Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to achieving micromachined piezoelectrically-actuated diaphragms. The piezoelectric diaphragm includes a central, inactive electrode free region and an annular shaped interdigitated electrode adjacent to the outer periphery of the central region. The diaphragm also may have an inactive annular, electrode free region and an active central, interdigitated electrode region. The diaphragms may be used in, such as, miniature pumps. The pumps may include a plurality of chambers to generate peristaltic pumping of fluids.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 26, 2004
Date of Patent:
May 27, 2008
Assignees:
The Penn State Research Foundation, Northrup Grumman Corp.
Inventors:
Susan Trolier McKinstry, Euniki Hong, Carl Baldwin Freidhoff, Silai V Krishnaswamy