Abstract: An actuator 100 includes: a pair of driving portions 1, 11 spaced apart from each other; a movable portion 2 provided between the pair of driving portions 1, 11; a pair of supporting portions 3, 3 for supporting the pair of driving portions 1, 11 and the movable portion 2; a pair of first elastic connecting portions 4, 4 which respectively connect the pair of driving portions 1, 11 to the pair of supporting portions 3, 3 so that each of the driving portions 1, 11 can rotate with respect to the supporting portions 3, 3; and a pair of second elastic connecting portions 5, 5 which respectively connect the movable portion 2 to the pair of driving portions 1, 11 so that the movable portion 2 can rotate in accordance with the rotation of the pair of driving portions 1, 11.

Abstract: A drive apparatus having: a shape memory alloy having a property such that a temperature transformation sensitivity in a temperature range from a starting point of austenite transformation (As) at a predetermined stress to an end point of austenite (Af) is higher than a temperature transformation sensitivity in other temperature range, and a temperature transformation sensitivity in a temperature range from a starting point of martensite transformation (Ms) at a predetermined stress to an end point of martensite transformation (Mf) is higher than a temperature transformation sensitivity in other temperature range; and a driven member which is moved by a transformation of the shape memory alloy; wherein the driven member is moved in a temperature range of higher temperature transformation sensitivity.

Abstract: An electrostatic induction power generator includes first and second substrates arranged to be opposed to each other, a third substrate arranged between the first and second substrates, first and second electrodes provided on both surfaces of the third substrate respectively, a third electrode provided on a surface of the first substrate; and a fourth electrode provided on a surface of the second substrate.

Abstract: A dielectric actuator 1 of the present invention has a structure in which an elastic, high-dielectric material portion 2 is held by elastic insulating material portions 3a and 3b and the elastic insulating material portions are held by electrodes 4a and 4b from the outside. A base material for the elastic, high-dielectric material portion 2 is formed of a silicon rubber and a graphite powder is mixed therein to apply a conductive property.

Abstract: Fibrous micro-composite materials are formed from micro fibers. The fibrous micro-composite materials are utilized as the basis for a new class of MEMS. In addition to simple fiber composites and microlaminates, fibrous hollow and/or solid braids, can be used in structures where motion and restoring forces result from deflections involving torsion, plate bending and tensioned string or membrane motion. In one embodiment, fibrous elements are formed using high strength, micron and smaller scale fibers, such as carbon/graphite fibers, carbon nanotubes, fibrous single or multi-ply graphene sheets, or other materials having similar structural configurations. Cantilever beams and torsional elements are formed from the micro-composite materials in some embodiments.

Abstract: An electrostatic acting device in which leakage of charge from an electret film is suppressed. The electrostatic acting device comprises a movable electrode section (20) having a movable electrode (22) and a fixed electrode section (10) having an electret film (12) opposed to the movable electrode section (20) at a predetermined distance and capable of storing charge and a conductive layer (13) formed on a predetermined region on the upper surface of the electret film (12). The conductive layer (13) is formed on the surface of a region of the electret film (12), and the region is projected.

Abstract: An actuator capable of flagellar motion is disclosed. The actuator comprises a carbon nanotube (CNT) rope and at least one metal/CNT composite part formed on the CNT rope.

Abstract: An actuator that can be driven at a reduced voltage and manufactured with ease, and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The actuator includes second supporting portions 31 and 32 secured to a supporting substrate 4 through a spacer, fixed portions 33 and 34 secured to the supporting substrate 4 with no intervention of the spacer, fixed comb electrodes 331 and 341 integrally formed the fixed portions 33 and 34 and meshing with movable comb electrodes 211 and 212 in a spaced-apart relationship, and bridge portions 35 and 36 for connecting the fixed portions 33 and 34 to the second supporting portions 31 and 32.

Abstract: This invention discloses novel electrochromic devices and polymer actuator materials where nanoparticles are used to make composites. In particular, the said nanoparticles are wire shaped and disc shaped. These composites allow EC devices to be made with improved performance, particularly display devices could be made that consume low power and can be manufactured at low cost.

