Abstract: A hearing-aid device and a method for transmitting sound through bone conduction are disclosed. The hearing-aid device comprises a piezoelectric-type actuator, housing and connector. The piezoelectric actuator is preferably a circular flextensional-type actuator mounted along its peripheral edge in a specifically designed circular structure of the housing. During operation, the bone-conduction transducer is placed against the mastoid area behind the ear of the patient. When the device is energized with an alternating electrical voltage, it flexes back and forth like a circular membrane sustained along its periphery and thus, vibrates as a consequence of the inverse piezoelectric effect. Due to the specific and unique designs proposed, these vibrations are directly transferred through the human skin to the bone structure (the skull) and provide a means for the sound to be transmitted for patients with hearing malfunctions.

Abstract: A self-powered switching system using electromechanical generators generates power for activation of a latching relay. The electromechanical generators comprise electroactive elements or magnetic based microgenerators that may be mechanically actuated to generate electrical power. The associated signal generation circuitry may be coupled to a transmitter or transceiver for sending and/or receiving RF signals to/from a receiver which actuates the latching relay. Power may be stored within the circuit using rechargeable batteries for powering or supplementing power to the transmitter or transceiver.

Abstract: A control device for marine animals comprises an electrical device that applies an electrical voltage directly to a marine animal in order to shock the marine animal, for control thereof. The device preferably comprises a pole or rod having electrical prongs at one end which my be applied to the marine animal, thereby applying and electrical signal having a voltage, amperage and frequency that stuns and/or shocks the animal. The character of the electrical signal is such that the animal is temporarily paralyzed, so that it may be safely handled by humans for bringing it into a watercraft without otherwise damaging the animal.

Abstract: A self-powered switching system using electromechanical generators generates power for activation of a latching relay, switch, solenoid or latch pin. The electromechanical generators comprise electroactive elements that may be mechanically actuated to generate electrical power. The associated signal generation circuitry may be coupled to a transmitter for sending RF signals to a receiver which actuates the latching relay. The use of mechanically activated membrane switches on the deflector or on a keypad allows multiple code sequences to be generated for activating electrical appliances or an electromechanical locking system.

Abstract: A nasal cannula apparatus is provided for use by patients desiring a comfortable arrangement. The nasal cannula apparatus is particularly suited for long-term oxygen users, for extended wear in both standing, resting and supine positions. The nasal cannula apparatus has headgear and retainers for holding the gas supply tubes, which are adjustable to allow fast and easy adjustment to size. The headgear and retainers allow the cannula tubes to be held in a position which prevents skin discomfort and irritation, and which promotes healing of such irritation, injuries and sores.

Abstract: A self-powered switching system using electromechanical generators generates power for activation of a latching relay. The electromechanical generators comprise electroactive elements or magnetic based microgenerators that may be mechanically actuated to generate electrical power. The associated signal generation circuitry may be coupled to a transmitter or transceiver for sending and/or receiving RF signals to/from a receiver which actuates the latching relay. Power may be stored within the circuit using rechargeable batteries for powering or supplementing power to the transmitter or transceiver.

Abstract: A spa comprised of a fluid enclosure having a floor and an upstanding sidewall includes a therapy station within the enclosure. The therapy station includes an upright seat to accommodate a single person and includes a plurality of fluid jets in the footwell and sidewall of the enclosure at various targeted hydrotherapy locations. Pressurized water is provided to the hydrotherapy locations by a pair of fluid pumps. Each jet at the hydrotherapy locations is provided with a variable flow controller adapted to control the water flow out of the jet. Each hydrotherapy location is also provided with a variable flow controller adapted to control the flow of air into the jet. Each hydrotherapy location is also provided with a directional flow controller. Each jet discharges water flow at one horsepower or more to provide intense hydrotherapy selectably directed to multiple portions of the body simultaneously or individually.

Abstract: A laminated piezoelectric transformer is provided using the longitudinal vibration modes for step-up voltage conversion applications. The input portions are polarized to deform in a longitudinal plane and are bonded to an output portion. The deformation of the input portions is mechanically coupled to the output portion, which deforms in the same longitudinal direction relative to the input portion. The output portion is polarized in the thickness direction relative its electrodes, and piezoelectrically generates a stepped-up output voltage.

Abstract: A keyboard cover and copy holder is presented. The keyboard cover and copy holder has a top plate member having downward extending left and right side panels and a bottom plate member having upward extending left and right side panels. Each upward extending left and right side panel of the bottom plate member is pivotably engaged with each respective downward extending left and right side panel of the top plate member.

Abstract: A modular design for combining piezoelectric transformers is provided for high voltage and high power conversion applications. The input portions of individual piezoelectric transformers are driven for a single power supply. This created the vibration and the conversion of electrical to electrical energy from the input to the output of the transformers. The output portions of the single piezoelectric transformers are combining in series and/or parallel to provide multiple outputs having different rating of voltage and current.

