Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Miniature solid-state gas compressor

Patent ·
OSTI ID:865443
 [1];  [2];  [3]
  1. 518 Illinois Ct., Westerville, OH 43081
  2. 401 Glenn Rd., State College, PA 16801
  3. c/o Oakhurst Dr., R.D. 1, Box 99, Center Valley, PA 18034
A miniature apparatus for compressing gases is disclosed in which an elastomer disposed between two opposing electrostrictive or piezoelectric ceramic blocks, or between a single electrostrictive or piezoelectric ceramic block and a rigid surface, is caused to extrude into or recede from a channel defined adjacent to the elastomer in response to application or removal of an electric field from the blocks. Individual cells of blocks and elastomer are connected to effect a gas compression by peristaltic activation of the individual cells. The apparatus is self-valving in that the first and last cells operate as inlet and outlet valves, respectively. Preferred electrostrictive and piezoelectric ceramic materials are disclosed, and an alternative, non-peristaltic embodiment of the apparatus is described.
Research Organization:
Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-36
Assignee:
Lawless, William N. (518 Illinois Ct., Westerville, OH 43081);Cross, Leslie E. (401 Glenn Rd., State College, PA 16801);Steyert, William A. (c/o Oakhurst Dr., R.D. 1, Box 99, Center Valley, PA 18034)
Patent Number(s):
US 4515534
OSTI ID:
865443
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English