Abstract: A device for shock wave production to treat a patient's body comprises a base with a condenser as power supply, an applicator having a pad, at least one piezo-element configured to generate a shock wave in response to a pulse of electric current having a pulse width, an acoustic lens configured to focus the shock wave, and a coil configured to increase the pulse width of the pulse of electric current.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in various embodiments, a miniature movable-beam laser objective configured to fit within the very small dimensions of a standard objective. This small, portable movable-laser source allows the beam to be directed at a computer-generated target or at the spot of a focused target-designator beam.

Abstract: A method for sensing an abnormality of a piezoelectric drive device is a method for sensing a vibration abnormality of the piezoelectric drive device having a substrate and thin-film piezoelectric elements placed on the substrate and controlling amplitude of the piezoelectric elements using a drive control signal, and the method includes sensing the vibration abnormality by a drive voltage corresponding to the drive control signal.

Abstract: A method for depositing droplets onto a medium, utilising a droplet deposition head is provided. The head used in the method includes: an array of fluid chambers separated by interspersed walls, each fluid chamber communicating with an aperture for the release of fluid droplets and each wall separating two neighbouring chambers. Each wall is actuable such that in response to a first voltage, it will deform so as to decrease the volume of one chamber and increase the volume of the other chamber, and, in response to a second voltage, it will deform so as to cause the opposite effect on the volumes of its neighbouring chambers.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a reservoir and a printhead. The printhead includes a support structure including a deformable portion defining at least a top surface of a pumping chamber, a flow path extending from the reservoir to the pumping chamber to transfer fluid from the reservoir to the pumping chamber, and an actuator disposed on the deformable portion of the support structure. A trench is defined in a top surface of the actuator. Application of a voltage to the actuator causes the actuator to deform along the trench, thereby causing deformation of the deformable portion of the support structure to eject a drop of fluid from the pumping chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides a substrate support arranged to support a substrate, comprising piezo a actuator, further comprising a first pair of electrodes, a second pair of electrodes and a piezo material having a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is arranged along a first direction and second direction. The first pair of electrodes comprises a first electrode arranged on the first surface and a second electrode arranged on the second surface. The second pair of electrodes is arranged to shear the piezo material. The first pair of electrodes is arranged to elongate the piezo material in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and second direction. The first electrode is divided into at least two parts and is arranged to rotate the first surface and the second surface relatively to each other about the first direction wherein the piezo actuator is arranged to support the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor assembly for a magnetostrictive transmitter. The sensor assembly includes a holder, a substrate, a piezoelectric crystal, and a magnetostrictive wire. The piezoelectric crystal includes an inner surface. The piezoelectric crystal further includes a groove extending in the inner surface. A portion of the magnetostrictive wire is operable to be receive in the groove in the inner surface of the piezoelectric crystal.

Abstract: A MEMS micro-mirror device includes, a single package; a first mirror and second mirror, wherein at least one of the mirrors is configured to oscillate along an oscillation axis; wherein both mirrors are located within the single package and are arranged such that as the at least one mirror oscillates, the light incident on the first micro-mirror can be deflected to the second mirror.

Abstract: A crystal vibration element that includes a crystal piece that has a prescribed crystal orientation, and a first direction and a second direction in a plan view thereof; and excitation electrodes that are respectively provided on front and rear surfaces of the crystal piece in order to excite a thickness shear vibration in the crystal piece upon application of an alternating electric field. A vibration distribution of the crystal piece has a vibration region that extends in a band-like shape in the second direction of the crystal piece and non-vibration regions that are adjacent to opposed sides of the vibration region in the first direction of the crystal piece.

Abstract: An actuator (1) is provided with: a movable part (120); a support part (110, 210) which supports the movable part; and a plurality of torsion bars (230) (i) each of which connects the movable part and the support part along a long direction such that the movable part is capable of swinging around a rotational axis which is along the long direction and (ii) which are arranged along a short direction; the farther each torsion bar is from the rotational axis, the smaller a spring constant of each torsion bar is.

Abstract: An apparatus having an optical structure, ridges and an electrostatic actuator with a cantilever electrode is described, wherein the ridges connect the optical structure to a supporting structure and the electrostatic drive is implemented to deflect the optical structure.

