Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device including electrostatic brakes providing haptic kinaesthetic feedback to a user in e.g. assistive, rehabilitation or virtual reality scenarios, as well as tele-manipulation.

Abstract: A dielectric actuator including an enclosure forming a cavity having a dielectric fluid therein, the enclosure having a base, a flexible membrane and a reversibly-stretchable membrane, and a pair of electrodes, one electrode of the pair of electrodes arranged at the flexible membrane, the other electrode arranged at the base, the pair of electrodes arranged to generate an electric field to an area of the cavity that is filled with the dielectric fluid, wherein when the electric field is generated between the pair of electrodes, an electrostatic pressure in the dielectric fluid causes the flexible membrane to move towards the base, reducing an initial volume of the area of the cavity, increases a pressure of the dielectric fluid inside the cavity, and causes the reversibly-stretchable membrane to bump out to an expanded state.

Abstract: A dielectric actuator including an enclosure forming a cavity having a dielectric fluid therein, the enclosure having a base, a flexible membrane and a reversibly-stretchable membrane, and a pair of electrodes, one electrode of the pair of electrodes arranged at the flexible membrane, the other electrode arranged at the base, the pair of electrodes arranged to generate an electric field to an area of the cavity that is filled with the dielectric fluid, wherein when the electric field is generated between the pair of electrodes, an electrostatic pressure in the dielectric fluid causes the flexible membrane to move towards the base, reducing an initial volume of the area of the cavity, increases a pressure of the dielectric fluid inside the cavity, and causes the reversibly-stretchable membrane to bump out to an expanded state.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device including electrostatic brakes providing haptic kinaesthetic feedback to a user in e.g. assistive, rehabilitation or virtual reality scenarios, as well as tele-manipulation.

Abstract: A device for electroadhesion and conversion of electrical energy into mechanical energy, for example electrostatic actuation, is provided, including a soft polymeric dielectric support having at least two sets of overlapping electrodes patterned respectively on the upper surface and bottom surface of the polymeric support, the electrodes of the two sets can be electrically activated through a power supply for providing voltage change suitable for electroadhesion, electrostatic actuation or both at the same time.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an electromagnetic actuator for a haptic display.

Abstract: An actuator device including a plurality of transducer actuators, and a common pneumatic actuation mechanism for shaping the plurality of transducer actuators, wherein each actuator of the plurality of transducer actuators includes a shape memory polymer membrane, an integrated stretchable heater, and a pressure interface to the common pneumatic actuation mechanism.

Abstract: A device for electroadhesion and conversion of electrical energy into mechanical energy, for example electrostatic actuation, is provided, including a soft polymeric dielectric support having at least two sets of overlapping electrodes patterned respectively on the upper surface and bottom surface of the polymeric support, the electrodes of the two sets can be electrically activated through a power supply for providing voltage change suitable for electroadhesion, electrostatic actuation or both at the same time.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an electromagnetic actuator for a haptic display.

Abstract: An actuator device including a plurality of transducer actuators, and a common pneumatic actuation mechanism for shaping the plurality of transducer actuators, wherein each actuator of the plurality of transducer actuators includes a shape memory polymer membrane, an integrated stretchable heater, and a pressure interface to the common pneumatic actuation mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for a low cost Planet vector Sensor based on imaging atmospheric oxygen emission at 762 nm or at 557.7 wavelengths using either CMOS, CCD or arrays of single photon avalanche diodes (SPADs). In both daytime and night time, there is continuous emission at 762 nm wavelength due to atomic oxygen recombination or excitation. Even if the emission at the limbs is 100 times stronger in the day than at night, there is ample unambiguous signal for the operation of the sensor according to the present invention using this wavelength if measured with an appropriate detector and an adapted algorithm to determine the Planet vector.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an electrode is disposed on a surface of a first portion of the dielectric, with the first portion and the electrode forming an electrode region of the device. A charge-dissipation structure is then formed by implanting ions into the electrode region and a second portion of the dielectric located outside of the electrode region. In another embodiment, a charge-dissipation structure is formed by implanting ions into the dielectric of a movable part of an electromechanical system. Advantageously, ion implantation can be performed without masking, lithography, or elevated temperatures; the electrical properties of the resulting charge dissipation structure can be controlled relatively easily; and portions of the charge dissipation structure are protected from oxidation and/or corrosion by the dielectric material.

Abstract: An ordnance fuse apparatus is described that uses electrical and mechanical, and optical devices. The ordnance fuse apparatus includes a controller to control an optical switch and a laser to detonate an explosive charge of the ordnance. Other embodiments include an accelerometer and/or spin detector for detecting that the ordnance has been fired and an optical detector for detecting the proper operation of the laser and a position sensor for detecting correct positioning of the optical switch. Another embodiment includes a microlens to focus the laser optical signal onto the ignitor. In yet other embodiments, the explosive charge is detonated either by ignition of an ignitor or by a shock wave from the ignitor. The resulting ordnance fuse apparatus has significantly reduced size and improved performance and safety.

Abstract: The present invention provides a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) device, a method of manufacture therefore, and an optical communications system including the same. The device includes an electrode located over a substrate and a charge dissipation layer located proximate and electrically coupled to the substrate. The device may further include a moveable element located over the electrode.