Abstract: This patent describes magnetic Braille cell actuator structures which include Braille pin movement and latching mechanisms. In one example, the Braille pin can be kept at reading position all time by a small force spring and latching of Braille pin can be realized by controlling movement of a latching bar underneath the Braille pin by a combination of electromagnet and permanent magnets working together. In a second example, the Braille pin can be moved between reading and rest positions through the repulsive and attractive interaction between a programmable magnet and a permanent magnet; while the latching of Braille pin is through the jumping and tilting action of the Braille pin onto a latching stage through the horizontal and vertical interactive magnetic forces. The unique magnetic Braille pin movement and latching mechanism enables very low power consumption of Braille display while Braille pin matching the standard spacing.

Abstract: This patent describes magnetic Braille cell actuator structures which include Braille pin movement and latching mechanisms. In one example, the Braille pin can be kept at reading position all time by a small force spring and latching of Braille pin can be realized by controlling movement of a latching bar underneath the Braille pin by a combination of electromagnet and permanent magnets working together. In a second example, the Braille pin can be moved between reading and rest positions through the repulsive and attractive interaction between a programmable magnet and a permanent magnet; while the latching of Braille pin is through the jumping and tilting action of the Braille pin onto a latching stage through the horizontal and vertical interactive magnetic forces. The unique magnetic Braille pin movement and latching mechanism enables very low power consumption of Braille display while Braille pin matching the standard spacing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for an electroactive polymer actuated dot structure is disclosed herein. According to an aspect, an actuated dot structure includes a housing. The actuated dot structure also includes a pin configured to move between a first position and a second position with respect to the housing. Further, the actuated dot structure includes a multimorph engaged with the pin and configured to displace the pin between the first and second positions and to latch the pin in the second position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for an electroactive polymer actuated dot structure is disclosed herein. According to an aspect, an actuated dot structure includes a housing. The actuated dot structure also includes a pin configured to move between a first position and a second position with respect to the housing. Further, the actuated dot structure includes a multimorph engaged with the pin and configured to displace the pin between the first and second positions and to latch the pin in the second position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Braille cell being of compact design and having low power consumption. The novel Braille cell is based on the bending characteristics of electroactive polymers to provide hydraulic actuation of a Braille dot. As such, the bending mechanism of the electroactive polymer actuator is transferred to the linear motion of the Braille dot. Additionally, to reduce power consumption, a latching and support mechanism is provided.

Abstract: A novel hydraulic and latching (SSH) mechanism is invented to make the compact and low power consumption Braille cell based on the bending of the electroactive polymer actuators including PVDF polymer, IPMC and other electroactive polymers. The system comprises a rectangular cavity with four bending elements working at its two sides. The top of the cavity is sealed with a rubber membrane or a preformed membrane and the cavity is full of the water or other appropriate liquid to serve as the pressure transferring medium. The system transfers the bending of the electroactive polymer actuator into the linear motion of the Braille dot. A novel latching mechanism with two supporting blocks attaching to the bending elements and a thin rod attaching to the membrane is invented to provide over 30 grams supporting force which is the required for the Braille dot. The system provides the 0.7 mm displacement which is required for the travel of the Braille dot, large supporting force and quick response time (less than 0.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Braille cell being of compact design and having low power consumption. The novel Braille cell is based on the bending characteristics of electroactive polymers to provide hydraulic actuation of a Braille dot. As such, the bending mechanism of the electroactive polymer actuator is transferred to the linear motion of the Braille dot. Additionally, to reduce power consumption, a latching and support mechanism is provided.

Abstract: A method for making an oriented diamond film includes the steps of saturating a surface region of a transition metal substrate, capable of dissolving carbon, with carbon and hydrogen; forming oriented diamond nuclei on the saturated surface region of the substrate; and growing diamond on the oriented diamond nuclei to form the oriented diamond film. It is theorized that the saturation forms transition metal-carbon-hydrogen surface states (Metal.sub.x --C.sub.y --H.sub.z, where x+y+z=1) on the transition metal substrate while suppressing formation of graphite. Diamond may then be deposited onto the oriented diamond nuclei by CVD techniques to thereby form an oriented diamond film on the nondiamond substrate. The nondiamond substrate is preferably a single crystal transition metal capable of dissolving carbon. The transition metal is preferably selected from the group consisting of nickel, cobalt, chromium, magnesium, iron, and alloys thereof.

Abstract: A method for making an oriented diamond film includes the steps of seeding a face of a nondiamond substrate with diamond particles, and orienting the diamond particles with respect to the substrate by heating the seeded substrate to a predetermined temperature and for a predetermined time to dissolve portions of the diamond particles into the substrate while suppressing graphite formation. Diamond may then be deposited onto the oriented diamond particles by CVD techniques to thereby form an oriented diamond film on the nondiamond substrate. The nondiamond substrate is preferably a single crystal transition metal capable of dissolving carbon. The transition metal is preferably selected from the group consisting of nickel, cobalt, chromium, magnesium, iron, and alloys thereof. For nickel as the substrate material, the temperature for orientation of the diamond particles is preferably about 1200.degree. C., for a time period in the range of about 1 to 15 minutes, and, more preferably, about 1 to 5 minutes.

Abstract: A method for making an oriented diamond film includes the steps of saturating a surface region of a transition metal substrate, capable of dissolving carbon, with carbon and hydrogen; forming oriented diamond nuclei on the saturated surface region of the substrate; and growing diamond on the oriented diamond nuclei to form the oriented diamond film. It is theorized that the saturation forms transition metal-carbon-hydrogen surface states (Metal.sub.x -C.sub.y --H.sub.z, where x+y+z=1) on the transition metal substrate while suppressing formation of graphite. Diamond may then be deposited onto the oriented diamond nuclei by CVD techniques to thereby form an oriented diamond film on the nondiamond substrate. The nondiamond substrate is preferably a single crystal transition metal capable of dissolving carbon. The transition metal is preferably selected from the group consisting of nickel, cobalt, chromium, magnesium, iron, and alloys thereof.

Abstract: A method for making an oriented diamond film includes the steps of seeding a face of a nondiamond substrate with diamond particles, and orienting the diamond particles with respect to the substrate by heating the seeded substrate to a predetermined temperature and for a predetermined time to dissolve portions of the diamond particles into the substrate while suppressing graphite formation. Diamond may then be deposited onto the oriented diamond particles by CVD techniques to thereby form an oriented diamond film on the nondiamond substrate. The nondiamond substrate is preferably a single crystal transition metal capable of dissolving carbon. The transition metal is preferably selected from the group consisting of nickel, cobalt, chromium, magnesium, iron, and alloys thereof. For nickel as the substrate material, the temperature for orientation of the diamond particles is preferably about 1200.degree. C., for a time period in the range of about 1 to 15 minutes, and, more preferably, about 1 to 5 minutes.