Abstract:
Artificial stoma formed with multilayered structures that actuate with humidity, temperature, chemical environment or light. These actuators can be incorporated into shoes, apparel, fuel cells, machinery, and buildings to control fluid flow or diffusion to regulate humidity, temperature, chemical environment, or light. These actuators can be used as sensors, modify structure, or appearance for greater function, comfort, or aesthetics.

Description:
[0001]     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/765,607 filed Feb. 6, 2006. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The development of devices that are functional over a wide range of environments, such as apparel, fuel cells, and catalytic heaters, has led to the need to regulate the diffusion and flow of fluids, moisture, volatile gases, and temperature. This in turn has led to an aperture control device to regulate the diffusion or flow of reactants across a barrier to control humidity, molecular content, or temperature of a space. In most cases this is a planar barrier but in a few cases the barrier is a polymorphic surface barrier between to volumes or a surface and a volume such as the air and skin of a human. In the past we have used a selectively permeable membrane to regulate moisture to the surface of skin of a human or regulated the delivery of fuel to a catalytic burner or fuel cells, but these membranes do not offer the dynamic range that can be obtained with opening and closing of apertures. Utilizing apertures leads to greater dynamic range in performance and can lead to better performance of said applications. In animal and plant systems there are examples of moisture and heat actuating and regulating systems. Probably the best known are the stoma on plants and pores of human skin which regulate the water content and temperature inside leaves by opening when hot or high water content and closing when water content is low.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     The basic components of this invention are: 
    Laminate or bi-material actuated mechanical assemblies that are built as part of a membrane or structure.     Laminate actuated mechanical assemblies that actuate on humidity and/or temperature.     Porous membranes or barrier with apertures     Multiple membranes with random defined apertures.     Multiple membranes with non-random apertures.     Reactive components to produce the mechanical motion and control mass transfer.     Changes in presence of chemical vapor changes other than water and actuates mechanical motion or controls opening and closing of apertures.     Temperature changes produce the mechanical motion and opening or closings of apertures.     Differential pressure across the barrier produces the mechanical closing or opening force.     Light interacts with the actuator producing opening or closing.     Electrical interactions with the actuator producing motion or force.     The aperture membranes have voids between them. When there are voids between the membranes there is low resistance to the diffusion or flow of fluids. When the aperture membranes are compressed together to touch or be near touching the fluid flow or diffusion resistance is high.     Adjacent membranes have a bumpy texture to separate themselves. Intervening membranes may be permeable and chemically reactive and may also provide the separating force mechanism that separates two aperture membranes     A plethora of small actuating valves in sheet form to control flow or diffusion.     Intrinsic indirect or baffled flow routes to block sharp objects and particulates.     Combined with filters to capture or repel particulate.     Combined with chemical reactants and coatings such as titanium oxide and activated charcoal to react with the fluid.     Combined with wicking materials and water absorbents.     Mechanically or electrically coupled actuators to actuate valves, create indicators, sensors, or interact with electrical devices. 
 
 EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION: 
   
 
         [0023]     A simple example of a laminate actuator composed of two materials (bi-material actuation) one that swells when exposed to high humidity and another that does not. The two materials are joined, as planar layers at low humidity conditions. When this laminate is exposed to high humidity, the swelling layer expands. This expansion is constrained on one side by the non-expanding sheet. This asymmetric expansion of the laminate causes the layered sheet to bend. If the bending is constrained it will result in a curling force from the layered sheet.  
         [0024]     Several other material expansion and contraction effects can be used to create laminate actuators. Multiple layers and multiple actuators can also be used to create desirable characteristics. If an expansion or contraction effect in a material is known, laminate and bi-material actuators performances can be predicted. Currently the data most available on material expansion is from humidity and temperature effects. So humidity and temperature actuators are the most convenient to predict and engineer into actuators. To predict the basic performance of humidity or temperature bi-material systems the following sample study of material properties was done.  
         [0000]     Humidity Expansion Material Component  
         [0000]     Definitions:  
         [0025]     Humidity Coefficient Expansion: is the fraction expansion of a material per unit of relative humidity change. It can be expressed also as a percentage expansion divided by percentage change in relative humidity.  
         [0026]     Modulus of Elasticity: is the internal pressure in a material (stress) when that material is compressed or stretched a fraction of its original dimensions (strain).  
         [0027]     We define a figure of merit for the humidity expanding materials as Humidity Modulus as: Humidity Coefficient Expansion X Modulus of elasticity=Humidity Modulus (pressure/relative humidity)  
         [0028]     Tensile Strength: is the maximum internal pressure (stress) that the material can reach before yielding in tension.  
         [0029]     Materials:  
                                                                                 Product of humidity               Humidity       coefficient of           Coefficient of   Modulus   expansion times the           Expansion   of   tensile modulus           (% expansion/   Elasticity   (GPa/% relative   Tensile           relative   (GPa) (in   humidity) (Humidity   Strength       Material   humidity)   tension)   Modulus)   (MPa)                                Nafion   0.19   0.31   0.059   36       DAIS   0.06   0.06   0.036   23       Cellulose   .019-.065   .68-2.8   .013-.18    13-57       Acetate       Nylon-6   .027   1.8-2.8   .049-.076   48-82       Polyimide   .000022   2.9   .000064   241       Polyester   .000012   3.9   .000047   206       Polyaramid   .000025   14.7   .00037   245       Polyimide   0.002   &gt;47   .094   234       50% glass       fiber                  
 
         [0030]     The typical humidity actuator is composed of two materials: the substrate material being porous polyimide, with a high modulus of elasticity and unaffected by humidity. The second material such as Nafion or DAIS typically has a modulus of elasticity at least 10 times lower than the substrate material and has a high humidity modulus.  
         [0031]     The force from a single linear element is proportional to the humidity coefficient of expansion times the modulus of elasticity times the change in humidity. The product of the humidity coefficient of expansion times the modulus of elasticity is a useful figure of merit for identifying and comparing materials suitable for actuators.  
         [0032]     The bi-material laminate shear force is proportional to the difference in humidity coefficient of expansion times the modulus of elasticity times the change in humidity. The practical result is that the higher the force than can be obtained per unit of relative humidity change, the higher the capability of the actuator to overcome resistive forces such as friction and gravity.  
         [0033]     The radius of curvature of a bi-material strip due to a humidity change is proportional to the thickness of the materials divided by the difference in humidity coefficients of expansion and the change in relative humidity. The practical result is that small radius of curvature actuation is obtained by using thin substrates and high humidity coefficients of expansion. The amount of actuation (curl or rotation) is proportional to the difference in the humidity coefficients of expansion of the two materials and the change in relative humidity. When working against a force, the amount of actuation (curl or rotation) is proportional to the humidity modulus times the change in relative humidity and thickness.  
         [0034]     Another feature of thin layered material is that the diffusion rate through the thin layer is rapid. If the substrate material is porous it also allows diffusion access and the actuation rate can be almost doubled.  
         [0000]     Temperature Expansion Material Component  
         [0000]     Definitions:  
         [0035]     Thermal Coefficient of Expansion: Percentage of expansion coefficient per temperature change.  
                                                                 Thermal       Thermal Elastic           Coefficient of   Modulus of   Modulus       Material   Expansion   Elasticity (MPa)   (MPa/° C.)                                Crystalline     71 × 10 −5 /° C.   &gt;400   &gt;.3       Polyacrylates       Low Density   10-20 × 10 −5 /° C.   97-262   .0097-.052       Polyethylene       Polyester glass    1.8-3 × 10 −5 /° C.   3,450-10,300   .062-.30       reinforced       Polyimide     5 × 10 −5 /° C.   2,900   .15       Polyaramid     0.2 × 10 −5 /° C.   14,700   .029       Polyester    −18.0 × 10 −5 /° C.   3900   −0.70       (Melinex)                  
 
