Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US7034432?dq=6985872
Timestamp: 2015-05-30 11:03:32
Document Index: 726540855

Matched Legal Cases: ['Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60']

Patent US7034432 - Electroactive polymer generators - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inAdvanced Patent SearchPatentsThe present invention relates to transducers, their use and fabrication. The transducers convert between mechanical and electrical energy. Some transducers of the present invention include a pre-strained polymer. The pre-strain improves the conversion between electrical and mechanical energy. The present...http://www.google.com/patents/US7034432?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US7034432 - Electroactive polymer generatorsAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS7034432 B1Publication typeGrantApplication numberUS 09/619,848Publication dateApr 25, 2006Filing dateJul 20, 2000Priority dateFeb 7, 1997Fee statusPaidAlso published asDE60037433D1, DE60037433T2, EP1212800A1, EP1212800A4, EP1212800B1, US7368862, US20060238066, WO2001006575A1Publication number09619848, 619848, US 7034432 B1, US 7034432B1, US-B1-7034432, US7034432 B1, US7034432B1InventorsRonald E. Pelrine, Roy D. Kornbluh, Pablo E. Garcia, Joseph Stephen EckerleOriginal AssigneeSri InternationalExport CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (36), Non-Patent Citations (103), Referenced by (91), Classifications (44), Legal Events (3) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetElectroactive polymer generators
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. � 119(c) from co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/144,556 filed Jul. 20, 1999, naming R. E. Pelrine et al., as inventors, and titled “High-speed Electrically Actuated Polymers and Method of Use”, which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes; it also claims priority under 35 U.S.C. � 119(e) from co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/153,329 filed Sep. 10, 1999, naming R. E. Pelrine et al. as inventors, and titled “Electrostrictive Polymers As Microactuators”, which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes; it also claims priority under 35 U.S.C. �119(e) from co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/161,325 filed Oct. 25, 1999, naming R. E. Pelrine et al. as inventors, and titled “Artificial Muscle Microactuators”, which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes; it also claims priority under 35 U.S.C. �119(e) from co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/181,404 filed Feb. 9, 2000, naming R. D. Kornbluh et al. as inventors, and titled “Field Actuated Elastomeric Polymers”, which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes; it also claims priority under 35 U.S.C. �119(e) from co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/187,809 filed Mar. 8, 2000, naming R E. Pelrine et al. as inventors, and titled “Polymer Actuators and Materials”, which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes; and it also claims priority under 35 U.S.C. � 119(e) from co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/192,237 filed Mar. 27, 2000, naming R. D. Kornbluh et al. as inventors, and titled “Polymer Actuators and Materials”, which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes; it also claims priority under 35 U.S.C. �119(c) from co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/184,217 filed Feb. 23, 2000, naming R. E. Pelrine et al. as inventors, and titled “Electroelastomers and their use for Power Generation”, which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. This application cross references co-pending U.S. patent application entitled “Elastomeric Dielectric Polymer Film Sonic Actuator” naming R. E. Pelrine et al. as inventors, filed on Jul. 19, 1999 (U.S. application Ser. No. 09/356,801), which claims priority from PCT/US98/02311 filed Feb. 2, 1998, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/037,400 filed Feb. 7, 1997, all of which are incorporated by reference herein.
The deflection of a pre-strained polymer can be used in a variety of ways to produce or receive mechanical energy. Generally speaking, electroactive polymers of the present invention may be implemented with a variety of actuators and generators—including conventional actuators and generators retrofitted with a pre-strained polymer and custom actuators and generators specially designed for one or more pre-strained polymers. Conventional actuators and generators include extenders, bending beans, stacks, diaphragms, etc. Several different exemplary custom actuators and generators in accordance with the present invention will now be discussed.
In general, the charge distribution layer 503 has a conductance greater than the electroactive polymer but less than the metal traces. The non-stringent conductivity requirements of the charge distribution layer 503 allow a wide variety of materials to be used. By way of example, the charge distribution layer may comprise carbon black, fluoroelastomer with colloidal silver, a water-based latex rubber emulsion with a small percentage in mass loading of sodium iodide, and polyurethane with tetrathiafulavalene/tetracyanoquinodimethane (TTF/TCNQ) charge transfer complex. These materials are able to form thin uniform layers with even coverage and have a surface conductivity sufficient to conduct the charge between metal traces 502 before substantial charge leaks into the surroundings. In one embodiment, material for the charge distribution layer 503 is selected based on the RC time constant of the polymer. By way of example, surface resistivity for the charge distribution layer 503 suitable for the present invention may be in the range of about 106-10 11 ohms. It should also be noted that in some embodiments, a charge distribution layer is not used and the metal traces 502 are patterned directly on the polymer. In this case, air or another chemical species on the polymer surface may be sufficient to carry charge between the traces. This effect may be enhanced by increasing the surface conductivity through surface treatments such as plasma etching or ion implantation. FIG. 4 illustrates a pre-strained polymer 510 underlying a structured electrode that is not directionally compliant according to a specific embodiment of the present invention. The structured electrode includes metal traces 512 patterned directly on one surface of the electroactive polymer 510 in evenly spaced parallel lines forming a ‘zig-zag’ pattern. Two metal traces 512 on opposite surfaces of the polymer act as electrodes for the electroactive polymer 510 material between them. The ‘zig-zag’ pattern of the metal traces 512 allows for expansion and contraction of the polymer and the structure electrode in multiple directions 514 and 516.
