Electroactive polymer-based pump
First Claim
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1. A pumping device, comprising:
- a first member having a passageway formed therethrough;
a central hub disposed within the first member; and
a plurality of actuators mated to the central hub and adapted to change shape upon the application of energy thereto such that sequential activation of the plurality of actuators is adapted to create a pumping action to move fluid through the first member.
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Abstract
Methods and devices for pumping fluid are disclosed herein. In one exemplary embodiment, a pump is provided having a first member with a passageway formed therethrough, and a plurality of electrically expandable actuators in communication with the first member and adapted to change shape upon the application of energy thereto such that sequential activation of the activators can create a pumping action to move fluid through the first member.
130 Citations
25 Claims
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1. A pumping device, comprising:
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a first member having a passageway formed therethrough; a central hub disposed within the first member; and a plurality of actuators mated to the central hub and adapted to change shape upon the application of energy thereto such that sequential activation of the plurality of actuators is adapted to create a pumping action to move fluid through the first member. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of pumping fluid, comprising:
sequentially delivering energy to a series of electroactive polymer actuators mated to a central hub to move the central hub and thereby pump fluid through a passageway in communication with the electroactive polymer actuators. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A pumping device, comprising:
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an elongate member having first and second pathways formed therethrough; a plurality of actuators in communication with the elongate member and adapted to change shape upon the application of energy thereto such that sequential activation of the plurality of actuators is adapted to create a pumping action to move fluid through one of the first and second pathways. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification