US20040234401A1 - Pulse activated actuator pump system - Google Patents
Pulse activated actuator pump system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20040234401A1 US20040234401A1 US10/786,718 US78671804A US2004234401A1 US 20040234401 A1 US20040234401 A1 US 20040234401A1 US 78671804 A US78671804 A US 78671804A US 2004234401 A1 US2004234401 A1 US 2004234401A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- pump
- actuators
- fluid
- actuator
- activated
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 154
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 32
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 68
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 claims description 31
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 29
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 27
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 claims description 23
- 229920001746 electroactive polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 23
- 239000008151 electrolyte solution Substances 0.000 claims description 19
- 239000000499 gel Substances 0.000 claims description 17
- 239000003814 drug Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- 229940079593 drug Drugs 0.000 claims description 10
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- 239000012190 activator Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000003792 electrolyte Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000002441 reversible effect Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000000704 physical effect Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- MWPLVEDNUUSJAV-UHFFFAOYSA-N anthracene Chemical compound C1=CC=CC2=CC3=CC=CC=C3C=C21 MWPLVEDNUUSJAV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000001802 infusion Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000012377 drug delivery Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910010293 ceramic material Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920000431 shape-memory polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 229910001285 shape-memory alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 claims 1
- 239000002041 carbon nanotube Substances 0.000 description 7
- 229920001940 conductive polymer Polymers 0.000 description 7
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 5
- 229910021393 carbon nanotube Inorganic materials 0.000 description 5
- 238000010364 biochemical engineering Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000012993 chemical processing Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 4
- 150000002500 ions Chemical class 0.000 description 4
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 description 4
- 210000003205 muscle Anatomy 0.000 description 4
- -1 poly(p-phenylene vinylene) Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000009792 diffusion process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000013536 elastomeric material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 3
- 229920003935 Flemion® Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004997 Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920000557 Nafion® Polymers 0.000 description 2
- PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Nickel Chemical compound [Ni] PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000003491 array Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229920005601 base polymer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000013060 biological fluid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000008280 blood Substances 0.000 description 2
- 210000004369 blood Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 230000008602 contraction Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- UQSQSQZYBQSBJZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N fluorosulfonic acid Chemical compound OS(F)(=O)=O UQSQSQZYBQSBJZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 2
- NOESYZHRGYRDHS-UHFFFAOYSA-N insulin Chemical compound N1C(=O)C(NC(=O)C(CCC(N)=O)NC(=O)C(CCC(O)=O)NC(=O)C(C(C)C)NC(=O)C(NC(=O)CN)C(C)CC)CSSCC(C(NC(CO)C(=O)NC(CC(C)C)C(=O)NC(CC=2C=CC(O)=CC=2)C(=O)NC(CCC(N)=O)C(=O)NC(CC(C)C)C(=O)NC(CCC(O)=O)C(=O)NC(CC(N)=O)C(=O)NC(CC=2C=CC(O)=CC=2)C(=O)NC(CSSCC(NC(=O)C(C(C)C)NC(=O)C(CC(C)C)NC(=O)C(CC=2C=CC(O)=CC=2)NC(=O)C(CC(C)C)NC(=O)C(C)NC(=O)C(CCC(O)=O)NC(=O)C(C(C)C)NC(=O)C(CC(C)C)NC(=O)C(CC=2NC=NC=2)NC(=O)C(CO)NC(=O)CNC2=O)C(=O)NCC(=O)NC(CCC(O)=O)C(=O)NC(CCCNC(N)=N)C(=O)NCC(=O)NC(CC=3C=CC=CC=3)C(=O)NC(CC=3C=CC=CC=3)C(=O)NC(CC=3C=CC(O)=CC=3)C(=O)NC(C(C)O)C(=O)N3C(CCC3)C(=O)NC(CCCCN)C(=O)NC(C)C(O)=O)C(=O)NC(CC(N)=O)C(O)=O)=O)NC(=O)C(C(C)CC)NC(=O)C(CO)NC(=O)C(C(C)O)NC(=O)C1CSSCC2NC(=O)C(CC(C)C)NC(=O)C(NC(=O)C(CCC(N)=O)NC(=O)C(CC(N)=O)NC(=O)C(NC(=O)C(N)CC=1C=CC=CC=1)C(C)C)CC1=CN=CN1 NOESYZHRGYRDHS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000002905 metal composite material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920002239 polyacrylonitrile Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920000767 polyaniline Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920000128 polypyrrole Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 241000282472 Canis lupus familiaris Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000282326 Felis catus Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000282412 Homo Species 0.000 description 1
- 102000004877 Insulin Human genes 0.000 description 1
- 108090001061 Insulin Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 241001465754 Metazoa Species 0.000 description 1
- 229920001609 Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004642 Polyimide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicon Chemical compound [Si] XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000011354 acetal resin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002253 acid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000006978 adaptation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004364 calculation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000001768 cations Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000001311 chemical methods and process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001351 cycling effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013016 damping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007905 drug manufacturing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005684 electric field Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000839 emulsion Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003628 erosive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229920000578 graft copolymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001519 homopolymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000002513 implantation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001939 inductive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000036512 infertility Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229940125396 insulin Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006317 isomerization reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003754 machining Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011159 matrix material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002071 nanotube Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052759 nickel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000003921 oil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000013307 optical fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003647 oxidation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007254 oxidation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037361 pathway Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002572 peristaltic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005504 petroleum refining Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920003229 poly(methyl methacrylate) Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000553 poly(phenylenevinylene) Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920002492 poly(sulfone) Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004417 polycarbonate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000515 polycarbonate Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001721 polyimide Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920006324 polyoxymethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001343 polytetrafluoroethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000123 polythiophene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006722 reduction reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012552 review Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000010703 silicon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052710 silicon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002002 slurry Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002904 solvent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001228 spectrum Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000638 stimulation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008961 swelling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000012431 wafers Nutrition 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B43/00—Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members
- F04B43/12—Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members having peristaltic action
- F04B43/14—Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members having peristaltic action having plate-like flexible members
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B43/00—Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members
- F04B43/02—Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members having plate-like flexible members, e.g. diaphragms
- F04B43/04—Pumps having electric drive
- F04B43/043—Micropumps
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B43/00—Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members
- F04B43/08—Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members having tubular flexible members
- F04B43/082—Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members having tubular flexible members the tubular flexible member being pressed against a wall by a number of elements, each having an alternating movement in a direction perpendicular to the axes of the tubular member and each having its own driving mechanism
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B43/00—Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members
- F04B43/08—Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members having tubular flexible members
- F04B43/09—Pumps having electric drive
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B49/00—Control, e.g. of pump delivery, or pump pressure of, or safety measures for, machines, pumps, or pumping installations, not otherwise provided for, or of interest apart from, groups F04B1/00 - F04B47/00
- F04B49/06—Control using electricity
- F04B49/065—Control using electricity and making use of computers
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/598—With repair, tapping, assembly, or disassembly means
- Y10T137/612—Tapping a pipe, keg, or apertured tank under pressure
- Y10T137/613—With valved closure or bung
- Y10T137/6137—Longitudinal movement of valve
Definitions
- This invention concerns pumps and, more specifically, is directed to a programmable actuator pump system for moving a fluid at a determined rate and in a determined flow path.
- Pumps for moving fluids are powered by motors that drive moving components, usually pistons and valves, to produce a force on a fluid that causes it to flow.
- Valves in such pump systems are generally activated by electromechanical devices such as solenoids and other mechanical components.
- electromechanical devices such as solenoids and other mechanical components.
- peristaltic pumps, diaphragm pumps and centrifuge pumps for delivering blood and other biological fluids for specific purposes.
- EAP electroactive polymers
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,664,718 describes monolithic electroactive polymers that act as transducers and convert electrical energy to mechanical energy.
- the EAP are used to generate mechanical forces to move components of robots or pumps.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,682,500 describes a diaphragm pump powered by EAP.
- EAP is positioned beneath a flexible membrane termed a “diaphragm”.
- the diaphragm pump uses check-flow valves to control liquid flow.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,685,442 discloses a valve actuator based on a conductive elastomeric polymer gel.
- the conductive gel polymer is activated by an electrolyte solution.
- the motion of an elastomeric membrane over the expanding gel and the electrolyte solution can be controlled to act as a “gate” to open or close a fluid channel as a check-valve for that channel.
- the present invention contemplates an actuator pumping system that utilizes the force of expanding or deflecting actuators inside a housing of fixed volume to displace liquid through the housing. No moving parts or valves are required.
- the timed activation of individual actuators causes the actuators to change dimensions at a determined time and sequence and thereby cause the fluid to flow at a certain time and path.
- the present pump system for moving a fluid comprises an actuator housing having a chamber for housing the fluid, a plurality of contiguous actuators located in the chamber, and activating means for sequentially activating individual actuators. Each actuator, when activated, changes dimensions and exerts a displacing force on the housed fluid.
- the actuator housing comprises two or more chambers in fluid connection.
- the separate chambers may be programmed to displace different segments of fluid at individualized rates and flow paths
- the separate chambers may, e.g., be used to modify flow rates of fluids that change viscosity while moving through the housing.
- coordination of flow rate through the separate chambers may be used to subdue any pulsing flow patterns from individual chambers into a smooth continuous fluid flow pattern downstream from the chambers.
- the pump comprises a means for controlling the actuator activating means whereby individual actuators are activated at a determined time.
- the controller in preferred embodiments is a programmable microprocessor in electrical connection with the activating means.
- the pump comprises a sensor means for determining physical properties of the fluid.
- the sensor is in electrical connection with the controlling means and provides feed-back about the physical state of the fluid to the controlling means.
- the sensor may, for example, measure changes in pH, viscosity, ionic strength, velocity, pressure or chemical composition of fluid. This feed-back allows the pump to interactively alter fluid flow rate and direction.
- the pump moves a fluid at a controlled rate.
- the activating means sequentially activates individual contiguous actuators at a selected time.
- the rate at which the fluid flows depends on the rate of actuator activation and volume displaced by each actuator.
- the individual actuators are repeatedly pulsed sequentially at rapid intervals, and liquid is essentially spurted from the housing.
- a first group of contiguous actuators is activated at a certain time and then, while the first group return to their original dimensions, a second group of contiguous actuators is sequentially activated.
- Repetition of this activation pattern for several times or with more groups of actuators along the fluid flow path causes a volume of fluid to be displaced and eventually to be ejected from the housing.
- the amount of fluid displaced in a given time is determined by the difference in volume between activated actuators restored activators.
- the chamber in the actuator housing is sufficiently rigid to prevent it being deformed by the force exerted by activated actuators, since the displacing force of the activated actuators requires the chamber to maintain an essentially constant volume. In certain instances, however, as when the pump is to be placed into a small cavity, the actuator housing may be slightly deformable while being inserted.
- the direction of fluid flow inside the actuator housing is controlled.
- the location of individual actuators in the chamber determines the flow path of the displaced liquid.
- a fluid directed through the chamber will flow into spaces that contain no actuator to bar fluid flow.
- the individual actuators are located in a grid pattern within the chamber with individual actuators positioned at the intersection of each grid line. In these instances, a fluid flowing through the grid will move into unobstructed spaces as defined by the position of actuators in the grid, but will not flow into volumes barred by actuators.
- Other actuator patterns may be designed to cause different flow paths.
- the pumps in these embodiments comprise sensors for determining properties of the fluids. Pump controllers may be programmed to respond to feedback from the sensors and activate selected actuators and thus interactively determine the fluid flow path.
- the chamber may comprise more than one inlet port for receiving different fluids with each fluid being directed into separate paths.
- the pump may be used as a fluid mixing device by making the flow paths of different fluids intersect. The mixed fluids may be allowed to react and are then directed to an exiting flow path.
- the pumps move fluids at both a determined rate and in a determined path.
- the rate and pattern of sequential activation of actuators in the pump determines the rate of fluid flow and the positioning of actuators in the chamber of the actuator housing determines the flow path.
- the actuators for use in the present invention are preferably essentially inert and non-reactive with the fluid.
- the actuators are biocompatible with the fluid.
- the chamber comprises an elastomeric impermeable lining located between the actuators and the housed fluid to prevent contact of actuators and fluid.
- each individual actuator is encased in an essentially inert material to protect it from contact with fluid and, in certain instances, from interaction with contiguous actuators.
- the individual actuators when encased are individual integral cells inside the actuator housing.
- the actuators of the present pump are most preferably comprised of elastomeric materials responsive to an activating means.
- the elastomeric material changes its dimensions when activated. In certain instances the material expands and, due to the barrier to expansion exerted by contiguous actuators, moves linearly outward into a space occupied by the housed fluid and thereby displaces the fluid. In certain other instances, activation of the polymer causes it to contract into a smaller volume, making the space above it open for fluid flow. In certain other instances the elastomeric material changes shape. As the shape change occurs, the elastomeric material pushes and displaces the liquid. It is an essential aspect of the present invention that the actuators quickly revert to their original shape when not activated. It is the reversible nature of the actuators that supports the pumping action.
- the actuators in the pump of the present invention are reversibly responsive elastomeric materials selected from the group consisting of electroactive polymers, electrolytically activated polymer gels, optically activated polymers, piezoelectric polymers, piezoelectric ceramic materials, chemically activated polymers, magnetically activated polymers, thermally activated polymers and shape memory polymers.