Patent CitationsCited PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS3832580 *Jan 4, 1973Aug 27, 1974Pioneer Electronic CorpHigh molecular weight, thin film piezoelectric transducersUS4384394May 13, 1981May 24, 1983Thomson-CsfMethod of manufacturing a piezoelectric transducer deviceUS4401911 *Mar 2, 1981Aug 30, 1983Thomson-CsfActive suspension piezoelectric polymer transducerUS4442372Nov 22, 1982Apr 10, 1984Walton Energy Systems Co.Piezo electric apparatus for generating electricityUS4518555 *Jun 14, 1983May 21, 1985Thomson-CsfManufacturing an active suspension electromechanical transducerUS4733121Oct 14, 1986Mar 22, 1988Hebert Alvin JSolid state heat to electricity converterUS4877988May 22, 1985Oct 31, 1989Battelle Memorial InstitutePiezoelectric and pyroelectric polymersUS5229979Dec 13, 1991Jul 20, 1993Rutgers, The State University Of New JerseyElectrostrictive driving device, process for sonic wave projection and polymer materials for use thereinUS5250784 *Jan 29, 1991Oct 5, 1993Societe Nationale Elf AquitaineMethod and device for cutting a multilayer assembly composed of a plurality of thin films and comprising a thin film electrochemical generator or a component part thereofUS5356500 *Mar 20, 1992Oct 18, 1994Rutgers, The State University Of New JerseyPiezoelectric laminate films and processes for their manufactureUS5377258Aug 30, 1993Dec 27, 1994National Medical Research CouncilMethod and apparatus for an automated and interactive behavioral guidance systemUS5430565 *Jun 2, 1993Jul 4, 1995Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Uniaxially stretched negative birefringent film and liquid crystal display having the sameUS5440194 *May 13, 1994Aug 8, 1995Beurrier; Henry R.Piezoelectric actuatorsUS5642015May 1, 1995Jun 24, 1997The University Of British ColumbiaElastomeric micro electro mechanical systemsUS5678571May 23, 1994Oct 21, 1997Raya Systems, Inc.Method for treating medical conditions using a microprocessor-based video gameUS5722418Sep 30, 1994Mar 3, 1998Bro; L. WilliamMethod for mediating social and behavioral processes in medicine and business through an interactive telecommunications guidance systemUS5835453May 5, 1997Nov 10, 1998The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The NavyElectrostrictive acoustic projector and polymers used thereinUS5902836Jul 28, 1995May 11, 1999Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing CompanyAcrylic syrup curable to a crosslinked viscoelastomeric materialUS5910107May 30, 1997Jun 8, 1999First Opinion CorporationComputerized medical diagnostic and treatment advice methodUS5913310Oct 29, 1997Jun 22, 1999Health Hero Network, Inc.Method for diagnosis and treatment of psychological and emotional disorders using a microprocessor-based video gameUS5915377May 25, 1995Jun 29, 1999Electrosols, Ltd.Dispensing device producing multiple comminutions of opposing polaritiesUS5977685Jun 3, 1996Nov 2, 1999Nitta CorporationPolyurethane elastomer actuatorUS6048622 *Feb 9, 1999Apr 11, 2000Massachusetts Institute Of TechnologyComposites for structural controlUS6060811Jul 25, 1997May 9, 2000The United States Of America As Represented By The United States National Aeronautics And Space AdministrationAdvanced layered composite polylaminate electroactive actuator and sensorUS6084321Aug 7, 1998Jul 4, 2000Massachusetts Institute Of TechnologyConducting polymer driven rotary motorUS6165126Sep 15, 1998Dec 26, 2000Scientific Learning CorporationRemediation of depression through computer-implemented interactive behavioral trainingUS6184608Dec 29, 1998Feb 6, 2001Honeywell International Inc.Polymer microactuator array with macroscopic force and displacementUS6184609 *Mar 26, 1997Feb 6, 2001Piezomotors Uppsala AbPiezoelectric actuator or motor, method therefor and method for fabrication thereofUS6249076Apr 14, 1999Jun 19, 2001Massachusetts Institute Of TechnologyConducting polymer actuatorDE19952062A1Oct 28, 1999May 4, 2000Michael Johannes JensenNoise energy converter has flat piezoelectric material subjected to gas pressure and deformed in microscopic regions to form surface voltages picked up by microscopic electrodesEP1050955A1Oct 29, 1998Nov 8, 2000Nikolai Mikhailovich MaslennikovMethod of power supply for electronic systems and device thereforJPH07111785A Title not availableJPS59126689A Title not availableWO1994018433A1Feb 2, 1994Aug 18, 1994Univ OhioMicrominiature stirling cycle cryocoolers and enginesWO1997015876A1Oct 22, 1996May 1, 1997Ocean Power Technologies IncPower transfer of piezoelectric generated energyWO1999023749A1Oct 29, 1998May 14, 1999Nikolai Mikhailovi MaslennikovMethod of power supply for electronic systems and device therefor* Cited by examinerNon-Patent CitationsReference1Ajluni, Cheryl, "Pressure Sensors Strive to Stay on Top, New Silicon Micromachining Techniques and Designs Promise Higher Performance", Electronic Design-advanced Technology Series, Oct. 3, 1994, pp. 67-74.2Anderson, R. 1986. "Mechanical stress in a dielectric solid from a uniform electric field," Physical Review B, 33(2), pp. 1302-1307.3Anderson, R. A., "Mechanical Stress in a Dielectric Solid From a Uniform Electric Field", The American Physical Society, 1986, pp. 1302-1307.4Aramaki, S., S. Kaneko, K. Arai, Y. Takahashi, H. Adachi, and K. Yanagisawa. 