Abstract: A micro bubble pump comprises a narrow tube with two liquid columns separated by a gas bubble. Separate reservoirs containing respective fluids are connected to either of the liquid columns through small valve-controlled openings. External ultrasound waves imposed on the liquid columns oscillate the bubble, allowing it to shrink and expand and causing liquid to flow into and out of the tube respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the inlet and outlet valves are replaced with diffusers. The micro bubble pump has no moving parts and can be actuated by remote energy sources.

Abstract: The present invention is a device of a micro bubble pump utilizing a pulsating bubble as the actuator and corresponding method for using the micro bubble pump for transporting liquid. The main body of the device comprises a narrow tube with two liquid columns separated by a gas bubble. Separate reservoirs containing respective fluids are connected to either of the liquid columns through small valve-controlled openings. External ultrasound waves imposed on the liquid columns oscillate the bubble, allowing it to shrink and expand and causing liquid to flow into and out of the tube respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the inlet and outlet valves are replaced with diffusers. The micro bubble pump has no moving parts and can be actuated by remote energy sources. These features together with compactness and biocompatibility make the micro bubble pump an ideal candidate for an implantable device for drug delivery and biomedical applications.