- the shape and size of the actuators is determined by the dimensions of the chamber, the amount of size change when the actuators are activated and the nature of the fluid being moved.
- the actuators comprise electroactive polymers.
- the activating means is an electrical circuit that directly triggers individual actuators to change dimensions at a determined time and pattern. Chemical changes such as pH, ionic strength or phase changes in the electroactive polymers resulting from direct electrical activation cause the actuators to change size or shape. Piezoelectric polymers and polymers fitted with electrical contacts are examples of actuators suitable for use in these embodiments. In embodiments with electroactive polymers, each actuator is electrically shielded from contiguous actuators.
- the actuators are electrolytically activated polymer gels that are activated by contact with an electrolytic solution.
- individual polymers are each encased with a semi-permeable material
- the actuator housing comprises a reservoir for housing electrolytic solution
- the activation means is an electrical circuit whereby electrolytic solution is caused to flow reversibly through the semi-permeable material from the reservoir into contact with and away from the polymer to cause reversible movement of the actuator.
- the pump preferably comprises a remote control device for driving the circuit.
- the remote control device is infra-red or radio-frequency driven.
- the remote control device is driven by a microprocessor programmed to operate the pump at a selected time and sequence.
- the actuators comprise optically responsive polymers.
- the optically responsive polymers are ionized in the presence of light.
- the optically responsive polymers change pH in the presence of light.
- the activation of the optically responsive polymers is controlled by exposure to a laser beam of specific wavelength, to natural light, to a LED or to other quantum light sources.
- the time of exposure is controlled by a remote control device, an infra-red or radio-frequency driven device, e.g. In these preferred embodiments the remote control device is driven by a microprocessor programmed to activate the actuators at a selected time and sequence.
- the pump may be used as a fluid mixing device.
- the device may accommodate more than one fluid and each fluid may be caused to flow in a chosen flow path into a reservoir and then out from the reservoir as a single fluid.
- bio-processing systems the device may be used as a gentle cell processing device.
- the pump may be used as a portable fluid delivery device. Because the pump is simple and comprised of lightweight components, it is useful in stealth operations.
- the pump may be used as an infusion pump for delivering a medicament to an individual in need thereof.
- the infusion pump may be manufactured at low cost and therefore be disposable after a single use.
- the infusion pump may be very small and of a size permitting implantation in the individual if necessary.
- Such devices may comprise a fluid sensing device and are especially useful for controlled delivery of insulin to diabetics.
- the pump may be used as a drug delivery device for delivering a liquid drug or drug solution at a controlled rate and at a controlled time to an individual in need thereof.
- the delivery device may be used to deliver medicaments to humans, dogs, cats and other animals.
- the actuator housing comprises a single outlet port but no inlet port and houses the liquid drug or drug solution to be delivered. These devices may be preloaded with drug or drug solution and may be kept sterile until use.
- the pump may be used to propel an object along a surface.
- the pump comprises an actuator housing in contact with the object, a plurality of contiguous actuators in contact with the actuator housing and in contact with the surface, and activating means for sequentially activating individual actuators.
- each actuator when activated, it changes shape and exerts a displacing force on the surface and thereby propels the solid object in a direction opposite that of the displacing force.
- the propelling pump may be used to propel an object suspended on a liquid surface, on a solid surface or for propelling an object submerged in a liquid.
- the present invention also sets forth methods for pumping a fluid at a controlled rate.
- the actuator housing of the present pump is placed into fluid contact with fluid to be pumped, a first actuator is activated to prevent back-flow from the actuator housing and then the contiguous actuators are repeatedly activated at a sequence wherein activation of one of the individual actuators occurs at a time after one of its contiguous actuators has been activated.
- the methods may be used to pump fluids of different viscosities.
- the pump comprises two or more chambers in fluid connection and each chamber is operated at a different flow rate by activating the actuators therein at different times and sequences.
- FIG. 1 illustrates the pump of the present invention depicting the actuator housing with a chamber for housing the fluid, a plurality of contiguous actuators in the chamber, and activating means for sequentially activating individual actuators.
- a controller for activation means and a fluid sensor are illustrated.
- Flow of fluid through the housing is depicted.
- the individual actuators are activated at a time and in a sequence that causes fluid flow at a determined rate and path.
- FIGS. 2 a - 2 c illustrate possible arrangements of contiguous actuators in the chamber.
- the contiguous actuators are located in a linear array in the chamber.
- the actuators when activated, expand to the opposite wall of the cavity and form a seal that bars fluid flow and at the same time displace fluid along the axis of the array.
- FIG. 2 b illustrates actuators located apposite in two linear arrays. In this embodiment, the actuators, when activated expand into contact one with another.
- FIG. 2 c illustrates actuators located in a spiral array along the axis of flow inside the cavity. This array is useful for vertical movement of fluid.
- FIG. 3 illustrates the pump with a plurality of sets of contiguous actuators in the chamber. Fluid flow caused by sequential activation of the contiguous actuators is indicated.
- FIG. 4 illustrates the pump of the present invention with three chambers in fluid connection inside the actuator housing.
- FIG. 5 illustrates the pump for moving a fluid in a determined path wherein the actuators are located in the chamber at positions that define the flow path for the liquid when displaced.
- the contiguous actuators are located at the intersection of grid lines defining a matrix.
- FIG. 6 is an expanded view of the actuators in chamber.
- the actuators comprise photo-activated polymers and are encased in an inert material. Conduits for access to a photo-source are illustrated.
- the fluids may be pumped at a controlled rate and direction.
- the fluids may be directed to an intersection where they mix and are allowed to react.
- FIG. 7 depicts pump 10 in an on-line processing system wherein various fluids are directed into a main flowing fluid path at a determined time.
- This pump may be produced as a modular unit for insertion into a chemical or bio-processing system.
- FIG. 8 illustrates possible placements of contiguous actuators 12 in chamber 14 .
- FIG. 8A depicts the actuators on a chamber wall situated so that each actuator expands to an opposite hard surface, an opposite wall of the chamber or another surface in the chamber.
- FIG. 8B depicts the actuators situated apposite in the chamber. In this configuration, the actuators will expand into contact with the other.
- FIG. 9 illustrates pump 10 having electroactive actuators 12 that are activated by contact with electrolytic solution.
- Actuator housing 11 comprises chamber 14 and reservoir 27 for housing electrolyte solution 28 .
- Electrode 29 is located in the actuator and electrode 30 is located outside the actuator.
- Frit 31 a semi-permeable grid, separates actuator and electrolyte solution.
- a semi-permeable membrane 32 surrounds the actuator.
- FIG. 10 illustrates the pump as a propulsion device.
- FIG. 10 a illustrates the pump for moving an object along a surface.
- FIG. 10 b illustrates the pump for moving an object suspended in a liquid.
- Activating means refers generally to the means by which the polymeric actuators are caused to change dimensions.
- the activating means is a switching means that triggers the electrical circuit that causes electric activity resulting in the chemical action in the polymer that causes dimension change in the polymer.
- the activation means causes flow of electrolytic solution into contact with the polymer and then away from polymer.
- the activating means is the switching means that allows light to contact the polymer.
- the switching means is generally the switching means that electrical or physical pressures to the piezoelectric material.
- Controlling means refers to controllers in electrical contact with the activating means.
- the controlling means is an electronic device that is programmed to provide activation of activating means at a chosen time and sequence.
- the controlling means comprises a programmed microprocessor. Microprocessor chips well-Submitted known in the art. A simple chip is inexpensive and is preferably used in embodiments of the present invention that are disposable.
- Fluid refers to liquids, slurries, fine powders, emulsions and mixtures of solvents.
- the fluid may be a gas.
- Microprocessor means computer as well as the CPU in the computer.
- the microprocessor is a small chip that may be programmed to run the pump at a selected time and sequence.
- the microprocessor may interactively respond to the sensor. Certain chips that very inexpensive to manufacture are quite suitable for disposable embodiments of the present pump.
- “Sequential activation” means a pattern of activation of contiguous actuators wherein neighboring actuators are activated one after the other.
- activation of the first actuator determines a volume of fluid to be displaced.
- Activation of the neighboring actuators will displace this volume.
- Repetition of activation sequentially will continue to move this volume along the surface of contiguous actuators through the chamber.
- the sequential activation of contiguous actuators resembles the sounding of keys on a piano board when a musical scale is played.
- the present pump however is not limited to a flat linear array of actuators.
- a tubular chamber may, e.g. comprise actuators in a spiral array.
- a combination of multiple actuators may be activated at the same time to displace a greater volume of fluid and increase flow rate.
- “sequential” means activation of contiguous sets of actuators.
- Actuators for use in the present invention preferably comprise electroactive polymers (EAP). These polymers respond to external electrical stimulation by displaying a significant shape or size change. EAPs fall into two major categories: electronic and ionic Electric field or Coulomb forces generally drive electronic EAPs, while the primary driver for ionic EAPs is the mobility or diffusion of ions.
- EAP electroactive polymers
- Types of electronic EAP include ferroelectric polymers, dielectric polymers, electrorestrictive graft polymers, electrostrictive paper, electrovasoelastic polymers and liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) materials.
- IPMC Ionomeric Polymer-Metal Composites
- Nafion ® perfluorosulphonate manufactured by Du Pont
- Flemion ® per- fluorocaboxylate manufactured by Asahi Glass, Japan
- IPMC require rela- tively low voltages to stimulate a bending response (1-10 V) with low frequencies below 1 Hz.
- Conductive Polymers (CP) CPs actuate via the reversible counter-ion insertion and expulsion that occurs during redox cycling. Significant volume changes occur through oxidation and reduction reactions at corresponding electrodes through exchanges of ions with an electrolyte. Electrodes are commonly fabricated from polypyrrole or polyaniline, or PAN doped with HCI. CP actuators requires voltages in the range of 1-5 V. Variations to the voltage can control actuation speeds. Relatively high mechanical energy densities of over 20 J/cm3 are attained with these materials, however, they posses low efficiencies at levels of 1%.
- CNT Carbon Nanotubes
- a second category of actuators that may be used in preferred embodiments of the invention comprise photo-activated polymers termed photo-actuators.
- Photo-actuators cause changes in the length and volume of an illuminated material. Examples of mechanisms behind photoactivsation include phase transitions, internal restructuring (isomerization) in polymers, and photostriction (a combination of the photovoltaic and piezoelectric effect).
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,143,138 discloses light activated polymers useful as actuators in the present invention.
- the polymer comprises a pH jump molecule, preferably anthracene. Visible light is used to excite the pH jump molecule. The attendant pH change occurs rapidly (in nanoseconds) and can be maintained by continuous wave light or by an appropriately pulsed light.
- Suitable polymers for use as the present actuators are well known, and new materials are continuously being discovered that will be suitable actuators.
- electroactive polymers may be found in “Electroactive Polymer (EAP) Activators as an Artificial Muscles” Yoseph bar-Cohen Ed., Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers, Publisher (2001) herein incorporated in its entirety.
- FIGS. 1-10 show generally the preferred embodiments of the pump of the present invention designated by the numeral 10 .
- Pump 10 includes actuator housing 11 , chamber 14 , a plurality of contiguous actuators 12 located in chamber 14 , and activating means 13 for sequentially activating individual actuators 12 .
- the actuator housing may have one or more inlet ports 15 and one or more outlet ports 16 .
- controller 21 controls activating means 13 and establishes the times at which individual actuators are activated sequentially.
- controllers are well known in the art.
- the controller 21 is a programmable microprocessor, most preferably a simple programmable microchip in electrical connection with the activating means.
- a sensor 22 for determining certain physical properties of the fluid wherein the sensor is in electrical connection with the controlling means and is capable of delivering signals received from the fluid to the controlling means.
- Sensors for the purpose are well known in the art and may respond to physical properties of the fluid including chemical composition, pH, pressure, temperature and flow rate.
- FIGS. 2 a - 2 c illustrate possible arrangements of contiguous actuators in the chamber 14 .
- the contiguous actuators 12 a - e are located in a linear array in the chamber 14 .
- the actuators when activated, expand to the opposite wall of the chamber and form a seal that bars fluid flow and at the same time displace fluid along the axis of the array.
- FIG. 2 b illustrates actuators 12 a - e located apposite in two linear arrays. In this embodiment, the actuators, when activated, expand into contact one with another.
- FIG. 2 c illustrates actuators 12 a - e located in a spiral array along the axis of flow inside the cavity.
- the actuators when activated expand into contact with the opposite wall.
- This array is useful for vertical movement of fluid along the axis of the flow in the actuator housing.
- Displacement of fluid is achieved by activating each contiguous actuator individually in a sequential time pattern.
- the elastomeric materials in the actuators upon activation, change dimensions and exert a force on the volume of liquid in which they are in contact.
- the force exerted by each actuator in a contained fluid is multi-directional, and although the fluid is displaced, there is no flow created.
- Fluid movement is achieved in the present invention by activating contiguous actuators sequentially to cause individual actuators to expand to an opposite surface and displace the volume of liquid corresponding to the expanded size of actuator.
- a first actuator in the array is activated, expands to an opposite surface and exerts force on the fluid. Fluid displaced by this first actuator will move in forward and backward directions relative to the actuator.
- the second actuator which is contiguous to the first actuator, it displaces fluid in one direction only because the other three directions are blocked by the first actuator, an opposing surface and a wall of the chamber to which the actuator is attached.
