Piezoelectric Driven Patents (Class 417/413.2)
  • Patent number: 11898545
    Abstract: Pumping systems that have pumping system units utilizing venturi pumps. Such pumping systems can be used in speakers, to propel drones, and other applications. Actuation of the venturi pumps can be by piezoelectric actuators, magnetic actuators, electrostatic actuators, and other similar actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Brane Audio, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph F. Pinkerton
  • Patent number: 11867167
    Abstract: A piezoelectric pump includes a first top plate, a second top plate, a diaphragm, a first side wall, and a second side wall. The diaphragm has a vibrating part to which a piezoelectric element is attached, a frame part, and a connecting part. The connecting part has formed therein a third opening which lets a first pump chamber and a second pump chamber communicate. The frame part has formed therein a fourth opening which communicates with the third opening and also communicates with outside. The piezoelectric pump further includes: in the first pump chamber, an annular first valve provided as spaced from a first opening in a planar view so as to surround the first opening; and in the second pump chamber, an annular second valve provided as spaced from a second opening in the planar view so as to surround the second opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Nobuhira Tanaka, Masaaki Fujisaki
  • Patent number: 11867166
    Abstract: A piezoelectric pump includes a first top board, a second top board, a diaphragm, a first side wall, a second side wall, a first valve, and a second valve. The first valve has an annular shape to surround the first aperture while being spaced apart from the first aperture and the second aperture, and is disposed in the first pump chamber between the first aperture and the second aperture when viewed in a plan. The second valve has an annular shape to surround the third aperture while being spaced apart from the third aperture and the fourth aperture, and is disposed in the second pump chamber between the third aperture and the fourth aperture when viewed in a plan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Nobuhira Tanaka, Masaaki Fujisaki
  • Patent number: 11806708
    Abstract: A droplet dispenser comprises a chamber (3) with a fluid inlet valve (2) and a fluid outlet valve (4). The chamber (3) is arranged such that the volume of the chamber may be varied in use to cause fluid to be alternately drawn in to the chamber (3) through the inlet valve (2) then subsequently expelled from the chamber through the outlet valve (4) to dispense a droplet. The droplet dispenser is capable of dispensing from an open reservoir and one may change the dispensed drop volume simply and easily. The droplet dispenser can also handle liquids which are normally seen as difficult to dispense, such as cyanoacrylate adhesives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: TTP Plc
    Inventor: Adrian Woodward
  • Patent number: 11754200
    Abstract: A miniature transportation device is disclosed and includes a gas inlet plate, a resonance plate and a piezoelectric actuator, which are stacked on each other sequentially. The gas inlet plate comprises at least one inlet, at least one convergence channel and a convergence chamber. The convergence channel is in fluid communication with the inlet and the convergence channel. The resonance plate comprises a central aperture. A chamber gap is formed between the resonance plate and the piezoelectric actuator to define a first chamber. When the piezoelectric actuator is enabled, the gas is fed into the miniature gas transportation device through the inlet of the gas inlet plate, converged to the convergence chamber through the convergence channel, transferred through the central aperture of the resonance plate, introduced into the first chamber, and transferred along a transportation direction through a vacant space of the piezoelectric actuator to be discharged continuously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: MICROJET TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hao-Jan Mou, Chi-Feng Huang, Yung-Lung Han, Chun-Yi Kuo
  • Patent number: 11698067
    Abstract: A first main plate has a first principal surface and a second principal surface. A second main plate has a third principal surface, a fourth principal surface, and an aperture. A piezoelectric element is provided on the first main plate and vibrates the first main plate. A first frame is disposed outside an outer peripheral end of the first main plate. First connecting portions connect the first main plate and the first frame to each other. Apertures are formed between the first connecting portions and connect a space adjacent to the first principal surface and a space adjacent to the second principal surface to each other. The second frame is disposed outside an outer peripheral end of the first frame. A second connecting portion connects the first frame and the second frame to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yutoku Kawabata, Nobuhira Tanaka
  • Patent number: 11696421
    Abstract: A cooling system including a support structure and a cooling element are described. The cooling element has a central region, a first cantilevered arm, a second cantilevered arm, and a piezoelectric. The cooling element is supported by the support structure at the central region. The piezoelectric extends across at least half of a length of the first cantilevered arm. The first and second cantilevered arms are configured to undergo vibrational motion when actuated to drive a fluid toward a heat-generating structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Frore Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Suryaprakash Ganti, Vikram Mukundan, Ananth Saran Yalamarthy, Prabhu Sathyamurthy
  • Patent number: 11668294