Abstract: A gyroscope includes a cylindrical shell having a first end and a second end, a pedestal, a plurality of spokes coupled from the pedestal to the second end of the cylindrical shell, and a plurality of tuning tabs extending from one or more of the plurality of spokes.

Abstract: An apparatus having an optical structure, ridges and an electrostatic actuator is described, wherein the ridges connect the optical structure to a supporting structure and the electrostatic drive is implemented to deflect the optical structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic stirrer (1) having a stirrer drive (2), a heating plate (3) serving as a surface on which a stirring vessel (4) is positioned, and a stirring rod (6) which can be introduced into the stirring vessel (4), can be or is driven by the stirrer drive (2) and comprises a magnet (6a), the stirring rod (6) and/or the magnet (6a) having and/or containing at least one SAW sensor (7) (surface acoustic wave sensor).

Abstract: The piezoelectric actuator of the present invention has at least one ceramic component. The ceramic component has an output surface and two driving surfaces. The ceramic component has a height and the output surface is rectangular in shape, wherein the length of the short axis side of the output surface is shorter than the height. Therefore, when a pulse wave input voltage is applied on the driving surfaces, the output surface generates an elliptical motion.

Abstract: An ink jet head includes first side walls including two piezoelectric elements, second side walls, a first electrode, a second electrode, an ink chamber containing conductive ink, and a control unit. The second side walls alternate with the first side walls to provide side surfaces for driving pressure chambers and dummy pressure chambers. On one of the first side walls, the first electrode is on the side wall surface of a driving pressure chamber and a second electrode is on the side wall surface of a dummy pressure chamber. The control unit applies a voltage having a first waveform to the first electrode, and a voltage having a second waveform, a portion of which is inverted with respect to the first waveform, to the second electrode to cause ink to be ejected, and cause the second electrode to electrically float such that ink is not ejected.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a plasma including a control circuit which is electrically connected to a piezoelectric transformer in order to excite the piezoelectric transformer. A hand-held device that uses the apparatus. The piezoelectric transformer is constructed of several layers. The control circuit is implemented on a circuit board, and the piezoelectric transformer is held over the circuit board by means of a region of a first end. A high voltage is applied to a second free end of the piezoelectric transformer. The plasma is produced at atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: Among other things, piezoelectric materials and methods of their manufacture are described; particularly methods of forming regions of varying crystal structure within a relaxor piezoelectric substrate. Such methods may including heating the piezoelectric substrate above the transition temperature and below the Curie temperature such that a first phase transition occurs to a first crystal structure; rapidly cooling the piezoelectric substrate below the transition temperature at a cooling rate that is sufficiently high for the first crystal structure to persist; and applying an electric field through one or more selected regions of the piezoelectric substrate, such that within the one or more selected regions, a second phase transition occurs and results in a second crystal structure.

Abstract: A method for ultrasonic guided wave defect detection in a structure is disclosed. The method includes driving a plurality of transducers to cause guided waves to be transmitted in the structure in a predetermined direction or focused at a predetermined focal point, receiving at least one reflected guided wave signal, and generating image data of the structure based on the at least one reflected guided wave signal. Processed image data are generated by performing at least one of baseline image subtraction or image suppression on the image data, and a location of at least one possible defect in the structure is identified based on the processed image data.

Abstract: The embodiments relate to the use of one or more phase lock loops (PLL's) for detecting wobble of a surface upon which a computing device is set. The PLL's can be configured to lock onto an exponentially-damped sinusoid output from an accelerometer in order to differentiate between surface-induced movement and direct human-induced movement of the computing device. Reduced latency in wobble detection can be achieved by implementing the PLL in software and using multiple PLL's per accelerometer axis. Further reduction in the latency of wobble detection can be achieved by seeding the phase of an oscillator signal generated by each PLL in order to improve phase estimates when attempting to lock a PLL onto the accelerometer output.