- sets of actuators are position in the chamber along the axis of flow. Repetition of the activation sequence continues with each set until the first set of actuators reverses its shape change and is then be activated again. Reversal of flow may be achieved in the present pump by reversing the sequence of activation of the individual actuators. Certain polymers contract when activated.
- the extended first actuator is placed at the entry port of the chamber. The activation pattern begins by contraction of the first actuator followed by sequential contraction of contiguous actuators. Fluid flows along the path defined by the actuators.
- FIG. 3 illustrates the pump 10 with a plurality of contiguous sets of contiguous actuators, set 17 a - e , set 18 a - e and set 19 a - e arranged in sequence in chamber 14 .
- Fluid flow in this illustration occurs in phases wherein, in a first phase, the first set of actuators 17 a - e is sequentially activated and in a second phase the second set of actuators 18 a - e is then sequentially activated.
- the volume of liquid displaced by the first set 17 a - e will flow into position above the second set 18 a - e . Repetition of these phases results in pulsed flow of liquid through and out of the actuator housing.
- the rate of flow through the actuator housing 11 is determined by the selected time and sequence of activation of the actuators. Calculation of expected flow rate may be made from the change in dimensions of the actuators.
- the amount of fluid displaced at a given time is the sum of the total volume of all the expanded (or contracted) actuators during this time.
- the rate of fluid flow is the volume displaced during a given time which is determined by the time and sequence of activation.
- the controller 21 may be programmed to activate the actuators at a given time and sequence to provide a selected flow rate.
- FIG. 4 illustrates the pump 10 of the present invention comprising three chambers 14 a , 14 b and 14 c .
- the chambers are located in fluid connection.
- Each chamber may be operated independently of the other so that fluid flow may be initiated at different times and sequences.
- This arrangement is useful for pumping fluids that may change viscosity during fluid flow. It is also useful for damping a pulsed flow. Dampening may be achieved by positioning the actuators in a parallel arrangement inside the chamber and activating actuators in each housing at a different time.
- FIG. 5 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the pump 10 for moving a fluid in a determined path.
- Actuators 12 are located in chamber 14 in a pattern that defines the flow path for the liquid. Filled circles indicate activated actuators and empty circles define non-activated actuators.
- individual actuators are located at the intersection of grid lines and a path for fluid 1 and fluid 2 are indicated. Fluid will flow along the paths defined by the empty circles as contiguous activators in the pathway are activated. It is an important aspect of the present invention that fluid may be caused to flow in a desired pattern by the present pump by activating certain actuators at a given time. Thus, as illustrated in FIG.
- the two fluids may be caused to intersect by allowing actuators 14 a and 14 b to change dimensions of the non-activated state and by activating actuator 14 c .
- Fluid 2 will move in the new path and will combine with fluid 1 . Reaction may occur at the intersection and the new fluid will be directed out of the chamber by sequential activation of the actuators.
- FIG. 6 is a view of the actuators in chamber 14 illustrating the individual actuators 12 encased in an inert material 23 .
- the actuators in FIG. 6 comprise photo-activated polymers. Conduits 24 for access to a photo-source are illustrated.
- the actuators may be sequentially activated and fluid flows at a controlled rate. In other embodiments, the actuators may be activated in a pattern that defines flow path of liquid.
- FIG. 6 also illustrates ports 25 and 26 for receiving two fluids. The fluids may be directed in separate paths, as illustrated. Alternatively, the fluids may be directed to an intersection where they mix and react.
- FIG. 7 depicts pump 10 in an on-line processing system wherein various fluids are directed into a main flowing fluid path at a determined time.
- Inlet ports 15 a - e receive individual fluids. Each fluid is directed in an individual flow path and is delivered to the main fluid at a determined time. Reactive products resulting from reaction between the main fluid and individual fluids exit from exit port 16 .
- This pump may be produced as a modular unit for insertion into a chemical or bio-processing system.
- the modular unit comprises suitable connectors 32 to achieve fluid connection with the on-line system.
- FIG. 8 illustrates possible placements of contiguous actuators 12 in chamber 14 .
- FIG. 8A depicts the actuators on a chamber wall situated in a position that allows each actuator to expand to an opposite hard surface, be an opposite wall of the chamber or another surface in the chamber.
- FIG. 8B depicts the actuators situated apposite in the chamber. In this configuration, the actuators will expand into contact with the other. By placing the actuators opposite one another, actuators having a smaller strain will still effectively displace a large volume of fluid.
- certain actuators may be in an interdigitating pattern. This pattern may be used to provide a mixing of flowing fluid.
- FIG. 9 illustrates pump 10 with electroactive actuators 12 activated by contact with electrolytic solution.
- Actuator housing 11 comprises chamber 14 and reservoir 27 for housing electrolyte solution 28 .
- Electrode 29 is located in the actuator and electrode 30 is located outside the actuator Frit 31 , a semi-permeable grid, separates actuator and electrolyte solution.
- a semi-permeable membrane 32 surrounds the actuator.
- FIG. 10 illustrates pump 10 as a propulsion device.
- FIG. 10 a illustrates the pump for moving an object along a surface.
- FIG. 10 b illustrates the pump for moving an object suspended in a liquid.
- the actuators deform or bend when activated so the force exerted by the activated actuators has a directional component.
- the direction of propulsion will be in a linear direction depending on the direction of force.
- the direction of propulsion may be made to circular or circuitous by positioning the actuators at locations that unbalance total displacing force.
- the pump and actuator housing of the present invention may be made by methods well known in the art.
- the actuator housing may be fabricated from materials such as polytetrafluoroethylenes, crystalline homopolymer acetal resins, polysulfones, polyurethanes, polyimides, polycarbonates, polymethylmethacrylates and similar polymers, moldable or machinable glasses, ceramics, silicon wafers and any other material that is, or can be, rendered nonconductive, rigid, and chemically inert.
- a porous member or frit is located between the actuators and an electrolyte solution.
- the frit may be glass, a porous polymer, such as for example polypropylene, or a porous non-corroding metal, such as, for example, nickel.
- the actuator housing is preferably made by injection molding using a non conductive polymer.
- a chamber of the desired shape is formed inside the housing.
- a flexible circuitry will be positioned in the mold cavity, the mold will be closed and positioned and injected with the molten polymer or similar material. The part will be removed from the mold and flashing removed. At this point, any secondary operations such as machining or drilling holes will be performed.
- the actuators are installed in the chamber and a porous first is placed between the polymer and a reservoir containing electrolyte solution. The next step will be to make and attach electrical connections and components not already molded into the housing. Following this, the elastomeric liner will be attached, if needed, and electrolyte added.
- the actuators comprise an EAP material that swells from a PH change induced by irradiation of a light spectrum to the material.
- the swelling would be caused by a diffusion of electrolyte ions through the multilayered gel although this is a slow process it is compensated for by the addition of more active fluid channels in the housing. For example if one channel produced a flow rate of 1 ml per hr ten channels would produce 10 ml pr hr.
- a tuned photonics chip and optical fiber conduit would enable a single light source to deliver controlled irradiation to each actuator thereby reducing power consumption needs over the option of individual light sources for each actuator.
Abstract
A pump for moving a fluid includes an actuator housing having a chamber for housing the fluid. The chamber has ports for accommodating fluid flow through the chamber. A plurality of individual actuators are located in the chamber and in contact with the fluid. Completing the pump is an actuator for sequentially activating individual actuators, wherein each actuator, when activated, changes dimensions and exerts a displacing force on the housed fluid.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/448,771, filed Feb. 24, 2003.
- This invention concerns pumps and, more specifically, is directed to a programmable actuator pump system for moving a fluid at a determined rate and in a determined flow path.
- Many kinds of pumps are known in the art and adaptations have been made for specific applications. Pumps for moving fluids are powered by motors that drive moving components, usually pistons and valves, to produce a force on a fluid that causes it to flow. Valves in such pump systems are generally activated by electromechanical devices such as solenoids and other mechanical components. As one of skill in the art will appreciate, there are countless versions of pumps for many different applications. In the medical device field, e.g., there are peristaltic pumps, diaphragm pumps and centrifuge pumps for delivering blood and other biological fluids for specific purposes. Pumps used in many of today's modern chemical processes, including oil or petroleum refining, food and drug manufacturing and electric generation, rely extensively on a complex interconnection of pumps, piping and valves to effect a particular chemical conversion or mixture. The reliance on multiple dedicated pumps or redundant valve configurations results in complex, expensive systems that require high maintenance and manufacturing costs.
- Polymer actuators, requiring no moving parts, are often used in these complex systems to simplify valve operation. A class of actuators, electroactive polymers (EAP—known as artificial muscles), has recently been developed. See, e.g., “Electroactive Polymer (EAP) Activators as an Artificial Muscles” Yoseph bar-Cohen Ed., Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers, Publisher (2001). Electroactived polymers reversibly swell or change form when activated. The mechanical force exerted by activated EAP is captured to move components in actuator devices.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,664,718 describes monolithic electroactive polymers that act as transducers and convert electrical energy to mechanical energy. The EAP are used to generate mechanical forces to move components of robots or pumps.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,682,500 describes a diaphragm pump powered by EAP. In this pump, an EAP is positioned beneath a flexible membrane termed a “diaphragm”. As the EAP is activated, it swells and contracts and thereby reversibly moves the diaphragm which in turn displaces liquid in which it is in contact. The diaphragm pump uses check-flow valves to control liquid flow.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,685,442 discloses a valve actuator based on a conductive elastomeric polymer gel. In operation, the conductive gel polymer is activated by an electrolyte solution. By manipulating the potential across the gel, the motion of an elastomeric membrane over the expanding gel and the electrolyte solution can be controlled to act as a “gate” to open or close a fluid channel as a check-valve for that channel.
- The use of actuators in pump systems reduces the complexity of system operation. Yet each of the disclosed pumps that incorporate polymeric actuators still requires moving parts and valves. The mechanical complexity, maintenance expense, large size and weight, sterility problems, fluid-contaminating erosion products, chemical incompatibility with certain fluids and often noisy operation, make most pump systems unsuitable for certain purposes.
- Accordingly, simple actuator devices that use no mechanical parts or valves have been sought.
- Improved pumps and methods of pumping fluids are hereinafter disclosed which overcome many of the disadvantages of prior art pumps, including the use of complex moving parts and the relatively high cost of manufacture.
- The present invention contemplates an actuator pumping system that utilizes the force of expanding or deflecting actuators inside a housing of fixed volume to displace liquid through the housing. No moving parts or valves are required. The timed activation of individual actuators causes the actuators to change dimensions at a determined time and sequence and thereby cause the fluid to flow at a certain time and path.
- The present pump system for moving a fluid comprises an actuator housing having a chamber for housing the fluid, a plurality of contiguous actuators located in the chamber, and activating means for sequentially activating individual actuators. Each actuator, when activated, changes dimensions and exerts a displacing force on the housed fluid.
- In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the actuator housing comprises two or more chambers in fluid connection. In certain instances, the separate chambers may be programmed to displace different segments of fluid at individualized rates and flow paths The separate chambers may, e.g., be used to modify flow rates of fluids that change viscosity while moving through the housing. In other instances, coordination of flow rate through the separate chambers may be used to subdue any pulsing flow patterns from individual chambers into a smooth continuous fluid flow pattern downstream from the chambers.
- Preferably the pump comprises a means for controlling the actuator activating means whereby individual actuators are activated at a determined time. The controller in preferred embodiments is a programmable microprocessor in electrical connection with the activating means.
- In certain instances, the pump comprises a sensor means for determining physical properties of the fluid. The sensor is in electrical connection with the controlling means and provides feed-back about the physical state of the fluid to the controlling means. The sensor may, for example, measure changes in pH, viscosity, ionic strength, velocity, pressure or chemical composition of fluid. This feed-back allows the pump to interactively alter fluid flow rate and direction.
- In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the pump moves a fluid at a controlled rate. In these embodiments, the activating means sequentially activates individual contiguous actuators at a selected time. The rate at which the fluid flows depends on the rate of actuator activation and volume displaced by each actuator. Thus, in certain preferred instances, the individual actuators are repeatedly pulsed sequentially at rapid intervals, and liquid is essentially spurted from the housing. In other instances, a first group of contiguous actuators is activated at a certain time and then, while the first group return to their original dimensions, a second group of contiguous actuators is sequentially activated. Repetition of this activation pattern for several times or with more groups of actuators along the fluid flow path causes a volume of fluid to be displaced and eventually to be ejected from the housing. The amount of fluid displaced in a given time is determined by the difference in volume between activated actuators restored activators.
- The chamber in the actuator housing is sufficiently rigid to prevent it being deformed by the force exerted by activated actuators, since the displacing force of the activated actuators requires the chamber to maintain an essentially constant volume. In certain instances, however, as when the pump is to be placed into a small cavity, the actuator housing may be slightly deformable while being inserted.
