Fluid pump with levitated impeller
US5055005A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 5, 1990 |
| Grant date | Oct 8, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 5, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S415/90
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A fluid pump with rotary impeller is disclosed which comprises an electromagnetically driven rotary impeller levitated by localized opposed fluid forces. Levitation by localized opposed fluid forces of an impeller driven by electromagnetic forces eliminates the need for bearings and seals in the driving mechanism. This avoids the heat build-up and leakage associated with other pumping mechanisms, which can be of importance for pumping of physiological fluids such as blood. The levitating fluid forces of the present invention are auto-adjusting, such that any attempted displacement of the impeller will automatically incur a corrective change in levitating fluid forces. However, fluid force sensors and regulators could be incorporated into the present invention if desired. The invention should be of use in numerous medical and non-medical applications where the benefits of impeller levitation by localized fluid forces are apparent.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.