Abstract: A system for pumping or mixing a fluid using a levitating, rotating pumping or mixing element and various other components for use in a pumping or mixing system are disclosed. The pumping or mixing element is placed in a fluid-containing vessel in close proximity to a superconducting element. A cooling source thermally linked to the superconducting element provides the necessary cooling to induce levitation in the pumping or mixing element. The superconducting element may be thermally isolated, such that the pumping or mixing element, the vessel, and any fluid contained therein are not exposed to the cold temperatures required to produce the desired superconductive effects and the resulting levitation. By using means external to the vessel to rotate and/or stabilize the pumping or mixing element levitating in the fluid, including possibly rotating the superconducting element itself or moving it relative to the vessel, the desired effective pumping or mixing action may be provided.

Abstract: A system capable of pumping or mixing fluids using a rotating magnetic element or bearing levitated by a cold superconducting element is disclosed.

Abstract: A kit for assisting in the set-up of a fluid pumping or mixing system including a superconducting element capable of reaching a transition temperature during a field cooling process is disclosed. In one embodiment, the kit comprises at least one pumping or mixing element including a levitation magnet and at least one charging magnet substantially corresponding in size, shape, and magnetic field distribution to the levitation magnet. The presence of the charging magnet adjacent the superconducting element during the field cooling process enables stable levitation of the pumping or mixing element, including when in a fluid-filled vessel positioned adjacent the superconducting element.

Abstract: A system for pumping or mixing a fluid using a levitating, rotating magnetic element and various other components for use in a pumping or mixing system are disclosed. The magnetic element is placed in a vessel or container that can be positioned in close proximity to a superconducting element. The vessel or container may be sealed with the magnetic element and a product therein, with the fluid being introduced after sealing. Preferably, the vessel or container is capable of holding fluid volumes greater than 10 liters.

Abstract: A kit for assisting in the set-up of a fluid pumping or mixing system including a superconducting element capable of reaching a transition temperature during a field cooling process is disclosed. In one embodiment, the kit comprises at least one pumping or mixing element including a levitation magnet and at least one charging magnet substantially corresponding in size, shape, and magnetic field distribution to the levitation magnet. The presence of the charging magnet adjacent the superconducting element during the field cooling process enables stable levitation of the pumping or mixing element, including when in a fluid-filled vessel positioned adjacent the superconducting element.

Abstract: A system for pumping or mixing a fluid using a levitating, rotating magnetic bearing and various other components for use in a pumping or mixing system are disclosed. The magnetic bearing is placed in a fluid-containing vessel in close proximity to a superconducting element. A separate cooling source thermally linked to the superconducting element provides the necessary cooling to induce levitation in the magnetic bearing. The superconducting element may be thermally isolated, such that the bearing, the vessel, and any fluid contained therein are not exposed to the cold temperatures required to produce the desired superconductive effects and the resulting levitation. By using means external to the vessel to rotate and/or stabilize the magnetic bearing levitating in the fluid, including possibly rotating the superconducting element itself or moving it relative to the vessel, the desired effective pumping or mixing action may be provided.

Abstract: A system for pumping or mixing a fluid using a levitating, rotating pumping or mixing element and various other components for use in a pumping or mixing system are disclosed. The pumping or mixing element is placed in a fluid-containing vessel in close proximity to a superconducting element. A cooling source thermally linked to the superconducting element provides the necessary cooling to induce levitation in the pumping or mixing element. The superconducting element may be thermally isolated, such that the pumping or mixing element, the vessel, and any fluid contained therein are not exposed to the cold temperatures required to produce the desired superconductive effects and the resulting levitation. By using means external to the vessel to rotate and/or stabilize the pumping or mixing element levitating in the fluid, including possibly rotating the superconducting element itself or moving it relative to the vessel, the desired effective pumping or mixing action may be provided.

Abstract: A system for pumping or mixing a fluid using a levitating, rotating magnetic element and various other components for use in a pumping or mixing system are disclosed. The magnetic element is placed in a vessel or container that can be positioned in close proximity to a superconducting element. The vessel or container may be sealed with the magnetic element and a product therein, with the fluid being introduced after sealing. Preferably, the vessel or container is capable of holding fluid volumes greater than 10 liters.

Abstract: A system capable of pumping or mixing relatively warm fluids using a rotating magnetic element or bearing levitated by a cold superconducting element is disclosed. The magnetic element or bearing carries at least one impeller and is placed in a fluid vessel positioned external to the outer wall of a cryostat or other housing for the superconducting element. A separate cooling source thermally linked to the superconducting element provides the necessary cooling to create the desired superconductive effects and induce levitation in the magnetic element or bearing. The outer wall or housing defines a chamber around the cold superconducting element that thermally isolates it from the vessel. To ensure that the desired level of thermal isolation is provided, this chamber is evacuated or filled with an insulating material.

Abstract: A system capable of pumping or mixing fluids using a rotating magnetic element or bearing levitated by a cold superconducting element is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a blood pumping system that includes two portions, including a pump portion capable of use inside a living body and a drive portion for disposition outside the living body. The drive portion includes a pump drive system, including an assembly configured to cause the impeller to rotate in addition to an assembly configured to levitate the impeller. The present invention includes two separate versions of the pump drive system, including a first embodiment having a high temperature superconductor to levitate the impeller into a predetermined and substantially translationally fixed position spaced from said pump housing, and a rotating, motor driven magnet system to cause the impeller to rotate, and a second embodiment that incorporates a rotating superconductor, which will both levitate and rotate the impeller.