Patents by Inventor Roy D. Kornbluh

Roy D. Kornbluh 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).

  • Patent number: 6628040
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: SRI International
    Inventors: Ronald E. Pelrine, Roy D. Kornbluh, Joseph Stephen Eckerle, Qibing Pei
  • Publication number: 20030141473
    Abstract: The invention relates to devices that control fluid flow, which comprise a substrate having an upper surface adapted to contact a flowing fluid and an elastic sheet immobilized with respect to the substrate, typically at a minimum of two immobilization points. The elastic sheet has a deflectable active area at least partially contained between the immobilization points; the lower surface of the sheet faces the upper surface of the substrate. Optionally, two or more electrodes are provided in contact with the active area of the elastic sheet. The device also includes an actuation means for deflecting the active area toward or away from the upper surface of the substrate. Additionally, the invention provides various methods for controlling fluid flow as well as methods for making devices that control fluid flow. The invention is particularly suited for microfluidic applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Ronald E. Pelrine, Roy D. Kornbluh
  • Publication number: 20030141787
    Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for electrically communicating with an electroactive polymer using one or more electrodes that do not contact the polymer. A non-contact electrode communicates charge to or from a portion of the polymer, typically through a medium. For example, the medium may include air, a vacuum, or a specialized gas that facilitates transfer of charge between the electrode and the polymer. The charge may include positive or negative ions or electrodes and may act to actuate the polymer, or diminish actuation applied to polymer in one or more specific polymer portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Applicant: SRI International
    Inventors: Ronald E. Pelrine, Roy D. Kornbluh
  • Patent number: 6586859
    Abstract: The present invention relates to animated devices that include one or more electroactive polymer transducers. When actuated by electrical energy, an electroactive polymer produces mechanical deflection in one or more directions. This deflection may be used to produce motion of a feature included in an animated device. Electroactive polymer transducers offer customizable shapes and deflections. Combining different ways to configure and constrain a polymer, different ways to arrange active areas on a single polymer, different animated device designs, and different polymer orientations, permits a broad range of animated devices that use an electroactive polymer transducer to produce motion. These animated devices find use in a wide range of animated device applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: SRI International
    Inventors: Roy D. Kornbluh, Ronald E. Pelrine, Paul K. Gallagher, Joseph S. Eckerle, Donald E. Czyzyk, Subramanian Venkat Shastri, Qibing Pei
  • Patent number: 6583533
    Abstract: The present invention relates to electroactive polymers that are pre-strained to improve conversion from electrical to mechanical energy. When a voltage is applied to electrodes contacting a pre-strained polymer, the polymer deflects. This deflection may be used to do mechanical work. The pre-strain improves the mechanical response of an electroactive polymer. The present invention also relates to actuators including an electroactive polymer and mechanical coupling to convert deflection of the polymer into mechanical work. The present invention further relates to compliant electrodes that conform to the shape of a polymer. The present invention provides methods for fabricating electromechanical devices including one or more electroactive polymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: SRI International
    Inventors: Ronald E. Pelrine, Roy D. Kornbluh, Qibing Pei, Jose P. Joseph
  • Publication number: 20030067245
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improved devices, systems and methods that convert between electrical and mechanical energy. An electroactive polymer transducer converts between electrical and mechanical energy. An active area is a portion of an electroactive polymer transducer. The active area comprises a portion of an electroactive polymer and at least two electrodes that provide or receive electrical energy to or from the portion. The present invention relates to transducers and devices comprising multiple active areas that are in electrically communication. More specifically, the present invention relates to master/slave arrangements for multiple active areas disposed on one or more electroactive polymers. In a master/slave arrangement, a first active area deflects (a ‘master’), and a second active area reacts (a ‘slave’).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Applicant: SRI International
    Inventors: Ronald E. Pelrine, Roy D. Kornbluh
  • Patent number: 6543110
