US20140030116A1 - Pump - Google Patents

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 ofFIG. 1.
• FIG. 3 is a front view of the diaphragm assembly ofFIG. 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 ofFIG. 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 ofFIG. 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 ofFIG. 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 ofFIG. 11.
• FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an example unidirectional collapsible valve of the pump ofFIG. 11.
• FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another example unidirectional collapsible valve of the pump ofFIG. 11.
• FIG. 15 is a side view of an example diaphragm assembly of the pump ofFIG. 11.
• FIG. 16 is a schematic illustration of another example pump.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
• FIG. 1 schematically illustrates anexample pump20. In one implementation,pump20 is sized and configured so as to serve as an implantable pump, implantable within a human or animal anatomy. In one implementation,pump20 size configured to pump a fluid such as blood to assist a weak or defective heart. In other implementations,pump20 may be configured to pump other fluids in the anatomy of an animal or human. As will be described hereafter,pump20 may be less complex as compared to existing pumps and may have a smaller size, allowingpump20 to be used in newborns and implanted close to a heart.
• Pump20 comprisespump chamber22,inlet check valve24,outlet check valve26,bypass passage28,diaphragm30,baffle32 anddiaphragm drive34.Pump chamber22 comprises one or more walls defining an interior volume having aninlet38 and anoutlet40. When implanted, blood and other fluid flows intochamber22 throughinlet38 and out ofchamber22 throughoutlet40. Although illustrated as being elongated shape,pump chamber22 may have other sizes, shapes and configurations. Although illustrated as having inlet38 directly opposite tooutlet40, in other implementations,inlet38 andoutlet40 maybe at other relative locations aboutchamber22.
• Inlet check valve24 comprises a valve mechanism configured to restrict the flow of fluid there through based upon a pressure differential acrosscheck valve24.Outlet check valve26 comprises a valve mechanism configured to restrict the flow of fluid there through based upon a pressure differential acrosscheck valve26.Inlet check valve24 andoutlet check valve26 are configured to cooperate with one another such that during pumping a fluid bydiaphragm30 and drive34, fluid withinchamber22 flows throughoutlet check valve26 in the direction indicated byarrow44 while the flow from theinterior chamber22 throughoutlet check valve24 is either impeded or prevented.Check valves24 and26 cooperate to facilitate forward flow of fluid as indicated byarrow44 while inhibiting or preventing backflow.
• Bypass passage28 comprises a fluid flow passage defined by or formed by one or more walls ofpump20, such as walls ofchamber22.Bypass passage28 extends frominlet38, on the exterior side ofcheck valve24, alongsidechamber22, tooutlet40, on the exterior side ofoutlet check valve26.Bypass passage28 provides continuous reliable flow of fluid, such as blood, frominlet38 tooutlet40, acrosspump20, regardless of the operational state ofpump20.Bypass valve28 enables the flow of fluid acrosspump20 even in situations where one or both ofcheck valve24,26 has become occluded.
• In the example illustrated,bypass passage28 comprises avane48 at an outlet end ofbypass passage28. Vane48 is configured to inhibit fluid being pumped throughoutlet check valve26 from flowing intobypass passage28. In other implementations,vane48 may be omitted. In yet other implementations,vane48 may be replaced with a unidirectional collapsible valve, such as a duckbill valve.
• Diaphragm30 comprises a thin flexible member or membrane secured along the interior side or periphery ofchamber22 so as to be operably coupled to fluid withinchamber22.Diaphragm30 is further operably coupled to drive34 such that upon being manually moved or driven bydrive34,diaphragm30 flexes or otherwise moves to change the internal volume ofchamber22, expelling fluid from theinterior chamber22 throughoutlet40. In the example illustrated,diaphragm30 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 ofchamber22 decreases in size, forcing fluid out ofchamber22 throughcheck valve26 and outoutlet40. When moving from the pumping position back to the retracted position during a return “stroke”, the volume ofchamber22 increases in size, drawing fluid throughinlet38 and throughcheck valve24. Althoughdiaphragm30 is illustrated as having the two illustrated rest and pumping positions, in other implementations, the extent or direction in whichdiaphragm30 moves, flexes, deforms or otherwise changes shape may vary. For example, in one implementation, rather than be moved through great distances,diaphragm30 may be moved too much smaller differences and may be reciprocated at a high velocity or pulsed to achieve fluid pumping.
