Patent ID: 6856073
Filing Date: 2005-02-15
Classification: F04B

Abstract:
1. An electro-active device for control of fluid movement, comprising: a ferroelectric material defining a first surface and a second surface opposing said first surface, wherein said first surface and said second surface lie in substantially parallel planes; a first electrode pattern coupled to a portion of said first surface to define a first side of a piezo-diaphragm; a second electrode pattern coupled to a portion of said second surface to define a second side of said piezo-diaphragm, wherein said first electrode pattern and said second electrode pattern are configured to introduce an electric field into said ferroelectric material when said first electrode pattern and said second electrode pattern have voltage applied thereto, said electric field originating at a region of said ferroelectric material between said first electrode pattern and said second electrode pattern, said electric field extending radially outward from said region of said ferroelectric material and substantially parallel to said first surface and said second surface, whereby said piezo-diaphragm correspondingly deflects symmetrically about said region in a direction substantially perpendicular to said electric field; means for coupling said piezo-diaphragm, said means for coupling extending radially outward from said piezo-diaphragm so as to define an annular region that circumferentially surrounds said piezo-diaphragm; and a housing connected to said annular region, said housing defining at least one fluid flow path therethrough, said piezo-diaphragm being disposed in said at least one fluid flow path.