Abstract: A circuit including a transformer, preferably a laminated piezoelectric transducer, in combination with a positive feedback amplifier circuit, capable of serving: 1) to produce either an audible or ultrasonic signal; or 2) as an energy source capable of driving an auxiliary high voltage device with an initial and continuing low voltage source such as a battery.

Abstract: A multi-layered piezoelectric electrical energy transfer device has its input and output sides electrically isolated from each other. As a transformer, the device provides step-down voltage conversion while the output signal preserves the input signal frequency in a broad bandwidth. For telecommunications applications, the transformer can provide impedance matching with transmission lines, which minimizes line losses and echoes that seriously degrade high-speed data transmission. The piezoelectric transformer also provides a uniform voltage transformation ratio (Vout/Vin) over wide frequency ranges, and is adaptable for simultaneous audio and data signal telecommunications applications requiring wide bandwidth service.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a cofired multi-layer piezoelectric transformer device includes forming first and second green shapes of a sinterable ceramic composition and applying metallization layer therebetween. Upon cofiring, the composite structure comprises first and second electroactive members bonded together by a conductive layer therebetween. External electrodes are applied and the electroactive members are polarized in a thickness direction, between their two major faces. The first and second electroactive members are arranged such that deformation of one electroactive member results in corresponding deformation of the other electroactive member. The device provides substantial transformation ratios in which relatively high power may be transferred in relation to the size of the unit, operability over wide input and output frequency bandwidths, and electrical isolation of the input voltage and current from the output voltage and current.

Abstract: A laminated multi-layer piezoelectric transformer comprising two elements joined together with a conductive adhesive and having a bead of the conductive adhesive at the point of junction of the two elements on the exterior surface of the laminated multi-layer piezoelectric transformer and a mounting device for use therewith and comprising a conductive base having a first contact, and curvaceous arms extending at generally at right angles from the conductive base about said laminated multi-layer piezoelectric transformer, a portion of said arms contacting said bead and preferably designed to engage the distal ends of the arms of an insulating cap mounted on the opposing side of the laminated multi-layer piezoelectric transformer said cap having a second contact therein. This combination configured for mounting on a circuit board is also described.

Abstract: A contact device for securely and reliably attaching electrical leads to a laminated multi-layer piezoelectric transformer and comprising a pair of conductive lead attachment plates, disposed on opposite sides of the laminated multi-layer piezoelectric transformer, each having first and second surfaces, the first surface having at least one leg extending therefrom to contact the laminated multi-layer piezoelectric transformer at a node and the second surface being sufficient to permit secure and durable attachment of electrical leads thereto. A variety of geometric configurations of the contact device of the present invention suitable or adaptable to a variety of laminated multi-layer piezoelectric transformer geometries are also described. Such a device, useful for the attachment of a laminated multi-layer piezoelectric transformer to a circuit board, is also described.

Abstract: Fluorescent lamp excitation circuits are provided which use a resonating piezoelectric transformer along with complementary circuit components, to efficiently convert a DC first voltage to a transformer-output AC second voltage. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, A High Displacement Piezoelectric (HDP) transformer achieves sufficiently high voltage output to "cold fire" a gas discharge lamp. The disclosed circuit may be modified using conventional electrical sub-circuitry to pre-heat the cathodes of the lamp.

Abstract: Circuits for use in ignition systems are disclosed which use a resonating piezoelectric transformer along with complementary circuit components, to efficiently convert a DC first voltage to a transformer-output AC second voltage. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a High Displacement Piezoelectric (HDP) transformer converts a DC voltage into an AC voltage which is rectified into a DC signal of sufficiently high voltage to create a spark across the spark gap of a spark plug. The transformer circuit may be a "self resonating" circuit which relies on an initial pulse from turning on the DC power supply to cause the transformer to begin resonating. In a modified circuit the circuit is not "self resonating" and instead has a phase shift oscillator sub-circuit that provides small pulse signals to start the transformer resonating when the circuit is initially turned on.

Abstract: A standing wave pump in which a standing compression wave is produced by a pair of diametrically opposing transducers. The vibrating surfaces of the transducers are oscillated at a frequency sufficient to generate a substantially cylindrical compression wave having substantially planar wave fronts between the transducer pair. The length of pump housing is made to be equal to an integer times half the wavelength of the compression wave and the pump housing acts as a resonant cavity having a standing wave pattern set up in it. Waves are simultaneously produced and reflected by the oscillating surface and are superimposed upon one another and travel to the opposing oscillating surface where this process is repeated, substantially multiplying the intensity of the standing compression wave, which provides a stored-energy effect.

Abstract: A circuit including a transformer, preferably a laminated piezoelectric transducer, in combination with a positive feedback amplifier circuit, capable of serving: 1) to produce either an audible or ultrasonic signal; or 2) as an energy source capable of driving an auxiliary high voltage device with an initial and continuing low voltage source such as a battery.

Abstract: DC-AC voltage transformation circuits are provided which use a resonating piezoelectric transformer along with complementary circuit components, to efficiently convert a DC first voltage to a transformer-output AC second voltage. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, A High Displacement Piezoelectric (HDP) transformer achieves sufficiently high voltage output to "cold fire" a gas discharge lamp. The disclosed circuit may be modified using conventional electrical sub-circuitry to pre-heat the cathodes of the lamp. The transformer circuit may be a "self resonating" circuit which relies on an initial pulse from turning on the DC power supply to cause the transformer to begin resonating. In a modified voltage converter circuit, the circuit is not "self resonating" and instead has a phase shift oscillator sub-circuit that provides small pulse signals to start the transformer resonating when the circuit is initially turned on.

Abstract: An article of performance enhancing footwear having a piezoelectric spring apparatus in the sole member. Walking or running applies a first force deforming a piezoelectric actuator, thereby generating electrical energy. An energy storage circuit stores electrical energy generated by the piezoelectric actuator. Sensing means is provided to sense the release of a second force greater than the first force, which triggers the release of stored electrical energy back into the piezoelectric actuator. The resulting deformation of the piezoelectric actuator imparts a force into the bottom contact surface of the sole member.

Abstract: A ground fault interrupter circuit ("GFIC") device having as a switching device a flextensional electroactive transducer which, when energized, opens a supply conductor between a current source and a load. When a fault current is detected a voltage is induced in a coil; due to the condition that there is less current running through the conductor from the load than through the conductor from the power supply which both extend through the core of the coil. The voltage induced in the coil is amplified by a transistor which causes the transducer to piezoelectrically "snap" from a first neutral position to a second neutral position thereby cutting of current from the power supply to the load.

Abstract: Standing planar compression waves are used to control the spacing and alignment of previously randomly distributed and randomly oriented loose fibrous elements in a fluid medium. Standing planar compression waves are established within the medium by a magnetostrictive or piezoelectric transducer. The fibrous elements gravitate to the nodes of the standing waves and align themselves parallel to the vibrating surface of the transducer. The composite material may be solidified by cooling (or other process), which freezes the fibrous elements in an aligned array, thereby effecting the directional dependency of various structural properties of the composite material (including compression strength, tensile strength, and modulus of elasticity).