    Abstract: A thin gas transportation device includes an inlet plate, a resonance sheet, an actuating element, a first insulation frame attached to the actuating element, a conductive frame, and a second insulation frame attached to the conductive frame. The conductive frame has a conductive outer frame attached to the first insulation frame, an elastic conductive pin, and a conductive piece connected to an outer edge portion of the conductive outer frame. One end of the elastic conductive pin is connected to an inner edge portion of the conductive outer frame, and the other end of the elastic conductive pin extends obliquely toward the actuating element and forms a bent portion. The bent portion presses against the actuating element and is electrically connected to the actuating element, and the bent portion is strip-shaped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: MICROJET TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hao-Jan Mou, Chung-Wei Kao, Shih-Chang Chen, Hung-Hsin Liao, Yung-Lung Han, Chi-Feng Huang, Chun-Yi Kuo
  • Patent number: 11598330
    Abstract: A pump (1) includes a vibrating plate (15) that has a central part (21), a frame part (22), and connecting parts (23 to 26), a piezoelectric element (16) that is stacked over the central part (21) and configured to cause flexural vibrations to occur concentrically from the central part (21) to the connecting parts (23 to 26), and an opposed plate (13) that is stacked over the frame part (22) and positioned facing each of the connecting parts (23 to 26) with a spacing therebetween. The vibrating plate (15) has such a resonant mode that an antinode occurs in each of the central part (21) and the connecting parts (23 to 26). The opposed plate (13) has, at positions facing the connecting parts (23 to 26), a plurality of channel holes (39 to 43) through which a fluid flows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Atsuhiko Hirata, Yukiharu Kodama
  • Patent number: 11566615
    Abstract: A pump includes a housing, a piezoelectric device, a plurality of first holes, a plurality of second holes, and a plurality of first valves. The housing has a pump chamber defined by a first major plate, a second major plate, and a peripheral plate. The piezoelectric device is provided on the first major plate. The plurality of first holes each extend through the first major plate and are arranged annularly. The plurality of second holes each extend through the second major plate. The plurality of first valves are provided at the plurality of first holes, respectively. When the piezoelectric device is activated, the first major plate undergoes bending vibration with a node defined between a center and a peripheral edge of the first major plate. The plurality of first holes are provided between the node and the peripheral edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Nobuhira Tanaka
  • Patent number: 11557712
    Abstract: A vibration generating device 10 includes: a diaphragm 11; and a first piezoelectric actuator 12 and a second piezoelectric actuator 13 attached on an upper surface 11a and a lower surface 11b of the diaphragm 11, respectively, so as to sandwich the diaphragm 11 therebetween in a vicinity of an end surface of the diaphragm 11, wherein, in a top view of the upper surface 11a of the diaphragm 11, the first piezoelectric actuator 12 is disposed at a position shifted with respect to the second piezoelectric actuator 13.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: TAIYO YUDEN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Hamada, Yukihiro Matsui, Fumihisa Ito, Takashi Tomita
  • Patent number: 11525441
    Abstract: Discloses is a micro-pump that includes a pump body having a compartmentalized pump chamber, with plural inlet and outlet ports and a plurality of membranes disposed in the pump chamber to provide compartments. The membranes are anchored between opposing walls of the pump body and carry electrodes disposed on opposing surfaces of the membranes and walls of the pump body. Also discloses are applications of the micro-pump including as a heat remover and a self-contained continuous positive airway pressure breathing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Encite LLC
    Inventor: Stephen Alan Marsh
  • Patent number: 11486379
    Abstract: A system, method apparatus including a bimetallic mechanical pump diaphragm for fluid handling including two walls forming a chamber divided by a snap-acting bimetallic mechanical diaphragm which uses the rapid, concavity inversing, buckling transition of the diaphragm pump fluid as thermal energy in a first fluid is converted to mechanical energy to push a second fluid as the diaphragm moves from a first position to a second position in the chamber. Two sets of inlet and outlet passageways include one way valves to control the flow of the first and second fluids having different temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Inventors: Nathan Clark Heston, Joseph Daniel Zuchegno, Stephen Ford Heston, Maureen Najua Smith
  • Patent number: 11454232
    Abstract: A micro-electromechanical systems pump includes a first substrate, a first oxide layer, a second substrate, and a piezoelectric element. The first oxide layer is stacked on the first substrate. The second substrate is combined with the first substrate, and the second substrate includes a silicon wafer layer, a second oxide layer, and a silicon material layer. The silicon wafer layer has an actuation portion. The actuation portion is circular and has a maximum stress value and an actuation stress value. The second oxide layer is formed on the silicon wafer layer. The silicon material layer is located at the second oxide layer and is combined with the first oxide layer. The piezoelectric element is stacked on the actuation portion, and has a piezoelectric stress value. The maximum stress value is greater than the actuation stress value, and the actuation stress value is greater than the piezoelectric stress value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: MICROJET TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hao-Jan Mou, Rong-Ho Yu, Cheng-Ming Chang, Hsien-Chung Tai, Wen-Hsiung Liao, Chi-Feng Huang, Yung-Lung Han, Chun-Yi Kuo
  • Patent number: 11446767
    Abstract: The invention relates to a composite body, wherein at least one functional component is integrated into a shaped product, and to a method for producing the same. The shaped product can especially be an implant, a prosthesis, an industrial component or a multifunctionally useful sensor platform for the monitoring of materials, components and/or structural systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: FRAUNHOFER-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FOERDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG E. V.
