COMPACT ACTUATOR AND CONTROLLER AND PUMPING APPARATUS FOR SAME

摘要

A compact actuator (21) for use with a fluid and including a housing (31) having a predetermined geometry. An actuation member (41) is mounted in the housing for movement between first and second positions for performing work. The actuation member has first and second faces (46, 47). The housing has an assembly (61) for providing fluid to the first face for moving the actuation member to the first position and to the second face for moving the actuation member to the second position. The assembly includes at least one transducer (69, 83 and/or 84) having an active element (71, 86 and/or 87) which is changeable between a first shape when in the absence of an electromagnetic field and a second shape when in the presence of an electromagnetic field. A controller (146) and pumping apparatus (301) for use with the actuator are provided.