Abstract: An electrostatic motor comprising a stator and a rotor, one of which is equipped with a plurality of lands to which a voltage is sequentially applied. The other of the stator and rotor is made of conductive material. Rolling contact is established between the stator and rotor along at least one line of contact. The rolling contact is controlled to repetitive first and second paths along first and second surfaces of the stator and rotor, respectively, in which the lengths of the first and second paths are different. Embodiments include a cylindrical motor, a flexible disk motor and a conical motor.

Abstract: An electrostatic optical fiber switch. An aperture in the switch housing allows for switching movement of the end of a fiber. This aperture is formed in part by a groove in which the depth and width of the groove increases continuously with distance toward the end of the fiber. This forms a smoothly curving surface for restraining and aligning the switching end of the fiber when the electrostatic field is applied. This arrangement substantially reduces the voltage required to operate the switch by prior electrostatic switches.

Abstract: Miniaturized linear and rotary electrostatic motors. The motors are fabricated by disposing a plurality of conductive lands onto insulating substrates and then filling in the spaces between the lands by deposition of an insulating material. A final layer of insulating material is then disposed over each of the entire surfaces containing the lands to form smooth bearing surfaces. The bearing surfaces of two of these elements are placed in contact. In one embodiment, the natural lubrication of the bearing surfaces aids movement. In another embodiment, a special lubricating film is placed between the substrates. Arrangements are made for maintaining alignment of the contacting elements. The lands are selectively energized in a manner to effect movement of one element with respect to the other.

Abstract: An electrically controlled shape memory alloy actuator capable of being miniaturized for use in robotics and other fields. The actuator is made of a shape memory alloy wire which is torsioned end along its longitudinal axis and with its ends constrained against movement. A lever or other suitable element is attached to the wire at a desired point other than at a wire end. A plurality of electrical connections spaced along the wire define a plurality of different sections of the wire. The wire and attached control element is made to rotate by selectively applying voltages to the different sections of the wire to heat the individual sections.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device which in one aspect effects a continuous realignment of the optical fiber in transmitters, receivers, or transceivers after the lightwave package is assembled and in use, and in another aspect provides movement of optical fibers or other small elements for general applications. In one embodiment, the fiber is mechanically coupled to a piezoelectric crystal which expands and contracts in response to electrical pulses supplied to electrodes on the crystal. Clamping and releasing the ends of the crystal by magnetic or electrostatic forces result in movement of the fiber in incremental steps to its aligned position.

Abstract: A solid steel stylette is carried coaxially within a hollow biopsy needle, with the void therebetween filled and packed with several layers of hollow plastic microspheres having an approximate diameter of 0.80 millimeters. Ultrasound energy impinging on the needle tip is converted to pressure waves which are conveyed back up the stylette, there to be converted to electrical energy for coordination with the image of the system. The packing of hollow plastic microspheres acoustically insulates the stylette from the needle.

Abstract: Ultrasound imaging systems such as those utilized in breast scanning and diagnosis require not only periodic maintenance but also evaluation of the resolution and depth of field capability so as to provide maximum information to the clinician utilizing the system. The resolution measuring device preferred incorporates helically contorted filaments physically arranged to intersect at a point thereby forming a known gradient of divergence. Measurement of the translational distance from the intersection point to the point of resolution of imaged lines will, with knowledge of the gradient, permit facile determination of the separation distance which corresponds to the resolution of the ultrasound imaging system.

Abstract: Positive feedback is utilized with a flexible piezoelectric strip that is stretched in tension to cause the strip to oscillate at a frequency which is determined by the magnitude of the force stretching the flexible strip. Since the oscillation frequency can readily be measured, the strip is utilized as a device for measuring tension.

Abstract: A display system utilizing incandescent lamps arranged at the intersection points of a matrix array of row and column conductors includes a plurality of load resistors connecting the row conductors to a first voltage source and a plurality of load resistors connecting the column conductors to a second voltage source. To energize a selected lamp, the row conductor connected to that lamp is connected to the second voltage source and the column connected to that lamp is connected to the first voltage source.