Abstract: A temporary patient ventilator is a modified version of the widely used air-mask-bag-unit (AMBU). The modified AMBU has guy wires attached to the inside resilient walls of the airbag which are pulled to collapse the airbag. A drive is used to alternately pull on the guy wires and then release them automatically. This new automated airbag unit system allows hands free operation of the ventilation device for short periods of time. The drive has rechargeable batteries so that the temporary ventilator is completely mobile.

Abstract: The invention is a pumping system composed of a relatively thin wall extruded tubing that in different forms can provide flow regulation for peristaltic pumps, reduce spallation, extend pumping life, provide means to measure inlet and outlet pressure of the peristaltic pump and limits the inlet and outlet pressure generated by peristaltic pumps, and a special peristaltic pump that takes advantage of the characteristics of the aforementioned tubing. The invention has particular usefulness in the medical industry for pumping physiological or nutritional liquids.

Abstract: A pumping arrangement including a squeezing device for deforming a length of pliant p.v.c. tubing first in one direction locally to reduce its volume and in another tending to restore its original cross-section and, on either side of squeezing device, inlet and outlet valves which operate by occluding the tubing. The squeezing device and the valves are controlled by a microprocessor control unit such that inlet valve is open and outlet valve shut while the squeezing device is relaxed and thereafter outlet valve is open and inlet valve shut while the squeezing device is operated to deform the tubing, this sequence repeating. Downstream of the output valve is a pressure responsive device providing input to the control unit whereby upon a rise in pressure in the delivery portion of tubing due to a restriction, the squeezing device is disabled and valves are open together to allow excess fluid to pass back towards the fluid source.

Abstract: A pumping device controlling an amount of liquid passing through a length of tubing accommodated in the pumping device. The pumping device includes inlet and outlet valves located adjacent opposed sides of a tube deforming device. The valves are controllable for restricting the flow of liquid through the tubing, and the deforming device is such that the tubing is first deformed in one direction and then in another direction which tends to restore the original cross-sectional shape of the tubing.

Abstract: A liquid pump apparatus is disclosed for pumping groundwater samples, contaminants or other fluids from a well, monitoring site, tank, vessel, or the like. The pump apparatus is applicable in systems including dedicated wellhead assemblies permanently installed at such wells or monitoring sites in order to minimize cross-contamination from site to site. Another application of the pump apparatus for recovery, collection and control system for cleanup of leachate or other liquid material or contaminated groundwater from a landsite is also disclosed. The pump apparatus according to the invention includes check valve means adapted to accommodate vertical, horizontal, non-vertical, or even inverted pump orientations, without requiring a high level of static head in order to function properly.

Abstract: A vapor transfer pump for a storage tank includes a bladder and a continuously reciprocating plate disposed about the bladder. Vapor from the storage tank enters the bladder through a one way check valve set at a low pressure, and is forced out, by the continuously reciprocating plate, through a second one way check valve set at a higher pressure.

Abstract: A cartridge fed infusion pump containing a plurality of linear peristaltic pumps. Each pump is powered by a direct current motor. The motor has a shaft which rotates to perform a pump cycle. A position encoder mounted on the shaft is used to determine when the shaft has reached the stop position in the pump cycle. A reverse pulse is used to quickly stop the motor shaft.

Abstract: A liquid infusor apparatus includes an elastic sleeve mounted on an elongated member and within a spherical housing to enable it to expand naturally to maintain a constant pressure over the infusion period. An alternate embodiment includes a holding reservoir that may be pre-filled, and a pressure reservoir that is loaded from the holding reservoir preparatory to infusion.

Abstract: An infusion device with a disposable administration set which is inexpensive to manufacture. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the disposable administration set has a plurality of elongated cam followers connected to a plate assembly, wherein the cam followers are displaced in a predetermined sequence and forced against a delivery tube by cam means driven by rotary drive means. The disposable administration set is injection molded as a single integral piece. The disposable administration set includes adjustment spacers disposed between the plate assembly and the cam followers which adjust the distance between them to keep the device accurate. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the cam means are configured to provide fluid delivery at a consistent and uniform rate.