1994. "Tube Type Micro Manipulator Using Shape Memory Alloy (SMA)," Proceedings of the IEEE Sixth International Symposium on Micro Machine and Human Science, Nagoya, Japan, pp. 115-120.5Ashley, S., "Smart Skis and Other Adaptive Structures", Mechanical Engineering, Nov. 1995, pp. 77-81.6Baughman, R. H., L. W. Shacklette, and R. L. Elsenbaumer, E. J. Plichta, and C. Becht, "Micro electromechanical actuators based on conducting polymers," in Molecular Electronics, Materials, and Methods, P. I. Lazarev (ed.), Kluwer Academic Publishers, pp. 267-289 (1991).7Baughman, R., L. Shacklette, and R. Elsenbaumer, E. Plichta, and C. Becht, "Conducting Polymer Electromechanical Actuators," Conjugated Polymeric Materials: Opportunities in Electronics, Optoelectronics and Molecular Electronics, eds. J.L. Bredas and R.R. Chance, Kluwer Academic Publishers, The Netherlands, pp. 559-582, 1990.8Bharti, B., X.-Z. Zhao, Q. M. Zhang. T. Romotowski, F. Tito, and R. Ting, "Ultrahigh Field Induced Strain And Polarization Response In Electron Irradiated Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride-Trifluoroethylene) Copolymer," Mat. Res. Innovat. vol. 2, 57-63 (1998).9Bharti, V., H. S. Xu, G. Shanthi, and Q. M. Zhang, "Polarization and Structural Properties of High Energy Electron Irradiated Poly (vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) Copolymer Films," to be published in J. Appl. Phys. (2000).10Bharti, V., Y. Ye, T.-B. Xu and Q. M. Zhang, "Correlation Between Large Electrostrictive Strain and Relaxor Behavior with Structural Changes Induced in P(VDF-TrFE) Copolymer by electron Irradiation," Mat. Res. Soc. Symp. Proc. vol. 541, pp. 653-659 (1999).11Bharti, V., Z.-Y. Cheng, S. Gross, T.-B. Xu, and Q. M. Zhang, "High electrostrictive strain under high mechanical stress in electron-irradiated poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) copolymer," Appl. Phys. Lett. vol. 75, 2653-2655 (Oct. 25, 1999).12Bobbio, S., M Kellam, B. Dudley, S. Goodwin Johansson, S. Jones, J. Jacobson, F. Tranjan, and T. DuBois, "Integrated Force Arrays," in Proc. IEEE Micro ElectroMechanical Systems Workshop, Fort Lauderdale, Florida Feb. 1993.13Bohon, K., and S. Krause, "An Electrorheological Fluid and Siloxane Gel Based Electromechanical Acuator: Working Toward an Artificial Muscle,"to be published in J. Polymer Sci., Part B. Polymer Phys. (2000).14Brock, D. L., "Review of Artificial Muscle based on Contractile Polymers," MIT Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, A.I. Memo No. 1330, Nov. 1991.15Caldwell, D., G. Medrano-Cerda, and M. Goodwin, "Characteristics and Adaptive Control of Pneumatic Muscle actuators for a Robotic Elbow," Proc. IEEE Int. Conference on Robotics and Automation, San Diego, California (May 8-13, 1994).16Calvert, P. and Z. Liu, "Electrically stimulated bilayer hydrogels as muscles," Proceedings of the SPIE International Symposium on Smart Structures and Materials: Electro-Active Polymer Actuators and Devices, Mar. 1-2, 1999, Newport Beach, California, USA, pp. 236-241.17Cheng, Z.-Y., H. S. Xu, J. Su, Q. M. Zhjang, P.-C. Wang, and A. G. MacDiarmid, "High performance of all-polymer electrostrictive systems," Proceedings of the SPIE International Symposium on Smart Structures and Materials: Electro-Active Polymer Actuators and Devices, Mar. 1-2, 1999, Newport Beach, California, USA., pp. 140-148.18Cheng, Z.-Y., T.-B. Xu, V. Bharti, S. Wang, and Q. M. Zhang, "Transverse Strain Responses In The Electrostrictive Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride-Trifluorethylene) Copolymer," Appl. Phys. Lett. vol. 74, No. 13, pp. 1901-1903, Mar. 29, 1999.19Chiarelli, P., A. Della Santa, D. DeRossi, and A. Mazzoldi. 1995. "Actuation Properties of Electrochemically Driven Polypyrrole Free-standing Films," Journal of Intelligent Material Systems and Structures, vol. 6, pp. 32-37, Jan. 1995.20De Rossi, D., and P. Chiarelli. 1994. "Biomimetic Macromolecular Actuators," Macro-Ion Characterization, American Chemical Society Symposium Series, vol. 548, Ch. 40, pp. 517-530.21Dowling, K., Beyond Faraday-Non Traditional Actuation, available on the World Wide Web at http://www.frc.ri.cmu.edu/~nivek/OTH/beyond-faraday/beyondfaraday.html, 9 pages, 1994.22Egawa, S. and T. Higuchi, "Multi-Layered Electrostatic Film Actuator," Proc. IEEE Micro Electra Mechanical Systems, Napa Valley, California, pp. 166-171 (Feb. 11-14, 1990).23Elhami, K., and B. Gauthier-Manuel, "Electrostriction Of The Copolymer Of Vinylidene-Fluoride And Trifluoroethylene," J. Appl. Phys. vol. 77 (8), 3987-3990, Apr. 15, 1995.24Flynn, Anita M., L.S. Tavrow, S.F. Bart, R.A. Brooks, D.J. Ehrlick, K.R. Udayakumar, and L.E. Cross. 