Abstract: The present invention provides an electret sheet that has excellent durability against a pressing force that is repetitively applied, that is, excellent compression recovery properties, and can suppress stuffiness even when used by attaching it to the skin of a human body. The electret sheet of the present invention has an air permeability of 10 to 1,000 sec/100 mL. Thus, the electret sheet has excellent durability against a pressing force that is repetitively applied, that is, excellent compression recovery properties, and can suppress stuffiness even when used by attaching it to the skin of a human body.

Abstract: An actuator that utilizes a Coulomb force is provided. An actuator (10) includes a base electrode (2), a counter electrode (4) opposing the base electrode (2), a first terminal (31) connected to the base electrode (2), and a second terminal (32) connected to the counter electrode (4). At least a surface (2c) of the base electrode (2) that opposes the counter electrode (4) is covered with an insulating layer (6). The counter electrode (4) includes a flexible electrical conductor being deformable by a Coulomb force acting between the base electrode (2) and the counter electrode (4) when a voltage is applied between the first terminal (31) and the second terminal (32).

Abstract: The invention relates to a tire comprising an apparatus, wherein the apparatus comprises a first, second, third, fourth and fifth layer, the third layer being optional, characterized in that: a) the first layer comprises a first electrode material, b) the second layer comprises a first intermediate material, c) the third layer comprises an insulation material, d) the fourth layer comprises a second intermediate material, and e) the fifth layer comprises a second electrode material, wherein the first intermediate material of the second layer and the second intermediate material of the fourth layer are different, the five layers are arranged one above the other according to the above sequence, and the surface of the second or fourth layer layers has a surface roughness Ra in the range from 0.1 ?m to 500 ?m, measured in accordance with DIN EN ISO 4288:1998. The invention relates to the uses of the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tire comprising an apparatus, wherein the apparatus comprises a first, second, third, fourth and fifth layer, the third layer being optional, characterized in that: a) the first layer comprises a first electrode material, b) the second layer comprises a first intermediate material, c) the third layer comprises an insulation material, d) the fourth layer comprises a second intermediate material, and e) the fifth layer comprises a second electrode material, wherein the second or fourth layer has a layer thickness in the range from 10 to 1000 ?m, the first intermediate material of the second layer and the second intermediate material of the fourth layer are different, and the four or five layers are arranged one above the other according to the above sequence. The invention also relates to uses of the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tire comprising an apparatus, wherein said apparatus comprises a first, second, third, fourth and fifth layer, the third layer being optional, characterized in that the first layer comprises a first electrode material, the second layer comprises a first intervening material, the fourth layer comprises a second intervening material and the fifth layer comprises a second electrode material, wherein the first intervening material of the second layer and the second intervening material of the fourth layer are different, the four or five layers are arranged on top of one another in the above order and the second and/or fourth layer comprises at least one filler in addition to the intervening material. The invention also relates to the uses of the apparatus.

Abstract: An MEMS microphone is provided, comprising a substrate and a vibration diaphragm supported above the substrate by a spacing portion, the substrate, the spacing portion, and the vibration diaphragm enclosing a vacuum chamber, and a static deflection distance of the vibration diaphragm under an atmospheric pressure being less than a distance between the vibration diaphragm and the substrate, wherein: a lower electrode forming a capacitor structure with the vibration diaphragm is provided on the substrate, and an electret layer providing an electric field between the vibration diaphragm and the lower electrode is provided on the substrate

Abstract: A rotary encoder includes an electret unit, an electrostatic field sensor, and a controller. The electret unit generates an electrostatic field. The electrostatic field sensor is disposed proximate to the electret unit to sense a modulation of the electrostatic field that varies with rotation of one or more rotary components of the rotary encoder about a rotation axis of the rotary encoder. The controller is electrically coupled to the electrostatic field sensor to track activations of the electrostatic field sensor as the one or more rotary components rotate. The controller is configured to digitally encode a rotational position of the one or more rotary components based upon the activations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of actuating a shape changeable member of actuatable material. The invention further relates to a shape changeable member and to a system comprising such a shape changeable member and a magnetic field apparatus.

