A multi-stage vacuum pump, expander, or compressor, that incorporates one or more stages of a fixed scroll(s) and orbiting scroll(s) that operates simultaneously. The motor drives the orbiting scroll(s) within the structure, and the various fixed and orbiting scrolls are arranged for either parallel generation of a vacuum or high pressure gas, or arranged in series for generating of a significantly high vacuum or gaseous pressure, or a combination of parallel arranged and series arranged fixed and orbiting scrolls may be embodied within the structure, operated by a single motor means, in order to attain the high efficiencies of operation as a vacuum pump, or a gaseous compressor, during its functioning. The various combinations of orbiting and fixed scrolls, when arranged as aforesaid, can be reduced in size, or miniaturized, and used in conjunction with small appliances, or even in hand-held instruments, as for example, for use in conducting mass spectrometry, or for other purposes. The actual structure of the multi-stage devices can include the fixed and orbiting scrolls adjacent the motor, or the singular motor may be located intermediate various stages of the formed vacuum pump/compressor, in its assembly.