- In other preferred embodiments of the present invention, the direction of fluid flow inside the actuator housing is controlled. In these embodiments, the location of individual actuators in the chamber determines the flow path of the displaced liquid. A fluid directed through the chamber will flow into spaces that contain no actuator to bar fluid flow. In certain preferred instances, the individual actuators are located in a grid pattern within the chamber with individual actuators positioned at the intersection of each grid line. In these instances, a fluid flowing through the grid will move into unobstructed spaces as defined by the position of actuators in the grid, but will not flow into volumes barred by actuators. Other actuator patterns may be designed to cause different flow paths. Most preferably the pumps in these embodiments comprise sensors for determining properties of the fluids. Pump controllers may be programmed to respond to feedback from the sensors and activate selected actuators and thus interactively determine the fluid flow path.
- In certain instances, the chamber may comprise more than one inlet port for receiving different fluids with each fluid being directed into separate paths. In these instances, the pump may be used as a fluid mixing device by making the flow paths of different fluids intersect. The mixed fluids may be allowed to react and are then directed to an exiting flow path.
- In other preferred embodiments of the present invention, the pumps move fluids at both a determined rate and in a determined path. In these instances, the rate and pattern of sequential activation of actuators in the pump determines the rate of fluid flow and the positioning of actuators in the chamber of the actuator housing determines the flow path.
- The actuators for use in the present invention are preferably essentially inert and non-reactive with the fluid. In those instances wherein the pump is used for moving a biological fluid, blood e.g., the actuators are biocompatible with the fluid. In other instances the chamber comprises an elastomeric impermeable lining located between the actuators and the housed fluid to prevent contact of actuators and fluid.
- In preferred embodiments of the present invention, each individual actuator is encased in an essentially inert material to protect it from contact with fluid and, in certain instances, from interaction with contiguous actuators. The individual actuators when encased are individual integral cells inside the actuator housing.
- The actuators of the present pump are most preferably comprised of elastomeric materials responsive to an activating means. The elastomeric material changes its dimensions when activated. In certain instances the material expands and, due to the barrier to expansion exerted by contiguous actuators, moves linearly outward into a space occupied by the housed fluid and thereby displaces the fluid. In certain other instances, activation of the polymer causes it to contract into a smaller volume, making the space above it open for fluid flow. In certain other instances the elastomeric material changes shape. As the shape change occurs, the elastomeric material pushes and displaces the liquid. It is an essential aspect of the present invention that the actuators quickly revert to their original shape when not activated. It is the reversible nature of the actuators that supports the pumping action.
- Most preferably the actuators in the pump of the present invention are reversibly responsive elastomeric materials selected from the group consisting of electroactive polymers, electrolytically activated polymer gels, optically activated polymers, piezoelectric polymers, piezoelectric ceramic materials, chemically activated polymers, magnetically activated polymers, thermally activated polymers and shape memory polymers. The shape and size of the actuators is determined by the dimensions of the chamber, the amount of size change when the actuators are activated and the nature of the fluid being moved.
- In preferred embodiments of the present pump, the actuators comprise electroactive polymers. In certain instances, the activating means is an electrical circuit that directly triggers individual actuators to change dimensions at a determined time and pattern. Chemical changes such as pH, ionic strength or phase changes in the electroactive polymers resulting from direct electrical activation cause the actuators to change size or shape. Piezoelectric polymers and polymers fitted with electrical contacts are examples of actuators suitable for use in these embodiments. In embodiments with electroactive polymers, each actuator is electrically shielded from contiguous actuators.
- In other preferred embodiments of the pump of the present invention, the actuators are electrolytically activated polymer gels that are activated by contact with an electrolytic solution. In these embodiments, individual polymers are each encased with a semi-permeable material, the actuator housing comprises a reservoir for housing electrolytic solution and the activation means is an electrical circuit whereby electrolytic solution is caused to flow reversibly through the semi-permeable material from the reservoir into contact with and away from the polymer to cause reversible movement of the actuator.
- In those preferred embodiments wherein actuators are activated by an electric circuit either directly or by electrolyte, the pump preferably comprises a remote control device for driving the circuit. Most preferably the remote control device is infra-red or radio-frequency driven. In certain preferred embodiments the remote control device is driven by a microprocessor programmed to operate the pump at a selected time and sequence.
- In other preferred embodiments of the pump of the present invention, the actuators comprise optically responsive polymers. In certain preferred instances, the optically responsive polymers are ionized in the presence of light. In other preferred instances, the optically responsive polymers change pH in the presence of light. The activation of the optically responsive polymers is controlled by exposure to a laser beam of specific wavelength, to natural light, to a LED or to other quantum light sources. In certain preferred instances, the time of exposure is controlled by a remote control device, an infra-red or radio-frequency driven device, e.g. In these preferred embodiments the remote control device is driven by a microprocessor programmed to activate the actuators at a selected time and sequence.
- In one embodiment of the present invention, the pump may be used as a fluid mixing device. These embodiments are especially useful in chemical processing or bio-processing systems. For chemical processing, the device may accommodate more than one fluid and each fluid may be caused to flow in a chosen flow path into a reservoir and then out from the reservoir as a single fluid. In bio-processing systems the device may be used as a gentle cell processing device.
- In other embodiments, the pump may be used as a portable fluid delivery device. Because the pump is simple and comprised of lightweight components, it is useful in stealth operations.
- In another embodiment, the pump may be used as an infusion pump for delivering a medicament to an individual in need thereof. The infusion pump may be manufactured at low cost and therefore be disposable after a single use. In other instances, the infusion pump may be very small and of a size permitting implantation in the individual if necessary. Such devices may comprise a fluid sensing device and are especially useful for controlled delivery of insulin to diabetics.
- In yet another embodiment, the pump may be used as a drug delivery device for delivering a liquid drug or drug solution at a controlled rate and at a controlled time to an individual in need thereof. The delivery device may be used to deliver medicaments to humans, dogs, cats and other animals. In certain embodiments of the drug delivery device, the actuator housing comprises a single outlet port but no inlet port and houses the liquid drug or drug solution to be delivered. These devices may be preloaded with drug or drug solution and may be kept sterile until use.
- In other preferred embodiments of the present invention, the pump may be used to propel an object along a surface. In these embodiments, the pump comprises an actuator housing in contact with the object, a plurality of contiguous actuators in contact with the actuator housing and in contact with the surface, and activating means for sequentially activating individual actuators. In this embodiment, when each actuator is activated, it changes shape and exerts a displacing force on the surface and thereby propels the solid object in a direction opposite that of the displacing force. The propelling pump may be used to propel an object suspended on a liquid surface, on a solid surface or for propelling an object submerged in a liquid.
- The present invention also sets forth methods for pumping a fluid at a controlled rate. In the methods, the actuator housing of the present pump is placed into fluid contact with fluid to be pumped, a first actuator is activated to prevent back-flow from the actuator housing and then the contiguous actuators are repeatedly activated at a sequence wherein activation of one of the individual actuators occurs at a time after one of its contiguous actuators has been activated.
- The methods may be used to pump fluids of different viscosities. In these methods, the pump comprises two or more chambers in fluid connection and each chamber is operated at a different flow rate by activating the actuators therein at different times and sequences.
- The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following more particular description thereof, presented in conjunction with the following drawings wherein:
- FIG. 1 illustrates the pump of the present invention depicting the actuator housing with a chamber for housing the fluid, a plurality of contiguous actuators in the chamber, and activating means for sequentially activating individual actuators. A controller for activation means and a fluid sensor are illustrated. Flow of fluid through the housing is depicted. In operation, the individual actuators are activated at a time and in a sequence that causes fluid flow at a determined rate and path.
- FIGS. 2a-2 c illustrate possible arrangements of contiguous actuators in the chamber. In FIG. 2a the contiguous actuators are located in a linear array in the chamber. In this embodiment, the actuators, when activated, expand to the opposite wall of the cavity and form a seal that bars fluid flow and at the same time displace fluid along the axis of the array. FIG. 2b illustrates actuators located apposite in two linear arrays. In this embodiment, the actuators, when activated expand into contact one with another. FIG. 2c illustrates actuators located in a spiral array along the axis of flow inside the cavity. This array is useful for vertical movement of fluid.
- FIG. 3 illustrates the pump with a plurality of sets of contiguous actuators in the chamber. Fluid flow caused by sequential activation of the contiguous actuators is indicated.
- FIG. 4 illustrates the pump of the present invention with three chambers in fluid connection inside the actuator housing.
- FIG. 5 illustrates the pump for moving a fluid in a determined path wherein the actuators are located in the chamber at positions that define the flow path for the liquid when displaced. In this illustration the contiguous actuators are located at the intersection of grid lines defining a matrix.
- FIG. 6 is an expanded view of the actuators in chamber. The actuators comprise photo-activated polymers and are encased in an inert material. Conduits for access to a photo-source are illustrated. In this embodiment, the fluids may be pumped at a controlled rate and direction. The fluids may be directed to an intersection where they mix and are allowed to react.
- FIG. 7 depicts
pump 10 in an on-line processing system wherein various fluids are directed into a main flowing fluid path at a determined time. This pump may be produced as a modular unit for insertion into a chemical or bio-processing system. - FIG. 8 illustrates possible placements of
contiguous actuators 12 inchamber 14. FIG. 8A depicts the actuators on a chamber wall situated so that each actuator expands to an opposite hard surface, an opposite wall of the chamber or another surface in the chamber. FIG. 8B depicts the actuators situated apposite in the chamber. In this configuration, the actuators will expand into contact with the other. - FIG. 9 illustrates pump10 having
electroactive actuators 12 that are activated by contact with electrolytic solution.Actuator housing 11 compriseschamber 14 andreservoir 27 forhousing electrolyte solution 28.Electrode 29 is located in the actuator andelectrode 30 is located outside the actuator.Frit 31, a semi-permeable grid, separates actuator and electrolyte solution. Asemi-permeable membrane 32 surrounds the actuator. - FIG. 10 illustrates the pump as a propulsion device. FIG. 10a illustrates the pump for moving an object along a surface. FIG. 10b illustrates the pump for moving an object suspended in a liquid.
- Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.
- Definitions
- “Activating means” refers generally to the means by which the polymeric actuators are caused to change dimensions. In the case of electroactive polymeric gels that are activated directly, the activating means is a switching means that triggers the electrical circuit that causes electric activity resulting in the chemical action in the polymer that causes dimension change in the polymer. In the case of electroactive polymeric gels that are activated indirectly, the activation means causes flow of electrolytic solution into contact with the polymer and then away from polymer. In the case of light-activated polymers, the activating means is the switching means that allows light to contact the polymer. In the case of piezoelectric actuators, the switching means is generally the switching means that electrical or physical pressures to the piezoelectric material.
- “Controlling means” refers to controllers in electrical contact with the activating means. Preferably the controlling means is an electronic device that is programmed to provide activation of activating means at a chosen time and sequence. Most preferably the controlling means comprises a programmed microprocessor. Microprocessor chips well-Submitted known in the art. A simple chip is inexpensive and is preferably used in embodiments of the present invention that are disposable.
- “Fluid” refers to liquids, slurries, fine powders, emulsions and mixtures of solvents. In certain instances the fluid may be a gas.
- “Microprocessor” means computer as well as the CPU in the computer. Preferably the microprocessor is a small chip that may be programmed to run the pump at a selected time and sequence. The microprocessor may interactively respond to the sensor. Certain chips that very inexpensive to manufacture are quite suitable for disposable embodiments of the present pump.
- “Sequential activation” means a pattern of activation of contiguous actuators wherein neighboring actuators are activated one after the other. In an array of contiguous actuators, activation of the first actuator determines a volume of fluid to be displaced. Activation of the neighboring actuators will displace this volume. Repetition of activation sequentially will continue to move this volume along the surface of contiguous actuators through the chamber. The sequential activation of contiguous actuators resembles the sounding of keys on a piano board when a musical scale is played. The present pump however is not limited to a flat linear array of actuators. A tubular chamber may, e.g. comprise actuators in a spiral array. In certain embodiments, a combination of multiple actuators may be activated at the same time to displace a greater volume of fluid and increase flow rate. In these embodiments, “sequential” means activation of contiguous sets of actuators.
- Actuators for use in the present invention preferably comprise electroactive polymers (EAP). These polymers respond to external electrical stimulation by displaying a significant shape or size change. EAPs fall into two major categories: electronic and ionic Electric field or Coulomb forces generally drive electronic EAPs, while the primary driver for ionic EAPs is the mobility or diffusion of ions.
