Patents by Inventor Christoph Matthias KEPLINGER
Christoph Matthias KEPLINGER has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
-
Publication number: 20240052859Abstract: An electro-hydraulic actuator includes a deformable shell defining an enclosed internal cavity and containing a liquid dielectric, first and second electrodes on first and second sides, respectively, of the enclosed internal cavity. An electrostatic force between the first and second electrodes upon application of a voltage to one of the electrodes draws the electrodes towards each other to displace the liquid dielectric within the enclosed internal cavity. The shell includes active and inactive areas such that the electrostatic forces between the first and second electrodes displaces the liquid dielectric within the enclosed internal cavity from the active area of the shell to the inactive area of the shell. The first and second electrodes, the deformable shell, and the liquid dielectric cooperate to form a self-healing capacitor, and the liquid dielectric is configured for automatically filling breaches in the liquid dielectric resulting from dielectric breakdown.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2023Publication date: February 15, 2024Applicant: The Regents of the University of Colorado, a body corporateInventors: Christoph Matthias Keplinger, Eric Lucas Acome, Nicholas Alexander Kellaris, Shane Karl Mitchell
-
Patent number: 11795979Abstract: An electro-hydraulic actuator includes a deformable shell defining an enclosed internal cavity and containing a liquid dielectric, first and second electrodes on first and second sides, respectively, of the enclosed internal cavity. An electrostatic force between the first and second electrodes upon application of a voltage to one of the electrodes draws the electrodes towards each other to displace the liquid dielectric within the enclosed internal cavity. The shell includes active and inactive areas such that the electrostatic forces between the first and second electrodes displaces the liquid dielectric within the enclosed internal cavity from the active area of the shell to the inactive area of the shell. The first and second electrodes, the deformable shell, and the liquid dielectric cooperate to form a self-healing capacitor, and the liquid dielectric is configured for automatically filling breaches in the liquid dielectric resulting from dielectric breakdown.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2022Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: The Regents of the University of Colorado, a body corporateInventors: Christoph Matthias Keplinger, Eric Lucas Acome, Nicholas Alexander Kellaris, Shane Karl Mitchell
-
Publication number: 20230258203Abstract: High strain hydraulically amplified self-healing electrostatic transducers having increased maximum theoretical and practical strains are disclosed. In particular, the actuators include electrode configurations having a zipping front created by the attraction of the electrodes that is configured orthogonally to a strain axis along which the actuators. This configuration produces increased strains. In turn, various form factors for the actuator configuration are presented including an artificial circular muscle and a strain amplifying pulley system. Other actuator configurations are contemplated that include independent and opposed electrode pairs to create cyclic activation, hybrid electrode configurations, and use of strain limiting layers for controlled deflection of the actuator.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2023Publication date: August 17, 2023Applicant: The Regents of the University of Colorado, a body corporateInventors: Christoph Matthias Keplinger, Xingrui Wang, Shane Karl Mitchell
-
Publication number: 20230200250Abstract: Transducer systems disclosed herein include self-sensing capabilities. In particular, electrostatic transducers include a low voltage electrode and a high voltage electrode. A low voltage sensing unit is coupled with the low voltage electrode of the electrostatic transducer. The low voltage sensing unit is configured to measure a capacitance of the electrostatic transducer, from which displacement of the electrostatic transducer may be calculated. High voltage drive signals received by the high voltage electrode during actuation may be isolated from the low voltage sensing unit. The isolation may be provided by dielectric material of the electrostatic transducer, a voltage suppression component, and/or a voltage suppression module comprising a low impedance ground path. In the event of an electrical failure of the transducer, the low voltage sensing unit may be isolated from high voltages.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2021Publication date: June 22, 2023Applicant: The Regents of the University of Colorado, a body corporateInventors: Nikolaus Correll, Khoi D. Ly, Nicholas Alexander Kellaris, Christoph Matthias Keplinger
-
