Abstract: Circuits (20, 220, 320, 420) are provided for applying electrical charge collected from a piezoelectric device (22) to a charge storage device (24, 224, 424). The circuits comprise a peak detector (32, 232) and a switch(es) (34, 134, 234, 434) which is/are operated to initiate transfer of the electrical charge from the piezoelectric device to the charge storage device upon detection by the peak detector (32, 232) of a peak voltage across the piezoelectric device (22). In an example embodiment, the peak detector (32, 232) comprises a peak-detection capacitance (C4); a gain element (42, 242); and a non-linear PN junction circuit (40). The circuits can also comprise charge multiplier circuit (300) configured to continue application of the electrical charge to the charge storage device (224) after the switch (262) has been turned off and/or after a point in time when magnitude of the voltage across the charge storage device (224) equals the magnitude of the voltage across the piezoelectric device (22).

Abstract: A drive circuit (18) produces a drive signal for a pump (10) having a piezoelectric actuator (14), with the piezoelectric actuator (14) forming a part of the drive circuit (18) and serving to shape a waveform of the drive signal. The drive circuit (18) comprises a pulse generator (100) which generates pulses; a converter circuit (102) which receives the pulses and produces charge packets at a rate which equals a desired drive frequency; and, the piezoelectric actuator (14). The piezoelectric actuator (14) receives the charge packets and, by its capacitive nature, integrates the charge packets to shape the waveform of the drive signal. Preferably, the piezoelectric actuator (14) integrates the charge packets to yield a drive field that approximates a sine wave. In one non-limiting example embodiment, the pulse generator (100) comprises a microcontroller-based pulsed width modulator (PWM) circuit (116) and the converter circuit (102) comprises a flyback circuit.

Abstract: A compressor system (20, 20?, 20?) comprises a motion amplifier (22) which acts through a compressor head or piston (46) to compress fluid in a variable compression chamber (52). The motion amplifier (22) comprises a piezoelectric diaphragm (30) and drive electronics (26) for applying a drive signal to the piezoelectric diaphragm. The drive signal is generated to maintain the motion amplifier resonant at a predetermined frequency. The motion amplifier preferably comprises (in addition to the piezoelectric diaphragm) a reaction mass (34) connected to the piezoelectric diaphragm; a reacted mass (40) connected to the piezoelectric diaphragm; and, a reacted mass spring (50, 270) for resiliently carrying the reacted mass. The structure of the motion amplifier carried by the reacted mass spring (e.g., the piezoelectric diaphragm, the reaction mass, and the reacted mass) has a resonant frequency f2.

Abstract: A diaphragm assembly (20) comprises at least two piezoelectric diaphragm members (22) arranged in a stacking direction (23). An interface layer (24) is situated between adjacent piezoelectric diaphragm members (22). The interface layer (24) in the stacking direction (23) is displaceable and incompressible or resilient. The interface layer (24) permits lateral movement of the adjacent piezoelectric diaphragm members (22) relative to the interface layer (24) in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction (23). The interface layer (24) can comprise, for example, an incompressible liquid or a semi-liquid or a compressible gas. A gasket (26) can be used to seal the substance in the interface layer if necessary.

Abstract: A drive circuit (18) senses a parameter of a piezoelectric actuator (14) operating in a device (10) and adjusts a drive signal of the piezoelectric actuator in accordance with the parameter. The drive circuit comprises a controller (100) which controls a drive signal applied to the piezoelectric actuator (14); a feedback monitor (122) which obtains a feedback signal from the piezoelectric actuator while the piezoelectric actuator works; and, a processor (116) which uses the feedback signal to determine the parameter of the piezoelectric actuator. In one example mode, the parameter of the piezoelectric actuator which is determined by the piezoelectric actuator drive circuit is the capacitance or dielectric constant of the piezoelectric actuator. In other example modes, the parameter of the piezoelectric actuator which is determined by the piezoelectric actuator drive circuit is impedance or resonant frequency of the piezoelectric actuator.

Abstract: A piezoelectric power generator (20, 120) comprises plural piezoelectric devices (22, 122); an actuator (24) positioned to impart an excitation to the plural piezoelectric devices (22, 122) in a predefined sequence; and, an electrical conduction system (30) connected to the plural piezoelectric devices for conducting an electrical charge created by the excitation. Preferably the plural piezoelectric devices (22, 122) are arranged in a predetermined relationship relative to the actuator (24) whereby only one of the plural piezoelectric devices (22, 122) is actuated at a time. For example, the plural piezoelectric devices (22, 122) can be arranged in an angular pattern (such as a circular pattern) relative to the actuator (24). Preferably, a rotational speed of the actuator (24) permits an excitation response for a given plural piezoelectric device (22, 122) to essentially fully decay before the given plural piezoelectric device (22, 122) is again excited.