1992. "Piezoelectric Micromotors for Microrobots," IEEE Journal of Microelectomechanical Systems, vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 44-51 (Mar. 1992); also published as MIT Al Laboratory Memo 1269, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Feb. 1991).25Full, R. J. and K. Meijer, "Artificial Muscles Versus Natural Actuators From Frogs To Flies," Proceedings of the 7th SPIE Symposium on Smart Structures and Materials-Electroactive Polymers and Devices (EAPAD) Conference, Mar. 6-8, 2000, Newport Beach, California, USA, pp. 2-9.26Furuhata, T., T. Hirano, and H. Fujita, "Array-Driven Ultrasonic Microactuators," Solid State Sensors and Actuators, 1991, Digest of Tech. Papers, Transducers, pp. 1056-1059.27Furukawa, T., and N. Seo., "Electrostriction as the Origin of Piezoelectricity in Ferroelectric Polymers," Japanese J. Applied Physics, vol. 29, No. 4, pp. 675-680 (Apr. 1990).28Gilbertson, R.G., and J.D. Busch, 1994. "Survey of Micro-Actuator Technologies for Future Spacecraft Missions," presented at the conference entitled "Practical Robotic Interstellar Flight: Are We Ready?" New York University and The United Nations, New York. (Aug. 29 and Sep. 1, 1994); also published on the World Wide Web at http://nonothinc.com/nanosci/microtech/mems/ten-actuators/gilbertson.html.29Heydt, R., R. Kornbluh, R. Pelrine, and B. Mason, "Design and Performance of an Electrostrictive Polymer Film Acoustic Actuator", Journal of Sound and Vibration (1998)215(2), 297-311.30Heydt, R., R. Pelrine, J. Joseph, J. Eckerle, and R. Kornbluh. "Acoustical Performance of an Electrostrictive Polymer Film Loudspeaker", Journal of the Acoustical Society of America vol. 107, pp. 833-839 (Feb. 2000).31Hirano, M., K. Yanagisawa, H. Kuwano, and S. Nakano, "Microvalve with Ultra-low Leakage," Tenth Annual International Workshop on Micro Electromechanical Systems, Nagoya, Japan, IEEE Proceedings (Jan. 26-30, 1997), pp. 323-326.32Hirose, s., Biologically Inspired Robots: Snake-like Locomotors and Manipulators, "Development of the ACM as a Manipulator", Oxford University Press, New York, 1993, pp. 170-172.33Hunter, I., S. Lafontaine, J. Hollerbach, and P. Hunter, "Fast Reversible NiTi Fibers for Use in MicroRobotics," Proc. 1991 IEEE Micro Electro Mechanical Systems-MEMS '91, Nara, Japan, pp. 166-170.34Hunter, I.W., and S. Lafontaine, "A Comparison of Muscle with Artificial Actuators", Technical Digest of the IEEE Solid-state Sensor and Actuator Workshop, Hilton Head, South Carolina, Jun. 22-25, 1992, pp. 178-185.35Kaneto, K., M. Kaneko, Y. Min, and A.G. MacDiarmid. 1995. "Artificial Muscle: Electromechanical Actuators Using Polyaniline Films," Synthetic Metals 71, pp. 2211-2212, 1995.36 *Karnbluh(Proceeding of SPIE Electoactive Polymer Actuators and Devices Mar. 199 o pp. (149-161).37Kawamura, S., K. Minani, and M. Esashi, "Fundamental Research of Distributed Electrostatic Micro Actuator," Technical Digest of the 11th Sensor Symposium, pp. 27-30(1992).38Kondoh Y., and T. Ono. 1991. "Bimorph Type Actuators using Lead Zinc Niobate-based Ceramics," Japanese Journal of Applied Physics, vol. 30, No. 9B, pp. 2260-2263, Sep. 1991.39 *Kornbluh (Proceeding of SPIE "Electoactive Polymer Actuators and Devices" Mar. 1999 pp. (149-161).40Kornbluh, R. D and R. E. Pelrine., "Dexterous Multiarticulated Manipulator with Electrostrictive Polymer Artificial Muscle," ITAD-7247-QR-96-175, SRI Project Number 7247, Prepared for: Office of Naval Research Nov. 1996.41Kornbluh, R., G. Andeen, and J. Eckerle, "Artificial Muscle: The Next Generation of Robotic Actuators," presented at the Fourth World Conference on Robotics Research, SME Paper M591-331, Pittsburgh, PA, Sep. 17-19, 1991.42Kornbluh, R., Pelrine, R. Joseph, J., Pei, Q. and Chiba, S., "Ultra-High Strain Response of Elastomeric Polymer Dielectrics", Proc. Materials Res. Soc., Fall meeting, Boston, MA, pp. 1-12, Dec. 1999.43Kornbluh, R., Pelrine, R., Eckerie, J., Joseph, J., "Electrostrictive Polymer Artificial Muscle Actuators", IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation, Leuven, Belgium, 1998.44Kornbluh, R., R. Pelrine, J. Joseph, "Elastomeric Dielectric Artificial Muscle Actuators for Small Robots," Proceedings of the Third IASTED International Conference on Robotics and Manufacturing, Jun. 14-16, 1995, Cancun, Mexico.45Kornbluh, R., R. Pelrine, Jose Joseph, Richard Heydt, Qibing Pei, Seiki Chiba, 1999. "High-Field Electrostriction Of Elastomeric Polymer Dielectrics For Actuation", Proceedings of the SPIE International Symposium on Smart Structures and Materials: Electro-Active Polymer Actuators and Devices, Mar. 1-2, 1999, Newport Beach, California, USA. pp. 149-161.46Kornbluh, R., R. Pelrine, Q. Pei, S. Oh, and J. Joseph, 2000. "Ultrahigh Strain Response of Field-Actuated Elastomeric Polymers," Proceedings of the 7th SPIE Symposium on Smart Structures and Materials-Electroactive Polymers and Devices (EAPAD) Conference, Mar. 6-8, 2000, Newport Beach, California, USA, pp. 51-6447Kornbluh, R., R. Pelrine, R. Heydt, and Q. Pei, "Acoustic Actuators Based on the Field-Activated Deformation of Dielectric Elastomers," (2000).48Lang, J, M. Schlect, and R. Howe, "Electric Micromotors: Electromechanical Characteristics," Proc. IEEE Micro Robots and Teleoperators Workshop, Hyannis, Massachusetts (Nov. 9-11, 1987).49Lawless, W. and R. Arenz, "Miniature Solid-state Gas Compressor," Rev. Sci Instrum., 58(8), pp. 1487-1493, Aug. 1987.50Liu, C., Y. Bar-Cohen, and S. Leary, "Electro-statically