Abstract: An elastic rebound pump comprises a flexible inner tube having a substantial elastic rebound surrounded by a pump housing. The inner tube defines an inner chamber and the pump housing forms an outer chamber for confining a pump fluid. The pump allows pressurized gas or hydraulic fluid into the outer chamber to collapse the inner tube thereby discharging liquid from the inner chamber through an outlet opening. The pump alternatively releases the pressurized fluid from the outer chamber thereby allowing the inner tube to rebound to a full configuration and draw liquid into the inner chamber through the inlet opening. By repeatedly allowing pump fluid into the outer chamber and sequentially releasing the pump fluid from the outer chamber, the pump produces a substantially steady flow of liquid. An extraction pump system includes the elastic rebound pump for removing liquid hydrocarbons from ground water collected in a well.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for an IV pump which can act also as a passive infusion controller. The apparatus has a disposable flow chamber with two pumping subchambers connected by a first collapsible passageway. A pump drive is used to operate the pumping subchambers and includes a first control valve for depressing the first collapsible passageway to control flow between the subchambers and an outlet control valve for depressing an outlet collapsible passageway to control flow of infusate out of the flow chamber. The flow chamber has a base surface and first and second caps, each cap being spaced apart from the base surface and having means for attachment to one of two moveable connector rods. The caps each act as one side of the first and second pumping subchambers, respectively, the base surface being the other side. A flexible wall is connected to the base surface and to each of the caps providing the subchamber volumes therebetween.

Abstract: A pulsatile pump for extracorporeal circulation in cardiosurgery is disclosed, which is constituted by a housing chamber inside which a length of an elastic hose is inserted, which chamber is fitted with two squeeze valves, one of which is for suction (i.e. mitral valve) and the other of which is for delivery (i.e. aortic valve), and with an electropneumatically actuated plate which, in the systolic step partially compresses the hose by carrying out a rototranslational movement of the plate and, in the diastolic step moves away from the hose, with an analogous opposite movement of the plate, allowing the hose to relax. A microprocessor-control system makes it possible for the pump to operate, both in manual mode and in automatic mode, also in syntony with the patient's ECG.

Abstract: A pump (20) has a housing (22) consisting of top (24), bottom (26), sides (28) and (30) and ends (32), (34), and (36) defining a plenum (38). An axially extending passage (40) is formed by the ends (32) and (34), through which flexible tubing (42) passes. The plenum (38) is connected to the passage (40). A pressure block (44) is slideably positioned in the plenum (38) for movement toward and away from the flexible tubing (42). The pressure block (44) has a rectangular opening (46), which receives a circular bearing (48) and a circular cam (50) which is eccentrically mounted on shaft (52). Conventional ball valves (54) and (56) are provided in the flexible tubing (42) above and below the pressure block (44). The lifetime of the tubing is substantially enhanced if the pressure block (24) depresses the tubing (42 ) no more than half of its inside diameter. When this limitation is followed, no creasing or similar localized severe distortion of the tubing (42) takes place.

Abstract: A convertible and variable-length groundwater device permitting conversion of one type of groundwater sampling device to another, and vice versa. Conversion between a bailer device and a gas-drive pump, or a bailer device and a bailer pump, for example, is readily accomplished by substituting particular components from an assortment of universal, unique and multi-use components adapted to mate one with another and to be assembled substantially without the use of tools. Variable-length bladder devices, gas-drive pumps and bladder pumps are also provided, each being convertible between at least a single- and double-length assembly merely by adding or removing various components.

Abstract: An infusion pump for delivery of drugs to a patient includes a unit in which the pump mechanism is situated and a cassette through which the drugs to be delivered to the patient are pumped. The cassette includes a path for the fluid to flow from a drug vial to an outlet port. Disposed along the path are recesses for an inlet valve, a pressurization region, and an outlet valve. The cassette is sealed by an elastomeric layer to maintain the drugs to be delivered in a contaminant-free condition. The pump includes an inlet valve which has a contour matching the recess of the inlet port, and an outlet valve matching the recess of the outlet port. By biasing the inlet and outlet valves against the recesses, a pumping chamber is created. A piston in the unit pressurizes the pumping chamber to open the outlet valve and permit fluid to escape. By appropriate timing of the operation of the inlet valve and the piston, a continuous stream of fluid is delivered by the pump to the patient.

