US20140030116A1

US20140030116A1 - Pump

Info

Publication number: US20140030116A1
Application number: US13/953,598
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert F. Wallace
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-07-29
Filing date: 2013-07-29
Publication date: 2014-01-30

Abstract

A pump flexes a diaphragm to move fluid through a pump chamber. In one implementation, the diaphragm is conical shaped. In one implementation, the diaphragm extends across the pump chamber, wherein a passage extends from a first side of the diaphragm to a second side of the diaphragm supply fluid are being pumped by the diaphragm. In one implementation, a bypass passage extends from adjacent an inlet to adjacent an outlet of the pump chamber.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority under 35 USC 119(e) from co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/676983 filed on Jul. 29, 2012 by Robert F. Wallace and entitled PUMP, the full disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Pumps are utilized to apply pressure to fluid to move fluid. Implantable pumps are sometimes used to pump blood to assist a weak or defective heart. Existing pumps may be large or extremely complex, may have insufficient pumping capacity or may be subject to reliability concerns.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS IS LESS COMPLEX

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an example pump.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged side view of an example diaphragm assembly of the pump of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the diaphragm assembly of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of another example pump.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged side view of an example diaphragm assembly and portions of an example drive of the pump of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of another example pump.

FIG. 7 is a front view of an example diaphragm assembly of the pump of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of another example pump.

FIG. 9 is a front view of an example diaphragm assembly of the pump of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of another example pump.

FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of another example pump.

FIG. 12 is a front view of an example diaphragm assembly of the pump of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an example unidirectional collapsible valve of the pump of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another example unidirectional collapsible valve of the pump of FIG. 11.

FIG. 15 is a side view of an example diaphragm assembly of the pump of FIG. 11.

FIG. 16 is a schematic illustration of another example pump.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an example pump 20. In one implementation, pump 20 is sized and configured so as to serve as an implantable pump, implantable within a human or animal anatomy. In one implementation, pump 20 size configured to pump a fluid such as blood to assist a weak or defective heart. In other implementations, pump 20 may be configured to pump other fluids in the anatomy of an animal or human. As will be described hereafter, pump 20 may be less complex as compared to existing pumps and may have a smaller size, allowing pump 20 to be used in newborns and implanted close to a heart.
Pump 20 comprises pump chamber 22, inlet check valve 24, outlet check valve 26, bypass passage 28, diaphragm 30, baffle 32 and diaphragm drive 34. Pump chamber 22 comprises one or more walls defining an interior volume having an inlet 38 and an outlet 40. When implanted, blood and other fluid flows into chamber 22 through inlet 38 and out of chamber 22 through outlet 40. Although illustrated as being elongated shape, pump chamber 22 may have other sizes, shapes and configurations. Although illustrated as having inlet 38 directly opposite to outlet 40, in other implementations, inlet 38 and outlet 40 maybe at other relative locations about chamber 22.
Inlet check valve 24 comprises a valve mechanism configured to restrict the flow of fluid there through based upon a pressure differential across check valve 24. Outlet check valve 26 comprises a valve mechanism configured to restrict the flow of fluid there through based upon a pressure differential across check valve 26. Inlet check valve 24 and outlet check valve 26 are configured to cooperate with one another such that during pumping a fluid by diaphragm 30 and drive 34, fluid within chamber 22 flows through outlet check valve 26 in the direction indicated by arrow 44 while the flow from the interior chamber 22 through outlet check valve 24 is either impeded or prevented. Check valves 24 and 26 cooperate to facilitate forward flow of fluid as indicated by arrow 44 while inhibiting or preventing backflow.
Bypass passage 28 comprises a fluid flow passage defined by or formed by one or more walls of pump 20, such as walls of chamber 22. Bypass passage 28 extends from inlet 38, on the exterior side of check valve 24, alongside chamber 22, to outlet 40, on the exterior side of outlet check valve 26. Bypass passage 28 provides continuous reliable flow of fluid, such as blood, from inlet 38 to outlet 40, across pump 20, regardless of the operational state of pump 20. Bypass valve 28 enables the flow of fluid across pump 20 even in situations where one or both of check valve 24, 26 has become occluded.
In the example illustrated, bypass passage 28 comprises a vane 48 at an outlet end of bypass passage 28. Vane 48 is configured to inhibit fluid being pumped through outlet check valve 26 from flowing into bypass passage 28. In other implementations, vane 48 may be omitted. In yet other implementations, vane 48 may be replaced with a unidirectional collapsible valve, such as a duckbill valve.
Diaphragm 30 comprises a thin flexible member or membrane secured along the interior side or periphery of chamber 22 so as to be operably coupled to fluid within chamber 22. Diaphragm 30 is further operably coupled to drive 34 such that upon being manually moved or driven by drive 34, diaphragm 30 flexes or otherwise moves to change the internal volume of chamber 22, expelling fluid from the interior chamber 22 through outlet 40. In the example illustrated, diaphragm 30 is movable between and retracted position (shown in solid lines) and an expelling or pumping position (shown in broken lines). When moving from the retracted position towards the expelling or pumping position, the volume of chamber 22 decreases in size, forcing fluid out of chamber 22 through check valve 26 and out outlet 40. When moving from the pumping position back to the retracted position during a return “stroke”, the volume of chamber 22 increases in size, drawing fluid through inlet 38 and through check valve 24. Although diaphragm 30 is illustrated as having the two illustrated rest and pumping positions, in other implementations, the extent or direction in which diaphragm 30 moves, flexes, deforms or otherwise changes shape may vary. For example, in one implementation, rather than be moved through great distances, diaphragm 30 may be moved too much smaller differences and may be reciprocated at a high velocity or pulsed to achieve fluid pumping.
In one implementation, drive 34 moves diaphragm 30 between the retracted position in the pumping position, moving diaphragm in both directions. In one implementation, diaphragm 30 is formed from a resiliently flexible material such that diaphragm 30 resiliently moves towards one of the retracted state and the pumping state when no longer being driven by drive 34, wherein drive 34 moves diaphragm to the other of the retracted state and the pumping state. In another implementation, diaphragm 30 may be provided with one or more internal or external biasing structures, such as compression or tension springs which resiliently move diaphragm 30 to one of the retracted state and the pumping state, wherein drive 34 moves diaphragm 30 to the other of the retracted state and the pumping state. In one implementation, to facilitate more forceful, controlled pumping, drive 34 moves diaphragm 30 in a single direction towards the pumping position, wherein diaphragm 34 is configured to resiliently return towards the retracted position or state.