• In one implementation, drive34 movesdiaphragm30 between the retracted position in the pumping position, moving diaphragm in both directions. In one implementation,diaphragm30 is formed from a resiliently flexible material such thatdiaphragm30 resiliently moves towards one of the retracted state and the pumping state when no longer being driven bydrive34, wherein drive34 moves diaphragm to the other of the retracted state and the pumping state. In another implementation,diaphragm30 may be provided with one or more internal or external biasing structures, such as compression or tension springs which resiliently movediaphragm30 to one of the retracted state and the pumping state, wherein drive34 movesdiaphragm30 to the other of the retracted state and the pumping state. In one implementation, to facilitate more forceful, controlled pumping, drive34 movesdiaphragm30 in a single direction towards the pumping position, whereindiaphragm34 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 byFIGS. 2 and 3, in the example illustrated,diaphragm30 is conical or frustro-conical in shape.Diaphragm30 has a convex rear side52 and a concaveinterior side54. Becausediaphragm30 is conical and becausediaphragm30 has a concaveinterior side54,diaphragm30 as an interior56 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 shapeddiaphragm30 may alternatively have round, oval, rectangular or other cross-sectional shapes. In other implementations,diaphragm30 may alternatively comprise a flat, planar panel or membrane.
• Baffle32 comprises a rigid or stiff cup or bowl shaped member carried bydiaphragm30 withininterior56. In the example illustrated, baffle32 is centrally located or concentrically positioned withininterior56.Baffle32 comprises one or more sidewalls60 which form abaffle interior62 which faces in the same direction as the interior56 ofdiaphragm30.Interior62 captures fluid and inhibits outward or radial flow of fluid along the interior surfaces ofbaffle32. As a result, baffle32 facilitates a higher flow rate of liquid or fluid pumped with each forward pumping movement ofdiaphragm30 to enhance pumping efficiency.
• In the example illustrated, the walls ofbaffle32 have a height H, extending from the interior floor ofdiaphragm30, of at least 3 mm and nominally a height of at least 1 mm. Althoughbaffle32 is illustrated as being circular in shape, in other implementations, baffle32 may have other shapes such as oval, polygonal and the like. In other implementations, baffle32 may be omitted.
• Drive34 comprises a mechanism operably coupled todiaphragm30 to move or reciprocatediaphragm30 between the retracted state or position and the pumping state or position. In the example illustrated, drive34 compriseshousing64,batteries66,battery charging device68,electrical power electronics70,electromagnet72,diaphragm magnet74 andmicroprocessor control electronics78.Housing64 comprises one or more structures forming a control chamber enclosing components ofdrive34. In the example illustrated,housing64 extends alongside ofchamber22.Housing64 may have a variety of sizes, shapes and configurations.
• Batteries66 comprise electrical power storage devices which store elliptical power for use bydrive34. In particular,battery66 supply electrical power toelectrical power electronics70 andcontrol electronics78.Battery charging device68 comprises a device configured to electrically charge or rechargebattery66. In one implementation,battery charging device68 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 wherepump20 is powered through a wired connection,batteries66 and chargingdevice68 may be omitted.
• Electrical power electronics70 receive electrical power from battery66 (or from a wired connection in some implementations) and supply the electrical current for powering or operatingelectromagnet72 and for poweringcontrol electronics78. In one implementation, electronic70 comprises a power converter for regulating the current and voltage is applied to the various components ofdrive34.
• Electromagnet72 comprises a ferromagnetic member electrically coupled to let thepower electronics70.Electromagnet72 is configured to be selectively supplied with electrical power for magnetization.Electromagnet72 interacts withmagnet74 to apply magnetic force tomagnet74 to movemagnet74 and to movediaphragm30 between the retracted and pumping states. Althoughelectromagnet72 is illustrated as being located withinhousing64, in other implementations,electromagnet72 may alternatively be located withinchamber22.
