Abstract: An electromechanical converter comprises a dielectric elastomer layer (1) designed as one piece and having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The first and the second side of the dielectric elastomer layer (1) are corrugated in the same direction as each other with the formation of ridges (2) and furrows (3). The dielectric elastomer layer (1) comprises a polyurethane polymer, the first side of the dielectric elastomer layer (1) being in contact with a first electrode (4) and the second side of the dielectric elastomer layer (1) being in contact with a second electrode (5) and the first and second electrode (4, 5) having a same-directional corrugated design corresponding to the first and second side of the dielectric elastomer layer (1).

Abstract: The present invention provides optical systems, devices and methods which utilize one or more electroactive polymer actuators to adjust an optical parameter of the optical device or system.

Abstract: The present invention provides portable multipoint tenter made from a rotating ring with a plurality of curved slots for placement in each of a first prong of a plurality of two-prong, guide pins, a circular base plate with a plurality of straight slots for placement of the first prong and a second prong of the plurality of two-prong guide pins and a contact pad attached to each of the second prongs. The inventive portable multipoint tenter helps to assure asymmetrical stzetch and is customizable so it can be made with various numbers of pads with minimal redesign. Because the inventive device is hand powered rather than electrical, the device is both portable and environmentally friendly.

Abstract: Devices employing electroactive polymer actuators are disclosed. Acrylic dielectric material based actuators are optionally provided in which architectures are presented that allow for improved power output as compared with other known acrylic dielectric material based transducers. Such technology may be applied in motor-driven applications, lightweight flight applications and lighting applications among others.

Abstract: The present invention provides optical systems, devices and methods which utilize one or more electroactive films to adjust an optical parameter of the optical device/system.

Abstract: A transducer employing at least two electroactive polymer layers stretched to join each central portion of the electroactive polymer layers to each form a concave shape wherein the central portions of the electroactive polymer layers actuate in at least two component directions upon application of a voltage across the electroactive polymer material.

Abstract: The present invention provides optical systems, devices and methods which utilize one or more electroactive polymer actuators to adjust an optical parameter of the optical device or system.

Abstract: The present invention provides optical systems, devices and methods which utilize one or more electroactive polymer actuators to adjust an optical parameter of the optical device or system.

Abstract: Devices employing electroactive polymer actuators are disclosed. Acrylic dielectric material based actuators are optionally provided in which architectures are presented that allow for improved power output as compared with other known acrylic dielectric material based transducers. Such technology may be applied in motor-driven applications, lightweight flight applications and lighting applications among others.

Abstract: The present invention includes fluid control systems employing compliant electroactive materials.

Abstract: Devices employing electroactive polymer actuators are disclosed. The devices include pumps, valves, cameras (where electroactive polymer actuators control either one or both of zoom and focus), vibrators (for inclusion in cell phones, game console controls, etc.) and audio speakers. These devices advantageously incorporate the actuator configurations descried. The devices generally incorporate a diaphragm-type actuation having a central section of material that is less flexible than adjacent material.

Abstract: Transducers employing electroactive polymer films are disclosed.

Abstract: Dielectric elastomer or electroactive polymer film transducers configured to minimize high electrical field gradients that can lead to partial discharge and corona.

Abstract: The present invention provides optical systems, devices and methods which utilize one or more electroactive polymer actuators to provide shutter and/or aperture control.

Abstract: The present invention provides optical systems, devices and methods which utilize one or more electroactive polymer actuators to adjust an optical parameter of the optical device or system.

Abstract: Electroactive polymer constructions that convert electrical energy to mechanical energy and vice versa are disclosed. The subject transducers (actuators, generators, sensors or combinations thereof) share the requirement of a frame or fixture element used in preloading elastomeric film electrodes and dielectric polymer in a desired configuration. The structures are either integrally biased in a push-pull arrangement or preloaded/biased by another element.

Abstract: Transducers employing electroactive polymer films are disclosed.

Abstract: Electroactive polymer transducers are disclosed. They are biased in a manner that provides for increased force and/or stroke output, thereby offering improved work potential and power output capacity. The biasing may offer additional or alternate functional advantage in terms of matching transducer performance with a given application such as a normally-closed valve. The improved biasing (including increased output biasing) may utilize negative spring rate biasing and/or a combination of negative or zero-rate biasing with positive rate biasing to achieve the desired ends.

Abstract: The present invention provides optical systems, devices and methods which utilize one or more electroactive polymer actuators to stabilize the image produced by the device or system.

Abstract: Electroactive polymer transducers for sensory feedback applications are disclosed.