Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, articles, and apparatuses related to altering electromagnetic radiation. A method of making articles includes a) forming an electromagnetic radiation altering material by providing a polymer matrix and optionally embedding dielectric particles in the polymer matrix and b) obtaining initial dielectric properties of the electromagnetic radiation altering material. The method further includes c) modeling electromagnetic radiation altering features of the material suitable for the article obtained from the material to have target electromagnetic radiation altering properties, thereby obtaining a simulation of the electromagnetic radiation altering article; and d) additive manufacturing the electromagnetic radiation altering article based on the simulation of the electromagnetic radiation altering article. An electromagnetic radiation altering article obtained by the method is also provided.

Abstract: A hearing protection device is provided. The hearing protection device includes a first earmuff connected to a second earmuff by a headband. Each of the first and second earmuffs are configured to dampen ambient sound. The hearing protection device also includes an antenna, located within a housing of the first earmuff. The antenna comprises a rigid portion coupled to a flexible portion. Both the rigid portion and the flexible portion are fixed within the housing. The flexible portion is configured to remain substantially in line with a ground plane with respect to the rigid portion.

Abstract: A flexural actuator is fitted with an actuator means, the flexural actuator being fitted at its functional section with a sensor means for determination of the longitudinal stretch. This sensor means is placed at a position, and/or is placed in the longitudinal direction symmetrically on either side of such position, at which there is a constant longitudinal stretch independent from the setting force when the functional section is thrusting against a resistance.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a valve having at least one valve opening surrounded by at least one valve seat and an elongated valve member able to be brought into different positions by pivoting. In order to adjust the switching stroke of the valve member the valve member is, for instance using a laser, locally and briefly heated until superficial plastification occurs so that in the direction of the pivoting movement performed in operation it experiences a permanent flexural deformation.

Abstract: A valve means having at least one microvalve secured in a substrate structure. For holding it in position the microvalve is clamped in rubber-elastic substrate material of the substrate structure. As a result simple and economic fitting of the valve is possible.

Abstract: A piezoelectric valve whose housing defines a valve chamber wherein at least one piezoelectric flexural transducer is located. The piezoelectric flexural transducer possesses a contact face, which faces a first outer wall of the valve housing. This first outer wall is in the form of a wiring support which possesses a support body consisting of plastic material, which at the outer side opposite to the valve chamber bears a wiring arrangement. The wiring arrangement is in electrical contact by way of a via extending through a cutout in the support body with the piezoelectric flexural transducer, since the via consists of an electrically conductive elastic plug, against which the at least one contact face is thrust at the inner face of the support body.

Abstract: A flexural actuator is fitted with an actuator means, the flexural actuator being fitted at its functional section with a sensor means for determination of the longitudinal stretch. This sensor means is placed at a position, and/or is placed in the longitudinal direction symmetrically on either side of such position, at which there is a constant longitudinal stretch independent from the setting force when the functional section is thrusting against a resistance.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a valve having at least one valve opening surrounded by at least one valve seat and an elongated valve member able to be brought into different positions by pivoting. In order to adjust the switching stroke of the valve member the valve member is, for instance using a laser, locally and briefly heated until superficial plastification occurs so that in the direction of the pivoting movement performed in operation it experiences a permanent flexural deformation.

Abstract: A piezoelectric bending transducer includes a support body, a stack of piezo-ceramic layers, arranged thereon and flat electrodes arranged between the layers. On the side of the support body facing the stack, an adaptation layer is arranged with essentially the same coefficient of expansion as the piezo-ceramic. The bending transducer displays a good actuating power and a low thermal natural distortion with economical production costs. The transducer is particularly suitable for application in a valve.

Abstract: A piezoelectric flexural transducer having an elongated support body (2) which on at least one longitudinal side is provided with a piezoelectric unit (5). The piezoelectric unit (5) has one or more piezoelectric material layers (12) and electrodes (13a and 13b) associated with same. Furthermore, the piezoelectric unit (5) includes an electrically insulating coating surrounding the body (8) right round it, the section (26) of the coatings lying between the piezoelectric body (8) and the support body (2) being provided with one or more electrically conductive vias (27a and 27b). The latter provide the necessary electrical connection between the electrodes (13a and 13b) and the support body (2).

Abstract: A piezoelectric flexural transducer having an elongated support body (2), that on at least one longitudinal side is provided with a piezoelectric multi-layer body (6). In the interior of the support body (2) and/or between the support body (2) and the piezoelectric multi-layer body (6) and/or between neighboring piezoelectric material layers of the piezoelectric multi-layer body (6) at least one component (24 and 32) of an electronic (23) and/or sensor (33) system is accommodated employed for the operation of the piezoelectric flexural transducer.

Abstract: A microvalve, which contains a valve member (7) dividing a valve chamber (13) into two chamber parts (14 and 15). A first chamber part (14) is delimited by a duct layer (3), which has an input flow opening (17) and at least one output flow opening (22 and 23). Fluid transfer between the input flow opening (17) and the output flow opening (22 and 23) may be controlled by the valve member (7). Furthermore pressure relieving means are provided which are effective in the open position of the valve member (7), such means comprising at least one expansion recess (38) provided on the valve member and with at least partial overlap opposite to the output flow opening (22 and 23), same permitting an expansion of the transferring fluid. It is connected through valve member (7) with the second chamber part (15) so that a counter pressure may build up here causing the relief of pressure.

Abstract: A piezoelectric valve whose housing defines a valve chamber wherein at least one piezoelectric flexural transducer is located. The piezoelectric flexural transducer possesses a contact face, which faces a first outer wall of the valve housing. This first outer wall is in the form of a wiring support which possesses a support body consisting of plastic material, which at the outer side opposite to the valve chamber bears a wiring arrangement. The wiring arrangement is in electrical contact by way of a via extending through a cutout in the support body with the piezoelectric flexural transducer, since the via consists of an electrically conductive elastic plug, against which the at least one contact face is thrust at the inner face of the support body.

Abstract: A piezoelectric flexural transducer having an elongated support body (2) which on at least one longitudinal side is provided with a piezoelectric unit (5). The piezoelectric unit (5) has one or more piezoelectric material layers (12) and electrodes (13a and 13b) associated with same. Furthermore, the piezoelectric unit (5) includes an electrically insulating coating surrounding the body (8) right round it, the section (26) of the coatings lying between the piezoelectric body (8) and the support body (2) being provided with one or more electrically conductive vias (27a and 27b). The latter provide the necessary electrical connection between the electrodes (13a and 13b) and the support body (2).

Abstract: A piezoelectric flexural transducer having an elongated support body (2), that on at least one longitudinal side is provided with a piezoelectric multi-layer body (6). In the interior of the support body (2) and/or between the support body (2) and the piezoelectric multi-layer body (6) and/or between neighboring piezoelectric material layers of the piezoelectric multi-layer body (6) at least one component (24 and 32) of an electronic (23) and/or sensor (33) system is accommodated employed for the operation of the piezoelectric flexural transducer.

Abstract: A piezo valve having a flexural transducer unit which includes two flexural transducers adapted to be deflected in opposite directions. The flexural transducers are fixedly joined together at one terminal part of the flexural transducer unit with the formation of a common bearing section. The flexural transducer unit is pivotally mounted in relation to the housing. At least one flexural transducer serves for the control of a valve opening associated with it, the other flexural transducer being able to be biased by the application of a drive voltage toward a support face arranged in a deflection path in order to for instance to increase the displacement path of the other flexural transducer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piezoelectric bending transducer (1), comprising a support body (3), a stack (4) of piezoceramic layers (6), arranged thereon and flat electrodes (7, 8) arranged between the layers (6). On the side of the support body (3) facing the stack (4) an adaptation layer (10) is arranged with essentially the same coefficient of expansion as the piezoceramic. The bending transducer (1) displays a good actuating power and a low thermal natural distortion with economical production costs. Said transducer is particularly suitable for application in a valve.

Abstract: A microvalve comprising a valve chamber defined by a housing, the valve chamber being connected with housing openings constituting fluid ducts. Within the valve chamber a valve member is arranged, which consists of an elongated actuator element secured at one point to the housing and on which at least one electrical conductor is applied, whose coefficient of thermal expansion, different to that of the actuator element, causes deflection of the valve member into at least one position. The top actuator element is manufactured of a plastic material.

Abstract: A valve means having at least one microvalve secured in a substrate structure. For holding it in position the microvalve is clamped in rubber-elastic substrate material of the substrate structure. As a result simple and economic fitting of the valve is possible.

Abstract: A valve means which comprises a control chamber in a valve housing and into which several fluid duct open. In the control chamber there is at least one pivoting control rocker member serving for the control of at least one of the fluid duct openings and able to be moved between two terminal positions, one pivotal position of such control rocker member being influenced by an electrically activated flexible element. The flexible element may act within the control chamber on an actuating part of the control rocker member. The latter is biased by spring means into a first terminal position, the flexible element engaging the actuating portion of the control rocker member in the electrically non-excited state mechanically free of stress and without any spring bias.