         [0036]     The force from a single linear element is proportional to the thermal elastic modulus times the change in temperature.  
         [0037]     The bi-material composite layer shear force is proportional to the difference in coefficient of expansion times the modulus of elasticity times the change in temperature. The practical result is the higher the force than can be obtained per unit of temperature the higher the coefficient of expansion difference times the modulus of elasticity and the actuators ability to overcome resistive forces such as friction and gravity.  
         [0038]     The radius of curvature of a bi-material strip (structure) due to a temperature change is proportional to the thickness of the layers divided by the difference in thermal expansion coefficient and the change in temperature. The practical result is that small radius of curvature actuation is obtained by using thin layers and low modulus of elasticity. The amount of actuation (curl) is proportional to the difference in the coefficient of expansion and the change in temperature. In other words the rotation of an actuator, flap, or door is proportional to the temperature and the difference in the coefficients of expansion. The force of that actuator will be proportional to the difference in coefficients of expansion, the temperature difference, the thickness of the materials, and the modulus of elasticity of each.  
         [0039]     The thinner systems have a faster response time to changes in temperature because of the lower heat capacity.  
         [0000]     Other Expansion Material Components  
         [0040]     Other systems of actuation with a change in chemical environment or delivered electromagnetic energy should follow similar relationships to the temperature and humidity actuation if the environmental change causes differential expansion or contraction of bi-material or multiple layer systems.  
         [0041]     An example of a material that expands and contracts to chemical environments is the expansion of urethane when exposed to methanol. The urethane membrane can be thermally laminated to a porous polyimide substrate. The porous substrate improves the adhesion between the two materials by interpenetration of the two materials. The porous substrate also permits diffusion of the methanol and thereby increasing the access rate of methanol to the urethane layer from all sides. This increases the responsiveness of the actuator. When this bi-material system is exposed to methanol vapor the urethane expands and the bi-material bends.  
         [0042]     An example of a bi-material system that curls with hydrogen content is a palladium membrane coated on a porous polyimide substrate system. The palladium can expand up to 5% at 100% hydrogen content around the actuator. The porous substrate improves the adhesion between the two materials by interpenetration of the two materials. The porous substrate also permits diffusion of the hydrogen and thereby increasing the access rate of hydrogen to the palladium layer from all sides. This increases the responsiveness of the actuator.  
         [0043]     An example of a material that expands and contracts with electrical stimulation is Nafion. When an ion current flows through Nafion water molecules are moved across by ion drag. This causes the side that receives the ions and water molecules to expand and the side that is depleted of water to contract. A bi-material structure can be made with the Nafion coupled with a material insensitive to water to acts as the structural support such as porous polyimide.  
         [0044]     An example of a light stimulated actuation is where the light stimulates a chemical reaction, such as forming hydrogen gas from methanol with light interacting with titanium dioxide photo catalysts suspended in an electrolyte (Nada et. al.) where the hydrogen gas creates an expansion force and actuates a membrane The hydrogen can make a material such as a metal, such as a film of palladium or titanium, swell to create mechanical force or the hydrogen can be contained as pressurized gas pockets and expand a material. In this system the methanol, or other hydrocarbons such as ethanol, lactic acid are liquids dissolved in the electrolyte. The electrolyte can be a solid polymer electrolyte such as Nafion, or DAIS. The electrolyte can be surrounded by a fiberglass network or porous polymer matrix. The hydrogen gas created with the interaction with light forms bubbles in a plastic matrix that then pressurizes the material. When the light source is removed the photo catalyst gradually oxidizes the hydrogen or the hydrogen diffuses out of the matrix and relaxes the actuation.  
         [0000]     Aperture and Valve Systems  
         [0045]     From the basic bi-material actuation effect a system of utilizing the actuation needs to occur to form a useful device. Our first actuators open or close a cover over an aperture. We will describe this system in detail in preferred embodiments, but several other following actuation systems shall be mentioned.  
         [0046]     Another embodiment of valves of two or more porous layers of organized or randomly positioned sparsely populated distinct pores such as an etched nuclear particle tracked membrane. Due to the randomness and sparse placement, the pores will rarely line up so most of the pores will seal against the adjacent membrane. These aperture membranes can be held together or pulled apart by the actuator, which is either laminated to the aperture membranes, or at least one of the aperture membranes is a bi-material, with the actuating membrane component being permeable to fluids or diffusion.  
         [0047]     A new application of the laminate material actuators is to use the actuation valve response for one chemical to regulate flow of another. A material that swells with a specific chemical such as water to a hydro-gel, can be used to control the diffusion of methanol. The hydro-gel expands with water but not with alcohol in a mixture. An example of this control is in fueling fuel cells with the diffusion of methanol fuel at a desirable low concentration, from a high concentration fuel supply. When the fuel cell is operating and producing water the membrane is actuated open and increases the diffusion of methanol. When the fuel cell is idling the production of water is low causing the membrane apertures to close and reduces the diffusion delivery rate of methanol, thereby creating a self-regulating fuel delivery system that delivers methanol fuel when it is needed.  
         [0048]     It is desirable in some applications to have membranes that change their permeability with heat and in particular, membranes that reduce their permeability as we raise the temperature such as stabilizing a fueled heat reaction. We could use Bi-material membranes or components, that when they go above a certain temperature, deform and cause the valve membranes to close and seal. This can provide a negative feedback loop to the fueling of a heat generating reaction of system; throttling the fuel delivery and power output above a certain temperature.  
         [0049]     In some applications the actuated valves can also serve as one way valves to flow. A flap valve with a moisture swelling and a non-swelling component to create mechanical curl to achieve an opening and can also be used as a fluid valve. In flap valve designs we have coated or laminated asymmetrical flaps with a material that expands when humidified and creates a high mechanical force with that expansion. This same flap valve can act as a one-way fluid flow valve. Unique applications are in apparel where periodic body movement can create air flow pumping in shoes, socks, gloves, pants and jackets. Other applications are in buildings and in boat air vents that open passively with humidity or temperature and will permit low flow rates in either direction. But can be forced open with a blower in one direction and will seal shut against forced air or liquid flow in the reverse direction.  
         [0050]     The bi-material actuators can be combined with piezoelectric actuation and other actuation mechanisms that can permit the actuators to be actively moved. The bi-material actuators can be pumps of fluids if the actuators are made to mechanically oscillate. Piezoelectric systems can be created with the bi-material actuators and electrodes that will allow the actuators to have electrical outputs or inputs, thus the actuators can also work as sensors with electrical outputs. These actuators can sense humidity, temperature, airflow, heat flow, vibrations, sound, and light. The bi-material actuators can form a basic component to many systems.  
         [0051]     The laminate actuator can be combined with our pending patent U.S. Ser. No. 11/064961 “Photocatalysts, electrets, and hydrophobic surfaces used to filter and clean and disinfect and deodorize”. The actuated vems may be coated with photocatalyts, to be electrostatic or be hydrophobic to be self cleaning and disinfecting and deodorizing.  
         [0052]     The laminate actuator can be combined with our pending catalytic heater and fuel delivery application U.S. Ser. No. 60/327,310 “Membrane Catalytic Heater” to control the diffusion or fluid flow of fuel or oxygen.  
         [0053]     The laminate actuator can be combined with our pending U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/682,293 “Insect repellent and attractant and auto-thermostatic membrane vapor control delivery system”. The actuated vents can open to enable scents to diffuse and/or control the delivery of chemical fuels by diffusion or by fluid flow within the desired temperature range that is the active temperatures for mosquitoes.  
         [0054]     The laminate actuator can be combined with our Fuel Cell U.S. Pat. No. 5,631,099 “Surface Replica Fuel Cell”, U.S. Pat. No. 5,759,712 Surface Replica Fuel Cell for Micro Fuel Cell Electrical Power Pack”, U.S. Pat. No. 6,326,097 B1 “Micro-Fuel Cell Power Devices”, U.S. Pat. No. 6,194,095 “Non-Bipolar Fuel Cell Stack Configuration”, U.S. Pat. No. 6,630,266 “Diffusion Fuel Ampoules for Fuel Cells” B2 U.S. Pat. No. 6,645,651 B2 “Fuel Generation with Diffusion Ampoules for Fuel Cells”. In all these patents the reactants, products, humidity, and temperature can be controlled with laminate material actuators.  
         [0055]     These and further and other objects and features of the invention are apparent in the disclosure, which includes the above and ongoing written specification, with the claims and the drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0056]      FIG. 1A  shows a bi-material actuated flap valve (thermal, humidity, or chemical actuated) cross-section view.  
         [0057]      FIG. 1B  shows a single flap valve oblique view.  
         [0058]      FIG. 2A  shows the humidity and temperature actuating flap valves shown open cross-sectional view.  
         [0059]      FIG. 2B  shows flap valve bottom view.  
         [0060]      FIG. 3A  shows opposing temperature, humidity, and piezoelectric actuators&#39;cross-sectional view.  
         [0061]      FIG. 3B  shows opposing actuation temperature and humidity and electrode sensitivity underside view.  
         [0062]      FIG. 4A  shows piezoelectric and thermal or humidity actuation.  
         [0063]      FIG. 4B  shows piezoelectric and thermal or humidity actuation bottom view.  
         [0064]      FIG. 5A  shows a side view of stacked actuated flap arrays actuated open.  
         [0065]      FIG. 5B  shows a side view of stacked actuated flap arrays actuated closed.  
         [0066]      FIG. 6A  shows a cross-sectional view of an actuated vent membrane and aperture membranes.  
         [0067]      FIG. 6B  shows non-actuated membrane in the closed mode cross-sectional view.  
         [0068]      FIG. 7  shows offset patterns of apertures of the fixed apertures of the actuated aperture membrane.  
         [0069]      FIG. 8A  shows actuated membrane with slit patterns and actuating elements on either sides of membrane.  
         [0070]      FIG. 8B  shows actuated membrane with slit patterns top view.  
         [0071]      FIG. 9  shows hexagonal flaps and hexagonal lattice.  
         [0072]      FIG. 10  shows square flaps with square lattice.  
         [0073]      FIG. 11  shows triangular flaps with square lattice.  
         [0074]      FIG. 12  shows triangular flaps with hexagonal lattice.  
         [0075]      FIG. 13  shows triangular flaps with square lattice.  
         [0076]      FIG. 14A  shows opened actuated actuator flap with encapsulated swelling material cross-sectional view.  
         [0077]      FIG. 14B  shows closed actuated flap with encapsulated swelling material cross-sectional view.  
         [0078]      FIG. 15  shows heel portion of shoe sole cross-section view.  
         [0079]      FIG. 16  shows sole assembly exploded view.  
         [0080]      FIG. 17  shows underside view of shoe sole.  
         [0081]      FIG. 19A  shows transverse valve opening actuation with two (push-pull) actuators.  
         [0082]      FIG. 19B  shows transverse actuated membrane with flow blocked.  
         [0083]      FIG. 20A  shows stacked bi-material actuators and valve-closed position.  
         [0084]      FIG. 20B  shows stacked bi-material actuators and valve open position.  
         [0085]      FIG. 21  shows bi-material coil with airflow perforation cross-sectional view.  
         [0086]      FIG. 22A  shows bi-material actuation fabric.  
         [0087]      FIG. 22B  shows cylinder extruded bi-material fiber cross-sectional and side view.  
         [0088]      FIG. 22C  shows rectangular strip of bi-material fiber.  
         [0089]      FIG. 22D  shows twist wrap-around coating fiber.  
         [0090]      FIG. 22E  shows “S” coating fiber un-actuated cross-section and side view.  
         [0091]      FIG. 22F  shows cold sensitized coated “S” fiber isometric view.  
         [0092]      FIG. 23A  shows contracted spring helix with twist coated fiber side view.  
         [0093]      FIG. 23B  shows an expanded spring helix with twist coated fiber.  
         [0094]      FIG. 24A  shows actuating X-slit with black material underneath, light (or heat) sensitive actuator (Cold Curled), side and cross-sectioned view.  
         [0095]      FIG. 24B  shows heated/warm light sensitive bi-material actuator (Warm enough that light is reflected while flaps lay flat), cross-section with isometric view.  
         [0096]      FIG. 25  shows active actuator shoe side view.  
         [0097]      FIG. 26A  shows directionally reinforced (coated) bi-material actuator.  
         [0098]      FIG. 26B  shows groove directionally reinforced bi-material actuator.  
         [0099]      FIG. 27  shows pinwheel apertures with sharp edges.  
         [0100]      FIG. 28  shows pinwheel aperture with curves.  
         [0101]      FIG. 29  shows three-dimensional plot of a mathematical description of an elastic polymorphic surface membrane.  
         [0102]      FIG. 30A  shows cross-sectional view of the un-actuated bi-material polymorphic surface.  
         [0103]      FIG. 30B  shows cross-sectional view of the actuated bi-material polymorphic surface.  
         [0104]      FIG. 30C  shows underside view of the actuated bi-material polymorphic surface.  
         [0105]      FIG. 31A  Actuators on fiber in low stress, actuator down-mode.  
         [0106]      FIG. 31B  Actuators on fiber in high stress, actuator up-mode. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0107]      FIG. 1A  shows a bi-material actuated flap valve (thermal, humidity, or chemical actuated) cross-section view. 
    1. Non-expanding substrate material     2. Expansion material bonded to substrate material     3. Opening aperture created by the flap actuation     4. Humidity, heat, or chemical interaction to expand material     5. Air flow or diffusion through open flap     6. Non-expanding substrate     7. Expansion material      
         [0115]      FIG. 1B  shows a single flap valve oblique view. 
    10. Flap valve     11. Low expansion coefficient material     12. High expansion coefficient material     13. Low expansion coefficient material     14. High expansion coefficient material     15. Open aperture     16. High expansion coefficient material     17. Low expansion coefficient material      
         [0124]      FIG. 2A  shows the humidity and temperature actuating flap valves shown open cross-sectional view. 
    20. Flap valve     21. Aperture opened     22. High humidity coefficient of expansion material     23. Low coefficient of expansion material and substrate     24. Temperature sensitive high expansion coefficient coating     25. Humidity sensitive high expansion coefficient coating      
         [0131]      FIG. 2B  shows flap valve bottom view. 
    30. High coefficient of expansion material coating     31. Cut out aperture     32. Low coefficient of expansion material flap     33. Channel when aperture is open     34. Low coefficient of expansion material     35. Channel when aperture open     36. Channel when aperture open     37. Channel when aperture open      
         [0140]      FIG. 3A  shows opposing temperature, humidity, and piezoelectric actuators&#39;cross-sectional view. 
    40. High expansion temperature coefficient material     41. Low coefficient of expansion substrate piezoelectric     42. Open aperture     43. Substrate material     44. High expansion temperature coefficient material     45. Electrode     46. High humidity expansion coefficient material     47. High humidity expansion coefficient material     48. Electrode      
         [0150]      FIG. 3B  shows opposing actuation temperature and humidity and electrode sensitivity underside view. 
    50. Substrate material     51. Cutout region of flap     52. Flap     53. High humidity expansion coefficient material     54. Electrical circuit patterns     55. Electrical contact to piezoelectric or electrochemical cell     56. High expansion temperature coefficient material      
         [0158]      FIG. 4A  shows piezoelectric and thermal or humidity actuation. 
    60. Electrode     61. Piezoelectric material     62. Humidity or temperature low expansion material     63. Substrate material     64. Humidity or temperature sensitive material     65. Opened aperture     66. Substrate material     67. Electrode     68. Piezoelectric material      
         [0168]      FIG. 4B  shows piezoelectric and thermal or humidity actuation bottom view. 
    70. Electrode     71. Clearance slit between flap and substrate material     72. Humidity or temperature non-sensitive material     73. Flap substrate material     74. Open aperture     75. Substrate material      
         [0175]      FIG. 5A  shows a side view of stacked actuated flap arrays actuated open. 
    80. Actuated flap     81. Substrate frame     83. Second layer of actuated flaps and frame sheet     84. Third sheet of actuated flaps and frames      
         [0180]      FIG. 5B  shows a side view of stacked actuated flap arrays actuated closed. 
    90. Closed down actuated flap     91. Frame sheet     92. Second sheet of flaps and apertures     93. Third sheet of flaps and apertures      
         [0185]      FIG. 6A  shows actuated vent membrane and aperture membranes.  
         [0000]     Cross-sectional View  
         [0000]    
       
