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:
Jan. 01, 2008
Filed:
Aug. 12, 2004
David M. Griffiths, Pittsburgh, PA (US);
Amy S. Pomaybo, Foxboro, MA (US);
Alan D. Hirschman, Glenshaw, PA (US);
David M. Griffiths, Pittsburgh, PA (US);
Amy S. Pomaybo, Foxboro, MA (US);
Alan D. Hirschman, Glenshaw, PA (US);
Medrad, Inc., Indianola, PA (US);
Abstract
An actuator includes a non-magnetic, electroactive material that is suitable to impart force upon application of an electric current, a power supply to provide an electric current to the electroactive material and a controller in operative connection with the power supply to control application of electric current to the electroactive material. In one embodiment, the controller is adapted to limit rates at which electric current is applied to or removed from the electroactive material to predefined rates, thereby reducing the potential for high frequency harmonic emissions.