The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 08, 2003
Filed:
Jul. 20, 2000
Ronald E. Pelrine, Boulder, CO (US);
Roy D. Kornbluh, Palo Alto, CA (US);
Seajin Oh, Palo Alto, CA (US);
Jose P. Joseph, Palo Alto, CA (US);
SRI International, Menlo Park, CA (US);
Abstract
Pre-strained electroactive polymers are described that improve conversion from electrical to mechanical energy. When a voltage is applied to electrodes contacting a pre-strained polymer, the polymer deflects. This deflection may be used to do mechanical work. The pre-strain improves the mechanical response of an electroactive polymer. Also described herein are actuators that include an electroactive polymer and mechanical coupling to convert deflection of the polymer into mechanical work. Further described are compliant electrodes that conform to the shape of a polymer. Methods for fabricating electromechanical devices including one or more electroactive polymers are also described.