          100. Fixed apertures  
          101. Fixed aperture membrane  
          102. Actuating element (expanded due to temperature or humidity)  
          103. Diffusion or flow though apertures  
          104. Actuation membrane substrate  
          105. Actuation element on opposite side (expands due to humidity or temperature)  
          106. Second fixed aperture membrane  
          107. Apertures in second fixed aperture membrane  
          108. Actuated membrane apertures  
          109. The inner space gap between membranes  
          110. The inner space gap between membranes  
          111. Sealer made of flexible material  
       
     
         [0198]      FIG. 6B  shows non-actuated membrane in the closed mode cross-sectional view. 
    119. Sealing coating     120. Fixed apertures     121. Fixed aperture membrane     122. Actuation element (contracted)     123. Actuated membrane aperture     124. Actuation membrane substrate     125. Second side actuation element     126. Second gas gap between membranes     127. Aperture in second fixed membrane     128. Fixed membrane apertures     129. Sealing coating      
         [0210]      FIG. 7  shows offset patterns of apertures of the fixed apertures of the actuated aperture membrane. 
    130. Fixed aperture on top     132. Aperture in a second membrane beneath the fixed apertures      
         [0213]      FIG. 8A  shows actuated membrane with slit patterns and actuating elements on either sides of membrane. 
    140. Substrate material (flexible)     141. Substrate material     142. Actuating element     143. Actuating element     144. Actuating element      
         [0219]      FIG. 8B  shows actuated membrane with slit patterns top view. 
    150. Substrate material     151. Slot or cut in the substrate material     152. Actuating element or coating     153. Cut in substrate      
         [0224]      FIG. 9  shows hexagonal flaps and hexagonal lattice. 
    160. Slit     161. Flap     163. Hexagonal lattice     169. Bend point      
         [0229]      FIG. 10  shows square flaps with square lattice. 
    170. Slit     171. Flap     172. Bend point     173. Square lattice      
         [0234]      FIG. 11  shows triangular flaps with square lattice. 
    180. Slit     181. Triangular flap     182. Bend point     183. Square lattice      
         [0239]      FIG. 12  shows triangular flaps with hexagonal lattice. 
    190. Slit     191. Triangular flap     192. Bend point     193. Hexagonal lattice      
         [0244]      FIG. 13  shows triangular flaps with square lattice. 
    200. Slit     201. Flap     202. Bend line     203. Square lattice      
         [0249]      FIG. 14A  shows opened actuated actuator flap with encapsulated swelling material cross-sectional view. 
    210. Substrate material flap (curled)     211. Aperture cut in     212. Expanding material expanded     213. Permeable encapsulate of expanding material     214. Substrate material frame      
         [0255]      FIG. 14B  shows closed actuated flap with encapsulated swelling material cross-sectional view. 
    220. Substrate material contracted     221. Gap between flap and substrate     222. Contracted material encapsulated     223. Permeable encapsulate of expanding material     224. Substrate material frame      
         [0261]      FIG. 15  shows heel portion of shoe sole cross-section view. 
    230. Upper sole piece     231. Formed air channels in upper sole (tilted)     232. Formed air channels in upper sole (tilted)     233. Parallel air channels in upper sole (tilted)     234. Lower sole tread     235. Actuating flap     236. Air-flow channel on lower sole     237. Actuating flap substrate and frame     238. Actuating material on flap     239. Photo catalytic and hydrophilic coating     240. Lateral flow channels in upper sole     241. Lateral flow channels in tread sole      
         [0274]      FIG. 16  shows sole assembly exploded view. 
    250. The cloth inner wicking upper sole     251. Upper sole material     252. Tilted channels of the upper sole     253. Inner flap substrate     254. Flaps     255. Rib material of flap frame     256. Slots cut in flap material     257. Air channels in lower substrate     258. Lower sole material     259. Flap cavities      
         [0285]      FIG. 17  shows underside view of shoe sole. 
    270. Toe end sole of shoe     271. Forward tilted air channels     272. Ground contact tread     273. Instep vents tilted     274. Tilted air channels in heel of sole     275. Ground contact tread in heel area of sole     276. Side flow channels      
         [0293]      FIG. 19A  shows transverse valve opening actuation with two (push-pull) actuators.  
         [0000]     Cross-sectional View  
         [0000]    
       
          300. Substrate material  
          301. Actuator component  
          302. Second actuator component  
          303. Aperture aligned to material aperture  
          304. Air flow channel  
          305. Substrate  
          306. Substrate material actuator  
          307. Inner actuator material  
          308. Substrate of bend  
          309. Substrate of aperture  
          310. Matching aperture  
       
