Helically actuated positive-displacement pump and method

Abstract

First and second structures are connected by helical fibers. The orientation between the first and second structures are changed, and by doing so, the positions of the helical fibers are correspondingly changed. The position of change of the helical fibers can be used for a pumping effect, or to change some other fluidic characteristics. One other fluidic characteristic, for example, may use the movement of the helical fibers as a valve.

1 . A fluid-characteristic changing structure, comprising:
 first and second structures, at least one of which is movable relative to the other; and   a plurality of spring-biased connecting parts, connecting said first and second structures, moving to change a fluidic characteristic of a chamber defined between said connecting parts.   
     
     
         2 . A structure as in  claim 1 , wherein said at least one of said first and second structures are rotatable relative to the other. 
     
     
         3 . A structure as in  claim 1 , wherein said at least one of said first and second structures are movable in an axial direction, which extends between said structures, relative to the other. 
     
     
         4 . A structure as in  claim 1 , wherein said at least one of said first and second structures are tiltable relative to the other. 
     
     
         5 . A structure as in  claim 1 , wherein said spring biased connecting parts cause a fluid pump operation as said change in fluidic characteristic. 
     
     
         6 . A structure as in  claim 1 , wherein said spring biased connecting parts, cause an operation that reduces a size of a fluidic conduit as said change in fluidic characteristic. 
     
     
         7 . A structure as in  claim 1 , wherein said spring biased connecting parts are helical materials. 
     
     
         8 . A structure as in  claim 7 , wherein said spring biased connecting parts are connected between said first and second structures, wherein said first and second structures are substantially round, and a combination of said spring biased connecting parts and said first and second structures form an elliptical chamber, and wherein movement of said first and second structures changes the shape of said elliptical chamber to pump a fluid that is within said elliptical chamber. 
     
     
         9 . A structure as in  claim 8 , wherein said helical materials are materials from the group consisting of helical fibers, helical rings, or helical bands. 
     
     
         10 . A structure as in  claim 8 , further comprising at least one motor, which rotates at least one of said first and second structures relative to the other. 
     
     
         11 . A structure as in  claim 8 , further comprising at least one actuator which actuates to change at least one of tensile or compressive forces along the helical materials. 
     
     
         12 . A structure as in  claim 8 , further comprising third and fourth structures, movable relative to one another, and a plurality of spring based connecting parts connecting said third and fourth structures, collectively forming a valve, said valve being actuated in synchronization with changing of the shape of said elliptical chamber. 
     
     
         13 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . An apparatus, comprising:
 first and second substantially ring-shaped structures;   a plurality of helical connecting parts, connecting between said first and second substantially ring shaped structures; and   an actuating part, which is actuated to change an orientation of said first and second ring-shaped structures to cause a change in fluidic characteristic.   
     
     
         22 . An apparatus as in  claim 21 , wherein said actuating part changes a volume of the chamber to cause a pumping effect as said changing fluidic characteristic. 
     
     
         23 . An apparatus as in  claim 21 , wherein said actuating part changes a fluidic cross-section of a conduit as said change in fluidic characteristic. 
     
     
         24 . An apparatus as in  claim 21 , wherein said apparatus is installed in a body cavity to use for blood flow.