    Inventors: Holger Lausch, Mathias Herrmann, Bernd Gronde, Thomas Toeppel, Romy Petters, Christian Rotsch
  • Patent number: 11442052
    Abstract: A VOC detecting and warning method is provided. Firstly, an actuating-and-sensing module having a gas transportation actuator and a gas sensor is provided. Then, the gas transportation actuator guides a specified amount of gas to the gas sensor for obtaining plural monitored values, each of which is generated according to a result of detecting volatile organic compounds of the gas in each monitoring time interval by the gas sensor. All the monitored values obtained in a unit time period are added together and calculated, so that an average comparison value is obtained. If the average comparison value is determined greater than an injury threshold defined according to the VOC inhalation amount affecting the health of a human body, the actuating-and-sensing module issues a warning notification to notify the user to take protective measures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: MICROJET TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hao-Jan Mou, Ta-Wei Hsueh, Li-Pang Mo, Chi-Feng Huang, Yung-Lung Han, Wei-Ming Lee
  • Patent number: 11391277
    Abstract: A pump includes a first pump chamber formed by a first plate member and a second plate member, a second pump chamber formed by a first plate member and a third plate member, and a driving member. The driving member causes the first plate member to perform flexural vibration, thereby causing pressure changes in both of the first pump chamber and the second pump chamber. The first plate member is provided with first hole portions not overlapping an axial line orthogonal to a central region of the first plate member, and a check valve is provided to each of the first hole portions. The second plate member and the third plate member are provided with a second hole portion and a third hole portion respectively, and the check valve is provided to at least one of the second hole portion and the third hole portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Nobuhira Tanaka
  • Patent number: 11391275
    Abstract: A fluid control apparatus includes a valve and a pump. The valve has a valve chamber. The first main plate has a first aperture through which the valve chamber communicates with the outside, and the second main plate has a second aperture through which the valve chamber communicates with the outside. The valve further includes a valve diaphragm disposed inside the valve chamber. The valve diaphragm is configured to switch the communication state. The pump includes a piezoelectric device. The pump has a pump chamber. The pump chamber communicates with the valve chamber through the second aperture. In addition, in flexural vibration of the vibration unit, a frequency coefficient of the first main plate is greater than a frequency coefficient of the second main plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Nobuhira Tanaka, Daisuke Kondo, Hiroyuki Yokoi
  • Patent number: 11359618
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a control method of a fluid device. The control method includes the steps of (a) providing the fluid device, which includes a plurality of flow guiding units manufactured by a micro-electro-mechanical-system process; (b) dividing the flow guiding units into a plurality of groups, which are electrically connected to and controlled by a control module; and (c) generating a driving signal by the control module for a corresponding one of the groups, wherein the control module generates a high level signal to a specific one of the groups, so that the flow guiding units of the specific one of the groups are driven to transport fluid, and thereby controlling the fluid device to discharge a specific amount of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: MICROJET TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hao-Jan Mou, Rong-Ho Yu, Cheng-Ming Chang, Hsien-Chung Tai, Wen-Hsiung Liao, Chang-Yen Tsai
  • Patent number: 11342494
    Abstract: A piezoelectric actuator for a miniature fluid transportation device is provided and includes a piezoelectric actuating plate and a piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric actuating plate includes a suspension plate, an outer frame, and brackets. The suspension plate has a first thickness. The outer frame is arranged around the suspension plate and has a third thickness. Each of the brackets is connected between the suspension plate and the outer frame and has a fourth thickness. The third thickness is larger than the first thickness, and the first thickness is larger than the fourth thickness. The suspension plate, the outer frame and the brackets are constructed to form different stepped structures to minimize the thickness of the brackets, enhance the elasticity of the brackets. Thus, displacement of the suspension plate in the vertical direction is enhanced and the transportation efficiency of the miniature fluid transportation device is intensified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: MICROJET TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hung-Hsin Liao, Shih-Chang Chen, Jia-Yu Liao, Yung-Lung Han, Wei-Ming Lee
  • Patent number: 11255323