Abstract: A method and system for using a method of pre-equilibrium ballistic charge carrier refraction comprises fabricating one or more solid-state electric generators. The solid-state electric generators include one or more of a chemically energized solid-state electric generator and a thermionic solid-state electric generator. A first material having a first charge carrier effective mass is used in a solid-state junction. A second material having a second charge carrier effective mass greater than the first charge carrier effective mass is used in the solid-state junction. A charge carrier effective mass ratio between the second effective mass and the first effective mass is greater than or equal to two.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a CMOS-compatible MEMS device is disclosed. In particular, disclosed is a method of ordering the acts in the fabrication process of the two device types such that one device type will not be damaged by the fabrication process of the other device type. One aspect of the method involves first depositing a masking layer over a portion of a substrate layer to isolate areas for the formation of a second device type. The first device type is then fabricated on the unmasked portion of the substrate. A first device is then protected by depositing a masking layer over the first device. Next, a portion of the masking layer over the substrate is removed to expose areas to form a second device type. The second device type is then fabricated on the unmasked portion of the substrate. Finally, the masking layer over the first device type is removed.

Abstract: In an electrostatic micromotor, a mobile substrate faces a fixed substrate and is suspended over the fixed substrate at a given distance of separation in an operative resting condition; an actuation unit is configured so as to give rise to a relative movement of the mobile substrate with respect to the fixed substrate in a direction of movement during an operative condition of actuation. The actuation unit is also configured so as to bring the mobile substrate and the fixed substrate substantially into contact and to keep them in contact during the operative condition of actuation. The electrostatic micromotor is provided with an electronic unit for reducing friction, configured so as to reduce a friction generated by the contact between the rotor substrate and the stator substrate during the relative movement.

Abstract: Micromechanical resonating devices, as well as related methods, are described herein. The resonating devices can include a micromechanical resonating structure, an actuation structure that actuates the resonating structure, and a detection structure that detects motion of the resonating structure.

Abstract: In an electrostatic micromotor, a mobile substrate faces a fixed substrate, and electrostatic-interaction elements are provided to allow a relative movement of the mobile substrate with respect to the fixed substrate in a direction of movement. The electrostatic-interaction elements include electrodes arranged on a facing surface of the fixed substrate (2) facing the mobile substrate. The mobile substrate has indentations, which extend within the mobile substrate starting from a respective facing surface that faces the fixed substrate and define between them projections staggered with respect to the electrodes in the direction of movement. Side walls of the indentations have a first distance of separation at the respective facing surface, and a second distance of separation, greater than the first distance of separation, at an internal region of the indentations.

Abstract: An electrostatic micromotor is provided with a fixed substrate, a mobile substrate facing the fixed substrate, and electrostatic-interaction elements enabling a relative movement of the mobile substrate with respect to the fixed substrate in a movement direction; the electrostatic micromotor is also provided with a capacitive position-sensing structure configured to enable sensing of a relative position of the mobile substrate with respect to the fixed substrate in the movement direction. The capacitive position-sensing structure is formed by sensing indentation, extending within the mobile substrate from a first surface thereof, and by first sensing electrode, facing, in given operating condition, the sensing indentation.

Abstract: An electrostatic operation device in which a variation in the amount of electric charges accumulated in an electret film caused by physical impact can be suppressed. The electrostatic operation device (electrostatic induction power generating device (1)) comprises movable electrodes (8), an electret film (5) so formed as to face the movable electrodes (8) at a space therebetween, and a stopper (401b) for suppressing the approach of the movable electrodes (8) to the electret film (5) within a predetermined space.

Abstract: The invention relates to a silicon resonator (10) of the tuning-fork type in which the linear frequency drift depending on the temperature is compensated. The resonator includes a silicon base (14), a plurality of parallel arms (11, 12, 13) capable of vibrating and actuator (18, 21, 22), wherein the arms include a silicon layer provided between two layers of silicon oxide having a thickness, relative to that of the silicon layer, such that it ensures the first-order compensation of the resonator thermal drift.

Abstract: This present invention relates generally to manufacturing objects. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and structure for fabricating an out-of-plane compliant micro actuator. The compliant actuator has large actuation range in both vertical and horizontal planes without physical contact to the substrate. Due to fringe field actuation, the compliant actuator has no pull-in phenomenon and requires low voltage by a ‘zipping’ movement compared to conventional parallel plate electrostatic actuators. The method and device can be applied to micro actuators as well as other devices, for example, micro-electromechanical sensors, detectors, fluidic, and optical systems.

