Abstract: This disclosure relates to loudspeakers that use one or more stacks of electrically actuated cards that pump air through vents to produce sound waves in response to an acoustic signal. Each stack can include several electrostatic actuator cards that are stacked on top of each other and collectively operate to pump air through a vent to produce a sound wave. Each card may include an electrically conductive membrane that is pushed/pulled between two electrically conductive stators. As the membrane is pushed and pulled along a first axis, air is pumped through vents in a direction orthogonal to the first axis. In one embodiment, stacks of cards can be arranged in series to increase sound pressure generated by the loud speaker. In another embodiment, a single stack of cards can be driven with relatively high electric field strength to increase the sound pressure generated by the loud speaker.

Abstract: A communications system and method of use thereof in which communication system includes a substrate and an array of pumps of mounted on the substrate. The array of pumps are operable for operating at a first frequency to produce sound waves at a second frequency. The first frequency is higher than the second frequency. IN some embodiments, the pumps in the array of pumps can include a first cavity having a first inlet and a first outlet, a first plurality of electrically conductive traces located within the first cavity, and a continuous sheet of electrically conductive material spaced apart from and in close proximity to the first plurality of electrically conductive traces. The first plurality of electrically conductive traces are operable for creating a first time-varying deflection in the electrically conductive material. The first time-varying deflection moves in the first cavity from the first inlet to the first outlet.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to loudspeakers that use one or more stacks of electrically actuated cards that pump air through vents to produce sound waves in response to an acoustic signal. Each stack can include several electrostatic actuator cards that are stacked on top of each other and collectively operate to pump air through a vent to produce a sound wave. Each card may include an electrically conductive membrane that is pushed/pulled between two electrically conductive stators. As the membrane is pushed and pulled along a first axis, air is pumped through vents in a direction orthogonal to the first axis. In one embodiment, stacks of cards can be arranged in series to increase sound pressure generated by the loud speaker. In another embodiment, a single stack of cards can be driven with relatively high electric field strength to increase the sound pressure generated by the loud speaker.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pump systems having graphene or other atomically thin electrically conductive materials supported by trough-shaped cavities.

Abstract: An audio speaker having one or more passive radiators, and more specifically, an audio speaker having a passive radiator with dynamically adjustable resonant frequency. The audio speaker can dynamically adjust the resonant frequency of its passive radiator so that it lines up with the main bass note frequency (or frequencies) of a given song.

Abstract: Ultrasonic identification devices, and methods of making and use same. The present invention further relates to ultrasonic ID devices using membranes (such as membranes made of graphene or a polyester film).

Abstract: This disclosure relates to loudspeakers that use one or more stacks of electrically actuated cards that pump air through vents to produce sound waves in response to an acoustic signal. Each stack can include several electrostatic actuator cards that are stacked on top of each other and collectively operate to pump air through a vent to produce a sound wave. Each card may include an electrically conductive membrane that is pushed/pulled between two electrically conductive stators. As the membrane is pushed and pulled along a first axis, air is pumped through vents in a direction orthogonal to the first axis. In one embodiment, stacks of cards can be arranged in series to increase sound pressure generated by the loud speaker. In another embodiment, a single stack of cards can be driven with relatively high electric field strength to increase the sound pressure generated by the loud speaker.

Abstract: Nano-electromechanical systems (NEMS) devices that utilize thin electrically conductive membranes, which can be, for example, graphene membranes. The membrane-based NEMS devices can be used as sensors, electrical relays, adjustable angle mirror devices, variable impedance devices, and devices performing other functions.

Abstract: An improved electrostatic membrane pump/transducer having an array of electrostatic membrane pump transducers that utilize a venturi channel. The electrically conductive membrane of the electrostatic membrane pump transducers can be a polymer membrane coated with a conductive coating. The electrostatic membrane pump transducers can be optionally controlled such that one set is out of phase with another set.