    Abstract: A driving system for an actuating and sensing module includes an actuating and sensing device and a power supply device. The actuating and sensing device includes a sensor, an actuating device, a microprocessor, and a power controller. The power supply device transfers an energy to the power controller, thereby enabling the sensor and the actuating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: MICROJET TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hao-Jan Mou, Chi-Feng Huang, Yung-Lung Han, Chang-Yen Tsai, Wei-Ming Lee, Hsuan-Kai Chen
  • Patent number: 11248970
    Abstract: [Solving Means] A force-sense presenting apparatus includes a casing structure, a weight, and a drive unit. The weight is provided in the casing structure or incorporated in the casing structure. The drive unit includes a first supporting portion constituted of a pair of supporting structures that support a first side of the weight and a second side opposed to the first side, at least one of the pair of supporting structures being configured to include an actuator capable of providing the weight with biased acceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Ono, Mikio Takenaka, Shunki Shibaoka, Masaki Kawata, Hideaki Hayashi, Akihiro Nakata
  • Patent number: 11241689
    Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for the separation and dispensing of material using a microfluidic electrophoresis column, sheath liquid pump, and exit channel, all on the same monolithic chip. Material is separated in the electrophoresis column and passed into the exit chamber in response to a voltage potential between a first electrode within the electrophoresis column and a terminating electrode integrated into the chip. The terminating electrode can be in the sheath liquid pump chamber, the sheath liquid reservoir, or a separate flow channel that intersects the exit channel along with the electrophoresis column and sheath liquid pump chamber. The flow of sheath liquid into the exit chamber entrains separated analytes into an effluent that is dispensed out of the exit chamber via a discharge outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: LI-COR, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Furtaw, Donald T. Lamb
  • Patent number: 11208995
    Abstract: A micro piezoelectric pump module includes a microprocessor, a driving element, and a piezoelectric pump. The driving element is connected to the microprocessor to receive a modulating signal and a control signal and to output a driving signal. The driving signal includes a driving voltage and a driving frequency. The piezoelectric pump is actuated by the driving signal, and the piezoelectric pump is set to be actuated at an actuation frequency and be applied with an actuation voltage value. The microprocessor drives the driving element to output the driving voltage having an initial voltage value at the driving frequency to the piezoelectric pump, and adjusts the driving frequency to the same with the actuation frequency. After the driving frequency is adjusted to reach the actuation frequency, the microprocessor drives the driving element to gradually increase the initial voltage value to reach the actuation voltage value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: MICROJET TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hao-Jan Mou, Shen-Wen Chen, Shih-Chang Chen, Chi-Feng Huang, Yung-Lung Han, Wei-Ming Lee, Chun-Yi Kuo
  • Patent number: 11204335
    Abstract: An actuating and sensing module includes a substrate, at least one sensor and at least one actuating device. The at least one sensor is disposed on the substrate. The at least one actuating device is disposed on the substrate, and has at least one guiding channel between the actuating device and the substrate. The at least one guiding channel is disposed on one side of the at least one sensor. When the at least one actuating device is enabled, a fluid is transferred to the at least one sensor through the at least one guiding channel, so that the fluid is sensed by the at least one sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: MICROJET TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hao-Jan Mou, Ta-Wei Hsueh, Ying-Lun Chang, Rong-Ho Yu, Cheng-Ming Chang, Hsien-Chung Tai, Wen-Hsiung Liao, Yung-Lung Han, Chi-Feng Huang
  • Patent number: 11130334
    Abstract: An actuator device includes an actuator, and a wiring member. The actuator includes: driving elements each including a first electrode and a second electrode, the second electrodes being electrically connected to each other to provide a common electrode; first individual wires each extending from each of the first electrodes in a second direction; first individual contacts each provided at a distal end portion of each of the first individual wires; and a first common contact extending from the common electrode and positioned on an extension line extending in the second direction from at least one of the first individual contacts. The wiring member is connected to the first individual contacts and the first common contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Taiki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 11098704
    Abstract: A structure according to an embodiment includes a first substrate including a first valve and a second substrate joined to the first substrate. The structure includes a region where the first valve and the second substrate are not joined. A sticking suppressing section is provided in at least one of the first valve and the second substrate in the region. By configuring the structure in this way, it is possible to suppress sticking of the first valve to the second substrate in the structure including the first substrate including the first valve and the second substrate joined to the first substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Inventors: Tsukasa Funasaka, Yuki Hanamura
