Abstract: A fuel oil burner for a heating system includes a nozzle having an inlet and outlet, and an electric solenoid valve having an inlet for receiving pressurized fuel oil from a fuel supply system and an outlet in communication with the inlet of the nozzle. The valve is configured to prevent flow of fuel oil through the valve to the nozzle in a closed state and to permit flow of fuel oil through the valve to the nozzle in an open state. A controller in communication with the valve is configured to intermittently switch the valve between the closed state and the open state at predetermined time periods so that pulses of fuel oil exit the outlet of the nozzle. The valve is intermittently in the closed state a time period so that the pulses of fuel oil exiting the outlet of the nozzle self-sustain a flame.

Abstract: A power conversion module comprises a stack-piezo disposed in a housing between a mechanical stop and a moveable piston adjacent a sealed chamber containing a fluid. The mechanical stop biases the stack-piezo expansion direction. An energized stack-piezo expands and moves the piston, which in turn applies compressive force to the fluid in the sealed chamber. The forces applied to the fluid displaces a shaft slidably mounted in a channel formed in the chamber. A biasing means returns the shaft to its starting position when the piezo is de-energized. The sealed chamber preferably has a large diameter adjacent the piston, and a smaller diameter opening for the channel, through which the shaft moves. Preferably, the sealed chamber mostly has a frustoconical shape. The shaft deflection distance may be varied by altering the ratio of the fluid-exposed surface area of the piston to that of the shaft and altering the stack-piezo's length.

Abstract: A piezoelectric valve is characterized by a unique mounting arrangement for the piezoelectric element in the valve housing. The element is elongated and has one end arranged between pressurized inlet and exhaust outlet openings in the housing. The other end of the element is encapsulated in a support member which is arranged in a recess in the housing. A second support member is connected with the piezoelectric element intermediate the ends thereof. The second support is rotatably connected with the housing. When the piezoelectric element is in an active condition, the element bends to apply a strong closing force of the first end portion against the exhaust outlet so that all of the pressure from the inlet is delivered to a working outlet of the housing. When the piezoelectric element is in an inactive condition, the first end portion closes the pressurized inlet.

Abstract: A piezoelectric valve is characterized by a unique mounting arrangement for the piezoelectric element in the valve housing. The element is elongated and has one end arranged between pressurized inlet and exhaust outlet openings in the housing. The other end of the element is encapsulated in a support member which is arranged in a recess in the housing. A second support member is connected with the piezoelectric element intermediate the ends thereof. The second support is rotatably connected with the housing. When the piezoelectric element is in an active condition, the element bends to apply a strong closing force of the first end portion against the exhaust outlet so that all of the pressure from the inlet is delivered to a working outlet of the housing. When the piezoelectric element is in an inactive condition, the first end portion closes the pressurized inlet.

Abstract: In the case of a piezoelectrically operable valve (1) with at least one valve channel (4, 5), which can be closed by means of a sealing element (14, 16) held on a piezoelectric bending transducer (7, 8), the bending transducer (7, 8) is held at both ends in the valve housing (2) to increase the sealing effect of the closed valve channel or valve channel to be closed (4, 5). In this case, a first end (7a, 8a) of the bending transducer (7, 8) is fixed in the valve housing (2), while the second end (7b, 8b) is guided movably in the longitudinal direction (12) of the transducer in a housing groove (11) on the opposite housing side (2b).

Abstract: In the case of a piezoelectrically operable valve (1) with at least one valve channel (4, 5), which can be closed by means of a sealing element (14, 16) held on a piezoelectric bending transducer (7, 8), the bending transducer (7, 8) is held at both ends in the valve housing (2) to increase the sealing effect of the closed valve channel or valve channel to be closed (4, 5). In this case, a first end (7a, 8a) of the bending transducer (7, 8) is fixed in the valve housing (2), while the second end (7b, 8b) is guided movably in the longitudinal direction (12) of the transducer in a housing groove (11) on the opposite housing side (2b).