    Abstract: Pre-strained electroactive polymers are described that improve conversion from electrical to mechanical energy. When a voltage is applied to electrodes contacting a pre-strained polymer, the polymer deflects. This deflection may be used to do mechanical work. The pre-strain improves the mechanical response of an electroactive polymer. Also described herein are actuators that include an electroactive polymer and mechanical coupling to convert deflection of the polymer into mechanical work. Further described are compliant electrodes that conform to the shape of a polymer. Methods for fabricating electromechanical devices including one or more electroactive polymers are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: SRI International
    Inventors: Ronald E. Pelrine, Roy D. Kornbluh, Seajin Oh, Jose P. Joseph
  • Patent number: 6545384
    Abstract: The present invention relates to transducers, their use and fabrication. The transducers convert between mechanical and electrical energy. Some transducers of the present invention include a pre-strained polymer. The pre-strain improves the conversion between electrical and mechanical energy. The present invention also relates to devices including an electroactive polymer to convert between electrical and mechanical energy. The present invention further relates to compliant electrodes that conform to the shape of a polymer included in a transducer. The present invention provides methods for fabricating electromechanical devices including one or more electroactive polymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: SRI International
    Inventors: Ronald E. Pelrine, Roy D. Kornbluh
  • Publication number: 20030006669
    Abstract: The invention describes rolled electroactive polymer devices. The invention also describes employment of these devices in a wide array of applications and methods for their fabrication. A rolled electroactive polymer device converts between electrical and mechanical energy; and includes a rolled electroactive polymer and at least two electrodes to provide the mechanical/electrical energy conversion. Prestrain is typically applied to the polymer. In one embodiment, a rolled electroactive polymer device employs a mechanism, such as a spring, that provides a force to prestrain the polymer. Since prestrain improves mechanical/electrical energy conversion for many electroactive polymers, the mechanism thus improves performance of the rolled electroactive polymer device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Applicant: SRI International
    Inventors: Qibing Pei, Ronald E. Pelrine, Roy D. Kornbluh, Scott E. Stanford, Neville A. Bonwit, Jonathan R. Heim
  • Publication number: 20020185937
    Abstract: The present invention relates to mechanical-electrical power conversion systems. The systems comprise one or more electroactive 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 converted into rotation of a power shaft included in a motor. Repeated deflection of the polymer may then produce continuous rotation of the power shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Applicant: SRI International
    Inventors: Jon Heim, Ronald E. Pelrine, Roy D. Kornbluh, Joseph Stephen Eckerle
  • Publication number: 20020175598
    Abstract: The present invention relates to mechanical-electrical power conversion systems. The systems comprise one or more electroactive 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 converted into rotation of a power shaft included in a motor. Repeated deflection of the polymer may then produce continuous rotation of the power shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Applicant: SRI International
    Inventors: Jon Heim, Ronald E. Pelrine, Roy D. Kornbluh, Joseph Stephen Eckerle
  • Publication number: 20020175594
    Abstract: The invention relates to systems that provide variable stiffness and/or variable damping using an electroactive polymer transducer. Systems described herein offer several techniques that provide variable and controlled stiffness and/or damping. A transducer may be implemented using open loop control, thereby providing simple systems that inactively deliver a desired stiffness and/or damping performance. Alternately, closed loop control techniques permit electroactive polymer transducer designs that actively adapt the stiffness and/or damping performance of a system. Further, transducers may be implemented in a device whose stiffness changes with deflection of the polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Applicant: SRI International
    Inventors: Roy D. Kornbluh, Ronald E. Pelrine
  • Publication number: 20020130673
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Applicant: SRI International
    Inventors: Ronald E. Pelrine, Roy D. Kornbluh, Qibing Pei, Joseph Stephen Eckerle
  • Publication number: 20020122561