Abstract: A flexible portable device holding and cradling apparatus that overcomes limitations of the prior art by providing a flexible portable device mounting apparatus provided by a frame that is structured for being coupled to an external mounting device, the frame having a mounting surface and a plurality of first and second passages provided adjacent to each of opposing side edges thereof; a plurality of substantially resiliently flexible clamps each having a leg portion, a finger portion extended from the leg portion, and a substantially resiliently flexible urging portion coupled between the leg portion and the finger portion; and coupling means operating between different ones of the first and second passages of the frame and the leg portion of each of different ones of the clamps for coupling the leg portion relative to the mounting surface.

Abstract: Embodiments provide the energy recovery system capable of converting mechanical energy of a touch input to a touch screen panel into electrical energy and storing the converted electrical energy. The energy recovery system may include a touch screen panel including a piezoelectric material, an energy recovery device recovering electrical energy generated by the piezoelectric material, and an electrical energy storage device storing the recovered electrical energy.

Abstract: This invention concerns a piezoelectric energy harvesting device or actuator comprising a piezoelectric material (12) on a substrate (14). The piezoelectric material is divided into a plurality of discrete regions to provide a plurality of piezoelectric elements (16) on the substrate which are electrically insulated from each other. The elements are preferably disposed along the length of a cantilevered beam. The piezoelectric layer may be divided or further divided with an insulating gap extending in the longitudinal direction of the beam for energy harvesting in torsional mode(s) of beam vibration as well as bending modes.

Abstract: The strain wave gearing includes a rigid internally toothed gear, a flexible externally toothed gear that is disposed coaxially therein and is flexible in the radial direction, and a wave generator that is disposed coaxially inside the externally toothed gear. The flexible externally toothed gear is bent in the radial direction by the wave generator and meshes with the rigid internally toothed gear in sections. When the position of meshing of the rigid internally toothed gear with the flexible externally toothed gear moves in the circumferential direction as the wave generator rotates, a relative rotation that corresponds to the difference in number of teeth of the two gears is generated between the two gears. A vibration-powered generator is disposed on the flexible externally toothed gear. The vibration-powered generator is provided with a piezoelectric element.

Abstract: A vibrating gyroscope includes a frame body, first and second exciting members, detection members that detect vibration of the frame body, a first mass adding member, a second mass adding member, a first connecting member, and a second connecting member. The frame body includes first and second vibrating portions, first and second coupling portions, a first supporting portion, and a second supporting portion. The first and second coupling portions couple the first and second vibrating portions. The first supporting portion extends towards the second coupling portion from the first coupling portion. The second supporting portion extends towards the first coupling portion from the second coupling portion. The first and second exciting members and excite the first and second vibrating portions, respectively. The first and second mass adding members are provided at outer sides of the frame body, and are connected to the first and second vibrating portions, respectively.

Abstract: A sensor array for non-destructively monitoring a structure to detect a critical structural event. The sensor array includes at least one discrete AE sensor node for producing an electrical signal in response to a structural event and at least one shear wave sensor assembly. The shear wave sensor assembly includes at least one shear wave sensor. A gate module is connected to the at least one discrete AE sensor node and to the at least one shear wave sensor assembly, whereby the gate module is adapted to pass through the electrical signal from the at least one discrete AE sensor node in response to a pre-determined signal from the at least one shear wave sensor assembly. The sensor array may further include a signal processing module for receiving and processing the discrete AE sensor output signal. In addition, a data collection system may be located downstream of the signal processing module.

Abstract: A vibrating element includes a piezoelectric substrate having an excitation section adapted to excite a thickness-shear vibration, and provided with a step section in each of side surfaces on both ends, and a peripheral section having a thickness smaller than a thickness of the excitation section, and the peripheral section has at least one projection section disposed on both principal surfaces in an area where a vibratory displacement when the excitation section excites a vibration is sufficiently attenuated.

Abstract: In a piezoelectric device, a first electrode and a second electrode are disposed to be opposed to each other on plate surfaces of the piezoelectric device, a first electrode plane of the piezoelectric device is fixedly bonded to a plate surface of a vibrating plate, a piezoelectric material forming the piezoelectric device is polarized in a direction parallel to the first electrode plane, the piezoelectric device is fixed to a base through a second electrode plane of the piezoelectric device, and the piezoelectric device generates a thickness-shear vibration with the fixed second electrode plane being a reference plane. The piezoelectric vibration generated by the piezoelectric device generates a flexural vibration in the vibrating plate, to thereby remove dust adhering to a surface of the vibrating plate.