stricted polymers (ESSP)," Proceedings of the SPIE International Symposium on Smart Structures and Materials: Electro-Active Polymer Actuators and Devices, Mar. 1-2, 1999, Newport Beach, California, USA., pp. 186-190.51Liu, Y., T. Zeng, Y.X. Wang, H. Yu, and R. Claus, "Self-Assembled Flexible Electrodes on Electroactive Polymer Actuators," Proceedings of the SPIE International Symposium on Smart Structures and Materials: Electro-Active Polymer Actuators and Devices, Mar. 1-2, 1999, Newport Beach, California, USA., pp. 284-288.52M. Greene and J. A. Willett, and Kornbluh, R., "Robotic systems," in ONR Report 32198-2, Ocean Engineering and Marine Systems 1997 Program (Dec. 1997).53Martin, J. and R. Anderson, 1999. "Electrostriction In Field-Structured Composites: Basis For A Fast Artificial Muscle?", Journal of Chemical Physics, vol. 111, No. 9, pp. 4273-4280, Sep. 1, 1999.54Nguyen, T., Green, M., and Kornbluh, R., "Robotic Systems," in ONR Ocean, Atmosphere, and Space Fiscal Year 1999 Annual Reports (Dec. 1999).55Nguyen, T., J. A. Willett and Kornbluh, R., "Robotic systems," in ONR Ocean, Atmosphere, and Space Fiscal Year 1998 Annual Reports (Dec. 1998).56Ohara, K., M. Hennecke, and J. Fuhrmann, "Electrostriction of polymethylmethacrylates," Colloid & Polymer Sci. vol. 280, 164-168 (1982).57Olsson, A., G. Stemme, and E. Stemme, "The First Valve-less Diffuser Gas Pump," Tenth Annual International Workshop on Micro Electromechanical Systems, Nagoya, Japan, IEEE Proceedings (Jan. 26-30, 1997), pp. 108-113.58Olsson, A., O. Larsson, J. Holm, L. Lundbladh, O. Ohinan, and G. Stemme. 1997. "Valve-less Diffuser Micropumps Fabricated using Thermoplastic Replication," Proc. IEEE Micro Electro Mechanical Systems, Nagoya, Japan, pp. 305-310 (Jan. 26-30, 1997).59Otero, T.F., J. Rodriguez, and C. Santamaria, "Smart Muscle Under Electrochemical Control of Molecular Movement in Polypyrrole Films," Materials Research Society Symposium Proceedings, vol. 330, pp. 333-338, 1994.60Otero, T.F., J. Rodriguez, E. Angulo and C. Santamaria, "Artificial Muscles from Bilayer Structures," Synthetic Metals, vol. 55-57, pp. 3713-3717 (1993).61Park, S.E., and T. Shrout., "Ultrahigh Strain and Piezoelectric Behavior in Relaxor Based Ferroelectric Single Crystals," J Applied Physics, vol. 82, pp. 1804-1811, Aug. 15, 1997.62Pelrine, R, R. Kornbluh, J. Joseph, and S. Chiba, "Electrostriction of Polymer Films for Microactuators," Proc. IEEE Tenth Annual International Workshop on Micro Electro Mechanical Systems, Nagoya, Japan, Jan. 26-30, 1997, pp. 238-243.63Pelrine, R., and J. Joseph, FY 1992 Final Report on Artificial Muscle for Small Robots, ITAD-3393-FR-93-063, SRI International, Menlo Park, California, Mar. 1993.64Pelrine, R., and J. Joseph. 1994. FY 1993 Final Report on Artificial Muscle for Small Robots, ITAD-4570-FR-94-076, SRI International, Menlo Park, California.65Pelrine, R., J. Eckerle, and S. Chiba, "Review of Artificial Muscle Approaches," invited paper, in Proc. Third International Symposium on Micro Machine and Human Science, Nagoya, Japan, Oct. 14-16, 1992.66Pelrine, R., R. Kornbluh, and G. Kofod, "High Strain Actuator Materials Based on Dielectric Elastomers," submitted to Advanced Materials (May 2000).67Pelrine, R., R. Kornbluh, and J. Eckerle, "Elastomeric Dielectric Polymer Film Sonic Actuator," U.S. Appl. No. 60/037,400, filed Feb. 7, 1997.68Pelrine, R., R. Kornbluh, and J. Joseph, "Electrostriction of Polymer Dielectrics with Compliant Electrodes as a Means of Actuation," Sensors and Actuators A: Physical, vol. 64, 1998, pp. 77-85.69Pelrine, R., R. Kornbluh, and J. Joseph, FY 1994 Final Report on Artificial Muscle for Small Robots, ITAD-5782-FR-95-050, SRI International, Menlo Park, California, 1995.70Pelrine, R., R. Kornbluh, and J. Joseph, FY 1995 Final Report on Artificial Muscle for Small Robots, ITAD-7071 -FR-96-047, SRI International, Menlo Park, California, 1996.71Pelrine, R., R. Kornbluh, and J. Joseph, FY 1996 Final Report on Artificial Muscle for Small Robots, ITAD-7228-FR-97-058, SRI International, Menlo Park, California, 1997.72Pelrine, R., R. Kornbluh, and J. Joseph, FY 1997 Final Report on Artificial Muscle for Small Robots, ITAD-1612-FR-98-041, SRI International, Menlo Park, California, 1998.73Pelrine, R., R. Kornbluh, and J. Joseph, FY 1998 Final Report on Artificial Muscle for Small Robots, ITAD-3482-FR-99-36, SRI International, Menlo Park, California, 1999.74Pelrine, R., R. Kornbluh, and J. Joseph, FY 1999 Final Report on Artificial Muscle for Small Robots, ITAD-10162-FR-00-27, SRI International, Menlo Park, California, 2000.75Pelrine, R., R. Kornbluh, J. Joseph, and S. Chiba. "Artificial Muscle Micro Actuators," US-4067-2P, U.S. Appl. No. 60/161,325, filed Oct. 25, 1999.76Pelrine, R., R. Kornbluh, J. Joseph, Q. Pei, and S. Chiba. "Electrostrictive Polymers as Micro Actuators," US-4042-2P, U.S. Appl. No. 60/153,329, filed Sep. 10, 1999.77Pelrine, R., R. Kornbluh, Q. Pei, and 3. Joseph. "High-Speed Electrically Actuated Polymers and Methods of Use," US-4028-2P, U.S. Appl. No. 60/144,556, filed Jul. 20, 1999.78Pelrine, R., R. Kornbluh, Q. Pei, and J. Joseph, "High Speed