     
         [0305]      FIG. 19B  shows transverse actuated membrane with flow blocked. 
    320. The bend substrate     321. Actuating material on outside     322. Actuating material on outside     323. Apertures     324. Aperture frame substrate     325. Inner actuator     326. Fold     327. Outer bend substrate     328. Aperture substrate     329. Non-aligned aperture      
         [0316]      FIG. 20A  shows stacked bi-material actuators and valve-closed position. 
    337. Actuation coating     338. Alternating actuation coating.     339. Actuation chamber     340. Fluid to be sensed flow     341. Housing     342. Attachment of membranes to shaft     343. Membrane substrates     344. Actuator material     345. Fluid exit flow to be sensed     346. Fluid Channel to be controlled     347. Bored slide rod     348. Side rod     349. Fluid outlet channel controlled by valve     351. Attachment of membranes to housing     352. Substrate membrane     353. Actuating material     354. O-ring seal      
         [0334]      FIG. 20B  shows stacked bi-material actuators and valve open position. 
    355. Actuating material coating     356. Actuating material coating     357. Slide rod     358. Bored slide rod     359. Bi-material substrate      
         [0340]      FIG. 21  shows bi-material coil with airflow perforation cross-sectional view. 
    360. Housing or case     361. Cavity in casing     362. Perforation in high expansion material (Humidity, temperature, chemical, or light sensitive options)     363. Perforation in low coefficient of expansion material     364. High coefficient of expansion material (Humidity, temperature, chemical, or light sensitive options)     365. Low coefficient of expansion material     366. Rotor sleeve     367. Air flow port     368. Pivot, rotational shaft     369. Air channel     370. Air flow (with humidity or moisture or heat or chemical concentration)      
         [0352]      FIG. 22A  shows bi-material actuation fabric. 
    371. Bi-material fiber     372. High coefficient of expansion material (Temperature, chemical, humidity sensitive)     373. Low coefficient of expansion material      
         [0356]      FIG. 22B  shows cylinder extruded bi-material fiber cross-sectional and side view. 
    376. Surface of low coefficient of expansion     377. Low coefficient of expansion material (could be metal)     378.High expansion material, may be plastic or rubber (temperature, chemical, or humidity sensitive)     379. Surface of the high coefficient of expansion material      
         [0361]      FIG. 22C  shows rectangular strip of bi-material fiber. 
    385. Low coefficient of expansion material     386. Surface of low coefficient of expansion material     387. Temperature, chemical, or humidity sensitive high coefficient of expansion material     388. Surface of high coefficient of expansion material      
         [0366]      FIG. 22D  shows twist wrap-around coating fiber. 
    391. Low coefficient of expansion material     392. Surface of low coefficient of expansion material     393. High coefficient of expansion coating (Temperature, chemical, and humidity sensitive)     394. Surface of high coefficient expansion coating      
         [0371]      FIG. 22E  shows “S” coating fiber un-actuated cross-section and side view. 
    397. High coefficient of expansion material coating     398. Flexible, low-coefficient material      
         [0374]      FIG. 22F  shows cold sensitized coated “S” fiber isometric view. 
    400. High expansion coefficient material coating     401. Low expansion coefficient material, flexible     402. High coefficient of expansion material coating      
         [0378]      FIG. 23A  shows contracted spring helix with twist coated fiber side view. 
    410. Low expansion coefficient material     411. High expansion coefficient material (temperature, humidity, or chemical sensitive)      
         [0381]      FIG. 23B  shows an expanded spring helix with twist coated fiber. 
    414. Low expansion coefficient material     415. High coefficient of expansion material (temperature, chemical, or humidity sensitive)      
         [0384]      FIG. 24A  shows actuating X-slit with black material underneath, light (or heat) sensitive actuator (Cold Curled), side and cross-sectioned view. 
    420. Reflective surface of top layer of bi-material, the high coefficient of expansion material     421. Curled or actuated flap surface of the low coefficient of expansion material     422. Light being reflected     423. Black or light absorbent material     424. Low coefficient or expansion material layer     425. High coefficient of expansion material     426. Light or heat absorbed into the surface of the black material     427. Slit/cut in the bi-material, creating flap      
         [0393]      FIG. 24B  shows heated/warm light sensitive bi-material actuator (Warm enough that light is reflected while flaps lay flat), cross-section with isometric view. 
    430. Reflective surface of high expansion coefficient material layer     431. Reflected light     432. Slit/cut in the bi-material     433. High coefficient expansion material     434. Low coefficient of expansion material     435. Light absorbent material     436. Surface of light absorbent material      
         [0401]      FIG. 25  shows active actuator shoe side view. 
    440. Fabric with wicking and breathable properties     441. Actuator sheet, shown as reflective, X-lattice pattern     442. Actuator material sheet, Coated/bi-material X-lattice pattern     443. Shoe lace     444. Shoe lace loop or islet     445. Fabric     446. Cut in the actuator material, for triangular apertures     447. Shoe material, strong and semi-flexible     448. Actuator material sheet triangular pattern (may be reflective as shown)     449. Upper sole material     450. Inner flap substrate     451. Lower sole material     452. Actuator lattice portion of actuator material     453. Slit in actuator material     454. Actuator material sheet with X-slit pattern     455. X-slit     456. V-slit      
         [0419]      FIG. 26A  shows directionally reinforced (coated) bi-material actuator. 
    460. High coefficient of expansion material, surface     461. Low coefficient of expansion material surface     462. Coating or strip preventing bending perpendicular to strip     463. Coating material     464. Low coefficient of expansion material (chemical, temperature, humidity, or light sensitive material)     465. High coefficient of expansion material      
         [0426]      FIG. 26B  shows groove directionally reinforced bi-material actuator. 
    470. Surface of the high confident of expansion (Temperature, light, chemical, or humidity sensitive)     471. Surface of the low coefficient of expansion material     472. Groove cut into the low expansion material     473. Low coefficient of expansion material     474. High coefficient of expansion material (temperature, chemical, humidity, or light sensitive)     475. Groove cut in Low expansion material      
         [0433]      FIG. 27  shows pinwheel apertures with sharp edges. 
    480. Bi-material sheet     481. Slit/cut in the bi-material sheet     482. Area where the flap will bend     483. Actuator flap      
         [0438]      FIG. 28  shows pinwheel aperture with curves. 
    486. Slit/cut in bi-material sheet     487. Actuator flap     488. Bi-material sheet      
         [0442]      FIG. 29  shows three-dimensional plot of a mathematical description of an elastic polymorphic surface membrane. 
    500. A mesh pattern of the mathematical surface     501. The X-axis of the plot     502. The Y-axis of the plot     503. The X-axis of the plot      
         [0447]      FIG. 30A  shows cross-sectional view of the un-actuated bi-material polymorphic surface. 
    510. Teflon coating     511. Substrate     512. Actuator coating     513. Central dimple     514. Circular dimple     515. Circular dimple      
         [0454]      FIG. 30B  shows cross-sectional view of the actuated bi-material polymorphic surface. 
    520. Actuator material contracted     521. Central dimple     522. Bent dimple     523. Flattened dimple     524. Teflon coating     525. Substrate      
         [0461]      FIG. 30C  shows underside view of the actuated bi-material polymorphic surface. 
    530. Substrate     531. Actuator deposit     532. Dimple     533. Actuator deposit     534. Central dimple      
         [0467]      FIG. 31A  Actuators on fiber in low stress, actuator down mode. 
    550. Outer coating high expansion coefficient reflective surface.     551. Outer coating shown on side.     552. Inner coating low expansion coefficient     553. Light absorbing substrate fiber.     554. Channels cut through the coatings.     555. Separation cut channel showing release film and dark substrate fiber.     556. Actuators on fiber down-mode.      
         [0475]      FIG. 31B  Actuators on fiber in high stress, actuator up-mode. 
    550. Outer coating high expansion coefficient reflective surface.     551. Outer coating shown on side.     552. Inner coating low expansion coefficient     553. Light absorbing substrate fiber.     554. Channels cut through the coatings     557. Actuator element curled up.     558. Surface of dark substrate fiber and release film revealed.      
         [0483]     In  FIG. 1A  a cross-sectional view of a bi-material actuated flap valve is shown. This actuator is formed by depositing a hydrophilic and expanding solid polymer electrolyte 2,7 such as sulfonated styrene-(ethylene-butylene)-sulfonated sytrene (DAIS electrolyte solution 10% (sulfonated styrene-(ethylene-butylene)-sulfonated styrene) is dissolved in 76-79% 1-propanol 10-15% 1,2-dichloroethane, 1% cycloheaxane (DAIS-Analytic Corporation 11552 Prosperous Drive, Odessa Fla. 33556, DAIS 585), or perfluronated ion exchange polymer electrolyte such as Nafion (5% Nafion in 1-propanol, Solution Technology Inc. P.O. Box 171 Mendenhall Pa. 19357) onto a substrate  1 , 6  such as an insensitive to water 9-micron thick porous polyethylene (Setala® ExonMobil Chemical Co., Business and Research Center, 729 Pittsford/Palmyra Road, Palmyra, N.Y. 14502) or porous polyimide membrane (Ube Industries Ltd. Business Development Electronics Materials Dept., Specialty Products Division, Seavans North Bld., 1-2-1, Shibaura, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8449 Japan). The DAIS solution can be further diluted with 10 parts to 1 with 1-propanol such that the mixture to be spray deposited. The substrate membrane  1  can be corona discharge treated in air to insure a better adhesion to the surface of the plastic membrane. The dilute polymer resin mixture is sprayed with an airbrush with nitrogen gas onto the surface of the substrate membrane  1 , 6  and dried. The sprayed on film thickness  2 , 7  can be adjusted to give the actuator more or less mechanical actuation strength by adjusting the thickness of the coating. A typical thickness is 9-microns. After the hydrophilic polymer film  2  is coated onto the substrate the film is air-dried at 20% relative humidity and 22° C. The sheet is then cut with a razorblade cutter to form a rectangular aperture  3  and flap ( 1 , 2 ). In operation the actuator receives moisture  4  by diffusion into the hydrophilic polymer  2  from the air and the hydrophilic polymer  2  swells. The swelling of the hydrophilic polymer  2  creates expansion pressure and the bi-material structures ( 1 , 2 ) reacts to the pressure by curling. This curling opens the flap of the aperture and allows gases  5  to flow or diffuse though the aperture. It should be mentioned that the polymers used ior both the substrate and the expansion polymers could be crosslinked by radiation or chemical reactions to increase the modulus of elasticity and reduce their solubility. This crosslinking can be done to increase the stiffness of the system and increase the force output of the actuators.  
         [0484]     In  FIG. 1B  the single flap valve of  FIG. 1A  is shown in perspective view as a cutout of a larger sheet. In this view the flap valve  10  is shown curled and opening the aperture  15 . The actuator and flap valve is formed by the bi-material sheet  16 ,  17  cut to form the flap  10 , 11  and the aperture  15 . The two layers of the bi-material are visible on the flap the substrate layer  10  and the hydrophilic expansion and contraction layer  12 . The same bi-material layer can be seen in the cutout of the aperture substrate layer  13  and the hydrophilic expansion and layer  14  in the expansion mode curling the flap  10 .  
         [0485]     In  FIG. 2A  a cross-sectional view through an array of flap valves with temperature and humidity actuation is shown. The substrate material  23  can be made out of 10-micron thick polyester (Melinex®, DuPont Teijin Films US Limited Partnership, 1 Discovery Drive, PO Box 441, Hopewell, Va. 23860), 10-micron thick polyimide (Kapton® DuPont Films HPF Customer Services, Wilmington, Del. 19880, and 10-micron thick polyaramid (Asahi-Kasei Chemicals Corporation Co. Ltd. Aramica Division, 1-3-1 Yakoh, Kawaski-Ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagwa 210-0863 Japan). A print-sprayed deposit of a high coefficient of expansion material such as a 10-micron thick film of low-density polyethylene  24  is deposited onto the substrate material  23 . Then a high coefficient of humidity expansion material  22  such as DAIS is deposited on top of the high thermal expansion coefficient material. The array is shown with the flaps  20  curled and opening an aperture  21  due to either or both higher temperatures or higher humidity due to the thermal expansion layer  24  expanding or the humidity-expanding layer  22  expanding. It is possible to form many layers of print-like deposits  24 ,  22  of material varying the thickness and position to form the actuators on a substrate  23 .  
         [0486]     In  FIG. 2B  a bottom surface view of an array of four rectangular flap valves is shown. The flap valves are formed by printing a square pattern 30 low-density polyethylene (Polyethylene films(ExonMobil Chemical Co., 5200 Bayway Drive, Baytown, Tex. 77520-2101) with a high thermal expansion coefficient and then a high humidity expansion coefficient material such as DAIS. By coating in a pattern only the area of the base areas  30  of the flap  32  the actuation of the flaps does not cause the surrounding substrate material to curl and thereby remains the flat aperture frame of the array of apertures  33 ,  35 ,  36 ,  37 . The flap valve actuators are die cut, water jet cut, or with a laser cut onto the sheet by three straight line cuts  31  in the substrate. This allows the flap valve  32  to create an opening  33 , 35 , 37 , 36  in the substrate  34  when curled with a change in temperature or humidity.  
         [0487]     In  FIG. 3A  cross-sectional views through a flap valve with differential temperature and humidity actuation and piezoelectric substrate is shown. The construction of the device starts with a membrane of approximately 10 microns thick substrate of stressed polychrolofluroethelyene PDVF  41 ,  43 . This material can be poled in an electric field when stretched to be highly piezoelectric. A porous high expansion thermal coefficient material such as polyethylene  40 ,  44  is deposited in a rectangular pattern on the substrate  41 ,  43 . A high humidity expansion coefficient materials and electrolyte such as Nafion or DAIS  46 ,  47  are deposited in a rectangular pattern on the substrate  41 ,  43 . An electrode  45 , 48  made of electrical conductors such as nickel, tin, tin oxide, doped silicon, carbon, molybdenum, palladium, platinum, copper, or gold is plasma sprayed or vacuum sputter deposited onto the surface of the substrate  41 ,  43 , high thermal expansion coefficient material  40 , 44  and the high humidity expansion coefficient material  46 , 47 . The flap valve  41  and aperture  42  is then formed by cutting from the substrate  43  with a die or laser. The flap valve  41  is actuated by a difference in temperature, humidity on either side of the flap valve. This is due to either the high humidity expansion coefficient material on one side expanding more in a higher humidity than its corresponding actuator material in a lower humidity on the other side of the substrate and flap. This flap  41  can be actuated by a difference in temperature due to either the high temperature expansion coefficient material on one side expanding more in a higher temperature than its corresponding actuator material in a lower temperature on the other side of the substrate and flap. When the flap  41  is actuated and electric potential is created by the stress of the bending of the flap piezoelectric substrate material  43 . This potential can be collected through the coatings  47 , 40 , 44 , 46  or can be collected from the direct contact of the electrode  45 ,  48  on the substrate material  41 . The voltage output on the electrodes  45 ,  48  can be used to as an aperture status indicator for an electronic readout of the position of the flap  41 . The actuator can also be actuated by putting a voltage on the electrodes and inducing a voltage in across the piezoelectric substrate  41 ,  43 . It should be mentioned that the substrate  41 ,  43  does not necessarily need to be piezoelectric and could be a dielectric with a voltage between the electrodes  45 ,  48  can result in change in voltage when the actuator materials expand or contract. The actuator can be oscillated by alternating the voltage across the electrodes  45 ,  48 . This differential actuator could be used when it is useful to open the aperture when there is a temperature or humidity difference on either side of the substrate material  41 ,  43 .  
         [0488]     In  FIG. 3B  the underside view of the differential actuator is shown. The high thermal expansion coefficient material and high humidity expansion coefficient materials are shown deposited on the substrate as a rectangle  53  on the hinge area of the flap  52 . The flap  52  and aperture  51  are die cut or laser cut out of the substrate membrane  50 . The electrode  55  is printed onto the surface of the layers of high thermal coefficient of expansion  56  and high humidity coefficient of expansion materials  53 . The electrodes go off to electronics  54  to either sense the voltages on the actuators or impress voltages onto the actuators. In operation the actuator curls, opens the flap  52  and opens the aperture  51  allowing fluids, such as air, to flow through the aperture, or to allow gases such as water vapor to diffuse through the aperture  51 .  
         [0489]     In  FIG. 4A  a cross-sectional view of a differential actuator with separate humidity or thermal actuation and piezoelectric actuators is shown. In this system piezoelectric material such a s PDVF polymer or ceramic  61 ,  68  is deposited on the substrate material  63 ,  66  such as polyaramid or polyester plastic substrate film. Electrodes of gold, graphite, silver, or copper  60 ,  67  are powder deposited onto the piezoelectric film  61 ,  68  by powder spray deposit with a carrier fluid, sputter deposited, vacuum evaporated, or plasma spray deposited. High humidity or temperature coefficient of expansion materials  62 ,  64  are deposited onto a separate hinge area of the flap valve by spray deposition with a solvent or plasma spray deposition. DAIS electrolyte a high humidity coefficient of expansion material can be deposited by dissolving one part 10% DAIS solution (Sulfinated butyl rubber and polystyrene with proprietary solvents) in 10 parts isopropanol. The solution is then airbrush sprayed onto the substrate  63 ,  66  though a mask. The deposit is air-dried. As an example of a thermal expansion material polyethylene is deposited with pressure driven hot liquid sprayed polyethylene  62 ,  64  deposited through a mask onto both sides of the polyaramid or polyester substrate  63 ,  66 . The deposits of expansion and contraction materials  62 ,  64  can use different thickness and can be only on one side of the substrate as needed to create different actuation responses. When the deposits of humidity or temperature materials  62 ,  64  are on a single side they will cause actuation proportional to the temperature or humidity on that side of the substrate membrane. When the deposits are on either side of the membrane the actuation will be proportional to the difference of temperature of humidity on either side of the substrate membrane  63 ,  66 . The polyaramid or polyester substrates  63 ,  66  can be roughened to have a higher adhesion to the deposited films and flame treated or oxygen ion milled to increase adhesion of surface deposited films.  
         [0490]     In operation the expansion of the high temperature expansion coefficient material  62 ,  64  or the humidity expansion coefficient material due to an increase in temperature or increase in humidity causes the actuator  63  to curl. This curling opens the aperture and allows fluid flow (gas or liquid) or diffusion of molecules to diffuse though the aperture  65 . Reductions in the humidity or temperature can cause the expansion materials  62 ,  64  to contract and cause the actuator to curl in the opposite direction causing the aperture to open and allow fluid flow through the aperture or diffusion of molecules through the aperture  65 . If the expansion materials are deposited on either side of the substrate material  63 ,  66  the expansion or contraction actuation can be proportional to the difference in temperature or humidity across the substrate material  66  and flap  63 . The piezoelectric actuation can create a stress in the piezoelectric material coating  61 ,  68  when there is a voltage in the electrodes  60 ,  67  and the flap  63  curls. This can be used to electrically drive the flap valves open or closed and with an alternating current oscillate the flap valve  63  that can pump fluid through the flap valves.  
         [0491]     In  FIG. 4B  and underside view of the flap valve is shown. The patterned deposits of the electrodes  70 , and high coefficient of temperature or humidity expansion materials  72  are shown as rectangular deposits on the hinge region of the flap actuator  73 . The patterned deposits  70 ,  72  are made on a flat membrane substrate material  75  and subsequently flap aperture  74  are cut  71  from the substrate with a die cut or laser.  
         [0492]     In  FIG. 5A  a side view of a stack of actuating apertures  80 , membranes are shown. By placing layers of actuators  81 ,  83 ,  84  thermal insulation and diffusion insulation can be obtained and the combined effect of redundant opening apertures if any single aperture fails to open or close next layer will have working apertures. This type of layering of opening or closing apertures could be used such as thermal insulation the apertures  80  open when temperatures are low thereby expanding the thickness of the air, or fluid gaps between the layers  81 ,  83 ,  84  and increasing the air volume between each layer and thereby increasing the thermal insulation. This type of material can be use in products such as sleeping bags where it is desirable to increase the thermal insulation when the temperatures are low.  
         [0493]     In  FIG. 5B  the layers of stacked aperture membranes  91 ,  92 ,  93  are shown with the actuators  90  closed. The fluid or air volume between the layers is decreased with the subsequent reduction in thermal insulation.  
         [0494]     In  FIG. 6A  a system of membrane actuators  104  in between two outer aperture membranes  101 ,  106 . The actuator membrane  104  is formed with patterned coatings on either side of the substrate membrane  104  (etched nuclear particle track membrane with a fiber backing (Oxyphen PO Box 3850, Ann Arbor, Mich. 48106), depending on what kind of actuation they are coated with; humidity expansion membranes  104  or temperature expansion membranes or both. Patterned deposits  111  can be rubber materials such a neoprene, or silicone rubber. Holes or apertures  108  are formed in the actuation membrane  104  such as and the two outer membranes  106 ,  101  with lasers, or die cutting. The arrays of actuator membranes  104  and aperture membranes  106 ,  101  are arranged so that holes  100 ,  108 ,  107  in the membranes do not line up directly, as shown in  FIG. 7 . When the actuators  105 ,  102  are actuated due to either temperature or humidity changes the actuators  105 ,  102  curl the central material  104  into alternating curls. This wavy curling of the substrate material  104  pushes the two outer aperture membranes  101 ,  106  apart from the inner membrane. This separation  109 , 110  effectively opens the valve for fluid flow  103  or diffusion of molecule though the apertures  100 ,  108 ,  107 .  
         [0495]     In  FIG. 6B  the closure of the layers of actuator membrane  124  and the outer aperture membranes  121 ,  128  is shown. The actuator membranes  124  are flat and the sealing apertures  120 ,  127  are pressed against the sealing coatings  119 ,  129  of the actuator membrane  124 . Mechanical force to seal the membranes could come from the pressure across the membrane stack  121 ,  124 ,  128  or the membranes  121 ,  124 ,  128  could be bonded or welded to the outer membranes at the expansion film points  122 ,  125 . When the layered system is flat the apertures  120 ,  123 ,  127  are sealed and fluid flow or diffusion of molecules is blocked. An example of the use and design of this type of layered membrane system could have a hydrogen absorbing expansion and contraction material  122 ,  125  that when hydrogen is present the membrane expands letting hydrogen gas flow or molecules  103  through, shown in  FIG. 6A . When hydrogen gas is not present the membranes  121 ,  124 ,  128  flatten out and the valve is closed. Alternatively if the placement of the hydrogen expansion material  122 ,  125  would be placed at the sealing layer deposit position  111 , so when hydrogen concentration is high the hydrogen expansion material  111  expands flattening the membrane and sealing the system. In this case the other patterned layer deposit  105  could be used to tension the membrane into a curl and or be the bond between the outer membranes  101 ,  104 ,  106 . Examples of this type of actuation could be used for humidity source regulation, methanol fuel supply regulation to a fuel cell, or oxygen and humidity regulation to zinc air batteries.  
         [0496]     In  FIG. 7 a  pattern of offset apertures  132  of the valves apertures  130  is shown. These valve apertures could be organized to offset or a random pattern. The underlying apertures  132  are shown offset from the upper layer apertures  130 .  
         [0497]     In  FIG. 8A  a membrane actuator of a sheet  140  is shown. This actuating sheet  141  is formed by coating on alternate sides of the membrane substrate material  140  such as 10-micron thick polyester, polyaramid, or polyimide, with rectangular patterns of expansion material  142 ,  143 ,  144  such as 10 microns of DAIS or Nafion or a thermal expansion material such as polyethylene. The layers  143 ,  142 ,  144  can be deposited flat at a particular temperature or humidity. The substrate membrane sheet material  140  is die or laser cut with parallel lines between the rectangular deposit patterns  142 ,  143 ,  144 . When the expansion films  143 ,  142 ,  144  are exposed to low humidity or low temperatures, compared to the flat construction, the expansion films contract  143 ,  142 ,  144 . This leads to the curling as shown  143 ,  142 ,  144 . Alternately the actuation can be set in the opposite direction by building the expansion layers  143 ,  142 ,  144  to be unstressed at low humidity or when condensation of water occurs and the temperatures are high compared to the construction conditions. The actuation can also be set to be opened at either high or low humidity or temperature.  
         [0498]     In  FIG. 8B  the underside of the actuator sheet  150  is shown. The parallel die or laser cuts  151 ,  153  are shown on either side of the rectangular printed expansion material  152 .  
         [0499]     In  FIG. 9 a  pattern of hexagonal curling actuators  161  apertures is shown. The cut patterns are shown as 5 out of 6 sides of the hexagons  160 . These patterns would be die, water jet, or laser cut out a bi-material sheet  169 ,  163  such as 25-micron thick high coefficient of expansion polyethylene and 25-micron thick polyester. This membrane  169  could be used as a barrier in apparel. When the temperatures rise the apertures open and let air flow though the apparel. Another application is for building ceilings, or tent ceilings, that when the top of the tent is hot, the actuators  161  open and ventilate the tent or roof. When temperatures are low the actuators  161  close and block air and heat flow out of the top of the roof or tent.  
         [0500]     In  FIG. 10 a  pattern of rectangular curling actuator sheet  172  is shown. The cut patterns  170  are show as three sides out of square. The square flaps  171  are formed by the interior area inside the three cuts  170 . The substrate membrane  172  forms a matrix  173  of interconnecting webs by the non-flap part of the sheet. The sheet  172  is a bi-material membrane. An application of this membrane is if the bi-material uses a high humidity expansion coefficient material and a non-humidity expanding material the flap valves  171  will actuate with higher humidity or condensing water onto the membrane  172 . A possible application is as a ceiling ventilation for bathrooms that will open the ceiling to allow hot moist air to go out ventilation vent, but then block air flow once the humidity drops preventing excessive ventilation of the bathroom and heat loss.  
         [0501]     In  FIG. 11 a  pattern of crossed cuts in a bi-material membrane is shown. This patterned “X” cut  180  creates triangular flap valves  181  by cutting a bi-material membrane  182 . The array of flap valves  182  form a matrix of valves held together by the intersection areas  183 . Coating the temperature actuating bi-material membrane  182  with a thin 100-nm aluminum reflective coating can create a possible reflector application. This bi-material  182  can be set to be open at 25° C. and when the temperature goes above roughly 35° C. the reflectors close creating a reflector to light. This type of reflector can effectively act as a sunshade or diffuser for windows when direct sunshine is overheating the room.  
