Textile

Abstract

A textile includes first and second conductive layers and at least one porous layer positioned between the conductive layers. The first and second conductive layers are arranged to generate an electric field whereby a current passes between the conductive layers inducing liquid transport and causing ions to be received at the second conductive layer. A measurement device is arranged to measure the amount of charge transferred between the first and second conductive layers during a liquid transport operation, the device taking account of any variation in current or voltage during the liquid transport operation. A control device is arranged to control a regenerating operation to regenerate the second electrode by transferring via it an amount of charge substantially equal to the measured amount so as to cause ions to be removed from the second conductive layer and thereby regenerate the conductive layer.

1 . A textile comprising first and second conductive layers, at least one porous layer positioned between the first and second conductive layers, the first and second conductive layers being arranged to generate an electric field whereby a current passes between the conductive layers so as to induce liquid transport and so as to cause ions to be received at the second conductive layer, measurement means arranged to measure the amount of charge transferred between the first and second conductive layers during a liquid transport operation, the measurement means being able to take account of any variation in current or voltage during the liquid transport operation, and control means arranged to control a regenerating operation to regenerate the second electrode by transferring via it an amount of charge substantially equal to the measured amount so as to cause ions to be removed from the second conductive layer and thereby regenerate the conductive layer. 
     
     
         2 . Textile as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the textile is arranged to be adjustable during the induced liquid transport operation by varying the voltage applied to the first and second conductive layers. 
     
     
         3 . Textile as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the control means is arranged to control the regenerating operation by effecting a current reversal between the first and second conductive layers. 
     
     
         4 . Textile as claimed in  claims 1 , wherein the ions transported between the conductive layers are hydrogen ions, and the conductive layers contains a hydrogen storage material. 
     
     
         5 . Textile as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the porous layer has asymmetrical geometry so as to cause more liquid transport when the electric field is applied in the one direction than when it is applied in the opposite direction. 
     
     
         6 . (canceled) 
     
     
         7 . Textile as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein the hydrogen storage material is palladium. 
     
     
         8 . Textile as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein the hydrogen storage material is nanochrystalline nickel. 
     
     
         9 . Textile as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the control means is arranged to control the regenerating operation by effecting a current reversal between the first and second conductive layers. 
     
     
         10 . Textile as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the porous layer has asymmetrical geometry so as to cause more liquid transport when the electric field is applied in the one direction than when it is applied in the opposite direction. 
     
     
         11 . Textile as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the porous layer has asymmetrical geometry so as to cause more liquid transport when the electric field is applied in the one direction than when it is applied in the opposite direction. 
     
     
         12 . Textile as claimed in  claim 1 , in an automotive seat, and for water removal. 
     
     
         13 . Textile as claimed in  claim 1 , in a train seat, and for water removal. 
     
     
         14 . Textile as claimed in  claim 1 , in an air plane seat, and for water removal. 
     
     
         15 . Textile as claimed in  claim 1 , in clothing, and for water removal. 
     
     
         16 . Textile as claimed in  claim 1 , in a mattress, and for water removal. 
     
     
         17 . Textile as claimed in  claim 1 , in a jacket, and for water removal.