- Types of electronic EAP include ferroelectric polymers, dielectric polymers, electrorestrictive graft polymers, electrostrictive paper, electrovasoelastic polymers and liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) materials. Ionic EAPs include Polymer Gels (IPG), Ionomeric Polymer-Metal Composites (IPMC) Conductive Polymers (CP)and Carbon Nanotubes (CNT). The following Table I on ionic EAPs may be found on the AZom website at http://www.azom.com/details.asp?ArticleID=885#_Ferroelectric_Polymers:
TABLE I Polymer Gel (IPG) These are polymer gels having the potential of matching the force and energy density of biological muscles. The polyacrylonitrile materials are activated by chemical reaction(s), a change from an acid to an alkaline environment inducing an actuation through the gel becoming dense or swollen. The actuation is somewhat slow due to the diffusion of ions through the multilayered gel. Ionomeric Polymer-Metal Composites (IPMC) These are EAPs that bend in response to an electrical activation as a result of the mobility of cations in the polymer network. Generally, two types of base polymers are employed to form IPMCs these are Nafion ® (perfluorosulphonate manufactured by Du Pont) and Flemion ® (per- fluorocaboxylate manufactured by Asahi Glass, Japan). IPMC require rela- tively low voltages to stimulate a bending response (1-10 V) with low frequencies below 1 Hz. Conductive Polymers (CP) CPs actuate via the reversible counter-ion insertion and expulsion that occurs during redox cycling. Significant volume changes occur through oxidation and reduction reactions at corresponding electrodes through exchanges of ions with an electrolyte. Electrodes are commonly fabricated from polypyrrole or polyaniline, or PAN doped with HCI. CP actuators requires voltages in the range of 1-5 V. Variations to the voltage can control actuation speeds. Relatively high mechanical energy densities of over 20 J/cm3 are attained with these materials, however, they posses low efficiencies at levels of 1%. Other material combinations for CP are polypyrrole, polyethylenedioxythiophene, poly(p-phenylene vinylene)s, polyaniline and polythiophenes. Some applications reported for these CPs are miniature boxes that have the ability to open and close, micro-robots, surgical tools, surgical robots that assemble other micro-devices. Carbon Nanotubes (CNT) In 1999, CNTs emerged as formal EAPs with diamond-like mechanical properties. The actuation mechanism is through an electrolyte medium and the change in bond length via the injection of charges that affect the ionic charge balance between the nano-tube and the electrolyte. The more charges that are injected into the CNT the larger the dimension change. As a consequence of the mechanical strength and modulus of single CNTs and the achievable actuator displacements, these EAPs can boast the highest work per cycle and generate much higher mechanical stresses than other forms of EAPs. - As can be observed in Table I, the mechanical properties and chemical mechanism of the ionic EAPs vary considerably. For use in the present invention, EAPs that exhibit significant and reversible volume changes when activated are preferred. Examples of preferred polymers with a significant bending response include the base polymers Nafion® (perfluorosulphonate manufactured by Du Pont) and Flemion® (perfluorocaboxylate manufactured by Asahi Glass, Japan).
- A second category of actuators that may be used in preferred embodiments of the invention comprise photo-activated polymers termed photo-actuators. Photo-actuators cause changes in the length and volume of an illuminated material. Examples of mechanisms behind photoactivsation include phase transitions, internal restructuring (isomerization) in polymers, and photostriction (a combination of the photovoltaic and piezoelectric effect).
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,143,138 discloses light activated polymers useful as actuators in the present invention. The polymer comprises a pH jump molecule, preferably anthracene. Visible light is used to excite the pH jump molecule. The attendant pH change occurs rapidly (in nanoseconds) and can be maintained by continuous wave light or by an appropriately pulsed light.
- Suitable polymers for use as the present actuators are well known, and new materials are continuously being discovered that will be suitable actuators. A review of electroactive polymers may be found in “Electroactive Polymer (EAP) Activators as an Artificial Muscles” Yoseph bar-Cohen Ed., Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers, Publisher (2001) herein incorporated in its entirety.
- Although certain reversibly expanding polymers suitable for use as actuators in the present invention have herein been disclosed, any materials having specifications including reversible, quick shape and volume changes when activated, low voltage requirements, good strain and robustness will be suitable. It is intended that the scope of the present invention extends to new materials that will be developed that exhibit the required specifications.
- FIGS. 1-10 show generally the preferred embodiments of the pump of the present invention designated by the numeral10.
- Referring now to FIG. 1,
Pump 10 includesactuator housing 11,chamber 14, a plurality ofcontiguous actuators 12 located inchamber 14, and activatingmeans 13 for sequentially activatingindividual actuators 12. The actuator housing may have one ormore inlet ports 15 and one ormore outlet ports 16. - Also illustrated in FIG. 1, is
controller 21.Controller 21controls activating means 13 and establishes the times at which individual actuators are activated sequentially. Such controllers are well known in the art. Preferably thecontroller 21 is a programmable microprocessor, most preferably a simple programmable microchip in electrical connection with the activating means. - Also illustrated in FIG. 1 is a
sensor 22 for determining certain physical properties of the fluid wherein the sensor is in electrical connection with the controlling means and is capable of delivering signals received from the fluid to the controlling means. Sensors for the purpose are well known in the art and may respond to physical properties of the fluid including chemical composition, pH, pressure, temperature and flow rate. - FIGS. 2a-2 c illustrate possible arrangements of contiguous actuators in the
chamber 14. In FIG. 2a thecontiguous actuators 12 a-e are located in a linear array in thechamber 14. In this embodiment, the actuators, when activated, expand to the opposite wall of the chamber and form a seal that bars fluid flow and at the same time displace fluid along the axis of the array. FIG. 2b illustratesactuators 12 a-e located apposite in two linear arrays. In this embodiment, the actuators, when activated, expand into contact one with another. FIG. 2c illustratesactuators 12 a-e located in a spiral array along the axis of flow inside the cavity. In this embodiment, the actuators, when activated expand into contact with the opposite wall. This array is useful for vertical movement of fluid along the axis of the flow in the actuator housing. These examples are illustrative of actuator positioning, but other positions that provide for contact of expanded actuators with a solid surface to displace fluid are possible. - Displacement of fluid is achieved by activating each contiguous actuator individually in a sequential time pattern. The elastomeric materials in the actuators, upon activation, change dimensions and exert a force on the volume of liquid in which they are in contact. The force exerted by each actuator in a contained fluid is multi-directional, and although the fluid is displaced, there is no flow created. Fluid movement is achieved in the present invention by activating contiguous actuators sequentially to cause individual actuators to expand to an opposite surface and displace the volume of liquid corresponding to the expanded size of actuator. A first actuator in the array is activated, expands to an opposite surface and exerts force on the fluid. Fluid displaced by this first actuator will move in forward and backward directions relative to the actuator. But when the second actuator, which is contiguous to the first actuator, is activated, it displaces fluid in one direction only because the other three directions are blocked by the first actuator, an opposing surface and a wall of the chamber to which the actuator is attached. By continuing the sequential activation of contiguous actuators the fluid is forced to flow along the path defined by the actuators and the housing. In preferred embodiments, sets of actuators are position in the chamber along the axis of flow. Repetition of the activation sequence continues with each set until the first set of actuators reverses its shape change and is then be activated again. Reversal of flow may be achieved in the present pump by reversing the sequence of activation of the individual actuators. Certain polymers contract when activated. When used as actuators in the present invention, the extended first actuator is placed at the entry port of the chamber. The activation pattern begins by contraction of the first actuator followed by sequential contraction of contiguous actuators. Fluid flows along the path defined by the actuators.
- FIG. 3 illustrates the
pump 10 with a plurality of contiguous sets of contiguous actuators, set 17 a-e, set 18 a-e and set 19 a-e arranged in sequence inchamber 14. Fluid flow in this illustration occurs in phases wherein, in a first phase, the first set ofactuators 17 a-e is sequentially activated and in a second phase the second set of actuators 18 a-e is then sequentially activated. The volume of liquid displaced by thefirst set 17 a-e will flow into position above the second set 18 a-e. Repetition of these phases results in pulsed flow of liquid through and out of the actuator housing. - The rate of flow through the
actuator housing 11 is determined by the selected time and sequence of activation of the actuators. Calculation of expected flow rate may be made from the change in dimensions of the actuators. The amount of fluid displaced at a given time is the sum of the total volume of all the expanded (or contracted) actuators during this time. The rate of fluid flow is the volume displaced during a given time which is determined by the time and sequence of activation. Thecontroller 21 may be programmed to activate the actuators at a given time and sequence to provide a selected flow rate. - FIG. 4 illustrates the
pump 10 of the present invention comprising three chambers 14 a, 14 b and 14 c. In this illustration the chambers are located in fluid connection. Each chamber may be operated independently of the other so that fluid flow may be initiated at different times and sequences. This arrangement is useful for pumping fluids that may change viscosity during fluid flow. It is also useful for damping a pulsed flow. Dampening may be achieved by positioning the actuators in a parallel arrangement inside the chamber and activating actuators in each housing at a different time. - FIG. 5 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the
pump 10 for moving a fluid in a determined path.Actuators 12 are located inchamber 14 in a pattern that defines the flow path for the liquid. Filled circles indicate activated actuators and empty circles define non-activated actuators. In FIG. 5 individual actuators are located at the intersection of grid lines and a path forfluid 1 andfluid 2 are indicated. Fluid will flow along the paths defined by the empty circles as contiguous activators in the pathway are activated. It is an important aspect of the present invention that fluid may be caused to flow in a desired pattern by the present pump by activating certain actuators at a given time. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 5 the two fluids may be caused to intersect by allowing actuators 14 a and 14 b to change dimensions of the non-activated state and by activating actuator 14 c.Fluid 2 will move in the new path and will combine withfluid 1. Reaction may occur at the intersection and the new fluid will be directed out of the chamber by sequential activation of the actuators. - FIG. 6 is a view of the actuators in
chamber 14 illustrating theindividual actuators 12 encased in an inert material 23. The actuators in FIG. 6 comprise photo-activated polymers. Conduits 24 for access to a photo-source are illustrated. In certain embodiments of the pump illustrated in FIG. 6, the actuators may be sequentially activated and fluid flows at a controlled rate. In other embodiments, the actuators may be activated in a pattern that defines flow path of liquid. FIG. 6 also illustratesports - FIG. 7 depicts
pump 10 in an on-line processing system wherein various fluids are directed into a main flowing fluid path at a determined time.Inlet ports 15 a-e receive individual fluids. Each fluid is directed in an individual flow path and is delivered to the main fluid at a determined time. Reactive products resulting from reaction between the main fluid and individual fluids exit fromexit port 16. This pump may be produced as a modular unit for insertion into a chemical or bio-processing system. The modular unit comprisessuitable connectors 32 to achieve fluid connection with the on-line system. - FIG. 8 illustrates possible placements of
contiguous actuators 12 inchamber 14. FIG. 8A depicts the actuators on a chamber wall situated in a position that allows each actuator to expand to an opposite hard surface, be an opposite wall of the chamber or another surface in the chamber. FIG. 8B depicts the actuators situated apposite in the chamber. In this configuration, the actuators will expand into contact with the other. By placing the actuators opposite one another, actuators having a smaller strain will still effectively displace a large volume of fluid. In other configurations certain actuators may be in an interdigitating pattern. This pattern may be used to provide a mixing of flowing fluid. - FIG. 9 illustrates pump10 with
electroactive actuators 12 activated by contact with electrolytic solution.Actuator housing 11 compriseschamber 14 andreservoir 27 forhousing electrolyte solution 28.Electrode 29 is located in the actuator andelectrode 30 is located outside theactuator Frit 31, a semi-permeable grid, separates actuator and electrolyte solution. Asemi-permeable membrane 32 surrounds the actuator. - FIG. 10 illustrates
pump 10 as a propulsion device. FIG. 10a illustrates the pump for moving an object along a surface. FIG. 10b illustrates the pump for moving an object suspended in a liquid. In FIG. 10 the actuators deform or bend when activated so the force exerted by the activated actuators has a directional component. In FIG. 10a the direction of propulsion will be in a linear direction depending on the direction of force. In FIG. 10b the direction of propulsion may be made to circular or circuitous by positioning the actuators at locations that unbalance total displacing force. - The pump and actuator housing of the present invention may be made by methods well known in the art. The actuator housing may be fabricated from materials such as polytetrafluoroethylenes, crystalline homopolymer acetal resins, polysulfones, polyurethanes, polyimides, polycarbonates, polymethylmethacrylates and similar polymers, moldable or machinable glasses, ceramics, silicon wafers and any other material that is, or can be, rendered nonconductive, rigid, and chemically inert. In certain embodiments, a porous member or frit is located between the actuators and an electrolyte solution. The frit may be glass, a porous polymer, such as for example polypropylene, or a porous non-corroding metal, such as, for example, nickel.
- The actuator housing is preferably made by injection molding using a non conductive polymer. A chamber of the desired shape is formed inside the housing. First a flexible circuitry will be positioned in the mold cavity, the mold will be closed and positioned and injected with the molten polymer or similar material. The part will be removed from the mold and flashing removed. At this point, any secondary operations such as machining or drilling holes will be performed. Next, the actuators are installed in the chamber and a porous first is placed between the polymer and a reservoir containing electrolyte solution. The next step will be to make and attach electrical connections and components not already molded into the housing. Following this, the elastomeric liner will be attached, if needed, and electrolyte added.
- Preferred Embodiment
- In the preferred embodiment the actuators comprise an EAP material that swells from a PH change induced by irradiation of a light spectrum to the material. The swelling would be caused by a diffusion of electrolyte ions through the multilayered gel although this is a slow process it is compensated for by the addition of more active fluid channels in the housing. For example if one channel produced a flow rate of 1 ml per hr ten channels would produce 10 ml pr hr. A tuned photonics chip and optical fiber conduit would enable a single light source to deliver controlled irradiation to each actuator thereby reducing power consumption needs over the option of individual light sources for each actuator.
- The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.
Claims (57)
1. A pump for moving a fluid comprising:
a. an actuator housing having a chamber for housing the fluid, the chamber having ports for accommodating fluid flow through the chamber;
b. a plurality of individual actuators located in the chamber and in contact with the fluid;
c. an activator for sequentially activating individual actuators, wherein each actuator, when activated, changes dimensions and exerts a displacing force on the housed fluid.
