Abstract: A method for manufacturing an actuator includes: creating a semi-cured product in a semi-cure state in such a manner that an element material that is to be a string-shaped actuator element of all actuator that is made of dielectric elastomer and includes the actuator element is formed in a string shape and that the element material is heated to its cure temperature or higher at least one of in and after formation; and creating a fully-cured product with a cure reaction of the semi-cured product completed in such a manner that the semi-cured product is heated while elongated in its axial direction.

Abstract: To provide an actuator which is easily made a small size and flexible, and has a large displacement. The actuator comprises a rod-shaped actuator element, having one axial end thereof fixed, including a dielectric film made of a dielectric elastomer and a plurality of electrodes arranged via the dielectric film, in the actuator element, the dielectric film extends as a voltage applied across the electrodes becomes large, and a load member connected to the other axial end of the actuator element and fixed in a state in which the actuator element is permitted to be extended axially, characterized in that making large the voltage applied across the electrodes causes the dielectric film to be extended, whereby the actuator element is extended axially according to the tension of the load member.

Abstract: An elastic member of a semiconductive polymer comprising a conductive composition containing a conductive polymer and binder polymer, wherein the elastic member satisfies both characteristics of (A) a variation of 1.5 digit or less between the electrical resistance at an applied voltage of 1V and the electrical resistance at an applied voltage of 133V under an environment of 25° C. and 50% RH, and (B) a variation of one digit or less between the electrical resistance at an applied voltage of 10V under an environment of 15° C. and 10% RH and the electrical resistance at an applied voltage of 10V under an environment of 35° C. and 85% RH.

Abstract: An elastic member of a semiconductive polymer comprising a conductive composition containing a conductive polymer and binder polymer, wherein the elastic member satisfies both characteristics of (A) a variation of 1.5 digit or less between the electrical resistance at an applied voltage of 1V and the electrical resistance at an applied voltage of 133V under an environment of 25° C. and 50% RH, and (B) a variation of one digit or less between the electrical resistance at an applied voltage of 10V under an environment of 15° C. and 10% RH and the electrical resistance at an applied voltage of 1OV under an environment of 35° C. and 85% RU.

Abstract: An electrically conductive foam component free from blooming and having a stable electrically conductive property. The electrically conductive foam component is produced by foaming an electrically conductive composition which comprises a base polymer and a borate compound represented by the following general formula (1): wherein R1 and R2, which may be the same or different, each represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or an aryl group; M is an alkaline metal or an alkaline earth metal; and n is a positive number.

Abstract: An electrically conductive foam component free from blooming and having a stable electrically conductive property.

Abstract: An elastic member of a semiconductive polymer comprising a conductive composition containing a conductive polymer and binder polymer, wherein the elastic member satisfies both characteristics of (A) a variation of 1.5 digit or less between the electrical resistance at an applied voltage of 1V and the electrical resistance at an applied voltage of 133V under an environment of 25° C. and 50% RH, and (B) a variation of one digit or less between the electrical resistance at an applied voltage of 10V under an environment of 15° C. and 10% RH and the electrical resistance at an applied voltage of 10V under an environment of 35° C. and 85% RH.

Abstract: A toner supply roll including a cylindrical soft polyurethane sponge structure formed on an outer circumferential surface of a metal shaft by foam molding of a polyurethane material in a mold cavity of a mold. The sponge structure having hardness of 350 g or lower includes a skin layer having a network of cells and openings open in its outer circumferential surface and communicating with respective ones of the cells located adjacent to the skin layer, such that the openings are substantially aligned with central portions of the respective ones of the cells in axial and circumferential directions of the sponge structure. Each opening has a size of 100-800 .mu.m, and a total area of the openings is at least 20% of the total surface area of the skin layer. The sponge structure has a plurality of protrusions formed on the outer circumferential surface of the skin layer so as to extend linearly or helically in the axial direction of the sponge structure. The protrusions have a height of 20-3000 .mu.

Abstract: A toner supply roll including a metal shaft and a cylindrical soft polyurethane sponge structure formed on an outer circumferential surface of the metal shaft by foam molding of a polyurethane material in a mold cavity of a mold. The sponge structure having a hardness of 350 g or lower includes a skin layer having generally smooth surface and openings, and a network of cells. The openings are open in the smooth surface and communicate with respective ones of the cells located adjacent to the skin layer, such that the openings are substantially aligned with central portions of the respective ones of the cells in axial and radial directions of the sponge structure. Each opening has a size within a range of 100-800 .mu.m, and a total area of the openings is at least 20% of a total area of the smooth surface of the skin layer. The method of producing the roll is also disclosed.