  • Patent number: 11047376
    Abstract: A piezoelectric pump includes a leaf spring including a disc portion defining an actuator, an outer frame portion defining a housing, and an elastic support portion. The actuator flexurally vibrates from a center portion of a principal surface thereof to an outer periphery thereof. The elastic support portion includes a beam portion and connection portions and elastically supports the disc portion on the outer frame portion. The beam portion extends in a gap between the disc portion and the outer frame portion in a direction along an outer periphery of the disc portion. A first of the connection portions connects the beam portion to the disc portion. Second and third connection portions are offset from the first connection portion and connect the beam portion to the outer frame portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Atsuhiko Hirata, Yukiharu Kodama, Kenta Omori
  • Patent number: 11043444
    Abstract: A cooling system and method for using the cooling system are described. The cooling system includes a plurality of individual piezoelectric cooling elements spatially arranged in an array extending in at least two dimensions, a communications interface and driving circuitry. The communications interface is associated with the individual piezoelectric cooling elements such that selected individual piezoelectric cooling elements within the array can be activated based at least in part on heat energy generated in the vicinity of the selected individual piezoelectric cooling elements. The driving circuitry is associated with the individual piezoelectric cooling elements and is configured to drive the selected individual piezoelectric cooling elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Frore Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Suryaprakash Ganti, Seshagiri Rao Madhavapeddy
  • Patent number: 11018291
    Abstract: An ultrasonic device includes a vibration portion, a first electrode, a piezoelectric body, and a second electrode which are laminated in this order in a laminate direction, in which an outer circumferential edge of the first electrode is larger than an outer circumferential edge of the piezoelectric body in a plan view across the laminate direction, in which the piezoelectric body includes an active portion that is provided in the vibration portion, and an extraction portion that is connected to the active portion and is provided over the inside and the outside of the vibration portion, in which a width dimension of the extraction portion is smaller than a width dimension of the active portion, and in which the second electrode is provided on the active portion and the extraction portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Inventors: Chikara Kojima, Koji Ohashi, Hikaru Iwai, Kanechika Kiyose
  • Patent number: 10998254
    Abstract: A cooling system and method for using the cooling system are described. The cooling system includes a plurality of individual piezoelectric cooling elements spatially arranged in an array extending in at least two dimensions, a communications interface and driving circuitry. The communications interface is associated with the individual piezoelectric cooling elements such that selected individual piezoelectric cooling elements within the array can be activated based at least in part on heat energy generated in the vicinity of the selected individual piezoelectric cooling elements. The driving circuitry is associated with the individual piezoelectric cooling elements and is configured to drive the selected individual piezoelectric cooling elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Frore Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Suryaprakash Ganti, Seshagiri Rao Madhavapeddy
  • Patent number: 10975856
    Abstract: A gas transportation device is provided and includes a plurality of flow guiding units. Each of the flow guiding units includes an inlet plate, a substrate, a resonance plate, an actuating plate, a piezoelectric component, an outlet plate and a valve, which are sequentially stacked. A convergence chamber is formed between the resonance plate and the inlet plate. The actuating plate has a suspension part, an outer frame and a plurality of interspaces. The piezoelectric component is attached on a surface of the suspension part. Gas is inhaled into the convergence chamber via an inlet aperture of the inlet plate, is transported into a first chamber via a central aperture of the resonance plate, is further transported into a second chamber via the interspaces, and is discharged out from an outlet aperture of the outlet plate. The gas is transported by the flow guiding units disposed in a specific arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: MICROJET TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hao-Jan Mou, Chi-Feng Huang, Wei-Ming Lee, Hsien-Chung Tai, Yung-Lung Han
  • Patent number: 10973965
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling and/or calibrating a pump system for use in negative pressure wound therapy are described herein. In some embodiments, a method for controlling a pump system includes calculating an amplitude and an offset for a drive signal based at least in part on previously calculated parameters and a negative pressure setting, generating the drive signal, and applying the drive signal to a pump system. The pump system can be fludicially connected to a wound dressing positioned over a wound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew PLC
