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Electroactive polymer devices for controlling fluid flow

  • US 7,971,850 B2
  • Filed: 03/25/2010
  • Issued: 07/05/2011
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/20/1999
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A device for controlling fluid flow, the device comprising:

  • at least one transducer comprising an electroactive polymer having at least a first and second electroactive polymer portion comprising respectively a first and second active area, the first and second active areas, each having a first and a second electrode in electrical communication with the respective portion of the electroactive polymer, wherein at least the first electroactive polymer portion is arranged to deflect from a first position to a second position in response to a change in electric field; and

    at least one surface in contact with a fluid and operatively coupled to the transducer, wherein the deflection of at least the first electroactive polymer portion causes a change in a characteristic of the fluid that is transmitted to the fluid via the one surface, wherein the electroactive polymer has an elastic modulus below about 100 MPa.

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