For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” shall mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate member being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature. The term “operably coupled” shall mean that two members are directly or indirectly joined such that motion may be transmitted from one member to the other member directly or via intermediate members. The term “fluidly coupled” shall mean that two are more fluid transmitting volumes are connected directly to one another or are connected to one another by intermediate volumes or spaces such that fluid may flow from one volume into the other volume.
As shown by FIGS. 2 and 3, in the example illustrated, diaphragm 30 is conical or frustro-conical in shape. Diaphragm 30 has a convex rear side 52 and a concave interior side 54. Because diaphragm 30 is conical and because diaphragm 30 has a concave interior side 54, diaphragm 30 as an interior 56 which partially surrounds and captures a volume of fluid and contacts fluid across a greater surface area, facilitating enhanced pumping capacity and force. Although illustrated as having a circular cross-section, the conical shaped diaphragm 30 may alternatively have round, oval, rectangular or other cross-sectional shapes. In other implementations, diaphragm 30 may alternatively comprise a flat, planar panel or membrane.
Baffle 32 comprises a rigid or stiff cup or bowl shaped member carried by diaphragm 30 within interior 56. In the example illustrated, baffle 32 is centrally located or concentrically positioned within interior 56. Baffle 32 comprises one or more sidewalls 60 which form a baffle interior 62 which faces in the same direction as the interior 56 of diaphragm 30. Interior 62 captures fluid and inhibits outward or radial flow of fluid along the interior surfaces of baffle 32. As a result, baffle 32 facilitates a higher flow rate of liquid or fluid pumped with each forward pumping movement of diaphragm 30 to enhance pumping efficiency.
In the example illustrated, the walls of baffle 32 have a height H, extending from the interior floor of diaphragm 30, of at least 3 mm and nominally a height of at least 1 mm. Although baffle 32 is illustrated as being circular in shape, in other implementations, baffle 32 may have other shapes such as oval, polygonal and the like. In other implementations, baffle 32 may be omitted.
Drive 34 comprises a mechanism operably coupled to diaphragm 30 to move or reciprocate diaphragm 30 between the retracted state or position and the pumping state or position. In the example illustrated, drive 34 comprises housing 64, batteries 66, battery charging device 68, electrical power electronics 70, electromagnet 72, diaphragm magnet 74 and microprocessor control electronics 78. Housing 64 comprises one or more structures forming a control chamber enclosing components of drive 34. In the example illustrated, housing 64 extends alongside of chamber 22. Housing 64 may have a variety of sizes, shapes and configurations.
Batteries 66 comprise electrical power storage devices which store elliptical power for use by drive 34. In particular, battery 66 supply electrical power to electrical power electronics 70 and control electronics 78. Battery charging device 68 comprises a device configured to electrically charge or recharge battery 66. In one implementation, battery charging device 68 is configured to receive energy wirelessly through the use of inductive fields, radiofrequency fields, magnetic fields or other related technologies. In other implementations such as in implementations where pump 20 is powered through a wired connection, batteries 66 and charging device 68 may be omitted.
Electrical power electronics 70 receive electrical power from battery 66 (or from a wired connection in some implementations) and supply the electrical current for powering or operating electromagnet 72 and for powering control electronics 78. In one implementation, electronic 70 comprises a power converter for regulating the current and voltage is applied to the various components of drive 34.
Electromagnet 72 comprises a ferromagnetic member electrically coupled to let the power electronics 70. Electromagnet 72 is configured to be selectively supplied with electrical power for magnetization. Electromagnet 72 interacts with magnet 74 to apply magnetic force to magnet 74 to move magnet 74 and to move diaphragm 30 between the retracted and pumping states. Although electromagnet 72 is illustrated as being located within housing 64, in other implementations, electromagnet 72 may alternatively be located within chamber 22.
Magnet 74 comprises a member to magnetically interact with electromagnet 72. In one implementation, magnet 74 comprises a temporary magnet, a ferromagnetic member which only becomes magnetic when placed in the magnetic field. In such an implementation, the supply of electrical current to electromagnet 72 creates a magnetic field inducing an opposite magnetic pole in the ferromagnetic material of magnet 74, temporarily magnetizing the ferromagnetic material of magnet 74 such that magnet 74 is a temporary magnet. In such an implementation, when electromagnet 72 receives electrical current, magnet 74 is attracted to magnet 72 such that diaphragm 30 is moved to the retracted position shown in FIG. 1. One electromagnet 72 is not a likely powered, the magnetic field is ended such that magnet 74 is no longer a temporary magnet. As a result, electromagnet 72 no longer attracts magnet 74, allowing diaphragm 30 to resiliently return to the pumping position shown in broken lines.
