Abstract: A Braille device includes a plurality of Braille cells that comprise a plurality of pins that are actively positioned to present information to a user via tactile feel. The Braille device also allows the user to depress at one or more of the pins in order to make a selection analogous to point and click of a mouse. To allow the user to move a screen cursor and make selections via the Braille pins, the Braille cell includes pin position sensing circuitry that senses the position of each of the plurality of Braille pins. A system controller (e.g., a CPU) reads the information from the sensing circuitry to determine which pins, if any have been depressed. Advantageously, the Braille pins are used as an output device that allows a user to read information, and also as an input device by allowing the user to depress the Braille pins in order to make a selection. In addition, depositing the electronics onto the piezoelectric bimorph reduces the overall size of the Braille device.

Abstract: A braille cell with an actuator responds mechanically on the application of an electrical current. The cell includes an intrinsic conducting polymer, the polymer being in contact with an ion supplying compound. The polymer and the ion supplying compound may abut against each other in layers and may undergo jointly a shape and/or volume change.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of adjusting, in the course of applying predetermined voltages, an oblong piezo-electric bending element which at a first end has been supported by a part protruding in the longitudinal direction of the element, whereby this part is mechanically bent and consists of a material in which at least part of the bending deformation is permanent. In addition, the invention comprises a piezo-electric bending element as has been constructed by applying the method and tools for the application of the method.

Abstract: A braille cell having piezoelectric reeds (8-11) attached at one end (28), supported in their middle region (at 29) and cooperating with tactile members (12-15) at their other end. The attachment of the reeds at their one end (28) being by soldering a protruding part of the reeds to a conducting web (32) parallel to the flexion plane of the reeds. The other ends of the reeds are then located in the desired position with respect to the tactile members.