Pump Plungers and Methods

Abstract

Various embodiments of the invention provide pumps, plungers and plunger assemblies, as well as methods of using them. In accordance with some embodiments, a plunger may comprise a ceramic material and/or may have a facial profile that may allow for more efficient pumping operations. In particular embodiments, for example, a plunger may have a facial profile that allows for deformation of at least a portion of the plunger when the face of the plunger is in contact with a pressurized fluid. Other embodiments provide plunger assemblies, which may comprise a flexible coupling attachment. Yet other embodiments provide pumps comprising such plungers and/or plunger assemblies.

1 . A plunger assembly for use in a pump, the plunger assembly comprising:
 a plunger having an axis, a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion being configured to be coupled with a flexible coupling assembly and the second end portion being configured to be exposed to a pump chamber, such that a reciprocal motion of the plunger along the axis of the plunger can result in the pumping of a fluid through the pump chamber;   a drive element having an axis, the drive element being configured for reciprocal motion along the axis of the drive element; and   a flexible coupling assembly coupled with the first end portion of the plunger and further coupled with the drive element, the flexible coupling assembly being configured to translate the reciprocal motion of the drive element to the plunger, causing a reciprocal motion of the plunger along the axis of the plunger.