Patent number: 11635094Abstract: High strain hydraulically amplified self-healing electrostatic transducers having increased maximum theoretical and practical strains are disclosed. In particular, the actuators include electrode configurations having a zipping front created by the attraction of the electrodes that is configured orthogonally to a strain axis along which the actuators. This configuration produces increased strains. In turn, various form factors for the actuator configuration are presented including an artificial circular muscle and a strain amplifying pulley system. Other actuator configurations are contemplated that include independent and opposed electrode pairs to create cyclic activation, hybrid electrode configurations, and use of strain limiting layers for controlled deflection of the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2020Date of Patent: April 25, 2023Assignee: The Regents of the University of ColoradoInventors: Christoph Matthias Keplinger, Xingrui Wang, Shane Karl Mitchell
-
Publication number: 20220381268Abstract: An electro-hydraulic actuator includes a deformable shell defining an enclosed internal cavity and containing a liquid dielectric, first and second electrodes on first and second sides, respectively, of the enclosed internal cavity. An electrostatic force between the first and second electrodes upon application of a voltage to one of the electrodes draws the electrodes towards each other to displace the liquid dielectric within the enclosed internal cavity. The shell includes active and inactive areas such that the electrostatic forces between the first and second electrodes displaces the liquid dielectric within the enclosed internal cavity from the active area of the shell to the inactive area of the shell. The first and second electrodes, the deformable shell, and the liquid dielectric cooperate to form a self-healing capacitor, and the liquid dielectric is configured for automatically filling breaches in the liquid dielectric resulting from dielectric breakdown.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2022Publication date: December 1, 2022Applicant: The Regents of the University of Colorado, a body corporateInventors: Christoph Matthias Keplinger, Eric Lucas Acome, Nicholas Alexander Kellaris, Shane Karl Mitchell
-
Patent number: 11486421Abstract: Hydraulically-amplified, self-healing, electrostatic transducers that harness electrostatic and hydraulic forces to achieve various actuation modes. Electrostatic forces between electrode pairs of the transducers generated upon application of a voltage to the electrode pairs draws the electrodes in each pair towards each other to displace a liquid dielectric contained within an enclosed internal cavity of the transducers to drive actuation in various manners. The electrodes and the liquid dielectric form a self-healing capacitor whereby the liquid dielectric automatically fills breaches in the liquid dielectric resulting from dielectric breakdown. Due to the resting shape of the cavity, a zipping-mechanism allows for selectively actuating the electrodes to a desired extent by controlling the voltage supplied.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2019Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignee: The Regents of the University of Colorado, a body corporateInventors: Christoph Matthias Keplinger, Eric Lucas Acome, Nicholas Alexander Kellaris, Shane Karl Mitchell, Timothy G. Morrissey
-
Publication number: 20220316466Abstract: A pumping system includes a conduit with an inlet region and an outlet region and a first pump coupled with the conduit between the inlet region and the outlet region. The first pump includes a first actuator chamber configured to house at least a first actuator, a first pump chamber aligned along a longitudinal axis of the conduit, wherein the first pump chamber is in fluid communication with the inlet region and the outlet region, and a first flexible diaphragm separating the first actuator chamber from the first pump chamber. Methods for operating the pumping system are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2020Publication date: October 6, 2022Applicant: The Regents of the University of Colorado, a body corporateInventors: Shane Karl Mitchell, Eric Lucas Acome, Christoph Matthias Keplinger
-
Patent number: 11408452Abstract: An electro-hydraulic actuator includes a deformable shell defining an enclosed internal cavity and containing a liquid dielectric, first and second electrodes on first and second sides, respectively, of the enclosed internal cavity. An electrostatic force between the first and second electrodes upon application of a voltage to one of the electrodes draws the electrodes towards each other to displace the liquid dielectric within the enclosed internal cavity. The shell includes active and inactive areas such that the electrostatic forces between the first and second electrodes displaces the liquid dielectric within the enclosed internal cavity from the active area of the shell to the inactive area of the shell. The first and second electrodes, the deformable shell, and the liquid dielectric cooperate to form a self-healing capacitor, and the liquid dielectric is configured for automatically filling breaches in the liquid dielectric resulting from dielectric breakdown.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2021Date of Patent: August 9, 2022Assignee: The Regents of the University of ColoradoInventors: Christoph Matthias Keplinger, Eric Lucas Acome, Nicholas Alexander Kellaris, Shane Karl Mitchell