Abstract: A micro-electromechanical device has a substrate (10), a movable element, movable towards the substrate by electrostatic forces on electrodes, facing surfaces of the movable element and the substrate being shaped such that one or more venting channels (VC) are defined by the facing surfaces when they are in a closed position, configured to enable fluid between the facing surfaces to flow across the facing surfaces, to enter or exit the area between the facing surfaces. Such channels can enable fluid damping of the movement of the moveable element to be controlled. Increasing the flow entering or exiting the area between the facing surfaces, can reduce such damping, and hence increase speed of opening and closing of the device. The channels can connect to holes in the electrodes.

Abstract: MEMS stages comprising a plurality of comb drive actuators provide micro and up to nano-positioning capability. Flexure hinges and folded springs that operably connect the actuator to a movable end stage provide independent motion from each of the actuators that minimizes unwanted off-axis displacement, particularly for three-dimensional movement of a cantilever. Also provided are methods for using and making MEMS stages. In an aspect, a process provides a unitary MEMS stage made from a silicon-on-insulator wafer that avoids any post-fabrication assembly steps. Further provided are various devices that incorporate any of the stages disclosed herein, such as devices requiring accurate positioning systems in applications including scanning probe microscopy, E-jet printing, near-field optic sensing, cell probing and material characterization.

Abstract: A quick response/low voltage driven electromechanical switch equipped with a mechanism for adjusting a spring constant of a movable electrode is provided. The electromechanical element includes a first electrode formed on a substrate, a second electrode formed at a predetermined interval to the first electrode so that the interval is changed, and supporting portions for supporting the second electrode, wherein the supporting portions of the second electrode are able to be displaced.

Abstract: Electrostatic microactuators are described in which stationary electrodes (4) and movable electrodes (3) mounted on flexures (6) have relative locations and mechanical properties such that non-linear pull-in/pull-out behavior is displayed when a voltage is applied between the stationary electrodes (4) and the electrodes do not come into contact. Larger electrostatic forces and longer travel ranges are achievable with lower applied voltages than typical microactuators. Further advantageous properties are obtained with the application of time-varying voltages with peak values exceeding the pull-in voltage and also at frequencies near a resonant frequency of the device. Several applications are described.

Abstract: A technique for a capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) for achieving high transmitted sound pressure and high receiver sensitivity is provided. An opening portion (7a) having a diameter of, for example, about 10 ?m is provided at a center portion of a top electrode (7). The opening portion (7a) is provided to include a contact region (14) therewithin where a lower surface of a second insulating film covering a lower surface of the top electrode (7) and an upper surface of a first insulating film covering an upper surface of a bottom electrode (3) are contacted with each other upon driving the ultrasonic transducer when viewed in plan view, so that the ultrasonic transducer has a structure in which the first and second insulating films are not sandwiched by the top electrode (7) and the bottom electrode (3) in the contact region (14).

Abstract: An electrostatic actuator as provided having a movable part, a supporter, a first connector, a second connector, first and second connector electrodes, and first and second supporter electrodes. The first and second connector electrodes project respectively from the first and second connectors towards the supporter, and are provided so as to be asymmetrical with respect to a line or a surface passing through the center of mass of the movable part, and which are perpendicular to the first axis. The first and second supporter electrodes project respectively from the supporter towards the first and second connectors, and that are provided so as to be asymmetrical with respect to a line and a surface which pass through the center of mass of the movable part and which are perpendicular to the first axis.

Abstract: An electrostatic actuator is provided with a movable part, and a connector. The movable part is in the form of a plate and is swingable around a swing axis which is parallel to the flat surface of the plate. The connector supports the movable part such that the movable part is swingable around the swing axis. The connector has a keeper that extends from the connector in a direction parallel to the swing axis. The movable part has a reflecting surface which reflects light and a rear surface which is the rear of the reflecting surface. The keeper supports the rear surface.

Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical-system resonator, includes: a substrate; a fixed electrode formed on the substrate; and a movable electrode, arranged facing the fixed electrode and driven by an electrostatic attracting force or an electrostatic repulsion force that acts on a gap between the fixed electrode and the movable electrode. An internal surface of a support beam of the movable electrode facing the fixed electrode has an inclined surface.