Abstract: A mounting rail assembly comprises a rail configured to be coupled to a helmet. The rail may include a rear surface and a front surface with a mounting groove extending along a length of the front surface. The mounting groove may be open outwardly from a front surface of the rail and be configured to couple to a first accessory device at two or more positions along the length of the rail. A recess may be proximate an edge of the mounting rail assembly. The recess may be open generally perpendicular to the mounting groove and configured to receive a second accessory device. At least a portion of the recess may be positioned between the mounting groove and the rear surface of the rail.

Abstract: An assembly of a transformer and an electrostatic sound generator is especially efficient if the resonance frequency of the diaphragm is in the frequency range in which the generator is operated, such as in the interval of 1-20 kHz. Then, a smaller transformer with a winding ratio of 5000 or less may be used for feeding the sound generator, making the assembly suitable for hearing aid purposes or in-ear products such as for pro audio use.

Abstract: The Electret Energy Storage System (EESS) achieves an advancement in the energy storage field due to high energy/power level densities integrated into a long term energy storage solution. Combining the high density energy storage solution of the EESS with traditional battery storage technologies reduces the overall energy storage three dimensional footprint when compared to battery only footprints. This combined EESS/battery long term energy storage provides a solution in providing energy from renewable energy systems when the presence of the wind or sun are not available when compared to traditional battery only storage solutions.

Abstract: A power generating device is provided. The power generating device includes an element having flexibility and a support to support at least one portion of the element. The element is capable of undergoing a deformation when receiving a vibration and capable of generating power when undergoing the deformation. The deformation includes at least one of a bending deformation, a torsional deformation, and a bending-torsional complex deformation.

Abstract: A fluid pump includes a pump body having upper and lower parts, each comprising a substantially cylindrical side wall closed at one end by a substantially circular end wall and partially closed at the opposite end by an actuator disposed in a plane substantially parallel to and between the end walls. A single cavity is thereby formed having upper and lower portions. The cavity encloses the actuator and is bounded by the end walls and side walls of the pump body and the surfaces of the actuator. A substantially open actuator support structure connects the actuator to the pump body and enables free flow of fluid between the upper and lower cavity portions. At least two apertures are provided through the pump body walls, at least one of which is a valved aperture. All of the apertures located substantially at the centres of the end walls are valved apertures.

Abstract: Ultrasonic transducers that are capable of generating increased levels of ultrasound, as well as receiving ultrasonic waves with increased sensitivity. The ultrasonic transducers include a back cover, a protective front cover, a backplate, and a vibrator film layer disposed between the backplate and the protective front cover. The backplate includes a plurality of grooves formed on a surface thereof facing the vibrator film layer. Each groove includes upper edges having cross-sectional contours that gradually tend toward the deepest part of the groove to allow a larger area of the backplate to be closer to the vibrator film layer, thereby increasing the resulting electric field, and, consequently, increasing the output power and sensitivity of the ultrasonic transducer.

Abstract: A power generating device including an element and a moving member. The element is deformable and generates power when deforming. The moving member moves when receiving a vibration, and contacts the element when moving. When the moving member contacts the element, the element deforms into another state or returns to a previous state.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for restoring a surface field potential of an electret material. An oscillator generates an oscillating output, and a power amplifier amplifies the oscillating output. A step-up transformer generates a high voltage alternating current output from the amplified oscillating output, and a polarity controller generates one of a positive pulsating output and a negative pulsating output from the high voltage alternating current output.