In another implementation, magnet 74 comprises a permanent magnet. In one such implementation, magnet 74 has an end portion closest to electromagnet 72 that is provided with a magnetic pole that is proximate to an opposite magnetic pole of electromagnet 72 when electromagnet 72 is receiving electrical current. When electromagnet 72 is receiving electrical current, electromagnet 72 creates a magnetic field that attracts magnet 74 towards electromagnet 72 to move magnet 74 and diaphragm 30 towards the retracted state. When electromagnet 72 is no longer receiving electrical current, the magnetic field produced by electromagnet 72 ends such that diaphragm 30 is allowed to resiliently return to the pumping state.
In yet another implementation, magnet 74 has an end portion closest to electromagnet 72 that is provided with a magnetic pole that is proximate to the same magnetic pole of electromagnet 72 when electromagnet 72 is receiving electrical current. When electromagnet 72 is receiving electrical current, electromagnet 72 creates a magnetic field that repels magnet 74 away from electromagnet 72 to move magnet 74 and diaphragm 30 towards the pumping state. When electromagnet 72 is no longer receiving electrical current, the magnetic field produced by electromagnet 72 ends such that diaphragm 30 is allowed to resiliently return to the retracted state.
In either of the implementations in which magnet 74 comprises a permanent magnet, in lieu of pausing or cessating the supply of electrical current to electromagnet 72 so as to allow diaphragm 30 to resiliently return to either the retracted or pumping state, the direction in which electrical current is being supplied may be reversed to reverse the polarities of electromagnet 72. As a result, electromagnet 72 creates opposite magnetic fields which facilitate movement of diaphragm 30 towards the retracted state and which also facilitate movement of diaphragm 30 towards the pumping state. In one implementation, magnet 74 and diaphragm 30 may be magnetically attracted towards the retracted state and magnetically repelled towards the pumping state. In another implementation, magnet 74 and diaphragm 30 may be magnetically repelled towards the retracted state and magnetically attracted towards the pumping state. For purposes of this disclosure, the term “magnet” encompasses both permanent magnets and temporary magnets, whether the temporary magnet becomes a magnet when being supplied with an electrical current (such as electromagnet 72) or when the temporary magnet has induced magnetic poles when in a magnetic field.
Microprocessor control electronics 78 comprises an electronic control device configured to generate control signals causing electronics 64 to selectively supply electric current to electromagnet 72 to move diaphragm 30 between the retracted and pumping states. In one implementation, electronic 78 comprises one or more processing units. For purposes of this application, the term “processing unit” shall mean a presently developed or future developed processing unit that executes sequences of instructions contained in a memory. Execution of the sequences of instructions causes the processing unit to perform steps such as generating control signals. The instructions may be loaded in a random access memory (RAM) (or EEPROM) for execution by the processing unit from a read only memory (ROM), a mass storage device, or some other persistent storage. In other embodiments, hard wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to implement the functions described. For example, electronics 78 may be embodied as part of one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Unless otherwise specifically noted, the controller is not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software, nor to any particular source for the instructions executed by the processing unit.
In the example illustrated, electronics 78 is configured to receive wireless commands, data, settings or instructions to modify operational conditions of pump 20. In the example illustrated, electronics 78 is further configured to transmit wireless signals to wirelessly transmit current settings and sensed the data. For example, in one implementation, electronic 78 is connected to sensing devices and transmits data from such sensing devices wirelessly to receivers outside of a body implanted with pump 20. Such data may be utilized for diagnostics, facilitating operational adjustments. In such an implementation, electronics 78 comprises a wireless antenna or other wireless communication components.
In operation, electronics 78 generates control signals causing political power electronic 64 to selectively supply electric current to electromagnet 72. Electronic 70 controls the rate at which the magnetic field produced by electromagnet 72 is either switched between polarities or the rate at which the magnetic field is turned on and off so as to reciprocally linearly drive or move diaphragm 30. The rate at which diaphragm 30 is pulsed between the retracted and pumping states may be controlled under the direction of electronic 78. In one implementation, electronic 78 may have on more sensing devices, wherein electronic 78 adjusts the pulsing rate based upon sensed information. In one implementation, electronic 78 may alternatively or additionally receive commands or controls in a wireless or wired fashion from an external control device.