    Inventors: Ben Alan Askem, Iacopo Claudio Ferrari, Matteo Foini, Paolo Forzani, Christopher John Fryer, Allan Kenneth Frazer Grugeon Hunt, Christian Riva
  • Patent number: 10962452
    Abstract: An actuating and sensing module includes a first substrate, a second substrate, an actuating device and a sensor. The first and second substrates are stacked on each other as a gas flow channel is formed therebetween. The gas inlet, the gas flow channel and the gas outlet are in communication with each other to define a gas flow path. The actuating device is disposed in the gas outlet of the second substrate and electrically connected to a control circuit to obtain driving power. The sensor is disposed in the gas flow path and misaligned with the gas inlet. The sensor is spaced apart from the actuating device and is electrically connected to the control circuit. Being driven by the actuating device, the gas is transported from the outside into the gas flow path and monitored by the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: MICROJET TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hao-Jan Mou, Shih-Chang Chen, Chi-Feng Huang, Yung-Lung Han, Chun-Yi Kuo
  • Patent number: 10955320
    Abstract: A gas detecting device includes a casing, a gas transportation actuator, a gas detector and a driving module. The casing has an inlet, an outlet and an accommodation slot. The inlet and the outlet are in fluid communication with each other, and the accommodation slot is disposed under the inlet and is in fluid communication with the inlet. The gas transportation is disposed within and seals the accommodation slot, and the gas transportation actuator is enabled to introduce air thereinto through the inlet and discharge the air through the outlet. The gas detector is configured to detect an amount of a specific gas in the air introduced through the inlet. The driving module controls the actuations of the gas transportation actuator and the gas detector, so that the gas detector detects the amount of the specific gas in the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: MICROJET TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hao-Jan Mou, Shih-Chang Chen, Ching-Sung Lin, Yung-Lung Han, Chi-Feng Huang, Wei-Ming Lee
  • Patent number: 10907658
    Abstract: The disclosed fluidic power transmission apparatus may include a conduit having an internal volume for containing a fluid, a reciprocating input mechanism for alternating at least one of fluid flow or fluid pressure within the conduit, the reciprocating input mechanism being in fluid communication with the internal volume of the conduit, and a slave unit coupled to the conduit such that the slave unit is positioned to be driven by the alternating fluid flow or fluid pressure within the internal volume of the conduit. Various other methods and systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Facebook Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas Roy Corson, Adam Ahne, Daniele Piazza
  • Patent number: 10881885
    Abstract: An air-filtering protection device includes a filtering mask and an actuating and sensing device. The filtering mask is made of a graphene-doping material and wearable to filter air and includes a first coupling element. The actuating and sensing device includes a second coupling element. The second coupling element is engaged with the first coupling element of the filtering mask for allowing the actuating and sensing device to be detachably mounted on the filtering mask. The actuating and sensing device includes at least one senor, at least one actuating device, a microprocessor, a power controller and a data transceiver. The at least one actuating device is disposed on one side of the at least one sensor and includes at least one guiding channel. The actuating device is enabled to transport an air to flow toward the sensor through the guiding channel so as to make the air sensed by the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: MICROJET TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hao-Jan Mou, Yung-Lung Han, Chi-Feng Huang, Chang-Yen Tsai, Wei-Ming Lee, Hsuan-Kai Chen
  • Patent number: 10864726
    Abstract: A liquid ejecting head includes: a nozzle from which a liquid is ejected; a communication passage that is in communication with the nozzle; a first pressure compartment that is connected to the communication passage through a first passage; a second pressure compartment that is connected to the communication passage through a second passage; a first drive element that changes pressure of the first pressure compartment; and a second drive element that changes pressure of the second pressure compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Inventors: Hiromu Miyazawa, Toshihiro Shimizu
  • Patent number: 10850027
    Abstract: Method for detecting failure including possible under or over delivery of a micropump having at least an inlet valve, a pumping chamber with an inner pressure sensor and an outlet valve, said method comprising the determination of the pump tightness via the measurement of the pressure by said inner pressure sensor in said pumping chamber at least at certain intervals when the pump is inactive and the comparison with a value of reference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: DEBIOTECH S.A.
