ELECTROACTIVE POLYMER ACTUATED DEVICES
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Devices employing electroactive polymer actuators are disclosed. The devices include pumps, valves, cameras (where electroactive polymer actuators control either one or both of zoom and focus), vibrators (for inclusion in cell phones, game console controls, etc.) and audio speakers. These devices advantageously incorporate the actuator configurations described. The devices generally incorporate a diaphragm-type actuation having a central section of material that is less flexible than adjacent material.
98 Citations
36 Claims
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1-23. -23. (canceled)
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24. An electroactive polymer transducer driven speaker comprising:
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at least two of low, mid and high range drivers, each driver comprising an outer structure, an inner structure and electroactive polymer material stretched between the outer structure and the inner structure to form a diaphragm, wherein the diaphragm comprises a central portion that is less flexible than adjacent material, wherein the motion of the diaphragm upon application of voltage provides for output from the device. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26)
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28. An electroactive polymer transducer driven pulp comprising:
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a housing; electroactive polymer material; and a fluid chamber formed between the housing and the electroactive polymer material wherein the material is stretched within a frame to form a diaphragm, wherein the diaphragm comprises a central portion that is less flexible than adjacent material; wherein the motion of the diaphragm upon application of voltage moves fluid. - View Dependent Claims (29, 31, 32, 33, 34)
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30. The pump of claim 39, wherein the check valves are offset from the diaphragm.
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35. An electroactive polymer transducer driven vibrator comprising:
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an open frame and electroactive polymer material stretched within the frame to form a diaphragm, wherein the diaphragm comprises a central portion that is less flexible than adjacent material; and a weight attached to the central portion; wherein the motion of the diaphragm upon application of voltage provides for output from the vibrator to a user interface. - View Dependent Claims (36)
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Specification