• Magnet74 comprises a member to magnetically interact withelectromagnet72. In one implementation,magnet74 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 toelectromagnet72 creates a magnetic field inducing an opposite magnetic pole in the ferromagnetic material ofmagnet74, temporarily magnetizing the ferromagnetic material ofmagnet74 such thatmagnet74 is a temporary magnet. In such an implementation, whenelectromagnet72 receives electrical current,magnet74 is attracted tomagnet72 such thatdiaphragm30 is moved to the retracted position shown inFIG. 1. Oneelectromagnet72 is not a likely powered, the magnetic field is ended such thatmagnet74 is no longer a temporary magnet. As a result,electromagnet72 no longer attractsmagnet74, allowingdiaphragm30 to resiliently return to the pumping position shown in broken lines.
• In another implementation,magnet74 comprises a permanent magnet. In one such implementation,magnet74 has an end portion closest toelectromagnet72 that is provided with a magnetic pole that is proximate to an opposite magnetic pole ofelectromagnet72 whenelectromagnet72 is receiving electrical current. Whenelectromagnet72 is receiving electrical current,electromagnet72 creates a magnetic field that attractsmagnet74 towardselectromagnet72 to movemagnet74 anddiaphragm30 towards the retracted state. Whenelectromagnet72 is no longer receiving electrical current, the magnetic field produced byelectromagnet72 ends such thatdiaphragm30 is allowed to resiliently return to the pumping state.
• In yet another implementation,magnet74 has an end portion closest toelectromagnet72 that is provided with a magnetic pole that is proximate to the same magnetic pole ofelectromagnet72 whenelectromagnet72 is receiving electrical current. Whenelectromagnet72 is receiving electrical current,electromagnet72 creates a magnetic field that repelsmagnet74 away fromelectromagnet72 to movemagnet74 anddiaphragm30 towards the pumping state. Whenelectromagnet72 is no longer receiving electrical current, the magnetic field produced byelectromagnet72 ends such thatdiaphragm30 is allowed to resiliently return to the retracted state.
• In either of the implementations in whichmagnet74 comprises a permanent magnet, in lieu of pausing or cessating the supply of electrical current to electromagnet72 so as to allowdiaphragm30 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 ofelectromagnet72. As a result,electromagnet72 creates opposite magnetic fields which facilitate movement ofdiaphragm30 towards the retracted state and which also facilitate movement ofdiaphragm30 towards the pumping state. In one implementation,magnet74 anddiaphragm30 may be magnetically attracted towards the retracted state and magnetically repelled towards the pumping state. In another implementation,magnet74 anddiaphragm30 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 electromagnet72) or when the temporary magnet has induced magnetic poles when in a magnetic field.
• Microprocessor control electronics78 comprises an electronic control device configured to generate controlsignals causing electronics64 to selectively supply electric current to electromagnet72 to movediaphragm30 between the retracted and pumping states. In one implementation, electronic78 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,electronics78 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,electronics78 is configured to receive wireless commands, data, settings or instructions to modify operational conditions ofpump20. In the example illustrated,electronics78 is further configured to transmit wireless signals to wirelessly transmit current settings and sensed the data. For example, in one implementation, electronic78 is connected to sensing devices and transmits data from such sensing devices wirelessly to receivers outside of a body implanted withpump20. Such data may be utilized for diagnostics, facilitating operational adjustments. In such an implementation,electronics78 comprises a wireless antenna or other wireless communication components.
• In operation,electronics78 generates control signals causing political power electronic64 to selectively supply electric current toelectromagnet72. Electronic70 controls the rate at which the magnetic field produced byelectromagnet72 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 movediaphragm30. The rate at which diaphragm30 is pulsed between the retracted and pumping states may be controlled under the direction of electronic78. In one implementation, electronic78 may have on more sensing devices, wherein electronic78 adjusts the pulsing rate based upon sensed information. In one implementation, electronic78 may alternatively or additionally receive commands or controls in a wireless or wired fashion from an external control device.
• FIG. 4 schematically illustratespump120, another example implementation ofpump20.Pump120 is similar to pump20 except thatpump120 comprises drive134 in lieu ofdrive34. Drive134 is similar to drive34 except thatdrive134 comprisescam172,cam follower174 andactuator176 in place ofelectromagnet72 andmagnet74. Those remaining elements or components ofpump120 which correspond to elements or components ofpump20 are numbered similarly.
• FIG. 5 illustrates portions ofdrive134 in more detail. As shown byFIG. 5,cam172 comprise a member configured to contact and move againstcam follower174 such that motion ofcam172 is imparted tocam follower174.Cam follower172 comprises a member carried bydiaphragm30 having an opposite surface that contacts the surface ofcam172. In the example illustrated,cam172 andcam74 comprise opposing sloped surfaces or ramps such that movement ofcam172 in the direction indicated byarrow180 causes interaction withcam follower174 to movecam follower174 anddiaphragm30 in the direction indicated byarrow182. Movement ofcam172 in the reverser opposite direction results in movement ofcam follower174 anddiaphragm30 also in the opposite direction. Although illustrated as a pair of opposing sloped surfaces,cam172 andcam follower174 may have other cam configurations in which one service interacts with another surface to transmit motion to the newly movediaphragm30 between the retracted and pumping states.
• Actuator176 comprises a powered component configured to movecam172 relative tocam follower174.Actuator176 movescam172 in response to receiving power from electronic70 (shown inFIG. 4) or in response to control signals from controller78 (shownFIG. 4). In one implementation,actuator176 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 ofcam172 and cam follower174) the torque generated by the motor and to transmit the force to movecam172. In one implementation,actuator176 comprises an electric solenoid. In still other implementations,actuator176 may comprise other powered force generating mechanisms. In operation, control electronic78 generate controlsignals directing actuator176 to reciprocatecam172 so as to reciprocatecam follower174 anddiaphragm30 between the retracted and pumping states.
• FIG. 6 schematically illustratespump220, another example implementation ofpump20.Pump220 is similar to pump20 except thatpump220 omitsvalve24,26, compriseschamber222 anddiaphragm230 in place ofchamber20 anddiaphragm30, respectively, and additionally comprisesveins284. Those remaining components ofpump220 which correspond to components ofpump20 are numbered similarly.
• Chamber222 is similar tochamber20 except thatchamber222 comprises an external indentation orcove portion286 for externally receivingelectromagnet72.Cove portion286 externally receiveselectromagnet72 such thatelectromagnet72 may apply magnetic forces tomagnet74 to linearly movediaphragm230 in a direction indicated byarrow287, wherein the direction has a non-zero directional component towardsoutlet40 and parallel to the direction indicated byarrow44.Cove portion286 allowsmagnet72 to be contained within the control chamber provided byhousing264.
• Diaphragm230 is similar todiaphragm30 except thatdiaphragm230 is positioned acrosschamber222 betweeninlet38 andoutlet40 and thatdiaphragm230 further comprises apertures or flowpassages290. In the example illustrated,diaphragm230 extends completely acrosschamber222 betweeninlet38 andoutlet40 such that for fluid to travel frominlet38 tooutlet40, it must pass throughflow passages290.
• As shown byFIG. 7,Flow passages290 extend throughdiaphragm230 between the outer periphery ofdiaphragm230 andbaffle32. Becauseflow passages290 extend through the walls ofbaffle30, fluid passing to the front side ofbaffle30 is closer to theimperforate baffle32 for enhanced pumping. In one implementation,flow passages290 have collective total opening area of between 3% and 60% ofdiaphragm230 surface area and nominally between 10% and 20%. Although illustrated as comprising two opposite oval-shaped passages, flow passes to90 may include a greater or fewer of such flow passages and may have other sizes as well as shapes.
• Veins284 comprise angled projecting walls extending from the outer walls ofchamber222 into the interior of chamber to22 towardsoutlet40.Veins284 serve as backflow inhibiting fluid flow directors. In other implementations,veins284 may have other configurations or may be omitted.
• In operation, fluid enters throughinlet38 behinddiaphragm230 and passes throughflow passages290 to a front concave side ofdiaphragm230. The fluid, when in front ofdiaphragm230 and baffle32, is then pumped throughoutlet40. When drive34 is not operating, fluid may still flow frominlet38 tooutlet40 throughflow passages290.
• In other implementations,diaphragm230 may not completely extend across andpartition chamber222 such that fluid is permitted to flow around one or more peripheral portions ofdiaphragm230 betweendiaphragm230 and the walls ofchamber222. In such implementations, flowpassages290 may be omitted.
• FIGS. 8 and 9 schematically illustratepump320, another example implementation ofpump20.Pump320 is similar to pump220 except that pump320 compriseschamber322,diaphragm330 and drive334 in place of chamber to22,diaphragm230 and drive34, respectively. Those components ofpump320 which correspond to components ofpump220 are numbered similarly.Chamber322 is similar to chamber to22 except thechamber322 omitscove portion286.Diaphragm330 is similar todiaphragm230 except thediaphragm330 extends completely acrosschamber322 in a direction perpendicular to the fluid flow direction throughoutlet40 indicated byarrow44. In other implementations,diaphragm330 may be spaced from the outer walls ofchamber322 on one side on multiple sides ofdiaphragm330.
