Abstract: A micromechanical device comprising one or more electronically movable structure sets comprising for each set a first electrode supported on a substrate and a second electrode supported substantially parallel from said first electrode. Said second electrode is movable with respect to said first electrode whereby an electric potential applied between said first and second electrodes causing said second electrode to move relative to said first electrode a distance X, (X), where X is a nonlinear function of said potential, (V). Means are provided for linearizing the relationship between V and X.

Abstract: An air amplifying blow-off system incorporating an ionizing apparatus includes a converter driven by the compressed air being directed to an air distributor. The converter provides the power source for the ionizing apparatus. In this way, the air distributor and ionizing apparatus can be an easily contained unit. The system may comprise a turbine which is electrically connected to an ionizing apparatus, such as an ionizing bar. Another system may comprise an oscillatory device connected to a pair of opposing electrodes through a piezoelectric device. The compressed air drives the oscillatory device. The piezoelectric device provides a pulsating supply of voltage to the ionizing device. This invention allows the blow-off/ionizer system to be utilized in potentially explosive environments. Further, the efficiency of the systems is increased since power losses across the relatively long cables incorporated in the prior art systems is eliminated.