摘要 |
<p>A pump containing no external parts or valves is provided. The pump incorporates reversibly expanding actuators (17) formed of electroactive polymer gels which are activated by contact with an electrolyte, wherein each actuator is encased within a semipermeable membrane. Fluid is caused to move at a selected flow rate and direction by sequentially activating contiguous actuators located inside the pump. In another embodiment of the invention the actuators are formed of optically responsive polymers.</p> |