 may be in a range from about 1.5 inches to about 2.0 inches (e.g.,

1 .75 inches) and the second width dimension 848 may be in a range from about 0.5 inches to about 1.0 inches (e.g., 0.75 inches). In other embodiments, the narrowing section 820 may be used with a reservoir section that holds two fluids. For example, the pouch 400 includes the reservoir section 402 that holds first and second fluids 416 and 418, and the channel section 404 could include a narrowing section similar to narrowing section 820. In these embodiments, the narrowing section of the channel section 404 could have a first width dimension in a range from about 1.5 inches to about 2.0 inches (e.g., 1.75 inches) and a second width dimension in a range from about 0.25 inches to about 0.75 inches (e.g., 0.5 inches).

[0079] The narrowing section 820 has a number of benefits. In one example, the narrowing section 820 has a wider inlet than the outlet section 828. This eases the flow of fluid into the channel section 804. The sheet material of the channel section 804 does not need to be“inflated” to a circular cross-section at the top of the narrowing section 820, which would require more head pressure. However, because the outlet section 828 is smaller than the top of the narrowing section 820, the pressure of the fluid that exits the outlet 822 can be higher than the pressure inside the narrowing section 820. In another example, the transition between the reservoir section 802 and the outlet section 828 is more gradual than the step transition that exists where the entire channel section 804 has a substantially constant cross-section. The more gradual transition results in less stress on the material and structure of the pouch 800.

[0080] For purposes of this disclosure, terminology such as“upper,”“lower,”“vertical,” “horizontal,”“inwardly,”“outwardly,”“inner,”“outer,”“front,”“rear,” and the like, should be construed as descriptive and not limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter. Further, 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. Unless limited otherwise, the terms“connected,”“coupled,” and “mounted” and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. Unless stated otherwise, the terms “substantially,”“approximately,” and the like are used to mean within 5% of a target value.

[0081] The principles, representative embodiments, and modes of operation of the present disclosure have been described in the foregoing description. However, aspects of the present disclosure which are intended to be protected are not to be construed as limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Further, the embodiments described herein are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. It will be appreciated that variations and changes may be made by others, and equivalents employed, without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes, and equivalents fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, as claimed.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1 . A system comprising:

a peristaltic pump;

a pouch comprising a reservoir section and a channel section, wherein the reservoir section and the channel section are formed from at least one continuous sheet, and wherein the at least one continuous sheet is coupled to form the reservoir section and the channel section; and

a fluid located inside of the reservoir section of the pouch;

wherein the peristaltic pump includes a passage and the channel section of the pouch is configured to be placed in the passage so that the channel section extends through the passage; and

wherein, when the channel section is placed in the passage, an actuator of the peristaltic pump is operable to impart a peristalsis force to the channel section to cause the fluid to flow from the reservoir section and through the channel section.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the system is configured to apply a pressure head to one or both of the reservoir section or the fluid in the reservoir section.

3. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a container configured to house at least a portion of the reservoir section.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the system is configured to cause a pressure inside of the container to be greater than a pressure outside of the container.

5. The system of claim 3, wherein the container is one or more of a cylinder or an elliptic cylinder.

6. An article comprising:

a pouch comprising at least one continuous sheet, wherein the at least one continuous sheet is coupled to form a reservoir section of the pouch and a channel section of the pouch;

wherein the reservoir section of the pouch is arranged to hold a fluid;

wherein the channel section of the pouch is configured to be placed in a passage of a peristaltic pump so that the channel section extends through the passage; and

wherein the channel section, when placed in the passage, is configured to be engaged by an actuator of the peristaltic pump such that the actuator is capable of imparting a peristalsis force to the channel section to cause the fluid to flow from the reservoir section and through the channel section.

7. The article of claim 6, wherein a cross-sectional area of the reservoir section is greater than a cross-sectional area of the channel section.

8. The article of claim 7, wherein the cross-sectional area of the reservoir section is at least ten times the cross-sectional area of the channel section.

9. The article of claim 6, wherein the channel section includes an opening feature located proximate a first end of the channel section, wherein the first end is opposite from the reservoir section, and wherein the opening feature is configured to aid in opening the channel section to permit the fluid to flow out of the channel section.

10. The article of claim 9, wherein the opening feature includes a notch at which a tear across the channel section can be initiated.

1 1. The article of claim 6, wherein the reservoir section includes a first fluid reservoir and a second fluid reservoir, and wherein the fluid in the reservoir section includes a first fluid in the first fluid reservoir and a second fluid in the second fluid reservoir.

12. The article of claim 1 1 , further comprising a first frangible seal configured to deter flow of the first fluid into the channel section before the first frangible seal is broken and a second frangible seal configured to deter flow of the second fluid into the channel section before the second frangible seal is broken.

13. The article of claim 1 1 , wherein the channel section is a common channel configured to permit the first and second fluids to mix in the channel section.

14. The article of claim 13, wherein the channel section includes one or more static mixing elements configured to encourage mixing of the first and second fluids as the first and second fluids pass through the channel section.

15. The article of claim 14, wherein the one or more static mixing elements includes a plurality of bidirectional baffles.

16. The article of claim 1 1 , wherein the channel section includes a first channel fluidically coupled to the first fluid reservoir and a second channel fluidically coupled to the second fluid reservoir.

17. The article of claim 16, wherein the first channel and the second channel are not fluidly coupled to each other so that the first fluid and the second fluid do not mix until after the first and second fluids flow out of the channel section.

18. The article of claim 17, where respective cross-sectional areas of the first and second channels are selected so that respective amounts of the first and second fluids flow out of channel section in response to the peristalsis force being imparted to the channel section.

19. The article of claim 6, wherein the at least one continuous sheet is a single continuous sheet of polyethylene-based film that is folded to form two sides of the pouch on either side of a fold and wherein the two sides of the pouch are sealed to each other to form the reservoir section and the channel section of the pouch.

20. The article of claim 6, wherein the at least one continuous sheet includes two continuous sheets of polyethylene-based film are sealed to each other to form two sides of the pouch and to form the reservoir section and the channel section of the pouch.

21. The article of claim 6, wherein the channel section has substantially constant cross-sectional dimensions throughout the length of the channel section.

22. The article of claim 6, wherein the channel section includes a narrowing section having a cross-sectional area at a first portion of the narrowing section that is closer to the reservoir section than a cross-sectional area of at a second portion of the narrowing section that is closer to an outlet at an end of the channel section.

23. The article of claim 22, wherein the channel section further includes an outlet section located between the narrowing section and the outlet.

24. The article of claim 22, wherein the channel section further includes a first spring claim configured to bias shut the channel section at the first portion of the narrowing section.

25. The article of claim 24, wherein the channel section further includes a second spring claim configured to bias shut the channel section at the second portion of the narrowing section.