US 11,939,995 B1
Controlling multiple eversion-based actuators
Eduardo Bueno Espinal, Almazora (ES)
Assigned to ELECTRONICS FOR IMAGING, INC., Londonderry, NH (US)
Filed by Electronics for Imaging, Inc., Fremont, CA (US)
Filed on Jan. 23, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/158,071.
Int. Cl. F15B 15/10 (2006.01)
CPC F15B 15/103 (2013.01) [F15B 2215/30 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An apparatus to control a plurality of eversion-based actuators comprising:
a pressurized chamber including an aperture to intake a fluid;
an eversion-based actuator in the plurality of eversion-based actuators including a reel of material expandable upon intaking the fluid;
a first valve coupled to the pressurized chamber and connecting the pressurized chamber to a first pressure source via the aperture,
upon activation, the first valve to enable intake of the fluid into the pressurized chamber;
a second valve coupled to the pressurized chamber and connecting the pressurized chamber to a second pressure source via the aperture,
a pressure of the fluid in the first pressure source exceeding a pressure of the fluid in the second pressure source, and
upon activation, the second valve to enable outflow of the fluid from the pressurized chamber; and
a passive retraction system exerting a retraction force on the reel of material causing the reel of material to shorten when the retraction force exceeds an expansionary force exerted by the fluid in the pressurized chamber.