초록 ▼

An apparatus for pumping a fluid by means of a piezoelectric pump is provided. All moving parts, including the valves and core, are piezoelectrically motivated. The preferred embodiment includes a piezoelectric ceramic tube having conductive bands adhered to the outer surface. The conductive bands a

An apparatus for pumping a fluid by means of a piezoelectric pump is provided. All moving parts, including the valves and core, are piezoelectrically motivated. The preferred embodiment includes a piezoelectric ceramic tube having conductive bands adhered to the outer surface. The conductive bands and an inner surface electrode define tube regions which serve as valve and reservoir pump regions. A sensing circuit senses the voltage on the outer electrodes of the innermost of the piezoelectric regions to detect the presence of faulty pumping operation. The sensing circuit utilizes the piezoelectric effect that results from internal loading of the core.

대표청구항 ▼

A piezoelectric pump comprising: a plurality of piezoelectric tube regions, each said region having an outer surface and an inner surface defining a cavity; an electrode associated with each said outer surface and inner surface for applying electric signals to said surfaces; means for selectively ph

A piezoelectric pump comprising: a plurality of piezoelectric tube regions, each said region having an outer surface and an inner surface defining a cavity; an electrode associated with each said outer surface and inner surface for applying electric signals to said surfaces; means for selectively phasing said electrical signals such that said regions expand and contract in a peristaltic motion to pump fluid through said cavity; and means for sensing the piezoelectric effect that results from the internal load on the innermost of said piezoelectric tube regions.