Electrically Actuated Elastomers with Over 100% Strain," Science, vol. 287, No. 5454, pp. 1-21, 2000.79Pelrine, R., Roy Kornbluh, Jose Joseph, Qibing Pei, Seiki Chiba "Recent Progress in Artificial Muscle Micro Actuators," SRI International, Tokyo, 1999 MITI/NEEDOIMNIC, 1999.80 *Perline(SI International Artificial Muscle Research Fy 1997 p. 1-33).81 *Perline(SI International Artificial Muscle Research Fy 1997 p. 1-33.82Pie, Q., O. Ingan�s, and I. Lundstr�m, "Bending Bilayer Strips Built From Polyaniline For Artificial Electrochemical Muscles," Smart Materials and Structures, vol. 2, pp. 16., Jan. 22, 1993.83R. Pelrine and Kornbluh, R., and. 1995. "Dexterous Multiarticulated Manipulator with Electrostrictive Polymer Artificial Muscle Actuator," EMU 95-023, SRI International, Menlo Park, California, Apr. 28, 1995.84Scheinbeim, J., B. Newman, Z. Ma, and J. Lee, "Electrostrictive Response of Elastomeric Polymers," ACS Polymer Preprints, 33(2), pp. 385-386, 1992.85Schlaberg, H. I., and J. S. Duffy, "Piezoelectric Polymer Composite Arrays For Ultrasonic Medical Imaging Applications," Sensors and Actuators, A 44, pp. 111-117, Feb. 22, 1994.86Shahinpoor, M., "Micro-electro-mechanics of Ionic Polymer Gels as Electrically Controllable Artificial Muscles," J. Intelligent Material Systems and Structures, vol. 6, pp. 307-314, May 1995.87Shkel, Y., and D. Klingenberg, "Material Parameters for Electrostriction," J Applied Physics, vol. 80(8), pp. 4566-4572, Oct. 15, 1996.88Smela, E., O. Ingan�s, and I. Lundstr�m, "Controlled Folding of Micrometer-size Structures," Science, vol. 268, pp. 1735-1738 (Jun. 23, 1995).89Smela, E., O. Ingan�s, Q. Pei, and I. Lundstr�m, "Electrochemical Muscles: Micromachining Fingers and Corkscrews," Advanced Materials, vol. 5, No. 9, pp. 630-632, Sep. 1993.90Su, J., Q. M. Zhang, C. H. Kim, R. Y. Ting, and R. Capps, "Effects of Transitional Phenomena on the Electric Field induced Strain-electrostrictive Response of a Segmented Polyurethane Elastomer," pp. 1363-1370, Jan. 20, 1997.91Su, J., Z. Ounaies, J. S. Harrison, Y. Bara-Cohen and S. Leary, "Electromechanically Active Polymer Blends for actuation," Proceedings of the 7th SPIE Symposium on Smart Structures and Materials-Electroactive Polymers and Devices (EAPAD) Conference, Mar. 6-8, 2000, Newport Beach, California, USA, pp 65-72.92T. B. Nguyen, C. K. DeBolt, Shastri, S. V., and A. Mann, "Advanced Robotic Search," in ONR Ocean, Atmosphere, and Space Fiscal Year 1999 Annual Reports (Dec. 1999).93Tobushi, H., S. Hayashi, and S. Kojima, "Mechanical Properties of Shape Memory Polymer of Polyurethane Series," in JSME International Journal, Series I, vol. 35, No. 3, 1992.94Treloar, L.R.G, "Mechanics of Rubber Elasticity," J Polymer Science, Polymer Symposium, No. 48, pp. 107-123, 1974.95Uchino, K. 1986. "Electrostrictive Actuators: Materials and Applications," Ceramic Bulletin, 65(4), pp. 647-652, 1986.96Wade, W. L., Jr., R. J. Mammone and M. Binder, "Increased Dielectric Breakdown Strengths of Melt-Extruded Polyporpylene Films," Polymer, vol. 34, No. 5, pp. 1093-1094 (1993).97Wax, S. G. and R. R. Sands, "Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices," Proceedings of the SPIE International Symposium on Smart Structures and Materials: Electro-Active Polymer Actuators and Devices, Mar. 1-2, 1999, Newport Beach, California, USA., pp. 2-10.98Winters, J, "Muscle as an Actuator for Intelligent Robots," Robotics Research: Trans. Robotics International of SME, Scottsdale, AZ (Aug. 18-21, 1986).99Yam, P., "Plastics Get Wired", Scientific American, vol. 273, pp. 82-87, Jul. 1995.100Zhang, Q. M., V. Bharti, Z.-Y. Cheng, T.-B. Xu, S. Wang, T. S. Ramotowski, F. Tito, and R. Ting, "Electromechanical Behavior of Electroactive P(VDF-TrFE) Copolymers," Proceedings of the SPIE International Symposium on Smart Structures and Materials: Electro-Active Polymer Actuators and Devices, Mar. 1-2, 1999, Newport Beach, California, USA., pp. 134-139.101Zhang, Q. M., Z.-Y. Cheng, V. Bharti, T.-B. Xu, H. Xu, T. Mai, and S. J. Gross, "Piezoelectric And Electrostrictive Polymeric Actuator Materials," Proceedings of the 7th SPIE Symposium on Smart Structures and Materials-Electroactive Polymers and Devices (EAPAD) Conference, Mar. 6-8, 2000, Newport Beach, California, USA, pp. 34-50.102Zhang, Q., V. Bharti, and X. Zhao, "Giant Electrostriction and Relaxor Ferroelectric Behavior in Electron-irradiated Poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) Copolymer," Science, vol. 280, pp. 2101-2104 (Jun. 26, 1998).103Zhenyi, M., J.I. Scheinbeim, J.W. Lee, and B.A. Newman. 1994. "High Field Electrostrictive Response of Polymers," Journal of Polymer Sciences, Part B-Polymer Physics, vol. 32, pp. 2721-2731, 1994.