Abstract: An elastic rebound pump comprises a flexible inner tube having a substantial elastic rebound surrounded by a pump housing. The inner tube defines an inner chamber and the pump housing forms an outer chamber for confining a pump fluid. The pump allows pressurized gas or hydraulic fluid into the outer chamber to collapse the inner tube thereby discharging liquid from the inner chamber through an outlet opening. The pump alternately releases the pressurized fluid from the outer chamber thereby allowing the inner tube to rebound to a full configuration and draw liquid into the inner chamber through the inlet opening. By repeatedly allowing pump fluid into the outer chamber and sequentially releasing the pump fluid from the outer chamber, the pump produces a substantially steady flow of liquid. An extraction pump system includes the elastic rebound pump for removing liquid hydrocarbons from ground water collected in a well.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the hydraulic circuit of a piston diaphragm pump, having at least a pump diaphragm alternatingly subjected to the presure or the suction stroke of a piston operatingly connected to driving means, the apparatus comprising control means changing the amount of hydraulic medium displaced by the piston in dependence of a power demand or the like. A displacement sensor is associated with one side of the diaphragm facing the hydraulic medium, the sensor measuring the stroke travel of the diaphragm and generating a corresponding stroke travel signal which is transmitted to control means, the control means including storage means storing predetermined stroke values and/or stroke value ranges for predetermined hydraulic power values of the pump.

Abstract: Well pumping system that uses pressurized air as power fluid and operates simultaneously as a positive displacement pump and as a gas lift pump, to pump well fluids intermitently; and also may be used in combination with fluid actuated pumping devices to pump well fluids continuously, extracting them by suction from the pores of a geologic formation through the screen of a monitoring well, as often is required for remediation purposes in hazardous wastes projects, or soil stabilization purposes in foundation engineering projects. Solid particles in the well fluids are filtered prior to entering the pumping system. Well fluids are separated from the pressurized air by passing the well fluids-pressurized air mixture through separators upon discharge.

Abstract: A non-peristaltic infusion pump having improved accuracy and reliability including a novel infusion pump module having an elongated flexible lumen chamber defined by broad, slightly rounded upper and lower chamber walls joined along sharp side corners and having exterior graspable handles and a machine for holding the module by the handles between reciprocating jaw assemblies that slightly distend and slightly compress the module walls in coaction with C-shaped valve members to develop the pumping action.

Abstract: A manual air pump for two wheel tires comprises means forming a pressure chamber, a head part, a first connecting element for connecting with a bicycle valve and a second connecting element for connecting with an air pin of a motorcycle valve, the head having a connecting passage which connects the first connecting element with the second connecting element and communicates with the pressure chamber, and a closing body arranged movably in the connecting passage so that under the action of its own weight it can close the first connecting element or the second connecting element in one of two different positions of the head.

Abstract: A blood pump, particularly intended as an extracorporeal blood pump, comprises a pump cylinder and two discs spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder and substantially filling the cross-sectional area of the cylinder. The discs are reciprocatingly movable in accordance with a preferably variable movement pattern. Each of the discs is provided with a non-return valve means permitting fluid flow through the disc substantially solely in the desired direction of fluid transportation. The discs may be movable relative to the stationary pump cylinder surrounding the discs, or they may be firmly connected with the surrounding cylinder wall, which therewith accompanies the discs in their movements, the cylinder section between the discs having in this case a length which varies in response to the variation of the distance between the discs, and a correspondingly variable volume.

Abstract: A transporter includes at least one elongated transporting element (1) which is made of a material capable of changing its volume in response to the application of voltage or magnetic fields thereacross. The transporting element, optionally together with a further transporting element or some other part of the transporter, defines an elongated transporting channel (7). Means are provided for generating fields in predetermined regions along the transporting element (1) and in a given order of sequence, such as to impart substantially peristaltic motion to the element. These means include at least three mutually adjacent conductors (3, 4, 5) which extend substantially helically in relation to the transporting element (1) and to which different phases of a multi-phase alternating voltage or alternating current source are applied.

Abstract: A high-frequency transvalvular blood pump for temporary cardiac assist provides suction to decompress the ventricular cavity during both systole and diastole. The intake end of the pump is connected to a cannula which is inserted into the ventricular cavity through the aortic valve, and which has an intake opening at its distal end. The intake and outflow ends of the pump are closed, respectively, by one-way valves which allow blood flow only in the direction of body perfusion. The pump itself consists of a stiff barrel whose interior volume can be alternately reduced and expanded by a flexible membrane controlled by pneumatic or hydraulic pressure from an extracorporeal location through a percutaneously inserted lumen.