Abstract: An energy scavenging apparatus comprises a frame which can be human-carried or human-borne; plural cantilevered bimorph piezoelectric members connected to the frame to have an essentially parallel orientation, each cantilevered bimorph piezoelectric member comprising a proximal end connected to the frame and a distal end; and, a mass member connected to the distal end of the plural cantilevered bimorph piezoelectric members.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser (20) comprises a housing (22) for defining a fluid chamber (24). The housing (22) has an orifice (26) through which fluid is discharged. A piston (28) is positioned in the housing (22) for linear motion in the chamber for expelling fluid from the chamber and through the orifice (26). A piezoelectric actuator assembly (30) is positioned in the housing for imparting the linear motion to the piston. In one example implementation, the fluid dispenser housing takes the form of a syringe. In the syringe implementation, a syringe housing defines an essentially cylindrical fluid chamber. In an example embodiment, the piezoelectric actuator assembly (30(4)) comprises a first piezoelectric actuator (501); a second piezoelectric actuator (502); and, a circuit (34(4)) for actuating the first piezoelectric actuator (501) and the second piezoelectric actuator (502).

Abstract: A valve (20) comprises a valve body (22) having for defining a valve chamber (28) and having plural ports (P). A flow restrictor (32) is situated in the valve chamber (28) for providing selective communication of fluid between selected ones of the plural ports (P). One or more piezoelectric actuator(s) (40) displace the flow restrictor (32) to achieve the communication of the fluid between selected ones of the plural ports (P). In one example embodiment a biasing element (48) is situated in the valve chamber opposite the piezoelectric actuator (40). In another example embodiment, two piezoelectric actuators (40) are provided, one at each of opposing ends of the valve chamber (28).

Abstract: Thin chamber diaphragm-operated fluid handling devices, including thin chamber pumps and thin chamber valves, facilitate device compactness and, in some configurations, self-priming. Diaphragm actuators of the thin chamber devices either comprise or are driven by piezoelectric materials. The thinness of the chamber, in a direction parallel to diaphragm movement, is in some embodiments determined by the size of a perimeter seal member which sits on a floor of a device cavity, and upon which a perimeter (e.g. circumferential or peripheral portion) of the diaphragm actuator sits. The diaphragm actuator is typically retained in a device body between the floor seal member and another seal member between which the perimeter of the actuator is sandwiched. The devices have an input port and an output port.

Abstract: A method for making a piezoelectric actuator comprises coating at least one of a first surface and a second surface of a piezoelectric element with a polyimide adhesive. The piezoelectric element is then heated to dry the adhesive. Afterwards, the piezoelectric element is inserted between a first metallic layer and a second metallic layer to form an assembly. The assembly is placed in a press. While the assembly is in the press, the polyimide adhesive is cured at a curing temperature which does not depole the piezoelectric element, thereby bonding the piezoelectric element between the first metallic layer and the second metallic layer.

Abstract: A disposable fluid container (20) comprises an integrated pump motive assembly (50) for pumping fluid from an interior of the container. In some example embodiments, the integrated pump motive assembly (50) is situated at least partially within the container housing, e.g., at least partially or even completely submerged inside a fluid reservoir (30) defined by the container housing (22). In other example embodiments, the pump motive assembly is outside the fluid reservoir (30), yet still integrally formed with the container. In yet other embodiments, the pump motive assembly is in a lid (194) of the container. As one aspect of this disposable pump-integrated container technology, the pump motive assembly comprises a displaceable electrodynamic actuator, such as (for example) piezoelectric diaphragm pump, taking any of various configurations.

Abstract: Embodiments of fluid storage containers (312) comprise a displaceable electrodynamic valve (344) for selectively regulating release of fluid from the container. The fluid storage container has a port (342) and comprises means for defining a reservoir (330) for accommodating a pressurizing a fluid. A displaceable electrodynamic valve selectively opens and closes the port and thereby regulates release of the pressurized fluid from the container. In some implementations, the container has a lid (400) and the port is provided in the container lid. In other implementations, the container has a container body, and the port is provided in the container body. The displaceable electrodynamic valve (344) can take various configurations (e.g., flapper, solenoid) and various forms (e.g., piezoelectric valve) in differing example embodiments. In some embodiments a compressor (361) is provided for pressurizing the fluid, and can also take various forms.

Abstract: An actuator assembly comprises a first diaphragm (422) and a second diaphragm (424) connected to the first diaphragm for forming a chamber (426) between the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm. An actuator shaft (427) is connected to first diaphragm (422) and is oriented to extend through the chamber (426) and to extend through an aperture formed in the second diaphragm (424). The second diaphragm (424) can be connected to an actuator body (450) wherein the actuator shaft (427) performs an actuation operation. Alternatively, one or more actuator amplification assemblies (400(B)) can be interposed between the second diaphragm and the actuator body.