         [0502]     In  FIG. 12 a  pattern of three crossed cuts  190  in a bi-material membrane is shown. These three crossed cuts  190  form a matrix of triangular bi-material flaps  191 . The interconnecting matrix of material  193 , which holds the matrix of flaps  191  together, is hexagonal web  192 . The hexagonal web  192  has a mechanical feature of being flexible in all directions in the plane of the web  192 . Thus, this aperture array may be suitable for actuating barriers in clothing where flexibility is important.  
         [0503]     In  FIG. 13 a  pattern of two cuts  200  in a bi-material membrane  202  is shown. The resulting flap valves  201  are triangles and the matrix of web  203  holding the flap valves are three overlapping grids each at 45 degrees to each other.  
         [0504]     In  FIG. 14A  a cross sectional view of an actuator  210  that incorporates an expansion material  212  in a matrix of a material  213 . A possible substrate membrane  210 ,  214  is a 10-micron thick polyester film. Silicone rubber monomer, Nylon® (DuPont polymers PO Box Z, Fayetteville, N.C. 28302), or urethane rubber monomer (Stevens Urethane, 412 Main Street, Easthampton, Mass. 01027-1918)  213  are mixed with inclusion material  212  such as small crystals 5 microns or smaller of a salt such as sodium sulfate, fumed silica, silica gel, fiberglass, hydro-gels (Polyacrylamide, Western Polyacrylamide Inc., PO Box 1377, Jay Okla. 74346), or bentonite clay, or any combination of these. The mixture  212 ,  213  is deposited onto the surface of the polyester that has been pre-treated by ion milling or an ionizing flame to promote adhesion. Inclusion material  212  can also be included in substrate material  210  either by filling pores in the substrate  210  or in incorporated when the substrate film  210  was formed. The rubber films  213  are deposited approximately 10 to 50 microns thick. The salt particles  212  should be encapsulated in the rubber film  213 . The rubber films  213  are cured. The actuator  210  is die or laser cut  211  from the sheet  214  to form flap actuators. In operation the actuator receives moisture that diffuses through the high permeability of the silicone rubber or the urethane  213 . The inclusion materials  212  absorb the water and swell. This swelling causes the containing membrane  213  to expand, this in turn creates a sheer stress that can be relieved by the flap actuator curling. The curling actuator flap  210  opens the aperture  211 . By opening the flap valve  210  fluids can flow through the aperture  211  or diffusion of molecules can occur. Other examples of possible materials that could be incorporated and the expansion matrix  212 ,  213  could be precise melting point waxes or polyethylenes that when they melt cause a volume change and subsequent expansion and actuation.  
         [0505]     In  FIG. 14B  a cross-sectional view of the actuator  220  with an encapsulated expansion material  222  when the expansion material  222  is contracted. The expansion material  222  is contained within the encapsulating film  223 . The substrate material  220 ,  224  is shown flat and the flap slit  221  separates the flap  220  from the substrate membrane  224 . The flap valve  220  is closed blocking fluid flow and molecular diffusion.  
         [0506]     In  FIG. 15  the cross-sectional view of the sole of a shoe is shown as an example of how an actuating valve could be incorporated into shoes. The heel of the shoe is formed by three components. The first component is the tread  234  of the sole. It is molded out of synthetic rubber and has tilted vent channels  236  with a space for the vent flaps  235  to let gas pass around the actuated flaps  235 . The second layer  237  is an array of bi-material that has been pattern coated and cut to form flap valves  235 . A coating  238  on the polyester substrate of high humidity expansion coefficient DAIS is located on the hinge area of the actuation flaps  235 . The third layer of the sole  230  is a urethane foam rubber pad in the shoe that has been molded with walls  232  separating channels  213 ,  233  that are tilted opposite to the tread layer channels  236  and have multiple channels. These multiple channels  231 ,  232 ,  233  form a sealing surface for the flap actuator  235 . In operation the bi-material actuators  235  open when there is high humidity in the shoe. The opening of the flaps  235 ,  238  permit air to flow around the flaps  235  and remove moisture. The flap valves  235  can act like one way valves to permit air to flow out through the shoe down to the ground but block air, dirt, or water flowing from the ground. Many road surfaces have hot air next to them thus is preferable to effectively pump air out through the sole of the shoe  230 ,  237   234  when the sole of the shoe and the impact of the foot compresses the pad  230  of the shoe, rather than push hot air up through the sole of the shoe. In operation when the heel of the foot is lifted the pad  230  of the shoe expands. This increase in volume draws humid air from the upper part of the shoe and sock around the foot. The flap valve  235  is closed due to the drop in pressure in the pad channels  231 ,  233 . When the foot strikes the ground again the shoe pad  230  is compressed and air flows out through the flap valves  235 . If airflow is dry the flap valves  238  are actuated closed and resist the air flow and heat loss from the foot. And when the airflow is moist the flap  235  is open for maximum air and heat flow. The foot is then lifted and the cycle repeats itself. If liquid water is squishes up through the bottom of shoe tread channels  236  the flap valves  235  closes due to the inertial impact of the water on the flap valves. The materials of the flap valves  235  and the channels  230 ,  231 ,  232 ,  233  of the pads can be made with hydrophobic surfaces to also repel liquid water and can be electrets electrostaticly charged such that will hold or repel dust and bacteria on their surfaces. It is a possibility if the actuators  235 ,  238  are piezoelectric as shown in  FIG. 3A  that they can change the electric charge on their surface to shed or attract dirt through the walking or running cycle, thus used to clean the shoe, and with attached electrodes generate a small amount of electric power. A hydrophilic coating such as titanium dioxide  239  incorporated in the channels of the tread to create a surface tension gradient to preferentially wick water to the outside of the sole  234 . The titanium dioxide coating  239  with interaction with light can act as a disinfecting surface to bacteria and viruses. Silver coatings  239  can also be used as an antimicrobial coating on the surfaces of the channels  241 ,  236 ,  231 ,  233 . The tilting of the air flow channels  236 ,  231 ,  233  between the tread layer  234  and the pad layer  230  creates a baffled air flow or in this drawing  FIG. 15 a  chevron structure to prevent sharp objects penetrating up through the air flow channels  236 ,  231 ,  233 . Many other types of channels such as side lateral vents  241  and vents that return flow up  240  could be created. The tilt of the tread channels  236  and pad channels  231 ,  233 ,  240  direction, and placement of the channels in the rubber can modify the elastic directional behavior of the sole of the shoe to absorb some of the forward motion impact energy of the shoe and return the energy and circulate air flow to the foot when the shoe is lifted. This type of elastic and inelastic directional energy along with the control of air flow and absorption with the tread of the shoe or apparel can be useful to make the apparel more energy efficient, comfortable and ergometric for the user.  
         [0507]     In  FIG. 16  cross sectional exploded view of an assembly of the sole of the shoe is shown. In this diagram four layers are shown the tread  258 , valve membrane  253 , elastic pad  251 , and the cloth pad  250 . The tread layer  258  is molded with synthetic or natural rubber to have a tread pattern to obtain a traction pattern on the ground and provide a desirable pressure load distribution for the foot. Tilted channels  257  for air flow through the tread are created and air flow channels  257  for lateral flow of the channels are created in the molded part. Cavities  259  to allow the flap valves  254  to swing open are created in the molded tread part  258 . The next component is the flap aperture membrane  253  formed out of polyester membrane and a lamination of polyethylene for thermal actuation or coatings such as DAIS for humidity actuation. The apertures  256 , flap valves  254 , and remaining area  255 ,  253  is printed or laminated and cut to match the aperture pattern of the tread  257  and the elastic pad apertures  252  above it. The third layer in the sole is the elastic pad  251 . This layer is made of foamed urethane rubber or other suitable rubbers. Smaller tilted airflow channels  252  are molded into this layer that mate with the flap valves  254 . The flap valves can cover the apertures of the smaller channels  252  in the airflow channels of the elastic pad  251 . This covering of the flow channels  252  of the elastic pad and swing opening space  259  for the flap into the tread layer  258  creates a one way valve that will allow bursts of air to flow from the interior of the shoe and out through the sole but not through the sole into the shoe. The next layer is the fabric pad  250  made of Cool Max polyester and Lycra that covers the elastic foam pad  251 . The fabric pad  250  is a wicking layer for seat and contact surface with the human skin or socks. The fabric pad  250  is porous and acts like a gas flow diffuser to flow and diffuse air under the foot. The assembly of layers are bonded to each other with appropriate glues or welding and formed as the bottom of a shoe with sidewalls as shown in  FIG. 25  sewn or bonded on.  
         [0508]     In  FIG. 17  the underside of the shoe sole  270  is shown. The tilted airflow channels  271 ,  274  and the tread material is shown. The tread  272  of the shoe in the ball of the foot area has tilted air channels  271  and tread channels  276 . Air and water can flow laterally along the tread channels  276  between the tread lines  272 . A raised area of the tread for extra traction such as the tip  270  of the tread can be molded into the tread. The tilting of the channels  271  can be different such as in the channels  273  in the arch area of the shoe because of less contact with the ground and reduced elasticity needed and thinner area of the sole. In the heal region of the sole the tilted air flow channels  274  are placed between the tread ridges  275 .  
         [0509]     In  FIG. 19A  an arrangement of the transverse aperture opening with the actuation of the folds  301 ,  308  in the sheet is shown in cross-section. In this drawing the apertures  310 ,  303  are shown aligned. In this design there are alternating temperature or humidity actuating folds  301 ,  308  in one of two parallel sheets. The sheets  309 ,  305  can be periodically connected at the edges of the folds. The folds  301 ,  308  have alternating coatings of high coefficient of expansion material  307 ,  302  coated to the inside and outside of the folds  306 ,  300 . Thus, when the expansion material  307 ,  302  expands it caused one fold  308  to un-curl and the next fold to curl  301 . These mechanical actions in turn causes the aperture array  303 ,  310 ,  309 ,  305  between the folds  308 ,  301  to move laterally. The two aperture plates  309 ,  305  can be designed such that the apertures  303 ,  310  are aligned in one position and flow of fluid or diffusion  304  can occur. This arrangement of alternating curling and uncurling folds  308 ,  301  has the advantage that there is no net displacement of the sheet material with the expansion and contraction and that the aperture openings and closing can be larger or smaller than the actuator. The lateral opened and closed aperture sheets  309 ,  305  can withstand high flow forces on the apertures  303 ,  310  without forcing aperture plates  309 ,  305  to change position.  
         [0510]     In  FIG. 19B  the transverse actuation of the folds  321 ,  326  is in the aperture plates  328 ,  324  are in the close position as shown in cross-section. The right hand side actuator material  325  on the substrate  327  has expanded opening the fold  326  and the left-hand side actuator material  322  has expanded closing the fold  320 ,  321 . In this view the apertures  329 ,  323  are miss-aligned and the flow is reduced or blocked by the two sheet membranes  324 ,  328  sealing against each other.  
         [0511]     In  FIG. 20A  a cross-sectional view of an actuated valve  341  is shown that utilizes layers of bend actuating membranes. In this illustration the actuators  353  are layered and folded  353  to create large displacements and forces to do work to open and close a slide valve  347 . The actuators  338 ,  353 ,  344  can be formed as a folded cylindrical bellows substrate  352 ,  343  or as a membrane sheet of actuators are cut and rolled around and attached  351 ,  342  to the shaft  348  of the slide valve  347 . The substrate membrane  352 ,  343  is coated with alternating coatings  338 ,  353 ,  344  , 337  on the two sides of the membranes  352 ,  343  to create the actuation folds in the membrane  352 ,  343 . The membrane layers  353  are attached  342  to the shaft  348  of the slide valve by gluing. Ports  340 ,  345  are shown that are used to circulate a fluid such as air or water that the actuator will sense. The actuation chamber  339  is separated from the slide valve with an o-ring seal  354 . The slide valve shaft  348  shown with the boreholes  347  with the shaft closed with respect to the flow channels  346 ,  349 . When the actuation occurs as shown in  FIG. 20B  the actuation membranes  355 ,  356  expand against the folds of the substrate membrane  359  and sliding the valve shaft  357  into the open position  358 . Application examples for this type of valve are: a temperature activated valve sensing water temperature; when temperatures are high it opens the valve to flow in cold water, a humidity actuated valve that when humidity is high it opens the valve to draw out water. A third example is an actuator that expands with hydrogen contact. The valve would open to reduce the hydrogen gas concentration by adding another gas or removing hydrogen gas. With the membranes being thin in the actuators they allow rapid diffusion and heat transfer into them, resulting in a rapid valve response time.  
         [0512]     In  FIG. 21 a  cross-sectional view of a spiral bi-material actuator is shown. A sheet of bi-material that is pre-stressed to coil forms this actuator. An example of a temperature responsive membrane is a 10-micron polyethylene membrane  364  laminated planar 10-micron polyester membrane  365  at a temperature bellow the operating temperature. When the bi-membrane  364 ,  365  is brought up the operating temperature the bi-material membrane coils. As an example of a humidity sensitive membrane, a 10-micron thick porous polyimide membrane  365  is spray coated with DAIS solid polymer electrolyte  364  on one side and as the DAIS polymer  364  dries (solvent evaporates it contracts and it coils the actuator. The bi-material membrane is periodically perforated  362 ,  363  to provide for gas and heat transfer. The membrane is clamped into the wall of the housing  360  and in to a rotating sleeve  366  on a fixed shaft  368 . This type of actuator produces rotational actuation with the bi-material membrane curling or uncurling with temperature changes, humidity or environmental changes in the fluid  370  that goes through channels  369 ,  367  or diffuses into the chamber  361  depending on the type of materials used in the bi-material  364 ,  365 . With the periodic perforations  362  in the actuator and in the in the substrate  363  of the bi-material  364 ,  365  the spiral actuator can be more responsive to the surrounding temperature and molecular changes around it in contrast to bi-material actuators without perforations.  
         [0513]     In  FIG. 22A  a woven fabric woven from bi-material actuating fibers  371  is shown. Co-extruding materials such as polyethylene or polystyrene and polyester form bi-material fibers such that one side of the fiber is polyethylene  372  and the other is polyester  373  as shown in  FIG. 22B . The bi-material fiber  376 ,  379  reacts to changes in temperatures with the polyethylene  377  expanding or contracting more than the polyester  378  this in turn causes the fiber to bend. The bending of the fiber causes the fabric to thicken perpendicular to the plane of the fabric and shrink in the plane of the fabric. This type of fabric could be used to increase the thermal insulation of clothing and tighten the fit until the clothing is warm. These bi-material fibers  376 ,  379  could be twisted to achieve coiling actuation with temperature change. Materials that expand with humidity or chemical environment could be also be formed into bi-material fibers and incorporated into fabrics. Materials that expand with exposure to light or energy deposits could also be formed into bi-material fibers and into fabrics.  
         [0514]     In  FIG. 22C  an example of the bi-material fiber  386 ,  388  formed as a long strip are shown. Cutting a bi-material membrane such as a 10-micron thick polyaramid membrane  385  coated with DAIS electrolyte  387  could form these fibers. The membrane is then cut with rolling cutters to form fibers,  
         [0515]     In  FIG. 22D  a fiber  392  with a spiral bi-material coating  394  in shown. The spiral bi-material coating  394  with a difference in coefficient of expansion between the materials  391 ,  393  will induce a torque stress in the fiber  392  when there is a change in the actuating condition such as temperature change or humidity change. This torque stress will cause the fiber  392  to helically coil. The spiral coating  394  can be achieved by co-extruding two polymers  391 ,  393  and spinning the fiber while it is still soft or rotating one extrusion component about the other as they are co-extruded. Other construction possibilities are to coat the fiber  393  with a rotating extrusion machine or deposition machine. Examples of materials that could be used are a nylon or polyethylene fiber  393  extruded and wound around and polyaramid fibers  391 . Another example is a low coefficient of expansion material such as metal, metal alloys, ceramics, semiconductors, refractory materials, titanium alloys, tungsten, tantalum, molybdenum, nickel, steel, carbon, silicone dioxide spiral deposit coated  394  on nylon, polyethylene, or polyester fibers  392 . The pitch angle of the coating can set the degree of coiling in actuation. The coating  394  can be discontinuous pitched stripe pattern on the substrate  392  and produce a similar fiber coiling actuation. The low coefficient of expansion material coating  394  will be chosen have a lower coefficient of expansion than the substrate fiber  392 . These fibers can be used in thermal insulation loft in jackets and gloves, with the unique property that they will coil and increase the air volume and thermal insulation of the loft in the jacket when cold. When the jacket insulation is warm the fibers straighten out and apparel thins and the thermal insulation decreases. If the coiling bi-material fibers are woven into a fabric they can be set to coil when cold and the fabric will shrink and thicken at low temperatures. When worn the fabric will expand when it is warmed near the body. Thus it will have the behavior of shrinking to fit and tightening to reducing heat loosing air gaps when cold. When the surrounding temperatures are high the clothing will loosen permitting air flow and moisture removal and cooling.  
         [0516]     In  FIG. 22E  a fiber  398  with alternating side coatings  397  of different coefficient of expansion materials is shown. In this arrangement fibers  398  can be coated  397  on alternate sides. An example of this is to spray deposit alternating side coatings of DAIS electrolyte  397  in a solvent on to polyester fibers  398  as they are being wound between two reels. The coated fibers are dried to remove the solvent.  
         [0517]     In  FIG. 22F  alternating side-coated fibers exposed to humidity are shown. The alternating side coating of DAIS  400 ,  402  will expand when exposed to humidity and cause the fiber  401  to bend. Bi-material fibers of this construction will have the property of bending when exposed to high humidity. These fibers can be woven into fabrics or loosely piled between other fabrics or membranes. This fiber bending can be useful in clothing that increases its insulation when exposed to moisture or condensation inside the jacket. Thus a jacket that increased its insulation when wet and reduces its insulation when dry.  
         [0518]     In  FIG. 23A  a spiral bi-material wrapped or coated fiber  410  is shown and formed into a helix. The spiral coating  411  such as DAIS expanding or contracting on the on a polyester fiber  410  induces torque shear of the fiber  410 , in other words a twist force in the fiber. When the fiber  410  is formed into helix the dominant effect of the twisting of the fiber  414  from the coating  415  results in a change in length of the helix  414  as shown in  FIG. 23B . Helical fibers  414  can be incorporated into apparel as the loft insulation or woven into the fabric to give the apparel the thermal and or humidity reactivity.  
         [0519]     In  FIG. 24A  a bi-material aperture membrane with light reflective coating covering a light absorbing membrane are shown. The bi-material  424 ,  425  is formed with the lamination of a 10-micron polyethylene membrane  425  heat sealed to a 10-micron polyester membrane (Melinex) or glass fiber reinforced membrane  424  and cut  427  to form curling flaps  421  and apertures. A 100-nm aluminum film  420  is sputter deposited over the polyethylene membrane  425 . This reflective film  420  reflects sunlight  422  when the actuator is cold. A rubber or polyimide membrane  423  impregnated with carbon black is placed behind the aperture membranes. The backside of the actuators  424  on the polyester film could be also coated black or be impregnated with carbon black particles. This assembly is placed on the surface of buildings, automobiles, and thermal mass structure or incorporated in apparel. In some cases an air gap and glass sheet may be placed over the aperture membrane. In operation when the apertures are at a low temperature the apertures open and curl back  421  allowing light  426  to reach and be absorbed by the black inner surface  423 . This exposes sunlight or light  426  in general to be absorbed in the blacked film  423  the absorption of light increases the temperature and subsequently raises the temperature of the bi-material actuators  424 , 425 . When the temperature of the apertures  436 , formed with slits in the membrane  432 , is high the actuators  434 ,  433  close as shown in  FIG. 24B  and presenting a reflective surface  430  that reflects incident light  431  on the outside and blocking light  431  from reaching the blacken surfaces  435 . This self-temperature-regulated albedo could be useful in regulating the temperatures of structures, vehicles, and apparel. The bi-material actuators could also be designed to actuate on humidity or both humidity and temperature. Applications could also include window curtains that maintain a moderate temperature or illumination in rooms.  
         [0520]     In  FIG. 25  the application of actuation apertures applied to shoes are shown. Actuator sheets  441 ,  442 ,  454 ,  448  can be place on the upper areas of the shoe where ventilation and appearance is desirable. The apertures are integrated with the other typical components of the shoes having a fabric liner  440 , and fabric exterior  445  of the shoe. Other components of the shoe are laces  443 , lacing loops  444 , and shoe framework material  447 . The shoes can have actuated ventilation built into the soles of the shoes. In this figure the tread  451 , actuated aperture membrane  450 , and the elastic upper sole pad  449  are viewed from the side. Different aperture patterns  452 ,  453 ,  455 ,  456 ,  446  are shown. Depending on how the actuating apertures are designed they can actuate on low or high temperatures or ranges of humidity. The actuators  441 ,  454 ,  442 ,  448  can also be coated on the exterior with retro-reflective micro beads to provide a reflective surfaces on the exterior of the shoe. When the shoes are cold the apertures  453 ,  456 ,  455 ,  446  can be closed down to retain heat energy. When the shoes are hot the apertures open to ventilate. The apertures  453 ,  456 ,  455 ,  446  can be designed to open when humid or when there is a difference in humidity to remove moisture and close when at low humidity or when there is difference in humidity across the membranes. The actuated apertures  441 ,  454 ,  442 ,  448  can have reflective and absorbing layers as shown in  FIG. 24A and 24B  to vary the albedo and color of the shoe depending on temperature or humidity to maintain a comfort level or appearance of the shoes.  
         [0521]     Shown in  FIG. 26A  are ridge features  462  built onto the actuating membrane  460 . A bi-material actuator  465 ,  464  is formed with 10-micron film of polyethylene  465  bonded to a 10-micron polyester substrate  464 . Parallel polyester stripes 20-micron wide and 60-microns apart  463 ,  462  are hot melt deposited onto the surface of the polyester  464 ,  461 . The polyester stripes  463  create a preferential bending direction in a bi-material membrane  465 ,  464 . In operation when the membrane experiences a rise or drop in temperature the differential expansion or contraction of the two materials  465 , 464  in the bi-material cause a sheer stress between the layers. This stress can be relived by bending the membrane  460 . The stripes  463  force the bending stiffness to be higher in the direction of the stripes so the membrane bends into the curl of the lowest stiffness. Once the bend has started, the membrane curl automatically makes the structure stiff perpendicular to the radius of the curl and the curl continues without the need of further stiffening from the stripes  462 . By striping membranes  462  the actuators can be designed to curl in desirable directions and forms.  
         [0522]     Shown in  FIG. 26B  groove features  472  are built into the bi-material actuator  470  formed with 10-micron film of DAIS  474  bonded to a 10-micron porous polyethylene substrate  473 ,  471 . Parallel grooves  475  are cut 3-microns deep and 50-microns apart are laser cut or melted into the surface of the porous polyethylene  471 ,  473 . A solid polymer electrolyte  474  such as DAIS is deposited onto one side of the grooved substrate  473 . The grooves  472 ,  475  create a preferential bending weakness direction in a bi-material membrane  470 . In operation when the membrane experiences a rise or drop in humidity the differential expansion or contraction of the two materials  474 ,  473  in the bi-material  470  cause a sheer stress between the layers. This stress can be relived by bending the membrane  470 . The grooves  472 ,  475  force the bending stiffness to be higher in the direction of the stripes so the membrane  470  bends into the curl of the lowest stiffness. Once the bend has started the curl of the membrane automatically makes the structure stiff perpendicular to the radius of the curl and the curl continues without the need of further stiffening form the grooves  472 ,  475 . By grooving the membranes the actuators can be designed to curl in desirable directions and forms. The grooves  472 ,  475  can be used to also limit the radius of curl when the curling closes the grooves  472 ,  475 . It should also be mentioned that folds in the substrate could be used and also act similar to grooves as directional stiffeners. Oriented substrate materials  473  can be utilized to set the curl behavior in actuators.  
         [0523]     In  FIG. 27 a  pinwheel pattern of actuation is shown cut in a bi-material membrane  480 . The flap actuators  483  open on the cut  481  and hinge  482  on the side not cut. These types of patterns can be used to form decorative or esthetically pleasing actuation. The actuation can be used to spell letters and patterns that could act as indicators of temperature or humidity. The patterns can even be whimsical and entertaining. A particular application is a transparent or translucent sheet array of actuated apertures beneath a skylight in a building. The skylight shaft and sides of the skylight can also be an air vent chimney. The sheet array of actuators  480  can open when temperatures or humidity is high, ventilating the building. When temperatures and/or humidity are low the actuators  480  block airflow and insulate the building.  
         [0524]     In  FIG. 28  another pattern of actuation flaps  487  can be constructed with non-straight line cuts  486  in the bi-material membrane  488 . The bi-material membrane  488  can be cut with dies into a wide variety of shapes. Possible applications are actuating artificial flowers the react to humidity changes or temperature changes. Another application is a temperature strip on the side of hot beverage cups that indicate temperature of the beverages as the actuators open. Another application is a toy that when placed in a bathtub indicates with actuators when the water is too hot or cold for bathing.  
         [0525]     In  FIG. 29 a  three dimensional mathematical plot of an example of a polymorphic surface  500  (a surface of different forms). The mathematical formula is:
 