* Cited by examinerReferenced byCiting PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS7292385 *Sep 19, 2005Nov 6, 2007ThalesMirror with local deformation by thickness variation of an electro-active material controlled by electrical effectUS7368862 *Jan 24, 2006May 6, 2008Sri InternationalElectroactive polymer generatorsUS7378783Jul 12, 2007May 27, 2008Sri InternationalElectroactive polymer torsional deviceUS7394182Dec 21, 2006Jul 1, 2008Sri InternationalElectroactive polymer devices for moving fluidUS7400080Sep 18, 2003Jul 15, 2008Danfoss A/SElastomer actuator and a method of making an actuatorUS7456549Jan 24, 2006Nov 25, 2008Sri InternationalElectroactive polymer motorsUS7468575Jul 9, 2007Dec 23, 2008Sri InternationalElectroactive polymer electrodesUS7481120Dec 10, 2003Jan 27, 2009Danfoss A/STactile sensor element and sensor arrayUS7492076Dec 29, 2006Feb 17, 2009Artificial Muscle, Inc.Electroactive polymer transducers biased for increased outputUS7508085Feb 24, 2007Mar 24, 2009Phillip Reed MartineauFlexible member energy conversion deviceUS7518284Nov 3, 2006Apr 14, 2009Danfoss A/SDielectric composite and a method of manufacturing a dielectric compositeUS7521840 *Mar 21, 2005Apr 21, 2009Artificial Muscle, Inc.High-performance electroactive polymer transducersUS7521847Feb 26, 2007Apr 21, 2009Artificial Muscle, Inc.High-performance electroactive polymer transducersUS7538445Mar 9, 2007May 26, 2009Sri InternationalWave powered generationUS7548015Nov 3, 2006Jun 16, 2009Danfoss A/SMultilayer composite and a method of making suchUS7557456 *Mar 9, 2007Jul 7, 2009Sri InternationalWave powered generation using electroactive polymersUS7573064Dec 17, 2002Aug 11, 2009Danfoss A/SDielectric actuator or sensor structure and method of making itUS7586242 *Feb 3, 2005Sep 8, 2009Panasonic CorporationActuator and method for manufacturing planar electrode support for actuatorUS7595580 *Mar 21, 2005Sep 29, 2009Artificial Muscle, Inc.Electroactive polymer actuated devicesUS7608989 *Feb 20, 2007Oct 27, 2009Sri InternationalCompliant electroactive polymer transducers for sonic applicationsUS7626319 *Feb 24, 2006Dec 1, 2009Artificial Muscle, Inc.Three-dimensional electroactive polymer actuated devicesUS7649276Jul 30, 2007Jan 19, 2010Sri InternationalWave powered generationUS7671514 *Mar 15, 2005Mar 2, 2010Samsung Electro-Mechanics. Co. LtdElectroactive solid-state actuator and method of manufacturing the sameUS7679267 *Apr 20, 2009Mar 16, 2010Artificial Muscle, Inc.High-performance electroactive polymer transducersUS7679268 *May 29, 2007Mar 16, 2010Panasonic CorporationPolymer actuator having active member layer that expands or contracts upon application of electric fieldUS7696634Sep 30, 2008Apr 13, 2010Pliant Energy Systems LlcPliant mechanisms for extracting power from moving fluidUS7705521Apr 23, 2008Apr 27, 2010Sri InternationalElectroactive polymer torsional deviceUS7732999Oct 31, 2007Jun 8, 2010Danfoss A/SDirect acting capacitive transducerUS7750532Feb 24, 2006Jul 6, 2010Artificial Muscle, Inc.Electroactive polymer actuated motorsUS7761981Apr 3, 2007Jul 27, 2010Sri InternationalMethods for fabricating an electroactive polymer deviceUS7773291May 30, 2007Aug 10, 2010Light Resonance Technologies, Llc.Light filter/modulator and array of filters/modulatorsUS7785905Oct 9, 2007Aug 31, 2010Danfoss A/SDielectric actuator or sensor structure and method of making itUS7787646Jul 29, 2007Aug 31, 2010Sri InternationalSurface deformation electroactive polymer transducersUS7834527May 5, 2006Nov 16, 2010SmartMotion Technologies, Inc.Dielectric elastomer fiber transducersUS7839007Sep 29, 2009Nov 23, 2010Pliant Energy Systems LlcPliant mechanisms for extracting power from moving fluidUS7863768Oct 7, 2009Jan 4, 2011Pliant Energy Systems LlcPliant mechanisms for extracting power from moving fluidUS7868221Feb 24, 2004Jan 11, 2011Danfoss A/SElectro active elastic compression bandageUS7880371Oct 31, 2007Feb 1, 2011Danfoss A/SDielectric composite and a method of manufacturing a dielectric compositeUS7895728Aug 6, 2007Mar 1, 2011Danfoss A/SMethod of making a rolled elastomer actiuatorUS7911115Jul 12, 2007Mar 22, 2011Sri InternationalMonolithic electroactive polymersUS7915789Feb 24, 2006Mar 29, 2011Bayer Materialscience AgElectroactive polymer actuated lightingUS7915790Jan 12, 2009Mar 29, 2011Bayer Materialscience AgElectroactive polymer transducers biased for increased outputUS7921541 *Jul 29, 2007Apr 12, 2011Sri InternationalMethod for forming an electroactive polymer transducerUS7923064Jul 9, 2007Apr 12, 2011Sri InternationalElectroactive polymer manufacturingUS7923902 *Mar 13, 2009Apr 12, 2011Bayer Materialscience AgHigh-performance electroactive polymer transducersUS7956520Nov 19, 2007Jun 7, 2011North Carolina State UniversityElectroactive nanostructured polymers as tunable organic actuatorsUS7969070Sep 25, 2009Jun 28, 2011Commissariat A L'energie AtomiqueElectroactive polymer transducerUS7971850Mar 25, 2010Jul 5, 2011Sri InternationalElectroactive polymer devices for controlling fluid flowUS7977923Mar 6, 2008Jul 12, 2011Sri InternationalCircuits for electroactive polymer generatorsUS7990022Mar 15, 2010Aug 2, 2011Bayer Materialscience AgHigh-performance electroactive polymer transducersUS8042264Jun 30, 2010Oct 25, 2011Sri InternationalMethod of fabricating an electroactive polymer transducerUS8054566Dec 10, 2007Nov 8, 2011Bayer Materialscience AgOptical lens displacement systemsUS8072121Jun 29, 2009Dec 6, 2011Bayer Materialscience AgElectroactive polymer transducers biased for optimal outputUS8076825Jul 14, 2008Dec 13, 2011Louisiana