Abstract: A multilayer valve subassembly (50) comprises an interface layer (60) having an interface layer flap (62, 64); a cover layer (70) having a cover layer flap (72, 74); and, an intermediate layer (80) positioned between the interface layer and the cover layer. The intermediate layer (80) has an intermediate layer flap (82, 84) essentially aligned with the interface layer flap and the cover layer flap. A first bond (102) adheres the cover layer (70) to the interface layer (60); a flap bond (92, 94) seals the interface layer flap (82, 84) between the cover layer flap (72, 74) and the interface layer flap (62, 64) and thereby forms a multilayer valve flap (52, 54) which is insulated from fluid which travels through the valve. In an example embodiment, the each of the interface layer flap, the cover layer flap, and the interface layer flap has a substantially U-shape.

Abstract: Example embodiments of piezoelectric pumps and subassemblies for pumps (including diaphragm pumps, both piezoelectric and non-piezoelectric) are formed with structure and/or materials suitable for electromagnetic bonding, and are formed by electromagnetic bonding processes, such as laser welding, for example. In a first example embodiment of electromagnetic bonding pump fabrication technology, a pump (20) is comprised of a base member (22) and a diaphragm layer (24). The diaphragm layer (24) covers at least a portion of the base member and defines a pumping chamber (26) between the base member (22) and the diaphragm layer (24). The diaphragm layer (24) comprises a piezoelectric central region (30) selectively deformable upon application of an electrical signal for pumping fluid into and out of the pumping chamber (26). An electromagnetically transmissive region (32) essentially surrounds the central piezoelectric region (30).

Abstract: Thermal exchange systems integrate a thermal transfer unit (22); a fluid cooling assembly (24); a pump (26); and a fan (28). The thermal transfer unit (22) interfaces with a body to be thermally conditioned and transfers thermal energy to a fluid. The fluid cooling assembly (24) cools the fluid obtained from the thermal transfer unit. The fan (28) directs air around the fluid cooling assembly (24). The pump (26) circulates fluid in a circuit comprising the pump (26), the fluid cooling assembly (2), and the thermal transfer unit (22). In one aspect of integrated system technology, the fan (28) and the circuit are compactly arranged and substantially situated entirely within a footprint (33) of a module housing (30). As another technological aspect, the fluid cooling assembly (24) comprises plural thermal dissipation plates (45) which are laminated together. In an example, non-limiting mode, the plural thermal dissipation plates (45) have features formed thereon by etching or stamping.

Abstract: A diaphragm assembly (20) comprises at least two piezoelectric diaphragm members (22) arranged in a stacking direction (23). An interface layer (24) is situated between adjacent piezoelectric diaphragm members (22). The interface layer (24) in the stacking direction (23) is displaceable but incompressible. The interface layer (24) permits lateral movement of the adjacent piezoelectric diaphragm members (22) relative to the interface layer (24) in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction (23). The interface layer (24) can comprise, for example, an incompressible liquid or a semi-liquid. A gasket (26) can be used to seal the incompressible substance in the interface layer if necessary.

Abstract: A laminated piezoelectric composite comprises a metallic substrate (20); a piezoelectric wafer (32) having a first surface and a second surface; a first adhesive carrier layer (100) between the first surface of the piezoelectric wafer (32) and the substrate (22); a first conductive lead (110) carried by the first adhesive carrier layer (100) and connected to a first surface of the piezoelectric wafer (32); and, a second conductive lead (100?) connected to the second surface of the piezoelectric wafer (32). The first adhesive carrier layer (100) serves both to adhere the first surface of the piezoelectric wafer (32) to the substrate (22) and to carry a first conductive lead (110) for supplying an electrical signal or voltage to the first surface of the piezoelectric wafer (32). The second conductive lead (110?) supplies an electrical signal or voltage to the second surface of the piezoelectric wafer (32). The first adhesive carrier layer can comprise a high dielectric soluble aromatic polyimide film.

Abstract: An electrically driven actuator (20, 120) comprises a deformable member (22, 122) which deforms as a function of applied voltage. A coupler (30) connects the deformable member to a shaft (40, 140) which, depending on embodiment and mode of operation, may be either displaceable along its axis or stationary. A controller (50, 150) actuates the deformable member by applying voltage in a manner to cause the coupler, as a function of applied voltage, either to engage or slip relative to the shaft, thereby causing relative displacement of the shaft and the deformable member. In one embodiment and mode of operation, the shaft (40) is displaceable and comprises an actuator element, whereas in another embodiment and mode of operation the deformable member (122) comprises the moveable actuator (121). Preferably, the controller actuates the deformable member to cause linear relative displacement of the shaft and the deformable member.