Abstract: Nanomechanical, nanoelectromechanical, and other molecular-scale pump assemblies are described. In certain embodiments, the pump assembly includes a cavity. The cavity includes a plurality of nanofilaments, a surface proximate at least one of the nanofilaments, a fluid flow path, and an opening. Molecules of a fluid that flows from the opening through the cavity along the fluid flow path collide with the surface or one or more of the nanofilaments such that the molecules are accelerated along the fluid flow path. A molecular-scale pump assembly includes a plate defining a plurality of openings, and a plurality of cantilevered molecular-scale beams positioned over each opening. In certain embodiments, molecules of a fluid are accelerated through the opening by asymmetric oscillation and in other embodiments charges are guided along a conductive channel by asymmetric collisions.

Abstract: An improved compact electroacoustic transducer and loudspeaker system. The electroacoustic transducer (or array of electroacoustic transducers) can generate the desired sound by the use of pressurized airflow. The electroacoustic transducer uses a shared stator with an array of vent support fingers and metal frame instead of two stators per electroacoustic transducer.

Abstract: Pump systems having electrically conductive membranes are described. In embodiments of the invention, the electrically conductive membranes can be utilized as speakers to produce ultrasonic and audible sounds. The electrically conductive membranes are made from materials such as graphene, graphene oxide, and polymer films having a thin conductive coating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to piezoelectrie energy conversion assemblies. The assembly includes a piezoelectric nanowire (such as a ZnO nanowire), an electrically conductive nanofilament (such as a carbon nanotube), a first electrically conductive element (such as a first metallic trace), and a second electrically conductive element (such as a second metallic trace). The first electrically conductive element is electrically connected to the piezoelectric nanowire, and the second electrically conductive element is electrically connected to the electrically conductive nanofilament. The piezoelectric nanowire and electrically conductive nanofilament are operable to contact one another such that a charge can flow from the first electrically conductive element, through the piezoelectric nanowire and the electrically conductive nanofilament, to the second electrically conductive element.

Abstract: An improved loudspeaker having pump cards that include an array of electrically conductive membrane transducers (such as polyester-metal membrane pumps). The array of electrically conductive membrane transducers combine to generate the desired sound by the use of pressurized airflow. The array of electrically conductive membranes has a total membrane area that is at least five times larger than the face area of the loudspeaker. In some embodiments, the loudspeaker includes a dynamic DC bus controller that maintains the DC bus level slightly above the inverter output (audio signal).

Abstract: The present invention relates to pump systems and engine systems having graphene drums. In embodiments of the invention, the graphene drum can be utilized in the main chambers and/or valves of the pumps and engines.

Abstract: An improved an audio speaker having an electrostatic membrane pump. The electrostatic membrane pump can be an electrostatic graphene membrane pump. The method of making and using the audio speaker having the electrostatic membrane pump.

Abstract: Graphene materials having encapsulated gas cells and methods to make and use same. Alternative electrically conductive and atomically thin materials (such as graphene oxide) can be used alternatively or in addition to the graphene in the graphene encapsulated micro-bubble materials.

Abstract: An improved electrically conductive membrane pump/transducer. The electrically conductive pump/transducer includes an array of electrically conductive membrane pumps that combine to move a larger membrane (such as a membrane of PDMS). The electrically conductive membranes in the array can be, for example, graphene-polymer membranes.

Abstract: An improved electrically conductive membrane pump/transducer. The electrically conductive pump/transducer includes an array of electrically conductive membrane pumps that combine to move a larger membrane (such as a membrane of PDMS). The electrically conductive membranes in the array can be, for example, graphene-polymer membranes.

Abstract: An improved electrostatic membrane pump/transducer having an array of electrostatic membrane pump transducers that utilize a venturi channel. The electrically conductive membrane of the electrostatic membrane pump transducers can be a polymer membrane coated with a conductive coating. The electrostatic membrane pump transducers can be optionally controlled such that one set is out of phase with another set.