GB2326984A

GB2326984A - Fluid pump with magnetic operation

Info

Publication number: GB2326984A
Application number: GB9713783A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Olusola Olumide Akindele Oni
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1997-07-01
Filing date: 1997-07-01
Publication date: 1999-01-06
Also published as: GB9713783D0

Description

THE MAGNETIC FLUID PUMP This invention relates to a fluid pump the action of which is effected by the use of alternating magnetic fields.

A pump is utilised in a variety of situations to raise or transfer fluid from one location to another. Most commonly, an attachment is made to the piston of the pump by which it is depressed or elevated. By these means, fluid may be drawn into the interior of the pump or expelled from it.

The piston of syringes used for the automatic delivery of pre-loaded therapeutic agents (drugs etc.) is usually depressed using an electrically powered drive mechanism or pusher. These mechanical devices are prone to failure from time to time. The syringe may seize up. The machinery is complicated, cumbersome and often not really portable.

According to the present invention, there is provided a magnetic fluid pump comprising a single integrated unit with a cylindrical body (shaft) embedded within whose walls, at suitable intervals, are magnetic coils; a magnetised piston, which may have an internal one-way valve, housed within the shaft; and, an electrical circuit, with alternating potential difference, connected individually to the magnetic coils so as to provide sequential magnetic fields by which means the piston may be propelled back and forth from one end of the shaft to the other.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which : Figure 1 shows in perspective the magnetic fluid pump; Figure 2 illustrates the magnetic coil; Figure 3 illustrates the magnetic fluid pump and its electrical circuitry; Figure 4 illustrates the magnetised piston; Figure 5 shows the magnetic fluid pump coupled to a rotary pump.

Referring to the drawing, the pump (Figure 1) comprises a cylindrical body or shaft1 0 and encircling magnetic coils (Figure 2) embedded at intervals within its walls (or alternatively, provided in a separate casing housing the pumpl2). Each magnetic coils is connected to an electrical circuit13 (Figure 3), with alternating potential difference, powered by a battery, solar energy or mains electricity. In the interior of the pump is provided a magnetised pistonl4 moving to-and-fro (Figure 4) comprising a barrel-shaped bodyl5 with a magnetic north and south and a central passagel6 or fluid channel within which is located a one-way valve17 if to be used to simultaneously to draw and expel fluid. One end of the pump is tapered into a nozzle18 while the other end may be sealed offs 9 or converted into an outlet20 for coupling to a rotary pump21 (Figure 5).

In use as a syringe for the delivery of pre-loaded drugs etc., the pistonl4 is moved by the alternating magnetic fields from its location at the sealed end19 of the pump in the direction of the nozzle18 thereby forcing fluid out through it at a regulated rate. The syringe together with an external battery power source is portable and capable of being strapped to the skin unobtrusively under clothings.

In use for drawing water from a reservoir and expelling it into containers or a water supply system, the pistonl4 is raised from its location at the nozzle end, the valve17 closes thus creating a partial vaccum and fluid is sucked into the interior of the pump; if the piston14 is then depressed, the valve17 opens and fluid is forced upwards above it; fluid resting on top of the pistonl4 is thereafter expelled when the pistonl4 is raised again.

Claims

1. A magnetic fluid pump comprising a single integrated unit with a magnetised piston housed within a cylindrical body (shaft) embedded within whose walls, at suitable intervals, are magnetic coils.

2. A magnetic fluid pump as claimed in Claim 1 wherein a magnetised piston, with an internal one-way valve where necessary, is provided to move back and forth within the shaft.

3. A magnetic fluid pump as claimed in Claim 1 and Claim 2 wherein an electrical circuit is provided, with alternating potential difference, cooperable with the magnetic coils so as to provide sequential magnetic fields by which means the piston may be propelled back and forth from one end of the shaft to the other.

4. A magnetic fluid pump as claimed in Claim 1 and Claim 2 wherein one end may be converted into an outlet for coupling to a rotary pump.

5. A magnetic fluid pump substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1-5 of the accompanying drawing.