초록 ▼

An electroactive device incorporating the invention is configured from an electroactive ceramic hollow sphere having an inner surface, an outer surface, a wall thickness aspect and a radius aspect. Conductive electrodes are positioned on opposed surfaces of said sphere and conductors enable applicat

An electroactive device incorporating the invention is configured from an electroactive ceramic hollow sphere having an inner surface, an outer surface, a wall thickness aspect and a radius aspect. Conductive electrodes are positioned on opposed surfaces of said sphere and conductors enable application of an electrical potential between the conductive electrodes to enable a field to be applied to said sphere that causes a dimension change in the radius aspect and thickness aspect thereof. In one embodiment the sphere has a d.sub.33 direction parallel to the thickness aspect, and d.sub.31 & d.sub.32 directions parallel to the sphere surfaces and in another embodiment the d.sub.33 direction is perpendicular to the thickness aspect, and d.sub.31 & d.sub.32 directions are respectively parallel and perpendicular to the sphere surfaces. The sphere is preferably supported by a rod that either passes throng one opening in the sphere or through two opposed openings. Further, the rod may include a pathway for other instrumentality's. Arrays of such devices are also disclosed.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.]1. An electroactive device comprising:an electroactive ceramic hollow sphere having an inner surface, an outer surface, a wall thickness aspect and a radius aspect;a first access hole through said sphere;a second access hole through to the opposite side of said sphere;an interior pa

[ We claim:] [1.]1. An electroactive device comprising:an electroactive ceramic hollow sphere having an inner surface, an outer surface, a wall thickness aspect and a radius aspect;a first access hole through said sphere;a second access hole through to the opposite side of said sphere;an interior passageway to enable an instrumentality to pass through said first and second access holes and said sphere;conductive electrodes on said sphere; andconductor means for applying an electrical potential between said conductive electrodes to enable a field to be applied to said sphere that causes a dimension change in the radius aspect and thickness aspect thereof.