-
Publication number: 20220158570Abstract: A hydraulically amplified self-healing electrostatic (HASEL) transducer includes a composite, multi-layered structure. In an example, a HASEL transducer includes a dielectric layer including at least one fluid dielectric layer. The dielectric layer includes a first side and a second side opposing the first side. The HASEL transducer further includes a first electrode disposed at the first side of the dielectric layer, a second electrode disposed at the second side of the dielectric layer, a first outer layer disposed at the first electrode opposite the dielectric layer, and a second outer layer disposed at the second electrode opposite the dielectric layer. The first outer layer and second outer layer exhibit different mechanical and electrical properties from the dielectric layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2020Publication date: May 19, 2022Applicant: The Regents of the University of Colorado, a body corporateInventors: Christoph Matthias Keplinger, Shane Karl Mitchell, Nicholas Alexander Kellaris, Philipp Rothemund
-
Publication number: 20210285471Abstract: An electro-hydraulic actuator includes a deformable shell defining an enclosed internal cavity and containing a liquid dielectric, first and second electrodes on first and second sides, respectively, of the enclosed internal cavity. An electrostatic force between the first and second electrodes upon application of a voltage to one of the electrodes draws the electrodes towards each other to displace the liquid dielectric within the enclosed internal cavity. The shell includes active and inactive areas such that the electrostatic forces between the first and second electrodes displaces the liquid dielectric within the enclosed internal cavity from the active area of the shell to the inactive area of the shell. The first and second electrodes, the deformable shell, and the liquid dielectric cooperate to form a self-healing capacitor, and the liquid dielectric is configured for automatically filling breaches in the liquid dielectric resulting from dielectric breakdown.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2021Publication date: September 16, 2021Applicant: The Regents of the University of Colorado, a body corporateInventors: Christoph Matthias Keplinger, Eric Lucas Acome, Nicholas Alexander Kellaris, Shane Karl Mitchell
-
Publication number: 20210172460Abstract: High strain hydraulically amplified self-healing electrostatic transducers having increased maximum theoretical and practical strains are disclosed. In particular, the actuators include electrode configurations having a zipping front created by the attraction of the electrodes that is configured orthogonally to a strain axis along which the actuators. This configuration produces increased strains. In turn, various form factors for the actuator configuration are presented including an artificial circular muscle and a strain amplifying pulley system. Other actuator configurations are contemplated that include independent and opposed electrode pairs to create cyclic activation, hybrid electrode configurations, and use of strain limiting layers for controlled deflection of the actuator.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2020Publication date: June 10, 2021Applicant: The Regents of the University of Colorado, a body corporateInventors: Christoph Matthias Keplinger, Xingrui Wang, Shane Karl Mitchell
-
Patent number: 10995779Abstract: Hydraulically-amplified, self-healing, electrostatic actuators that harness electrostatic and hydraulic forces to achieve various actuation modes. Electrostatic forces between electrode pairs of the actuators generated upon application of a voltage to the electrode pairs draws the electrodes in each pair towards each other to displace a liquid dielectric contained within an enclosed internal cavity of the actuators to drive actuation in various manners. The electrodes and the liquid dielectric form a self-healing capacitor whereby the liquid dielectric automatically fills breaches in the liquid dielectric resulting from dielectric breakdown.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2018Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: The Regents of the University of ColoradoInventors: Christoph Matthias Keplinger, Eric Lucas Acome, Nicholas Alexander Kellaris, Shane Karl Mitchell
-
