Motion Imparting Device

Abstract

A device for inducing motion on fluids or solids. The device comprising: a structure with a deformable sheet compressed to form a structural wave; and a actuator for actuating the deformable sheet and driving the structural wave in a predetermined manner.

1 . A device for inducing motion on fluids or solids, the device comprising:
 a structure with a deformable sheet compressed to form a structural wave; and   an actuator for actuating the deformable sheet and driving the structural wave in a predetermined manner.   
   
   
       2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the deformable sheet is a deformable plate, peripherally supported by a frame. 
   
   
       3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the deformable sheet is a beam. 
   
   
       4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the beam is coupled to an elastic foundation. 
   
   
       5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein a first wall is provided against the deformable sheet so as to define a first conduit between the first wall and the deformable sheet. 
   
   
       6 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein the first conduit is provided with an inlet and an outlet. 
   
   
       7 . The device of  claim 5 , further provided with a second wall positioned opposite the first wall, with the deformable sheet between the walls, the second wall defining a second conduit between the second wall and the deformable sheet. 
   
   
       8 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein the second conduit is provided with an inlet and an outlet. 
   
   
       9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the actuator is selected from the group consisting of electrostatic actuators, piezoelectric actuators, thermoelastic actuators and magnetic actuators. 
   
   
       10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein at least some of the device is made from silicon. 
   
   
       11 . A method for inducing motion on fluids or solids, the method comprising:
 providing a structure with a deformable sheet formed to present a structural wave; and   displacing the structural wave,   thereby imparting displacing forces on a adjacent fluid or solid.   
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the actuator is operated to continuously displace the structural waves. 
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the deformable sheet is deformed using a peripherally supporting frame. 
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 11 , using a beam as the deformable sheet. 
   
   
       15 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein the beam is coupled to an elastic foundation. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising providing a first wall against the deformable sheet so as to define a first conduit between the first wall and the deformable sheet. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising providing the first conduit with an inlet and an outlet. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising providing a second wall positioned opposite the first wall, with the deformable sheet between the walls, the second wall defining a second conduit between the second wall and the deformable sheet. 
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising providing the second conduit with an inlet and an outlet. 
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein actuation of the deformable sheet is selected from the group consisting of electrostatic actuation, piezoelectric actuation, thermoelastic actuation and magnetic actuation. 
   
   
       21 - 22 . (canceled)