Abstract: A downhole bladder pump for pumping ligher-than-water liquids. The pump includes an outer tube closed at its bottom and top, but having slots adjacent its upper end to admit the liquid to be pumped. Positioned concentrically within the outer tube is a cylindrical bladder chamber. A cylindrical bladder is mounted within the bladder chamber and registers with the internal surface of such chamber. A cyclically-operated pneumatic control system periodically delivers pressurized air to the space between the bladder and the bladder chamber to collapse the bladder and pump liquid which has flowed into the bladder. At other times during the cycle, the control system draws the bladder outwardly against the internal surface of the bladder housing by the application of vacuum. The liquid to be pumped is then forced into the bladder through a check valve subassembly positioned in the lower end of the bladder housing.

Abstract: A dispensing device for the discharge of liquids, particularly for the spraying of liquids, having a manually actuatable liquid dispensing device (E). For the continuous delivery of liquid the dispensing device is connected to a storage chamber (Sp) which is under volume contraction and with which an outlet (19) for the stored liquid communicates. In particular, at least one wall (Wa) of the storage chamber (Sp) can cooperate with a spring (47) having flip-flop (snap) action with residual restoring force and a control valve (V4) on the outlet side is shifted into its open position in said flopped-over position.

Abstract: A pneumatic system (10) is shown in its most preferred use in a spray gun (12) to remotely control a pressure washer. The system (10) generally includes an integrally formed, homogeneous squeeze box (40) including a location ear (52), a nose tube (46), a bellows (44) and a discharge tube (48). Bellows (44) is generally rectangular in cross section and includes a flat top (62) and bottom (63) and accordion sides (64) having generally longitudinal fold lines (72, 74, 76, 78, 80) which are generally parallel to the mold part line (93) and the tubes (46, 48) but include a 2.degree. draft for ease in mold removal. A valve and spring tube (42) is loosely received on the nose tube (46) for sealing a vent hole (60) provided therein when the bellows (44) is compressed by a trigger (30) of gun (12) and for biasing the trigger (30) to an uncompressed bellows condition.

Abstract: To pump liquid using a source of gas pressure, a gas-operated positive displacement pump includes an outer tubular rigid wall and an inner movable wall forming a cylindrical liquid chamber which communicates with a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet, both including check valves to permit liquid to flow into the liquid chamber through the liquid inlet and out of the liquid chamber through the liquid outlet only. Within the cylindrical liquid chamber, is a tubular gas chamber formed of an elastomeric wall capable of contacting the movable wall of the liquid chamber to compress it to cause liquid to leave and pull it back to draw liquid into the chamber, the inner air chamber being adapted to receive gas under pressure and then vented to the atmosphere alternatively. Gas between the movable wall and elastomeric wall may be squeezed into the gas chamber and held there to form a vacuum connection between the movable wall and elastomeric wall.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a small amount of fluid has at least three vibration pump units which are connected in series. Each vibration pump unit has a fluid transfer pipe, a vibrator mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the fluid transfer pipe and adapted to cause the transfer pipe to vibrate in a respiring manner, an inner peripheral electrode on the inner peripheral surface of the vibrator, an outer peripheral electrode on the outer peripheral surface of the vibrator, a high-frequency voltage applying device for applying a high-frequency voltage between the inner peripheral electrode and the outer peripheral electrode thereby causing the vibrator to vibrate in respiring manner, and a fluid diode exhibiting resistance to reversing of the fluid and connected to the fluid outlet of the fluid transfer pipe in such a manner as to permit the fluid to be discharged from the fluid pipe. The adjacent vibration pumps operate with a predetermined phase difference therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus including dispensers connected to a hopper enable discrete portions of filler material to be introduced into individual containers as they pass through a food canning operation. The dispensers are connected to a hopper and are operable to dispense discrete amounts of filler material that are stored in the hopper. The amount of filler material to be introduced into the containers brings a container weight to within desired tolerances of a selected target weight. The containers are provided to the dispensers by a timing screw that extends adjacent to a conveyor that conveys the containers. The timing screw is synchronized with a transfer gear that directs each container onto a platform below the dispensers.