    Abstract: A sonic actuator including a multi-layer membrane having a non-metallic elastomeric dielectric polymer layer with a first surface and a second surface, a first compliant electrode layer contacting the first surface of the polymer layer, and a second compliant electrode layer contacting the second surface of the polymer layer. The actuator further includes a support structure in contact with the sonic actuator film. Preferably, the non-metallic dielectric polymer is selected from the group consisting essentially of silicone, fluorosilicone, fluoroelastomer, natural rubber, polybutadiene, nitrile rubber, isoprene, and ethylene propylene diene. Also preferably, the compliant electrode layer is made from the group consisting essentially of graphite, carbon, and conductive polymers. The support structure can take the form of grid having a number of circular apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventors: Ronald E. Pelrine, Roy D. Kornbluh, Joseph S. Eckerle
  • Publication number: 20020050769
    Abstract: The present invention relates to electroactive polymers that are pre-strained to improve conversion from electrical to mechanical energy. When a voltage is applied to electrodes contacting a pre-strained polymer, the polymer deflects. This deflection may be used to do mechanical work. The pre-strain improves the mechanical response of an lo electroactive polymer. The present invention also relates to actuators including an electroactive polymer and mechanical coupling to convert deflection of the polymer into mechanical work. The present invention further relates to compliant electrodes that conform to the shape of a polymer. The present invention provides methods for fabricating electromechanical devices including one or more electroactive polymers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Applicant: SRI International
    Inventors: Ronald E. Pelrine, Roy D. Kornbluh, Qibing Pei, Jose P. Joseph
  • Patent number: 6376971
    Abstract: The present invention relates to electroactive polymers that are pre-strained to improve conversion from electrical to mechanical energy. When a voltage is applied to electrodes contacting a pre-strained polymer, the polymer deflects. This deflection may be used to do mechanical work. The pre-strain improves the mechanical response of an electroactive polymer. The present invention also relates to actuators including an electroactive polymer and mechanical coupling to convert deflection of the polymer into mechanical work. The present invention further relates to compliant electrodes that conform to the shape of a polymer. The present invention provides methods for fabricating electromechanical devices including one or more electroactive polymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: SRI International
    Inventors: Ronald E. Pelrine, Roy D. Kornbluh, Qibing Pei, Jose P. Joseph
  • Patent number: 6343129
    Abstract: A sonic actuator including a multi-layer membrane having an elastomeric dielectric polymer layer with a first surface and a second surface, a first compliant electrode layer contacting the first surface of the polymer layer, and a second compliant electrode layer contacting the second surface of the polymer layer. The actuator further includes a support structure in contact with the sonic actuator film. Preferably, the dielectric polymer is selected from the group consisting essentially of silicone, polyurethane fluorosilicone, fluoroelastomer, natural rubber, polybutadiene, nitrile rubber, isoprene, and ethylene propylene diene. Also preferably, the compliant electrode layer is made from the group consisting essentially of graphite, carbon, and conductive polymers. The support structure can take the form of grid having a number of circular apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: SRI International
    Inventors: Ronald E. Pelrine, Roy D. Kornbluh, Joseph S. Eckerle
  • Publication number: 20020008445
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Applicant: SRI International
    Inventors: Ronald E. Pelrine, Roy D. Kornbluh, Joseph Stephen Eckerle
  • Publication number: 20010035723
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventors: Ronald E. Pelrine, Roy D. Kornbluh, Joseph Stephen Eckerle, Scott E. Stanford, Seajin Oh, Pablo E. Garcia
  • Publication number: 20010036790
    Abstract: The present invention relates to animated devices that include one or more electroactive polymer transducers. When actuated by electrical energy, an electroactive polymer produces mechanical deflection in one or more directions. This deflection may be used to produce motion of a feature included in an animated device. Electroactive polymer transducers offer customizable shapes and deflections. Combining different ways to configure and constrain a polymer, different ways to arrange active areas on a single polymer, different animated device designs, and different polymer orientations, permits a broad range of animated devices that use an electroactive polymer transducer to produce motion. These animated devices find use in a wide range of animated device applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Applicant: SRI International
    Inventors: Roy D. Kornbluh, Ronald E. Pelrine, Paul Gallagher, Joseph S. Eckerle, Donald E. Czyzyk, Subramanian Venkat Shastri, Qibing Pei