초록 ▼

An electrochemically actuated control valve is disclosed which represents a new class of devices for fluid flow control. The valve is activated by an electrochemical motor which converts DC electrical energy into compressed gas energy suitable for producing mechanical work. The mechanical motion is

An electrochemically actuated control valve is disclosed which represents a new class of devices for fluid flow control. The valve is activated by an electrochemical motor which converts DC electrical energy into compressed gas energy suitable for producing mechanical work. The mechanical motion is typically reciprocating linear motion. This linear displacement can be accurately controlled, can be modulated at high frequencies and responds quasi-instantaneously to the applied DC voltage. The electrochemical valve can be computer or microprocessor-controlled.

대표청구항 ▼

A control valve and actuator assembly comprising: a gas-tight housing having two ends and a first wall at a first end; flexible bellow means, disposed to form a second wall at a second end of said fluid-tight housing, having a first contacting surface; a rigidly-supported electrolytic membrane havin

A control valve and actuator assembly comprising: a gas-tight housing having two ends and a first wall at a first end; flexible bellow means, disposed to form a second wall at a second end of said fluid-tight housing, having a first contacting surface; a rigidly-supported electrolytic membrane having two sides disposed in said gas-tight housing and defining therein, with said first wall, a storage chamber for holding a supply of electrochemically active gas, and defining therein, with said flexible bellows means, a pump chamber; one pervious electrode disposed on each said side of and in contact with said electrolytic membrane; said electrode on a first said side of said electrolytic membrane and said electrode on a second said side of said electrolytic membrane being disposed to form one electrode pair separated by said electrolytic membrane; said gas being electrochemically reversibly active so as to enter into an anodic reaction at one said electrode where the gas molecules are converted to ions transportable through said electrolytic membrane and a cathodic reaction at the opposite electrode in said electrode pair where said ions are reconverted to gas molecules; a valve means having a second contacting surface disposed in contact with said first contacting surface adapted to open and close said valve means by moving forward and backward in response to motion of said flexible bellows means; means for providing a reversible electric current to said electrode pair, said electric current acting to transport said ions through said electrolytic membrane whereby said gas is pumped reversibly from one side of said electrolytic membrane to the other; pressure sensing means for sensing the pressure of said gas in said gas-tight pump chamber; and control means, responsive to said pressure sensing means for varying the magnitude and direction of said electric current.