FIG. 4 schematically illustrates pump 120, another example implementation of pump 20. Pump 120 is similar to pump 20 except that pump 120 comprises drive 134 in lieu of drive 34. Drive 134 is similar to drive 34 except that drive 134 comprises cam 172, cam follower 174 and actuator 176 in place of electromagnet 72 and magnet 74. Those remaining elements or components of pump 120 which correspond to elements or components of pump 20 are numbered similarly.
FIG. 5 illustrates portions of drive 134 in more detail. As shown by FIG. 5, cam 172 comprise a member configured to contact and move against cam follower 174 such that motion of cam 172 is imparted to cam follower 174. Cam follower 172 comprises a member carried by diaphragm 30 having an opposite surface that contacts the surface of cam 172. In the example illustrated, cam 172 and cam 74 comprise opposing sloped surfaces or ramps such that movement of cam 172 in the direction indicated by arrow 180 causes interaction with cam follower 174 to move cam follower 174 and diaphragm 30 in the direction indicated by arrow 182. Movement of cam 172 in the reverser opposite direction results in movement of cam follower 174 and diaphragm 30 also in the opposite direction. Although illustrated as a pair of opposing sloped surfaces, cam 172 and cam follower 174 may have other cam configurations in which one service interacts with another surface to transmit motion to the newly move diaphragm 30 between the retracted and pumping states.
Actuator 176 comprises a powered component configured to move cam 172 relative to cam follower 174. Actuator 176 moves cam 172 in response to receiving power from electronic 70 (shown in FIG. 4) or in response to control signals from controller 78 (shown FIG. 4). In one implementation, actuator 176 comprises an electric motor having one or more gears or other transmission components, such as worm gears, to convert (if necessary, depending upon the configuration of cam 172 and cam follower 174) the torque generated by the motor and to transmit the force to move cam 172. In one implementation, actuator 176 comprises an electric solenoid. In still other implementations, actuator 176 may comprise other powered force generating mechanisms. In operation, control electronic 78 generate control signals directing actuator 176 to reciprocate cam 172 so as to reciprocate cam follower 174 and diaphragm 30 between the retracted and pumping states.
FIG. 6 schematically illustrates pump 220, another example implementation of pump 20. Pump 220 is similar to pump 20 except that pump 220 omits valve 24, 26, comprises chamber 222 and diaphragm 230 in place of chamber 20 and diaphragm 30, respectively, and additionally comprises veins 284. Those remaining components of pump 220 which correspond to components of pump 20 are numbered similarly.
Chamber 222 is similar to chamber 20 except that chamber 222 comprises an external indentation or cove portion 286 for externally receiving electromagnet 72. Cove portion 286 externally receives electromagnet 72 such that electromagnet 72 may apply magnetic forces to magnet 74 to linearly move diaphragm 230 in a direction indicated by arrow 287, wherein the direction has a non-zero directional component towards outlet 40 and parallel to the direction indicated by arrow 44. Cove portion 286 allows magnet 72 to be contained within the control chamber provided by housing 264.
Diaphragm 230 is similar to diaphragm 30 except that diaphragm 230 is positioned across chamber 222 between inlet 38 and outlet 40 and that diaphragm 230 further comprises apertures or flow passages 290. In the example illustrated, diaphragm 230 extends completely across chamber 222 between inlet 38 and outlet 40 such that for fluid to travel from inlet 38 to outlet 40, it must pass through flow passages 290.
As shown by FIG. 7, Flow passages 290 extend through diaphragm 230 between the outer periphery of diaphragm 230 and baffle 32. Because flow passages 290 extend through the walls of baffle 30, fluid passing to the front side of baffle 30 is closer to the imperforate baffle 32 for enhanced pumping. In one implementation, flow passages 290 have collective total opening area of between 3% and 60% of diaphragm 230 surface area and nominally between 10% and 20%. Although illustrated as comprising two opposite oval-shaped passages, flow passes to 90 may include a greater or fewer of such flow passages and may have other sizes as well as shapes.
Veins 284 comprise angled projecting walls extending from the outer walls of chamber 222 into the interior of chamber to 22 towards outlet 40. Veins 284 serve as backflow inhibiting fluid flow directors. In other implementations, veins 284 may have other configurations or may be omitted.
In operation, fluid enters through inlet 38 behind diaphragm 230 and passes through flow passages 290 to a front concave side of diaphragm 230. The fluid, when in front of diaphragm 230 and baffle 32, is then pumped through outlet 40. When drive 34 is not operating, fluid may still flow from inlet 38 to outlet 40 through flow passages 290.
In other implementations, diaphragm 230 may not completely extend across and partition chamber 222 such that fluid is permitted to flow around one or more peripheral portions of diaphragm 230 between diaphragm 230 and the walls of chamber 222. In such implementations, flow passages 290 may be omitted.