Abstract: A modular infusion pump system utilizes a positive displacement pump for pumping a known quantity of fluid for each stroke. A plurality of longitudinally spaced apart fixed combs cooperate with a resilient tube to define a known pumping volume. A plurality of movable combs are interdigitated with the fixed combs and are periodically linearly directed to cause the pump volume to be compressed, and therefore the fluid expelled. A rotary to linear drive system is connected with the movable combs and a ratchet system prevents counterrotation when the motor is in the off position. Valves are disposed above and below the pumping unit to appropriately seal off the pumping volume. The valves and the movable combs are operated by means of cams carried by a common shaft.

Abstract: A pump for pumping a slurry of frail material is provided by a rigid chamber which is connected to a source of negative air pressure when an inlet valve is open and an outlet valve closed to suck the slurry through the open inlet valve into the chamber, the amount of slurry in the chamber is sensed and when it reaches a preset amount a controller is triggered to disconnect the source of negative pressure and close the inlet valve, and then admit air under positive pressure to the chamber, then open the outlet valve to drive the contents of the chamber through the outlet by replacing a significant amount of the contents with air. The controller then causes the air pressure in the chamber to be reduced and closes the outlet valve, and then reconnects the chamber to the source of negative pressure and then opens the inlet valve to commence a second cycle. The inlet and outlet valves are bladder type valves to protect the frail material and permit simplified operation.

Abstract: A pump header for use in a peristaltic pump. The pump header includes a flexible outer tube, a collapsible-expandable inner tube, a pressure control valve member and a one-way-flow valve member. The inner tube is disposed within a passageway of the outer tube. The pressure control valve member and the one-way-flow valve member are responsive to positively-pressured liquid at an inlet to the inner tube and allow the liquid to enter a passageway of the inner tube from which the fluid can be pumped by the action of the peristaltic pump. The positively pressured liquid can only pass from the one-way-flow valve member.

Abstract: A two-stage combination reciprocating and bladder pump wherein a hollow piston is disposed for reciprocating movement within a main pump body, and a bladder pump is housed in the piston. The piston pump and bladder pump are thus coaxially arranged, with the bladder pump mounted within the piston pump and operably cooperating therewith. A reciprocating tube is attached to the piston to permit operation thereof from above ground, and also serves as a conduit for alternately supplying pressurized air and atmospheric venting to the bladder pump. A rigid support pipe supports the main pump body, and has the reciprocating tube extending coaxially therethrough. A fluid discharge tube is in turn coaxially arranged within the reciprocating tube, thus defining a triaxial tubular arrangement. The fluid discharge tube provides communication between a fluid chamber of the piston pump and a fluid chamber of the bladder pump, and also functions as a conduit for discharging fluid to the exterior of the main pump body.

Abstract: Electrical batteries are integrated with a disposable container of flowable material for powering a dispensing apparatus. The disposable container includes a deformable chamber for containing a predetermined quantity of material to be dispensed, and an electrically energized actuating member deforms the chamber for dispensing the flowable material. The dispensing apparatus is actuated by a photocell system which electrically energizes the actuating member in response to the proximity of a user to the dispensing apparatus without the user contacting the apparatus. The photocell system normally is inactive, and is rendered active by a sensor for detecting the proximity of a user to the apparatus.

Abstract: A bladder pump is suspended in a tubular air lift pump housing which is closed at its lower end by a check valve, and which is connected at its upper end by a first conduit and a separator selectively to a supply of air under pressure. Two additional conduits extend from the upper end of the bladder pump in either side-by-side relation, or coaxially one within the other, through the bore in the left pump housing and first conduit and the separator to control means. A first one of the two additional conduits is secured in the upper end of the bladder pump to communicate with an upper check valve chamber, which is connected by a perforated discharge tube to a lower check valve chamber in the bladder pump. The discharge tube is surrounded by a flexible bladder, which is separated from the bladder pump housing by an air chamber which communicates with the other of the two additional conduits to the control means.