2. The pump of claim 1 wherein the actuator housing comprises two or more chambers for housing the fluid in flow connection.
3. A pump for causing a fluid to flow at a determined rate comprising the pump of claim 1 wherein the activator is designed to activate individual actuators at a time and sequence selected to displace the fluid at the chosen rate.
4. A pump of claim 1 comprising in addition a controller for the actuator whereby individual actuators are activated at a determined time.
5. The pump of claim 4 wherein the controller is a programmable microprocessor in electrical connection with the activator.
6. The pump of claim 4 comprising in addition a sensor means for determining physical properties of the fluid wherein the sensor is in electrical connection with the controller and is capable of delivering signals received from the fluid to the controller.
7. The pump of claim 1 wherein the physical properties to be sensed are selected from the group consisting of chemical composition, pH, pressure, temperature and flow rate.
8. A pump for moving a fluid in a determined path comprising the pump of claim 1 wherein the positions of the actuators in the actuator housing are selected to define the flow path for the liquid when displaced.
9. The pump of claim 8 wherein the actuator housing comprises more than one inlet port each port being capable of receiving an individual fluid and wherein individual flow paths are determined for each fluid.
10. The pump of claim 8 comprising two or more outlet ports.
11. The pump of claim 9 wherein the flow paths of individual liquids are allowed to intersect and thereby allow mixing of the displaced fluids.
12. A pump for moving a fluid at a determined rate and in a determined path comprising the pump of claim 1 wherein said actuator sequentially activates individual contiguous actuators at a selected time and the actuators are located on one or more walls of the inner cavity at positions selected to define a flow path for the displaced liquid when the actuators are activated.
13. The pump of claim 1 wherein the actuator housing is located inside a chamber containing the fluid, the chamber being a component of an on-line fluid processing system and the inlet port and outlet ports of the actuator housing are on the axis of flow in the fluid processing system.
14. The pump of claim 1 comprising in addition a connector for coupling the actuator housing into an on-line processing system.
15. The pump of claim 1 wherein at least one of said actuators is positioned near the inlet port of the actuator housing and, when activated, forms a barrier preventing backflow of fluid from the actuator housing.
16. The pump of claim 1 comprising in addition an elastomeric impermeable lining located between the actuators and the housed fluid to prevent contact of the actuators and the fluid.
17. The pump of claim 1 wherein the actuators are essentially inert and non-reactive with the fluid.
18. The pump of claim 16 wherein the actuators are biocompatible.
19. The pump of claim 1 wherein individual actuators are each encased in an essentially inert material.
20. The pump of Claim 19 wherein the material is semi-permeable to electrolytes.
21. The pump of claim 17 wherein the material is non-permeable.
22. The pump of claim 1 wherein the actuators are reversibly responsive elastomeric materials selected from the group consisting of electroactive polymers, electrolytically activated polymer gels, optically activated polymers, piezoelectric polymers, piezoelectric ceramic materials, chemically activated polymers, magnetically activated polymers, magnetically activated polymers and shape memory polymers.
23. The pump of claim 1 wherein the actuators comprise electroactive polymers.
24. The pump of claim 23 wherein each actuator is electrically shielded from contiguous actuators.
25. The pump of claim 23 comprising an electrical circuit for activating individual actuators at a determined time.
26. The pump of claim 23 comprising in addition a microprocessor in electrical contact with the electrical circuit, the microprocessor being programmed to drive the electrical circuit at a determined time whereby individual actuators are activated at a determined time and sequence.
27. The pump of claim 1 wherein the actuators comprise electroactive gels that are activated by contact with electrolyte.
28. The pump of claim 27 comprising a reservoir for housing an electrolytic solution.
29. The pump of claim 28 comprising a permeable frit between the actuator and the electrolytic solution.
30. The pump of claim 1 wherein the actuators are polymer gels activated by contact with an electrolytic solution, individual polymers are each encased with a semi-permeable material, the actuator housing comprises a reservoir for housing electrolytic solution and a frit located between the reservoir and the actuator and the activator means is an electrical circuit whereby electrolytic solution is caused to flow through the frit and semi-permeable material from the reservoir into contact with the polymer and away from the polymer to cause reversible dimension change of the actuator.
31. The pump of claim 30 wherein the electrical circuit is operated by a remote control device.
32. The pump of claim 31 wherein the remote control device is infrared or radio-frequency driven.
33. The pump of claim 31 wherein the remote control device comprises a microprocessor programmed to activate the actuators at a selected time and sequence.
34. The pump of claim 1 wherein the actuators comprise optically responsive polymers.
35. The pump of claim 34 wherein the optically responsive polymers are ionized in the presence of light.
36. The pump of claim 34 wherein the optically responsive polymers change pH in the presence of light.
37. The pump of claim 36 wherein the polymers comprise anthracene.
38. The pump of claim 34 wherein the activation of the optically active polymers is controlled by exposure to a laser beam of specific wavelength, natural light, a LED or a quantum light source.
39. The pump of claim 38 wherein the time of light exposure is controlled by a remote control device.
40. The pump of claim 39 wherein the remote control device is infrared or radio-frequency driven.
41. The pump of claim 34 wherein the control device is driven by a microprocessor programmed to activate the actuators at a selected time and sequence.
42. The pump of claim 1 wherein the actuators comprise electroactive polymers that a directly activated by signal from an electrical circuit.
43. The pump of claim 1 wherein the actuators comprise a chemically activated polymer.
44. The pump of claim 1 wherein the actuators comprise a magnetically active polymer.
45. The pump of claim 1 wherein the actuators comprise a thermally active polymer.
46. The pump of claim 1 wherein the actuators comprise shape memory alloys.
47. The pump of claim 1 wherein the actuators comprise ceramic piezoelectric actuator.
48. The pump of claim 1 wherein the actuators comprise polymer/ceramic piezoelectric combinations.
49. The pump of claim 11 as a fluid mixing device.
50. A pump for propelling an object along a surface comprising:
a. an actuator housing in contact with the object;
b. a plurality of contiguous actuators in contact with the actuator housing and in contact with the surface; and
c. an activator for sequentially activating individual actuators, wherein each actuator, when activated, changes dimensions and exerts a displacing force on the surface and thereby propels the solid object in a direction opposite that of the displacing force.
51. The pump of claim 50 for propelling an object suspended on a liquid surface.
52. The pump of claim 50 for propelling an object suspended on a solid surface.
53. The pump of claim 50 for propelling an object submerged in a liquid.
54. A method of pumping a fluid at a controlled rate comprising placing the actuator housing of claim 1 into fluid contact with the fluid, activating a first actuator to prevent back-flow from the actuator housing and then repeatedly activating the contiguous actuators at a sequence wherein activation of one of the individual actuators occurs at a time after one of its contiguous actuators has been activated.
55. The method of claim 54 for pumping fluids of different viscosities wherein the pump comprises two or more actuator housings in fluid connection and each actuator housing is operated at a different flow rate.
56. The pump of claim 1 as an implantable infusion pump.
57. The pump of claim 1 as a drug delivery device for delivering a liquid drug or drug solution at a controlled rate and at a controlled time to an individual wherein the actuator housing comprises a single outlet port but no inlet port and houses the liquid drug or drug solution to be delivered.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/786,718 US20040234401A1 (en) | 2003-02-24 | 2004-02-24 | Pulse activated actuator pump system |
US14/071,371 US9039389B2 (en) | 2003-02-24 | 2013-11-04 | Pulse activated actuator pump system |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US44877103P | 2003-02-24 | 2003-02-24 | |
US10/786,718 US20040234401A1 (en) | 2003-02-24 | 2004-02-24 | Pulse activated actuator pump system |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/071,371 Division US9039389B2 (en) | 2003-02-24 | 2013-11-04 | Pulse activated actuator pump system |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20040234401A1 true US20040234401A1 (en) | 2004-11-25 |
Family
ID=32927473
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/786,718 Abandoned US20040234401A1 (en) | 2003-02-24 | 2004-02-24 | Pulse activated actuator pump system |
US14/071,371 Expired - Fee Related US9039389B2 (en) | 2003-02-24 | 2013-11-04 | Pulse activated actuator pump system |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/071,371 Expired - Fee Related US9039389B2 (en) | 2003-02-24 | 2013-11-04 | Pulse activated actuator pump system |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US20040234401A1 (en) |
EP (2) | EP1611353B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN1774577B (en) |
CA (1) | CA2557325A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2004076859A2 (en) |
Cited By (41)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2006065884A2 (en) | 2004-12-14 | 2006-06-22 | Mark Banister | Actuator pump system |
US20060173589A1 (en) * | 2005-02-03 | 2006-08-03 | Carl Phillip Gusler | Control system for a linear propulsor array |
US20070106276A1 (en) * | 2005-11-09 | 2007-05-10 | Searete Llc, A Limited Liability Corporation Of The State Of Delaware | In situ reaction device |
US20070128059A1 (en) * | 2005-12-01 | 2007-06-07 | Schlumberger Technology Corporation | Electroactive Polymer Pumping System |
WO2007085434A1 (en) * | 2006-01-26 | 2007-08-02 | Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg | Device for moving liquids and/or gases |
US20080004700A1 (en) * | 2004-09-22 | 2008-01-03 | Laxminarayana Saggere | Light Powdered Microactuator, Microfluidic Dispenser and Retinal Prosthesis |
US20080138218A1 (en) * | 2006-12-07 | 2008-06-12 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Mciropump, tube unit, and control unit |
US20090062913A1 (en) * | 2007-08-30 | 2009-03-05 | Laxminarayana Saggere | Light powered microactuator, microfluidic dispenser and retinal prosthesis |
US20100047099A1 (en) * | 2008-08-20 | 2010-02-25 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Micropump |
US20100061870A1 (en) * | 2005-08-04 | 2010-03-11 | Auckland Uniservices Limited | Microfabricated device |
US20100080720A1 (en) * | 2008-09-29 | 2010-04-01 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Control unit, tube unit, and micropump |
US20100143168A1 (en) * | 2008-12-05 | 2010-06-10 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Tube unit, control unit, and micropump |
US20100268200A1 (en) * | 2007-12-03 | 2010-10-21 | Mark Banister | Fluid metering device |
US20110054366A1 (en) * | 2008-02-19 | 2011-03-03 | Kent Smith | Therapeutic pressure system |
WO2011032011A1 (en) * | 2009-09-10 | 2011-03-17 | Medipacs, Inc. | Low profile actuator and improved method of caregiver controlled administration of therapeutics |
US20110112492A1 (en) * | 2008-04-04 | 2011-05-12 | Vivek Bharti | Wound dressing with micropump |
WO2011094747A1 (en) * | 2010-02-01 | 2011-08-04 | Medipacs, Inc. | High surface area polymer actuator with gas mitigating components |
US20110198004A1 (en) * | 2005-10-20 | 2011-08-18 | Mark Banister | Micro thruster, micro thruster array and polymer gas generator |
US20120065561A1 (en) * | 2010-09-03 | 2012-03-15 | Epoch Medical Innovations, Inc. | Device, system, and method for the treatment, prevention and diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency, deep vein thrombosis, lymphedema and other circulatory conditions |