FIGS. 8 and 9 schematically illustrate pump 320, another example implementation of pump 20. Pump 320 is similar to pump 220 except that pump 320 comprises chamber 322, diaphragm 330 and drive 334 in place of chamber to 22, diaphragm 230 and drive 34, respectively. Those components of pump 320 which correspond to components of pump 220 are numbered similarly. Chamber 322 is similar to chamber to 22 except the chamber 322 omits cove portion 286. Diaphragm 330 is similar to diaphragm 230 except the diaphragm 330 extends completely across chamber 322 in a direction perpendicular to the fluid flow direction through outlet 40 indicated by arrow 44. In other implementations, diaphragm 330 may be spaced from the outer walls of chamber 322 on one side on multiple sides of diaphragm 330.
Drive 334 is similar to drive 34 except that electromagnet 72 is supported within chamber 322 proximate a center line of diaphragm 330 and baffle 32. Because diaphragm 330 faces in a direction substantially parallel to the outlet direction 44 and because electromagnet 72 is positioned within chamber 322, movement of diaphragm 330 between the retracted and pumping states pumps fluid more directly towards outlet 42 enhanced pumping efficiency.
FIG. 10 schematically illustrates pump 430, another example implementation of pump 20. Pump 430 is similar to pump 330 except that pump 430 comprises drive 434 in place of drive 334. Those remaining components of pump 430 which correspond to components of pump 330 are numbered similarly. Drive 434 similar to drive 134 (described above with respect to pump 120) except that drive 434 locates cam 172, cam follower 174 and actuator 176 within chamber 322. In other implementations, actuator 176 potentially located within the control chamber defined by housing 64. In operation, control electronics 78 generate control signals causing power electronics 72 power actuator 76 to reciprocate cam 72 against cam follower 74 to reciprocate diaphragm 330 towards and away from outlet 40 to push or pump fluid through outlet 40. Fluid flows through flow passages 290 (shown in FIG. 9) for subsequent pumping by diaphragm 330.
FIG. 11 schematically illustrates pump 520, another implementation of pump 20. Pump 520 is similar to pump 320 except that pump 520 comprises diaphragm 530, fluid passage 590 and collapsible valve 592 in place of diaphragm 330 and fluid passages 290. Pump 520 additionally comprises spring 594 (shown in FIG. 12). Those remaining components of pump 520 which correspond to components of pump 320 are numbered similarly.
As shown by FIG. 12, diaphragm 530 is similar to diaphragm 330 except that diaphragm 530 omits fluid passages 290. Fluid passage 590 comprise a fluid passage extending from inlet 38 behind chamber 322 and behind diaphragm 530 to a discharge opening 596 within an interior of the chamber 322 between the inlet 38 and the outlet 40 and in front of a concave side of the conical diaphragm 530.
Collapsible valve 592 comprise a unidirectional collapsible valve at discharge opening 596. Collapsible valve 592 facilitates unidirectional flow of fluid from passage 590 into chamber 322 in front of diaphragm 530 between diaphragm 530 and outlet 40. Collapsible valve 592 is collapsible yet expandable such that blood clots or other obstructions cannot become caught in valve 592 to inhibit blocking or occlusion of the flow of liquid into chamber 322. FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate to example collapsible valves. FIG. 13 illustrates collapsible valve 592A shown as a duckbill now having opposing panels which resiliently expand and collapse to accommodate the flow of fluid in the passage of clots or other obstructions. FIG. 14 illustrates collapsible valve 592B shown as a collapsible and expandable sleeve which expands and collapses in response of the flow of fluid and the passage of clots or obstructions. In other implementations, collapsible valve 592 may have other configurations.
FIG. 15 illustrates spring 594. Spring 594 resiliently urges diaphragm 530 towards one of the retracted and pumping states, wherein drive moves diaphragm 530 against the biasing of spring 594. In one implementation, spring 594 comprises a tension spring captured between diaphragm 530 and electromagnet 72. In another implementation, spring 594 comprises a compression spring captured between diaphragm 530 electromagnet 72. In some implementations, spring 594 may be omitted.
FIG. 16 schematically illustrates pump 620, another example implementation of pump 20. Pump 620 is similar to pump 520 except that pump 620 comprises drive 434 as described above with respect to pump 420 and FIG. 10. Similar to pump 420, pump 620 drives a cam 172 against a cam follower 174 to reciprocate diaphragm 530 towards and away from outlet 42 pump fluid through outlet 40. Fluid is supplied in front of diaphragm 530 through fluid passage 590 and collapsible valve 592.
Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to example embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. For example, although different example embodiments may have been described as including one or more features providing one or more benefits, it is contemplated that the described features may be interchanged with one another or alternatively be combined with one another in the described example embodiments or in other alternative embodiments. Because the technology of the present disclosure is relatively complex, not all changes in the technology are foreseeable. The present disclosure described with reference to the example embodiments and set forth in the following claims is manifestly intended to be as broad as possible. For example, unless specifically otherwise noted, the claims reciting a single particular element also encompass a plurality of such particular elements.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A pump comprising:

