Patent ID: 8162637

Claim:
A system for enabling fluid flow, comprising: a) a plurality of frusto-conical elements comprising; i. a first spherical surface having a first radius; ii. a second spherical surface having a second radius, the first and second spherical surfaces sharing a common geometric center; and iii. a lateral surface extending between the first and second spherical surfaces, the lateral surface being formed from a section of an elliptical cone and tapering from the second spherical surface to the first spherical surface, an apex of the elliptical cone coinciding with the geometric centre of the first and second spherical surfaces; b) a spherical central shell having a radius matching the first radius; c) a spherical outer shell enclosing the central shell and the plurality of frusto-conical elements, the outer shell having a radius matching the second radius; d) wherein: i. the first spherical surface of each frusto-conical element engages the central shell; ii. the second spherical surface of each frusto-conical element engages the outer shell; iii. each frusto-conical element is in linear contact with at least two adjacent frusto-conical elements along their respective lateral surfaces; iv. a plurality of chambers are created between at least some adjacent frusto-conical elements and the central and outer shells; and v. the frusto-conical elements are free to roll about one another along their lateral surfaces in a synchronised manner so as to allow a synchronised rolling, and the synchronised rolling of the frusto-conical elements results in a corresponding synchronised and cyclical change in volume of the chambers; e) input and output ports configured to allow fluid flow into and out of the chambers.