US6809462B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electroactive polymer sensors
Assignee: SRI International Inc
•
Filing: 2001-12-06
•
Granted: 2004-10-26
•
Expires: 2021-12-06
Abstract
Abstract The invention provides sensors that comprise a transducer that converts between mechanical energy and electrical energy. The transducer comprises an electroactive polymer in electrical communication with at least two electrodes. When a relatively small voltage difference is applied between the electrodes, deflection of the polymer results in a measurable change in electrical energy for the transducer. The change in electrical energy may correspond to a change in resistance, capacitance, or a combination thereof. Sensing electronics circuits in electrical communication with electrodes detect the electrical energy change.
Inventors
- 👤 Ronald E. Pelrine
- 👤 Roy D. Kornbluh
- 👤 Qibing Pei
- 👤 Joseph Stephen Eckerle
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 08:45
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63H; A63H3/00; A63H3/36; A63H3/365; B; B60; B60N; B60N2/00; B60N2/002; B60N2/0021; B60N2/0022; B60N2/0024; B60N2/0027; H; H10; H10N; H10N30/00; H10N30/30; H10N30/302; A61; A61B; A61B5/00; A61B5/103; A61B5/11; A61B5/113; A61B5/1135; B60N2210/00; B60N2210/10; B60N2210/12; B60N2230/00; B60N2230/20; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S310/00; Y10S310/80
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 132
Claim 1
Independent Claim
90 words
A sensor for detecting a change in a parameter, the sensor comprising: a transducer including at least two electrodes in electrical communication with an electroactive polymer wherein the electroactive polymer has an elastic modulus below about 100 MPa, the transducer configured such that a portion of the electroactive polymer deflects in response to the change in the parameter and the portion deflection produces an electrical change in the transducer; and sensing electronics in electrical communication with the at least two electrodes and designed or configured to detect the electrical change.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
90 words
A sensor for detecting a change in a parameter, the sensor comprising: a transducer including at least two electrodes in electrical communication with an electroactive polymer wherein the electroactive polymer has an elastic modulus below about 100 MPa, the transducer configured such that a portion of the electroactive polymer deflects in response to the change in the parameter and the portion deflection produces an electrical change in the transducer; and sensing electronics in electrical communication with the at least two electrodes and designed or configured to detect the electrical change.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
The sensor of claim 1 further comprising a logic device in electrical communication with the sensing electronics, the logic device configured to quantify the portion deflection using the electrical change received by the sensing electronics.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The sensor of claim 2 wherein the logic device is further configured to quantify the change in the parameter.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The sensor of claim 1 wherein the portion deflection produces an electrical impedance change in the transducer.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The sensor of claim 1 wherein the portion deflection produces a capacitance change in the transducer.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The sensor of claim 1 wherein the portion deflection produces a resistance change in the transducer.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
37 words
The sensor of claim 1 further comprising a coupling mechanism that is a adapted for receiving input energy associated with the change in the parameter and transferring a portion of the input energy to the electroactive polymer.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
35 words
The sensor of claim 7 wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a stiff member attached to the polymer and mechanically coupled to an object that produces the input energy associated with the change in the parameter.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
37 words
The sensor of claim 7 wherein the coupling mechanism is a conductor in electrical communication with the transducer, the conductor providing electrical communication between the transducer and an object that produces a change in an electrical property.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
The sensor of claim 9 wherein the portion deflection is produced as a result of a change in one of current, voltage, and resistance of the object.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
The sensor of claim 1 wherein the transducer is configured to measure mechanical deflection of an object that the transducer is mechanically coupled to.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
34 words
The sensor of claim 1 wherein the deflection of the portion of the electroactive polymer is a result of a change in at least one of strain, pressure, force, load, torque, displacement and temperature.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
21 words
The sensor of claim 1 wherein the change in the parameter comprises a change in a physical property of the polymer.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
21 words
The sensor of claim 13 wherein the change in the physical property of the polymer is the size of the polymer.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
12 words
The sensor of claim 1 wherein the transducer is a monolithic transducer.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
13 words
The sensor of claim 1 wherein the electroactive polymer is a dielectric elastomer.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
17 words
The sensor of claim 1 wherein one or more of the at least two electrodes is compliant.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
40 words
The sensor of claim 17 wherein the at least two electrodes comprise one of a colloidal suspension, a conductive grease, and a mixture of ionically conductive materials, a textured electrode, a high aspect ratio carbon material, and a conductive polymer.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
20 words
The sensor of claim 1 further comprising a resistor that controls rate of charge moved to and from the polymer.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
31 words
The sensor of claim 1 further comprising a voltage source in electrical communication with the at least two electrodes and configured to apply a voltage to the at least two electrodes.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
20 words
The sensor of claim 1 wherein the sensing electronics communicate with the at least two electrodes using a wireless communication.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
11 words
The sensor of claim 1 wherein the electroactive polymer is pre-strained.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
78 words
A method of using an electroactive polymer transducer which comprises at least two electrodes in electrical communication with an electroactive polymer, the method comprising: applying a voltage difference between the at least two electrodes; deflecting the electroactive polymer wherein the electroactive polymer has an elastic modulus below about 100 MPa from a first position to a second position; and detecting an electrical change in the transducer resulting from the deflection from the first position to the second position.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
78 words
A method of using an electroactive polymer transducer which comprises at least two electrodes in electrical communication with an electroactive polymer, the method comprising: applying a voltage difference between the at least two electrodes; deflecting the electroactive polymer wherein the electroactive polymer has an elastic modulus below about 100 MPa from a first position to a second position; and detecting an electrical change in the transducer resulting from the deflection from the first position to the second position.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 23 further comprising quantitatively converting the electrical change to the deflection from the first position to the second position.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 23 wherein an initial voltage applied between the at least two electrodes is less than the voltage required to actuate the electroactive polymer from the first position to the second position.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 23 further comprising removing charge from the at least two electrodes during the deflection from the first position to the second position.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 23 wherein the deflection from the first position to the second position is associated with a change in a parameter of an object that the transducer is coupled to.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 27 further comprising quantitatively converting the electrical change to the change in the parameter.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 27 wherein the parameter is a mechanical property of the object.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 23 further comprising controlling rate of moving charge to and from the polymer.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 23 wherein the voltage applied between the at least two electrodes is an AC voltage.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 31 wherein the voltage applied between the at least two electrodes is between about 1 mV and about 10,000 V.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 23 wherein detecting the electrical change comprises detecting one of a capacitance change and a resistance change in the transducer.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 23 further including pre-straining the polymer before applying the voltage.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 23 wherein the electroactive polymer is a dielectric elastomer.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 23 wherein detecting the electrical change comprises transmitting the electrical change to sensing electronics in electrical communication with the at least two electrodes.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 36 wherein the sensing electronics detect a resistance change in one of the at least two electrodes.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 23 wherein the sensing a electronics detect a resistance change in the polymer resulting from the deflection.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 38 wherein the sensing electronics detect a capacitance change in the polymer.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 23 further comprising removing charge from the at least two electrodes during deflection from the first position to the second position.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
90 words
A sensor for detecting a change in a parameter, the sensor comprising: a transducer including at least two electrodes in electrical communication with an electroactive polymer wherein the electroactive polymer has an elastic modulus below about 100 MPa, the transducer configured such that a portion of the electroactive polymer deflects in response to the change in the parameter and the portion deflection produces a capacitance change in the transducer, and sensing electronics in electrical communication with the at least two electrodes and designed or configured to detect the capacitance change.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
90 words
A sensor for detecting a change in a parameter, the sensor comprising: a transducer including at least two electrodes in electrical communication with an electroactive polymer wherein the electroactive polymer has an elastic modulus below about 100 MPa, the transducer configured such that a portion of the electroactive polymer deflects in response to the change in the parameter and the portion deflection produces a capacitance change in the transducer, and sensing electronics in electrical communication with the at least two electrodes and designed or configured to detect the capacitance change.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
15 words
The sensor of claim 41 wherein the capacitance change is produced in the electroactive polymer.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
24 words
The sensor of claim 41 wherein the at least two electrodes have a resistance approximately less than about 10% of the electroactive polymer resistance.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
31 words
The sensor of claim 41 further comprising a voltage source in electrical communication with the at least two electrodes and configured to apply a voltage to the at least two electrodes.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
17 words
The sensor of claim 41 wherein the sensing electronics are configured to operate in an AC mode.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
35 words
The sensor of claim 41 further comprising a logic device in electrical communication with the sensing electronics, the logic device configured to quantify the portion deflection using the electrical change received by the sensing electronics.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
22 words
The sensor of claim 41 wherein the sensing electronics comprise a high resistance resistor in series with the at least two electrodes.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
15 words
The sensor of claim 41 wherein one of the at least two electrodes is compliant.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
90 words
A sensor for detecting a change in a parameter, the sensor comprising: a transducer including at least two electrodes in electrical communication with an electroactive polymer wherein the electroactive polymer has an elastic modulus below about 100 MPa, the transducer configured such that a portion of the electroactive polymer deflects in response to the change in the parameter and the portion deflection produces a resistance change in the transducer, and sensing electronics in electrical communication with the at least two electrodes and designed or configured to detect the resistance change.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
90 words
A sensor for detecting a change in a parameter, the sensor comprising: a transducer including at least two electrodes in electrical communication with an electroactive polymer wherein the electroactive polymer has an elastic modulus below about 100 MPa, the transducer configured such that a portion of the electroactive polymer deflects in response to the change in the parameter and the portion deflection produces a resistance change in the transducer, and sensing electronics in electrical communication with the at least two electrodes and designed or configured to detect the resistance change.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
21 words
The sensor of claim 49 wherein the portion deflection produces a resistance change in one of the at least two electrodes.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
21 words
The sensor of claim 49 wherein the portion deflection produces a resistance change in the electroactive polymer resulting from the deflection.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
19 words
The sensor of claim 51 wherein the at least two electrodes have a conductance greater than the electroactive polymer.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
30 words
The sensor of claim 49 further comprising a voltage source in electrical communication with the at least two electrodes configured to apply a voltage to the at least two electrodes.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
20 words
The sensor of claim 49 further comprising a resistor that controls rate of moving charge to and from the polymer.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
31 words
The sensor of claim 54 wherein the resistor produces an RC time constant with the polymer that is at least faster than the rate of change of the parameter being measured.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
22 words
The sensor of claim 49 wherein the sensing electronics detect a voltage change in response to the resistance change in the transducer.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
35 words
The sensor of claim 56 further comprising a logic device in electrical communication with the sensing electronics, the logic device configured to quantify the portion deflection using the voltage change received by the sensing electronics.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
14 words
The sensor of claim 56 wherein the sensing electronics operate in a DC mode.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
15 words
The sensor of claim 49 wherein one of the at least two electrodes is compliant.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
91 words
A sensor for detecting a change in a parameter, the sensor comprising: a transducer including at least two electrodes in electrical communication with an electroactive polymer wherein the electroactive polymer has an elastic modulus below about 100 MPa, the transducer configured such that a portion of the electroactive polymer deflects in response to the change in the parameter and the portion deflection produces a resistance change in the electroactive polymer; and sensing electronics in electrical communication with the at least two electrodes and designed or configured to detect the resistance change.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
91 words
A sensor for detecting a change in a parameter, the sensor comprising: a transducer including at least two electrodes in electrical communication with an electroactive polymer wherein the electroactive polymer has an elastic modulus below about 100 MPa, the transducer configured such that a portion of the electroactive polymer deflects in response to the change in the parameter and the portion deflection produces a resistance change in the electroactive polymer; and sensing electronics in electrical communication with the at least two electrodes and designed or configured to detect the resistance change.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
19 words
The sensor of claim 60 wherein the at least two electrodes have a conductance greater than the electroactive polymer.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
20 words
The sensor of claim 60 wherein the sensing electronics communicate with the at least two electrodes using a wireless communication.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
30 words
The sensor of claim 60 further comprising a voltage source in communication with the at least two electrodes and configured to apply a voltage to the at least two electrodes.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
15 words
The sensor of claim 63 wherein the voltage source provides a high frequency AC signal.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
35 words
The sensor of claim 60 further comprising a logic device in electrical communication with the sensing electronics, the logic device configured to quantify the portion deflection using the electrical change received by the sensing electronics.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
15 words
The sensor of claim 60 wherein one of the at least two electrodes is compliant.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
13 words
The sensor of claim 60 wherein the electroactive polymer is a dielectric elastomer.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
38 words
The sensor of claim 60 further comprising a coupling mechanism that is designed or configured to receive input energy associated with the change in the parameter and transfer a portion of the input energy to the electroactive polymer.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
95 words
A sensor for detecting a change in a parameter, the sensor comprising: a transducer including at least two electrodes in electrical communication with an electroactive polymer wherein the electroactive polymer has an elastic modulus below about 100 MPa, the transducer configured such that a portion of the electroactive polymer deflects in response to the change in the parameter and the portion deflection produces a resistance change in one of the at least two electrodes; and sensing electronics in electrical communication with the at least two electrodes and designed or configured to detect the resistance change.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
95 words
A sensor for detecting a change in a parameter, the sensor comprising: a transducer including at least two electrodes in electrical communication with an electroactive polymer wherein the electroactive polymer has an elastic modulus below about 100 MPa, the transducer configured such that a portion of the electroactive polymer deflects in response to the change in the parameter and the portion deflection produces a resistance change in one of the at least two electrodes; and sensing electronics in electrical communication with the at least two electrodes and designed or configured to detect the resistance change.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
16 words
The sensor of claim 69 wherein the one of at least two electrodes comprise carbon fibrils.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
39 words
The sensor of claim 70 wherein the at least two electrodes comprise one of a colloidal suspension, a conductive grease, a mixture of ionically conductive materials, a textured electrode, a high aspect ratio carbon material, and a conductive polymer.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
29 words
The sensor of claim 69 further comprising a voltage source in communication with the at least two electrodes configured to apply a voltage to the at least two electrodes.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
15 words
The sensor of claim 72 wherein the voltage source provides a high frequency AC signal.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
15 words
The sensor of claim 69 wherein one of the at least two electrodes is compliant.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
90 words
A sensor for detecting a change in a parameter, the sensor comprising: a transducer including at least two electrodes in electrical communication with an electroactive polymer wherein the electroactive polymer has an elastic modulus below about 100 MPa, the transducer configured such that a portion of the electroactive polymer deflects in response to the change in the parameter and the portion deflection produces an impedance change in the transducer; and sensing electronics in electrical communication with the at least two electrodes and designed or configured to detect the impedance change.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
90 words
A sensor for detecting a change in a parameter, the sensor comprising: a transducer including at least two electrodes in electrical communication with an electroactive polymer wherein the electroactive polymer has an elastic modulus below about 100 MPa, the transducer configured such that a portion of the electroactive polymer deflects in response to the change in the parameter and the portion deflection produces an impedance change in the transducer; and sensing electronics in electrical communication with the at least two electrodes and designed or configured to detect the impedance change.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
17 words
The sensor of claim 75 wherein the impedance change comprises a resistance change in the electroactive polymer.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
21 words
The sensor of claim 75 wherein the impedance change comprises a resistance change in one of the at least two electrodes.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
17 words
The sensor of claim 75 wherein the impedance change comprises a capacitance change in the electroactive polymer.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
30 words
The sensor of claim 75 further comprising a voltage source in electrical communication with the at least two electrodes configured to apply a voltage to the at least two electrodes.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
22 words
The sensor of claim 75 wherein the sensing electronics detect a voltage change in response to the resistance change in the transducer.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
13 words
The sensor of claim 75 wherein the electroactive polymer is a dielectric elastomer.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
15 words
The sensor of claim 75 wherein one of the at least two electrodes is compliant.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
193 words
A sensor array for detecting a change in one or more parameters, the sensor array comprising: at least one transducer comprising, at least two electrodes coupled to a first portion of at least one electroactive polymer wherein first portion the one electroactive polymer has an elastic modulus below about 100 MPa, the at least one transducer configured such that the first portion deflects in response to a first change in the one or more parameters and the first portion deflection produces a first electrical change in the at least one transducer; at least two electrodes coupled to a second portion of the at least one electroactive polymer, the at least one transducer configured such that the second portion deflects in response to a second change in the one or more parameters and the second portion deflection produces a second electrical change in the at least one transducer; and sensing electronics in electrical communication with the at least two electrodes coupled to the first portion and in electrical communication with the at least two electrodes coupled to the second portion, the sensing electronics designed or configured to detect the first and second electrical change.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