WO2012069332A1 (en) * | 2010-11-24 | 2012-05-31 | Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Angewandten Forschung, E.V. | Fluidic actuator having a deformable closure arrangement and long shelf life |
US20120273053A1 (en) * | 2011-04-27 | 2012-11-01 | Murphy Michael P | Electrorheological valve |
US20120304993A1 (en) * | 2011-05-31 | 2012-12-06 | Kazufuku Nitta | Pump unit and breathing assistance device |
US20130081697A1 (en) * | 2011-09-30 | 2013-04-04 | Depuy Mitek, Inc. | Fluidic manifold |
US20140356193A1 (en) * | 2011-09-21 | 2014-12-04 | Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh | Peristaltic Pump and Method of Transporting Material with a Peristaltic Pump |
DE102013009592A1 (en) * | 2013-06-07 | 2014-12-11 | Festo Ag & Co. Kg | Fluid flow control device |
US20150059749A1 (en) * | 2012-04-02 | 2015-03-05 | Metran Co., Ltd. | Pump unit and respiratory assistance device |
US9039389B2 (en) | 2003-02-24 | 2015-05-26 | Medipacs, Inc. | Pulse activated actuator pump system |
WO2015160864A1 (en) * | 2014-04-14 | 2015-10-22 | Sri International | Portable nucleic acid analysis system and high-performance microfluidic electroactive polymer actuators |
US20150316047A1 (en) * | 2014-04-30 | 2015-11-05 | Texas Instruments Incorporated | Fluid pump having material displaceable responsive to electrical energy |
US20150362261A1 (en) * | 2012-02-17 | 2015-12-17 | Universite D'aix Marseille | Pipe forming part of a heat exchanger and heat exchanger comprising such a pipe |
US9441753B2 (en) | 2013-04-30 | 2016-09-13 | Boston Dynamics | Printed circuit board electrorheological fluid valve |
EP1853818B1 (en) * | 2005-02-21 | 2016-12-28 | Koninklijke Philips N.V. | Micro-fluidic systems based on actuator elements |
US9761790B2 (en) | 2012-06-18 | 2017-09-12 | Parker-Hannifin Corporation | Stretch frame for stretching process |
US9786834B2 (en) | 2012-04-12 | 2017-10-10 | Parker-Hannifin Corporation | EAP transducers with improved performance |
US9876160B2 (en) | 2012-03-21 | 2018-01-23 | Parker-Hannifin Corporation | Roll-to-roll manufacturing processes for producing self-healing electroactive polymer devices |
US9954159B2 (en) | 2012-08-16 | 2018-04-24 | Parker-Hannifin Corporation | Electrical interconnect terminals for rolled dielectric elastomer transducers |
US10000605B2 (en) | 2012-03-14 | 2018-06-19 | Medipacs, Inc. | Smart polymer materials with excess reactive molecules |
US10018193B2 (en) | 2013-10-02 | 2018-07-10 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Peristaltic submersible pump |
US10208158B2 (en) | 2006-07-10 | 2019-02-19 | Medipacs, Inc. | Super elastic epoxy hydrogel |
US11088635B2 (en) | 2018-10-25 | 2021-08-10 | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. | Actuator with sealable edge region |
EP4162968A1 (en) * | 2010-12-08 | 2023-04-12 | ConvaTec Technologies Inc. | System for removing exudates from a wound site |
Families Citing this family (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2006090189A (en) * | 2004-09-22 | 2006-04-06 | Omron Healthcare Co Ltd | Air pump, pump system, electronic sphygmomanometer and massaging machine |
DE102009017918A1 (en) * | 2009-04-17 | 2010-12-16 | Fachhochschule Jena | Method and device for pulsation-free volumetric delivery of fluids and suspensions |
TWI537314B (en) * | 2010-04-08 | 2016-06-11 | 國立清華大學 | Micro-fluidic power system and a method to produce the same |
DK177268B1 (en) * | 2011-02-23 | 2012-09-10 | JOLTECH ApS | An actuator element to generate a force or motion |
WO2013117223A1 (en) * | 2012-02-08 | 2013-08-15 | Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd. | A pumping device and a method to make the pumping device for inflating/deflating an ear mold of a hearing device and the pumping device |
MX2017001080A (en) * | 2014-07-25 | 2017-05-04 | Hoffmann La Roche | Dosing a fluid at a volume of less than one milliliter. |
DE102014114212A1 (en) * | 2014-09-30 | 2016-03-31 | Bürkert Werke GmbH | diaphragm valve |
CN106770275A (en) * | 2015-11-20 | 2017-05-31 | 胜丽国际股份有限公司 | Detecting system with quantum light source |
Citations (34)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4034380A (en) * | 1975-04-08 | 1977-07-05 | Ricoh Co., Ltd. | Ink ejection apparatus for printer |
US4395719A (en) * | 1981-01-05 | 1983-07-26 | Exxon Research And Engineering Co. | Ink jet apparatus with a flexible piezoelectric member and method of operating same |
US4432699A (en) * | 1982-05-04 | 1984-02-21 | The Abet Group | Peristaltic piezoelectric pump with internal load sensor |
US4808084A (en) * | 1986-03-24 | 1989-02-28 | Hitachi, Ltd. | Apparatus for transferring small amount of fluid |
US4842493A (en) * | 1986-11-14 | 1989-06-27 | Qenico Ab | Piezoelectric pump |
US5192298A (en) * | 1990-05-10 | 1993-03-09 | Symbiosis Corporation | Disposable laparoscopic surgical instruments |
US5192197A (en) * | 1991-11-27 | 1993-03-09 | Rockwell International Corporation | Piezoelectric pump |
US5327041A (en) * | 1991-07-05 | 1994-07-05 | Rockwell International Corporation | Biaxial transducer |
US5622482A (en) * | 1994-10-31 | 1997-04-22 | Daewood Electronics, Co., Ltd. | Pump using shape memory alloys |
US5630709A (en) * | 1996-02-09 | 1997-05-20 | California Institute Of Technology | Pump having pistons and valves made of electroactive actuators |
US5798600A (en) * | 1994-08-29 | 1998-08-25 | Oceaneering International, Inc. | Piezoelectric pumps |
US5961298A (en) * | 1996-06-25 | 1999-10-05 | California Institute Of Technology | Traveling wave pump employing electroactive actuators |
US5979892A (en) * | 1998-05-15 | 1999-11-09 | Xerox Corporation | Controlled cilia for object manipulation |
US6004115A (en) * | 1994-12-02 | 1999-12-21 | Empresa Brasileira De Compressores S/A - Embraco | Hermetic compressor for refrigeration systems |
US6074178A (en) * | 1997-04-15 | 2000-06-13 | Face International Corp. | Piezoelectrically actuated peristaltic pump |
US6074179A (en) * | 1999-05-10 | 2000-06-13 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy | Magnetostrictive peristaltic pump |
US6106245A (en) * | 1997-10-09 | 2000-08-22 | Honeywell | Low cost, high pumping rate electrostatically actuated mesopump |
US6109852A (en) * | 1996-01-18 | 2000-08-29 | University Of New Mexico | Soft actuators and artificial muscles |
US6143138A (en) * | 1998-08-20 | 2000-11-07 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy | Visible light pH change for activating polymers and other pH dependent reactants |
US6184608B1 (en) * | 1998-12-29 | 2001-02-06 | Honeywell International Inc. | Polymer microactuator array with macroscopic force and displacement |
US6213739B1 (en) * | 1997-01-17 | 2001-04-10 | Niagara Pump Corporation | Linear peristaltic pump |
US6249076B1 (en) * | 1998-04-14 | 2001-06-19 | Massachusetts Institute Of Technology | Conducting polymer actuator |
US6392777B1 (en) * | 1997-05-12 | 2002-05-21 | Polight Technologies Limited | Opto-mechanical device |
US6450773B1 (en) * | 2001-03-13 | 2002-09-17 | Terabeam Corporation | Piezoelectric vacuum pump and method |
US6464476B2 (en) * | 2000-12-22 | 2002-10-15 | Anthony C. Ross | Linear pump and method |
US6475639B2 (en) * | 1996-01-18 | 2002-11-05 | Mohsen Shahinpoor | Ionic polymer sensors and actuators |
US20020173745A1 (en) * | 1999-11-17 | 2002-11-21 | Santini John T. | Microfabricated devices for the delivery of molecules into a carrier fluid |
US6490483B2 (en) * | 1999-02-18 | 2002-12-03 | Biovalve Technologies, Inc. | Electroactive pore |
US6578245B1 (en) * | 1998-08-31 | 2003-06-17 | Eastman Kodak Company | Method of making a print head |
US6664718B2 (en) * | 2000-02-09 | 2003-12-16 | Sri International | Monolithic electroactive polymers |
US6682318B2 (en) * | 1999-03-03 | 2004-01-27 | Ngk Insulators, Ltd. | Pump |
US6682500B2 (en) * | 1998-01-29 | 2004-01-27 | David Soltanpour | Synthetic muscle based diaphragm pump apparatuses |
US6685442B2 (en) * | 2002-02-20 | 2004-02-03 | Sandia National Laboratories | Actuator device utilizing a conductive polymer gel |
US20080091139A1 (en) * | 2006-06-19 | 2008-04-17 | Ravi Srinivasan | Methods, devices, and kits for microjet drug delivery |
Family Cites Families (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3029743A (en) * | 1960-04-14 | 1962-04-17 | Curtiss Wright Corp | Ceramic diaphragm pump |
CN1080829A (en) | 1992-06-05 | 1994-01-19 | 张新芳 | Chain lock umbrella |
AUPN970096A0 (en) * | 1996-05-06 | 1996-05-30 | Pumping Systems Technologies Pty Limited | Pseudo static peristaltic pump |
DE19912606A1 (en) * | 1999-03-22 | 2000-12-14 | Johannes Trabert | Pump device using electrically controlled chemo-mechanical drive has |
AU2002351187A1 (en) * | 2001-11-30 | 2003-06-17 | Fluidigm Corporation | Microfluidic device and methods of using same |
WO2004028955A2 (en) * | 2002-09-25 | 2004-04-08 | California Institute Of Technology | Microfluidic large scale integration |
US20040068224A1 (en) | 2002-10-02 | 2004-04-08 | Couvillon Lucien Alfred | Electroactive polymer actuated medication infusion pumps |
CN1774577B (en) | 2003-02-24 | 2011-06-08 | 马克·巴尼斯特 | Pulse activated actuator pump system |
WO2006065884A2 (en) | 2004-12-14 | 2006-06-22 | Mark Banister | Actuator pump system |
-
2004
- 2004-02-24 CN CN2004800102033A patent/CN1774577B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2004-02-24 EP EP04714231A patent/EP1611353B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2004-02-24 CA CA002557325A patent/CA2557325A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2004-02-24 US US10/786,718 patent/US20040234401A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2004-02-24 EP EP10014840A patent/EP2302216A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2004-02-24 WO PCT/US2004/005922 patent/WO2004076859A2/en active Application Filing
-
2013
- 2013-11-04 US US14/071,371 patent/US9039389B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (34)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4034380A (en) * | 1975-04-08 | 1977-07-05 | Ricoh Co., Ltd. | Ink ejection apparatus for printer |
US4395719A (en) * | 1981-01-05 | 1983-07-26 | Exxon Research And Engineering Co. | Ink jet apparatus with a flexible piezoelectric member and method of operating same |
US4432699A (en) * | 1982-05-04 | 1984-02-21 | The Abet Group | Peristaltic piezoelectric pump with internal load sensor |
US4808084A (en) * | 1986-03-24 | 1989-02-28 | Hitachi, Ltd. | Apparatus for transferring small amount of fluid |
US4842493A (en) * | 1986-11-14 | 1989-06-27 | Qenico Ab | Piezoelectric pump |
US5192298A (en) * | 1990-05-10 | 1993-03-09 | Symbiosis Corporation | Disposable laparoscopic surgical instruments |
US5327041A (en) * | 1991-07-05 | 1994-07-05 | Rockwell International Corporation | Biaxial transducer |
US5192197A (en) * | 1991-11-27 | 1993-03-09 | Rockwell International Corporation | Piezoelectric pump |
US5798600A (en) * | 1994-08-29 | 1998-08-25 | Oceaneering International, Inc. | Piezoelectric pumps |
US5622482A (en) * | 1994-10-31 | 1997-04-22 | Daewood Electronics, Co., Ltd. | Pump using shape memory alloys |
US6004115A (en) * | 1994-12-02 | 1999-12-21 | Empresa Brasileira De Compressores S/A - Embraco | Hermetic compressor for refrigeration systems |
US6475639B2 (en) * | 1996-01-18 | 2002-11-05 | Mohsen Shahinpoor | Ionic polymer sensors and actuators |
US6109852A (en) * | 1996-01-18 | 2000-08-29 | University Of New Mexico | Soft actuators and artificial muscles |
US5630709A (en) * | 1996-02-09 | 1997-05-20 | California Institute Of Technology | Pump having pistons and valves made of electroactive actuators |
US5961298A (en) * | 1996-06-25 | 1999-10-05 | California Institute Of Technology | Traveling wave pump employing electroactive actuators |
US6213739B1 (en) * | 1997-01-17 | 2001-04-10 | Niagara Pump Corporation | Linear peristaltic pump |
US6074178A (en) * | 1997-04-15 | 2000-06-13 | Face International Corp. | Piezoelectrically actuated peristaltic pump |
US6392777B1 (en) * | 1997-05-12 | 2002-05-21 | Polight Technologies Limited | Opto-mechanical device |
US6106245A (en) * | 1997-10-09 | 2000-08-22 | Honeywell | Low cost, high pumping rate electrostatically actuated mesopump |
US6682500B2 (en) * | 1998-01-29 | 2004-01-27 | David Soltanpour | Synthetic muscle based diaphragm pump apparatuses |
US6249076B1 (en) * | 1998-04-14 | 2001-06-19 | Massachusetts Institute Of Technology | Conducting polymer actuator |
US5979892A (en) * | 1998-05-15 | 1999-11-09 | Xerox Corporation | Controlled cilia for object manipulation |
US6143138A (en) * | 1998-08-20 | 2000-11-07 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy | Visible light pH change for activating polymers and other pH dependent reactants |
US6578245B1 (en) * | 1998-08-31 | 2003-06-17 | Eastman Kodak Company | Method of making a print head |
US6184608B1 (en) * | 1998-12-29 | 2001-02-06 | Honeywell International Inc. | Polymer microactuator array with macroscopic force and displacement |
US6490483B2 (en) * | 1999-02-18 | 2002-12-03 | Biovalve Technologies, Inc. | Electroactive pore |