Abstract: An element including: electrodes; and intermediate layers, each being sandwiched between any pair of the electrodes, wherein the intermediate layers comprise at least two selected from the group consisting of: intermediate layer that can be elongated and deformed in direction that is not parallel to direction in which external force is applied, when the external force is applied to the intermediate layer; intermediate layer that can be compressed and deformed in direction that is parallel to direction in which external force is applied, when the external force is applied to the intermediate layer; and intermediate layer that can be elongated and deformed in direction that is not parallel to direction in which external force is applied, and can be compressed and deformed in direction that is parallel to the direction in which the external force is applied, when the external force is applied to the intermediate layer.

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 can have vented stators and can have a strong-weak ultra-thin loudspeaker transducer pair design.

Abstract: A vibrator equipped with a piezoelectric element comprises: a case of which an upper or lower surface is coupled to an object to be vibrated; a vibrating part which is disposed in the case; a piezoelectric element which is coupled to the vibrating part so as to be deformed, thereby vibrating the vibrating part up and down; and a power supply part which supplies power to the piezoelectric element. The vibrating part is formed with a hooking protrusion which is protruded laterally, and the case is formed with a hooking groove which restricts an up/down and lateral moving distance of the hooking protrusion.

Abstract: An accelerometer 100 which includes a bracket 110, a pair of electrodes 210/220/230/240/250, a first electrically conductive foam 120, a second electrically conductive foam 130, wherein the first electrically conductive foam and the second electrically conductive foam are inserted between the pair of electrodes and the bracket.

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: Ultrasonic transducers that are capable of generating increased levels of ultrasound, as well as receiving ultrasonic waves with increased sensitivity. The ultrasonic transducers include a back cover, a protective front cover, a backplate, and a vibrator film layer disposed between the backplate and the protective front cover. The backplate includes a plurality of grooves formed on a surface thereof facing the vibrator film layer. Each groove includes upper edges having cross-sectional contours that gradually tend toward the deepest part of the groove to allow a larger area of the backplate to be closer to the vibrator film layer, thereby increasing the resulting electric field, and, consequently, increasing the output power and sensitivity of the ultrasonic transducer.

Abstract: A condenser type electroacoustic transducer includes a diaphragm, a fixed electrode having a surface facing the diaphragm, and a dielectric disposed in a partial region on the surface of the fixed electrode.

Abstract: A manipulation and force measuring device includes an elongate body having a first end and a second end, and at least one force sensor extending outwardly from the elongate body. A protective material surrounds the at least one force sensor. A first loop extends from the first end of the body and a second loop extends from the second end of the body. A processor is attached to the body, proximate to the first loop and is electronically connected to the at least one force sensor. A method of using the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: An internal medical device for implantation into a human or animal where the internal medical device has an electric field source that may be an active source of electromotive force such as a battery or capacitor, or may be an electric field generating material such as an electret, piezoelectric, or the like.

Abstract: In an electret element 100 including a substrate 101, an electrically-conductive electrode 103, and an electret layer 107 including a first dielectric layer 104 and a second dielectric layer 105, when electrical charge charged in the electret layer 107 is negative, a bottom Ec of conductive band of the second dielectric layer 105 is lower than a bottom Ec of the first dielectric layer 104, and when the electrical charge is positive, a top Ev of valence band of the second dielectric layer 105 is higher than a top Ev of the first dielectric layer 104; and a concave portion 106 is formed in a surface of the first dielectric layer 104; and the second dielectric layer 105 is formed to cover the entire of the bottom face 106a and at least a part of the side wall 106b of the concave portion.

Abstract: To provide a process for producing a charge retention medium, with which a coating film (precursor of a charge retention medium) containing a fluorinated copolymer having repeating units based on tetrafluoroethylene and repeating units based on ethylene can easily be formed on the surface of a substrate, even in a case where the surface of the substrate has a complicated shape. A process for producing a charge retention medium (electret 30), which comprises a step of applying a coating composition containing a fluorinated copolymer (A) having repeating units based on tetrafluoroethylene and repeating units based on ethylene, and an organic solvent (C), to a substrate (first substrate 10) to form a coating film.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) transducer comprises the steps of forming a membrane on a substrate, and forming a back-volume in the substrate. The step of forming a back-volume in the substrate comprises the steps of forming a first back-volume portion and a second back-volume portion, the first back-volume portion being separated from the second back-volume portion by a step in a sidewall of the back-volume. The cross-sectional area of the second back-volume portion can be made greater than the cross-sectional area of the membrane, thereby enabling the back-volume to be increased without being constrained by the cross-sectional area of the membrane. The back-volume may comprise a third back-volume portion. The third back-volume portion enables the effective diameter of the membrane to be formed more accurately.