Tech University Foundation, Inc.Electret film generatorUS8093783May 24, 2010Jan 10, 2012Sri InternationalElectroactive polymer deviceUS8127437Apr 23, 2010Mar 6, 2012Bayer Materialscience AgMethod for fabricating electroactive polymer transducerUS8181338Nov 3, 2006May 22, 2012Danfoss A/SMethod of making a multilayer compositeUS8183739 *Oct 31, 2007May 22, 2012Bayer Materialscience AgElectroactive polymer actuated devicesUS8193655 *Mar 10, 2011Jun 5, 2012Allan RobertsSystem for converting ocean wave energy to electric powerUS8210994Dec 31, 2009Jul 3, 2012Universal Cement CorporationPressure sensor and boxing machine using the sameUS8222799Jan 22, 2009Jul 17, 2012Bayer Materialscience AgSurface deformation electroactive polymer transducersUS8283839Nov 30, 2009Oct 9, 2012Bayer Materialscience AgThree-dimensional electroactive polymer actuated devicesUS8316526 *Mar 9, 2011Nov 27, 2012Sri InternationalMethod for forming an electroactive polymerUS8350447Aug 20, 2009Jan 8, 2013Braun GmbhElectro-polymer motorUS8432057Nov 12, 2009Apr 30, 2013Pliant Energy Systems LlcPliant or compliant elements for harnessing the forces of moving fluid to transport fluid or generate electricityUS8508109Mar 8, 2011Aug 13, 2013Sri InternationalElectroactive polymer manufacturingUS8610304Jan 10, 2012Dec 17, 2013Pliant Energy Systems LlcMechanisms for creating undulating motion, such as for propulsion, and for harnessing the energy of moving fluidUS8749081May 9, 2011Jun 10, 2014Phillip Reed MartineauMoving fluid energy conversion deviceUS8981621Feb 1, 2012Mar 17, 2015Ronald E. PelrineElectroactive polymer manufacturingUS20080116764 *Oct 31, 2007May 22, 2008Artificial Muscle, Inc.Electroactive polymer actuated devicesUS20100259133 *Oct 24, 2008Oct 14, 2010Bayer Materialscience AgEnergy converter produced from film-forming aqueous polymer dispersions, particularly polyurethane dispersions, particularly polyurethane dispersionsUS20110209337 *Mar 9, 2011Sep 1, 2011Bayer Materialscience AgElectroactive polymer pre-strainUS20120050335 *Aug 25, 2010Mar 1, 2012Universal Cement CorporationZooming system for a displayEP2169736A1 *Sep 8, 2009Mar 31, 2010Commissariat � l'Energie AtomiqueTransducer with electroactive polymerEP2681748A2 *Mar 1, 2012Jan 8, 2014Bayer Intellectual Property GmbHAutomated manufacturing processes for producing deformable polymer devices and filmsWO2005079187A2 *Sep 1, 2004Sep 1, 2005Roy D KornbluhSurface deformation electroactive polymer transducersWO2007130252A2Apr 5, 2007Nov 15, 2007Stanford Res Inst IntWave powered generation using electroactive polymersWO2011100028A1Dec 14, 2010Aug 18, 2011Sri InternationalElectroadhesive grippingWO2011113883A1Mar 17, 2011Sep 22, 2011Bayer Materialscience AgStatistic analysis of audio signals for generation of discernable feedbackWO2011116357A2Mar 18, 2011Sep 22, 2011Sri InternationalMaterials for electroadhesion and electrolaminatesWO2012129541A2Mar 23, 2012Sep 27, 2012Sri InternationalActive electroadhesive cleaningWO2013112487A1Jan 22, 2013Aug 1, 2013Sri InternationalHigh voltage converters for electrostatic applicationsWO2013166317A2May 2, 2013Nov 7, 2013Sri InternationalHandling and sorting materials using electroadhesionWO2013166329A2May 2, 2013Nov 7, 2013Sri InternationalElectroadhesive handling and manipulationWO2013188420A1Jun 11, 2013Dec 19, 2013Sri InternationalElectroadhesive surface cleanerWO2014059304A1Oct 11, 2013Apr 17, 2014Sri InternationalConformable electroadhesive gripping systemWO2014059325A1Oct 11, 2013Apr 17, 2014Sri InternationalVacuum augmented electroadhesive deviceWO2014066576A1Oct 24, 2013May 1, 2014Bayer Intellectual Property GmbhPolymer diodeWO2014089388A2Dec 6, 2013Jun 12, 2014Bayer Materialscience AgElectroactive polymer actuated apertureWO2014160757A2Mar 26, 2014Oct 2, 2014Bayer Materialscience AgIndependent tunig of audio devices employing electroactive polymer actuatorsWO2015020698A2Mar 14, 2014Feb 12, 2015Bayer Materialscience AgElectroactive polymer actuated air flow thermal management module* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification310/309International ClassificationF04B9/00, F25B9/14, F04B43/04, F04B35/00, H01L41/08, F02G1/043, H02N1/00, H04R19/02, H01L41/193, H01L41/09, F04B35/04, H04R23/00, H01L41/113, H02N11/00Cooperative ClassificationY10S310/80, H02N2/023, H01L41/0986, F25B9/14, F04B35/00, H01L41/193, H01L41/094, H01L41/1138, H01L41/0973, F05C2225/08, F02G1/043, H04R19/02, H02N11/006, F04B43/043, H04R23/00, F02G2243/52, F04B35/045European ClassificationH01L41/113M, H01L41/09G2B, H01L41/09L, H02N2/02B2, H01L41/09G4, H02N11/00C, F02G1/043, F04B35/04S, H04R19/02, F04B35/00, H01L41/193, F04B43/04MLegal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionSep 25, 2013FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 8Oct 22, 2009FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 4Nov 24, 2000ASAssignmentOwner name: SRI INTERNATIONAL, CALIFORNIAFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:PELRINE, RONALD E.;KORNBLUH, ROY D.;GARCIA, PABLO E.;ANDOTHERS;REEL/FRAME:011279/0425;SIGNING DATES FROM 20001101 TO 20001117RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services