Abstract: An electrostatic microactuator for moving an optical fiber is described and includes an actuator plate with opposed major surfaces and interspersed conductive and nonconductive portions. The actuator plate is physically engaged with the optical fiber so that the fiber moves with the actuator. First and second segmented, conductive, torque stators are disposed adjacent the opposed major surfaces of the actuator plate. Multiphase circuitry is connected to segments of the torque stators for applying phased signals thereto to induce a linear actuating force in the actuator plate. The phased signals applied to the first and second torque stators are balanced so as to positionally balance the actuator plate during its travels.

Abstract: An automatic control method and system for internal combustion (IC) engines fuel injection systems are described. This automatic control method is a nonlinear and global method, that applies directly to automotive engines whose dynamics are highly nonlinear and complex, in the global sense to all internally and externally changing operating and environmental conditions for all transients and quasi-steady-state operations. Furthermore, the automatic control method is robust to unmodeled dynamics and disturbances. The automatic control method consists of estimating or measuring the mass rate of air entering the combustion chambers of an engine, estimating or calculating its time rate of change, and applying prescribed closed loop feedback correction term.

Abstract: An electrostatically levitated micromotor is described that includes a generally planar rotor that exhibits an axis of symmetry and includes electrically conductive portions. A balanced stator arrangement is positioned adjacent the rotor and is connected to multi-phase circuitry for enabling the rotation of the rotor about its symmetry. A plurality of levitating electrodes are positioned about the rotor and circuitry is connected thereto for forming resonant circuits that include the conductive portion of the rotor and exhibit a natural resonant frequency. A power source energizes the resonant circuits at a frequency greater than the natural frequency and thereby enables stable levitation of the rotor.

Abstract: A mass to be levitated is provided with an electrically conductive surface that is acted upon by an oscillating electrical force field generated by a plurality of charged conductive plates. The levitated mass is kept in static equilibrium in the electric field by driving the resonant circuit with an applied time varying voltage that has a frequency greater than the natural frequency of the resonant circuit. Motion of the mass is accomplished by providing actuator elements that are selectively charged to attract the mass in a given direction. Alternatively, the mass may be moved by employing a plurality of levitation control circuits that are sequentially energized.