Abstract: Acoustic actuator plate structures are used in acoustic applications. The acoustic actuator plate structure according to the invention contains an electret material and comprises a structurally weaker electret layer (1), where the specific resistance of the electret material is at least 10 ?m and the yield point of it is high, and a structurally stronger support structure layer (2), where the plastic region of the support layer material is wider than the plastic region of the electret material. The electret layer (1) can be formed of a material that retains its electret properties extremely well even in high temperatures and humid conditions. This material may be brittle. The support structure layer (2) provides mechanical and structural strength to the acoustic actuator plate structure.

Abstract: An acoustic transducer assembly is disclosed. It comprises a layer of support material. An electric circuit is integrated with the layer of support material. A plurality of transducers are mounted on the layer of support material to form at least part of an array of transducers A recess or aperture is provided between a pair of the transducers of the array of transducers. The recess or aperture can comprise a recess or aperture of the support material between a pair of transducers of the plurality of transducers mounted on the layer of support material. The layer of support material can be rigid or flexible. A rigid support can be used for supporting at least one transducer of the plurality of transducers.

Abstract: A patterned electret structure (21) on a substrate (10) comprises a dielectric structure comprising at least one non-patterned dielectric layer (22), and a charge pattern (14) in the dielectric structure and/or at a surface of a dielectric layer that is part of the dielectric structure and/or at an interface between dielectric layers that are part of the dielectric structure. By the presence of the non-patterned dielectric layer (22), the influence of the presence of a conductive substrate (10) on the charges (14) of the electret structure (21) is alleviated, hence increasing the charge stability over time. Moreover, in embodiments of the present invention, the charge stability is substantially independent of the width (W1, W2, W3) of the charge pattern. A method for manufacturing such patterned electret structure (21) is also provided.

Abstract: An electret-structure encompasses a fluorine-resin film 21, an electrode 22 formed on one surface of the fluorine-resin film 21, and a silica layer 21 formed on another surface of the fluorine-resin film 21. The silica layer 21 is implemented by a plurality of island-shaped silica regions 201 for covering the fluorine-resin film 21 in a topology such that the island-shaped silica regions 201 are isolated from each other. And negative charges are deposited on the island-shaped silica regions 201. The static-induction conversion element with the electret-structure 1 can be mounted on a substrate by reflow-process through Pb-free solder.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for restoring a surface field potential of an electret material. An oscillator generates an oscillating output, and a power amplifier amplifies the oscillating output. A step-up transformer generates a high voltage alternating current output from the amplified oscillating output, and a polarity controller generates one of a positive pulsating output and a negative pulsating output from the high voltage alternating current output.

Abstract: A router module is arranged in a housing of a smart television. The router module is externally connected to a modem for surfing the Internet. The router module is electrically connected to a micro processing unit of the smart television. Therefore, the smart television is connected to the Internet through the router module. A wireless transmission chip of the router module is configured to process Internet signals. An antenna module is configured to wirelessly transmit the Internet signals, so that wireless network is shared to outside.