Abstract: In a piezoelectric device, a first electrode and a second electrode are disposed to be opposed to each other on plate surfaces of the piezoelectric device, a first electrode plane of the piezoelectric device is fixedly bonded to a plate surface of a vibrating plate, a piezoelectric material forming the piezoelectric device is polarized in a direction parallel to the first electrode plane, the piezoelectric device is fixed to a base through a second electrode plane of the piezoelectric device, and the piezoelectric device generates a thickness-shear vibration with the fixed second electrode plane being a reference plane. The piezoelectric vibration generated by the piezoelectric device generates a flexural vibration in the vibrating plate, to thereby remove dust adhering to a surface of the vibrating plate.

Abstract: A method of forming an electrical component is provided. The method comprises preparing a subassembly by electrically connecting an integrated circuit to a flexible circuit; and attaching the subassembly to a multilayer ceramic capacitor having a mounting surface with a curvature deviation exceeding 0.008 inches per inch.

Abstract: A universal air bubble detector allows for use with a variety of sizes and types of tubing. The detector maintains proper alignment of a sensor emitter and receiver with different sizes of tubing. The detector may be mounted on existing equipment or may be used to monitor a tubing at any position along the tubing, and may operate in a stand alone mode or in combination with existing equipment.

Abstract: A piezoelectric actuator includes a fixed body, a movable body arranged to face the fixed body, and a plurality of piezoelectric elements arranged between the fixed body and the movable body and operating in a shearing mode. Each piezoelectric element having one end fixed to the fixed body and another end contacting the movable body, wherein a direction of polarization of each of the plurality of piezoelectric elements is different from each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor system for measuring an elastic modulus and a shear modulus and a method for using the sensor system to evaluate a tissue by determining the presence of and/or characterizing abnormal growths. The method involves applying a set of forces of different magnitudes to one or more locations of tissue, detecting the corresponding displacements due to said applied forces, determining the forces acting on those locations of tissue which are a combination of forces from the applied voltages and the countering forces from tissue deformation, obtaining the elastic modulus and/or shear modulus for a plurality of locations, and determining abnormal growth invasiveness, malignancy or the presence of a tumor from said elastic and/or shear moduli.

Abstract: This invention concerns a piezoelectric energy harvesting device or actuator comprising a piezoelectric material (12) on a substrate (14). The piezoelectric material is divided into a plurality of discrete regions to provide a plurality of piezoelectric elements (16) on the substrate which are electrically insulated from each other. The elements are preferably disposed along the length of a cantilevered beam. The piezoelectric layer may be divided or further divided with an insulating gap extending in the longitudinal direction of the beam for energy harvesting in torsional mode(s) of beam vibration as well as bending modes.

Abstract: An acoustic wave resonator device comprising a resonant layer that comprises a series of side-by-side areas of first and second dielectric materials. In one embodiment the first dielectric material is a piezoelectric, in particular the first dielectric material can be a piezoelectric and the second dielectric material can be non-piezoelectric. In another embodiment, the first dielectric material is a piezoelectric of first polarity and the second dielectric material is a piezoelectric of opposite polarity or different polarity. Where needed, the resonant layer is supported on a reflector composed of series of layers of high acoustic impedance material(s) alternating with layers of low acoustic impedance material(s). For example, the reflector comprises AlN, Al2O3, Ta2O5, HfO2 or W as high impedance material and SiO2 as low impedance material.

Abstract: A vibration-type driving device includes a vibrator including an electro-mechanical transducer and an elastic portion supported by a shaft, and a rotor the position of which relative to the vibrator changes. The rotor includes a first rotor having a threaded portion engaging with a first threaded portion formed on the elastic portion, and a second rotor having a threaded portion engaging with a second threaded portion formed on the shaft. The first rotor and the second rotor are configured to be driven integrally with each other, with a spring member between the first rotor and the second rotor.

Abstract: An explosion-proof system for generating acoustic energy. An exemplary embodiment of the system includes a main housing defining an open housing space and an opening. A cover structure is configured for removable attachment to the main housing structure to cover the opening and provide an explosion-proof housing structure. The cover structure includes an integral head mass. An acoustic energy emitting assembly includes the head mass, and an excitation assembly disposed within the explosion-proof housing structure. An electronic circuit is disposed within the explosion-proof housing structure to generate a drive signal for driving the excitation assembly to cause the acoustic energy emitting assembly to resonate and generate acoustic energy. In one embodiment the acoustic energy is a beam of ultrasonic energy useful for testing ultrasonic gas detectors. A method is also described for testing ultrasonic gas leak detectors using an ultrasonic source.

Abstract: A piezoelectric sensing element includes a ring type piezoelectric device, two ceramic structural adhesives, two electrode sheets, two structural adhesives, a ring type sheet, and a disk-shaped cylindrical ceramic sheet. The two ceramic structural adhesives, respectively located above and below the ring type piezoelectric device. The two electrode sheets, respectively located above and below the two ceramic structural adhesives. The two structural adhesives, respectively located above and below the two electrode sheets. The ring type sheet, located above or below one of the two structural adhesives. The disk-shaped cylindrical ceramic sheet, located below or above another of the two structural adhesives.

Abstract: A MEMS switch has fixed support, a plate-shaped flexible beam having at least one end immovably supported by the fixed support and having an extending movable surface, a movable electric contact disposed on the movable surface of the flexible beam, a fixed electric contact facing the movable electric contact and disposed at a fixed position relative to the fixed support, first piezoelectric driver disposed above the movable surface of the flexible beam, extending from a portion above the fixed support towards the movable electric contact, and capable of displacing the movable electric contact towards the fixed electric contact by voltage driving, and second piezoelectric driver disposed at least on the movable surface of the flexible beam and capable of so driving a movable part of the flexible beam by voltage driving that the movable electric contact is separated from the fixed electric contact.

Abstract: A two-axis inertial positioner comprises a cascaded stack of orthogonal actuators mounted on a base and a platform frictionally mounted to the top surface of one of the actuators. An alignment cartridge overlies the platform and a clamp block overlies the alignment cartridge. Ball and groove bearings are provided between the platform, alignment cartridge and clamp block to provide two axes of motion corresponding to the two operational axes of the actuators.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ultrasound transducers for ultrasonic imaging systems and, in particular, to improved grip assemblies for ultrasound transducers. One grip assembly includes a locking plate defining first and second apertures and a coupling post extending from the locking plate. An interface plate has a first elongate extension being extendable at least partially through the first aperture and a second elongate extension being extendable at least partially through the second aperture. A handle is coupled to the locking plate and includes a grip, a coupling interface, and a neck extending between the grip and the coupling interface. The coupling interface defines a coupling aperture for receiving the coupling post.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer includes an array of PZT elements mounted on a non-recessed distal surface of a backing block. Between each element and the backing block is a conductive region formed as a portion of a metallic layer sputtered onto the distal surface. Traces on a longitudinally extending circuit board—preferably, a substantially rigid printed circuit board, which may be embedded within the block—connect the conductive region, and thus the PZT element, with any conventional external ultrasound imaging system. A substantially “T” or “inverted-L” shaped electrode is thereby formed for each element, with no need for soldering. At least one longitudinally extending metallic member mounted on a respective lateral surface of the backing block forms a heat sink and a common electrical ground. A thermally and electrically conductive layer, such as of foil, transfers heat from at least one matching layer mounted on the elements to the metallic member.

