Abstract: Embodiments of the subject invention relate to a method and apparatus for electromagnetic actuation. Embodiments of an electromagnet actuator in accordance with the subject invention can include a fixed main body and a deformable membrane or displaceable piston-like member. In the case of piston motion, in specific embodiments, the piston can be supported by a corrugated diaphragm or bellows. In various embodiments, all or portions of the electromagnet actuator can be produced using microfabrication techniques. Specific embodiment of the subject invention can incorporate a plurality of magnets providing magnetic flux to a plurality of coil conductor elements so as to provide a plurality of locations that a force is applied to the moveable body portion of the electromagnetic actuator. Specific embodiments can incorporate an array of magnets interdigitated with an array of coil conductor elements, where the arrays can include 2, 5, 10, 20, or more each.

Abstract: Wireless power transmission (WPT) systems are provided. According to an embodiment, the WPT system uses one or more power transmitting coils and a receiver for electromagnetically coupled wireless power transfer. The electrodynamic receiver can be in the form of an electrodynamic transducer where a magnet is allowed to oscillate near a receiving coil to induce a voltage in the receiving coil, a piezoelectric transducer where the magnet causes a vibrating structure with a piezoelectric layer to move, an electrostatic transducer where movement of the magnet causes a capacitor plate to move, or a combination thereof. An alternating magnetic field from the transmitting coil(s) excites the magnet in the receiver into mechanical resonance. The vibrating magnet then functions similar to an energy harvester to induce voltage/current on an internal coil, piezoelectric material, or variable capacitor.

Abstract: Embodiments of a vibrational energy harvester are provided. A vibrational energy harvester can include a translator layer sandwiched between two stator layers. The translator layer can include a plate having an array of magnets and two or more piezoelectric patches coupled to a tether beam attached to the plate. The stator layers can have a printed circuit board with multilayer electrical windings situated in a housing. In operation, vibration of the housing can result in bending of the piezoelectric patches coupled to the tether beam. This bending simultaneously results in a relative displacement of the translator, which causes a voltage potential in the piezoelectric patches, and a relative velocity between the translator and the stators, which induces a voltage potential in the stator coils. These voltage potentials generate an AC power, which can be converted to DC power through a rectification circuit incorporating passive and active conversion.

Abstract: A magnetically directed, self-assembled structure has a first body. The first body includes a single magnet or plurality of magnets disposed thereon to form a spatially variable magnetic field in a first predetermined pattern. A second body has a single magnet or plurality of magnets disposed thereon to form a spatially variable magnetic field in a second predetermined pattern. The second predetermined pattern is complementary to the first pattern. The first body is attracted to the second body with an attractive force greater than a mixture force such that the first body and second body are fully aligned to each other and bonded together.

Abstract: Devices and systems for power electronic circuits are provided. Embodiments of the present invention enable high density inductive energy storage by using electromechanical coupling between an electrically conducting inductive element and a mechanical resonator to passively store energy via both electromagnetic and mechanical mechanisms. A microelectromechanical inductor (MEMI) is provided utilizing a magnet and a conductor. In a specific embodiment, the MEMI includes a permanent magnet on a compliant layer centrally disposed within a spiral coil. In a further embodiment, a second coil is provided near the magnet to provide a resonating transducer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the subject invention relate to a method and apparatus for providing an electrical energy system. A specific embodiment can incorporate at least one energy harvesting module (H-module), at least one energy storage module (S-module), and at least one power electronic circuit module (C-module). The various modules can be integrated into a standard battery configuration. Specific embodiments pertain to a reconfigurable energy system with modules that can be disconnected and reconnected into different shapes and configurations.

Abstract: Embodiments of a vibrational energy harvester are provided. A vibrational energy harvester can include a translator layer sandwiched between two stator layers. The translator layer can include a plate having an array of magnets and two or more piezoelectric patches coupled to a tether beam attached to the plate. The stator layers can have a printed circuit board with multilayer electrical windings situated in a housing. In operation, vibration of the housing can result in bending of the piezoelectric patches coupled to the tether beam. This bending simultaneously results in a relative displacement of the translator, which causes a voltage potential in the piezoelectric patches, and a relative velocity between the translator and the stators, which induces a voltage potential in the stator coils. These voltage potentials generate an AC power, which can be converted to DC power through a rectification circuit incorporating passive and active conversion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a method and system for magnetic self-assembly (MSA) of one or more parts to another part. Assembly occurs when the parts having magnet patterns bond to one another. Such bonding can result in energy minima The magnetic forces and torques—controlled by the size, shape, material, and magnetization direction of the magnetic patterns cause the components to rotate and align. Specific embodiments of MSA can offer self-assembly features such as angular orientation, where assembly is restricted to one physical orientation; inter-part bonding allowing assembly of free-floating components to one another; assembly of free-floating components to a substrate; and bonding specificity, where assembly is restricted to one type of component when multiple components may be present.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to thermoelectric power generation. According to certain embodiments, a stack of silicon-micromachined chips can be connected to form a cylindrical heat exchanger that enables a large, uniform temperature difference across a radially-oriented thermopile. Each layer in the stack can comprise two thermally-isolated concentric silicon rings connected by a polyimide membrane that supports patterned thermoelectric thin films. The polyimide membrane can be formed by selectively etching away the supporting silicon, resulting in thermally-isolated inner and outer rings. In operation, hot gas can flow through a finned central channel, and an external cross flow can enhance heat transfer to ambient to keep the outer surfaces cool. The resulting temperature gradient across the thermopile generates a voltage potential across the open ends due to the Seebeck effect.

Abstract: A capacitive microphone and method of fabricating the same are provided. One or more holes can be formed in a first printed circuit board (PCB). A diaphragm can be surface micro-machined onto an interior surface of the first PCB at a region having the one or more holes. Interface electronics can also be interconnected to the interior surface of the PCB. One or more spacer PCBs can be attached to a second PCB to the first PCB, such that appropriate interconnections between interconnect vias are made. The second PCB and first PCB with spacers in between can be attached so as to create a cavity in which the diaphragm and interface electronics are located.

Abstract: Embodiments of the subject invention relate to a method and apparatus for electromagnetic actuation. Embodiments of an electromagnet actuator in accordance with the subject invention can include a fixed main body and a deformable membrane or displaceable piston-like member. In the case of piston motion, in specific embodiments, the piston can be supported by a corrugated diaphragm or bellows. In various embodiments, all or portions of the electromagnet actuator can be produced using microfabrication techniques. Specific embodiment of the subject invention can incorporate a plurality of magnets providing magnetic flux to a plurality of coil conductor elements so as to provide a plurality of locations that a force is applied to the moveable body portion of the electromagnetic actuator. Specific embodiments can incorporate an array of magnets interdigitated with an array of coil conductor elements, where the arrays can include 2, 5, 10, 20, or more each.

Abstract: A magnetically directed, self-assembled structure has a first body. The first body includes a single magnet or plurality of magnets disposed thereon to form a spatially variable magnetic field in a first predetermined pattern. A second body has a single magnet or plurality of magnets disposed thereon to form a spatially variable magnetic field in a second predetermined pattern. The second predetermined pattern is complementary to the first pattern. The first body is attracted to the second body with an attractive force greater than a mixture force such that the first body and second body are fully aligned to each other and bonded together.