 z =Sin(( x   2   +y   2 ) 1/2 ).
 
         [0526]     This mathematical surface  500  has the appearance of a wave rings encircling the origin or the X  501 , Y  502  and Z  503  axis.  
         [0527]     Our definition of a polymorphic surface is a surface that changes shape or one that a straight line may not be drawn anywhere across the surface and stay within the surface. This type of surface is elastic by bending the membrane rather than in tension or compression. The thinner the membrane the lower the bending stress thus thin membrane or fibers will not exceed the yield stress for greater amounts of bending, and no portion of the surface is in pure tension or compression. Thus this polymorphic membrane is expected to deform without yielding and elastically return to its original shape when the stress is removed. Thus it is what we call this type of surface an elastic polymorphic surface. This elastic surface has the property that when pulled in any direction the stress in the surface will be by bending rather than tension. Thus, if the material is bi-layered and stress is created from differential expansion rates of those two materials can relieve that stress by bending and not place any portion of the surface in pure tension or compression. This has the practical application of defining surfaces that are very elastic and flexible (supple). Elastic bi-material actuation of these surfaces can easily occur in any direction. Examples of elastic polymorphic surfaces woven (curved fiber) fabrics, hexagonal mesh nets, helical coils. Elastic polymorphic surfaces are only a subset of surfaces that can be actuated with bi-material actuation but represent a geometric class of forms and substrates that translate bi-material actuation into unique systems.  
         [0528]     In  FIG. 30A  an example of m actuator using an elastic surface or elastic polymorphic surface is shown. The bi-material actuator is built with a dimpled fiberglass reinforced polyester  513 ,  515 ,  514  substrate membrane  511 . A circular pattern of with a high thermal expansion coefficient actuator material  512  such as polyethylene plastic or crystalline polyacrylate in rings are deposited within the folds of the substrate  511 . The actuator material could also encapsulate a material such as a low melting point wax (melting point: −1° C.). When the wax phase changes to a solid it contracts and causes a rapid change in shape for a small temperature change. On the exterior the substrate membrane  511  a Teflon coating  510  is deposited onto the substrate  511 .  
         [0529]     Shown in  FIG. 30B  the bi-material  525 ,  520  the actuation coatings  520  contract when it is exposed to low temperatures, such as below the −1° C. for deicing applications. This contraction leads to the folds  520 ,  522  with the actuator coatings to further fold and the non-coated folds  524 ,  521 ,  523  to un-fold.  
         [0530]     In  FIG. 30C  the circular ring deposit pattern  531 ,  533  of the actuators is shown viewing the interior side of the bi-material membrane  530 . The un-coated dimples  532 ,  534  in the substrate  530  are shown. One of the possible applications of this dimpling actuation is to act as a surface de-icer on airplane wings or windmills. The bi-material membrane can be attached to the surface of the wing with a foamed rubber glue. The foamed rubber will allow the membrane to flex. When liquid water strikes the surface of the wing and while it is crystallizing it will raise the temperature to near 0° C. and the bi-material surface will be in the dimple state of  FIG. 30A . When the surface is cooled bellow the freezing point of water the membrane will deform as in  FIG. 30B . and the ice will be separated from the bi-material surface and the wing. This cycle of new layer of water striking the surface, crystallizing, separating, and sloughing off, can be repeated.  
         [0531]     In  FIG. 31A  and  FIG. 31B  an arrangement of the actuators built on a substrate fiber to cause the actuators to curl and increase the fluid flow resistance about the substrate fiber is shown. The curling of the actuators from the substrate fiber can also cover or reveal the surface of the substrate fiber. This effect can be used to change the albedo or color of the overall fiber. The curling of actuators can be used to change the fluid flow around the fibers and change heat transfer rates around or through the fibers. The following is a description of the fiber constructed for thermal change response as an example. There are many other possible layers and responses to environmental changes such as chemical and humidity environmental changes. The following construction steps are one of many possible ways to construct the actuator system.  
         [0532]     In  FIG. 31A  the substrate fiber  553  is a carbon black impregnated polyaramid fiber. A selectively deposited release film  555  such as Plasma polymerized PTFE could be coated on the fiber in the area that the actuators should separate from the core fiber  553 . The substrate fiber  553  and release film zone  555  are then coated with a carbon black powder loaded polyester film  552  with a solution deposit for a low or negative thermal expansion coefficient at 25° C. A high expansion coefficient film  551  of white acrylic (titanium dioxide powder loaded) is coated over the polyester film  552  with a solution deposit at 25° C. The acrylic  551  and polyester films  552  are then cut with a laser in a ring pattern to create a separation between the actuator ends  555  and spaced slits  554  to separate the parallel actuators  556 . In this  FIG. 31A  the actuators  556  are shown in the non-stressed position, covering the dark low albedo substrate fiber  555  with the high albedo of the outer white acrylic film  550 . The fiber will have the appearance of being white and skinny. The reflective high albedo can be useful if the fiber is incorporated into apparel to reflect light from the user and reduce the temperature of the apparel.  
         [0533]     In  FIG. 31B  the fiber is exposed to a low temperature environment such as 0° C. The acrylic film  551  contracts and the polyester film expands  552  and the substrate fiber  553  contracts. This leads to the actuator  557  peeling off the fiber substrate  558  where there is a release agent and curling away from the substrate fiber  553 . This curling of actuators  557  creates fluid flow drag around the fiber  553 . The fiber  553  will visually appear to thicken. This fiber fluffing can be used in fabrics to decrease the fluid flow (gasses, air or liquids) through clothing and increase the thermal insulation properties of the clothing. The curling of the fiber also reveals the dark fiber substrate  558  and the dark polyester  552  and would give the optical effect of darkening the fiber  553 . If the fiber is incorporated into apparel such as fabric or loft insulation by darkening and increasing light absorption of the apparel when it is cold the apparel can increase the temperature of the apparel. Due to the hydrophobic coatings on the fibers  558  and  552  and more hydrophilic properties of the titanium dioxide powder loaded acrylic film  551 , the action of revealing the hydrophilic surfaces will make the fibers more hydrophobic, repelling liquid water and blocking it&#39;s flow. When the fibers are flattened out as in  FIG. 31A  the hydrophilic surfaces  550  cover the outside of the fiber  553 . This would make the fibers hydrophilic and able to wick and pass liquid water across its surfaces  553 .  
         [0000]     Materials:  
         [0000]    
       