    Inventors: Eric Chappel, Stephan Proennecke, Frédéric Neftel
  • Patent number: 10823165
    Abstract: A gas transportation device includes a casing, a nozzle plate, a chamber frame, an actuator, an insulating frame and a conducting frame, which are stacked sequentially. A resonance chamber is defined by the actuator, the chamber frame and the suspension plate collaboratively. When the actuator is enabled, the nozzle plate is subjected to resonance and the suspension plate of the nozzle plate vibrates in the reciprocating manner. Consequently, the gas is transferred to a gas-guiding chamber through the at least one vacant space and discharged from the discharging opening and the gas is circulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: MICROJET TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hao-Jan Mou, Chun-Lung Tseng, Che-Wei Huang, Chien-Tang Wen, Shih-Chang Chen, Yung-Lung Han, Chi-Feng Huang
  • Patent number: 10801485
    Abstract: A gas transportation device includes a casing, a nozzle plate, a chamber frame, an actuator, an insulating frame and a conducting frame, which are stacked sequentially. The nozzle plate includes at least one bracket, a suspension plate and a through hole. The bracket includes a fixing part and a connecting part. A shape of the fixing part matches a shape of the fixing recess. The nozzle plate is accommodated within the accommodation space. A resonance chamber is defined by the actuator, the chamber frame and the suspension plate collaboratively. When the actuator is enabled, the nozzle plate is subjected to resonance and the suspension plate of the nozzle plate vibrates in the reciprocating manner. Consequently, the gas is transported to a gas-guiding chamber through the at least one vacant space and outputted from the discharging opening, thereby achieving the gas transportation and circulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: MICROJET TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hao-Jan Mou, Chun-Lung Tseng, Che-Wei Huang, Chien-Tang Wen, Shih-Chang Chen, Yung-Lung Han, Chi-Feng Huang
  • Patent number: 10774824
    Abstract: A miniature fluid control device for transporting gas is disclosed, which includes a gas inlet plate, a resonance plate, a piezoelectric actuator and a gas collecting plate stacked on each other. The gas inlet plate includes at least one inlet, at least one convergence channel and a circular cavity which forms a convergence chamber. The resonance plate has a central aperture. The piezoelectric actuator includes a suspension plate, an outer frame and a piezoelectric plate, wherein the suspension plate has a cylindrical bulge aligned with the circular cavity. The ratio of a second diameter of the cylindrical bulge to a first diameter of the circular cavity is set in a specified range to optimize the gas pressure of the transported gas, thus assuring efficiency of gas transmission of the miniature fluid control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: MICROJET TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hung-Hsin Liao, Shih-Chang Chen, Jia-Yu Liao, Yung-Lung Han, Chi-Feng Huang, Wei-Ming Lee
  • Patent number: 10765807
    Abstract: A wearable drug delivery device for monitoring unintended over-delivery and/or under-delivery of a stored liquid drug are provided. An absolute pressure sensor can be positioned within the fluid path of the drug delivery device. The absolute pressor sensor can detect both ambient pressure (e.g., absolute or atmospheric pressure) and relative pressure (gage or pumping pressure). Based on the detected pressures, the effects of external ambient pressure on air with the fluid path can be determined during both intended drug delivery events and unintended drug delivery events. In turn, under-delivery and/or over-delivery of the liquid drug can be determined. Based on the severity of the determined under-delivery or over-delivery of the liquid drug, alarms indicating different urgencies can be provided to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: INSULET CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daniel Allis, Kenneth Phillips, Jacob Anthony Coumans
  • Patent number: 10739170
    Abstract: Disclosed is a micro flow device including a body frame defining a chamber and having a first port and a second port into the chamber. A first membrane carrying a first electrode is disposed over a first face of the body frame and a second membrane carrying a second electrode is disposed over a second face of the body frame. An axle member is disposed in the chamber affixed to the first and second membrane and a wheel member is disposed in the chamber about the axle member and spaced from the axle element by a gap. An interrupter feature is formed on the wheel, with the interrupter feature causing a variation in capacitance between the first and second electrodes during rotation of the wheel. Also disclosed are techniques for providing freely rotating, sliding, moving, etc. features in devices fabricated by roll to roll processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Encite LLC
    Inventor: Stephen Alan Marsh
  • Patent number: 10702418