Abstract: A pressure-operated valve is provided, particularly for use with a downhole pump of the fluid-driven, successive-stage, bladder type. Such a pump includes a plurality of pump and transfer modules. The pump modules have bladders which are operated by fluid, preferably gas, under pressure supplied through two separate internal passages in the modules to pump liquid upwardly through transfer modules. The pressure-operated valve is located below the bottom of the pump module and normally closes off the two gas passages. When gas under pressure above operating pressure is supplied through one of the passages, to establish a sufficient pressure differential between the passages, the valve opens to connect the passages. Heated gas can then be circulated to increase the temperature of internal oil passages extending through the modules to prevent paraffin formation. The two gas circuits can also be connected to enable removal of condensate.

Abstract: An infusion pump incorporates a cassette formed by bonding of two substantially flat sheets. The fluid to be infused to the patient comes into contact only with the cassette. The cassette includes first and second flexible sheets which define a pumping chamber therebetween. The infusion pump is provided with a pumping member having a hub and a plurality of petal-shaped sections extending radially outward therefrom and pivotal relative thereto. A stepping motor can be operated to move the pumping member against the second flexible sheet to decrease the volume of the pumping chamber and pump fluid to the patient. A load cell monitors the force exerted by the stepping motor on the hub. An outlet restriction valve is electronically controlled by a second stepping motor in response to the pressure sensed by the load cell to control pumping to a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A bottle cap is disclosed for use as a closure and as means for pressurizing a previously opened bottle containing a carbonated beverage. It has a body adapted to close over the mouth of the bottle; and has a resilient manually compressible and relaxable bulb mounted to the body. The bulb functions as a pump in conjunction with inlet and discharge valves in the body to pressurize the interior of the bottle and its contents with air. A pressure release valve in the body responds to development of a pressurized condition in the bottle above a predetermined value to release the excess pressure to atmosphere.

Abstract: A valve assembly for relieving intracraneal pressure includes a valve housing adapted for implantation and having an inlet port for connection to a ventricular catheter and an outlet port for connection to a venus or peritoneal catheter. The valve housing includes a fluid passage, the flow through which is controlled by a first pressure responsive valve of relatively high resistence and a second pressure responsive valve of relatively low resistence spaced downstream of said first pressure responsive valve. An attitude responsive valve is disposed in said fluid passage in parallel with said first pressure responsive valve. The valve assembly is implanted in a patient with the attitude responsive valve in a closed position when the patient is in an upright position and in an open position when the patient is in a horizontal position. The employment of pressure responsive and attitude responsive valves in parallel provides ventricular pressure relief regardless of the patient's position.

Abstract: A novel system is described for withdrawing liquids from a subsurface horizon utilizing a tubular diaphragm pump. A specific and unique pump is disclosed comprised of an elongated body member which includes a main chamber member extending longitudinally of the body member. In a preferred embodiment, a delivery tube is concentrically mounted within the chamber and forms an annulus with its outer surface and the inner walls of the chamber. The tube is provided with spaced perforations along its length within the chamber. Upper and lower check valves are in fluid communication with and at opposite ends of the delivery tube. Flexible tubing or a bladder is placed in the annulus and is normally spaced from the delivery tube.

Abstract: A fluid pump device for use in conjunction with a tubular pumping chamber which is composed of an elastic material and which has a pair of spaced-apart unidirectional valves through which fluid can be passed with cyclic compression and expansion of the chamber. The pump device is intended for medical or veterinary applications and it comprises spaced-apart clamp elements between which the pumping chamber can be removably located, an electrically actuated solenoid device for effecting cyclic relative movement of the clamp elements whereby cyclic changes in the contained volume of the pumping chamber are induced when the chamber is located between the clamp elements, and electrical circuitry associated with the solenoid for energizing the solenoid at a selectable repetition rate.

Abstract: To decrease hemolysis and reduce the cost of single use disposable tubing used during surgery, valve elements pivotally suspended in the bypass pump compression chamber respond to gravity and variations in fluid pressure within the shunt and act entirely on the exterior of the shunt to cyclically control blood flow therethrough. Interior valves for the shunt tubing are entirely eliminated.

Abstract: An air pump includes a number of inflatable chambers forming a closed container which defines a pumping chamber. The container is fitted with one-way inlet and outlet valves to effectuate the pumping operation. In one embodiment, the container is cylindrical with seven to nine longitudinal air chambers forming the walls of the chamber. The ends of the cylindrical container are fitted with the inlet and outlet valves. Also disclosed is a method of making and of using such a pump.