Abstract: A vibrating element includes: an element plate that has a vibrating portion that performs thickness-shear vibration, a peripheral portion that is integrally formed with the vibrating portion, and a protruding portion that is provided at the peripheral portion; and an excitation electrode that is provided at the vibrating portion. When a side length of the vibrating portion is Mx, when a side length of the excitation electrode is Ex, and when a wavelength of flexure vibrations of the element plate is ?, the relationship of (Mx?Ex)/2=?/2, and Mx/2={(A/2)+(¼)}? (where, A is a positive integer) is satisfied, and when a length of the protruding portion is Dx, and when a distance between the vibrating portion and the protruding portion is Sx, the relationship of Dx=?/2)×m, and (?/2)×n?0.1??Sx?(?/2)×n+0.1? (where m and n are positive integers) is satisfied.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor system for measuring an elastic modulus and a shear modulus and a method for using the sensor system to evaluate a tissue by determining the presence of and/or characterizing abnormal growths. The method involves applying a set of forces of different magnitudes to one or more locations of tissue, detecting the corresponding displacements due to said applied forces, determining the forces acting on those locations of tissue which are a combination of forces from the applied voltages and the countering forces from tissue deformation, obtaining the elastic modulus and/or shear modulus for a plurality of locations, and determining abnormal growth invasiveness, malignancy or the presence of a tumor from said elastic and/or shear moduli.

Abstract: A piezoelectric resonator includes: a piezoelectric plate having a vibrating portion surrounded by a peripheral portion; and an excitation electrode on the piezoelectric plate, wherein long sides of the vibrating portion and excitation electrode are parallel to a piezoelectric plate long side. Assuming a piezoelectric plate long side length X, a vibrating portion thickness t, a vibrating portion long side length Mx, an excitation electrode long side length Ex, and a piezoelectric plate flexure vibration wavelength ?, ?/2=(1.332/f)?0.0024 (piezoelectric resonator resonance frequency f), (Mx?Ex)/2=?/2, Mx/2={(A/2)+(1/4)}? (where, A is a positive integer), and X?20t. A protruding portion is disposed on a vibrating portion extension line and parallel to a vibrating portion short side. Assuming a protruding portion length Dx, Dx=(?/2)×m (where, m is a positive integer). Assuming a distance Sx between the vibrating and protruding portions, Sx=(?/2)×n±0.1? (where, n is a positive integer).

Abstract: A piezoelectric plate in the piezoelectric sensor is obtained from a rotated Y-plate where a rotation angle around the X-axis is set according to a type of the piezoelectric crystalline material, a detection region is located on a surface parallel to an X-Z plane, and a transmitting and a receiving parts are opposite to each other at positions sandwiching the detection region along an X-axis direction of the piezoelectric plate. When a guided wave excited by applying a frequency signal from the transmitting part satisfies ?h=m?/(2?) (2h: thickness of the piezoelectric plate, ?: wave number in the X-axis, ?: wave number in thickness direction normalized by ?, m: positive even number), the rotation angle satisfies the displacement of a P wave component of the guided wave becomes the maximum, or the displacement of the SH wave component of the guided wave becomes the maximum.

Abstract: A piezoelectric actuated device includes one or more areas of piezoelectric material coupled to a substrate. The piezoelectric material may be placed on regions of the substrate that exhibit the greatest curvature and stress when the device is vibrating according to a desired structural Eigenmode of vibration. The piezoelectric material may have a non-uniform density.

Abstract: A piezoelectric actuator includes a fixed body, a movable body arranged to face the fixed body, and a plurality of piezoelectric elements arranged between the fixed body and the movable body and operating in a shearing mode. Each piezoelectric element having one end fixed to the fixed body and another end contacting the movable body, wherein a direction of polarization of each of the plurality of piezoelectric elements is different from each other.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, a piezoelectric actuator is provided. The piezoelectric actuator includes a shear mode piezoelectric material including a first arm and a second arm intersecting each other, the shear mode piezoelectric material having a polarization direction oriented at least substantially along a length of the first arm, wherein the shear mode piezoelectric material has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the first surface and the second surface being adapted to undergo a shear displacement relative to each other along an axis at least substantially parallel to the polarization direction in response to an electric field applied between the first surface and the second surface in a direction at least substantially perpendicular to the polarization direction.

Abstract: A drive unit includes an ultrasonic actuator having an actuator body formed using a piezoelectric element, and a driving element provided on the actuator body and configured to output a driving force by moving according to the vibration of the actuator body, and a control section configured to induce the vibration in the actuator body by applying a first and a second AC voltages having a same frequency and different phases to the piezoelectric element. The control section adjusts the first AC voltage and the second AC voltage so that the first AC voltage and the second AC voltage have different voltage values from each other.