Abstract: The receive sensitivity of an ultrasound array transducer structured with a diaphragm electro-acoustic transducer (101) being a basic unit is affected by change in a charge amount with elapsed time due to leakage or the like, which causes drift of the primary beam sensitivity, degradation in the acoustic SN ratio due to a rise in the acoustic noise level, and degradation in the directivity of an ultrasound beam. To addressing this problem, a charge controller (charge monitor 211) is provided to control charge in an electro-acoustic transducer (101). A charge monitoring section (102) monitors the change in the charge amount. When change in the charge amount is small, transmit sensitivity or receive sensitivity is calibrated by a controller (104) by, for example, multiplying a receive signal by a calibration coefficient corresponding to the change amount. Further, when the change in the charge amount is large, for example, charges can be re-emitted from a charge emitter (103).

Abstract: An exemplary zinc oxide nano-wire based actuator includes a first electrode, a second electrode opposite to the first electrode, and a zinc oxide nano-wire layer sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrode. The zinc oxide nano-wire layer includes two opposite surfaces in contact with the first and the second electrodes respectively, and a plurality of zinc oxide nano-wires substantially parallel to each other. The first electrode and the second electrode are configured for cooperatively creating therebetween an electric field with an electric field direction substantially parallel to the zinc oxide nano-wires so as to adjust a thickness of the zinc oxide nano-wire layer, thereby moving the second electrode relative to the first electrode.

Abstract: A device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy has first electrode formed of a first material having a first work function for a charge carrier, and a second electrode formed of a second material having a second work function for a charge carrier, the second work function being different from the first work function. The first electrode and the second electrode are interconnected by a first load circuit in an electroconductive manner. The second electrode is arranged at a variable distance from the first electrode.

Abstract: To provide a small, thin and light-weighted composite sensor which can also detect light together with sound, vibration, pressure or acceleration by a single sensor. An electret capacitor type composite sensor is constituted by a casing 11, an electrode 12, a hole portion (which is a sound hole and also a light introduction hole) 22, a spacer 31, a vibration plate 41 having light transmissibility, a vibration plate ring 42, a printed board 6 and a semiconductor element 61. Further, a photoelectric conversion portion having a function of photoelectric effect is provided at a portion of the surface of the semiconductor element 61, light is conducted to the photoelectric conversion portion via the hole portion 22 and the vibration plate 41 having light transmissibility, and an electric signal generated by the photoelectromotive force is taken out independently from an electric signal generated by the change of the electrostatic capacitance of the electret capacitor.

Abstract: A micro rocking device includes a frame, a rocking portion, a torsion connecting portion, and a second comb-like electrode, the rocking portion including a first comb-like electrode. The torsion connecting portion connects the frame and the rocking portion. The torsion connecting portion defines the axis of rotational displacement of the rocking portion. The second comb-like electrode attracts the first comb-like electrode and rotationally displaces the rocking portion. The first comb-like electrode has a plurality of first parallel electrode teeth which extend in the direction of the axis and which are spaced from each other in a direction crossing the extension direction. The second comb-like electrode has a plurality of second parallel electrode teeth which extend in the direction of the axis and which are spaced from each other in a direction crossing the extension direction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a micro electromechanical device using power actuation are disclosed. The disclosed micro electromechanical systems comprise at least one electrostatically actuatable micro electromechanical device and an actuation device. The micro electromechanical device comprises a first conductor and a second conductor having a moveable portion which in use may be attracted by the first conductor as a result of a predetermined actuation power. The actuation device comprises a high frequency signal generator for generating at least part of the actuation power by means of a predetermined high frequency signal with a frequency higher than the mechanical resonance frequency of the moveable portion of the micro electromechanical device.

Abstract: An ion conducting actuator includes a substrate which is made of a polymer material, and facing electrodes for generating an electric field. In the ion conducting actuator, a shape of the substrate is deformed to a desired shape by distributing unevenly ions and/or polar molecules in the substrate by applying a voltage between the facing electrodes. A deformation state is formed by a shape-maintained time t2 for which the shape of the substrate is maintained substantially, and a deformation-start time t1 which is before the shape-maintained time t2, and during which, the shape of the substrate is deformed from an arbitrary shape to a desired shape. A drive voltage V applied to the ion conducting actuator differs during the shape-maintained time t2, and during the deformation-start time t1.