Publication number: 20210003149Abstract: Hydraulically-amplified, self-healing, electrostatic transducers that harness electrostatic and hydraulic forces to achieve various actuation modes. Electrostatic forces between electrode pairs of the transducers generated upon application of a voltage to the electrode pairs draws the electrodes in each pair towards each other to displace a liquid dielectric contained within an enclosed internal cavity of the transducers to drive actuation in various manners. The electrodes and the liquid dielectric form a self-healing capacitor whereby the liquid dielectric automatically fills breaches in the liquid dielectric resulting from dielectric breakdown. Due to the resting shape of the cavity, a zipping-mechanism allows for selectively actuating the electrodes to a desired extent by controlling the voltage supplied.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2019Publication date: January 7, 2021Applicant: The Regents of the University of Colorado, a body corporateInventors: Christoph Matthias Keplinger, Eric Lucas Acome, Nicholas Alexander Kellaris, Shane Karl Mitchell, Timothy G. Morrissey
-
Publication number: 20200032822Abstract: Hydraulically-amplified, self-healing, electrostatic actuators that harness electrostatic and hydraulic forces to achieve various actuation modes. Electrostatic forces between electrode pairs of the actuators generated upon application of a voltage to the electrode pairs draws the electrodes in each pair towards each other to displace a liquid dielectric contained within an enclosed internal cavity of the actuators to drive actuation in various manners. The electrodes and the liquid dielectric form a self-healing capacitor whereby the liquid dielectric automatically fills breaches in the liquid dielectric resulting from dielectric breakdown.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2018Publication date: January 30, 2020Inventors: Christoph Matthias Keplinger, Eric Lucas Acome, Nicholas Alexander Kellaris, Shane Karl Mitchell, Madison Bainbridge Emmett
-
Patent number: 10302586Abstract: A class of devices enabled by ionic conductors is highly stretchable, fully transparent to light of all colors, biocompatible or biodegradable, and capable of operation at frequencies beyond 10 kilohertz and voltages above 10 kilovolts. These devices enabled by ionic conductors can be used as large strain actuators, full-range loudspeakers, as strain or pressure sensors and as stretchable interconnects. The electromechanical transduction is achieved without electrochemical reaction. When large stretchability and high optical transmittance are required, the ionic conductors have lower sheet resistance than all existing electronic conductors.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2014Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: President and Fellows of Harvard CollegeInventors: Jeong Yun Sun, Christoph Matthias Keplinger, Zhigang Suo, George M. Whitesides
-
Patent number: 9992867Abstract: A cellulosic substrate-based device is described, including a cellulosic substrate comprising a functionalized surface covalently functionalized by a chemical moiety in an amount sufficient to provide an omniphobic or hydrophobic surface; and a material printed on the functionalized surface, wherein the printed material has a line edge roughness of less than about 15 ?m and/or a line lateral resolution of less than about 50 ?m.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2015Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: President and Fellows of Harvard CollegeInventors: Joshua Aaron Lessing, Ana C. Glavan, S. Brett Walker, Christoph Matthias Keplinger, George M. Whitesides
-
Publication number: 20170181278Abstract: A cellulosic substrate-based device is described, including a cellulosic substrate comprising a functionalized surface covalently functionalized by a chemical moiety in an amount sufficient to provide an omniphobic or hydrophobic surface; and a material printed on the functionalized surface, wherein the printed material has a line edge roughness of less than about 15 ?m and/or a line lateral resolution of less than about 50 ?m.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2015Publication date: June 22, 2017Inventors: Joshua Aaron LESSING, Ana C. GLAVAN, S. Brett WALKER, Christoph Matthias KEPLINGER, George M. WHITESIDES
-
Publication number: 20160025669Abstract: A class of devices enabled by ionic conductors is highly stretchable, fully transparent to light of all colors, biocompatible or biodegradable, and capable of operation at frequencies beyond 10 kilohertz and voltages above 10 kilovolts. These devices enabled by ionic conductors can be used as large strain actuators, full-range loudspeakers, as strain or pressure sensors and as stretchable interconnects. The electromechanical transduction is achieved without electrochemical reaction. When large stretchability and high optical transmittance are required, the ionic conductors have lower sheet resistance than all existing electronic conductors.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2014Publication date: January 28, 2016Inventors: Jeong Yun SUN, Christoph Matthias KEPLINGER, Zhigang SUO, George M. WHITESIDES