Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a small amount of fluid has at least three vibration pump units which are connected in series. Each vibration pump unit has a fluid transfer pipe, a vibrator mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the fluid transfer pipe and adapted to cause the transfer pipe to vibrate in a respiring manner, an inner peripheral electrode on the inner peripheral surface of the vibrator, an outer peripheral electrode on the outer peripheral surface of the vibrator, a high-frequency voltage applying device for applying a high-frequency voltage between the inner peripheral electrode and the outer peripheral electrode thereby causing the vibrator to vibrate in respiring manner, and a fluid diode exhibiting resistance to reversing of the fluid and connected to the fluid outlet of the fluid transfer pipe in such a manner as to permit the fluid to be discharged from the fluid pipe. The adjacent vibration pumps operate with a predetermined phase difference therebetween.

Abstract: A hydrostatic bearing system utilizing ferromagnetic fluid exclusively as working fluid including that used for sealing for preventing the ferromagnetic fluid itself from escaping outside the bearing. In order to accomplish the objects and function, the hydrostatic bearing system proposed here comprises, in addition to ordinary parts or components used in the conventional type, a fluid chamber for containing the ferromagnetic fluid as a working fluid, a circulating passage, at least a recovery groove for collecting the fluid squeezed out of the fluid chamber, a magnetic seal to prevent the fluid from escaping and at least an impelling device to forcibly deliver the ferromagnetic fluid at a predetermined pressure and flow rate. The impelling device can be constructed utilizing a shifting magnetic field, or multilayered rings fabricated of piezo-electric components, or of impelling cylinders having axially lengthenee or reduced in length.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive hydraulic injector pump having a cylinder closed at one end with an elongated piston arranged within the cylinder from the other end. The piston is constructed of a magnetostrictive material which increases in length in the presence of a magnetic field of appropriate intensity. It is wound along its length with a coil of wire capable of producing an electro-magnetic field. The piston includes an intake passage communicating with a fluid supply. The piston is fastened at the open end of the cylinder to define a cylinder cavity between the cylinder closed end and the piston. An injector passage including a valve, communicates with this cavity to the exterior. The volume of this cavity is reduced when the piston expands under the influence of the magnetic field created by the coil to produce a pressure on any fluid contained within said cavity to force it out the injector passage.

Abstract: A hydraulic pump having a pump cylinder closed at one end with an elongated piston arranged within the cylinder from the other end. The piston is constructed of a magnetostrictive material which increases in length in the presence of a magnetic field of appropriate intensity. It is wound along its length with a coil of wire capable of producing an electromagnetic field. The piston is fastened at the open end of the cylinder to define a cylinder cavity between the cylinder closed end and the piston. A pair of passages, including valves, an intake and an exhaust passage valve communicate with this cavity. The volume of this cavity is reduced when the piston expands under the influence of the magnetic field created by the coil to produce a pressure on any fluid contained within said cavity to force it out the exhaust passage to activate the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A hydraulic pump having a cylinder closed at one end with an elongated piston arranged within the cylinder from the other end. The piston is constructed of a positive magnetostrictive material which increases in length in the presence of a magnetic field of appropriate intensity. It is wound along its length with a coil of wire capable of producing an electro-magnetic field upon energization. The piston is fastened at the open end of the cylinder to define a cylinder cavity between the cylinder closed end and the piston. A pair of passages including valves, for use as an intake and an exhaust passage, settable as required, communicate with this cavity. The valve members in each cavity comprises a magnetically polarized member, each of opposed polarity as related to the other, such that upon energization of the pump with one polarity of pulses, the valves will assume a particular function, and with a reversed polarity of operating pulses, a reverse function.

Abstract: A piezoelectric fan includes a tuning-fork type vibrator having two sides. A first piezoelectric element is formed on each of the two sides of the vibrator. Further, an exciting electrode is formed on each of these first piezoelectric elements. Also, a feedback electrode is formed on one of the first piezoelectric elements an electrically insulated from the exciting electrode. Furthermore, a blade is attached to the tip of each of the two sides of the vibrator. Then, this piezoelectric fan is driven in a self-exciting fashion by feeding an output from the feedback electrode to the exciting electrode. Also, in this piezoelectric fan, a vibrational node is formed at nearly the middle point of the vibrator at free vibration.