Abstract: A miniature apparatus for compressing gases is disclosed in which an elastomer disposed between two opposing electrostrictive or piezoelectric ceramic blocks, or between a single electrostrictive or piezoelectric ceramic block and a rigid surface, is caused to extrude into or recede from a channel defined adjacent to the elastomer in response to application or removal of an electric field from the blocks. Individual cells of blocks and elastomer are connected to effect a gas compression by peristaltic activation of the individual cells. The apparatus is self-valving in that the first and last cells operate as inlet and outlet valves, respectively. Preferred electrostrictive and piezoelectric ceramic materials are disclosed, and an alternative, non-peristaltic embodiment of the apparatus is described.

Abstract: A valve having no friction producing components includes a flexible and resilient tube for carrying a fluid, an electrically energizable coil for producing an electromagnetic force when energized, a magnetically attractable element, and an elongate leaf spring attached near one end to the coil and looped outwardly, upwardly and back toward the coil, with the magnetically attractable element attached to the leaf spring near the other end. The leaf spring normally holds the magnetically attractable element out of contact with the coil, but when the coil is energized, the element is attracted towards the coil. The one end of the leaf spring attached to the coil is also formed to extend upwardly and over the magnetically attractable element to act as an anvil, and the other end of the leaf spring attached to the element extends upwardly towards the anvil to form a pinching tab.

Abstract: A fluid pump for use down a well, having a pump shell, a flexible bladder, a squeeze plate, two check valves, and a plurality of toggle linkages, and a drive rod. The flexible bladder is positioned between the pump shell and the squeeze plate inside the pump shell, and the toggle linkages pivotally connect the squeeze plate, the drive rod, and the inside surface of the pump shell in a manner that permits with one complete stroke of the drive rod the compression and relaxing of the flexible bladder. The power source, is located at the surface of the earth.

Abstract: The invention is comprised of a hydraulically actuated diaphragm pump having a working diaphragm driven by a piston and a working fluid. The working diaphragm, in turn, actuates a tubular diaphragm through a second hydraulic coupling. Material is pumped through the tubular diaphragm as it is compressed and relaxed. The configuration of the tubular diaphragm is such that its cross section gradually transforms from a circular shape at the end portions adjacent to the suction inlet and discharge outlet of the pump to an elliptical shape at its longitudinal mid-point. Since the inner circumference and wall thickness remain constant throughout the length of the tubular diaphragm the direction of flexure is predetermined.

Abstract: A liquid pump is provided and particularly a downhole pump for use in an oil well bore for pumping oil or in a gas well for removing condensate. The downhole pump includes a plurality of pump and transfer modules, each of which has an elongate housing with end couplings and with two internal gas passages and a liquid passage extending therethrough. The pump module further has a bladder extending between the end couplings around the internal passages with the couplings having passages connecting one of the internal passages to space on one side of the bladder. When fluid, preferably gas, under pressure is supplied through the coupling passages, the bladder forces liquid therein upwardly into the next module. At the same time, fluid under pressure is exhausted through the coupling passages of the next pump module, aiding it to receive liquid from the pump module therebelow.

Abstract: Dry vacuum diaphragm pump, for pumping between an inlet port (2) and an exhaust port (3), and comprising a tubular diaphragm (12) retained by its resilience on a central body (11) in the biconical interior volume of a body (1), in such manner as to form a pumping chamber (15) into which debouch inlet and exhaust ports, and a control chamber (16).Port (3) communicates through a valve (7) with a capacity (9) maintained under partial vacuum by an auxiliary vacuum pump (23).The distribution mechanism (20, 21, 27) places the chamber (16) in communication alternatively with atmosphere and with the intake of the auxiliary pump (23).

Abstract: A liquid pump is provided and particularly a downhole pump for use in an oil well bore for pumping oil or in a gas well to remove condensate. The downhole pump includes a plurality of pump and transfer modules, each of which includes an elongate housing with end couplings and with two internal passages extending therethrough. The pump module further has a bladder extending between the end couplings around the internal passages with the couplings having passages connecting one of the internal passages to space on one side of the bladder. When fluid, preferably gas, under pressure is supplied to that passage, the bladder forces liquid therein upwardly into the next module. At the same time, fluid under pressure is exhausted through one of the passages from the space on the opposite side of the bladder of the next pump module, aiding it to receive liquid from the pump module therebelow.