• Drive334 is similar to drive34 except thatelectromagnet72 is supported withinchamber322 proximate a center line ofdiaphragm330 andbaffle32. Becausediaphragm330 faces in a direction substantially parallel to theoutlet direction44 and becauseelectromagnet72 is positioned withinchamber322, movement ofdiaphragm330 between the retracted and pumping states pumps fluid more directly towards outlet42 enhanced pumping efficiency.
• FIG. 10 schematically illustrates pump430, another example implementation ofpump20. Pump430 is similar to pump330 except that pump430 comprises drive434 in place ofdrive334. Those remaining components of pump430 which correspond to components ofpump330 are numbered similarly. Drive434 similar to drive134 (described above with respect to pump120) except thatdrive434 locatescam172,cam follower174 andactuator176 withinchamber322. In other implementations,actuator176 potentially located within the control chamber defined byhousing64. In operation,control electronics78 generate control signals causingpower electronics72power actuator76 to reciprocatecam72 againstcam follower74 to reciprocatediaphragm330 towards and away fromoutlet40 to push or pump fluid throughoutlet40. Fluid flows through flow passages290 (shown inFIG. 9) for subsequent pumping bydiaphragm330.
• FIG. 11 schematically illustratespump520, another implementation ofpump20.Pump520 is similar to pump320 except that pump520 comprisesdiaphragm530,fluid passage590 andcollapsible valve592 in place ofdiaphragm330 andfluid passages290. Pump520 additionally comprises spring594 (shown inFIG. 12). Those remaining components ofpump520 which correspond to components ofpump320 are numbered similarly.
• As shown byFIG. 12,diaphragm530 is similar todiaphragm330 except thatdiaphragm530 omitsfluid passages290.Fluid passage590 comprise a fluid passage extending frominlet38 behindchamber322 and behinddiaphragm530 to adischarge opening596 within an interior of thechamber322 between theinlet38 and theoutlet40 and in front of a concave side of theconical diaphragm530.
• Collapsible valve592 comprise a unidirectional collapsible valve atdischarge opening596.Collapsible valve592 facilitates unidirectional flow of fluid frompassage590 intochamber322 in front ofdiaphragm530 betweendiaphragm530 andoutlet40.Collapsible valve592 is collapsible yet expandable such that blood clots or other obstructions cannot become caught invalve592 to inhibit blocking or occlusion of the flow of liquid intochamber322.FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate to example collapsible valves.FIG. 13 illustratescollapsible valve592A 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 illustratescollapsible valve592B 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 valve592 may have other configurations.
• FIG. 15 illustratesspring594.Spring594 resiliently urgesdiaphragm530 towards one of the retracted and pumping states, wherein drive movesdiaphragm530 against the biasing ofspring594. In one implementation,spring594 comprises a tension spring captured betweendiaphragm530 andelectromagnet72. In another implementation,spring594 comprises a compression spring captured betweendiaphragm530electromagnet72. In some implementations,spring594 may be omitted.
• FIG. 16 schematically illustratespump620, another example implementation ofpump20.Pump620 is similar to pump520 except that pump620 comprises drive434 as described above with respect to pump420 andFIG. 10. Similar to pump420, pump620 drives acam172 against acam follower174 to reciprocatediaphragm530 towards and away from outlet42 pump fluid throughoutlet40. Fluid is supplied in front ofdiaphragm530 throughfluid passage590 andcollapsible valve592.
• 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 (20)

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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 4, wherein the bypass comprises a passage alongside the chamber.

6. The pump ofclaim 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 ofclaim 1, wherein the conical diaphragm extends across the chamber between the inlet and the outlet.

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

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

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

13. The pump ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 15, wherein the passage comprises at least one aperture through the diaphragm to transmit fluid.

17. The pump ofclaim 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 ofclaim 17 further comprising a unidirectional collapsible valve at the discharge opening.

19. The pump ofclaim 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.

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