Abstract: A hearing-aid device and a method for transmitting sound through bone conduction are disclosed. The hearing-aid device comprises a piezoelectric-type actuator, housing and connector. The piezoelectric actuator is preferably a circular flextensional-type actuator mounted along its peripheral edge in a specifically designed circular structure of the housing. During operation, the bone-conduction transducer is placed against the mastoid area behind the ear of the patient. When the device is energized with an alternating electrical voltage, it flexes back and forth like a circular membrane sustained along its periphery and thus, vibrates as a consequence of the inverse piezoelectric effect. Due to the specific and unique designs proposed, these vibrations are directly transferred through the human skin to the bone structure (the skull) and provide a means for the sound to be transmitted for patients with hearing malfunctions.

Abstract: A self-powered switching system using electromechanical generators generates power for activation of a latching relay. The electromechanical generators comprise electroactive elements or magnetic based microgenerators that may be mechanically actuated to generate electrical power. The associated signal generation circuitry may be coupled to a transmitter or transceiver for sending and/or receiving RF signals to/from a receiver which actuates the latching relay. Power may be stored within the circuit using rechargeable batteries for powering or supplementing power to the transmitter or transceiver.

Abstract: A self-powered switching system using electromechanical generators generates power for activation of a latching relay. The electromechanical generators comprise electroactive elements or magnetic based microgenerators that may be mechanically actuated to generate electrical power. The associated signal generation circuitry may be coupled to a transmitter or transceiver for sending and/or receiving RF signals to/from a receiver which actuates the latching relay. Power may be stored within the circuit using rechargeable batteries for powering or supplementing power to the transmitter or transceiver.

Abstract: A self-powered switching system using electromechanical generators generates power for activation of a latching relay. The electromechanical generators comprise electroactive elements or magnetic based microgenerators that may be mechanically actuated to generate electrical power. The associated signal generation circuitry may be coupled to a transmitter or transceiver for sending and/or receiving RF signals to/from a receiver which actuates the latching relay. Power may be stored within the circuit using rechargeable batteries for powering or supplementing power to the transmitter or transceiver.

Abstract: A laminated piezoelectric transformer is provided using the longitudinal vibration modes for step-up voltage conversion applications. The input portions are polarized to deform in a longitudinal plane and are bonded to an output portion. The deformation of the input portions is mechanically coupled to the output portion, which deforms in the same longitudinal direction relative to the input portion. The output portion is polarized in the thickness direction relative its electrodes, and piezoelectrically generates a stepped-up output voltage.

Abstract: A modular design for combining piezoelectric transformers is provided for high voltage and high power conversion applications. The input portions of individual piezoelectric transformers are driven for a single power supply. This created the vibration and the conversion of electrical to electrical energy from the input to the output of the transformers. The output portions of the single piezoelectric transformers are combining in series and/or parallel to provide multiple outputs having different rating of voltage and current.

Abstract: A modular design for combining piezoelectric transformers is provided for high voltage and high power conversion applications. The input portions of individual piezoelectric transformers are driven for a single power supply. This created the vibration and the conversion of electrical to electrical energy from the input to the output of the transformers.

Abstract: A laminated piezoelectric transformer is provided using the longitudinal vibration modes for step-up voltage conversion applications. The input portions are polarized to deform in a longitudinal plane and are bonded to an output portion. The deformation of the input portions is mechanically coupled to the output portion, which deforms in the same longitudinal direction relative to the input portion. The output portion is polarized in the thickness direction relative its electrodes, and piezoelectrically generates a stepped-up output voltage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multilayer piezoelectric transformer that uses a composite resonant vibration mode for step-up voltage conversion. More specifically, a multilayer piezoelectric transformer is provided using radial and shear vibration modes for step-up voltage conversion applications. Adjacent layers of piezoelectric ceramic act as a constraint on the deformation of one face of the input layers, leading to a gradient in the radial deformation of both the input and output portions. The piezoelectric transformer is used in a circuit for providing electro-luminescent (EL) backlighting.

Abstract: A multilayer piezoelectric transformer is provided using a composite vibration modes for step-up voltage conversion applications. An input portion polarized to deform radially is bonded to an output portion via a bondline or constraint layer. The deformation of the central face of the input portion is constrained by the bonded output layer or constraint layer. The output layer is bonded to the input layer or constraint layer and also deforms radially. The differing freedom of motion between the layers creates a gradient of stress and strain in the thickness direction resulting in large shear forces along the input and output layers. The composite radial-shear mode deformation of the output portion piezoelectrically generates an efficient, stepped-up high output voltage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multilayer piezoelectric transformer that uses a composite resonant vibration mode for step-up voltage conversion. More specifically, a multilayer piezoelectric transformer is provided using radial and shear vibration modes for step-up voltage conversion applications. Adjacent layers of piezoelectric ceramic act as a constraint on the deformation of one face of the input layers, leading to a gradient in the radial deformation of both the input and output portions. The piezoelectric transformer is used in a circuit for providing electro-luminescent (EL) backlighting.

Abstract: A multilayer piezoelectric transformer is provided using a composite vibration modes for step-up voltage conversion applications. An input portion polarized to deform radially is bonded to an output portion via a bondline or constraint layer. The deformation of the central face of the input portion is constrained by the bonded output layer or constraint layer. The output layer is bonded to the input layer or constraint layer and also deforms radially. The differing freedom of motion between the layers creates a gradient of stress and strain in the thickness direction resulting in large shear forces along the input and output layers.The composite radial-shear mode deformation of the output portion piezoelectrically generates an efficient, stepped-up high output voltage.