Abstract: The invention provides sensors that comprise a transducer that converts between mechanical energy and electrical energy. The transducer comprises an electroactive polymer in electrical communication with at least two electrodes. When a relatively small voltage difference is applied between the electrodes, deflection of the polymer results in a measurable change in electrical energy for the transducer. The change in electrical energy may correspond to a change in resistance, capacitance, or a combination thereof. Sensing electronics circuits in electrical communication with electrodes detect the electrical energy change.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymers that convert between electrical and mechanical energy. When a voltage is applied to electrodes contacting an electroactive polymer, the polymer deflects. This deflection may be used to do mechanical work. Similarly, when a previously charged electroactive polymer deflects, the electric field in the material is changed. The change in electric field may be used to produce electrical energy. An active area is a portion of a polymer having sufficient electrostatic force to enable deflection of the portion and/or sufficient deflection to enable a change in electrostatic force or electric field. The present invention relates to energy efficient transducers and devices comprising multiple active areas on one or more electroactive polymers. The invention also relates to methods for actuating one or more active areas on one or more electroactive polymers while maintaining a substantially constant potential energy.

Abstract: Disclosed generators includes one or more transducers that use electroactive polymer films to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy. The generators may include one or more transmission mechanisms that transfer a portion of an unused biological energy source, an unused environmental energy source or combinations of both to the one or more transducers located in the generators. The energy received by the transducers may be converted to electrical energy by the transducers in conjunction with conditioning electronics located within the generator. A heel-strike generator is disclosed that is integrated into the heel of footwear and is used to convert mechanical energy generated during human bipedal motion to electrical energy.

Abstract: This disclosed generators include one or more transducers that use electroactive polymer films to convert thermally generated mechanical energy to electrical energy. The generators may include one or more transmission mechanisms that convert a portion of thermal energy generated from a heat source such as internal combustion, external combustion, solar energy, geothermal energy or waste heat, to mechanical energy that is used to drive the one or more transducers located in the generator. The energy received by the transducers may be converted to electrical energy by the transducers in conjunction with conditioning electronics located within the generator. One embodiment of the present invention provides an energy conversion device with two chambers each chamber including a diaphragm transducer that may convert thermal energy to electricity using a thermodynamic cycle such as a Stirling gas cycle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymers, transducers and devices that convert between electrical and mechanical energy. When a voltage is applied to electrodes contacting an electroactive polymer, the polymer deflects. This deflection may be used to do mechanical work. Similarly, when the electroactive polymer deflects, an electric field is produced in the polymer. This electric field may be used to produce electrical energy. An active area is a portion of a polymer having sufficient electrostatic force to enable deflection of the portion and/or sufficient deflection to enable a change in electrostatic force. The present invention relates to transducers and devices including multiple active areas. The invention also relates to methods for actuating one or more active areas.