Patent ID: 6685442
Filing Date: 2004-02-03
Classification: B01L,F04B,F15C,F16K,G01N

Abstract:
An actuator assembly, comprising:a nonconductive housing having an exterior surface wall and first and second interior recessed portions, wherein said first and second interior portions are separated by a porous member; a plug assembly, comprising a conductive polymer plug having a top and a bottom surface, a first electrode disposed on and in contact with said top surface, and a second electrode disposed on and in contact with said bottom surface, wherein said conductive polymer plug is doped with an electrolyte solution comprising solvent coordinated anions, said plug assembly disposed in and filling said first recessed portion; a quantity of said electrolyte solution filling said second recessed portion; flexible means for covering and sealing said first and second recessed portions; and means for applying an electric potential across said top and bottom surface of said conductive polymer plug, wherein applying said electric potential to said first and second electrodes causes said solvent coordinated anions to migrate through said porous member and into said conductive polymer plug thereby causing said conductive polymer plug to increase in volume and cause said flexible means covering said conductive polymer plug to expand outward.