US6682318B2 (en) * | 1999-03-03 | 2004-01-27 | Ngk Insulators, Ltd. | Pump |
US6074179A (en) * | 1999-05-10 | 2000-06-13 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy | Magnetostrictive peristaltic pump |
US20020173745A1 (en) * | 1999-11-17 | 2002-11-21 | Santini John T. | Microfabricated devices for the delivery of molecules into a carrier fluid |
US6664718B2 (en) * | 2000-02-09 | 2003-12-16 | Sri International | Monolithic electroactive polymers |
US6464476B2 (en) * | 2000-12-22 | 2002-10-15 | Anthony C. Ross | Linear pump and method |
US6450773B1 (en) * | 2001-03-13 | 2002-09-17 | Terabeam Corporation | Piezoelectric vacuum pump and method |
US6685442B2 (en) * | 2002-02-20 | 2004-02-03 | Sandia National Laboratories | Actuator device utilizing a conductive polymer gel |
US20080091139A1 (en) * | 2006-06-19 | 2008-04-17 | Ravi Srinivasan | Methods, devices, and kits for microjet drug delivery |
Cited By (75)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9039389B2 (en) | 2003-02-24 | 2015-05-26 | Medipacs, Inc. | Pulse activated actuator pump system |
US20080004700A1 (en) * | 2004-09-22 | 2008-01-03 | Laxminarayana Saggere | Light Powdered Microactuator, Microfluidic Dispenser and Retinal Prosthesis |
EP1834091A4 (en) * | 2004-12-14 | 2009-12-09 | Medipacs Inc | Actuator pump system |
US7859168B2 (en) | 2004-12-14 | 2010-12-28 | Medipacs, Inc. | Actuator pump system |
AU2005317188B2 (en) * | 2004-12-14 | 2011-06-09 | Mark Banister | Actuator pump system |
EP1834091A2 (en) * | 2004-12-14 | 2007-09-19 | Medipacs, Inc. | Actuator pump system |
US8138656B2 (en) | 2004-12-14 | 2012-03-20 | Mediapacs, Inc. | Actuator pump system |
US20120192554A1 (en) * | 2004-12-14 | 2012-08-02 | Mark Banister | Actuator pump system |
WO2006065884A2 (en) | 2004-12-14 | 2006-06-22 | Mark Banister | Actuator pump system |
US20110147637A1 (en) * | 2004-12-14 | 2011-06-23 | Mark Banister | Actuator pump system |
US20080317615A1 (en) * | 2004-12-14 | 2008-12-25 | Mark Banister | Actuator Pump System |
US20060173589A1 (en) * | 2005-02-03 | 2006-08-03 | Carl Phillip Gusler | Control system for a linear propulsor array |
US7357684B2 (en) * | 2005-02-03 | 2008-04-15 | International Business Machines Corporation | Control system for a linear propulsor array |
EP1853818B1 (en) * | 2005-02-21 | 2016-12-28 | Koninklijke Philips N.V. | Micro-fluidic systems based on actuator elements |
US20100061870A1 (en) * | 2005-08-04 | 2010-03-11 | Auckland Uniservices Limited | Microfabricated device |
US20110198004A1 (en) * | 2005-10-20 | 2011-08-18 | Mark Banister | Micro thruster, micro thruster array and polymer gas generator |
US20070106276A1 (en) * | 2005-11-09 | 2007-05-10 | Searete Llc, A Limited Liability Corporation Of The State Of Delaware | In situ reaction device |
US9474712B2 (en) * | 2005-11-09 | 2016-10-25 | Gearbox, Llc | In situ reaction device |
US20070128059A1 (en) * | 2005-12-01 | 2007-06-07 | Schlumberger Technology Corporation | Electroactive Polymer Pumping System |
US7352111B2 (en) * | 2005-12-01 | 2008-04-01 | Schlumberger Technology Corporation | Electroactive polymer pumping system |
WO2007085434A1 (en) * | 2006-01-26 | 2007-08-02 | Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg | Device for moving liquids and/or gases |
US10208158B2 (en) | 2006-07-10 | 2019-02-19 | Medipacs, Inc. | Super elastic epoxy hydrogel |
US8303275B2 (en) | 2006-12-07 | 2012-11-06 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Micropump, tube unit, and control unit |
US20080138218A1 (en) * | 2006-12-07 | 2008-06-12 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Mciropump, tube unit, and control unit |
US20090062913A1 (en) * | 2007-08-30 | 2009-03-05 | Laxminarayana Saggere | Light powered microactuator, microfluidic dispenser and retinal prosthesis |
US20100268200A1 (en) * | 2007-12-03 | 2010-10-21 | Mark Banister | Fluid metering device |
US9995295B2 (en) * | 2007-12-03 | 2018-06-12 | Medipacs, Inc. | Fluid metering device |
US20110054366A1 (en) * | 2008-02-19 | 2011-03-03 | Kent Smith | Therapeutic pressure system |
JP2011512783A (en) * | 2008-02-19 | 2011-04-21 | メディパックス インコーポレイテッド | Pressure treatment system |
US10653823B2 (en) | 2008-04-04 | 2020-05-19 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Wound dressing with micropump |
US20110112492A1 (en) * | 2008-04-04 | 2011-05-12 | Vivek Bharti | Wound dressing with micropump |
US8491283B2 (en) * | 2008-08-20 | 2013-07-23 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Micropump |
US9657731B2 (en) | 2008-08-20 | 2017-05-23 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Micropump |
US20100047099A1 (en) * | 2008-08-20 | 2010-02-25 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Micropump |
US8491284B2 (en) * | 2008-09-29 | 2013-07-23 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Control unit, tube unit, and micropump |
US20100080720A1 (en) * | 2008-09-29 | 2010-04-01 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Control unit, tube unit, and micropump |
US9631615B2 (en) | 2008-09-29 | 2017-04-25 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Control unit, tube unit, and micropump |
US8491286B2 (en) | 2008-12-05 | 2013-07-23 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Tube unit, control unit, and micropump |
US9447783B2 (en) | 2008-12-05 | 2016-09-20 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Tube unit, control unit, and micropump |
US20100143168A1 (en) * | 2008-12-05 | 2010-06-10 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Tube unit, control unit, and micropump |
WO2011032011A1 (en) * | 2009-09-10 | 2011-03-17 | Medipacs, Inc. | Low profile actuator and improved method of caregiver controlled administration of therapeutics |
US9238102B2 (en) | 2009-09-10 | 2016-01-19 | Medipacs, Inc. | Low profile actuator and improved method of caregiver controlled administration of therapeutics |
WO2011094747A1 (en) * | 2010-02-01 | 2011-08-04 | Medipacs, Inc. | High surface area polymer actuator with gas mitigating components |
US9500186B2 (en) | 2010-02-01 | 2016-11-22 | Medipacs, Inc. | High surface area polymer actuator with gas mitigating components |
US20120065561A1 (en) * | 2010-09-03 | 2012-03-15 | Epoch Medical Innovations, Inc. | Device, system, and method for the treatment, prevention and diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency, deep vein thrombosis, lymphedema and other circulatory conditions |
US9291285B2 (en) | 2010-11-24 | 2016-03-22 | Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft Zur Foerderung Der Angewandten Forschung E.V. | Fluidic actuator comprising deformable seal arrangement and long storability |
WO2012069332A1 (en) * | 2010-11-24 | 2012-05-31 | Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Angewandten Forschung, E.V. | Fluidic actuator having a deformable closure arrangement and long shelf life |
EP4162968A1 (en) * | 2010-12-08 | 2023-04-12 | ConvaTec Technologies Inc. | System for removing exudates from a wound site |
US20120273053A1 (en) * | 2011-04-27 | 2012-11-01 | Murphy Michael P | Electrorheological valve |
US8973613B2 (en) * | 2011-04-27 | 2015-03-10 | Google Inc. | Electrorheological valve |
US10352481B2 (en) * | 2011-04-27 | 2019-07-16 | Boston Dynamics, Inc. | Electrorheological valve |
US20170167634A1 (en) * | 2011-04-27 | 2017-06-15 | Google Inc. | Electrorheological Valve |
US9408991B2 (en) * | 2011-05-31 | 2016-08-09 | Metran Co. Ltd. | Pump unit and breathing assistance device |
US20120304993A1 (en) * | 2011-05-31 | 2012-12-06 | Kazufuku Nitta | Pump unit and breathing assistance device |
US20140356193A1 (en) * | 2011-09-21 | 2014-12-04 | Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh | Peristaltic Pump and Method of Transporting Material with a Peristaltic Pump |
US10519946B2 (en) * | 2011-09-21 | 2019-12-31 | Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland Gmbh | Peristaltic pump and method of transporting material with a peristaltic pump |
US20130081697A1 (en) * | 2011-09-30 | 2013-04-04 | Depuy Mitek, Inc. | Fluidic manifold |
JP2013079956A (en) * | 2011-09-30 | 2013-05-02 | Depuy Mitek Llc | Fluidic manifold |
CN103028453A (en) * | 2011-09-30 | 2013-04-10 | 德普伊米特克有限责任公司 | Fluidic manifold |
US20150362261A1 (en) * | 2012-02-17 | 2015-12-17 | Universite D'aix Marseille | Pipe forming part of a heat exchanger and heat exchanger comprising such a pipe |
US10000605B2 (en) | 2012-03-14 | 2018-06-19 | Medipacs, Inc. | Smart polymer materials with excess reactive molecules |
US9876160B2 (en) | 2012-03-21 | 2018-01-23 | Parker-Hannifin Corporation | Roll-to-roll manufacturing processes for producing self-healing electroactive polymer devices |
US20150059749A1 (en) * | 2012-04-02 | 2015-03-05 | Metran Co., Ltd. | Pump unit and respiratory assistance device |
US9786834B2 (en) | 2012-04-12 | 2017-10-10 | Parker-Hannifin Corporation | EAP transducers with improved performance |
US9761790B2 (en) | 2012-06-18 | 2017-09-12 | Parker-Hannifin Corporation | Stretch frame for stretching process |
US9978928B2 (en) | 2012-08-16 | 2018-05-22 | Parker-Hannifin Corporation | Rolled and compliant dielectric elastomer actuators |
US9954159B2 (en) | 2012-08-16 | 2018-04-24 | Parker-Hannifin Corporation | Electrical interconnect terminals for rolled dielectric elastomer transducers |
US9441753B2 (en) | 2013-04-30 | 2016-09-13 | Boston Dynamics | Printed circuit board electrorheological fluid valve |
DE102013009592A1 (en) * | 2013-06-07 | 2014-12-11 | Festo Ag & Co. Kg | Fluid flow control device |
DE102013009592B4 (en) | 2013-06-07 | 2019-06-27 | Festo Ag & Co. Kg | Fluid flow control device |
US10018193B2 (en) | 2013-10-02 | 2018-07-10 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Peristaltic submersible pump |
US10626453B2 (en) | 2014-04-14 | 2020-04-21 | Sri International | Portable nucleic acid analysis system and high-performance microfluidic electroactive polymer actuators |
WO2015160864A1 (en) * | 2014-04-14 | 2015-10-22 | Sri International | Portable nucleic acid analysis system and high-performance microfluidic electroactive polymer actuators |
US20150316047A1 (en) * | 2014-04-30 | 2015-11-05 | Texas Instruments Incorporated | Fluid pump having material displaceable responsive to electrical energy |
US11088635B2 (en) | 2018-10-25 | 2021-08-10 | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. | Actuator with sealable edge region |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2302216A1 (en) | 2011-03-30 |
CA2557325A1 (en) | 2004-09-10 |
US9039389B2 (en) | 2015-05-26 |
EP1611353A4 (en) | 2007-03-07 |
WO2004076859A3 (en) | 2004-12-16 |
US20140161628A1 (en) | 2014-06-12 |
EP1611353B1 (en) | 2012-07-11 |
CN1774577B (en) | 2011-06-08 |
CN1774577A (en) | 2006-05-17 |
EP1611353A2 (en) | 2006-01-04 |
WO2004076859A2 (en) | 2004-09-10 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US9039389B2 (en) | Pulse activated actuator pump system | |
US8138656B2 (en) | Actuator pump system | |
US6629826B2 (en) | Micropump driven by movement of liquid drop induced by continuous electrowetting | |
CN101583797B (en) | Wax micro actuator | |
US7264617B2 (en) | Integrally manufactured micro-electrofluidic cables | |
Nisar et al. | MEMS-based micropumps in drug delivery and biomedical applications | |
EP1912690B1 (en) | Drug delivery device with electrically controlled volume changing means | |
US7025323B2 (en) | Low power integrated pumping and valving arrays for microfluidic systems | |
Su et al. | A water-powered osmotic microactuator | |
Sideris et al. | Pumps operated by solid-state electromechanical smart material actuators-A review | |
CN101588838B (en) | Miniature valve | |
US20050238506A1 (en) | Electromagnetically-actuated microfluidic flow regulators and related applications | |
WO2004003384A1 (en) | Piezoelectric micropump with diaphragm and valves | |
EP2044329A1 (en) | Self-contained pump | |
Kalyonov et al. | Valveless microfluidic pump based on IPMC actuator for drug delivery | |
CN101124403A (en) | Actuator pump system | |
JP2010175360A (en) | Microchemical chip | |
KR100931894B1 (en) | Snap-through micro-pump | |
Banister et al. | Development of PACS Digital Pump and implications for other industries | |
US20100061870A1 (en) | Microfabricated device | |
Kim et al. | Fabrication of microfluidic pump using conducting polymer actuator | |
JP2011144692A (en) | Fluid transport device using conductive high polymer | |
CN115479016A (en) | Fluid peristaltic pump | |
Chen et al. | Design, Characterisation and Prospect of Piezoelectric Microfluidic Technology | |
Yi | A remotely powered electrolytic actuator with dose control for implantable drug delivery |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: MEDIPACS, INC., ARIZONA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:BANISTER, MARK;REEL/FRAME:019610/0453 Effective date: 20070713 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- AFTER EXAMINER'S ANSWER OR BOARD OF APPEALS DECISION |