Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus for pumping fluid at a steady rate. A first drive chamber having a movable outer surface, and a second drive chamber having a movable outer surface are provided. The apparatus further includes a block having a plurality of internal passages including a first passage for receiving the fluid into the block and a second passage for discharging the fluid from the block at the steady rate. The block has first and second internal chambers which are in fluid connection with the first and second passages. The first internal chamber has a first flexible surface for mating with the movable outer surface of the first drive chamber, and the second internal chamber has a second flexible surface for mating with the movable outer surface of the second drive chamber. At least one actuator is provided for applying positive pressure to the first flexible surface while simultaneously applying negative pressure to the second flexible surface and for applying negative pressure to the first flexible surface while simultaneously applying positive pressure to the second flexible surface. The actuator is respectively coupled to the first and second flexible surfaces by the first and second drive chambers.

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First Claim