          DAIS (DAIS-Analytic Corporation 11552 Prosperous Drive, Odessa Fla. 33556, DAIS 585).  
          Nafion® (5% Nafion in 1-propanol, Solution Technology Inc. P.O. Box 171 Mendenhall Pa. 19357).  
          Polyurethane (Stevens Urethane, 412 Main Street, Easthampton, Mass. 01027-1918).  
          Etched nuclear particle track membrane with a fiber backing (Oxyphen PO Box 3850, Ann Arbor, Mich. 48106).  
          Hydro-gel, Polyacrylamide, (Western Polyacrylamide Inc., PO Box 1377, Jay Okla. 74346).  
          Polyester with a negative expansion coefficient Melinex®, (DuPont Teijin Films US Limited Partnership, 1 Discovery Drive, PO Box 441, Hopewell, Va. 23860).  
          Porous Polyimide (Ube Industries Ltd. Business Development Electronics Materials Dept., Specialty Products Division, Seavans North Bld., 1-2-1, Shibaura, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8449 Japan).  
          Polyaramid (Asahi-Kasei Chemicals Corporation Co. Ltd. Aramica Division, 1-3-1 Yakoh, Kawaski-Ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagwa 210-0863 Japan).  
          Porous polyethelyene (Setala® ExonMobil Chemical Co., Business and Research Center, 729 Pittsford/Palmyra Road, Palmyra, N.Y. 14502ExonMobil).  
          Polyetheylene films(ExonMobil Chemical Co., 5200 Bayway Drive, Baytown, Tex. 77520-2101).  
          Nylon® (DuPont polymers PO Box Z, Fayetteville, N.C. 28302). 
 
