Abstract: The invention provides a transducer for converting between mechanical and electrical energies. The transducer comprises an EAP laminate with a layer of an elastomer material arranged between two electrode layers, each electrode layer comprising a second layer of a plastically deformable material, e.g. metal or a thermoplastic material, and a third layer of an electrically conductive material. Due to the layer of plastically deformable material, the electrode layers can be shaped into various shapes which can provide anisotropic characteristics of the transducer.

Abstract: An improved fluoroplastic lined elastomeric tube that can maintain a stable flow rate while pumping aggressive chemicals in a peristaltic pump for an extended period of time and is fabricated in sizes ranging from 0.5 mm to 100 mm in inside diameter. The inner fluoroplastic liner comprises a composite of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene and a fluoroplastic polymer resulting in improved flex life over single component fluoroplastics. The inventive liner is bonded to either an unreinforced elastomer or a fiber reinforced elastomer for use in both low and high pressure peristaltic pump applications.

Abstract: An improved peristaltic pump whereby the elastomeric tubing communicates with the peristaltic pump in a way that allows for axial movement of the tubing thereby extending the flex life of the pump tubing. A tubing element is fitted with a flange that allows tension to be applied to the tubing in a way that changes depending upon the location of the rotor at any given time. The tension can be applied via an elastic material located between the flange and the housing or between the housing and a device that communicates with the flange. The dynamic tension reduces the amount of stress on the tubing material when the rollers first engage the tubing on the suction side of the pump and when they depart the tubing on the discharge side of the pump. The invention is particularly useful for materials that have limited axial flexibility and for those with very large axial flexibility.

Abstract: A flexure endurant composition of an elastomer reinforced with a continuous phase of microporous, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) having a ratio of elastomer to PTFE of approximately 1:1 to 50:1 on a volume basis. The composite is prepared by a coating process and the final articles are prepared by molding or vulcanizing. Such materials can be used to fabricate pump tubing, pump diaphragms, gaskets, bellows and other mechanical devices.

Abstract: A flexure endurant composition of an elastomer reinforced with a continuous phase of microporous, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) having a ratio of elastomer to PTFE of approximately 1:1 to 50:1 on a volume basis. The composite is prepared by a coating process and the final articles are prepared by molding or vulcanizing. Such materials can be used to fabricate pump tubing, pump diaphragms, gaskets, bellows and other mechanical devices.

Abstract: A flexure endurant composition of an elastomer reinforced with a continuous phase of microporous, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) having a ratio of elastomer to PTFE of approximately 1:1 to 50:1 on a volume basis. The composite is prepared by a coating process and the final articles are prepared by molding or vulcanizing. Such materials can be used to fabricate pump tubing, pump diaphragms, gaskets, bellows and other mechanical devices.

Abstract: A flexure endurant composition of an elastomer reinforced with a continuous phase of microporous, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) having a ratio of elastomer to PTFE of approximately 1:1 to 50:1 on a volume basis. The composite is prepared by a coating process and the final articles are prepared by molding or vulcanizing. Such materials can be used to fabricate pump tubing, pump diaphragms, gaskets, bellows and other mechanical devices.

Abstract: A method for preparing the first component of a two-component room temperature-vulcanizable (RTV) silicone composition comprises (a) preparing a filler/oil masterbatch by (i) adding an unreactive silicone oil and untreated, aggregated filler particles to a mixer; (ii) adding a filler treating agent such as an organosilane, a polyorganosilane or a silazane to the unreactive silicone oil/filler mixture; and (iii) mixing the unreactive silicone oil/filler mixture and treating agent under conditions sufficient to breakdown the aggregated filler particles to an average size of less than about 300 nm for a time of less than about 24 hours to form the filler/oil masterbatch; and (b) adding said filler/oil masterbatch to a reactive silicone oil.