W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.

Michael Rittmann

Alexander Zaggl

Andrea Doernhoefer

Klaus Seibert

Alexander Zaggi

The present disclosure is directed to dielectric elastomeric composites that include a retainable processing membrane, an elastomer material, and an electrically conductive material. The elastomer layer may be partially imbibed into the retainable processing membrane. The retainable processing membrane may be porous. The retainable processing membrane is compacted in the transverse direction, machine direction, or in both directions prior to the application of an elastomer material and an electrically conductive material. The compaction of the retainable processing membrane may form structured folds or folded fibrils in the membrane, giving the retainable processing membrane a low modulus and flexibility. In some embodiments, the dielectric composites are positioned in a stacked configuration. Alternatively, the dielectric elastomeric composites may have a wound configuration. The dielectric composites have a total thickness less than about 170 &#x3bc;m. The dielectric elastomeric composites may be used, for example, in dielectric elastomer actuators, sensors, and in energy harvesting.

Dielectric composite with reinforced elastomer and integrated electrode

The present disclosure is directed to dielectric elastomeric composites that include a retainable processing membrane, an elastomer material, and an electrically conductive material. The elastomer layer may be partially imbibed into the retainable processing membrane. The retainable processing membrane may be porous. The retainable processing membrane is compacted in the transverse in direction, machine direction, or in both directions prior to the application of an elastomer material and an electrically conductive material. The compaction of the retainable processing membrane may form structured folds or folded fibrils in the membrane, giving the retainable processing membrane a low modulus and flexibility. In some embodiments, the dielectric composites are positioned in a stacked configuration. Alternatively, the dielectric elastomeric composites may have a wound configuration. The dielectric composites have a total thickness less than about 170 &#x3bc;m. The dielectric elastomeric composites may be used, for example, in dielectric elastomer actuators, sensors, and in energy harvesting.

Dielectric composite with reinforced elastomer and integrate electrode

A process for the formation of an assembly comprising a structured or compacted porous film (c) comprising a) application of a porous film (d) onto an elastic substrate (a) in a stretched state such that a reversible adhesion of the film on the stretched substrate (a) occurs, and b) relaxing the substrate (a) with the applied film thereon to obtain a structured or compacted porous film (c), c) applying a support material (e) to a part of the structured or compacted film (c) so that the structured or compacted film to which no support material (e) is attached is releasable.

Process for the formation of a porous film assembly

A check valve () for a through hole in a compartment wall () comprises an elastic membrane () covering an open end () of a flow passage (), a base () to which the elastic membrane () is fixed, and a protector () covering at least a portion of the elastic membrane (), wherein the elastic membrane is fixed to the base in a state where it is elastically stretched over and forced against a sealing surface () surrounding the open end () so as to seal the flow passage (). The elastic membrane lifts from the sealing surface when the pressure in the flow passage is high. The elastic membrane may be air- or gas-permeable and, preferably, waterproof so as to impart a low pressure venting functionality to the check valve.

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Putzbrunn, Germany

Michael Rittmann