Abstract: Electrostatic displacement devices (1) with high forces and high accelerations are provided by arranging the electrodes (31, 31a, 31b) such that an electric field is generated extending over an area equivalent to the surface area of the object (2) to be displaced. Preferably, higher voltages are applied to the electrodes (31a) in the edge region than to the electrodes (31b) in the middle region, to further increase the shear forces inducing the actual displacement.

Abstract: A system for and method of harvesting, storing and converting naturally occurring energy, includes exposing an active material, and more preferably a shape memory element to an ambient activation signal or condition, harvesting a portion of the energy by pseudoplastically straining or superelastically deforming the element, storing the energy by causing a change in the element and/or engaging a locking mechanism, and converting the energy by exposing the mechanism to an activation signal and/or otherwise releasing the mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a micro motor including a hub, a rib structure, an inner ring, an outer ring and at least two micro actuators, in which a top edge of the hub is projected outwardly to form a top lid, a plurality of bumps are provided between the rib structure and the top lid, and protruded limiting parts are disposed between the wall of the inner hole of the rib structure and the outer periphery of the hub so that the rib structure is in point contact with the hub and the top lid. Therefore, when the micro actuators drive the rib structure, the inner ring and the outer ring to rotate, mutual abrasion among those parts can be reduced to prolong the lifespan of the micro motor.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method for using nanoporous materials to convert mechanical motion and/or heat into electrical energy. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the conversion of mechanical energy to electrical energy by immersing a high surface area nanoporous electrode in an electrolyte such that the ion structure at the surface of the electrode is interrupted in response to a change in the flow rate of the electrolyte, causing increased electrostatic energy to be generated at the liquid/solid interface. The invention further relates to a device suitable for conducting this method.

Abstract: A high frequency MEMS 1 as a high frequency electrical element has a silicon substrate 2 wholly formed with an insulation film, a first signal line 4 provided on the silicon substrate 2, a second signal line 5 provided on the silicon substrate 2, the second signal line 5 crossing the first signal line 4 within a first region above the silicon substrate 2, and a dielectric film 9 interposed between the first signal line 4 and the second signal line 5, and provided on one of the first signal line 4 and the second signal line 5, within the first region, the first signal line 4 and the second signal line 5 being relatively movable in directions for a contacting approach and a mutual spacing in between.

Abstract: A torsional resonator for suppressing unnecessary flexural vibration and providing excellent resonance characteristic is provided. A vibrator is a beam structure or a paddle-like projection structure added onto a beam structure and an electrostatic force produced due to the potential difference between an electrode and the vibrator adds a moment with the axis of the beam of the vibrator as the center axis, but does not add a force for producing flexure to the beam. As one method, the same AC signal and DC bias voltages different in polarity are applied to an electrode pair of the electrode brought away from the vibrator and the electrode brought close to the vibrator with torsional vibration of the vibrator, so that only torsional vibration can be excited.

Abstract: A new way of generating electrical power by changing the dielectric properties of liquid crystals by mechanical means is described. Such a method and device take advantage of the nature of the liquid crystal as the dielectric material in a capacitor. A broad range of materials, including various liquid crystalline materials, as well as additional mechanisms (flexoelectric polarization) to fully exploit the potential of this mechanism may be realized. Applications of this technology may be useful in wearable personal electric generators as well as in noise damping materials/devices, which not only absorb and dissipate sound, but use it to generate electric power.

Abstract: A micro-oscillation element includes a movable main section, a first frame and a second frame, and a first connecting section that connects the movable main section and the first frame and defines a first axis of rotation for a first rotational operation of the movable main section with respect to the first frame. The element further includes a second connecting section that connects the first frame and the second frame and defines a second axis of rotation for a second rotational operation of the first frame and the movable main section with respect to the second frame. A first drive mechanism is provided for generating a driving force for the first rotational operation. A second drive mechanism is provided for generating a driving force for the second rotational operation. The first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation are not orthogonal.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the power generator for converting mechanical energy to electrical energy is described may include a compressible element adapted and configured to be placed in an environment having a variable compressive force such as varying ambient pressures. The compressible element may be compressed by a force applied by the variable pressure to the compressible element. The power generator may further include a transducer that may be coupled to the compressible element and that may convert mechanical energy from the compression of the compressible element to electrical energy. In some embodiments, the power generator may be adapted to be an implantable power generator for converting mechanical energy from a patient to electrical energy, such that the compressible element adapted and configured to be placed between two adjacent tissue layers of the patient and to be compressed by a force applied from the two adjacent tissue layers to the compressible element.

