Pulse activated actuator pump system

摘要

A pump system containing no external parts or valves is provided. The pump system is characterized by a common type of actuating mechanism and incorporates reversibly expanding actuators, preferably electroactive actuators. Fluid is caused to move at a selected flow rate and direction by sequentially activating contiguous actuators located inside the pump. The pump may be used to pump a variety of fluids and may be used in various industrial, commercial, medical, aeronautical, or military applications.

主权项

1. A pump for delivering a liquid to an outlet port, comprising:
a. an actuator housing having a chamber housing the liquid, the chamber having an inner surface and at least one outlet port for accommodating liquid flow through the chamber; b. a plurality of individual actuators formed of a reversibly responsive elastomeric material selected from the group consisting of an electroactive polymer, an electrolytically activated polymer and an optically activated polymer, wherein the plurality of individual actuators are arranged in an array defining a plurality of flow paths within the chamber opposite to the inner surface and in contact with the liquid, wherein successive actuators in a flow path may be sequentially expanded from a starting position to advance the flow of liquid along a selected path through the chamber and out the outlet port; and c. a controller operative for sequentially controlling individual actuators to create at least one or a plurality of flow paths and also to control a rate of flow of liquid within individual flow paths whereby to displace the liquid at a chosen rate and flow path.