Patent ID: 7284962
Filing Date: 2007-10-23
Classification: F04B,F04F

Abstract:
1. A method of pumping a fluid, the method comprising: supplying a fluid to at least one side of a perforate membrane, the perforate element having one or more perforations and being adjacent, on the at least one side, to at least one closure assembly having a closure mass which seals against and prevents fluid flow through the one or more perforations when the pump is not in use; and providing a net transfer of fluid through the perforate element in the direction from the one at least one side to the other side of the perforate membrane by alternately displacing the perforate membrane in directions towards and away from the at least one side and by alternately displacing the at least one closure assembly in directions towards and away from the at least one side, wherein during the displacing step the closure assembly is displaced out of phase with the perforate membrane.