193 words
A sensor array for detecting a change in one or more parameters, the sensor array comprising: at least one transducer comprising, at least two electrodes coupled to a first portion of at least one electroactive polymer wherein first portion the one electroactive polymer has an elastic modulus below about 100 MPa, the at least one transducer configured such that the first portion deflects in response to a first change in the one or more parameters and the first portion deflection produces a first electrical change in the at least one transducer; at least two electrodes coupled to a second portion of the at least one electroactive polymer, the at least one transducer configured such that the second portion deflects in response to a second change in the one or more parameters and the second portion deflection produces a second electrical change in the at least one transducer; and sensing electronics in electrical communication with the at least two electrodes coupled to the first portion and in electrical communication with the at least two electrodes coupled to the second portion, the sensing electronics designed or configured to detect the first and second electrical change.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
33 words
The sensor array of claim 83 wherein the at least one electroactive polymer is a monolithic electroactive polymer and the first portion and the second portion are both portions of the monolithic polymer.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
33 words
The sensor array of claim 83 wherein the first portion of the at least one electroactive polymer responds to the first change independently to response of the second portion to the second change.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
38 words
The sensor array of claim 83 further comprising a logic device in electrical communication with the sensing electronics, the logic device configured to quantify the first and second change using the electrical change received by the sensing electronics.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
50 words
The sensor array of claim 83 further comprising a coupling mechanism that is designed to configured to receive adapted for receiving input energy associated with the first change in the one or more parameters and for transferring a portion of the input energy to the at least one electroactive polymer.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
28 words
The sensor array of claim 83 wherein the at least one transducer is configured to measure mechanical deflection of an object that the transducer is mechanically coupled to.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
42 words
The sensor array of claim 83 wherein the array comprises two transducers, and the first portion is included in a first electroactive polymer of the first transducer and the second portion is included in a second electroactive polymer of the second transducer.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
42 words
The sensor array of claim 83 wherein the sensing electronics are configured to provide electrical energy to the at least two electrodes coupled to the first portion without providing electrical energy to the at least two electrodes coupled to the second portion.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
17 words
The sensor array of claim 83 wherein the portion deflection produces a capacitance change in the transducer.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
137 words
A sensor for detecting a change in a parameter, the sensor comprising: a transducer including at least two electrodes in electrical communication with an electroactive polymer, the transducer configured such that a portion of the electromotive polymer deflects in response to the change in the parameter and the portion deflection produces an electrical change in the transducer; sensing electronics in electrical communication with the at least two electrodes and designed or configured to detect the electrical change; a coupling mechanism adapted for receiving input energy associated with the change in the parameter and for transferring a portion of the input energy to the electroactive polymer wherein the coupling mechanism is a conductor in electrical communication with the transducer, the conductor providing electrical communication between the transducer and an object that produces a change in an electrical property.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
137 words
A sensor for detecting a change in a parameter, the sensor comprising: a transducer including at least two electrodes in electrical communication with an electroactive polymer, the transducer configured such that a portion of the electromotive polymer deflects in response to the change in the parameter and the portion deflection produces an electrical change in the transducer; sensing electronics in electrical communication with the at least two electrodes and designed or configured to detect the electrical change; a coupling mechanism adapted for receiving input energy associated with the change in the parameter and for transferring a portion of the input energy to the electroactive polymer wherein the coupling mechanism is a conductor in electrical communication with the transducer, the conductor providing electrical communication between the transducer and an object that produces a change in an electrical property.
Claim 102
Independent Claim
94 words
A method of using an electroactive polymer transducer which comprises at least two electrodes in electrical communication with an electroactive polymer, the method comprising: applying a voltage difference between the at least two electrodes; deflecting the electroactive polymer from a first position to a second position; and detecting an electrical change in the transducer resulting from the deflection from the first position to the second position wherein the deflection from the first position to the second position is associated with a change in a parameter of an object that the transducer is coupled to.
Claim 103
Independent Claim
94 words
A method of using an electroactive polymer transducer which comprises at least two electrodes in electrical communication with an electroactive polymer, the method comprising: applying a voltage difference between the at least two electrodes; deflecting the electroactive polymer from a first position to a second position; and detecting an electrical change in the transducer resulting from the deflection from the first position to the second position wherein the deflection from the first position to the second position is associated with a change in a parameter of an object that the transducer is coupled to.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
97 words
A sensor for detecting a change in a parameter, the sensor comprising: a transducer including at least two electrodes in electrical communication with an electroactive polymer wherein the at least two electrodes have a resistance approximately less than about 10% of the electroactive polymer resistance, the transducer configured such that a portion of the electroactive polymer deflects in response to the change in the parameter and the portion deflection produces a capacitance change in the transducer; and sensing electronics in electrical communication with the at least two electrodes and designed or configured to detect the capacitance change.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
97 words
A sensor for detecting a change in a parameter, the sensor comprising: a transducer including at least two electrodes in electrical communication with an electroactive polymer wherein the at least two electrodes have a resistance approximately less than about 10% of the electroactive polymer resistance, the transducer configured such that a portion of the electroactive polymer deflects in response to the change in the parameter and the portion deflection produces a capacitance change in the transducer; and sensing electronics in electrical communication with the at least two electrodes and designed or configured to detect the capacitance change.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
138 words
A sensor for detecting a change in a parameter, the sensor comprising: a transducer including at least two electrodes in electrical communication with an electroactive polymer, the transducer configured such that a portion of the electroactive polymer deflects in response to the change in the parameter and the portion deflection produces at least one of i) a capacitance change in the transducer, ii) a resistance change in the transducer; iii) an impedance change in the transducer or iv) combinations thereof; sensing electronics in electrical communication with the at least two electrodes and designed or configured to detect at least one of the capacitance change, the resistance change; the impedance change or combinations thereof and a voltage source in electrical communication with the at least two electrodes and configured to apply a voltage to the at least two electrodes.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
138 words
A sensor for detecting a change in a parameter, the sensor comprising: a transducer including at least two electrodes in electrical communication with an electroactive polymer, the transducer configured such that a portion of the electroactive polymer deflects in response to the change in the parameter and the portion deflection produces at least one of i) a capacitance change in the transducer, ii) a resistance change in the transducer; iii) an impedance change in the transducer or iv) combinations thereof; sensing electronics in electrical communication with the at least two electrodes and designed or configured to detect at least one of the capacitance change, the resistance change; the impedance change or combinations thereof and a voltage source in electrical communication with the at least two electrodes and configured to apply a voltage to the at least two electrodes.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
35 words
The sensor of claim 95 , wherein the resistance change of the transducer comprises a resistance change in one of the electroactive polymer, one or more of the at least two electrodes or combinations thereof.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
208 words
A sensor array for detecting a change in one or more parameters, the sensor array comprising: at least one transducer comprising, at least two electrodes coupled to a first portion of at least one electroactive polymer, the at least one transducer configured such that the first portion deflects in response to a first change in the one or more parameters and the first portion deflection produces a first electrical change in the at least one transducer; at least two electrodes coupled to a second portion of the at least one electroactive polymer, the at least one transducer configured such that the second portion deflects in response to a second change in the one or more parameters and the second portion deflection produces a second electrical change in the at least one transducer; sensing electronics in electrical communication with the at least two electrodes coupled to the first portion and in electrical communication with the at least two electrodes coupled to the second portion, the sensing electronics designed or configured to detect the first and second electrical change; and a logic device in electrical communication with the sensing electronics, the logic device configured to quantify the first and second change using the electrical change received by the sensing electronics.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
208 words
A sensor array for detecting a change in one or more parameters, the sensor array comprising: at least one transducer comprising, at least two electrodes coupled to a first portion of at least one electroactive polymer, the at least one transducer configured such that the first portion deflects in response to a first change in the one or more parameters and the first portion deflection produces a first electrical change in the at least one transducer; at least two electrodes coupled to a second portion of the at least one electroactive polymer, the at least one transducer configured such that the second portion deflects in response to a second change in the one or more parameters and the second portion deflection produces a second electrical change in the at least one transducer; sensing electronics in electrical communication with the at least two electrodes coupled to the first portion and in electrical communication with the at least two electrodes coupled to the second portion, the sensing electronics designed or configured to detect the first and second electrical change; and a logic device in electrical communication with the sensing electronics, the logic device configured to quantify the first and second change using the electrical change received by the sensing electronics.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
214 words
A sensor array for detecting a change in one or more parameters, the sensor array comprising: at least one transducer comprising, at least two electrodes coupled to a first portion of at least one electroactive polymer, the at least one transducer configured such that the first portion deflects in response to a first change in the one or more parameters and the first portion deflection produces a first electrical change in the at least one transducer; at least two electrodes coupled to a second portion of the at least one electroactive polymer, the at least one transducer configured such that the second portion deflects in response to a second change in the one or more parameters and the second portion deflection produces a second electrical change in the at least one transducer; and sensing electronics in electrical communication with the at least two electrodes coupled to the first portion and in electrical communication with the at least two electrodes coupled to the second portion, the sensing electronics designed or configured to detect the first and second electrical change wherein the array comprises two transducers, and the first portion is included in a first electroactive polymer of the first transducer and the second portion is included in a second electroactive polymer of the second transducer.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
214 words
A sensor array for detecting a change in one or more parameters, the sensor array comprising: at least one transducer comprising, at least two electrodes coupled to a first portion of at least one electroactive polymer, the at least one transducer configured such that the first portion deflects in response to a first change in the one or more parameters and the first portion deflection produces a first electrical change in the at least one transducer; at least two electrodes coupled to a second portion of the at least one electroactive polymer, the at least one transducer configured such that the second portion deflects in response to a second change in the one or more parameters and the second portion deflection produces a second electrical change in the at least one transducer; and sensing electronics in electrical communication with the at least two electrodes coupled to the first portion and in electrical communication with the at least two electrodes coupled to the second portion, the sensing electronics designed or configured to detect the first and second electrical change wherein the array comprises two transducers, and the first portion is included in a first electroactive polymer of the first transducer and the second portion is included in a second electroactive polymer of the second transducer.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
84 words
A sensor for detecting a change in a parameter, the sensor comprising: a transducer including at least two electrodes in electrical communication with an electroactive polymer, the transducer configured such that a portion of the electroactive polymer deflects in response to the change in the parameter and the portion deflection produces an electrical change in the transducer wherein the electroactive polymer is pre-strained; and sensing electronics in electrical communication with the at least two electrodes and designed or configured to detect the electrical change.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
84 words
A sensor for detecting a change in a parameter, the sensor comprising: a transducer including at least two electrodes in electrical communication with an electroactive polymer, the transducer configured such that a portion of the electroactive polymer deflects in response to the change in the parameter and the portion deflection produces an electrical change in the transducer wherein the electroactive polymer is pre-strained; and sensing electronics in electrical communication with the at least two electrodes and designed or configured to detect the electrical change.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
31 words
The sensor of claim 1 wherein one of a linear strain or an area strain is generated in the electroactive polymer by the deflection of the portion of the electroactive polymer.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
14 words
The sensor of claim 100 , wherein the strain is greater than about 1%.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
14 words
The sensor of claim 100 , wherein the strain is greater than about 10%.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
17 words
The sensor of claim 1 , wherein the sensor is integrated into or coupled to an object.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
25 words
The sensor of claim 103 , wherein the sensor is integrated into the object and is an inherent part of a structure of the object.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
17 words
The sensor of claim 103 , wherein the sensor is conformal to a surface of the object.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
15 words
The sensor of claim 103 , wherein the object is a textile or a fabric.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
14 words
The sensor of claim 103 , wherein the object is worn by a person.
Claim 123
Dependent Claim
18 words
The sensor of claim 103 , wherein the object is a belt, glove or a piece of clothing.
Claim 124
Dependent Claim
15 words
The sensor of claim 103 , wherein the object is a seat for a person.
Claim 125
Dependent Claim
20 words
The sensor of claim 109 wherein the sensor is adapted for detecting when a person is sitting in the seat.
Claim 126
Dependent Claim
14 words
The sensor of claim 109 , wherein the seat is located in an automobile.
Claim 127
Dependent Claim
13 words
The sensor of claim 103 , wherein the object is a medical device.
Claim 128
Dependent Claim
23 words
The sensor of claim 103 , wherein the object is one of a toy, a doll, an animated device or a robotic device.
Claim 129
Dependent Claim
33 words
The sensor of claim 113 , wherein the change in the parameter detected by the sensor is for triggering an action in the toy, the doll, the animated device or the robotic device.
Claim 130
Dependent Claim
24 words
The sensor of claim 1 , wherein the sensor is adapted for measuring a biological property of a biological substance or a biological tissue.
Claim 131
Dependent Claim
28 words
The sensor of claim 115 , wherein the biological substance or the biological tissue is one of bone, muscle, skin, a blood vessel, an organ or combinations thereof.
Claim 132
Dependent Claim
15 words
The sensor of claim 1 , wherein the sensor is adapted for providing haptic feedback.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2007-10-26 | 2008-04-26 | 2008-10-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2011-10-26 | 2012-04-26 | 2012-10-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2015-10-26 | 2016-04-26 | 2016-10-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |