Abstract:
One or more electroactive polymer (EAP) strips (20, 54) are circumferentially or lengthwise embedded or mounted around the fluid passage member (20, 52). The EAP strips are configured to function as a pump when a prescribed electrical charge is applied and removed from the EAP strips, which causes the EAP strips to expand and constrict accordingly. A series of these strips may be mounted along a portion of the fluid passage member and electrically actuated in a prescribed manner to exert a squeezing force around the fluid passage member, which functions to pump fluid through the fluid passage member. The EAP strips also change electrical characteristics (e.g., capacitance, resistance) independent of the applied actuation as they are stretched, so they may be used to measure fluid pressure and/or fluid flow rate.
Abstract:
One or more electroactive polymer (EAP) strips (20, 54) are circumferentially or lengthwise embedded or mounted around the fluid passage member (20, 52). The EAP strips are configured to function as a pump when a prescribed electrical charge is applied and removed from the EAP strips, which causes the EAP strips to expand and constrict accordingly. A series of these strips may be mounted along a portion of the fluid passage member and electrically actuated in a prescribed manner to exert a squeezing force around the fluid passage member, which functions to pump fluid through the fluid passage member. The EAP strips also change electrical characteristics (e.g., capacitance, resistance) independent of the applied actuation as they are stretched, so they may be used to measure fluid pressure and/or fluid flow rate.
Abstract:
A hydraulic pressure intensifier system (10) for developing a high pressure fluid jet that utilizes an electric motor (84) for both pressurizing a hydraulic fluid and for controlling the pressure and/or flow of the high pressure fluid jet developed by the system. The intensifier system also utilizes a return spring for retraction of the piston which allows the hydraulic fluid and the high pressure fluid to be separated by an air gap to minimize the potential for cross-fluid contamination. A high pressure hose (66) connected to the output of the intensifier includes a check valve (70) at its distal end rather than at the outlet of the intensifier to allow fluid to be drained out of the hose and into the intensifier upon system shut down for instantaneous stoppage of the jet.