Abstract
An actuator cell includes a supply chamber containing fluid, and an expansion chamber for receiving fluid from the supply chamber, and being expandable to deform a predetermined area of the actuator cell. The actuator cell further includes a channel providing a fluid flow passage between the supply and expansion chambers, and a compliant material substantially surrounding the supply chamber, the expansion chamber and/or the channel. An electric circuit applies an electric field adjacent the supply and expansion chambers, and thereby causes fluid flow from the supply to the expansion chamber.
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Description
PTOInventor(s)
Elisabeth Smela, Benjamin ShapiroDate Issued
04/28/2009Patent No.
7,523,608Top