Abstract: [Problem]To provide an actuator drive device that eliminates the need for high voltage amplifiers. [Means for Solving Problem]The electrostatic actuator drive device comprises a variable capacitor 12 connected in series with an electrostatic actuator 10, and a constant voltage source 11 for applying a constant voltage between the both ends of the serial connected electrostatic actuator 10 and the variable capacitor 12. The capacitance of the variable capacitor 12 is varied under control of a controller 14 for adjusting the voltage to be applied to the electrostatic actuator 10. The constant voltage source 11 may be any forms to apply a constant high voltage. The electrostatic actuator 10 is equivalently a capacitor. In this device, the capacitance of one of series connected two capacitors is varied for adjusting the voltage to be applied to the other capacitor, or the electrostatic actuator 10.

Abstract: A hybrid actuator (100A) includes a magnetostrictive actuator (110) having a magnetostrictive element (111), and a moving-coil actuator (130) including a movable portion (132) having an outer periphery to which voice coils (131a), (131b) are attached. The actuator (110) is fixed to the movable portion (132) of the actuator (130) so that the direction of displacement output of a drive rod (113) becomes the same as the displacement direction of this movable portion. Since the actuator (110) is fixed to the movable portion (132) of the actuator (130), together with a displacement output in response to a high-frequency-range audio signal, which is obtained by the actuator (110), a displacement output in response to a low-frequency-range audio signal, which is obtained by the actuator (130), is also obtained at a tip of the drive rod (113). By abutting the tip of the drive rod (113) against an acoustic diaphragm, a wide band audio output can be obtained.

Abstract: A thermal acoustic imaging (TAI) system includes a source of continuous amplitude-modulated RF or microwaves for irradiating a tissue region to be imaged, wherein a modulation frequency of the RF of microwaves resonantly excite the tissue region to emit thermal acoustic signals in response. The source preferably provides a substantially uniform power distribution in the region to be imaged. An acoustic transducer receives the thermal acoustic signals and generates an electrical signal in response. Matched filtering matched to a frequency of the amplitude-modulated RF or microwaves followed by delay-and sum or adaptive methods are preferably used to generate images from the electrical signals. The acoustic transducer is preferably a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) transducer.

Abstract: An actuator capable of generates force by leveraging the changes in capillary pressure and surface tension that result from the application of an electrical potential. The device, which will be referred to as a Capillary Force Actuator (CFA), and related methods, employs a conducting liquid bridge between two (or more) surfaces, at least one of which contains dielectric-covered electrodes, and operates according to the principles of electro wetting on dielectric.

Abstract: This invention provides a technique whereby, even if a step is produced by splitting a lower electrode into component elements, resistance increase of an upper electrode, damage to a membrane and decrease of dielectric strength between an upper electrode and the lower electrode, are reduced. In an ultrasonic transducer comprising plural lower electrodes, an insulation film covering the lower electrodes, plural hollow parts formed to overlap the lower electrodes on the insulation film, an insulation film filling the gaps among the hollow parts, an insulation film covering the hollow parts and insulation film, plural upper electrodes formed to overlap the hollow parts on the insulation film and plural interconnections joining them, the surfaces of the hollow parts and insulation film are flattened to the same height.

Abstract: A micromachined mover includes a rotor substrate and a stator substrate. A suspension is configured to couple the rotor substrate to the stator substrate and allow relative movement therebetween in a plane of the substrates. The suspension is positioned on an interior portion of the substrates.

Abstract: A thermoelectric actuator moves in a first direction and an opposite direction upon the application and removal of a current. An actuator means is driven by the thermoelectric actuator and includes a set of drive teeth. The drive teeth engage with a first set of teeth on a slider member to move it to a desired position. A spring biases the slider back to an initial position. A keeper arrangement, having teeth that engage a second set of teeth on the slider, maintains the slider in its advanced position and prevents it from going back to its initial position.

Abstract: Compositions comprising at least one conductive polymer and an organic cation are provided, and methods for making the same.