Patents Assigned to CeramPhysics
  • Patent number: 5222713
    Abstract: A solid state apparatus for regulating the flow of fluids in general, and natural gas, in particular, is provided. The solid state apparatus includes an actuator made of electrostrictive, magnetostrictive or piezoelectric material. The actuator displaces upon application of an electric field to vary the compression on an elastomer having an orifice, thereby varying the amount of elastomeric material extruded into the orifice. Fluid flow through the regulator is thereby controlled. A system for regulating the flow of gas integrates the regulator with a sensor to detect a gas characteristic, such as gas partial pressure, and send control signals to control the operation of the regulator. The solid-state gas regulator is capable of low cost production and operation and suitable for electronic feedback control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Assignee: CeramPhysics
    Inventors: William N. Lawless, Robert W. Arenz