a pump chamber having an inlet and an outlet;

a conical diaphragm between the inlet and the outlet; and

a drive operably coupled to the conical diaphragm to flex the conical diaphragm to move fluid within the chamber towards the outlet.

2. The pump of claim 1 further comprising a cup shaped baffle carried by the conical diaphragm, the cup shaped baffle having an interior facing in a direction, wherein the conical diaphragm has a concave interior facing in the direction.

3. The pump of claim 2 further comprising at least one aperture through the conical diaphragm between the baffle and an outer perimeter of the conical diaphragm.

4. The pump of claim 1 further comprising:

a housing; and

a bypass within the housing through which fluid may flow from adjacent an exterior of the inlet to adjacent an exterior of the outlet when the at least one of the inlet and the outlet are occluded.

5. The pump of claim 4, wherein the bypass comprises a passage alongside the chamber.

6. The pump of claim 1 further comprising:

a first check valve across the inlet, the first check valve having a first input side and a first output side adjacent the chamber;

a second check valve across the outlet, the second check valve having a second input side adjacent the chamber and a second output side; and

a passage extending from the first input side of the first check valve alongside the chamber to the second output side of the second check valve.

7. The pump of claim 1, wherein the conical diaphragm extends across the chamber between the inlet and the outlet.

8. The pump of claim 7, wherein the conical diaphragm comprises apertures through the conical diaphragm through which fluid flows.

9. The pump of claim 8 further comprising a passage extending from the inlet behind the conical diaphragm to a discharge opening within an interior of the chamber between the inlet and the outlet and in front of a concave side of the conical diaphragm.

10. The pump of claim 9 further comprising a unidirectional collapsible valve at the discharge opening of the passage.

11. The pump of claim 1, wherein the drive comprises:

a first magnet carried by the conical diaphragm; and

a second magnet to magnetically interact with the first magnet to linearly move the conical diaphragm.

12. The pump of claim 11, wherein the second magnet repels the first magnet to linearly move the conical diaphragm.

13. The pump of claim 1, wherein the drive comprises:

a cam;

a cam follower carried by the diaphragm; and

an actuator operably coupled to the cam to move the cam relative to the cam follower to linearly move the chemical diaphragm.

14. The pump of claim 1 further comprising a backflow inhibiting director within the chamber.

15. A pump comprising:

a pump chamber having an inlet and an outlet;

a diaphragm across the chamber between the inlet and the outlet; and

a passage from the inlet on a first side of the diaphragm to a second side of the diaphragm.

16. The pump of claim 15, wherein the passage comprises at least one aperture through the diaphragm to transmit fluid.

17. The pump of claim 15, wherein the passage extends to a discharge opening on the second side of the diaphragm between the diaphragm and the outlet.

18. The pump of claim 17 further comprising a unidirectional collapsible valve at the discharge opening.

19. The pump of claim 14, wherein the diaphragm is conical.

20. A method comprising:

providing a conical shaped diaphragm adjacent the pump chamber; and

flexing the comment shape diaphragm to move fluid through the pump chamber.