 Some essential feature elements are: 
 
          1. Actuation with bi-material or multilayered material  
          2. Create force  
          3. Create movement  
          4. Create displacement or structural change  
          5. Apertures and porous  
          6. Slits  
          7. Folds  
          8. Fibers, grooves and deposits to orient actuation  
          9. Elastic polymorphic surface  
          10. Actuation of apertures with bi-material  
          11. Bending stress actuation (sheer stress)  
          12. The bi-materials have large differences in thermal expansion, humidity or photo reactive coefficients.  
          13. Cantilever actuation  
          14. Fold actuation  
          15. Coil actuation  
          16. Helical coil actuation  
          17. Multiple layers  
          18. Multiple components  
          19. Applied to fibers and actuation of fibers  
          20. Alternating area coatings and patterns  
          21. Spiral coating (torsion stress)  
          22. Cantilever actuation  
          23. A plurality of actuators.  
          24. Plastic actuators, rubbers, metals, ceramics, or non-metals.  
          25. Small actuators.  
          26. Actuated apertures to be used to control diffusion.  
          27. Actuated aperture to be used to control fluid flow.  
          28. Actuated apertures or surface tilt to control light reflection, transmission, and absorption.  
          29. Actuation on humidity.  
          30. Actuation on temperature.  
          31. Actuation on humidity and temperature.  
          32. Actuation on contact with a chemical species  
          33. Actuation with light  
          34. Actuation by deposition of energy or energy differences in environment (including energetic particles).  
          35. Actuated by electrical stimulation  
          36. Simple curl actuation.  
          37. Compound curl actuation.  
          38. Cut patterns in sheet of material to induce actuation of apertures or physical separation or movements.  
          39. Applied to apparel.  
          41. Applied to shoes  
          42. Applied to fuel cells  
          43. Applied to catalytic heaters  
          44. Applied to scent generators  
          45. Applied to photo catalytic reactors  
          46. Applied to evaporative coolers  
          47. Applied to structures  
          48. Applied as wall paper  
          49. Applied to greenhouses  
          50. Applied to cars  
          51. Applied to toys  
          52. Applied to books  
          53. Applied to food packaging and containers  
          54. Applied to sensors and indicators  
          55. Applied to windows  
          56. Applied as sensor  
          57. Applied to tents and sleeping bags  
          58. Applied to de-icing  
          59. Used to control humidity  
          60. Used to control temperature  
          61. Electrodes  
          62. Piezoelectric  
          63. Ion drag and subsequent expansion or contraction.  
          64. Reversible and irreversible actuation  
          65. Interior cavity molding  
          66. Used as a controlled diffusion, or fluid flow source  
          67. Differential actuation (more than bi-layer and opposing layers)  
          68. Actuation due to multiple effects (humidity, temperature, light, chemicals)  
          69. Actuators are part of a barrier  
          70. Self adjusting clothing. Shrinks until warm.  
          71. Hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces or barriers  
          72. Electrostatic surfaces  
          73. Photocatalytic coatings and materials and antimicrobial  
       
     
         [0617]     While the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, modifications and variations of the invention may be constructed without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the following claims: