Liquid ejection pump system

A fluid pump comprising:

• a wall having an opening therein, the wall configured to confine a fluid;
• and
• means for forming a bubble in the fluid near the opening in the wall;
• wherein the opening is configured so that a collapse of the bubble forms a liquid jet that urges a quantity of the fluid through the opening in the wall.

A fluid pump comprising:

• a wall having an opening therein, the wall configured to confine a fluid;
• and
• a first source of electrical potential in electrical contact with the fluid;
• wherein the source of electrical potential is operable to conduct an electric current through the fluid;
• wherein the opening is configured so that the electric current flowing through the fluid expands a bubble in the fluid at a location near the opening;
• and
• wherein the opening is configured so that a collapse of the expanded bubble forms a liquid jet that urges a quantity of the fluid through the opening in the wall.

A fluid pump comprising:

• a wall having an opening therein, the wall configured to confine a fluid;
• a first source of electrical potential;
• a first electrode, wherein the first source of electrical potential is in electrical contact with the fluid through the first electrode;
• a second source of electrical potential different from that of the of the first source of electrical potential,
• a second electrode, wherein the second source of electrical potential is in electrical contact with the fluid through the second electrode;
• and
• a switch between at least one of the first and second electrode and its corresponding source of electrical potential;
• wherein the switch is operable to control a flow of electrical current through the fluid between the first and second electrodes;
• wherein the opening is configured so that the electric current flowing through the fluid expands a bubble in the fluid at a location near the opening;
• and
• wherein the opening is configured so that a collapse of the expanded bubble forms a liquid jet that urges a quantity of the fluid through the opening in the wall.

A method for pumping fluid through a wall, the method comprising:

• forming a bubble in the fluid near an opening in a solid wall;
• collapsing the bubble, wherein the collapse of the bubble forms a fluid jet directed toward the wall;
• and
• urging fluid through the opening by force applied by the fluid jet.