Abstract: A device for the transmission of electromagnetic signals, the device comprising: a conductive element at least one inducer, for inducing charge in said conductive element; a transmission circuit, for generation and transmission of electromagnetic signals; wherein said conductive element and said at least one inducer are movable, with respect to each other, between a plurality of relative positions; in a first position of said relative positions, said at least one inducer is arranged to induce a charge in said conductive element; in a second position of said relative positions, said conductive element is arranged to discharge; the conductive element is arranged to couple with the transmission circuit, in said first position and/or said second position, such that charging and/or discharging of said conductive element causes the transmission circuit to generate and transmit an electromagnetic signal; and the device is arranged such that movement of said device causes relative movement of said conductive element

Abstract: In an electret element 100 including a substrate 101, an electrically-conductive electrode 103, and an electret layer 107 including a first dielectric layer 104 and a second dielectric layer 105, when electrical charge charged in the electret layer 107 is negative, a bottom Ec of conductive band of the second dielectric layer 105 is lower than a bottom Ec of the first dielectric layer 104, and when the electrical charge is positive, a top Ev of valence band of the second dielectric layer 105 is higher than a top Ev of the first dielectric layer 104; and a concave portion 106 is formed in a surface of the first dielectric layer 104; and the second dielectric layer 105 is formed to cover the entire of the bottom face 106a and at least a part of the side wall 106b of the concave portion.

Abstract: An electret having an electric charge injected to a laminate having a resin layer (A) and a resin layer (B) laminated directly on the resin layer (A), wherein the resin layer (A) contains a reaction product of a fluorinated polymer with a silane coupling agent, the resin layer (B) does not contain a reaction product of a fluorinated polymer with a silane coupling agent and contains a fluorinated polymer, the resin layer (B) is disposed as the outermost layer so as to be in contact with air, and the total thickness of the resin layer (B) is from 5 to 55% of the total thickness of the resin layer (A); and an electrostatic induction-type conversion device provided with the electret.

Abstract: A vibration-powered impact recording device that harvests power from vibrations that affect the device is provided. The recording device is affixed to an object and includes a vibration limit detection and recordation system. The system can include a suitable part that is fixed to the object, and a mass (or other suitable part) that is less firmly attached, with the relative motion between the two parts producing an electrical voltage. The electrical voltage can be used to power an information storage unit that records the details of the impact and optionally other sensors which record other parameters such as temperature, humidity etc. at the time of impact.

Abstract: A method of nano-structuration of a thin film of electret polymer, called “electric nano-impression” method, in which a surface of a mould, called the structuration surface, including nanometric relief patterns, is placed in contact with at least one part of a free surface, called the treated surface of the thin film of electret polymer, nanometric patterns are formed, corresponding to the negative of the structuration patterns of the mould, in the thin film of electret polymer, by exerting a pressure of the structuration surface on the surface of the thin film of electret polymer, an electric voltage is applied between the structuration surface and the rear face of the film for a predetermined duration T2 suitable for inducing, after removal of the electric voltage applied, a differential distribution of electrostatic charges between the tops and the bottoms of the nanometric patterns formed in the thin electret polymer film.

Abstract: An electret electrode is constituted by forming a conductive film on a substrate, laminating a first insulating film and a second insulating film alternatively on the conductive film, and then disposing electret films in which a lower surface, an upper surface and a side surface are covered with a third insulating film and a fourth insulating film. Existing of the first insulating film and the second insulating film between the electret films and the conductive film enables an increase in electric field intensity in the film when the same electric charge is retained, while enables an increase in surface charge density (surface potential) when the electric field intensity is the same.

Abstract: An electret in disclosed including a laminate. A layer (A) containing a resin (a) and a layer (B) containing a resin (b) other than the resin (a) or an inorganic substance (c) are directly laminated. The resin (a) is a fluororesin (a1), or a resin (a2) having an alicyclic structure and containing no fluorine atom. The layer (B) is disposed on the outermost surface on a side opposite to the side where electric charge is injected at the time of injecting electric charge into the laminate to form the electret.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electric power generation device comprising: a pair of electrodes arranged opposite to each other; and an electret member that is arranged between the pair of electrodes to be spaced apart from the pair of electrodes, and is provided to be movable in a direction of a perpendicular axis passing through the pair of electrodes.

Abstract: An electret having a high surface charge density, is provided and along with an electrostatic induction conversion device including such an electret. In some embodiments, the electret includes a laminate having a layer (A) containing a polymer compound (a) having a relative dielectric constant of from 1.8 to 3.0 and a layer (B) containing a polymer compound (b) or inorganic substance (c) having a relative dielectric constant higher than the polymer compound (a). The difference between the relative dielectric constant of the polymer compound (b) or inorganic substance (c) and the relative dielectric constant of the polymer compound (a) is at least 0.3. The layer (A) is disposed on the outermost surface on a side opposite to the side where electric charge is injected at the time of injecting electric charge into the laminate to form the electret; and the layer (B) has a thickness of at least 1 ?m.

Abstract: To provide an electret having high stability with time and thermal stability of retained electric charge and having excellent charge retention performance, and an electrostatic induction conversion device comprising such an electret. This has been done by providing an electret obtained from a composition comprising a compound (A) having a molecular weight of from 50 to 2000 and having at least two polar functional groups, and a polymer (B) having a number average molecular weight of more than 2000 and having reactive functional groups reactive with the above polar functional groups and an electrostatic induction conversion device comprising such an electret.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for hydrodischarging and hydrocharging substrates and articles to produce enhanced ability to avoid attraction of contaminants or improved capability of removing contaminants from fluids are disclosed. In another form the method involves removal of electric charges or neutralization of charge on or within substrates. Also disclosed are methods of making using electret substrates and articles for removing particulates and mists from fluid streams.

Abstract: A patterned electret structure (21) on a substrate (10) comprises a dielectric structure comprising at least one non-patterned dielectric layer (22), and a charge pattern (14) in the dielectric structure and/or at a surface of a dielectric layer that is part of the dielectric structure and/or at an interface between dielectric layers that are part of the dielectric structure. By the presence of the non-patterned dielectric layer (22), the influence of the presence of a conductive substrate (10) on the charges (14) of the electret structure (21) is alleviated, hence increasing the charge stability over time. Moreover, in embodiments of the present invention, the charge stability is substantially independent of the width (W1, W2, W3) of the charge pattern. A method for manufacturing such patterned electret structure (21) is also provided.

Abstract: An electret device includes an electret film into which charges are injected and a barrier film provided on a surface of the electret film and having an electron affinity smaller than the electron affinity of the electret film.

Abstract: Disclosed are electret materials with outstanding thermal and charge stability. The electret materials comprise a melt blend of a thermoplastic polymer and one or more hindered hydroxylamine ester compounds that comprise at least one moiety of the formula I where Ra? is a monoacyl or diacyl radical; R1-R4 are each C1-C6alkyl; and R5 and R6 are each, independently of one another, hydrogen, C1-C6alkyl or C6-C10aryl; or R5 and R6 are together oxygen. The melt blends are subjected to an electet treatment, for example a corona treatment. The electret materials are for example nonwoven polyolefin webs and are employed as filter materials, wipes, absorbent materials, filter masks, acoustic materials, printing substrates, measuring devices or contactless switches. The present electret materials may also comprise a further additive selected from the group consisting of the hindered amine light stabilizers, the hydroxyphenylalkylphosphonic esters or monoesters and the aromatic trisamide nucleating agents.

Abstract: This invention discloses a hybrid electret. The hybrid electret comprises at least a first dielectric layer and at least a second dielectric layer, and the first dielectric layer and the second layer are alternatively stacked. The first dielectric layer comprises at least a polymer and the second dielectric layer comprises at least a polymer, and the polymer of the first dielectric layer differs from the polymer of the second dielectric layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluorinated cyclic olefin electret film including a fluorinated cyclic olefin polymer film characterized by having a cyclic olefin polymer grafted with a fluorocarbon alkyl group, and a parylene film over the fluorinated cyclic olefin polymer film.