Molecular-scale beam pump assemblies and uses thereof

Abstract

Nanomechanical, nanoelectromechanical, and other molecular-scale pump assembly are described. In certain embodiments, the pump assembly includes a cavity. The cavity includes a plurality of nanofilaments, a surface proximate at least one of the nanofilaments, a fluid flow path, and an opening. Molecules of a fluid that flows from the opening through the cavity along the fluid flow path collide with the surface or one or more of the nanofilaments such that the molecules are accelerated along the fluid flow path. A molecular-scale pump assembly includes a plate defining a plurality of openings, and a plurality of cantilevered molecular-scale beams positioned over each opening. In certain embodiment, molecules of a fluid are accelerated through the opening by asymmetric oscillation.

1 - 36 . (canceled) 
     
     
         37 . A nanomechanical pump comprising:
 (a) a body;   (b) a plurality of cantilevered nanofilaments comprising a free moving portion, wherein
 (i) the plurality of cantilevered nanofilaments are coupled to the body, and 
 (ii) the free moving portions of the plurality of cantilevered nanofilaments are operable to exchange kinetic energy with a plurality of fluid molecules of a fluid by striking fluid molecules in the plurality of fluid molecules; and 
   (c) a surface, wherein
 (i) the surface is substantially perpendicular to the plurality of cantilevered nanofilaments, 
 (ii) the surface is located a distance from the free moving portions of the cantilevered nanofilaments, and 
 (iii) the surface has an edge near some of the free moving portions that is operable to restrict their motion through a non-contact force. 
   
     
     
         38 . The nanomechanical pump of  claim 37 , wherein the non-contact force comprises a van der Waals force. 
     
     
         39 . The nanomechanical pump of  claim 37 , wherein the non-contact force comprises an electrical force. 
     
     
         40 . The nanomechanical pump of  claim 37 , wherein the distance is at most about one nanometer. 
     
     
         41 . The nanomechanical pump of  claim 37 , wherein the fluid comprises air. 
     
     
         42 . The nanomechanical pump of  claim 37 , wherein the plurality of cantilevered nanofilaments comprise cantilevered carbon nanotubes. 
     
     
         43 . A nanomechanical pump comprising:
 (a) a body;   (b) a plurality of cantilevered nanofilaments comprising a free moving portion, wherein
 (i) the plurality of cantilevered nanofilaments are coupled to the body, and 
 (ii) the free moving portions of the plurality of cantilevered nanofilaments are operable to exchange kinetic energy with a plurality of fluid molecules of a fluid by striking fluid molecules in the plurality of fluid molecules; and 
   (c) a surface located near the free moving portion of the plurality of cantilevered nanofilaments, wherein
 (i) the surface is located at distance from the free moving portions of the cantilevered nanofilaments such that the free moving portions of the cantilevered nanofilaments cannot come in physical contact with the surface, and 
 (ii) the surface has one or more edge portions near a subset of the free moving portions of the cantilevered nanofilaments such that a non-contact force between the one or more edge portions is operable to restrict the motion of the subset of free moving portions of the cantilevered nanofilaments. 
   
     
     
         44 . The nanomechanical pump of  claim 43 , wherein the non-contact force comprises a van der Waals force. 
     
     
         45 . The nanomechanical pump of  claim 43 , wherein the non-contact force comprises an electrical force. 
     
     
         46 . The nanomechanical pump of  claim 43 , wherein the distance is at most about one nanometer. 
     
     
         47 . The nanomechanical pump of  claim 43 , wherein the fluid comprises air. 
     
     
         48 . The nanomechanical pump of  claim 43 , wherein the plurality of cantilevered nanofilaments comprise cantilevered carbon nanotubes.