    Abstract: Some embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a pump assembly comprising a voice coil, a magnet and a diaphragm, wherein the voice coil is configured to move the diaphragm to pump a fluid through the pump assembly in response to a drive signal applied to the voice coil. Some embodiments disclosed herein are directed to an apparatus for applying negative pressure to a wound comprising a source of negative pressure configured to be coupled to a dressing, the source of negative comprising a voice coil actuator and a diaphragm, and a controller configured to produce a drive signal for the voice coil actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew PLC
    Inventors: Trevor John Beckett, Iacopo Claudio Ferrari, Christopher John Fryer, Alexander David Norman, Christian Riva, Gary Stacey
  • Patent number: 10697448
    Abstract: A miniature fluid control device includes a piezoelectric actuator, a gas collecting plate and a base. The piezoelectric actuator includes a suspension plate, an outer frame, at least one bracket and a piezoelectric ceramic plate. The suspension plate is a square plate. The outer frame is arranged around the suspension plate. A surface of the outer frame and a surface of the suspension plate are coplanar with each other. The gas collecting plate is a frame body with an accommodation space. The base includes a gas inlet plate and a resonance plate. The base is disposed within the accommodation space to seal the piezoelectric actuator. An adhesive layer is arranged between the second surface of the outer frame of the piezoelectric actuator and the resonance plate. Consequently, a depth of a compressible chamber between the piezoelectric actuator and the resonance plate is maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: MICROJET TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yung-Lung Han, Chi-Feng Huang, Shih-Chang Chen, Jia-Yu Liao, Hung-Hsin Liao, Che-Wei Huang, Shou-Hung Chen
  • Patent number: 10648463
    Abstract: A gas control device (100) includes a first pump (101), a second pump (201), a first check valve (102), a second check valve (202), and a receptacle (9). The volume of the receptacle (9) changes in accordance with the pressure of air flowing thereinto. The first pump (101) has an air suction hole (53) and an air discharge hole (24). The second pump (201) has an air suction hole (197) and an air discharge hole (181). The first pump (101) is a type of pump having a high discharge flow rate and a low discharge pressure. The second pump (201) is a type of pump having a low discharge flow rate and a high discharge pressure. The suction hole (53) of the first pump (101) communicates with a first ventilation hole (106). The suction hole (197) of the second pump (201) communicates with a second ventilation hole (107).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Atsuhiko Hirata
  • Patent number: 10590526
    Abstract: The invention relates to the technical field of display, particularly a pressurized spray deposition device and method for an organic material steam. The pressurized spray deposition device comprises an uniform-pressure mixing chamber, an organic material steam source, a high-pressure carrier gas feeding device, a piezoelectric pressurizing device and a nozzle, wherein the organic material steam source and the high-pressure carrier gas feeding device are respectively connected with the uniform-pressure mixing chamber, and an outlet of the uniform-pressure mixing chamber is connected with the nozzle through the piezoelectric pressurizing device. The organic material steam in the organic material steam source enters the uniform-pressure mixing chamber and is mixed with the introduced carrier gas to form a carried gas mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignees: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD., HEFEI BOE OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yangkun Jing
  • Patent number: 10532354
    Abstract: In certain aspects of the invention, a stackable device includes multiple elements stacked sequentially. A chamber is formed in each of the elements or between adjacent two of the elements, and each chamber is in fluid communication with an input channel and an output channel. The chambers are aligned with each other, and adjacent two chambers are separated from each other by a membrane. In certain aspects of the invention, a system includes at least one stackable device, each stackable device having multiple chambers; and at least one of a perfusion controller, a microformulator, and a microclinical analyzer in fluid communication with the at least one stackable device. In other aspects of the invention, the use of four microformulators, electrodes and an impedance analyzer can measure the impedance spectrum of each barrier in a multi-transwell plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: John P. Wikswo, Dmitry A. Markov, Ronald S. Reiserer
  • Patent number: 10502644
    Abstract: [Solving Means] A force-sense presenting apparatus includes a casing structure, a weight, and a drive unit. The weight is provided in the casing structure or incorporated in the casing structure. The drive unit includes a first supporting portion constituted of a pair of supporting structures that support a first side of the weight and a second side opposed to the first side, at least one of the pair of supporting structures being configured to include an actuator capable of providing the weight with biased acceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Ono, Mikio Takenaka, Shunki Shibaoka, Masaki Kawata, Hideaki Hayashi, Akihiro Nakata