Abstract: A thickness mode piezoelectric transducer is provided that has masses attached to opposing faces of the transformer. The end-masses increase the thickness of the transformer and decrease its resonant frequency. The end-masses increase the magnitude of resonant vibrations in the output layer(s) as well as the mechanical Q of the device to provide a low profile piezoelectric transformer with high power density. Each of the input and output portions is resonant tank circuit having a electrical resonant frequency substantially matching the mechanical resonance whereby the amplitude of the mechanical vibrations are increased. These mechanical vibrations are used in conjunction with a mechanical amplifier or horn for use of the device as a vibrational transducer.

Abstract: A self-powered switching device using a prestressed flextensional electroactive member generates a signal for activation of a latching relay. The electroactive member has a piezoelectric element with a convex and a concave face that may be compressed to generate an electrical pulse. The flextensional electroactive member and associated signal generation circuitry can be hardwired directly to the latching relay or may be coupled to a transmitter for sending an RF signal to a receiver which actuates the latching relay.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for mounting and heatsinking a piezoelectric transformer (PT). The method provides a method to mount a PT, while allowing heat generated in the device to be conducted away to the mounting surface. The method can be used in piezoelectric transformer based ballasts and power supplies such that high power levels may be achieved due to minimizing thermal constraints on the devices.

Abstract: A self-powered switching device using a prestressed flextensional electroactive member generates a signal for activation of a latching relay. The electroactive member has a piezoelectric element with a convex and a concave face that may be compressed to generate an electrical pulse. The flextensional electroactive member and associated signal generation circuitry can be hardwired directly to the latching relay or may be coupled to a transmitter for sending an RF signal to a receiver which actuates the latching relay.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multilayer piezoelectric transformer that uses a composite resonant vibration mode for step-up voltage conversion. More specifically, a multilayer piezoelectric transformer is provided using radial and shear vibration modes for step-up voltage conversion applications. Adjacent layers of piezoelectric ceramic act as a constraint on the deformation of one face of the input layers, leading to a gradient in the radial deformation of both the input and output portions. The piezoelectric transformer is used in a circuit for providing electro-luminescent (EL) backlighting.

Abstract: A multilayer piezoelectric transformer is provided using a composite vibration modes for step-up voltage conversion applications. An input portion polarized to deform radially is bonded to an output portion via a bondline or constraint layer. The deformation of the central face of the input portion is constrained by the bonded output layer or constraint layer. The output layer is bonded to the input layer or constraint layer and also deforms radially. The differing freedom of motion between the layers creates a gradient of stress and strain in the thickness direction resulting in large shear forces along the input and output layers. The composite radial-shear mode deformation of the output portion piezoelectrically generates an efficient, stepped-up high output voltage.

Abstract: A pressure responsive mechanically resonant sensor device is provided that comprises a torsion pendulum driven at resonance. The pressure sensor includes a rigid frame to which is affixed a torsion pendulum comprising a hollow tube and a resonant mass as well as optimal means for applying energy to drive the torsion pendulum at resonance. The interior of the hollow tube portion of the torsion pendulum communicates through a pressure port in the rigid frame with the fluid whose pressure is to be sensed. The input pressure affects the torsion constant of the hollow tube and therefor changes the resonant frequency of the torsion pendulum, which frequency is converted into an indication of the sensed pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooler having a plurality of beverage container holders that are adapted for retention of a beverage in a plurality of positions. More specifically, the beverage container holders are adapted to be placed and secured in a stowed position wherein the beverage container is retained within the ice chest. Also available is an extended position outside the ice chest wherein a beverage container may be inserted and retained. This design allows an open or closed beverage container to be inserted into the retainer in the extended position and then returned to the stowed position allowing the beverage to remain cool and free of foreign materials or organisms.

Abstract: An artificial reef structure is provided including various building components that are preformed from concrete and the like. The components include square blocks having recesses on the upper surfaces and male protrusions on the lower surfaces. The blocks can be matably interlocked by inserting the male protrusions into the female recesses of vertically adjacent blocks. Horizontally adjacent blocks are connected to each other using an adjustable double ring connector fitting within female recesses of adjacent blocks. The blocks allow seawater to flow through them using flow tubes that pass through the block and an interior chamber within the block. The artificial reef structure may be constructed to be positioned as a barrier adjacent to or in place of natural offshore reefs. The reef structure is preferably configured as a castle.

Abstract: A piezoelectrically actuated vibratory motor comprises actuators that are mounted “vertically” with their edges attached to top and bottom mounting members. An oscillating voltage applied to the actuators causes them to contract and expand to move the attached mounting members in a direction essentially parallel to the faces of the actuators. The force transmitted to the mounting members at the edges of actuators is greater than the typical force taken at the center of a face of the actuator.