Abstract: A pulse-actuated hydraulic pump includes a hydraulic chamber with a bellows having a volume increased or decreased by the selective application a force in an axial direction thereof by a piezoelectric actuator. Control means control electrically-driven valves to selective discharge fluid from the bellows in precisely controllable volumes through a first pumping port or a second pumping port.

Abstract: An ultrasonic wave generator includes a resonant member tapered to a thin edge, the member having a Q of about 300 or more.

Abstract: An ink jet recording head in which the ink in an ink cavity is jetted in the form of a droplet from an ink nozzle by utilizing a piezo-electric effect. The recording head includes a piezo-electric plate made of piezo-electric material and having a plurality of elongated ink cavities formed therein, and a cover plate fixedly placed on the piezo-electric plate. In one of the embodiments, each of the plurality of elongated ink cavities has two deep grooves formed in the longitudinal direction of the ink cavities and a shallow groove provided between the two deep grooves. Voltage applying electrodes are provided on piezo-electric portions which form the shallow grooves.

Abstract: A fuel injection control apparatus includes a booster apparatus, in which a cylinder chamber is divided into first and second fluid chambers by a piston. The operative area of the piston facing the first fluid chamber is sufficiently greater than that facing the second fluid chamber. Pressurized fuel is supplied to the first fluid chamber through a first check valve. The fluid is delivered from a second fluid chamber to a fuel injection valve via a second check valve. A fluid passage is formed between the first and second fluid chambers. A third check valve is set in the fluid passage, whereby the fuel is allowed to flow only from the first fluid chamber toward the second fluid chamber. The booster piston is located by means of a first piezoelectric device which includes a plurality of piezoelectric elements stacked in layers. When high voltage is applied to the first piezoelectric device to extend it, the piston is moved toward the first fluid chamber.

Abstract: A totally or partially implantable fluid delivery system actuated by a valveless piezoelectric drive system. The drive system may actuate an artificial heart by a hydraulic bladder or directly actuate a human heart. The drive system has an output with a frequency and displacement sufficient to directly drive a human or artificial heart and includes a control circuit for recapturing and reusing the power driving the piezoelectric drive system. An artificial heart which includes two check valves having a flexible valve element and supporting tabs on opposite sides.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive hydraulic pump having a pump cylinder closed at one end with an elongated piston arranged within the cylinder from the other end. The piston is constructed of a magneto-strictive material which increases in length in the presence of a magnetic field of appropriate intensity. It is wound along its length with a coil of wire capable of producing an electromagnetic field upon energization. The piston is fastened at the open end of the cylinder to define a cylinder cavity between the cylinder closed end and the piston. A pair of passages, including valves, lead to a differential hydraulic actuator, for use as an intake and an exhaust passage to the actuator. The valve members in each cavity comprise a magnetically polarized member, each end of opposed polarity, such that upon energization of the pump with one polarity of pulses, the valves will assume a particular function, and with a reversed polarity of operating pulses, a reverse function.

Abstract: A piezoelectric fluid pumping apparatus includes pumping means for supplying a fluid under pressure and an energizer arranged in driving relationship therewith. The energizer includes a generally planar flexure member having first and second piezoelectric laminates supported thereon. The flexure member includes a first edge and a second edge, the edges being resiliently constrained for substantially preventing longitudinal movement thereof when an electrical signal is applied to the laminates. Preferred embodiments of the flexure member include bimorphous, biunimorphous and quadrimorphous piezoelectric structures.

Abstract: A housing-like body having at least one concavity provided with electrically conductive surface elements and an electrically conductive diaphragm disposed therein and forming one or more pocket-like chambers. The housing also includes an inlet and outlet aperture. The diaphragm surface element and to cooperate on passage of electric current to generate, in a predeterminable sequence, a plurality of magnetic fields of controllably changing polarities and intensities producing cycles of dynamic deflections of the diaphragm. The generated dynamic deflections of the diaphragm, the pocket-like chambers are peristaltically manipulated to move fluid from the region of the inlet aperture through which the fluid is drawn in, towards the region of the outlet aperture, through which the fluid is expelled.

Abstract: A fluid drop dispensing device, particularly suited for ink jet printer heads, in which a circular electroactuator is supported in concentric relationship with inner and outer ring members defining an annular chamber which is reduced in volume upon excitation of the electroactuator. The chamber is defined as a peripheral groove in one or the other of the inner and outer rings and is rendered fluid tight exclusively by peripheral ring surface contact maintained by hoop stress in the two rings as a result of press fitting the inner ring into the outer ring. Both rings may be of plastic material selected for appropriate characteristics or in the alternative, the outer ring may be of plastic while the inner ring is metallic and fabricated of stainless steel or nickel, for example.

Abstract: An acoustic pump including a resonant member having low internal damping and asymmetrically tapered to a thin edge; a piezoelectric driver mounted on the resonant member; and means for applying an alternating voltage to the piezoelectric driver in the resonant range of the resonant member for vibrating the resonant member and pumping fluid away from the thin edge.

Abstract: The piezoelectrically driven diaphragm of an air pump is extended through a chamber and commmunicating outlet passage of the pump's housing. During vibration of the diaphragm, air pulses are alternately expelled through the outlet passage portions positioned on opposite sides of the diaphragm. The air pulses are collected in a rectifying device, carried by the housing, for delivery to a fluidic device or system.

Abstract: The biomedical pump includes a housing with an internal pump chamber defined by a first rigid concave wall formed by the pump body, and an opposed flexible wall defined by a diaphragm incorporating a heat responsive disc for a thermal-responsive pumping movement between a first position overlying and conforming to the body defined first wall and a second position outwardly spaced therefrom. An inlet passageway and an outlet passageway each communicate with the interior of the chamber through the pump body. Each passageway incorporates a one-way check valve for a directional control of the fluid flow in response to the heat induced diaphragm movement.

Abstract: A non-vibrational oscillating blade piezoelectric blower is disclosed, including: a piezoelectric bender and means for supporting the piezoelectric bender at its inertial nodes. Weights may be attached to the bender to control the location of the inertial nodes. Flexible blades may be attached to the bender at various locations and with their planes in various orientations. The blower according to this invention may also consist of two benders oscillating 180 degrees out of phase to further minimize vibration and noise.

Abstract: A pump furnished with an electrostrictive vibrator which pressurizes ink to be supplied to a head of an ink jet printer. The electrostrictive vibrator is adhered at one end to a diaphragm which closes an ink pressurization chamber, so that the vibrator vibrates integrally with the diaphragm perpendicularly to a plane in which it is adhered to the diaphragm, thereby varying the volume of the pressurization chamber. A vibrator drive signal supply circuit is installed in the pump which includes a time constant generation circuit adapted to apply a time constant to the waveform of a drive signal applied to the vibrator at the time of buildups and falls of the drive signal.

Abstract: A piezo activated liquid supply pump system includes a cylinder shaped vibration pipe made of a piezo element, and a cone shaped pressure chamber surrounded by a rubber wall. The cone shaped pressure chamber is disposed in the cylinder shaped vibration pipe in a manner that a cavity is formed therebetween. Polyethylene glycol is filled in the cavity for transferring the vibration of the piezo element to the rubber wall of the cone shaped pressure chamber. The volume of the pressure chamber varies in response to the vibration of the piezo element to achieve the liquid supply. The cone configuration of the pressure chamber ensures an effective removal of air bubbles from the pressure chamber. The cavity is communicated with a buffer chamber so as to introduce the polyethylene glycol into the buffer chamber when the liquid contained in the pressure chamber freezes, whereby the expansion of the pressure chamber caused by the freezing of the liquid is absorbed.

Abstract: A piezoelectric pump includes a hollow cylindrical piezoelectric crystal (12) with end bells (22) and (24) on either end defining a pump chamber (14). A resilient diaphram (32) with an offset orifice (34) provides afferent valving action and a resilient diaphram (44) with an offset orifice (46) provides efferent valving action. Connecting leads (52) and (54) allow a voltage source (56) to be periodically connected to the crystal (12) by a switch (62). A resistor (64) is disposed between one pole of the switch (62) and the connecting lead (54) to allow decay of the charge on the crystal (12). By sensing the voltage on the lead (52) during relaxation of the crystal 12, the internal load can be monitored to provide an indication of the pumping operation. Automatic monitoring is provided by a computer (104).

Abstract: A miniature apparatus for compressing gases is disclosed in which an elastomer disposed between two opposing electrostrictive or piezoelectric ceramic blocks, or between a single electrostrictive or piezoelectric ceramic block and a rigid surface, is caused to extrude into or recede from a channel defined adjacent to the elastomer in response to application or removal of an electric field from the blocks. Individual cells of blocks and elastomer are connected to effect a gas compression by peristaltic activation of the individual cells. The apparatus is self-valving in that the first and last cells operate as inlet and outlet valves, respectively. Preferred electrostrictive and piezoelectric ceramic materials are disclosed, and an alternative, non-peristaltic embodiment of the apparatus is described.

Abstract: A printer head, for an ink-on-demand type ink-jet printer, squirts ink droplets onto a printing medium. The printer head includes a nozzle for delivering the ink droplets and a passage for supplying ink from an ink tank. The ink is pressurized in accordance with an electric signal which commands the delivery of the ink droplets. Fluid control valves are deformed under the action of the ink pressure.

Abstract: A pumping device comprising: a housing; piezoelectric element having one end mounted to the housing and one end free; a generally planar impeller blade connected to the free end of the piezoelectric element and having its distal end unconstrained by the housing; the blade having a high Q factor, a high stiffness-to-weight ratio and a low mass per unit area substantially less than that of the piezoelectric element; a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element for oscillating its free end perpendicular to its plane at or close to resonance and propagating a traveling wave along the blade to generate and shed vortices at the distal end of the blade.

Abstract: There is provided a method and device for fluid transfer. The device comprises a housing-like body with a wall having a concavity. Inside the housing there is disposed a magnetically activatable diaphragm capable of forming, in conjunction with the concavity, one or more pocket-like chambers. The housing also includes an inlet and outlet aperture. The device includes a plurality of means for producing magnetic fields arranged in proximity to the concavity and adapted to generate, in a predeterminable sequence, a plurality of magnetic fields of controllably changing polarities and intensities producing cycles of dynamic deflections of the diaphragm. By means of the magnetically generated dynamic deflections of the diaphragm, the pocket-like chambers are peristaltically manipulated to move fluid from the region of the inlet aperture through which the fluid is drawn in, towards the region of the outlet aperture, through which the fluid is expelled.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of pumping a fluid by means of a piezoelectric pump is provided. All moving parts, including the valves and impeller, are piezoelectrically motivated. The preferred embodiment includes a piezoelectric ceramic tube having conductive bands adhered to the outer surface. The conductive bands and an inner surface electrode define tube regions which serve as valve and reservoir pump regions.

Abstract: An apparatus for pumping a fluid by means of a piezoelectric pump is provided. All moving parts, including the valves and core, are piezoelectrically motivated. The preferred embodiment includes a piezoelectric ceramic tube having conductive bands adhered to the outer surface. The conductive bands and an inner surface electrode define tube regions which serve as valve and reservoir pump regions. A sensing circuit senses the voltage on the outer electrodes of the innermost of the piezoelectric regions to detect the presence of faulty pumping operation. The sensing circuit utilizes the piezoelectric effect that results from internal loading of the core.

Abstract: An ink jet comprises an elastic tubular member (14) characterized by piezoelectric properties. The tubular member (14) is terminated in an orifice (26) adapted to pass droplets of ink when the chamber formed within the tubular member (14) is reduced in size. The piezoelectric properties are provided by a substantially homogeneous mixture of piezoelectric material and an elastic binder.

Abstract: A piezoelectric driven variable volume having a chamber pump with a flexible tube and a non-compressible fluid therein. Solenoid operated valves are associated with the inlet and outlet of the flexible tube. A control circuit sequences the valves and the piezoelectric drive to pump small volumes of liquid through the flexible tube by a diaphragm-type action.

Abstract: A thin film of polyvinylidene fluoride is operated in the piezoelectric thickness mode to stimulate fluid drop formation for ink jet printing systems. The film is placed against a rigid wall of either rectangular, cylindrical or spherical chambers having at least one nozzle for emitting a continuous stream of fluid from which the drops are formed. The frequency of the drop generation is related to the frequency of an AC voltage applied across the piezoelectric film.

Abstract: A thin film of polyvinylidene fluoride is operated in the piezoelectric thickness mode to stimulate fluid drop formation for ink jet printing systems. The film is placed against a rigid wall of either rectangular, cylindrical or spherical chambers having at least one nozzle for emitting a continuous stream of fluid from which the drops are formed. The frequency of the drop generation is related to the frequency of an AC voltage applied across the piezoelectric film.

Abstract: A high pressure diaphragm for use with an electroexpansive material utilizes a generally planar central member, a generally outer flange-engaging member, and an annular ring member, which can have a frusto-conical shape, having its outer edge flexibly connected to the inner edge of the flange-engaging member and with its inner edge flexibly connected to the outer edge of the central member. The flexible connection includes a bridge member having a thickness less than the thickness of the annular ring member and maybe fabricated integrally with said annular ring member and with the central and flange-engaging members. In one embodiment the high pressure diaphgram is pre-loaded so that during movement no portion of the flexible connectors are in tension.

Abstract: Transmission of a slurry along a pipeline by ultrasonic sound waves introduced at an angle to the direction of flow of the slurry particles to intersect the moving particles with a forward and lifting component. Ultrasonic generators or transducers are placed along the bottom of a pipeline at preselected angles relative to the pipeline and flow of material therealong. The ultrasonic waves are in the nature of mechanical waves and may be of a given frequency for specific types of solids. The slurry for which this apparatus is particularly adapted is a slurry of coal particles in the range of approximately 30 to 70% solids by weight with a general spatial concentration of approximately 50%. The mechanical ultrasonic waves propagating in the slurry, which is an elastic body, lift the particles by the angular components of the waves and propel the particles along the pipeline by the horizontal components of the ultrasonic waves.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump comprises two concentric cylinders at least one of which includes a plurality of piezoelectric elements which are successively electrically energized to produce moving seals in the region between the cylinders.

Abstract: A fuel pumping apparatus comprises a rotary distributor member which is located in a housing. The distributor member mounts a pair of plungers which are moved inwardly to effect displacement of fuel from a bore to an outlet formed in the housing. Fuel is supplied to the bore from a cylinder which contains a piston actuated by a stack of piezo-electric crystals. The crystals are energized by a control circuit which is supplied with timing signals, actual engine operating parameters and demanded engine operating parameters.

Abstract: Apparatus for converting heat derived from a heated fluid into mechanical energy comprising a double-walled shell having a high coefficient of thermal expansion and other preferred qualities, such as a relatively high coefficient of heat conductivity and low specific heat, the shell being immersed in a fluid within a container having a relatively low coefficient of thermal expansion and other qualities. When heated fluid is passed between the walls of the shell, expansion of the latter displaces fluid from within the container to actuate a fluid operated device. Alternatively, passage of a cold fluid between the walls of the shell causes the shell to contract and thus enable the displaced fluid to return into the container to complete an operating cycle.

Abstract: The pump has a piezoelectric variable volume chamber and a solenoid controlled valve operated in sequence to pump small volumes of liquid. The sequence is produced by developing a phase difference between the control of the piezoelectrical chamber and the solenoid valve.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electromechanical pumping and fuel metering means interfacing an electronic fuel control adapted for small engines. A centrifugal engine driven pump and electrically driven pump are combined such that the electrically driven pump pressurizes the fuel at low crank up speeds and continuously meters fuel to the burner section and the centrifugal pump pressurizes the fuel at all other times, so as to utilize the centrifugal pump during its high efficiency regime and the electrically driven pump when the centrifugal pump is not at its high efficiency regime.

Abstract: An improved pumping apparatus featuring a rotating frame having lever-actuated pump assemblies located thereabout. The levers are weighted at their distal ends and pivot about fixed fulcrum points as the frame rotates. The proximal ends of the levers are spur gears that engage and reciprocate a pump rod of each pump assembly via a rack gear portion of the pump rod. Pistons disposed in pump cylinders are connected to ends of the pump rods, and these pistons apply pumping force to a fluid, the fluid being communicated to the pump cylinders via conduit means that communicate with external fluid sources through an annulus pipe, and through an interdisposed inner pipe, these pipes also serving as the axle support for the frame.

Abstract: A hydraulic system comprises an electrically controlled actuator element operable to initiate delivery of liquid. The system also includes a movable member the movement of which is representative of the amount of liquid delivered and sensing means is provided for detecting movement of the member. The sensing means provides a control signal which is arranged to effect a change in the state of the actuator element when the required quantity of liquid has been delivered.